AS part of Queen’s College’s (QC) 180th anniversary which will be observed later this month, the alumni of the institution, with assistance from current students, has organised a number of activities geared at celebrating the school’s vibrant history.

One such event, which is aimed at empowering and engaging students, is ‘Career Connections,’ which is being organised by Women of Queen’s College.

The goal behind this is to expose QC students to several career options and possibilities, while building a bridge between the old and current students.

This networking opportunity will allow students to interact with the alumni using a speed-networking format.

According to Karen Wharton, a former president of the Queen’s College Alumni Association- New York Chapter (QCAANY) and an organiser with Women of QC, ‘Career Connections’ is scheduled for October 22, 2024 at college’s Sixth Form Building.

Wharton, along with Dr Michelle Foster, is part of the organising team for ‘Career Connections.’

Due to the limited capacity of this facility, the organisers have limited participation to QC alumni and students, with around 26 alumni and a little more than 100 students registered to take part in this event.

Providing some background on ‘Career Connections,’ Wharton said that 10 years ago at the 170th celebration, the same group hosted a students’ conference with the same goal of bringing together alumni and current QC students, to inspire the future generation of Queen’s College students.

“So, 10 years later, and in keeping with our school’s motto, ‘Faithful and Useful Everywhere,’ we will return to continue to do our part to encourage and enhance students’ social and professional development,” she said.
Wharton mentioned that since 2014, the alumni have hosted several events at the school to help to nurture and develop the student body. When feasible, many of these programmes welcomed the participation of students from other schools.

“Some of us have remained in touch with students, providing support where possible, even as they have graduated from college and started their careers,” she noted.

Wharton pointed out that one of the many possible outcomes of the activity is a virtual conversation between a US college counsellor and students.

According to Wharton, one of the things they gathered from a survey taken by students when they registered for the event, is that many of them had questions on the college-application process in the United States.

Moreover, Wharton highlighted that another possibility is the opportunity for alumni to follow up with mentorship programmes, moving forward.

Meanwhile, Dr Foster also pointed out that the alumni have seen success stories emerge from these connections, with students securing academic and leadership opportunities.

She mentioned that alumni have held several student conferences since 2014, up until COVID-19.

She noted that QCAANY continues to host an annual math summer camp, which has been ongoing since 2015, showcasing the unwavering commitment of the alumni to the school and student body.

Several speakers are expected to engage students at ‘Career Connections,’ including distinguished Cardiologist Dr Raymond Massay, Surgeon and Medical Director of Caribbean surgery Surendra Persaud, and local Architect Renee Reynolds, among others.

According to the calendar of events put together by the Queen’s College Old Students Association (QCOSA), the 180th anniversary celebration will commence on October 20, 2024, with a wreath-laying ceremony and welcome brunch, and concludes on October 26, 2024 with a Gala Dinner. A special assembly which will be addressed by President, Dr Irfaan Ali is slated for October 21, 2024, and on the following day, the history of QC’s Kiosk will be launched and a night of arts will be held. There is also a tour day, a day of sports and a ‘Research in Action’ seminar.

Since its establishment on August 4th, 1844, by Lord Bishop William Piercy Austin, QC has established itself as a symbol of academic excellence and tradition, not only in the local community but also in the Caribbean and beyond.

Further, it was stated previously that QC stands as a symbol of the Guyanese identity, displaying Guyanese people’s resilience, diversity, bravery, creativity, adaptability, great intelligence, and impeccable leadership.