Europe Alumni Groups

What I'm doing now

Over the last ten years, I was working as a project manager in an international context in IT implementation projects. Currently, I am on a six months sabbatical to take further education to gain further knowledge in Chinese language and culture and to improve as well my technical knowledge.

Why I volunteer

I remember quite often the great time I had in Lancaster. While I am still in touch with some of my classmates from the MSc I lost contact with the Austrians I met during my time at Lancaster. One time I was asked to support Lancaster attending a university fair in Vienna, which was great fun and I met a lot of interested prospective students of Lancaster. Moreover, during an event in Vienna a few years ago I learned that there are a few more graduates from Lancaster. I enjoyed that evening and we wanted to stay in touch, but often it happens that nothing happens. I want to change that and get us connected.

What I'm doing now: I am currently finishing off my third year and then hope to do a Master's degree or have a graduate job in the UK for a few years.

Why I volunteer: I want to be a point of contact for fellow Czech students who are considering studying at Lancaster - the Central Europeans are certainly underrepresented at LU and I would like to change that.

What I'm doing now: I am a Brand Manager at Deutsche Vermögensberatung AG which is Germany's leading financial advice company. In a nutshell my task is to develop the corporate brand strategically and to ensure a coherent brand experience at every touch point.

Why I volunteer: Keeping up the Lancaster family spirit and spreading it all over the world is my motivation to co-ordinate the German Alumni Group. I still feel very emotionally connected to Lancaster and I would be delighted if there are other Alumni who would like to share and keep up their Lancaster memories.

What I'm doing now

Currently, I am Project Manager in a Digital Marketing Agency (Social Mind) focusing on both Social Media Advertising and Website Development.

Why I volunteer

I have always organised events, social gatherings and memorable parties for my friends and acquaintances. I really like meeting and connecting with people and I feel this is a great chance to keep, share and grow the Lancaster spirit.

What I'm doing now: Iam still living in Luxembourg and about to graduate(July 2020) with a Master's in Mathematics from the University of Luxembourg. While job hunting I am tutoring mathematics to high school students.

Why I volunteer: I had some spare time to reminisce about Lancaster University and thought it would be a great idea to get in touch with other alumni in Luxembourg. As an Alumni Group Co-ordinator this would give me the opportunity to bring local alumni together and at the same time keep a connection to the University.

What I'm doing now: I have worked for years in London for top FMCG companies including Reckitt Benckiser and Innocent. I have brought new products to market, developed great relationships with some of our largest supermarkets and drunk some of the best (and innocent) juices in the world.

Why I volunteer: People who have bonded over shared experiences are more open to friendships and prepared to offer professional help. I think it is really important to keep the same sense of community we had in Lancaster once we move to a new life back home.

What I'm doing now:

I am retired having worked as a teacher, for the London Probation Service and as a drug counsellor. I also set up a small transport venture with a business partner during retirement and I am a student mentor for Lancaster University.

Why I volunteer:

I enjoy very much being a student mentor. I feel that without Lancaster I would not have done most of the things I have achieved in my life and I would like to give something back to show my appreciation. I also like being up on the University campus and, importantly, feel very proud to be a Lancaster graduate and want to be part of its continuing development and success.

What I'm doing now:

I now work as an Innovation Development Analyst at Lancaster University and I'm a part time musician.

What I'm doing now

Chloe - I am an Associate Solicitor at Eversheds Sutherland, an international law firm. I work in the Manchester office and specialise in Employment Law. I have experience acting for both companies and individuals in Employment Tribunal Litigation including claims for unfair dismissal, all types of discrimination and whistleblowing.

Why I volunteer

Chloe - In Manchester, through work or socialising, I regularly meet Lancaster alumni. The first question I ask or get asked is which college was I in? And the debate commences! People from Lancaster have common ground like no other and I think it is great to keep in touch and share opportunities and know how across various industries.

What I'm doing now:

Rosemary After graduating in Economics from Lancaster and initially doing a year’s VSO in West Cameroon, I have had a career in Market Research in various companies and sectors in the UK as well as working for the British Council teaching English whilst living with my husband overseas in Curacao (Netherlands Antilles) and Oman. Before retiring my last position was for 15 years as Head of Retail Market Research and Insight at BAA (British Airports Authority.) I have three sons and, I am soon to have, 7 grandchildren. I currently select candidates for VSO and reupholster antique chairs!

Dave With an Environmental Sciences degree I worked in seismic exploration in Libya and Saudi Arabia loving the challenges of the deep desert environment and remote living. Feeling the need for a career change after eight years I completed an MSc in Business Admin and spent most of the rest of my career in finance and management. An early retirement was reasonably brief and I am now Company Secretary and Accountant for my son Alex’s company AKS Tuning Ltd. It has been rewarding to use all the skills developed during my career to help to grow a small start-up company to almost a one million pound annual turnover. I also chair the London Branch of Midland Ancestors and encourage and help as many as I can in my love of family history. Watching Warwickshire cricket is a relaxing hobby as well as walking and travelling – as well as spending time with granddaughters.

Why I volunteer:

Rosemary I helped to organise the Grand Reunion held at the Royal Geographic Society in London in 2017 attended by over 80 former students who studied at Lancaster from 1964-67. The reunion was to celebrate 50 years post-graduation of these the first students at university. I was keen to see, after the event, if we could find a way to continue to allow students from 1964-67, now mainly retired, to reconnect with their friends. As a result Dave Kerr, Den Winterburn, John Lucas and I have, over the last three years, organised a number of weekday lunches so far mainly in London, but also one in Manchester. These have proved very popular and not only allowed people to reconnect with friends, but often to also get to know better people they only knew slightly before. In addition, following a suggestion by Asif Fancy, we have established a Lancaster ‘64-67 WhatsApp group which now has almost 50 members. If you would like to join our group please do contact us.

DaveI have a lot to thank Lancaster for! Apart from the academic side – much of which I remain fascinated with – it gave me many long lasting memories and friendships. I enjoy keeping in contact with as many former colleagues as possible. I learned just as much from being a “pioneer” – taking responsibility and making things happen – which have been useful throughout my life and career, so I am happy to give any support I can give to Lancaster and its graduates.