Your Manchester North America Magazine 2018/19

YOUR MANCHESTER NORTH AMERICA MAGAZINE

WINTER 2018/19

GIVE20 EDITION: celebrating 20 years of support from the United States and Canada Your impact

Beyond the faรงade

20 years of support at the University

Two of our students share their experiences and plans for the future

Explore the history of the University through its buildings

The history of The North American Foundation for the University of Manchester

GIVE20 EDITION: celebrating 20 years of support from the United States and Canada | 3

University news Welcome from Gian Fulgoni, NAFUM President

I hope you enjoy reading this special GIVE20 edition of the magazine, which will provide you with updates and news from Manchester, stories of what our fantastic scholarship students have achieved, and a look back at the history of the University.

The University of Manchester has reached its highest ever position in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Manchester is listed as the 34th best institution in the world, jumping four places in comparison to last year’s results. The table also ranks us as the 8th best university in Europe and 6th in the UK. The ARWU ranks the world’s top universities using six key indicators including the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes (25 for Manchester) and Fields Medals, number of highly cited researchers selected

by Clarivate Analytics and the number of articles published in academic journals.

The University has also surged 27 places to 53rd on the prestigious ‘Reuters Top 100: The World's Most Innovative Universities’ list, and has jumped five places in the latest QS World University Rankings - to a position of 29th – equalling its highest ever listing.

We’ll also look at the achievements of our alumni in North America and review the landmark events of the last 20 years.

The place to be

The North American Foundation for The University of Manchester (NAFUM) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to charitable and educational purposes.

It fills me with great pride that this year marks the 20th anniversary of NAFUM – an organisation where I’ve served on the board since its foundation, and as its president for the last five years.

I have very fond memories of my time at Manchester, and like the vast majority of people, I see my time at Manchester as life-changing. The University gave me a lot, so the opportunity to be able to pay some of that back over these last 20 years with NAFUM has been hugely gratifying and rewarding.

Over the last two decades, I’m delighted to say that we’ve contributed over $10 million to the University, which has funded ground-breaking research, and scholarships for disadvantaged students who may not otherwise have been able to attend university.

Members of our alumni community in North America have also donated countless hours of their time to meet, mentor and offer advice to current Manchester students.

But more than that, NAFUM has also built up a community of Manchester alumni across the US through regular events and meetings.

University reaches highest ever position in latest world rankings

In celebration of 20 years of North American support, we formulated a campaign - namely GIVE20, to thank our donors and alumni volunteers and encourage more of you to become involved with the alumni community.

I’d like to thank each and every one of you who has become involved with NAFUM over the past 20 years. And I’d like to reach out and encourage all of you who haven't already done so, to get involved - whether that’s through giving a gift, volunteering your time, or just attending an event.

NAFUM is a great organisation supporting a great university. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved over these last 20 years, and I’m really excited for what we can achieve with your help in the future.

Manchester has been named one of the best cities worldwide for young people to live in, according to the Millennial City Ranking 2018. Out of 110 cities, Manchester made the top 10 list that looks at four main concerns – does the city have available work, can young people afford to live a good life, is the city open and tolerant, and recreation.

Manchester welcomes two new Fulbright US-UK exchange programme recipients The University of Manchester has welcomed two recipients of the Fulbright Programme awards from the USA, one a previous recipient and one a student.

Founded in 1948, the Fulbright Programme was the brainchild of US Senator J. William Fulbright, who believed that nations would never again find reason to go to war if people had the opportunity to immerse themselves in each other’s cultures. His chosen vehicle was an academic exchange programme that would be implemented around the world.

Cathleen Miller, Professor of Creative Nonfiction at San Jose State University, is the recipient of the Fulbright-University of Manchester Distinguished Chair Award.

The award supports eminent American scholars with a distinguished publication and teaching record in the humanities. In Manchester, Cathleen will be interviewing female immigrants who have travelled alone to the UK seeking a new home and will also teach creative nonfiction.

