A friendship that lasted a lifetime: four law alumni reunite at Leeds after 30 years
From handwritten letters to a heartfelt reunion – how a bond formed at the School of Law in the 1990s still thrives today.
In May 2025, four former students of the School of Law at the University of Leeds returned to campus for a special reunion – three decades after first meeting as international students. The friendships between May Lin Foo, Pau Lin Foo, Nancy Moureau and Jyoti Patel began as a chance encounter in 1992 between a Belgian Erasmus student, a pair of Malaysian twins and a girl from Manchester, and has grown into a lifelong friendship that continues to thrive, even in a world that has changed beyond recognition.
May Lin, Nancy and Pau Lin in the early ‘90s
Returning to Leeds
Flying in from Malaysia, Belgium and Stockport, their return visit to Leeds was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt appreciation for the place where it all began. “All four of us had a great day and were amazed at how much everything has changed (except Morrisons!) and yet felt so familiar,” Nancy shared, not everything has changed noted Jyoti, “Morrisons looks untouched in a city of many changes.”
Morrisons on Woodhouse Lane – fuelling Law students (and their uphill shopping hauls) for over 30 years.
The warmth of their reception from the School’s alumni officers made the experience even more meaningful. “Thank you for making our visit to the Liberty Building so nice,” they wrote following the reunion. “For all the presents that we received, for being so welcoming even after so many years, for receiving us with such warmth, like we were still part of the ‘big law family.”
The reunion wasn’t just a return to Leeds – It was a nostalgic journey into the past. Together, the four friends revisited the university, their former flats, and many beloved places around the city. “So many memories came floating back,” they said. “We had a lovely walk down memory lane.”
Outside the School of Law’s original home on Lyddon Terrace
May Lin expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding legal education she received at the School of Law, crediting it with shaping her sound legal reasoning and practical skills – qualities that have been instrumental throughout her legal career. Pau Lin echoed these sentiments, extending sincere gratitude to the professors, lecturers, and staff for their unwavering dedication, impactful teaching, and lasting influence.
Sending letters across the world
The origins of their friendship are as heartwarming as their reunion. “This is a Belgian Erasmus student (from Leuven), meeting two girls from Malaysia – twins even (it took a while before I realised that!!!),” Nancy recalled. In a pre-digital world, staying connected after graduation was no small feat. “There were no mobile phones… we had to write letters and cards to stay in touch.” Yet, despite the miles and the years, they stayed close.
Their story is a testament to the lifelong impact of university friendships and the uniquely global community fostered at the School of Law. “You will both realise in time that some of your own friendships will just last a lifetime – and enjoy them as much as we do,” Nancy wrote to the School’s alumni officers, offering a touching reminder to current students about the enduring value of connection.
Big law family
As the four friends reflected on their visit and the many moments that have shaped their lives since, they reminded us all that the friendships made at Leeds are more than just memories – they’re part of something lasting, something bigger. A true "big law family", where it would appear, that all roads in fact lead to Leeds.
Plan your reunion
We love welcoming alumni back to the School of Law. Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, we’d be delighted to help you mark your memories and reconnect with classmates.
Get in touch with us at law@leeds.ac.uk to start planning your reunion – we’d love to hear your story.
