Under the Spotlight
Strengthening the Pan-European Alumni Network & Harnessing Alumni Power
The European Network of American Alumni Associations (ENAM) held its second annual Congress and Conference in London at the Start of February. Some 30 alumni association leaders from across Europe gathered in the boardroom of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a lively and constructive congress. The conference, which was held in the House of Commons and attended by over 100 alumni, was hosted and chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Nigel Evans, MP, who also kindly provided a tour of the Houses of Parliament, including the Commons and Lords chambers. In addressing the congress, ENAM Secretary General, Massimo Cugusi, noted the positioning of ENAM as an umbrella organisation and reported on the capacity building work of the Board over the course of the previous year. The congress presented the opportunity for the Board and delegates to discuss the ongoing development of the network and to share best practices in managing alumni associations. Members of the Board outlined a number of initiatives in development, all aimed at strengthening the nascent pan-European network. One such initiative is ENAM’s Bright Ideas @ Work, which is being led by ENAM Board Secretary, Paul Donnelly. He reported that, thanks to competitive seed funding received from the US Department of State, the initiative is supporting alumni projects in eight countries across Europe, including Ireland, aimed at facilitating talented young graduates to achieve their potential as entrepreneurs. The day-long conference covered a number of themes: strengthening the Europe/US alliance; what is in the President’s in-tray; overcoming anti-American sentiment in Europe; strategies to promote entrepreneurism in Europe; and fighting youth unemployment in Europe. Each theme opened with a discussion of the topic by a panel of experts, with lively debate ensuing upon opening the theme to the floor. For example, IFAA President Paul Donnelly, who was a panellist for the theme dedicated to fighting youth unemployment in Europe, pushed the audience to think outside the box by questioning such things as the norm of the 40-hour week, working to consume, the purpose of education, etc. The conference closed with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Adam Ereli, delivering a spirited call to action focused on the ‘power of alumni’ to address 21st century challenges and strengthen US-Europe relations. Ambassador Ereli noted the enormous and powerful difference the exchange programmes sponsored by the US Government make around the world, and he urged alumni to use every chance they get to tell Congress that they are investing in the US through funding these exchanges.
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