Faye Zhang, who is studying for a master's degree in Visual Anthropology at Harvard University, joins as the recipient of the Fulbright-University of Manchester Postgraduate Award. Born in China and raised in the American Midwest, she is trained as a nonfiction writer and comic artist. During her year in Manchester, Faye will use her research and creative skills to complete a project on Chinese healthcare.

Ice age discovery may reveal early migration route of first Americans A group of researchers have discovered that the retreat of an ancient ice sheet from the western coast of Canada occurred earlier than previously thought, which may have allowed early Europeans to migrate to North America on land.

Dr Christopher Darvill from the University’s Geography department is the lead author on a new paper published in Geophysical Research Letters.

Darvill and his co-authors studied the Cordilleran Ice Sheet in North America - which once covered an area the size of the Greenland Ice Sheet - to improve our understanding of past climate and ancient human migration.

The retreat of the ice sheet determined when routes were opened, which allowed

3D-printed robot prosthetic limb

Engineering students have designed and built a 3D-printed, low-cost, robotic prosthetic hand that could provide a much cheaper alternative for amputees. The hand’s joints are all fully posable with each individual finger and thumb being able to move as well as make a fist. The functionality of the hand allows its user to do simple everyday tasks such as picking up items, eating using a knife and fork,

ancient people to migrate south into the Americas. Which route was used – and when – remains a highly contentious topic among archaeologists and geologists.

Darvill and colleagues from universities in Canada and the USA used a helicopter to reach remote island locations along the Canadian coast. The team chipped rock samples from the tops of boulders and bedrock, before taking them back to a lab to investigate further.

They found sites close to the present coastline were exposed at least 17,700 years ago, suggesting islands along the coastline were ice-free at this time. Some higher locations were exposed even earlier. This is significant because it suggests an early route along the coastline of Canada might have been viable well before an alternative, inland route.

The findings should help archaeologists target investigations tracing the migration pathways of early people into the Americas.

"Our work changes the model of when this ice sheet retreated in the past, improving our understanding of past climate change over western North America," said Darvill.

"The new findings add an exciting piece to the puzzle surrounding the colonisation of the continent."

typing, clicking a mouse or opening doors.

The hand also comes with Bluetooth connection and an Android app for a smartphone. It is controlled by muscle sensors placed on the wearer’s arm that can be paired to the app, which was also designed by the group. Alex AgboolaDobson, a master’s student from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, explains, “The functionality is customised through the phone app, but the muscle sensors provide the control by moving the hand whenever necessary. It is really simple to use.”

The design was named ‘best new development’ in the Digital Innovation Challenge at the Industry 4.0 Summit and Factories of the Future Expo 2018, held in Manchester.

Keep up-to-date with University news by making sure your contact details are accurate. Visit your.manchester.ac.uk/update

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Eva was one of the first ever NAFUM scholars, and studied a PhD at Manchester in 1999. She’s now in Puerto Rico working to ensure all students become critical readers and are able to meet their highest aspirations.

Lifelong lessons from a PhD at Manchester

Decades of research in education demonstrate that reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a critical indicator of future academic success. Until now, no comprehensive analysis had been done to see whether Puerto Rico fell into this global trend.

Eva came to England to complete a PhD in Social Anthropology in 1999. She was one of the first group of students that benefited from NAFUM support through scholarships and travel awards.

Dr Eva Villalón-Soler, who was one of the first ever NAFUM scholars at Manchester, is now working at the Flamboyan Foundation in Puerto Rico campaigning for change - to improve the academic achievements of all children and to address the disparity that is so clearly linked with socioeconomic factors.

In her role as Senior Director, Research, Policy and Evaluation at the Flamboyan Foundation, Eva has recently undertaken in two applied research initiatives which have revealed a widespread risk of developing reading difficulties among elementary school students within the public school system in Puerto Rico.

