UCL alumni in the United States gather coast to coast

Marking the start of summer, a series of eight alumni events took place across the US over two weeks in May and June.

The events included a mix of alumni receptions organised by UCL staff and social gatherings led by dedicated alumni volunteers.

From the West Coast to the East Coast, these meetups brought together 145 UCL graduates, and a number of prospective and incoming students, offering opportunities for alumni to reconnect with old classmates, expand professional networks and celebrate the enduring ties between UCL and our US-based community.

UCL’s alumni community in the US is strong and growing. Today, nearly 24,000 UCL graduates live across the country. This includes not only those who completed full degrees in London but also the many - around 60% - who spent a semester or year abroad at UCL as part of their studies.

Engaging alumni in California

The summer series began with an alumni gathering in Los Angeles. Alumni and new students gathered for an evening of socialising and connection, centred around a fireside chat between Professor Orla Lynskey, Chair of Law and Technology at UCL, and UCL alum Armen Madikians (UCL Affiliate Political Studies 2011), Vice President of Business Affairs at Range Media Partners. Their conversation explored the evolving intersection of law, media regulation and the entertainment industry, and prompted a lively group discussion around AI – particularly its role in content creation.

This was followed a few days later with a casual alumni summer social for South County LA alumni, held at a local venue in Long Beach.

The final event in California took place in San Francisco, where alumni in the Bay Area attended a reception at the British Consulate General. UCL alumna Tammy Sandhu MBE (UCL International Public Policy MSc 2005), His Majesty’s Consul General in San Francisco, welcomed guests with opening remarks. The evening continued with a discussion between Professor Orla Lynskey and alumnus Brian Ferrall (Affiliate Law 1996), a Judge at the Superior Court of California. Their conversation spanned the evolution of digital privacy, how this is shaped by civil society and issues of digital literacy and awareness.

From Chicago to Houston

Stateside gatherings continued in the Midwest and South, with an alumni reception in Chicago and a social in Houston.

In Chicago, alumni came together for a TED-style talk by research leader and UCL alumnus Dr Erman Misirlisoy (UCL Cognitive Neuroscience PhD 2015), formerly of Instagram and Chief Scientist at multiple startups, who shared fascinating and practical insights into what he has learned about wellbeing during his career journey from UCL to Wellbeing Coach and Consultant.

In Houston, the UCL Houston Alumni Group, led by new volunteers Saud Memon (UCL Professional Services EngD 2019) and Mounia Bensouda (UCL Chemical Engineering MEng 2003) hosted alumni at a local wine bar, providing a fun and relaxed opportunity for alumni in the city to catchup with former classmates and meet new faces.

The UCL Houston Alumni Group is one of seven active alumni groups across the United States, led by alumni volunteers. Throughout the year, these groups organise a wide range of events and activities in their home cities – from professional networking to social gatherings – helping to keep our global community connected locally.

East Coast connections powered by alumni volunteers

The series concluded with events hosted by alumni volunteers in cities on the East Coast. In Boston, UCL alumna Melissa Taylor (UCL Law LLM 2003) generously hosted a summer rooftop gathering at her home, with support from UCL Boston Alumni Group volunteers, Serena Pang (UCL Clinical Neuroscience MSc 2020), Daniel Hawkins (UCL Geography BA 2000), and Anna Amoiradaki (UCL Economics BSc 2001).

In Washington, D.C., alumni volunteers Simon Gillett (Modern European Studies BA 1997; UCL Legal and Political Theory MA 1998) and Kira Elvey (UCL French and History of Art BA 1993) organised a fun and action-filled evening at Kraken, a local indoor entertainment venue with ice skating, pickleball, axe throwing and table tennis.

Meanwhile, in New York, Tri-State area alumni enjoyed an evening of board games organised by UCL New York Alumni Club hosts Neha Anand (UCL Economics and Policy of Energy and Environment MSc 2012), Tres Seippel (UCL International Real Estate and Planning MA 2012), and Freddy MacKee (UCL Digital Anthropology MSc 2015).

Reflecting on the conclusion of the events, Emily Prince, Senior Alumni and Supporter Relations Manager (North America) said: “With more than 140 alumni attending these events, the series showcases the connectedness and commitment of our alumni community in the States.

“Our Stateside alumni make up a vibrant and diverse network that continues to thrive far beyond London. Thank you to everyone who took part – and especially to our incredible alumni volunteers, whose energy and dedication help drive a flourishing global UCL community.”

Upcoming USA events

We’re excited to return to the US this September with two special alumni events. Join us in Boston on 16 September and in New York on 17 September for an alumni reception. Book your place today – we look forward to reconnecting with you.