On behalf of the LSE Alumni & Friends in France we want to say the sincerest thank you to George Grosz (BSc Accounting & Finance 1957). With the help of some fellow alumni, George created the Association of LSE Alumni in France in 1982 at the request of the then Director Ralf Dahrendorf and Anne Bohm, Director of Alumni Relations.
First as General Secretary and later as President, he organised regular meetings and events for LSE Alumni in Paris. Our first Bon Voyage reception hosted by the Belgian Ambassador was a great success, followed by many dinners, and celebrations of key moments of Alumni and the LSE. Together we hosted events at the British Embassy, represented the Association at the global alumni events in London, and welcomed more and more new alumni into our network of friends and colleagues.
We collectively remember George as someone very brave – he was never afraid of asking for what was needed for the group and for those who needed the help of alumni. And he was always welcoming. Any new alumni coming to France were welcomed with open arms. No request for contact or comfort was too big. His strength of character built the Association and left a legacy that we try to improve on every year.
George always said that what he learned and experienced at the LSE in the 1950s was the backbone of his professional life, and a springboard to his career in accounting. But as important, if not more, were the close personal relationships he started and built over the years. This kind of commitment to humans and humanity has inspired LSE Alumni leaders globally and locally.
As part of the LSE Alumni Association in France and globally, here are just a few of his accomplishments:
- Founder & President of the Association of Alumni & Friends of LSE in France 1982 to 2009
- Honorary President of the Association of Alumni & Friends of LSE in France
- Member of the LSE Alumni Group Leaders' Support Subcommittee 2011 to 2015
Mainly he was a great friend and mentor to many of us as well as wonderful human being. He will be truly missed by a great many of us.
George once said that LSE left an indelible stamp on his life, and we can say that he left an indelible stamp on ours. He looked back with pleasure and forward with hope – as do we.
George passed away 30th March 2021. He left this world physically, but luckily for all of us he married a graceful and dedicated wife, Micheline, 57 years ago and had 2 wonderful daughters and grandchildren.
May he rest in the most glorious peace.
George Grosz BSc (Econ) Accounting and Finance 1957, FCA
The LSE France Alumni team