The University of Aberdeen will mark a new chapter in its history with the opening of its first alumni group in China.
The Beijing Chapter is the latest in a growing global network which aims to keep graduates connected to the University and their fellow alumni, wherever they are in the world.
Beijing follows the launch of Aberdeen Chapters in New York, Boston, Jakarta, Lagos and Bangkok. The groups have proved hugely popular and have provided key networking opportunities for former students of the institution.
They also allow former classmates and those with a shared connection to the city of Aberdeen in Scotland to come together for social events.
To give the Chapter launch a ‘taste of Aberdeen’ those attending the opening at the British embassy in Beijing on September 20 will be able to sample the first gin distilled in the city for more than 100 years. It was created by a team which includes two former students of the University of Aberdeen and the gin, ‘Porter’s’ is named after the University’s Professor Andy Porter who supported the project.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen said: “Porter’s gin is not only a great example of alumni achievement but also blends wonderfully the two countries as Chinese botanicals help to flavour this unique product created in Aberdeen. What better way to celebrate this exciting new step in the University’s history – the opening of our Beijing alumni chapter – than by sampling and telling the story of this new Scottish spirit.
“The Beijing chapter will provide a unique opportunity for graduates of the University of Aberdeen based in China to continue to benefit from the ‘Aberdeen family’. The connections forged at University should last a lifetime and by developing chapter networks across the globe we hope those who studied here can continue to stay connected wherever they are in the world.”
The launch event will be attended by graduates, offer holders at the University, former Summer School students and parents of current students.
David XU who will chair the new Beijing Chapter graduated from the University with an MBA in 2003
He said: “The Beijing Chapter will offer us the opportunity to bring Aberdeen alumni together and for us collectively to forge links with key people, organisations and industries.
“We are looking forward to the launch as an opportunity to celebrate the connections between Aberdeen and China and are confident the Beijing chapter will prove as successful as those in New York and Jakarta.”
Katrina Allan, Alumni Relations Manager added: “We have a very engaged global alumni community, of which more than 800 are in China, so we are delighted to be able to open an Alumni Chapter in Beijing.
“Our Chinese community at the University is very active and is an extremely important part of our diverse student population. The University of Aberdeen seeks to help students feel connected from the moment they apply and we want to ensure this sense of belonging within our ‘Aberdeen family’ continues beyond graduation, wherever our alumni are located.”