Celebrating Leeds volunteers

In the video below, Phil Steel, Head of Alumni and Supporter Engagement at the University of Leeds, shares the impact volunteers have on enhancing the student experience.

For a decade, the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme (ALMP) has connected Leeds students with senior alumni leaders, opening doors, building confidence, and shaping future careers. As the programme comes to a close, we celebrate its legacy - and the extraordinary mentors who made it possible.

For ten years, ALMP has been one of Leeds’ flagship opportunities for students aspiring to lead in their chosen industries. The programme has paired final year undergraduates with senior alumni and supporters across a wide range of sectors, giving students access to networks, lived experience, and guidance that can change the course of a career.

Over the past decade, ALMP has grown into a community built on generosity and ambition. Many mentors have returned year after year, supporting new cohorts of students and strengthening the programme’s impact. Their commitment has shaped many student journeys, and the University is deeply grateful for their time, expertise, and belief in the next generation.

As one of several mentoring opportunities at the University of Leeds, including eMentoring and faculty specific schemes like the Nurturing Talent Mentoring Scheme, ALMP has played a key role in supporting students at a crucial stage in their development.

Among ALMP’s most dedicated supporters is Roderic Lyne (History 1970), who has mentored through the programme for nine consecutive years, making him one of our longest serving ALMP mentors. His commitment embodies the spirit of the programme and the impact alumni can have when they choose to give back. He spoke to us about how the experience has taken shape over the years and what continues to make it meaningful for him.

Across nearly a decade of mentoring, what have you learned about supporting students as they navigate university and early career decisions?

"I have learned that each mentee has a different agenda. I have hugely enjoyed the variety of personality, background and aspiration of my nine mentees. A mentorship has to be driven by the needs and wishes of the mentees. There is no fixed template.

"I have explained to each mentee my own limitations (dreadfully old, no longer in the workplace, not savvy about the tech world and IT) and suggested a menu in three broad parts: (1) the route map to graduation; (2) next steps after graduation; (3) preparation and skills.

"Where the balance lies between these three elements has depended on the individual mentee. Some have found it useful to have a sounding board outside the university or family to discuss the final stages of a degree course. In almost every case we have debated career options, based on the talents and motivation of the mentee."

It's interesting to hear how you have adapted your mentoring approach to suit the needs of each mentee. Have you noticed any changes in the needs, aspirations, or challenges of the students you have mentored over the years?

"I enjoyed to the full the whole experience of university life when I was at Leeds in the 1960s and the same was true of my daughter at Leeds 25 years ago. I don't think that has changed. There is an extraordinary range of academic options and extra-curricular activities available to today's students.

"What has changed is the financial pressure of fees and loans. When I was a student we all took jobs in the vacations but not in term-time. Many students now organise their lives around part-time jobs. As a broad generalisation, most of the students I have encountered in recent years, not just my mentees, seem to work harder than we did. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the graduate employment market has become much tougher in recent years."

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with Leeds, and what makes the ALMP experience special for you personally?

"It has been a massive privilege for me to be able to build connections with a series of highly intelligent, motivated and interesting younger people: people who represent the future. Mentoring exists for the benefit of the mentee, not the mentor, and I hope my mentees have found it helpful.

"That said, interacting with each of my mentees, being allowed to play a small part in their lives, has been as rewarding as anything I've done in decades. I am delighted that I remain in touch with each of them.

"I have watched them move successfully onto different career paths, in some cases after postgraduate study. One mentee invited me to her graduation; another to her wedding; and another has asked me to give talks at seminars he runs. These continuing contacts and requests for advice mean a lot to me."

What would you say to other alumni who are considering becoming mentors in the future?

"Do it! Do it to give something back. But do it also because you will learn from it, as I have done, and it will enrich your life."

As ALMP concludes, its legacy continues through the mentors who shaped it and the students whose careers it helped launch. While this particular programme is ending, the need for alumni to support students through mentoring remains as important as ever. For alumni looking to make a meaningful difference, mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to do it.

In March 2026, the University of Leeds delivered a series of prospective students events in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. Alumni were an instrumental part of each event, sharing their experiences and fond memories of their time at Leeds. Their stories helped inspire students with offers to study at Leeds and encourage them to consider pursuing a degree with us.

More than 150 volunteers from a wide range of faculties and backgrounds took part in recruitment activities, helping strengthen alumni connections across the region. Thanks to their enthusiasm and generosity, these events were a resounding success.

