Programme & speakers
The programme for the day will be as follows:
0830 Arrival & Registration Opens
0900 -1100 Optional Tours of University Academic Facilities
1100 – 1130 Welcome and update from Professor Lynette Ryals, Pro Vice Chancellor (Education) and interim Director of Cranfield School of Management
1130 – 1230 Opening keynote lecture from Stephen Carver 'Complex Resilience'
1230 – 1400 Celebration Lunch
1400 - 1515 Brexit Question Time with Emeritus Professor David Myddelton and Dr Sean Rickard
More than a year after the referendum, Brexit continues to be surprisingly divisive. Those who would prefer the UK to remain in the EU emphasise the economic risks of leaving; while those who want to UK to leave stress the political risks of staying. Nearly everyone agrees there will be short-term transitional costs in leaving, but there is dispute over the longer-term economic outcome. The truth is that nobody really knows. As for the politics, is ‘ever-closer union’ still a threat? Are non-eurozone member-states at a disadvantage? Is there a ‘democratic deficit’ and does it matter? What about immigration?
1515 - 1545 Break
1545 - 1645 Presentation of the 2017 Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumna of the Year - Dr Omobola Johnson (DBA 2013) Entrepreneur of the Year - Angus Thirlwell (Business Growth & Development Programme 2000) Excellence in Achievement for recent graduates - Haitham Rizk (Full Time MBA 2010) Alumni Service Award - Robert Wright (Full Time MBA 1982)
1645 – 1700 Close
1700 - 1900 Free time & hotel check-in ('Pint with a Professor' in the Social Club)
Faculty attending: Joe Nellis, David Myddelton, Malcolm MacDonald, Leo Murray, Martin Christopher, Frank Fishwick, John Glen, Sean Rickard, Stephanie Hussels & Lynette Ryals
1830 – 2000 An opportunity for class photographs with a professional photographer
1930 - 2000 Welcome drinks
2000 Five course gala dinner, kindly supported by Hotel Chocolat and Adnams Plc
As well as the timetabled programme, we encourage alumni to visit the 50th Anniversary Heritage Exhibition, available throughout the day and please bring along your own photographs and stories to share as part of the 50th Anniversary memory wall.
Location & travel details
Cranfield campus, Cranfield University.
Cranfield University is located at the very heart of the UK – within the innovation triangle between London and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
Our central location provides easy access from the M1, excellent main line rail service as well as proximity to key international airports. Set in rolling countryside, Cranfield offers a rich, rural landscape complemented by thriving towns and picturesque villages.
- Road: We are just 10 minutes from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M1 motorway. There is free parking on campus.
- Rail: Milton Keynes or Bedford
- Air: London Luton (22 miles), Heathrow (50 miles) or Birmingham (70 miles)
For further details please click here.
Who should attend
School of Management alumni along with their guests.
Cost & concessions
- Alumni Reunion £100
- Alumni Reunion (Day only) £25
- Alumni Reunion (Dinner only) £75
- Alumni Reunion and conference £180
Dress code for evening is black tie or lounge suits