STEPS 2021 - Lancaster Alumni Magazine 2021

Keep in touch www.lancaster.ac.uk/alumni 19 STEPS 2021 - 20 MAKING A DIFFERENCE OLAF PETERSEN President of the United Arab Emirates Philanthropic Chapter (MSc Finance, 1996, Graduate) The Master’s in Finance at Lancaster was intended to be part of my German studies of Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. In fact, it became a life changing experience not only due to the academic side of the studies, but because of the very international composition of the class. The Finance class consisted of 55 students from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. This wide exposure to people from all over the world with different languages, backgrounds and views made it clear to me that I wanted to have an international career. After leaving Lancaster I continued to study in Spain and Germany and then worked for Daimler AG, mainly in sales in marketing roles. In the last two decades, I have had the chance to work and live in Brazil, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, USA and the United Arab Emirates. I am honoured that Lancaster offered me a philanthropic role in the UAE. It is a great opportunity to support the University so that students from all backgrounds continue to have the chance to get a world- class education in an inspiring environment. PAULA BREED President of the Georgia (USA) Philanthropic Chapter (BSc Psychology, 1982, Fylde) I am the President/CEO of a special events company based on Atlanta, Georgia. The company’s team is diverse and talented, and supports its ongoing growth and prosperity. Lancaster University gave me my first introduction to independent living and intellectual curiosity. The wide spectrum of students and liberal outlook introduced me to diversity, creative thinking and social consciousness. The course offered flexibility and allowed me to expand my knowledge to other subjects, from sociology to linguistics to contemporary religions. I am lucky enough to have lived many places in the world, and finally settled in the United States, where meetings and incentives has become a way of life for me. The company handles small high touch groups, all the way up to fully inclusive conferences and international programs. I continue to travel and to face new experiences! Lancaster University continues to develop and thrive with a focus and purpose which is worthy and impressive. I am proud to be associated with my alumni team and school, and to be helping in a small way. I am thrilled to be representing the University in Georgia, USA BORIS BOYADZHIEV President of the Bulgaria Philanthropic Chapter (BA Economics and Politics, 2012, Grizedale) I arrived in Lancaster on a gloomy evening. Fats Domino was playing in Grizedale Porter’s lodge. To be fair I understood less than 50% of what the porter told me about my accommodation. Being from Eastern Europe made the language barrier a very real inconvenience. And I did what every reasonable adolescent would do in this situation – I panicked. Overcoming this fear was the best decision I ever made. I concluded that I picked an overly broad course (Economics and Politics), which enabled me to choose courses from different departments. Lancaster taught me communication, research skills, analytical thinking and a multitude of other skills that are required for success in life. As an added bonus, I met my wife on campus and now we have two beautiful children. After graduating I headed back home to Bulgaria and worked for the family business and we became one of the biggest and most innovative fruit and vegetable suppliers in Eastern Europe. I do not know what my next endeavour will be and it does not really matter. In every part of the world, in every country and in every company hard work and ambition will always be valued and respected. Providing direct and essential financial support for medical students now and in the future. By becoming a supporter, you will be providing help to medical students who will be able to apply to the Hardship Fund for support when they need it most. It will be used to cover the cost of essential training resources and equipment or to help pay living and travel costs for those undertaking placements in hospitals across the North West region. I am really happy to be in a position to support Lancaster Medical Students and I’ve set up a monthly direct debit for this fund. I hope others feel able to do the same to support our doctors of the future. Vanessa Harrison BA Politics and History, 1997, Furness Lancaster University Medical Hardship Fund SPOTLIGHT ON PHILANTHROPIC CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Our Philanthropic Chapters develop support and provide philanthropic leadership through their aspirational work. They are figureheads for the University in their areas of residence and help to nurture Lancaster’s culture of philanthropy across the globe, by attending events and encouraging fellow alumni to follow in their footsteps and pledge their support to Lancaster University. They showcase the very important role that philanthropy is playing in Lancaster’s continued success. The role of Chapter President is an honorary position held by a Lancaster University supporter for up to four years. www.lancaster.ac.uk/giving/medical-student-hardship-fund/ “ ” Ambassador Ambassador Ambassador