Each volunteer brought a unique perspective, whether speaking on panels, supporting networking sessions, or contributing to our China Volunteers Spotlight page, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time so generously.

This year, we caught up with volunteers Hongyi, Jieshen and Shihong to hear about their experiences supporting the University of Leeds at these exciting events.

What was it like speaking with prospective students and their families during the event? What did you discuss?

“I felt the attendees were very interested in the ‘real’ student life beyond the brochure. I provided insights into the campus facilities and the city's atmosphere. One student told me that my advice on managing postgraduate workload was particularly helpful for their preparation.”

Hongyi Liu (International Business Law 2018)

"It was a really lovely experience overall. Most of our conversations were focused on academic-related topics, such as whether students can understand and keep up with lectures, practical tips on improving academic results, as well as campus life activities and campus safety."

Jieshen Zheng (Banking and Finance 2023)

How did it feel to reconnect with the University of Leeds through volunteering, what aspect of the event did you enjoy the most?

“I loved the overall vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the event. The energy from the prospective students and their families was infectious. It felt like the Leeds spirit was brought to life in China, which made the volunteering experience very special.”

Hongyi Liu (International Business Law 2018)

“Volunteering  allowed me to reconnect with the University of Leeds in a very warm and authentic way. By taking part in alumni engagement events, networking sessions, and career sharing activities, I found that it brought back a strong sense of belonging and re-established my close bond with the university.

Above all, the sense of warmth, belonging, and shared purpose was what I enjoyed the most, as it reinforced my connection to Leeds and motivated me to keep contributing to its community.”

Shihong Zhang (PhD Fuel & Energy 2001)

Did volunteering give you any new perspectives on your own Leeds experience?

“Without a doubt, volunteering has deepened and enriched my perspective on my time at the University of Leeds. For one thing, the interactions with prospective students helped me better understand the University's cultural identity, humanistic values, and desire to engage with students across the world. It expanded my understanding of Leeds beyond a physical campus to its social impact.

In turn, my experience also strengthened my adaptability, communication and teamwork - skills that bridge academic laboratory research and the low-carbon transformation industry.”

Shihong Zhang (PhD Fuel & Energy 2001)

Would you encourage other alumni to get involved in future events?

“Absolutely, I would strongly encourage fellow alumni to participate in future university events. Taking part is not only a way to give back tot he university but also an opportunity to realise your personal value and expand your professional networks.

“It represents a meaningful way to support the long term and sustainable development of education.”

Shihong Zhang (PhD Fuel & Energy 2001)

"I would absolutely encourage fellow alumni to join similar volunteer events in the future. I have already shared moments from this event on my social media platforms. It is such a rewarding and joyful experience, and it is also a great chance to meet other Leeds graduates. It is a meaningful way to connect past and present students and keep the alumni community close-knit."

Jieshen Zheng (Banking and Finance 2023)

Explore our China volunteers spotlight page to learn more about our fantastic alumni volunteering community!

For the second year running, the University of Leeds Advancement team partnered with the Arts, Humanities & Cultures Employability & Careers Team to host a careers talk and Q&A with Leeds alum and Vogue Runway’s Chief Critic, Sarah Mower MBE. The event brought together students from across the University, particularly those interested in fashion, journalism, and design.

This year, the session was chaired by BA Journalism student Rose Ssemakula, who returned from her year long placement at Adidas to lead the interview with Sarah. Rose first met Sarah at her initial volunteer careers talk for the University, an experience she describes as a moment that reshaped her understanding of what was possible for her future career. “I study journalism, specialising in fashion journalism where I can, so attending the talk was a no‑brainer,” she explains. “It felt like the first time someone was speaking directly to the kind of work I wanted to do.”

Rose’s determination to connect with Sarah was clear from the start. After missing out on the chance to chair the 2024 event, she made sure she didn’t miss a moment - asking questions, staying behind afterwards, and following up through the alumni team. She was balancing her search for an industrial placement with styling work for the Leeds RAG Fashion Show, and she was keen to learn from someone who had built a career in the exact space she hoped to enter.

A couple of months later, Rose received an unexpected email from the University. Sarah had remembered her enthusiasm and wanted to invite her and a small group of students to join her at London Fashion Week. Rose recalls opening the message and thinking “there’s no way this is real”. She replied immediately, telling the team she would “absolutely love to be involved”.

