I am Kate Simpson and I am honoured to be Acting Chair of Guild, charged with the stewardship of a wonderful community of over 9,000 alumnae, widely dispersed across 81 countries, but all linked by a common and enduring thread.
On leaving Cheltenham in 1985 I read English Literature at Exeter University, and subsequently enjoyed a career in hospitality before moving into real estate. This took me to multiple cities across three continents over a period of 20 years, before returning to the UK in 2016. When I left College 40 years ago I had no idea that it, and Guild, would play a role in my life so many years later.
Relationships forged during our time at College are only the beginning of lifelong connections, and I hope that you enjoy all that the remarkable and diverse Guild community has to offer its members. Guild exists for alumnae in their lives after College, providing opportunities to come together to socialise, network, learn and grow, as well as to stay connected with College life and the College community in its broadest sense.
Run by a small committee of volunteers, with invaluable support from Caroline Harris in the Guild Office, Guild communicates regularly with members both digitally and in print, holds events in person and online, and offers opportunities to support or be supported by fellow members, be that in a mentorship role, offering advice on universities and careers, providing work experience, or supporting community enterprises via CLC Connect.
We are always happy to hear from those who have ideas to share or who would like to get more involved, so if you are interested in playing a part in shaping Guild and what it offers its members, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via the contact form.
I look forward to meeting you at a Guild event, or at the Reunion weekend held at College in May of each year, where everyone is always welcome regardless of the year they left College. Wherever it may be, it is my experience that no matter the occasion or the age group in the room, there is always a lot to talk about!
Kate Simpson (1985, Sidney Lodge / Elizabeth)
Acting Chair of Guild
