A Change in Leadership

Dear Belgium-based LSE alumni,

I would like to inform you that after a long and fun journey, I decided to make room for new adventures and step down from the board of the LSE Alumni Association in Belgium.

It has been immense fun and a great honour to be so closely involved and to build up the association over the past few years. And it has been both a privilege and a pleasure to have gotten to know so many of you.

Under the motto of meeting, debating and exploring in the heart of Europe, we have organized over 75 events during my time. Intellectually stimulating events, drinks gatherings, cultural events, and parties.

We have sent off new students to the LSE and welcomed many alumni to Belgium. Out of the many highlights, our 10-year anniversary celebration and this year’s evening with LSE Director Minouche Shafik are two personal favourites.

I particularly enjoyed bringing together people and ideas. And figuring out how best to make that happen. The creative buzz and dedication at our monthly board meetings have been energizing and inspiring. The lively discussions at events that sprung from these efforts are a true indication of the creativity and critical thinking of all LSE alumni.

The opportunity to introduce wonderful speakers, moderate discussions, ask questions, coach alumni, get their feedback, and to volunteer has been a truly enriching experience. And there are many more milestones than there is space to cover them.

As I repeated over the years, volunteering is not meant to be a second job. You give and gain something. You try out and learn different things that help you in life. It is first and foremost supposed to be fun. And after 6.5 years of membership of the board and 5.5 years of leading the association, it has been a lot of fun.

To my friends on the board, past and present – many thanks for your support and dedication, for letting me try out and hone my leadership skills, and for the hours of fun.

I would like to wish my successors Maria Sotiriou (President) and Arnolds Eizenšmits (Vice-President) and the rest of the board the best of luck and fun in taking the association to new heights.

And to all alumni in Belgium, now and in the future – although I cannot presently say goodbye in person, I will remain an engaged alumnus and look forward to staying in touch with you.

Stay curious,

Maurice Fermont
President of the LSE Alumni Association in Belgium
February 2015 – September 2020