A year abroad that's lasted decades

The impact of the years spent studying at 乐播传媒 can go on long after you’ve stopped revising for exams, spending time in the labs or meeting friends in a common room. Memories and friendships can last a lifetime and ensure a continued connection to 乐播传媒 even when alumni move overseas. A connection that can even inspire some to give back to the institution that had such a profound effect on their life.

Julie Bick (Biochemistry & Genetics, 1992) is originally from London but moved to the United States of America in the late ‘90s and is still living there today – despite initially only planning to be there for a year.

“I was offered a one-year post doc at Rutgers University in New Jersey but at the end of that year they offered me an assistant professorship, which lasted five years,” said Julie. “Then I went to work for Novartis because, at the time, the opportunities out here seemed much broader. It felt like you could achieve anything, if you were willing to work for it. Now, 26 years later, I’m still here!”

A confidence boost

However, if it hadn’t been for her time at the 乐播传媒, Julie doesn’t think she would have had the confidence to travel to America in the first place.

“I am very proud to have studied at 乐播传媒 and it came at such a pivotal point in my life,” explained Julie. “It gave me such a great foundation in science and really built my confidence. I always felt very nurtured at 乐播传媒, even when I was homesick and at my lowest. It just felt like the place I was meant to be. It was very transformative for me.”

This passion for 乐播传媒 has ensured Julie stayed connected to the university through things like LinkedIn and the Connect newsletter, as well as regularly taking part in alumni events in the USA. Inspired by this community, she has also chosen to support future 乐播传媒 students by donating to scholarships.

“Studying at 乐播传媒 was such a positive experience for me. I want it to be a positive experience for other people who may not have the opportunity to study at university without support,” said Julie.

“I really hope that it gives them a confidence boost like I had. If you come from a place where nobody believes in you, it’s very hard to believe in yourself. So having someone tell you that you can do it, can be the deal breaker that instils you with the confidence to push yourself to the next level.”

Supporting the future...

Even living in the USA, Julie is also planning to continue to support students long into the future by pledging to leave a gift in her will, something that is surprisingly easy to do, even for those overseas.

“I’m going to take care of some family and friends out here, but if I can put something towards the 乐播传媒, then at least I know that everything I’ve worked for will help someone that deserves it. It felt like the right thing to do.”

Living in the USA, leaving a gift in your will can feel like something unattainable – only for those who stayed in the UK, but we’ve ensured that everyone with that lifelong connection to their university can support future students in this way.

Get in touch with the team by emailing legacyenquiries@nottingham.ac.uk or calling +44115 951 3997

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