Leeds around the world
With more than 113,000 Leeds alumni based outside the UK, a huge amount of activity takes place worldwide, much of it organised by alumni volunteers. Here are some of this year’s highlights.
1. SHANGHAI, CHINA
From panel talks to city walks, wine and whisky tasting to networking events, a team of alumni volunteers have organised varied opportunities for graduates in the Shanghai area.
“We hope our events help unite alumni,” said Yu Tang (JYA Law 2005), organiser of the Shanghai alumni group. “We know that we can leverage the professional strengths of our alumni to develop our association.”
The Shanghai alumni group is one of seven regional alumni groups in China. In fact, nearly 300 alumni volunteers signed up to network and speak at offer-holder events in Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai to welcome and support prospective students who are considering Leeds. Alumni can join this vibrant community and stay connected by following the Leeds Alumni WeChat account.
2. NEW YORK AND SAN FRANCISCO, USA
University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Shearer West travelled to the USA with staff and academics to host two popular alumni events. Shearer called for alumni to play a part in the University’s vision for the future, and guests learned about exciting research at Leeds in health tech, climate and sustainability, the arts and creative and cultural industries.
Our San Francisco event provided a magical moment when Derek Bell (Electrical Engineering 1964) and Bryan Street (Chemistry 1962) were reunited 60 years after last seeing each other.
3. ABUJA, NIGERIA
A reunion event in Abuja helped Dr Andrew Etsetowaghan (MPH 2013) find a long-lost Leeds friend: “I last saw Dr Martina Anababa 12 years ago at the chaplaincy opposite the Parkinson steps. It was wonderful to see him again.” Attendees came from across a wide range of professions and class dates – from 1976 to 2024 – to network with fellow graduates, enjoy a panel discussion, and celebrate shared memories.
4. JAKARTA, INDONESIA
More than 130 alumni met for a day of networking and ideas sharing at the Indonesia Stock Exchange building – and tested their knowledge in a Leeds-based quiz. “What a fantastic melting pot of ideas,” said Novasari Widyaningsih (MA Film Studies 2023). “We discussed how alumni events can support not only our careers but also other aspects of life, such as wellbeing.”
5. DELHI, INDIA
The Vice-Chancellor hosted an exclusive reception with alumni at the High Commission in Delhi. Members of the Leeds delegation also attended a special dinner to thank alumni volunteers who supported recent student recruitment events, organised by Global Alumni Ambassador Deep Chowatia (International Business 2020).
What’s going on in your community?
There have also been recent reunions in Seoul, Toronto, Calgary, Mumbai, Dubai, Hong Kong, Nanjing, and Kolkata. Don’t miss Leeds news and events where you are – join or start a global alumni group local to you.
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