Ambassadors Reception - 16 January 2008

A thank-you event for the College’s International Ambassadors and their support staff took place on 16 January 2008

A thank-you event for the College’s International Ambassadors and their support staff took place on 16 January, with 12 out of 23 Ambassadors attending. 

The International Ambassadors scheme provides a dynamic and innovative service to Imperial College alumni around the world, keeping alumni connected and up to date with the life and work of the College, with visits and presentations by world-renowned Imperial academics. 

Since launching the scheme in September 2006, there have been 25 International Ambassador events across 13 countries, and involving 16 of our international alumni groups. Almost 2,000 alumni have attended an Ambassador event. These events have varied from gala dinners and weekend conferences, to more informal social dinners and presentations.

The Rector, Sir Richard Sykes and Fiona Kirk, Director of Development, expressed their thanks to the Ambassadors for their enthusiasm and energy in meeting with alumni globally, and for their role in helping to maintain a vibrant international alumni community. In some cases, there has even been a catalyst in re-energising dormant groups, such as in Argentina, Cyprus, India and Uganda.

Also invited to the evening event were the College’s support staff, who play a vital role in coordinating the every day work and business trips of the Ambassadors, and a note of thanks was made for their supportive role in the scheme.

The evening included a light-hearted awards ceremony, followed by international-flavoured canapés. A lovely evening was had by all, giving Ambassadors and office staff the chance to meet and exchange ideas and their experiences on the scheme.

The Office of Alumni and Development (OAD) look forward to furthering the scheme in 2008, with the aim to not only maintain, but build on the activity between the Ambassadors and our international alumni groups. More information on the scheme's progress in 2007, can be viewed in the International Ambassadors Annual Report 2007, which was distributed at this event.

 The OAD plays a supportive and facilitating role in the International Ambassadors scheme, and feedback and suggestions from the alumni groups, Ambassadors and their support staff, are always welcome to further the scheme’s development and success.

Further details on the International Ambassadors scheme can be viewed at www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/ambassadors.