Forever Keele eZine Summer 2019 | Page 19

Forever Keele 19 Why I support A testimonial from Adam Konowe (Class of 1989), President of the Keele in the USA Foundation My experience at Keele University in 1988-89 as a visiting student from New York was intellectually and emotionally rewarding. Interactions with my lecturers and fellow students broadened my horizon and challenged my perspective. where those of us who value intellectual freedoms and broad-based education and believe that the narrowing and specialism is a dangerous and undesirable thing, we need to build this defence. The genuineness of everyone I encountered on campus and in the local area validated my decision to forgo London and other more conventional study abroad options in favour of life on Keele’s tight-knit residential campus. That formative year has continued to pay dividends during the last three decades in my career and social life. We believe interdisciplinarity education is key to all our futures, particularly as we advance on a digital age and produce leaders fit for it. It is vital that we come together with others that share our values and vision - I’m sure you will join me in supporting our University’s future. They talk about it being the Keele Difference and I truly believe we are different and I am proud to be Keele. As such, I’m pleased to continue my association with Keele University on a number of levels. By returning to campus, I can share my experience with current Keele students through guest lectures and workshops. The Institute of Liberal Arts and Science Grand Challenges lectures are open to all and free to attend. Alternatively you can watch the lectures online, so why not enjoy a lecture or two as we used to! And as a donor I give modestly, but consistently, to further improve the Keele experience for those lucky enough to follow in my footsteps. UPCOMING EVENTS A full list of lectures, concerts and events is available online - just visit keele.ac.uk/events for more information and to book your place. As an officer of the Keele in the USA Foundation, I help sustain a connection between Keele and its alumni living in America. Each university experience is unique and so it’s up to every Keele alumnus or alumna to decide how they affiliate with their alma mater. Despite significant demands on my time from professional and personal commitments, I engage proactively with Keele and encourage alumni from around the world to do the same.