Stories of alumni friendships

In ’99, our paths aligned,
At Birmingham’s halls, where futures shined.
The School of Law, our common thread,
A place where dreams and friendships spread.

We are Neelam, Ann Marie, Dave, Matt,
Shash, Aonghus, Anwar—imagine that!
From day one or over time we grew,
A family of friends, both old and new.

In Holdsworth Club days, we served,
Our number includes Chair, Treasurer, and Social bird.
From lectures to laughs, we were a team,
Fueled by ambition and shared dreams.

Some of us moved countries to come to Uni,
Some of us moved after for work and family.
From Asia and across the Atlantic Ocean,
Our friendship continues with devotion.

Though cross oceans, our lives have flown,
Yet roots of friendship remain well-sown.
Careers in law, a testament true,
To the lessons learned and paths we pursued.

Through our link with Birmingham,
Sweethearts met and weddings had.
We celebrated birthdays big and small,
Joy and mirth was had by all.

Eleven children, the next in line,
Two born near Christmas, 2024’s shine.
We gather still, though years have gone,
Our bond endures, steadfast and strong.

Back to the Guild, by the Mermaid’s grace,
We reminisced in that sacred place.
The good old days, alive once more,
In memories cherished, forever lore.

So here’s to us, and what we became,
To friendships eternal, and life’s rich flame.
Birmingham’s legacy, bold and bright,
A guiding star in our shared flight.

- By Neelam, Ann Marie, Dave, Matt, Shash, Aonghus, Anwar

We congratulate Birmingham University on its 125th anniversary. 125 years of excellence and inspiration—here’s to a legacy that continues to shape the future.

MedBall - a great night with friends, will always remember it fondly.

Meeting the person who would become my best friend on the very first day of uni. We became lab partners and have been friends ever since.

Meeting my best friends and husband in the Chemistry Building for our intro to Law in 2011.

Graduating in the sunshine with all my friends and work colleagues in the procession.

Still play with a group of musicians I met in 2nd and 3rd year :)

I was skipping the May Ball at Shakleton Hall as I had no money, or suit. My fellow Hall housemates were sad to learn this. Eventually one came back, in a slightly inebriated state :) and got me his spare suit and snuck me in. Everyone was thrilled to see me, and I finally felt like I belonged!

Walking into a corridor in Shackleton Hall and meeting some of the best people ever who are still my lifelong friends, and we still meet up.

Spent gruelling hours here trying to fulfil my dream. Made some lifelong friends along the way - this place with ALWAYS be special to me <3

Was meeting the friends that I know I can depend on for a lifetime :)

Moving in day at Queen's Hospital Close (city centre), meeting my flatmates who went on to become my best friends to this day.

Meeting such fantastic people, especially Elaine, who is still a good friend. I met her on my first day and shared a room at Wydrington Hall.

Arriving at Griffin Close (Block 29 321) and meeting Rebecca in the kitchen - still BFFs (although that phrase did not exist back then!).

Finding out that the strange girl who I was assigned to share a room with in Halls would turn out to be such a wonderful friend of 50 years, Joyce. Even though she didn't tell me about Wings.

The Law Faculty class of 1965, under the name of the 65 Club, has met virtually every year since graduation, and celebrated its 60th anniversary with a lunch on 20 June at the Edgbaston Park Hotel.

I still remember the beautiful time I had at the Guild. Friends from all departments used to catchup there after our classes and the catchup session was filled with so much fun!

I think collectively these were some of the best years of my life, some of the happiest moments I've ever felt, some of the best friendships I've ever made. Birmingham Uni has brought a lot of people together for life and I think it should be very proud of that.