LSE ALUMNI
Volunteering at LSE There are many ways in which alumni can help at the School: not only by giving financially, but also by giving their time, their experience and expertise. We interviewed Tim Frost (BSc Government 1987) who is an alumnus, donor and volunteer at the School. Tell us a little about yourself and your connections to LSE. I came to LSE in 1984. I came straight here from the Falkland Islands where I had been serving in the British Army. In my first week I met a fellow student who was from Belfast. We got married and still are [Alison Rankin Frost (BA International History 1985)]. My tutor was Ken Minogue in the Government Department. Between them – LSE, the student from Belfast and Ken – they taught me life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
What do you do as a volunteer for LSE? I am a governor of the School and vice chairman of the Finance Committee. I have also helped out at our summer school which is part of our widening participation programme getting clever
kids to realise that LSE can change their lives. My company has helped to sponsor it.
necessary. But some of my fellow governors spend more time than that, and some less.
is a two way street. I hope that the presence of volunteers also helps to provide some continuity. The School has grown rapidly in recent years. Volunteers can help ensure that the values that attracted them to the School are cherished and nurtured by those who are here today.
What are your reasons for volunteering?
What do you think the value of volunteering is to the School?
Would you recommend volunteering to other alumni?
People add value in all sorts of different ways. I know a friend who has been asked to lecture on a finance course; others are involved in the mentoring programme. But in aggregate I think that all volunteers help ensure that the School stays engaged in broader society, which is where our founders wanted us to be. We are in the middle of London because we want to engage, and engagement
No, I want to do it all (sorry that’s a joke). Yes I certainly would.
LSE buzzes. Being around bright people from all over the world is very exciting and stimulating. It is a pleasure and a privilege. Of course I also feel good about helping, in a very small way, to make the School bigger and better. As you get older you recognise that you have a responsibility to give something back, particularly if, like me, you believe that government involvement should be kept to a minimum.
How much time does your volunteering take? Around two or three days per month by the time I have prepared for meetings and followed up where
Get involved There are many ways in which alumni can volunteer and have an impact at the School. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet fellow alumni, share your experiences and make a difference to the LSE community. Alumni Professional Mentoring Network The mentoring network is an online career networking resource in which alumni of the School can share their professional experience and knowledge with other alumni and students to mutual benefit. Mentors will have
at least two years’ experience in their field, but more usually five or more. The service is accessed both for mentors and mentees through Houghton Street Online.
Alumni ambassadors The alumni ambassador scheme is a way to give back something
practical to the School by acting as a contact for potential future applicants to LSE across the world. Ambassadors are profiled on the School’s website and potential applicants can email questions about LSE and their experiences (via a moderator, not directly). Also ambassadors have the opportunity to get involved in recruitment events
special interest groups, rely on committees of dedicated alumni volunteers. You can get involved in these by attending the events and by contacting the group leaders. All the details can be found on Houghton Street Online.
in their countries.
knowledge to another graduate, it brings the LSE community close together. Details of all of these and further opportunities can be found at www.alumni. lse.ac.uk
Alumni groups All of the alumni groups at LSE, whether they are one of the 52 country groups, or the eight
Volunteering is very rewarding, whether it is talking to potential students or passing on your
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