In collaboration with the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, they delivered a first-of-its-kind analysis of administrative data from the Puerto Rico Department of Education, shedding light on a series of factors that negatively impact the academic achievement of the youngest students, including pervasive poverty and chronic absenteeism. Working with researchers Cynthia García Coll and Israel Sánchez Cardona, from the University of Puerto Rico and Carlos Albizu University, respectively, the second study assessed reading levels of a sample of students in public and private schools on the island, revealing low levels of reading achievement in inverse relationship to socioeconomic indicators.

The presentation of both studies last September has opened a multi-sectoral dialogue on these issues on the island and sparked further collaborations for research, advocacy and interventions.

Eva was drawn to Manchester because of the academic work of Professor John Gledhill. Their shared interest in Mexican migration motivated Eva to apply for a doctorate in the Anthropology department.

“It was an absolute privilege to complete a PhD in Social Anthropology at Manchester, and to have the financial support of [the Graduate School of Social Sciences and Law and] the North American alumni.”

Education matters

A fairer education system

Eva’s interest in public education is what led her to the Flamboyan Foundation, whose mission is to improve educational outcomes for children and youth most impacted by inequity. In Puerto Rico, Flamboyan’s work focusses on early grade literacy and ensuring all students read at grade level by the end of the third grade.

Eva’s role helps build the knowledge and research base required to inform early literacy interventions, policies and practices to meet Flamboyan’s mission.

“The research I did

was definitely a highlight of my life.

”

Eva’s determination to tackle these issues is something that began during her time completing a PhD at Manchester.

“The work I’m doing right now in service of a more equitable education system in Puerto Rico has been heavily influenced by the unique framework for understanding people´s views, values and practices that I explored studying social anthropology in Manchester.”

Eva takes a lot of pride in the collaborative and applied character of her work and can relate it directly to the knowledge and skills she acquired during her time at Manchester.

Eva’s thesis was a study of Mexican immigration to the United States, and her NAFUM scholarship was crucial in allowing her to conduct her research.

“The scholarship enabled me to carry out field work. I was really lucky to be able to do this over 18 months. Having the opportunity to go through the process of ethnography and extended participant observation of people’s journeys, like we did through the PhD process, is simply a priceless experience from which the list of lessons is never-ending”.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, Eva feels her PhD was a special period in her life. “The research I did was definitely a highlight of my life. It was an incredible experience that gave me a lot of perspective. I am so humbled and grateful to the donors who sponsored the NAFUM Travel Award. Being able to spend 18 months at two different sites in Mexico and the US was so important to my studies overall. It was a time in my life that had a big impact.”

Ambitions for the future Looking to the future, Eva is hoping for change in Puerto Rico’s education system.

“Over the next 10 years we hope to be a catalytic force in island-wide efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for our youngest students”.

Since Eva completed her PhD, donors to NAFUM have supported a further 330 students. NAFUM has strengthened the North American and British connection but the impact of donors has been a truly global one. Scholarships and travel awards have enabled scholars hailing from Sri Lanka and South Africa to Melbourne and Los Angeles, to access a Manchester education and go on to transform their careers and in many cases their communities.

“I feel humbled to know I was among the first to receive a scholarship from donations made by North American alumni. Reconnecting with the University to remember my time at Manchester has been special, and I would love to keep this connection going. Alumni are an invaluable source of support for the University and I hope to continue that tradition”.

“I feel humbled to

know I was among the first to receive a scholarship from donations made by North American alumni.

”

Eva Villalón-Soler Senior Director, Research, Policy and Evaluation Flamboyan Foundation

To help more people like Eva gain the skills they need to make the future brighter for others, visit manchester.ac.uk/give20 to donate to NAFUM.

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Overcoming challenges At The University of Manchester, we recognise the challenges that come with accepting a place at university. The support we’re able to provide thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters in North America and worldwide enables outstanding students from all backgrounds to benefit fully from a University of Manchester education. We believe there should be no barriers to studying and no boundaries to learning.

Sonia Singh

Donor-supported programmes:

BA Theological Studies in Philosophy and Ethics

Undergraduate Access Scholarship and Toronto Global Graduates programme 2017

Sonia hails from Greater Manchester.

