Alumni who’ve stayed in touch since 1977

The reunions follow a well-established format. The alumni living in the host city organise a programme that includes both professional elements and cultural experiences, as well as long lunches and plenty of time to socialise and chat. 

“You talk non-stop for three days, with everyone,” says Joakim Olsson, who, together with Christina Stenberg, forms the “secretariat” for the alumni group’s gatherings.

A strong bond from the start

The International Business and Economics programme at the School of Business, Economics and Law, known as “Linje 19”, was launched in 1973. Unlike other programmes where all applicants were accepted, Line 19 was competitive. The combination of business and economics courses with studies in French or Spanish attracted ambitious students who quickly formed a strong bond. Joakim fondly remembers student life in the 1970s:

“It was one of the best periods of my life. I was excited to start at the School, and getting into Linje 19 was a huge joy because we were such a small group of students.”

Many in the group were Swedes who had lived abroad and were eager to explore Gothenburg and have fun. 

“We experienced a vibrant international atmosphere—it added flair to everything we did. We went to London and Hemsedal. It was a euphoric group when it came to social life,” says Christina Stenberg.

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Another factor Christina and Joakim believe contributed to the group’s cohesion was a four-week study trip to the USA in the summer of 1980. 

“We spent a whole year planning the trip – finding sponsors and putting together an interesting programme. The study visits were of a very high standard. Erling Andersson, the knowledgeable and inspiring teacher from the Department of Human Geography, joined us for the official part of the trip. Some students started with a week in New York and ended with a week in California,” Christina says.

People over careers

The alumni group has stayed in touch over the years and now meets every two or three years. Their most recent gathering was in Nice, with alumni travelling in from all over the world – even from Tasmania. Several times over the years, they’ve met in Gothenburg, always including a visit to the School and a meeting with the current dean.

“Even if it’s been a while since we last met, it always feels like it was just yesterday,” says Joakim.

After graduation, everyone in the group quickly landed good jobs, thanks to the programme's international profile. Many have had successful careers, but that’s not the focus when they meet. 

“In the past, we talked more about careers, but over time we’ve come to value being appreciated for who we are, regardless of what we’ve done in life,” says Christina.

In the early days, Joakim kept in touch with everyone by sending postcards to build the network. Of the 75 students in the class, he’s still in contact with about 50, and 20 to 25 usually attend the reunions. Christina and Joakim keep the group together and jokingly refer to themselves as the “secretariat.” For each reunion, the secretariat appoints a local committee in the host city to organise the event. The format is always a three-day programme, with one evening reserved for the so-called “gala dinner.” On that night, guests dress up a bit more than usual, there are speeches and assigned seating.

50th anniversary in Stockholm

The group is looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in Stockholm in 2027. The details are yet to be decided.

“But it will be an exciting programme that ‘manifests’ our 50-year bond,” says Joakim. “Since the celebration will be in Stockholm, we in the ‘secretariat’ hope even more of our classmates can attend. We also hope to receive valuable input from the School’s alumni network.”

The 1977 International Business and Economics programme alumni group has shown that lifelong friendships and connections can be a lasting part of student life. Their story is an inspiring example of how strong bonds can be formed and maintained over the years.

Text: Maria Norrström