US alumni meet up at East Coast receptions

Hundreds of Imperial alumni reunited at British Consulates in Boston, Chicago and New York in early November.

Imperial graduates and guests heard updates on College developments from President & Rector Sir Keith O’Nions, while Vice President (Development & Innovation) Professor David Gann explained the College’s vision for Imperial West, the College’s major new research and translation campus.

Sir Keith shared the news that – thanks in part to many of those present – alumni donations have hit an all-time with 4,646 people donating to the College last year.

Alumni gathered in Boston included Dr Nazila Kamaly, who completed her PhD in Chemistry at Imperial in 2007. Dr Kamaly, who currently works at Harvard and MIT as a nanotechnology researcher specialising in the treatment of cancer and heart disease, said she “loves the collaborative style of research” that she developed at Imperial, and still defines her work ethic. She looked back fondly on the College’s 2007 centenary celebrations.

Infectious disease epidemiologists Dr Bill Hanage and Dr Helen Jenkins also joined fellow alumni in Boston. The couple, who are now married with two children, met at Imperial. 

Dr Hanage took the chance to catch up with Sir Keith, having spent several years in the early 2000s sharing train rides when they both worked in Oxford. Dr Jenkins had flown from a conference in Paris via London especially to attend the reunion. Both are regular visitors to London and are looking forward to using Imperial’s new Alumni Visitor Centre.

Dr Jenkins praised Imperial’s School of Public Health as “the best in the world at what they do,” adding “I wouldn’t be where I am now without my start at Imperial.”

Favourite memories

In Chicago, Dr Asad Cheema, reminisced about his time at St Mary’s during the “very exciting transition moment” as it integrated with Imperial; “there was a sense of excitement and opportunity”. He still sees Imperial as “outstanding at bringing together the diverse branches of science, technology, business and medicine, cultivating excellence”.

Dr Cheema heard about the Chicago event having only recently signed up for Imperial’s Alumni e-bulletin, and is now keen to attend more.

For the New York reception, chartered accountant Michael Bacon travelled across states from Philadelphia to attend his first reunion since 1987 when he graduated in Physics. 

His favourite memory from his Imperial days was singing in the College Choir under the direction of Professor Eric Brown from Civil Engineering, including a performance in the Royal Albert Hall on Commemoration Day.

Mr Bacon spoke of his “great pride in being associated with the Imperial brand” and the confidence it gave him in his career.  

Dr Egidjius Auksorius, who graduated in Physics in 2008, thoroughly enjoyed the New York event’s networking opportunities and chances to meet new people. With fond memories of evenings spent in the Queen’s Arms, Builder’s Arms and other South Kensington watering holes, Dr Auksorius still enjoys an occasional drink with old Imperial friends.