The week that followed gave Rose access to shows, backstage spaces, and industry conversations she had only read about. She and the other students met Sarah each morning for a briefing, mapped out their schedule, and were encouraged to make the most of every opportunity. “The experience really broadened my view of the industry,” Rose says. “It gave me valuable contacts, and I used those to secure a summer internship at a PR agency.”

That internship led to her work being published in Wonderland Magazine, and the skills she gained helped her secure her current placement at Adidas working in brand communication. It’s a chain of opportunities that began with one alumni led event.

That internship led to her work being published in Wonderland Magazine, and the skills she gained helped her secure her current placement at Adidas working in brand communication. It’s a chain of opportunities that began with one alumni led event, and it came full circle when Rose returned to campus to chair Sarah’s most recent careers talk.

This time, Rose wasn’t just an attendee; she was leading the conversation in front of a packed lecture theatre of 100 students. Having worked closely with Sarah at London Fashion Week, she was able to ask thoughtful, informed questions that drew on their shared experience and spoke directly to what she knew her fellow students were curious about. The result was one of the most engaging and energising sessions the team has hosted.

Rose’s story is a testament to what alumni volunteers can offer: not just expertise, but perspective, reassurance, and the kind of real world insight that helps students take their next steps with confidence. It’s a reminder that even a single hour spent sharing experience can have a lasting impact. If you are interested in delivering a career talk or work experience opportunity like Sarah, fill out our Volunteer Registration Form.

Among the range of volunteering roles available within the Plus Programme - a scheme which eases the transition into university for students from under-represented backgrounds - group mentoring offers alumni and supporter volunteers the chance to lead focused conversations about their studies, career paths and building networks. In just an hour, students can ask questions, explore career ideas and speak openly with alumni and supporters who have already navigated the challenges of university and early career decisions.

For volunteers, it is a flexible and meaningful way to make a difference, with sessions taking place online or in person and involving several Plus Programme students at a time.

This year we spoke with Bobby Smithson (Chemistry 2002), who took part in the group mentoring scheme and has a long history of volunteering with Leeds, as well as supporting students through a monthly gift. Now a managing partner working in intellectual property, Bobby is a longstanding alumni volunteer, who first became involved with the University through delivering informal talks to Chemistry students over a decade ago. From there, his talks gradually grew into annual lectures, workshops, and most recently a social mobility group mentoring session with the Plus Programme.

We caught up with Bobby after his group mentoring session to talk about why that experience, along with his ten year history of volunteering with us, continues to be so impactful for him and for students.

Bobby spoke about how his volunteering has grown over the past decade, describing how those early Chemistry talks became a regular part of his year. “It started as something really informal,” he said, “but over time it became an annual lecture and then a proper workshop session. I’ve been doing it for over ten years now, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed watching it evolve as the students’ interests have changed. It’s been a constant thread in my career, and something I’ve always looked forward to.”

He went on to reflect on what keeps him coming back to support students. “I think giving back is important,” he said. “The University gave me so many of the opportunities I’ve had, and being able to support students now feels like closing the loop. It’s genuinely enjoyable too — students are curious, ambitious, and interested in what you do, and that makes the whole experience really worthwhile. When you see them thinking differently or getting excited about something, it reminds you why you do it.”

When reflecting on what motivated him to take that first step, Bobby spoke warmly about his connection to Leeds. He said, “I think there is an element of giving back and supporting future generations. Being involved with the University is nice as well, because it gave me so many of the opportunities I’ve had, so being able to give back feels important.” He added that “students seem to quite like talking about my job because working for intellectual property is a bit different,”, joking that “it helps my ego a bit.”

As we discussed how his volunteering has changed over time, Bobby explained that he had become very used to speaking with Chemistry students, because he understood their academic journey and had walked the same path. He said, “I always felt very comfortable talking to Chemistry students because I studied it and have been there myself.” But delivering a social mobility group mentoring session with Law students opened a new door. “With Law, I didn’t feel that same connection at first,” he said, “but the more senior I got in my role, now as managing partner, the more I felt like I was established and actually had something meaningful to offer Law students too.”

As he described the students he met, Bobby spoke about the mix of ambition and drive he noticed among them. He said there was “an ambition that I think is magnified when you come from a position of hardship, because you feel like you need it more or it’s something you haven’t had.” He recognised this feeling from his own experience, explaining that “you work really hard but feel like you probably shouldn’t get it, and that’s something a lot of people with that level of social mobility face.” He hoped that by being open about his own journey, he could help students see that these feelings are common and can be worked through.

