More than 300 people, including 230 alumni from the classes of 1952, '62 and ‘72, attended this year's Alumni Weekend from 13-15 September at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Building on the success of previous Alumni weekends, this year's attendance proved to be a record.

Beginning with a welcome reception held in the Board Room, alumni took part in a variety of activities over the weekend, including a whistle-stop tour to Kildare, a golf outing at the Glen of the Downs, Viking Splash Tour and a Sea Safari of Dublin Bay. A walking tour of RCSI visited old haunts as well as new areas of the campus including the new Anatomy Room.

A scientific meeting included presentations by alumni on a range of topics including, 'A Double Blind Study on Autism', 'Minding Your Health While You're Minding Others', and 'No Wait Emergency Department', among others. The meeting also showcased some of RCSI's research, including presentations by Professor David Henshall on 'Big Role for Tiny Genes: Micro RNAs in the Treatment and Prevention of Epilepsy'; Professor Kevin McGuigan on 'Preventing Waterborne Disease in the Developing World with Solar Water Disinfection', Professor Niamh Moran on 'Identification of Novel Anti-Thrombotic Peptides' and Dr John Gleeson on 'SurgaColl Technologies: Regenerative Medicine using RCSI Technologies'.

The CEO/Registrar of RCSI, Professor Cathal Kelly gave a talk on present and future plans for the College, which gave alumni a good picture of the research, education, diversity, international activity and overall development of their alma mater. Professor Hannah McGee, Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences also gave a speech on the importance of educating today's medical students to be tomorrow's leaders.

The classes of 1962 and 1952 attended a special luncheon of celebration in honour of their Golden and Diamond Reunions and each of the jubilarians was presented with a scroll to signify the special occasion.

The weekend's festivities concluded with a Gala Dinner on Saturday evening. At the dinner, attended by Professor Patrick Broe, President, RCSI, and Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO/Registrar, RCSI, the Aim High Scholarship was launched. This scholarship, funded by a College alumnus, is targeted at medical students who require economic assistance and who would otherwise be unable to take up a place in the medical programme. Commenting on the scholarship, Prof. Kelly said, "We are grateful for this remarkable and hugely generous gift which will allow a bright and passionate student to fulfil their dream of becoming a doctor through this initiative."

Summing up the 2012 Alumni Weekend, Louise Sherwin (Alumni Manager), said, "The response was excellent. The classes, particularly the 40th reunion of the Class of 1972, have been building up to this weekend all year and it showed. The aim of Alumni Weekend is to foster and strengthen a mutually beneficial relationship between the alumni and the College. It's about celebrating what is special about RCSI - achieving a high-quality education and making good friends and wonderful memories along the way."