Trinity College Carmarthen alumni reunite for 1980s celebration

Over 50 former students of Trinity College Carmarthen – now part of University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) – returned recently for a joyful 1980s reunion, co-organised by the University’s Alumni and Estates and Facilities teams, and alumnus Richard Godwin, who led the event planning.

Guests travelled to Carmarthen from near and far - some from within the county, others from further afield including Cornwall, and two even flying in all the way from the United States. 

These American guests first came to Carmarthen in the 1980s through the Central College Wales Programme – launched at Trinity College to allow students from the U.S. a chance to spend a semester in Wales and immerse themselves in Welsh culture and education. Returning to campus decades later was a moving experience, allowing them to reconnect with friends and revisit the place that had shaped such an important part of their student journey.

The day began with a guided tour of the campus, where alumni explored familiar spaces and discovered the many changes since their student days. Some guests were seeing the campus for the first time in several years – or even decades – making the return especially meaningful.

The group was thrilled to see the developments on the campus, including Yr Egin - home to the S4C as well as a cluster of companies from the creative industries – alongside the new Teaching and Learning facilities and a modern library, replacing the former library now transformed into a café.

The Dewi building, where many of the alumni had once lived, has now been redeveloped into a Student Services hub, bringing together a wide range of student-facing services. The Student Union, still in its original location, also impressed guests with its updated design – a modern space for socialising and bringing the student community together for events and activities.

Nostalgia ran high as alumni also stepped back into classrooms where they had once been taught.

In the evening, alumni gathered at the Merlin Restaurant on campus for a celebratory dinner to a soundtrack of classic 1980s music. 

They were welcomed by Pro Vice Chancellor Mirjam Plantinga, who reflected on the University’s evolution by saying: 

“Many of you here studied education, humanities or the performing arts. Over the years, our programmes have changed and evolved to reflect the changing needs of students and the sector. 

“Today, Carmarthen focuses on education, sport and wellbeing, filmmaking, business and sustainability but despite any changes, the sense of community here in Carmarthen is as strong as ever. It is something that we are very proud of and is integral to our identity.”

Guests reminisced, shared stories, and laughed late into the evening over old photographs and memorabilia they brought with them which sparked memories of life at Trinity in the 1980s.

For many, staying overnight in halls of residence – which hadn’t even existed when they studied – added to the fun and sense of coming full circle.

The atmosphere throughout was one of joy, friendship, and gratitude. Alumni described the reunion as:

• “A memorable night for so many good reasons.” 
• “So good to see everyone and to reminisce about the old days.”
• “How great was that – to feel 40 years peel away and friendships renewed so immediately! Until the next.”
• “I met old friends and picked up where we’d left off, and met new friends too.”
• “I feel very grateful for the time spent with friends both when I was studying there, and over the weekend. Great to see everyone again and talk about our experiences in college and since.”

The event proved that despite decades of change, the Trinity spirit – and the friendships it fostered – remains as strong as ever. 

If you would like to attend future events, please make sure your contact details are up to date with the Alumni team to stay in touch. And if you’re inspired to organise a reunion of your own year group, the Alumni team would be delighted to help you bring it to life.

Update Your Details > Alumni Details | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Contact the Alumni Office > alumni@uwtsd.ac.uk

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996