The University of Sunderland is preparing to mark a milestone - and they are asking for former students to help celebrate.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the city's former polytechnic being awarded university status.

To mark the occasion, a series of events are being planned for September which will look back at the institution's success over the past three decades.

The Northern Echo: Queen Elizabeth II viewing plans for the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's in 1992Queen Elizabeth II viewing plans for the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's in 1992

And it's not just current students who will be helping celebrate - hopes are high that many graduates will also get in touch too. Now, the university is asking to hear from any former students who saw their lives change during their time studying in the city.

A spokesperson for the university said: "We would basically like to hear from anyone who has a story of interest from their time with us.

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"Perhaps you met your husband or wife here and have gone on to have children who may have even studied with us too. Maybe you have gone on to work in your dream job, or maybe your life changed in some way while you were with us.

The Northern Echo: University of Sunderland City CampusUniversity of Sunderland City Campus

"We would love to hear your stories of life at the University, as well as see any pictures you may have from the time."

The celebrations will take place in September, and include exhibitions, reunion dinners, and garden parties.

The university was originally founded in 1901 as Sunderland Technical College and was awarded university status in 1992. It has five campuses: two in Sunderland, one in London, one in Hong Kong, and recently opened a satellite campus in Northallerton.

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The university has around 23,500 students based at these campuses, as well as through global learning partnerships in 15 countries and online learning.

A spokesperson for the university added: "No matter where you are in the world now, we would like to hear about your time at Sunderland.

The Northern Echo: Aerial shot of the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter'sAerial shot of the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's

"Our university has a rich alumni community, from Radio1 presenter Jordan North to Dr Andrew Singleton who is leading one of the world’s top research teams, tackling neurological diseases."

Former students are asked to get in touch with craig.thompson@sunderland.ac.uk to share their stories.

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