From Newcastle to New York: Meet the volunteers building an active alumni community in the Big Apple
With almost 4,000 Newcastle University alumni residing in the United States, a dedicated group of graduates have joined together to develop a new Alumni Network in New York and the tri-state area, providing opportunities for alumni to connect and support their alma mater.
10 March 2025
The Newcastle University New York Alumni Network is led by graduates Andy McDonald, Zelda Mendelowitz, Fraser Owen-Smith, Cinthi Pillai and Kate Sheeran.
Together, they aim to build an active alumni community in New York, fostering connections between graduates and supporting the University. Keep reading to meet the group and hear their fond memories of their time at Newcastle.
Exciting events
Over the past year the Network has hosted a range of exciting events to bring local alumni together, including a gathering at Bergamo’s, a Newcastle United vs. Manchester City viewing party at Smithfield Hall and a family picnic at the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park.
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Their next event takes place on Wednesday 19 March 2025, with a talk by fellow graduate and esteemed music entrepreneur, Terry Ellis. Alumni are invited to join the Network at The Churchill Tavern from 6.00pm – 8.00pm to hear about Terry’s illustrious career as the founder of Chrysalis records, in which he has represented household name musicians such as Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, David Bowie and Blondie - among many others. Terry’s talk will end with a Q&A followed by an opportunity for graduates to socialise and catch up with each other.
As well as connecting graduates in the local area, the Network hope that they can unite the might of the alumni community to support current and prospective US students at Newcastle University, whether that be advising US college students heading to Newcastle or assisting students on campus facing financial hardship.
Meet the team
The Newcastle University New York Network is led by five graduates from the past six decades, representing the diversity of our alumni community and exemplifying that your alma mater really is for life!
Ahead of their event in March, we caught up with the Network Leads to find out more about where life has taken them since graduating and what memories they have of our beloved campus and city.
Andy McDonald (MSc Water Resources, 1973)
"After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Wales, I wanted to expand my knowledge in river pollution, which led me to Newcastle for a postgraduate degree. I also wanted to experience life in a city after my rural undergraduate years.
"Much of my time outside studying was devoted to football - I was part of both the University First XI and a Sunday league team. I lived in Leazes Terrace, a self-catering dormitory, where I roomed with two German students at different times and even visited one of them in his hometown.
"After leaving Newcastle, my career took an unexpected turn into finance. I have worked internationally in banking, including as Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo in New York, before retiring in 2020.
"My experiences at Newcastle helped shape my life, and I love hearing similar stories from fellow alumni. While I enjoy living in the US, I miss my home country, and I’m passionate about promoting the Newcastle experience to Americans."
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Newcastle shaped my life, and I want to help provide opportunities for international students to study in Newcastle and experience life in a different culture.
Zelda Mendelowitz (BSc Hons Biochemistry, 2014; MSc Hons Synthetic Biology, 2015)
Growing up in New York, I was determined to become a scientist, so I was drawn to Newcastle for its research strengths, three-year degree programs, and the vibrant, welcoming Geordie culture. While at university, I played lacrosse and co-founded StuBrew, Europe’s first student-run brewery.
"The StuBrew tap events in the Students’ Union were some of my favourite memories - it was amazing to contribute to student nightlife while still being a student! Other highlights include fun nights out with the lacrosse girls, course mates and roommates, and, of course, meeting my husband.
"Since graduating, I’ve returned to New York, earned a PhD in Biology, and now work on Wall Street in Biotech Equity Research.
"I love connecting with fellow alumni who have ended up in New York and reminiscing about our student days. Newcastle had such an impact on me that I want to give back through the Alumni Network. Growing the tri-state area network and supporting the University is a truly rewarding experience."
Fraser Owen-Smith (BA Combined Hons, 1994)
"I was drawn to Newcastle because of the flexibility of the Combined Honours degree programme - and my sister’s glowing recommendation. A weekend visit, including a Newcastle United match, sealed the deal!
"After university, I spent a couple of years working in London before applying for a job in New York. I arrived in 1998, planning to stay for two years… twenty-six years later, I’m still here and working in banking.
"The friendships I made during my time at Newcastle remain the highlight - whether it was pints in the Cradlewell, playing intramural sports, sledding down Cavendish Place, or grabbing food at Dene’s Deli.
"Newcastle shaped my life, and I want to help provide opportunities for international students to study in Newcastle and experience life in a different culture."
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Cinthi Pillai (MBBS, 2006)
"My passion for neuroscience and different healthcare systems led me to study at Newcastle. I had an incredible experience; the academics were challenging yet supportive.
"After Newcastle, I completed my neurology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC and a Neuro-Ophthalmology fellowship at Harvard Medical School. I then spent several years working at NYU Langone in NYC.
"Some of my favourite memories from my time at Newcastle include the medics’ pub crawl, nights out on the Quayside, late-night chips from Munchies, and budget-friendly trips across Europe with friends.
"Studying at Newcastle shaped my life in an incredibly positive way. I’m passionate about supporting the University and helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed."
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Whether it's helping students facing financial hardship, providing mentorship opportunities, or supporting the recruitment of US students, I love finding ways to engage current students and recent graduates with the University.
Kate Sheeran (BA Hons Psychology, 1991)
"In my late teens, I was unsure of my career path, but I knew I wanted to study a subject that sparked my curiosity and provided a strong foundation for the future, which is why I chose Psychology. I was also looking for a new experience - geographically, environmentally, and culturally, and Newcastle ticked all the boxes. I don’t regret my choice!
"Now, I call New York City home and work as Assistant Vice President for Finance Administration at Columbia University.
"Some of my favourite memories from Newcastle include the lifelong friendships I made, the interesting discussions in the Psychology department coffee lounge, unforgettable nights at The Boat, and, of course, the famous stotties!
"Bringing fellow alumni together to connect with our alma mater and support Newcastle University in meaningful ways is incredibly rewarding. Whether it's helping students facing financial hardship, providing mentorship opportunities, or supporting the recruitment of US students, I love finding ways to engage current students and recent graduates with the University."
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Stay connected with the New York Network
If you can join us, we would love to see you at our event on 19 March and hear where life has taken you since leaving Newcastle. Register your place.
If you have any suggestions for future events, or would like to get involved in the running of the Network, you can email us at NewcastleUniversityNYAlumni@gmail.com.
And to be the first to hear about our latest news, events and opportunities, make sure to join our LinkedIn group. You can also find fellow Newcastle alumni now living stateside here too.