SoLL Postgraduate Club Annual Meeting & End-of-Year Social Gathering: Celebrating Success and Welcoming the Future
Xiaoyi Zhang
The SoLL Postgraduate Club Annual Meeting & End-of-Year Social Gathering was a wonderful event that brought postgraduate students together to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. It was a celebration of everything the club achieved in 2024 under the leadership of Pip Mackey, and it was exciting to welcome the new leadership team for 2025, with Michael Sadeghi as the incoming president.
This event showed how the SoLL Postgraduate Club has become an important part of life for many postgraduate students, offering both academic support and a sense of community.
Highlights of the Year: President’s Report
Pip Mackey, the outgoing president, shared her thoughts on the year during the President’s Report. She talked about the wide variety of activities the club had organized, each with a different purpose. Events like the “Shut Up and Write” sessions gave students a focused space to work on their academic projects, while social gatherings allowed everyone to relax, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.
“The PhD journey can be tough, but this club has made it easier by bringing people together,” Pip said, “We’ve built a community where students can share their challenges and celebrate their successes.”
Her leadership has clearly made a big impact, creating opportunities for students to feel supported and connected.
Managing Resources for Growth: Treasurer’s Report
Alan Bechaz, the club’s treasurer, provided an insightful Treasurer’s Report, outlining how resources were thoughtfully allocated to enhance the postgraduate experience. Alan emphasized the balance between academic and social initiatives, ensuring that every event served the dual purpose of fostering productivity and community spirit.
From funding academic workshops to organizing picnics and celebrations, Alan’s report highlighted how the club’s activities have positively impacted students throughout the year.
Welcoming New Leadership for 2025
A key part of the meeting was the election of the 2025 executive committee. Michael Sadeghi, who served as vice president this year, was elected as the new president. Michael’s enthusiasm for bringing people together and his dedication to the club make him a great fit for this role.
The new team also includes Rebecca Kuhlmann as vice president and several new officers who are excited to bring fresh ideas and energy to the club. Watching the leadership handover was inspiring and filled everyone with hope for another great year ahead.
An Interview with the Incoming President: Michael Sadeghi
After the event, I had the chance to interview Michael Sadeghi and learn more about his vision for the club.
Q: Congratulations on being elected as the new president! What motivated you to take on this leadership role?
Michael: Thank you for your kind words. As you might already know, I was the vice president of the SoLL Postgraduate Club, where I learned a lot from the leadership style of the previous president, Pip. I have always been interested in ways to facilitate effective communication between postgraduate students at SoLL, as the PhD journey can be truly challenging. So, I decided to take on this role after Pip’s graduation to continue involving students at our school, so that they can have a sense of belonging to a community.
Q: What makes the SoLL Postgraduate Club special?
Michael: It’s the people. The members genuinely care about each other and are always willing to contribute. During our meetings, members brainstorm ideas to engage students at SoLL and volunteer for various events. As a result of these initiatives, the SoLL Postgraduate Club creates a positive atmosphere among its members and other students at the school, where everyone feels valued, effective and connected.
Q: What are your priorities for next year?
Michael: My main priority for next year is to continue to reinvigorate the SoLL Postgraduate Club by attracting as many students as possible. We currently have several regular events, such as the Shut Up and Write sessions run by Alan Bechaz. I also run a monthly reading group, which I will continue in the new year. I am also hoping to brainstorm some new ideas with the members to run more social events in the new year.
Q: How will the club support students in 2025?
Michael: Well, the current regular events, such as Shut Up and Write and the Reading Group, aim to provide a space for postgraduate students to engage with academic issues. In the Reading Group, for example, we usually read papers on different areas of Applied Linguistics and have fruitful discussions about them. This can not only add to the students’ existing repertoire of knowledge but also encourage them to step out of their own field of expertise and look at neighbouring areas of research.
At the same time, I believe that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”! The PhD journey can be both challenging and isolating, so I would like to organise more social events where people can get together, meet their fellow students and hopefully have some fun.
Q: What message do you have for students considering joining the club?
Michael: Join us! The plans at the SoLL Postgraduate Club will not see fruition unless there is enough participation and enthusiasm on the part of its members. I know there is always a lot to read, write, edit, etc., for PhD students, but please remember that We’re all in this together, and the SoLL Postgraduate Club is here to support you. Whether you’re looking for academic advice, new friends, or just a chance to relax, there’s something for everyone.
Reflections on the Gathering
The Annual Meeting & End-of-Year Social Gathering wasn’t just a formal event—it was a celebration of what makes the SoLL Postgraduate Club special. The outgoing team’s hard work and dedication were recognized, and the new leaders received an enthusiastic welcome.
The event also served as a reminder of how the club’s activities have enriched the postgraduate experience. Regular events like the Reading Group, End-of-Semester Celebrations, and the “Shut Up and Write” sessions have provided students with spaces to connect, learn, and grow—both academically and socially.
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025
The SoLL Postgraduate Club has been a cornerstone of support for many students, and with the new leadership team, 2025 promises to be even better. Plans for 2025 include expanding regular events, introducing innovative initiatives, and creating more opportunities for students to feel connected and supported.
Whether you’re looking for academic support, opportunities to meet fellow students or just a fun break from research, this is your chance to get involved and make the most of your postgraduate journey.
As the new year approaches, the club is calling on all postgraduate students to join its activities. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of connection, growth, and success. Don’t miss out—be part of something special!