This year's Drinks in the City series brought great Gordonian spirit amongst former pupils and guest speakers as we celebrated the pathways of our global alumni. From New York City to London and onto Edinburgh, these events showcased the achievements of our community and the enduring connections that bind us as Gordonians.
The series kicked off in New York City, offering a stunning setting and the chance to reconnect with classmates. Rugby legends Stuart Grimes (Class of '92) and Chris Cusiter (Class of '00) who shared their journeys from RGC to professional rugby and business careers. Both credited the diverse opportunities at Gordon's for their success.
Head of College, Robin Macpherson, emphasised the importance of this event in strengthening the global Gordonian network. He spoke about the pride we share for our school and the balance between local roots and a global perspective. Chris, a first-time attendee, highlighted the value of rekindling old friendships and the potential for future events, especially in North America.
The London leg of the series was held at Hide in Mayfair, where Gordonians enjoyed lively conversations. Guest speaker Louise Macnab (Class of '05) shared her journey from corporate law to founding JERMS, a gut health company. The Q&A session hosted by Mike Skene (Class of '03), was insightful and Louise shared how her company JERMS is changing our understanding of gut bacteria.
The final event in Edinburgh featured David Stenhouse (Class of '86), a broadcaster and CEO of the John Schofield Trust. David spoke about inspiring young people in journalism and his work on social mobility within newsrooms. His talk resonated with attendees, prompting discussions about the future and the importance of the Gordonian community.
Throughout the Drinks in the City series we reminisced, fostered new connections, and heard from inspiring Gordonians. These events reminded us of the shared experiences that connect Gordonians across generations and locations.
With 2024 wrapped up excitement is already building for the 2025 series.