Chicago Area Alumni Group
"Reception at the British Consul General’s residence in Chicago" Feb 25, 2011.
In conjunction with the University of Birmingham Foundation Board Meeting being held in Chicago, a reception was organized at the residence of the British Consul General in Chicago where Alumni from the mid-west attended together with the Foundation Board. There was also representation from the Birmingham Sister Cities Committee, the British-American Business Council, interns from the University working in Chicago and members of staff from the University of Birmingham visiting Chicago and the mid-west
From left to right: Dick Ellis. Rachel Glencross, Intern. Robert Chatterton Dickson, Consul General. Erin-Jane Golding, Intern. Roger Pelham, UBF President. Louise Parker, Intern. Dr. Marion Thain.
The Consul General welcomed everyone and was please to see that the University is working closely with a number of Universities in the mid-west and particularly in Chicago. Roger Pelham, President of the Foundation, gave some brief comments on the Foundation and the progress being made, particularly mentioning the new US Scholarship. Roger then handed over to Professor Dick Ellis, Head of American and Canadian Studies and his three colleagues, Professor Kate McLuskie, Director of the Shakespeare Institute, Dr, Marion Thain (Department of English) and Dr. Mary O.Neill (Department of Music). The evening was a great success and thanks should be given to the staff of the British Consulate involved in preparing for the event.
"An evening of culture and good company"
The Alumni from the Chicago Section of the University Foundation attended a performance of Handel’s Messiah presented by the Birmingham Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. The performance was given by the Baroque Band and the Bella Voce Singers at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Before going to the Messiah they met for dinner at the Park Grill close to the Cultural Center where they had a very enjoyable meal and chat. There were seven alumni together with three visitors from Birmingham, Dr. Edward Harcourt, Director International Relations (4th from the left on the back row in the picture below), Professor Nigel Weatherill, Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (3rd from the left on the front row), Professor Malcolm Press, Head of the College of Life & Environmental Sciences and Caroline Cracraft who helps organize the University visits to Chicago.
