Get Together > Sunderland Bygones

Sunderland Bygones

Sunderland is a constantly evolving city and may be unrecognisable to many. The University, and the city itself, have undergone countless developments and renovations. Here we look back on the history of Sunderland and the University of Sunderland to remember times gone by.

If you have any images or stories to share regarding your time at the University of Sunderland, please email us at alumni@sunderland.ac.uk.

Wearmouth Memories

The University's famous Wearmouth Hall was a much loved and well cherished feature of student life for thousands of Sunderland students over the decades.Wearmouth Hall was demolished in 2008/2009 and the site is now occupied by CitySpace, the University's sports and functions facility. We know Sunderland alumni have such fond memories of the Wearmouth Hall and we used your memories, stories and photographs to create a dedicated area for all things Wearmouth.

All the President's Men (and Women)

Over the years, the University of Sunderland Students’ Union has had several presidents representing the students’ interests.The Alumni Association has caught up with some of these presidents to find out what they have been up to since leaving the University, and what their memories are of their time in post.  

 

Anne Wright Vice-Chancellor 1992

Celebrating 25 years as a University

In 1992 Sunderland Polytechnic gained university status and became the University of Sunderland. Dr Anne Wright, who had been the Rector of Sunderland Polytechnic, became Vice-Chancellor of the University and was one of the very first female Vice-Chancellors of a UK university.

Student's Union Handbooks

Every year the Student's Union has released a handbook to help students make the most of their time in Sunderland and at the polytechnic/University. Browse through issues from 1984 up until 2010! We are missing a few, so if you have one that we don't, we would love to include it! 

Peter Hale

In memory of Peter Hale

Peter Hale, a Senior Lecturer in Business and Economics and former Senior Warden of Wearmouth Hall of Residence at the University of Sunderland died on March 22, 2007 aged 80 years. Admired for over 20 years by both students and colleagues, he is remembered for the pastoral care and support he provided to all the students he worked with.

Langham Tower - A History of Education

From the modest foundations of Sunderland Teacher Training College the University has gone on to achieve a global reputation of excellence in the field of education.

Bars and Clubs of Sunderland

Sunderland is well known for its bars and nightclubs, so we've taken a look back at some of the old haunts Sunderland graduates used to go to that have since vanished. If you're of a certain age, some of the names are instantly recognisable. Click through to our dedicated page to revisit your misspent youth in places like Wearmouth Bar, Manor Quay, Annabels, Ku Club, Rascals, Chambers, The Palace and Bentleys.

Galen Building

Technical Education in Sunderland

The Council approved the plans for a Technical College in Sunderland in 1894, and in 1896 a site was purchased on Green Terrace. The college opened in 1901 with the Principal and four full-time lecturers in charge of four departments, Chemistry, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Physics and Electrical Engineering together with Commerce and Languages and with part-time lecturers in other subjects including Navigation, Naval Architecture. 

Bridge Magazine

Bridge was our annual magazine distributed to alumni, staff and supporters of the University. You can read the Bridge magazine online here and maybe you will recognise yourself or your former classmates in some of the features or profiles.

Trivia

The bars and clubs of Sunderland - test your knowledge!

If you graduated from the Sunderland Polytechnic or the University of Sunderland in the 80s, 90s and 00s we are sure you'll be able to answer these questions. Why not test your knowledge and see how much you know about some of the old haunts Sunderland graduates used to go to that have since vanished.

University Timeline

Go back in time to 1901 to see where the University of Sunderland first began as the Sunderland Technical College and follow us through the years!

 

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Graduation Brochures 

Graduation brochures from Sunderland Polytechnic and University of Sunderland, flick through to see who graduated and the guests that attended the graduation ceremonies.

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