“We are keen to make Ghent University a strong brand in the United States”

With a new Alumni Chapter in San Francisco, plus the Chapter in New York, Ghent University now has the opportunity to reach even more alumni in the US. After all, there are plenty of them. But what exactly are these two Alumni Chapters up to in the US? A discussion with the proud founding fathers Nicolas Polet and Wim Sohier.

Nicolas and Wim, what are you actually doing in America?

Nicolas: “I’ve been working for the Flemish Representation in New York, in a diplomatic role, since 2009. I’m now Director of Public & Academic Affairs, which means that I defend the interests of Flemish government institutions – also at the UN – and of Flemish universities and research institutions.”

Wim: “I previously worked in Taiwan for several years, first to set up an Imec office, then for a joint venture between Philips and a Taiwanese firm. When an appeal was launched to reopen the FIT office in Silicon Valley I applied immediately. Meanwhile, I’m working as Science & Technology Counselor at FIT, as the bridge between Flemish businesses and researchers, and the (technology) companies in this region.”

You have been living and working in the US for some time. How do you feel about the ‘American way of life’? Will you ever return to Belgium?

Wim: “As a technology ambassador for Flanders, I actually feel more like a neutral observer of that ‘American way of life’. I still have a strong bond with Flanders, and officially we are still residents of De Pinte (laughs). For me, Flanders is the Silicon Valley of Europe, and Ghent the technology capital, which is one of the city’s ambitions that truly delights me. We can learn from the Americans to have more self-confidence in selling ourselves to the rest of the world. An American company easily spends 15 per cent of its revenue on marketing and PR, while in Belgium this is no more than 2 to 3 per cent. Our companies can learn so much from the ‘American way of life’.”

Nicolas: “New York cannot be compared with the rest of the US. It’s an exciting, progressive and international metropolis, with all the benefits and challenges that go with it. The city’s international character gives me enormous energy: you meet so many nationalities, cultures, people with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and that’s really enriching. I love the ‘live and let live’ mentality here. Everyone can be themselves without being judged. At the same time, part of me is still rooted in Flanders due to my job, and I stay up to date with what’s going on in Flanders. Meanwhile, I’ve married an American, so as for coming back? Who knows, maybe some day.”

Are many alumni active in your area?

Nicolas: “I guess about 250 in New York. It’s not always easy to gather contact details. So here’s a warm appeal to sign up with Infinitum or to send us a mail.”

Wim: “In the San Francisco Bay area there are very many alumni from Ghent University, particularly Flemish people who have spread their wings. The alumni from elsewhere often end up here via the Erasmus Mundus programmes in Photonics and Marine biology. Not surprisingly, most alumni have a background in Engineering, however, one in ten comes from the faculty of Arts & Philosophy.”

You both have a busy job, just like the members of the Executive Committee. So what’s behind your engagement to develop the Chapters as well?

Wim: “One of the strengths of the business culture here is mentoring and open networking. The members of the Executive Committee are keen to deploy their experience and network for Ghent University. “I got the inspiration for the Chapter from my job at Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), which provides support to many academic visitors. I discovered that many alumni from Ghent University work in this region and I was keen to put them in touch with each other. In fact, the profiles involved go much wider than technology alone.

My work for the Alumni Chapter and my daily job are actually quite similar, allowing plenty of potential synergies. Here in the west of the US you need to fight for attention, whether you are an established firm or a high-potential Ghent University spin-off, and I can help. Through my job and through the alumni network. In any case, I’m honoured to be the bridge between Ghent University and its alumni on the west coast of America.”

Nicolas: “Americans have a strong connection with their alma mater: they walk around wearing hoodies or caps from their American university. And I’m rather jealous of that, along with other Ghent-University alumni. It’s nice to see how Americans feel part of a community, of the institution where you often enjoy the best time of your life. And American universities are experts in taking advantage of that with their branding. That sense of community spirit is what we are keen to create with our Alumni Chapter. Our ambition is to make Ghent University a real ‘brand’ in the States (laughs).”

What do wish to achieve with the Chapter and what does it mean for local alumni?

Nicolas: “We want to present Ghent University internationally in New York and put local alumni – Belgians and other nationalities – in touch with each other, in order to maintain and strengthen the connection with Ghent University. It’s not only nice for alumni to have social contact, they can also develop a professional network.”

Wim: “Through the Chapter, alumni stay in touch with their roots and their alma mater. They get to know new people, can do something in return for their alma mater, for example, by sharing their experience with young start-ups in Ghent who are considering the transatlantic step, … In doing so, they help to boost Ghent University’s reputation, internationalisation and academic diplomacy. Our most important goal this year is to put our Chapter on the map. The visit from rector Van de Walle, along with fellow members of Ghent University, to San Francisco Bay is perfect to strengthen relations between Ghent University and local businesses and research institutions."

Nicolas: “The two American Chapters have the potential to become the eyes and ears of Ghent University in the US.”

What activities do you organise?

Nicolas: “We generally organise informal lectures with high-level speakers. The speakers always have a strong link with Ghent University. After visiting San Francisco, the rector will visit us for a lecture.”

Wim: “This year, everything revolves around the rector’s visit at the end of May, and supporting those accompanying him from Ghent University. We have developed a week-long programme of company visits, academic and laboratory visits, culminating in a grand alumni reception on the last evening. After that, we plan to organise regular alumni activities, connected to - technological - conferences that also attract alumni from outside San Francisco.”