Joint Farewell 2023
We hope you are ready for one of the biggest Chevening events of the year! Keep reading for the event programme and key reminders for the day.
Join us on 4 July at Alexandra Palace to celebrate the closing of your time in the UK. You may be returning home soon, but remember: You’re a scholar for a year, but you’re a Chevener for life.
Date: Tuesday 4 July 2023.
Time: Registration begins at 12:30pm and the event finishes at 5pm.
Location: Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY.
Share your photos and videos from the day on social media, tagging @cheveningfcdo and using the hashtag #Farewell2023.
Event programme
| Timing | Session |
| 12:30 – 13:25 | Scholar arrival and registration |
| 13:30 – 13:35 | Welcome
Miranda Thomas – Director, Programmes & Business Development, ACU |
| 13:35 – 13:40 | Opening address (video)
James Cleverly MP – Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs |
| 13:40 -14:10 | Becoming an Alum with panel
Alicia Herbert – Director of Education, Gender and Equalities Directorate |
| 14:10 – 14:25 | Recognition of scholar achievements
Robin Mason, Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission John Raine, Chair of the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission Nikki Stoddart, Head of Scholarships, Tertiary Education and Partnerships at the FCDO |
| 14:25 – 14:30 | Special message (video)
Surprise special guest |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Keynote
Anulika Ajufo – Marshall Commissioner |
| 15:00 – 15:05 | Closing remarks
Naomi Rayner – Head of the Scholarships Unit, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office |
| 15:05 – 17:00 | Networking Reception |
Key reminders
- Please do not bring guests or dependants, as they will not be permitted entry.
- A photographer and videographer will be present to document the day – please make yourselves known to them if you wish not to be photographed or videoed.
- Cloakroom space will be limited, so please avoid bringing big bags.
- There is no step free access at Alexandra Palace train station, so if you have accessibility requirements you will need to change at Finsbury Park and get a bus to the venue.
And lastly, please dress colourfully! We hope you are looking forward to a fun afternoon recognising your achievements throughout the year.