This post originally appeared in @theU and was published June 18, 2025. This article is republished here with permission.
This past May, alumni from across Europe joined with University of Utah leadership to forge new connections and reconnect with their alma mater during U Alumni’s European Alumni Reunion in Copenhagen.
The group consisted of more than 30 alumni, U Alumni university staff, and special guests, Provost Mitzi Montoya and Vice President for University Advancement Heidi Woodbury BS’89.
“Exploring a new country is always a bit intimidating, but U Alumni’s European Reunion is intended to make it a more approachable experience because you’re doing it with friends—old and new,” said Alex Junge BS’20, alumni engagement specialist for U Alumni Chapters.
Alumni and staff gathered for a welcome reception on Thursday, May 29, on the rooftop of the Grand Joanne Hotel. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, and amazing views of the city, while a DJ provided a fun atmosphere.
On Friday, the group was treated to a day of delicious eats during Secret Food Tours: Copenhagen. Alumni sampled Smørrebrød, Danish candy, organic hotdogs, Flødeboller, Danish Pastries, and more. In the evening, Mitzi Montoya, the U’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, presented to the group over dinner at Feed Bistro. Her State of the U presentation detailed Impact 2030 updates, the upcoming Olympic games, and important campus updates.
Day three featured a tour of both Frederiksborg and Kronborg Castle (the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet), with lunch at Torvehallerne and then city sights such as the Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn and Gefion Fountain. The culture-rich day was capped off by a farewell dinner at Uformel, with a toast to celebrate the unforgettable memories created on the trip.
“Getting to meet our U Alumni living in Europe was such an incredible experience,” said Junge. “As an alum myself, it was so fun to hear about everyone’s individual experiences on campus, as well as the collective experiences of living in SLC. I’ll cherish the new friends I’ve made, from Italy to Germany and in between.”
Overall, it was a weekend filled with culture, history, beautiful landscapes and most importantly, good company. Thank you to all who joined us on this memorable trip. Don’t miss the next alumni gathering near you—you can join a chapter or check out our events calendar to stay up to date. More photos of the trip can be found on the U Alumni’s Instagram.