For a century and a half, geology education has been one of the cornerstones of the Catholic Institute of Paris, later UniLaSalle. It has inspired vocations, crossed continents, accompanied scientific and technological changes, and trained generations of specialists committed to understanding the Earth. On December 6, 2025, nearly 700 participants celebrated this heritage during an exceptional day bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and partners. It was a unique, vibrant moment that showcased the richness of a field driven as much by history as by the future.

A unique journey through 150 years of geosciences

Each participant began the day with a passport, inviting them to discover the campus from a new perspective. To celebrate this anniversary, several locations had been set up as stops along an exploration route.

The common thread of this immersion was the Rock'N Walk app, usually dedicated to discovering outdoor landscapes and geological curiosities. Adapted for the event, it offered a digital tour guiding visitors to various iconic points of interest: the compactus containing the historical collections, the geosciences platform, the cabinet of curiosities, the field rooms, and several spaces at the heart of the training program.

These stops allowed visitors to discover, or rediscover, the places frequented daily by students and teachers. Between archives, scientific experiments, and expedition stories, this tour showcased 150 years of geology that is more alive than ever, shaped by observation, research, and a spirit of fieldwork.

Discoveries, experiences, and encounters await

Throughout the day, visitors moved from one area to another. Games in the gym, blind tastings in the foyer, scientific challenges on the geological and hydrogeological platforms, alumni testimonials at the historic farm... each stop revealed the diversity of professions, practices, and fields that characterize the program.

APEX, the campus's digital space, offered virtual reality trips to Denmark and Iceland, reminding visitors how today's geology combines field science and cutting-edge technology.

Sainte Barbe, an intergenerational gathering

The highlight of the day, the celebration of Sainte Barbe, patron saint of geologists, brought all participants together in the Agora. Speeches looked back on the history of the program, led by those who shaped its identity. The Alumni network, which was particularly active, emphasized the strength of the bond between graduating classes, as did the student associations, which perpetuate traditions and initiatives.

The unveiling of the 150th anniversary mosaic, composed of photos submitted by participants, was one of the highlights of the evening. It was a symbolic image of a united community, representing graduating classes 42 through 85.

An anniversary focused on the future of geosciences

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the volunteers, committed students, and teams who have made these 150 years possible. The 700 participants, including 270 alumni, gave this day a rare dimension, reminding us that training in geosciences relies as much on scientific expertise as it does on transmission, curiosity, and the desire to understand the world.

At a time when environmental, climate, and energy issues have never been more pressing, this celebration highlights the essential role of geologists and UniLaSalle's ambition to support future generations in this field.