“What struck me was how engaged the students were. They asked thoughtful questions and were really keen to understand what my job involves, and one of them even followed up afterwards to come into the office for some work experience. When someone takes that extra step because they want to learn more you realise the conversation meant something to them, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”

As our conversation drew to a close, Bobby shared what he would say to other alumni considering volunteering. He said, “I think it’s great. It takes a bit of time but not as much as you think, and it’s very fulfilling.” He added that “sparing an hour or two could really change the direction of someone’s thoughts or lives,” especially for students at such formative moments.

Bobby’s story is a reminder that mentoring does not need to be time consuming to be transformative. A single conversation can help a student see new possibilities, build confidence or feel less alone in their ambitions. For alumni, it offers a chance to reconnect with Leeds and to play a small but meaningful part in someone else’s journey.

If you are interested in taking part in mentoring, learning more about the Plus Programme or exploring other volunteering opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

Leeds alumni reunions take place across the world, giving graduates the chance to reconnect, share memories, and feel part of the Leeds community no matter where they live. Recent gatherings in Tokyo and Jakarta and across India show just how global our alumni network is, and how meaningful it can be when former students come together to celebrate their shared experiences.

The India alumni events in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in February 2026 were strong examples of this. Hosted by Leeds University Business School, they brought together graduates from across the region for an evening of discussion on the future of Indian leadership. The sessions were led by Masoud Golshan‑Shirazi, Associate Professor in Global Leadership, who facilitated engaging conversations about the future of Indian Leadership.

The programme united Business School alumni from all three cities, featuring speakers who shared their professional perspectives through fireside conversations and panel discussions. At each event alumni spoke enthusiastically about reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new members of the community.

These India events showcased the value of alumni stepping forward to support the University. A similar spirit of connection was felt in Tokyo, where Leeds graduates gathered in November 2025 to share memories and welcome new members into the alumni community. Though smaller in scale, the event carried the same warmth and sense of belonging, reminding attendees that Leeds remains a shared touchpoint no matter how far they’ve travelled.

Hosted as part of a wider Southeast Asia engagement initiative with the School of Law, a similar reunion in Jakarta brought together Leeds graduates working across corporate law, government policy, banking, and academia. The atmosphere was warm and reflective, with alumni sharing stories about their time in Leeds and the impact their degrees have had on their lives.

Dr Ilaria Zavoli, who travelled to Jakarta to meet the group, said it was incredibly inspiring "to hear how a Leeds education has empowered these graduates to change their lives”. Many alumni spoke about the support they received during their studies and how those experiences shaped their confidence and career direction.

For Dr Zavoli, the visit was a powerful reminder of how important it is to maintain strong relationships with our alumni across the world. These connections not only celebrate the achievements of Leeds graduates but also help inspire future students by showing them what’s possible. Several alumni shared that they first discovered the University of Leeds through recommendations from fellow graduates, demonstrating how influential these networks can be.

Each event reinforced the idea that Leeds is not just a place where people study, but a community that continues long after graduation. Together, these reunions show the strength and reach of the Leeds alumni network. They remind us that wherever our graduates go, they remain part of a global community that supports, celebrates, and stays connected.

Learn more about global alumni groups and how to get involved in events in your area.

This Volunteers’ Week, we proudly recognise the commitment and impact of our Leaders in Residence (LIR), industry professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to support students across Leeds University Business School. 

Established in 2014, LIR embeds industry professionals directly into taught modules, giving students equitable access to real‑world insight, feedback and professional networks. Today, 120 Leaders support students each semester across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with around half of the network made up of University of Leeds alumni. 

The LIR programme was shortlisted this year for a national employability award by the Graduate Futures Institute, a testament to the commitment and positive impact of our volunteers. 

Leaders contribute in a wide range of ways, from small group mentoring sessions that build commercial awareness and communication skills, to interactive business challenges where students tackle real organisational problems. They share expertise through guest talks, panels and Q&A sessions, and offer constructive presentation feedback that helps students grow in confidence. Over the past year alone, Leaders have made more than 100 contributions across 25 taught modules, each one centred on active participation, authentic insight and meaningful professional development.

Their motivations for volunteering are as diverse as their backgrounds, yet a shared sense of purpose runs through every contribution. For many, the experience is as enriching for them as it is for the students they support.

