Celebrations and connections: 90 past student officers gather as Bristol SU turns 100

Friday 11th April marked the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Bristol’s Student Union. Over 90 past ex-student officers repaid Bristol a visit in order to relive some of their favourite memories and reminisce on a century of representing, supporting, and standing up for the students of Bristol University.

Bristol SU was officially opened in October 1924, and has worked to improve student life, create spaces for students, and campaign for positive change. Guests at the celebration were able to look through a curated archive of posters, newsletters, photographs that showcased past events and generations of student officers to highlights the student activism and sense of  community fostered by the SU.

Above all, Bristol has a strong history of student activism and the archive highlighted historic moments of the SU. This included noteworthy occasions such as the 1968 sit-in over greater increase of student opinion and even the legendary “Beananza” of 1999 where students came together to protest over tuition fee increase.

Credit: University of Bristol/ TNI Studio

Ruth Clark Ruth Clark, Student Community Action Sabbatical Officer from 1992–1993 commented: “There are people here today who I have not seen for 25 years or more, and it’s as though no time has passed, really. So that’s been so nice!”

The event also included guided tours of SU spaces led by the current officer team. Bristol SU has gone through many changes in its time, including relocating from the Richmond Building to the fifth floor of Senate House, which has brought the SU closer to the university’s campus.

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The day ended with a special reception where past officers could mingle and share their past experiences working in the SU. During the evening, Jonathan Phillips, General Secretary of Bristol SU in 1994, who is now the Chair of the University of Bristol Alumni Association, spoke on the importance of student leadership roles.

He said: “Every campaign, every decision, every action you’ve taken as Officers and staff has made a genuine difference… In my first year, I felt unfulfilled… I looked for an opportunity. And I found it in the Students’ Union. For every hour I gave, I got tenfold back.”

Credit: University of Bristol/ TNI Studio

A poignant moment of the evening was the return of Mike Barnes, who was the oldest officer in attendance, as he served as Treasurer in 1972. He reflected on the value of student activism and voice in the community, which he maintained was stronger now than ever. The presence of past officers highlighted the enduring spirit of students and officers working together to foster an inclusive, accepting, and positive environment at the university.

Suzanne Doyle, the Governance and L&D Manager at Bristol SU, who organised the event stated: “This event was a natural way to mark 100 years of the SU, but it’s just the beginning.”

She praised staff, old and new, for fostering an accepting and positive environment for students and added: “We’re excited to keep that momentum going through projects going forward. I want to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who made it happen, including SU staff, university colleagues and officers.” Suzanne was delighted that a reunion was finally able to take place, especially to mark such a momentous occasion in the SU history.

Credit: University of Bristol/ TNI Studio

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Bristol SU CEO Ben Pilling said: “The fact that so many people have chosen to make the trip for this event is a testament to the impact that an SU experience has on people’s lives.” Evidently, the SU is looking forward to continuing its dedication to fostering the passion and ideas of students in the years to come.

Featured image via: University of Bristol/ TNI Studio