‌The aim of the event was to bring alumni from the local area together, providing excellent opportunities for networking and socialising.  It took place at the iconic Great Hall on the University’s new Bay Campus, with guided tours giving guests the opportunity to see the world-class facilities.

The Development and Alumni Relations team welcomed around 200 guests to the event, which included alumni throughout the decades from one remarkable lady who graduated in 1943 to more recent graduates of 2015 and 2016.  The event also welcomed guests from London and the US.

The event coincided with the British Science Festival Family Weekend at the nearby Swansea Waterfront Museum, which attracted visitors from across the UK and further afield. Both these events offered a unique opportunity to engage with Swansea University.‌‌

Dr Neil Hennessy, who graduated from Swansea in 1999 with a BA in Welsh, was inaugurated as the first Head of the South Wales Chapter.

Dr Hennessy is now a lecturer with Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in the Cardiff School of Sport after completing an MSc in Coaching Science.  He is also an elite referee and works closely with the Welsh Rugby Union’s senior and age grade national squads, providing technical support and analysis.

Dr Hennessy brings drive and enthusiasm to the role and has already set out plans for the Chapter.  

He said: “Having spent eight years as an undergraduate then postgraduate student at Swansea University, I am really excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Head of Chapter. I hope to bring together like-minded alumni across south Wales and beyond to offer support and guidance to the University and its students. The Chapter will play an active part in developing the personal, academic and professional skills of future generations of Swansea University graduates.”

If you would like to find out more about the South Wales Chapter, please email: southwales.alumni@swansea.ac.uk.

Event Photo Gallery

Swansea University has a number of Chapters set up across the world including Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.