Challenge: When I was growing up I never really thought about going to university. It was more my time at college that stimulated the notion of going to university. The Manchester Access Programme really encouraged me to apply.

I’m from the first generation in my family to attend university, but I’m really enjoying it. Prior to the Global Graduates programme though, I really struggled with communicating in a professional environment.

How has the scholarship and participation in the Global Graduates programme helped you?

Coming onto campus alone was a bit daunting and not knowing anyone was really scary, but I am really glad I did the access course, because it got me here now.

The MAP scholarship helped me in many ways. I live at home which has worked out much cheaper but there are still transport costs that I need to cover, books and

Two students from very different backgrounds reveal the challenges they have faced, the support North American alumni have provided to them and the impact this has had on their lives.

funding for different equipment and resources.

I gained a lot of personal development as well as professional networking and communication skills by travelling to Canada on the Global Graduates programme. I could definitely see a big growth in my own personal confidence.

I knew it was something I needed to work on for my professional career.

What have you done since returning to Manchester?

My time in Toronto made me realise how lucky we are to have support from alumni.

Because of this, I set up the Donor Impact Society to raise awareness of the different opportunities, scholarships and bursaries that are available to students thanks to the support of alumni. The society aims to communicate with students across campus about donor impact and help those in need.

I want to say a huge thank you to the alumni who give regularly to my scholarship and the Global Graduates programme, and the alumni who volunteered their time to meet me in Toronto. It has helped me in so many ways and set me up for my career once I graduate.

The Global Graduates programme This exclusive programme for undergraduate students at the University gives them the opportunity to spend one week meeting with alumni in one of our host cities across the world. Thanks to the generous funding of donors, in partnership with the University, the programme gives students the skills employers are looking for confidence in dealing with professionals, a network of contacts and cultural agility.

Samuel Mugisha

Donor-supported programme:

MSc Computer Science

Sear Equity and Merit Scholarship

Samuel came to Manchester from Kabale in South-West Uganda.

Challenge: I have experienced first-hand the challenges of the healthcare system in my home country of Uganda. It’s obvious that there is a need for help. I first gained experience working in the health sector while studying for my undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering at Mbarara University in Uganda, where I spent some time working as a research assistant on a mobile phone app for Marie Stopes Uganda. Following a generous gift from the researcher who was assisting me, my colleagues and I founded a company.

A year later, in partnership with Health Child Uganda, we developed a mobile phone app that village team members could use to record key information on each newborn baby and started selling software packages to hospitals. Now, all children in three hospitals with the software are being triaged. We know that babies would have died in the queue if they hadn’t been identified early but, because the software allows for effective triage, their lives have been saved.

To bring this software to more hospitals and make a bigger impact, I realised I needed to improve my knowledge and

gain an advanced degree in computer science. That is when I looked into applying for the Equity and Merit scholarship at Manchester.

How has the Equity and Merit scholarship helped you?

My scholarship allowed me to study for a master’s degree at Manchester. It’s a very big opportunity for me. When I told my father that I had been accepted onto the programme, he couldn’t believe it. He never thought that one day I’d be at one of the best universities in the world.

Now, I feel like I can approach anyone, talk to them and pitch my ideas, and I feel like I really understand my field a lot better. I’m really very grateful for the scholarship. It means so much to me. There is a common saying in our language: when someone gives you a gift, what you do with the gift is actually the gift you give back to them.

So when donors give towards scholarships like mine, actually the gift they receive is the work that we do after that. The impact that they create through us is huge.

What are your hopes for the future?

My ambition is for there to be an electronic health record for every patient in Uganda.

We want to have this software used in every hospital. It’s a very big challenge but it’s what we hope to do.

Equity & Merit scholarships assist talented but economically disadvantaged master’s students from some of the world’s poorest countries. Donors to the University and NAFUM fund the students’ living, travel and visa costs, while the University covers their tuition fees.

