It’s coming up to a very exciting time of year! This month our amazing student fundraising team will be taking to the phones to chat to Manchester alumni across the UK and USA.
Our fantastic team of student fundraisers will be calling Manchester alumni just like you. They’ll update you on some of the amazing things that you and your alumni community have made possible. And they’ll explain how you can start or continue your support, now and in the future.
But the call isn’t just about asking for financial support. Our team of fundraisers are all students here at Manchester. They love to hear about the university experience of Manchester students before them. From halls of residence to memorable professors, societies to social events, our alumni might have more in common with our student fundraisers than they think!
Our wonderful team can’t wait to speak to you. But before they do, why not meet some of them first?
Olivia
Where you are from?
Manchester
What you study?
BA Geography with Placement
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I wanted to become a student fundraiser because it’s an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting causes I care about and contribute to the growth and success of our university!
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
I’m excited to connect with alumni, hear about where they’ve ended up, and make a positive impact on the university community through these conversations.
Daania
Where are you from?
Manchester
What do you study?
Pharmacy, MPharm
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I want to be a student fundraiser because I’m passionate about helping others and believe education can truly change lives. This role feels like a great way to give back to the university community by supporting projects that make a real difference for students. Plus, it’s an exciting opportunity to connect with alumni and hear their stories.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
What I’m most looking forward to as a student fundraiser is being able to represent the university and have meaningful conversations with alumni. It’s a chance to make a positive impact, while also learning new skills and growing my confidence in a role that feels rewarding and purposeful.
Bea
Where you are from?
I’m from Birmingham and study English Literature and German
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I wanted to become a student fundraiser so I could help ensure that more students are able to have as enjoyable an experience as I’ve had in Manchester for the last few years. I think the fundraising is incredibly important work and it’s also a great opportunity to meet and work with fellow students as well as connecting with the alumni community, who often have so many fascinating experiences of Manchester to share!
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
Having participated in several campaigns as a fundraiser and absolutely loved the opportunity to build relationships with alumni and learn from them, I’m now excited to come back as a supervisor and work more closely with my peers to make sure that we run a fantastic campaign!
Sana
Where you are from
I am from India
What you study
I am doing an MSc. International Business and Management
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I want to become a student fundraiser because it combines my passion for building meaningful connections with people and my desire to contribute positively to the university community. Fundraising is about more than just collecting donations—it’s about engaging with individuals, sharing impactful stories, and inspiring others to support important initiatives. Being a scholarship holder myself, I completely resonate with the idea of fundraising and how it benefitted numerous students like me.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people and engage them in meaningful conversations about supporting important causes at the university. I believe every conversation is a chance to build a relationship, share impactful stories, and inspire others to contribute toward initiatives that make a real difference for students and the broader community.
Cheryl
Where you are from
Hong Kong
What you study
Management (International Business Economics) year 3
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I aspire to become a student fundraiser to contribute to creating opportunities that empower fellow students to access resources and achieve their academic goals. By advocating for and supporting initiatives that alleviate financial barriers, I aim to foster a stronger, more inclusive student community in UoM.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
I am most looking forward to connecting with alumni to learn how their university experiences shaped their lives, while making a positive impact by fostering meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and the broader community.
Supriya
Where are you from:
Kolkata, India
What do you study?
BSc Physics
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
My experience as a student fundraiser last year strengthened my belief in this campaign. It is not only a great way to raise funds for students who will benefit from it, but also a way to connect with alumni and have incredibly lovely conservations with them. It promotes the growth of a stronger community of people with aligned values.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
Definitely speaking to alums as they always have fascinating stories to share. It’s always exciting to hear about their university experience and everything they’ve been up to since then.
Fizza
I’m from Manchester and currently studying in my fourth-year medicine. I became a student fundraiser because I loved the idea of connecting with alumni and supporting important causes, especially one that helps fellow students.
As someone who was once a student fundraiser, I’m so excited to return as a supervisor. I’m looking forward to guiding new fundraisers, sharing my experiences, and helping them grow. It feels rewarding to give back to a role that taught me so much!
Cecilia
Where are you from?
Uganda
What are you studying?
MSc Organisational Change and Development
Why do you want to be a student fundraiser?
I want to represent the university by connecting with alumni and sharing how their donations positively impact the institution. During my time here, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of their generosity, such as access to a world-class education. Becoming a student fundraiser is an opportunity for me to give back to the community that has greatly enriched my academic and personal growth. I have also built meaningful connections with the student body and academic staff, which has deepened my appreciation for the university’s supportive environment.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m excited to connect with the university’s alumni and hear about their current endeavors. I look forward to learning how their experiences at the university helped shape their paths and contribute to their success.
Ayah
Where are you from?
I’m originally Persian but I was born and raised in Belgium.
What do you study?
I’m a medical student, preparing for my medical finals. I have a strong interest in anaesthetics.
Why did you want to become a student fundraiser?
I wanted to become a student fundraiser because I value community engagement and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As a ResLife Advisor, I already enjoy supporting others and fostering connections, so this role feels like a natural extension.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a student fundraiser?
I’m looking forward to building relationships, raising awareness about important causes, and contributing to initiatives that bring people together while making a difference. It’s exciting to work in a team that shares a passion for helping others and achieving common goals.
Kristie
I’m from Hong Kong! I’m studying BSc Psychology.
I wanted to become a student fundraiser to help in giving other students the chance to study at the University of Manchester. As a student here I have benefited so much from the support available, and I wanted to help others who might not be able to fully finance it to study here as well!
I’m looking forward to connecting with different alumni and learning about how their lives have changed and developed since graduating from university.
Will
I am from Bolton, studying Management (Accounting & Finance)
I wanted to become a fundraiser as I receive financial aid for university – I am extremely grateful for it and I see how it makes a difference first-hand. So, I want to help to give back to future students by making sure they have access to financial aid if they need it too. I also enjoy speaking to alumni and hearing about their time since leaving university as not only do I find it interesting, but it also introduces me to career paths that I have never thought of before.
I am most looking forward to the conversations I will have with alumni about their time at Manchester and what they have gone on to do after graduating.