
The Morehead-Cain Alumni Journey participants on the grounds of the complex of buildings known as “The Middle Temple.”
Written by Ken Smith ’84, a participant on the Morehead-Cain Alumni Journey to London in September 2024.
Prior to the recent Morehead-Cain trip to London, the Foundation sent us a questionnaire for use in creating introductory profiles. “What is your best travel advice?” was the final question. I replied with a simple “Who > What.” For me, the best memories tend to spring more from who was there rather than what we did, and I’d already discovered that the opportunity to travel with members of this community is something special.
Since I’d visited London a few times, I might have hesitated on this trip, but having joined the Foundation-sponsored trip to Rome last fall, I’d seen how Morehead-Cain calls on alumni to help create an experience that is—that word again—special. Given the breadth and quality of our community in Britain, I suspected our “cousins” there would not disappoint. So, I jumped on board, and they most certainly did not.
We did, of course, take in Westminster Abbey, West End plays, and other classic highlights, but each day, it seemed we were lucky beneficiaries of the access of our alumni. Many visitors head to the British Museum to see its world-famous collections, but we got an early entry to meet Sam Moorhead ’83, recently retired from a long career there. The erudite Sam, sporting a Carolina baseball cap, treated us to a strolling talk on some of the Museum’s most important artifacts followed by lunch with another Museum expert.
As a modern counterpoint that day, James Dean ’89 offered us a view into the world of film and television production. He set up a highly engaging talk with Nicholas Ralph, the lead actor in the series All Creatures Great and Small. James has been a producer of the show, and the two offered fun stories from the set and thoughtful perspectives on careers in entertainment.
We must thank Richard Wilmot-Smith ’75 for making our visit to the Middle Temple exceptional. At the center of that supremely historic compound is the Temple Church, built by the Knights Templar in the 1100s, and its Reverend Master provided a fascinating tour. The larger institution is considered the cradle of English common law, having served a peculiar role within the British legal profession for centuries. We dined in the majestic Middle Temple Hall (c. 1570) with Richard, who’d once served as leader of the prestigious “Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.” Invoking the Magna Carta, he gave a timely talk on legal history, while the institution’s archivist allowed us to view original documents with signatures from the likes of King Charles I.
It was Alex Lim ’10 and Nori Oxholm Lim ’09 who made our excursion to Oxford especially memorable. They hosted a cocktail reception in their nearby country home, which included a talk from an emeritus professor on the University’s history, going back to medieval times. We’d already spent a day exploring its beautiful libraries and grounds and were privileged to enjoy a talk and private lunch at Rhodes House, home to the scholarship that was a model for Uncle Mot when he started all this.
My old McCauley Street housemate, Adrian Biddell ’85, was the perfect guide for our day exploring London’s art scene. He’d served as an expert for Sotheby’s for 27 years before starting his own art brokerage business. Adrian had generously arranged for special entrée at several galleries and exhibitions. Among other stops, we enjoyed a private lunch at the Royal Academy of the Arts. You’ve probably noted that fancy meals were a theme on this trip, and. . .
There was none fancier than the dinner celebrating the 55th anniversary of the British Morehead-Cain Programme. It’s often I’ve thought of how profoundly fortunate I am to be part of this community, and that exciting evening brought warm reflection, again, on that luck. More than 100 alumni and guests gathered at Dartmouth House to mark when the program first went global and to celebrate those who’ve kept it successful. There are many, but with her impending retirement, our speakers gave a special, deserved tribute to Foundation vice president Megan Mazzocchi. Following a series of heartfelt toasts, there was a loud, standing ovation. I’m so glad I got to be part of it.
My “Who > What” calculation turned out to be a tall order on this trip given the “What” of our itinerary. As with the Rome experience, though, I came away grateful for new and renewed friendships and small regrets that I didn’t talk more to this or that person. It’s fun getting to know “cousins” from other eras, and our group spanned a remarkable 44 years by class. It is especially gratifying to discuss life with the wiser versions of those known on campus, no matter how close we’d been as students. Who is greater than what, indeed.
More about Morehead-Cain Alumni Journeys
The next Morehead-Cain Alumni Journey will be in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from May 15 to May 18, 2025. The trip will be an opportunity to become acquainted with a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and ever-present blend of cultures. Learn more about group travel through Morehead-Cain Alumni Journeys.