To support students like Sonia and Samuel, or to find out more about our GIVE20 campaign, visit manchester.ac.uk/give20

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Over the pond and into orbit As she steps closer to her mother and aunt, a wide smile appears on her face as she poses for the camera. With her smart cap and gown, she’s just like anyone else attending graduation, excitedly returning to Manchester with proud relatives by their side. But Julia has been here before. Twice in fact. When Dr Julia Tizard returned to Manchester in July 2018, she collected her latest accolade – the University’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

The award is presented to alumni who have achieved distinction in their professions through exemplary service to the University or the wider community or through outstanding service of a personal or humanitarian nature.

Julia’s career has taken her on an extraordinary path. Originally from Lancashire in England, Julia completed a master’s in Physics with Astrophysics in 2002, followed by a PhD in Planetary Science in 2005 in Manchester. She decided to move to London to work for a start-up with big ambitions - making spaceflight available commercially. With Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson wanted to put a product on the market for the public to experience spaceflight, to see our planet from the vantage of space. Virgin Galactic’s business aim is to open access to space, to change the world for good. Julia moved to the Mojave Desert in California, as Operations Director, more recently taking on the role of Vice President leading a senior staff team to run day-to-day operations of the spaceline and co-developing strategic direction for the business.

Delivering her acceptance speech for the Outstanding Alumni Award, Julia reflected on the life lessons learnt while

in Manchester. “Physics taught me humility. Viewing the world from the quantum to the infinite, and exercising my mind to have even the smallest appreciation of either, gives me great perspective and wonder. Barriers can seem small or large depending on context you put around them.”

As a female leader in a male dominated aerospace industry, Julia is now considered a role model for science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, commonly known as STEM. Speaking after the ceremony, she advised students to “be bold, be brave and go for the biggest goals you can imagine.”

Sir Richard Branson has also recognised the importance of visibility of female role models: - “Only when young girls see top leadership roles earned and filled by women will they be inspired to study sciences and engineering and apply their creativity, communication skills and teamwork to space exploration.”

Julia is striving to make the extraordinary more ordinary and empowering others to do the same. When speaking to students she implored them to “create and recreate your new normal, have humility in it and champion others to do the same. See what you are capable of.”

Outstanding Alumni Awards were also presented to: Professor Mike Ferguson CBE, FRS, FRSE, FMedSci who is the Regius Professor of Life Sciences and Academic Lead for Life Sciences Research Strategy at The University of Dundee. He has dedicated his career to studying the biochemistry of parasites that cause tropical diseases and is a worldrenowned expert in his field.

Sara Khan (MPharm Pharmacy 2002) is one of the UK’s leading Muslim voices on countering extremism and promoting human rights and Lead Commissioner for the Commission for Countering Extremism, a non-statutory expert committee of the Home Office. The Home Office is a ministerial department of Her Majesty's UK Government, responsible for immigration, security and law and order.

Watch Julia's interview - search for The University of Manchester Alumni Association on YouTube

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Beyond the façade: exploring the history of the University through its buildings The buildings of The University of Manchester are urban landmarks passed by thousands every day.

But how many know the stories behind the buildings, their original purpose and their architectural features?

Foundations

A Period of Rapid Development

The University of Manchester can trace its origins to the Manchester Mechanics' Institution, founded in 1824 as part of a national movement for the education of working men. Its first building was near St Peter’s Square. Growth was sufficient to need a new building, which was opened in 1853 on Princess Street.

Over the course of 30 years, the campus as we know it today, began to take shape.

Owens College was moved to a new building which opened in 1873, with the adjoining chemistry buildings completed simultaneously.

Developing Owens College

The Extension Movement

Owens College, the precursor of the Victoria University of Manchester, was opened on Quay Street in the city centre in 1851 and moved to Oxford Road in the 1870s.

As the University moved more towards conducting research and teaching more suited to the needs of industrial Manchester - under the guidance of academics like chemist Henry Roscoe - it began to outgrow its city centre premises.

