Sharing the impact of volunteering this National Volunteers’ Week
So far, this National Volunteers’ Week, we have recapped the activity of the past year, celebrated the important role of our international ambassadors, and shared alumni volunteering opportunities if you’re feeling inspired to get involved. Next, we wanted to highlight the true impact that volunteering has on our University community. Our alumni volunteers share original thoughts and experiences to help shape our community for the better, and the impact of their 6,500 volunteering hours cannot be overstated!
Alumni Associations: University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association
Liverpool Vet Squash Society
The Vet Student Fund provides funding to support veterinary students in need and improve their wellbeing and development. Each year, the University of Liverpool Alumni Association (ULVAA) committee of alumni volunteers disburse funds to a variety of School of Veterinary Science Student Societies. One recipient this year was the Liverpool Vet Squash Society, who told us about the impact this has had:
“Our weekly squash sessions, which are appreciated by our vet student members, would not be possible without the help of ULVAA. We were able to buy new rackets with the money your association granted us, so our members would always have access to quality equipment for practice sessions. Your help also made it possible for us to repay committee members who had purchased gym memberships to be able to reserve squash courts every week. This has improved our capacity to plan matches such as staff vs. students, in which we raised money for VetLife. We appreciate your support for our small student society.”
If you would like to make a gift to support our veterinary students, you can donate here. If you would like to support the ULVAA committee as an alumni volunteer, please email ulvaa@liverpool.ac.uk.
Mentoring: MBA Mentoring Programme
Huyan Gao (MBA 2015) and Jonathan Sanyaolu (MBA 2022) were paired for the MBA Mentoring Programme
Check out this inspiring interview with mentor and mentee Huyan Guo (MBA 2015) and Jonathan Sanyaolu (MBA 2022). From the value of taking part, to tips on making the most of a mentoring programme: Stories - Management School - University of Liverpool.
They share insight into their professional relationship that grew from being matched on the MBA Mentor Programme to adding concrete value to Jonathan’s MBA student experience as he discussed management concepts in a tangible and applicable way with Huyan.
If you would like to express your interest in being a mentor on the MBA Mentor Programme, please email Lisa Gerraty, ULMS Alumni Relations Manager.
Workplace visit: Iris
Final year Marketing and Business Management students visiting alumni-owned company Iris
Our alumni generously open-up their workplaces to enhance student employability: from offering a placement, internship, or workplace visit. Ian Millner welcomed final year undergraduate Marketing and Business Management students to the headquarters of his company, Iris – a renowned marketing agency. The visit offered students an invaluable opportunity to delve into the world of marketing, gain practical insights and network with industry professionals.
Simon Bailey, one of the students on the visit, described the experience as “the number one highlight of the week. We had the opportunity to learn about the company, participate in a group task, and a Q&A session with CEO Ian Millner. I am proud to have been involved in a memorable trip, with a great group of people. Thank you to those involved.”
Matt Madeira, also a student on the visit, said how “visiting Iris was a highlight for me, especially presenting our response to a company’s brief. Engaging with various members of the Iris team and participating in a stimulating Q&A session with Ian Millner was another highlight. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable trip possible!”
Visiting an alum’s workplace was an enriching experience for the students, offering them a glimpse into the dynamic world of marketing and providing valuable lessons for their future careers. If you would like to discuss ways you can impact student employability, please email our Volunteer Engagement Manager, Chantel Baldry, C.Baldry@liverpool.ac.uk.
Awards: Equality+ Awards
Selina Suri, recipient of the Gender & Equality Champion Equality+ Award
The Equality+ Awards highlighted the incredible contributions of students and alumni from across the university in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Selina Suri, a Class of 2017 Business Economics graduate, won the Gender & Equality Champion Award. The judges’ comments said that “Selina’s dedication to advocating for gender equality within the male-dominated Construction Engineering industry is remarkable. As an active alumni volunteer, she shares her experiences and insights with students and graduates through blogs and panel discussions, demonstrating a commitment to empowering women in their early careers. Her role as a spokesperson makes her an inspirational figure."
Emily Flynn, a Class of 2023 Music Performance postgraduate, was a finalist for the Exceptional Entrepreneurs Award. The founder of AXELEGRO has supported activities that are making a valuable difference and improving the student and graduate experience, such as returning to campus for a panel discussion on female entrepreneurship in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 and supporting the Design Your Future Showcase.
While we cannot demonstrate the full impact alumni volunteering activities and initiatives have on our University community, we hope this provides a flavour.
On behalf of the University of Liverpool, we would like to say a big thank you to all volunteers who have given their time to help the University community! Your support has a long-lasting impact and allows our students and our alumni community to thrive.
Join this year’s National Volunteers’ Week by following us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn via the University of Liverpool page.
If you would like to find out about the volunteering opportunities available, check out our volunteering offer.