Meet our alumni award-winners 41
UK Volunteers of the Year:
Janet Preston MSc Physics 2015
BSc Physics 1978
A love of learning and a desire to pass on her experiences has been the driving factor behind Janet Preston’s long association with the University – first as a physics undergraduate in the 1970s, later as a mentor and ambassador for Surrey and recently as a Masters and PhD student.
A strong advocate for the University, Janet has been involved in a variety of roles, including student mentor, careers advisor, advisory board member for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and member of the disbursement committee for the Annual Fund grants.
“I enjoy giving back and have a passion for passing on my experience in an informal way,” said Janet. “The beauty of the volunteering programme is that you can do something as soon as you graduate, such as helping out at an Open Day, or reconnect later, and pass on your skills and tips – people are always welcome back.”
Aſter graduating in 1978, Janet embarked on a business career at a number of blue chip companies and was a partner at KPMG before setting up her own consultancy, Cold Fuzion. She had initially planned to take a Masters aſter her BSc and deferred for a year to raise funds but became subsumed by the business world.
Almost 40 years later, Janet decided to finish what she had planned. Initially aiming just to pass, Janet graduated with a distinction in her Masters and is now halfway through her PhD in astrophysics.
Lewis Young LLB Law 2012
Lewis Young enjoyed his experience at Surrey so much that volunteering in a variety of roles is his way of showing his appreciation.
Lewis has been a regular volunteer since graduating– talking to prospective students and their families at Open Days and taking part in a series of law speed networking events to share his career path with current undergraduates.
He said: “I have always felt passionately about the University, and being able to share this with prospective students means that my experiences can be of benefit to someone else. I enjoy helping out at the law speed networking events too – an opportunity
to talk to a range of people from different areas is a real help to undergraduates.”
His volunteering activities played a part in securing his first job as it demonstrated a level of loyalty valued by his firm, The Partnership in Guildford. Lewis joined as legal assistant and is now a trainee solicitor, due to qualify next year.
Since graduating, a particular highlight for Lewis was taking part in the 50th Anniversary Celebratory Procession in October to mark the inauguration of the University’s first Chancellor. He was honoured to be involved and says it reinforced the community feeling which drew him to study at Surrey in the first place.
“I enjoy giving back and have a passion for passing on my
experience in an informal way.”
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