Graduates from across London got together to boost their network and catch up with familiar faces at a major gathering in the heart of the financial district.

In Dublin, Queen’s Vice-President, Governance and External Affairs & Registrar, Dr Ryan Feeney paid tribute to longstanding QUAD members Brendan Keenan, Eileen McCrory and Elizabeth Doherty and welcomed Ciara Leonard, Daniel Sharpe and Jesselyn Angky to the association committee.

Speaking at the Dublin event in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Dr Feeney said:

“This is about more than networking. It is about a shared purpose, a pride in what Queen’s has offered us and our collective responsibility to shape a better future for these islands and for generations to come.

“Your leadership and commitment embody exactly what this network stands for, celebrating excellence and potential, and showcasing the impact that Queen’s graduates are making across the world.”

The events in September saw TP ICAP host alumni and supporters on the rooftop of its Bishopsgate office in the heart of the City of London, while graduates in Dublin networked at a major gathering hosted by Susquehanna in the landmark IFSC.

Queen’s Leaders 18-45 in Dublin

Dr Feeney welcomed three trailblazers to the Queen’s Leaders 18-45 initiative, based on the University’s foundation year, it celebrates students and graduates aged between 18 and 45 who embody Queen's commitment to shaping a better world.

The three new additions in Dublin span sport, actuarial science, and cloud-based solutions.

Dr Ciaran Cosgrove has been making his mark in various fields of sport by applying his medical expertise to players. Currently Director of UPMC Sports Medicine at UPMC Institute for Health, Ciaran has been the team doctor for the Irish men’s rugby team, the British & Irish Lions, Leinster Rugby and Liverpool Football Club.

Dr Ciaran Cosgrave

Ciaran, who started his medical career at Queen’s in 2004, provided medical cover for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings in their historic NFL game in Dublin in September. On joining the 18-45 initiative, he told the Dublin event:

“It is a privilege to be part of this group. Queen’s shaped so much of who I am – professionally and personally – and to be invited back in a leadership capacity feels like an opportunity to give something back. For me, it is about connection: with the University, with peers who have gone on to lead across different fields, and with the next generation of Queen’s graduates who will go on to shape healthcare, society, and industry.

“My five years at Queen’s were truly formative. The education was world class and gave me the foundation to pursue a career that has taken me from Belfast to Dublin, Liverpool, and across the world with international teams. Beyond the academics, Queen’s gave me friendships that have lasted a lifetime, and a sense of belonging to a proud tradition. It was the place I always knew I wanted to study, and it exceeded all expectations.”

Indonesian born Jesselyn Angky graduated from Queen’s in 2024 with a BSc in Actuarial Science and Risk Management and is now working as a Modelling Trainee Actuary at Utmost Pan Europe in Dublin. Jesselyn explained that coming to Belfast on her own with “just my luggage and big dreams, wasn’t always easy”.

“Adjusting to a new environment and culture, while being far from family, was challenging, but my determination to pursue my education and career goals was stronger than those fears.”

Jesselyn Angky

During her studies, she became a Student Ambassador and Queen’s Influencer, highlighting the benefits of the University and the city to new international students.

“It's an honour to be recognised among such a dynamic and inspiring group of peers,” she said.

“This recognition of Queen’s Leaders 18–45 would not be possible without the opportunities and support I receive from great teams and people I worked with.

“This is not only about celebrating achievement, but also about a reminder that whoever we are, coming from different backgrounds, can show our potential and contribute to making impacts.

“My time at Queen’s was transformative. It offered a world-class education and also a community where I developed friendships, networks, and skills that continue to shape who I am today. The opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom really enriched my experience.

“Queen’s gave me the foundation to think critically, work collaboratively, and aim higher than I thought possible. My time at Queen’s shaped my career in so many ways.”

Conall Laverty is the founder and CEO of Wia, a cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform that helps businesses to monitor electricity, improve energy efficiency, and embrace sustainability using AI-powered insights.

Conall Laverty

Conall said he started taking computers apart and rebuilding them when he was eight years old. He has now been named as one of the Forbes 30 under 30.

“Queen’s gave me the space and support to experiment, create and learn from brilliant people,” he told the Dublin networking event.

“The combination of rigorous technical training and a vibrant student community encouraged me to think big and turn ideas into reality.”

Speaking about becoming one of Queen’s Leaders 18-45, Conall said:

“It’s an opportunity to stay connected to the Queen’s community, share experiences with other innovators and leaders, and help shape the next generation of talent.

“I see it as a platform to give back - whether through mentoring, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, or collaborating on projects that have positive social and environmental impact.”

Congratulating the Dublin based cohort, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Queen’s alumni and students across a variety of fields, and who are making contributions to society locally, across these islands, and internationally.

“Our global Queen’s community is vibrant and influential, shaping communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. I’m delighted to welcome Jesselyn, Ciaran and Conall to a growing group of strong voices and impressive leaders from Queen’s who are each making an impact.”

London Alumni Event

The London event with hosts TP ICAP heard from Queen’s graduates involved in the Finance Mentoring Scheme where graduates of Queen’s Business School now working in global leading financial institutions support and mentor finance students. They were joined by alumni from a wide range of disciplines to hear updates on Queen’s 180th anniversary, as well as news that Queen's Business School (QBS) has achieved a triple crown of accreditation placing it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. 

Dr Alan Hanna, Director of Accreditation at QBS, told the event that the achievement advanced the school’s world class status. 

Find out more about the 18-45 initiative at Queen’s here.