Did you know that on average, more than 40 American students experience Nottingham life on exchange every year, and in return we send more than 30 back to discover a real American College education? To celebrate the strong connections between the University of Nottingham and America, we’ve been speaking to alumni living in the United States about how they stay in touch with Nottingham.

Eric_Aukee_Headshot

Eric Van Aukee spent a year studying Architecture at Nottingham in 1981, as part of his degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. Although he was only in Nottingham for a short time, he has plenty of fond recollections.

“Campus was a beautiful spot and I have so many memories,” said Eric. “I walked from Ancaster Hall to the T2 building every day and remember the crazy steps and paths all over campus. The grove of trees along Lenton Hall Road was amazing.

“A lot of my memories are from Ancaster Hall, including friends, the meals and competing for the one shower that we had! I also introduced the Ancaster Hall barman to American bourbon.”

Eric threw himself into university life, playing for the basketball team and joining the choir. “Singing in the university choir was just a continuation of that part of my life. I enjoyed the choir and it introduced me to a whole other group of friends while at university.”

I cannot emphasise enough how important my academic studies in architecture were at Nottingham.
Eric Van Auke

His time at Nottingham also created a foundation on which to build his future career.

“I cannot emphasise enough how important my academic studies in architecture were at Nottingham,” explained Eric. “Not just for the challenge academically and technically but my growth as a young architecture student faced with adopting my study and work to respond to the significant difference at the time between British architectural education and US Architectural education.

“I was also able to work with an architecture professor independently on computer aided drawing, software and programming development and design, and very early on a very much advanced use of three-dimensional computer visualisation.

“The significance of this exposure, collaboration, research and experience literally changed my academic and later my professional trajectory. It is hard to imagine how I would have accomplished some of my most important designs, realised some tremendous opportunities and contributed to projects or new business without this foundational experience at Nottingham.”

Despite living more than 5,000 miles away in California, Eric still makes an effort to stay connected to Nottingham - like meeting with Gianluca Sergi, Professor of Film Studies (pictured above).

“I remain connected out of personal interest and gratitude. The impact the university had on me personally, academically and professionally continues to provide me with joy, pride and inspiration,” added Eric.

In fact, this sense of pride has motivated Eric to support the next generation of Nottingham students by donating to scholarships and pledging to leave a gift in his will.

“I have been blessed to receive such good mentorship, inspiration and value from my past and current interactions with Nottingham. It will be very hard for you to keep me away from continuing to support the current, next and future generation of students and alum.”

To find out how you can support students by donating to scholarships or leaving a gift in your will, please email supportus@nottingham.ac.uk or find more information here.