The College was created thanks to a legacy from the industrialist and philanthropist John Owens - who left £96,942 (equivalent to £10 million today) to: - "Provide youths of age 14 and upwards instruction in the branches of education taught at English universities, free from religious tests."

Owens College was the only university college outside of London not requiring entrants to be members of the Church of England at that time. This was crucial to the population of Manchester, which had a large percentage of Christians who did not conform to the established church.

This established a liberal tradition which would go on to influence the origins of The University of Manchester.

Thus began the extension movement, whereby the College sought public subscriptions and donations to enable them to purchase a larger site and new premises to the south of the city in what was then a leafy suburb.

Construction on the quad began in 1870. The first of the buildings, which would become the Christie Building, was designed by Alfred Waterhouse architect of the Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.

In 1874 the first medical school was completed, with an extension added in 1894. The Beyer Building and what is now the museum were added in 1888.

The Christie Library, now the Christie Building and Bistro - was completed in 1898. Constructed between 1898 and 1902, Whitworth Hall remains the setting for exams and ceremonious occasions.

The great window includes coats of arms of the 'textile towns', celebrating the University as a 'centre of intelligence' for an industrial region which then dominated the world trade in cotton. Panels inside the hall commemorate the many local citizens who supported the University from its origins nearly two centuries ago.

Opened in 1902, the Sackville Street building has been home to the study of science, technology and engineering at Manchester for over 100 years. The building went on to house the historical Godlee Observatory which sits on the roof of the building. The Observatory is still in use by the Manchester Astronomical Society.

A campus for modern learning In the early days, Owens College became associated with learning suited to the industrial setting of the city. This tradition was maintained as the institution transformed into the Victoria University of Manchester at its new site.

This was reflected in the construction and furnishing of the buildings used to study the sciences, in particular chemistry and medicine. In testament to this, pioneer chemist Henry Roscoe was said to have turned down a prestigious position in Oxford on the basis that the facilities were inferior to those at Manchester.

The medical school underwent significant extension and modernisation in recognition of the vast scope of development of the field of medical education during the time when the University buildings were in construction.

While the University itself was introducing new ideas about education and research in England, the emerging campus drew heavily on the ancient colleges of Oxbridge. This represented a deliberate choice from architect Alfred Waterhouse who wanted to ensure that the campus suggested a reassuring longevity and sense of continuity. Differing heights of buildings were used to suggest incremental development over a number of years when in reality the entire campus at that time was created over a period of 30 years.

Similarly the details of the building reveal Waterhouse's desire to reflect the inclusive nature of the institution. His notes about the drawings on the grand staircase reveal that the figures at the bottom depict a nobleman and women, while at the top of the stairs are faces of commoners.

The great philanthropists who contributed to these pivotal buildings are also recognised. Christie is seen in this stained glass window, in recognition of his donation of the building and his collection of books to the University, which are now held in the John Rylands Library.

What do we learn by looking at these buildings?

The history of the buildings at the centre of today's University provide a visual representation of what it was to create a university in the north of England at the end of the 19th century. Campus development over this period shows a requirement to represent the needs of an increasingly industrial city and its populace, with modern facilities for education in sciences and mechanics, while using established symbols to evoke a reassuring sense of kudos and continuity.

If you would like to learn more about University heritage, visit the timeline at timeline.manchester.ac.uk If you’re visiting campus, join one of the University's heritage tours manchester.ac.uk/heritagetours

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20 years of support for The University of Manchester

The North American Foundation for the University of Manchester (NAFUM) is established to support the University’s work and enhance our reputation in the US.

1998

1999

2001

UN

To date, NAFUM has raised over

70 students supported

by NAFUM scholarships since NAFUM was established.

Global Graduates is launched This programme has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the generous support of our donors and alumni volunteers.

$10 million

DATION

Y DA

FO

The Manchester Access Programme was established To date, over 1,900 students have successfully gained a place at The University of Manchester following the programme.

