The first C²DH Alumni Event at the University of Luxembourg brought together former and current researchers to celebrate shared journeys, strengthen connections and build a sustainable community network to carry history forward, together.

A milestone for the C²DH community

On 2 October 2025, the C²DH hosted its first Alumni Event at the University of Luxembourg’s Belval Campus – an afternoon dedicated to reflection, conversation and reconnection. Alumni, researchers and friends of the centre gathered to celebrate how far the community has come since the early days of the C²DH.

This was more than a reunion – it marked a new chapter, creating a meeting place for academic collaboration and human connection, where the past, present and future of the C²DH converged through shared experiences, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

Looking back: memories that connect

The afternoon began with the round table “Looking Back: Our Alumni Memories”, where former students shared personal stories about their experiences at the C²DH. From research breakthroughs to friendships formed during long hours in Belval’s offices, their testimonies spoke of the importance of human connection in academic life.

These memories were not just an enjoyable nostalgia trip – they illustrated how shared experiences shape a collective identity. For many, returning to Belval felt like coming home, a reminder that while their careers and lives have continued to evolve, the sense of belonging to a creative, open-minded community remains strong.

Looking ahead: shaping sustainable futures

The second session, “Exploring Pathways: Turning Digital and Public History into Job Opportunities”, invited alumni and employers to reflect on career trajectories in a rapidly changing landscape. Conversations highlighted how skills honed at the C²DH – from digital storytelling to participatory research – open doors far beyond academia.

Speakers discussed the importance of legacy and long-term vision, both in their professional lives and within the alumni network itself: fostering lasting connections, supporting each other’s growth, and keeping dialogue alive across borders and disciplines.
By fostering knowledge sharing and supporting early career researchers, the C²DH community contributes to a culture of continuity and care that extends far beyond the campus.

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  Welcome by Andreas Fickers

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  Introduction by Andy Adams, Alumni Relations Specialist

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  Round table “Looking Back: Our Alumni Memories”

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  Extra fun at the photo booth

Celebrating generosity and shared purpose

The day concluded with a donor recognition and award ceremony, honouring those who make the C²DH’s research and outreach possible. This celebration of generosity also reflected the spirit of collaboration that defines the centre – a belief that history thrives when it is shared, supported and sustained by a collective effort.

As the evening unfolded with a walking dinner and cocktail reception, conversations continued in a more informal atmosphere. New ideas emerged, old friendships were rekindled, and future collaborations began to take shape – a fitting end to a day that was all about connection.

A growing network of curiosity and care

The event also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the C²DH Alumni Network. The goal is to build a vibrant, sustainable community where alumni can stay connected, share expertise and keep contributing to the centre’s mission. Future initiatives will include opportunities for storytelling, informal gatherings and digital networking that reflect the diversity and creativity of the alumni body.

A meaningful impact for Luxembourg

Beyond the Belval Campus, the C²DH Alumni Event reinforces the University of Luxembourg’s commitment to strengthening local and international research networks. It shows how a university can serve as a bridge between generations, disciplines and professions, fostering collaboration, innovation and a shared sense of purpose.

In bringing its alumni together, the C²DH has not only celebrated its history – it has invested in its future. The connections rekindled on that October afternoon will continue to grow, weaving new threads into the ever evolving story of history, research and community at the University of Luxembourg.

The first C²DH Alumni Event proved that when a community reconnects, it doesn’t simply look back. It carries history forward – towards new encounters, shared projects and a future built on collective memory

Discover more

• University of Luxembourg Alumni Network