Dunelm Society History

Durham University Society was formed in 1866 to create a consensus of opinion across the graduate community, and represent those views to the University authorities. Its name was changed to Durham University Society in 1921 after a lull in activity during the First World War. Largely based in London at the time, it expanded nationally during the 1950s.

The Society has always been instrumental in providing ways for graduates to meet each other, notably during celebrations to mark the University's 150th anniversary in 1982, which culminated in a celebration of thanksgiving at St Margaret's, Westminster, followed by a joint reception at both the Houses of Lords and Commons.

After much lobbying, it was agreed that there should be more involvement of former students in the governance of the University, and the Chairman of the Society was invited to sit on Council. Howard Phelps was the first to fulfil this role in the mid-1980s.

The Society continues to work on the behalf of Durham alumni into the new millennium, albeit with another name alteration to incorporate the appendage "Association of Durham Alumni". This was adopted to highlight that all former Durham students are now automatically members and are entitled to get involved with the Society's activities. Membership fees have been abolished as the association now receives part funding from the Alumni Office and a percentage of the proceeds from the Society's activities, thereby making the Society's activities inclusive and representative.

In 2009 DUSADA became Dunelm Society to spearhead a global renaming strategy for all volunteer networks. In future, all alumni who have banded together around the globe will be formalised into country chapters, as in Dunelm Society China, Dunelm Society Australia, and Dunelm Society Argentina and so on.