2004

2006

2010

2011

2012

2016

1,000 The first NAFUM scholarships are awarded to four American students. Read an interview with one of the first NAFUM scholars, Eva VillalĂłn-Soler (see page 5).

The first NAFUM Fulbright Award is given to Kiran Kakarala for a master's degree in Health Care Ethics & Law.

The University of Manchester is formed The Victoria University of Manchester (established 1851) and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (established 1824) merge to form one of the largest universities in the UK.

Almost 1,000 donors have supported NAFUM since 1998.

Student callers have helped NAFUM raise $4,000,000 from alumni in North America, to support students and projects across the University.

Over the past 20 years, 331 students and researchers have been supported by donors to NAFUM.

Continue the tradition of giving, donate today your.manchester.ac.uk/donate/usa your.manchester.ac.uk/donate/canada

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Connecting Manchester with North America

Photographs by Mark Waugh

With around 11,000 Manchester alumni located across the US and Canada, North America represents one of the largest areas of alumni concentration.

Members of our leadership team, including President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell visit the region each year to meet alumni.

To support connectivity between the University and our graduates, we established alumni groups following these steps:

In June 2018, for the first time, alumni groups all over the world were invited to participate in a global celebration of 'Manchester Day'. Led by Manchester City Council and cultural organisations closely tied with the city, the city of Manchester is celebrated each year for its vibrancy, culture and diversity with a beautiful street parade across the city complete with street performers entertaining the crowds.

This year, alumni were invited to take part in their own celebrations for 'Manchester Day'. We were overwhelmed with the response: 17 cities took part with events run by almost 40 alumni volunteers with over 300 alumni taking part. Graduates in New York and San Francisco joined in – celebrating in style!

1. We use available data to determine which cities and regions have the highest concentrations of alumni; 2. Alumni receptions and online research have helped us to identify and recruit a team of alumni volunteers; 3.

We discuss opportunities for activity with the alumni volunteer team (e.g. networking, professional mixer events, cultural enrichment and academic engagement);

4. We collaborate to plan an annual programme of regular events to connect alumni face-to-face and to promote online networking through platforms such as The Manchester Network, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Six alumni groups have been established so far in: – New York – San Francisco – Chicago – Boston – Washington DC – Atlanta The activity already undertaken jointly with our volunteer teams includes: –

–

–

–

–

cultural excursions including theatre visits to see plays written by Shakespeare; social gatherings - from curries and pub quizzes to garden parties and boat races; academic engagement; through our travelling academics programme known as 'Coffee House Connections'; professional networking, hosted by alumni at the companies they represent and prospective student engagement at events for Manchester offer-holders and recruitment exhibitions.

Plans for the future: We have newly established groups or groups emerging soon in: – Los Angeles – San Diego – Toronto We're also exploring the potential for establishing groups in south states in the US, beginning with the larger cities in Texas, including Dallas and Houston.

Reach out to an alumni community near you – visit your.manchester.ac.uk/north-america or email Markus Karlsson-Jones at Markus.Karlsson-Jones@manchester.ac.uk

Pankhurst Turing Cumberbatch Cox

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Get connected with the Manchester Network The University of Manchester’s online professional networking service for alumni and students.

GIVE THE NEXT GENERATION OF STARS THE CHANCE TO SHINE AT YOUR OLD UNIVERSITY. Please make a gift to help candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds enjoy the opportunities to study that you did at The University of Manchester.

You can make a donation by post using the enclosed donation form or give securely online at… your.manchester.ac.uk/donate/usa your.manchester.ac.uk/donate/canada

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Division of Development and Alumni Relations The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL The North America Foundation for The University of Manchester PO Box 293 Littleton MA 01460 Tel: (978) 772-1875 www.manchester.ac.uk/give20 #GIVE20 #SupportUOM The University of Manchester is an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011.

Charities Division of HM Revenue and Customs reference number: XR82062.

NAFUM is a 501(c)3 registered organisation in the US.