The impact on students is consistently clear. In Semester 1 of this year, 94% of students rated their sessions with Leaders 4 or 5 stars, 93% reported increased commercial awareness, and 91% reported improved communication and networking skills.

Beyond the data, Leaders help students understand employer expectations, develop a professional identity and build relationships that often lead to internships, placements and graduate roles. This semester alone, students benefited from expert talks on strategy, technology, operations and management; panel discussions exploring leadership and decision making; and group mentoring sessions supporting more than 200 students to develop their professional skills.

Programme Coordinator Emily Crosbie reflects on this impact, emphasising that the Leaders in Residence programme simply wouldn’t exist without the dedication of its volunteers. "Their willingness to give their time, insight and encouragement has an incredible impact on our students' confidence, skills and aspirations. Volunteers' Week is a great opportunity to say thank you to all our Leaders for the difference they make throughout the academic year."

Each year, alumni return to Leeds to share their experiences, insights and career journeys with current students. These talks take many forms, from high profile speakers filling lecture theatres to smaller scale panel discussions that spark confidence and creativity. Together, they show the breadth of ways alumni can support students and the impact a single story can have.

Panel talks are one of the most engaging formats, bringing together a group of alumni to discuss their career paths, answer questions and offer practical advice in an open, conversational setting. These sessions give students the chance to hear a range of perspectives at once, making them a valuable space for exploring industries, building confidence and expanding networks.

This year, students benefited from a number of these panel events, including the School of English alumni talk featuring Holly Harrison (English Language and Literature 2024) , who works as a Marketing Coordinator at Don Whitley Scientific. Holly returned to campus to speak on an alumni panel for final year students, sharing her postgraduate journey into scientific marketing, a field many English graduates may not initially consider. Alongside fellow alumni, she offered an honest look at how her degree shaped her career path and how she navigated the transition from university to industry.

Reflecting on the event, Holly spoke about how energising it was to show students what a creative role in a scientific environment actually looks like. She described how “working with people across so many departments means I’m constantly exposed to new knowledge and ways of thinking,” something she finds both motivating and creatively fulfilling. Her insights helped students see how their own skills could translate into career paths they may not have previously considered.

Another example of smaller, discussion based alumni talks is the Creative Life Stories panel in October, where Chloe Baldwin (Graphic and Communication Design 2016) returned to campus to speak with a classroom sized group of students about her journey in the creative industries.

Chloe, co‑founder of the creative agency Buttercrumble, described the experience as both nostalgic and energising. “I returned to the University of Leeds alongside my fellow alumna, business partner and twin sister to relive some happy memories and — most importantly — to take part in the Creative Life Stories panel event,” she said. “We spent the afternoon on campus speaking with students about our experience of Leeds and starting up our own creative agency, Buttercrumble.”

Her sister Abigail (Graphic and Communication Design 2016) joined a panel of creatives from across the industry, while Chloe took part in speed networking sessions afterwards. These smaller conversations, she explained, were some of the most meaningful. “The event was rewarding, enjoyable and inspiring,” she said. “Community was a key theme of the session as all the panellists expressed the importance of networking and collaboration. I came away from the session feeling grateful for my own expanding community.”

One moment stayed with her in particular. “A student shared their photography portfolio during the speed‑networking,” she recalled. “He was an international student, new to Leeds, and his photographs of the city gave me a refreshed view. It felt refreshing to see things from his creative perspective, and I was appreciative that he followed up with me after the event.”

Returning as an alum also gave Chloe space to reflect on her own journey. “My sister and I were the first in our immediate family to graduate from university, and that was made possible through the brilliant cheerleaders we’ve met throughout the years,” she said. “I’m glad I made the most of opportunities outside my classes — like panels and workshops — during my time at Leeds, as they helped me to start the business I run alongside my sister.”

When asked what she hoped students took away from the event, Chloe emphasised the importance of community and connection. “The creative industries are notoriously difficult, and community — or lack of it — can make or break your career. It’s important to embrace the community that Leeds provides.”

Holly and Chloe’s experience is a reminder that inspirational career talks don’t have to take place in packed lecture theatres to make an impact. Whether speaking to hundreds of students or sitting on a panel in a seminar room, alumni voices help students imagine their futures, build confidence and feel part of a wider community. If you’re interested in sharing your own story, you can explore volunteering opportunities or learn more about alumni engagement at Leeds.