GEOGRAPHY REUNION PUTS LUTON BACK ON THE MAP

08 September 2007, 12:10pm

A special reunion is taking place at the University of Bedfordshire to celebrate 40 years since the introduction of a ground-breaking course at its Luton campus.

The Diploma in Geographical Techniques was set up in 1967 by David Cooper at what was then Luton College of Technology. At the time there were no courses available in University geography departments for cartographers, and Luton offered A level geography students the opportunity to study on a non-degree technician training course, which continued until the mid 90s. It’s popularity was boosted by offering a year’s work experience which wasn’t available at any other university.

Now former students are being invited to a celebration lunch on Saturday 22 September at the Putteridge Bury campus to mark the 40th anniversary since the launch of the course.

The reunion has come about thanks to the efforts of former course managers, David Cooper and Chris Coggins. David is hoping that graduates will come to the reunion to share their memories and meet with old friends. “This will be an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends and asses the lasting impact of this course,” he said.

“The course proved to be a great success especially at a time before cartography became computer orientated and linked with Geographical Information systems. We also linked up with Dunstable College where students attended printing courses and learned how to produce colour maps and atlases. Our graduates were in demand - many went on to work for local authority planning offices, oil companies, research organisations and planning consultancies.

“We’re expecting people to come from all over the UK, so we’re looking forward to welcoming them back to their former place of study.”

Guests are invited to arrive from 11am where they will be served with tea and coffee. A buffet lunch will follow and will include wine and coffee. Tickets cost £25 per person.
To find out more about the reunion or to order tickets, contact Karen Cooper at the Alumni Office on 01582 489012 or email alumni@beds.ac.uk

www.beds.ac.uk

GeoConnexion UK