Andrew Solum ’89

BA, London, UK

Andrew Solum ’89 is the director of Kellanco Associates Ltd. and former director of Travel Industry Associates Ltd. He served as an advisor to the UK Houses of Parliament from 2009–2016 and as a member of the British Airways International Advisory Board from 2011–2019. He has also provided services to Air New Zealand, BA CityFlyer, Air Berlin, Silverjet, and United Airlines.

Andrew’s love of travel reaches back to his student days. His path to Vassar began rather unexpectedly. Following a delicious lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, his parents drove him to Poughkeepsie “for a look” at Vassar. He was convinced Vassar would not be for him. But as they drove through Main Gate, he was struck by its beauty and positive energy. He knew he was home.

Junior year abroad in France planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong connection to the continent. After graduating from Vassar with a degree in French, he returned to the UK, intending to stay for just one year. That year has become 37—and counting.

The UK has provided a base from which to explore the world, and Andrew ultimately turned his passion for travel into a career. The curiosity and openness to the wider world that was energized at Vassar gave him the confidence to embrace the remarkable diversity of the planet.

Andrew has served as President of the Vassar Club of the United Kingdom since 2014, after nine years as Vice President. He is also on the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Board of Directors as well as the Clubs Committee; Alum Recognition Committee; and Ad Hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Beyond Vassar, he volunteers with FareShare tackling food waste—a natural progression from his undergraduate involvement in Vassar’s Food Committee.