30 years of USI: Reunion for the first generations of alumni

To mark USI's 30th anniversary, an Alumni Reunion was held on Friday, 24 April for graduates of the three original faculties: Architecture, Communication and Economics.

The event was attended by 350 graduates, 50 current and former professors from across the past 30 years, and the mayors of Lugano and Mendrisio, creating an evening of connection, sharing and the pleasure of reuniting with former classmates, faculty and friends.

To date, the USI community comprises over 15,200 alumni active in 123 countries worldwide, broken down as follows:

• Architecture: 3’058 alumni

• Comunication: 4’658 alumni

• Economics: 5’113 alumni

The evening began with official addresses by USI Council Chair, Monica Duca Widmer, and the Ad Interim Rector, Gabriele Balbi, followed by a plenary session that retraced the key moments in the University's history through accounts from those involved in its foundation and early years.

Among the speakers, the first President, Director, and Secretary-General, alongside testimonials from the Deans of the three Faculties, offered insights into the birth and development of USI. The session also highlighted the University's impact on the region, featuring a discussion between the mayors of Lugano and Mendrisio spanning from USI's foundation to today.

Following the plenary, alumni had the opportunity to participate in themed workshops led by professors and alumni from the various faculties.

A significant occasion to celebrate USI's journey and the value of its alumni community, which is now increasingly global and connected.