‘Alumni involvement gives students a richer experience’
23 September 2016
Vice-Provost (Development) Lori Houlihan tells all, plus why she is ‘quite nifty with a light machine gun’
Following the London launch of the new Campaign for UCL, Vice-Provost (Development) Lori Houlihan explains how alumni can get involved with the Campaign and the ways in which philanthropy is changing UCL.
What does the Campaign for UCL mean for alumni?
New technology means that there are no longer geographical barriers to keeping in touch, particularly with the launch of Alumni Online Community which enables alumni to connect using an exclusive online platform. In my role I’m lucky enough to meet UCL alumni from all over the world. They have a natural affinity with the university and they always tell me that they love to hear about UCL’s achievements and the breakthroughs that we’re making. The Campaign gives us the opportunity to increase our communication and engagement with alumni and help bring them even closer to UCL. We can give them the opportunity to get back involved with the university, perhaps through our mentorship scheme which pairs alumni with current students or recent graduates to help them take their first steps on the career ladder. Alumni can also be great advocates and ambassadors for the university, sharing our successes around the world.
How can alumni involvement enhance the experience of current UCL students?
Alumni engagement in the life of the university can only benefit students and give them a richer experience of UCL. This month for example, alumni based in France hosted an event for new French students about to begin their studies at UCL. The event gave them the opportunity to learn more about UCL and to find out what it is like to live and study in London. We’d love to run more events like this in future as it is a brilliant way for new students to start their UCL career.
Alumni also understand that the costs of living in London are still a barrier to studying at UCL. We want to encourage the very best students to come here, regardless of their background, as it is critical to the future success of the university. Supporting scholarship programmes is often a popular choice amongst alumni who want to give back to UCL and the need for scholarships continues to outstrip availability, so this is another fantastic way to make a difference.
You have recently been appointed to the new role of Vice-Provost Development. What does this mean for UCL?
My appointment as Vice-Provost Development demonstrates just how central our work is to the success of UCL. Development is a strategic priority for UCL and my position within in the university’s senior management team enables me to develop an even deeper understanding of UCL’s needs and how we can best meet them. UCL is one of the top 10 universities in the world, but not even within the top 50 in terms of philanthropy. To compete internationally, we need to create a culture of philanthropy on the scale of our academic peers and placing development at the heart of UCL’s leadership team is a big step in that direction.
More about Lori…
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I was one of the first fifteen girls in Scotland to be an army cadet. So people may be surprised to learn that I am quite nifty with a light machine gun!
What is your signature dish?
I love to make warm, comforting dishes like Toad in the Hole and macaroni cheese.
Tell us your favourite film/TV show?
I find the intrigue of political dramas like The West Wing or House of Cards gripping. I couldn’t possibly comment on the parallels with working in a university…
Who is your favourite musician?
I’m a massive Paul Weller fan!
And finally, what is your preferred tipple?
It’s obviously a Portico Pleaser, UCL’s signature cocktail! For those who want to try one of these at home, it’s a combination of gin, ginger liqueur, rhubarb puree and lemon juice.