Alumni EXCHANGE Magazine for the University’s alumni and friends
Issue 7/ Spring 2012
PMs meet up “The best of British, the best of Malaysia” Lowry smashes all records Exclusive exhibition pulls in a massive 46,800 visitors.
Alumnus help unlock potential Pioneering scheme to help local children be the best they can be.
Royal seal of approval University wins a Queen’s Award for its research.
What’s inside VC’s welcome
P3 Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway’s welcome.
University news
P4 University wins a Queen’s Award.
Alumni news
P5 Nottingham Potential is launched. P6&7 Alumnus Mike Dilger lives the wild life. P8 Life Cycle 2 is launched. P9 Research wins royal recognition. P10 Memorial fund is launched.
Features
P11 David Cameron in Malaysia. P12&13 Team University and the Olympics.
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Events
P14 Photographs from recent events. P15 Dates for your diary.
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19
International news
P16 Business student’s food for thought P17 Head over heels: alumna turns passion for shoes into a successful business.
Campaign news
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P20 Andrew Witty. P21 Scholarships announcement. P22 Fellows’ fond farewell. P23 Babies benefit from donors. P24 World first in fight against cancer. P25 A gift of memories.
In memoriam
P26 Remembering those who have died.
Networks
P27 Contact details for various groups.
Contact
Alumni Relations Team, The University of Nottingham, Portland Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD Email: alumni-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 115 823 2406 Visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/alumniexchange
Cover shot: PM David Cameron with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and students during his recent visit to The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. 2/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue7/ Spring 2012/
Writing: Simon Harvey Design: Karen Shale Issue 7 ©The University of Nottingham. Alumni Exchange is the publication for graduates, former students, staff and friends of The University of Nottingham. Views expressed in Alumni Exchange are not necessarily those of the editor, alumni or The University of Nottingham.
VC’s welcome
I’ll be back in the saddle... A few weeks ago I had the great honour of receiving, on behalf of the University, the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for our research on Global Food Security.
Potential marks a step-change in our work with young people in Nottinghamshire by supporting some of the most deprived young people in the region and providing them with a pathway to success.
The prize is the most prestigious form of national recognition open to a UK academic institution and receiving it from Her Majesty The Queen during her Diamond Jubilee Year made the formal presentation at Buckingham Palace a particularly special occasion for me.
Many of you may remember that last year I led a team of colleagues on a 1,030-mile cycle ride from John O’ Groats to Land’s End to demonstrate my personal commitment to our Campaign. The first Nottingham Life Cycle raised £229,000, and I say first because we are going to do something similar! Life Cycle 2 will take place this summer and you can find out more on page 9.
We also learned earlier this year that we are now the most popular university in the UK, according to the number of applications received for the 2012 intake. In the same way that we often bask in the considerable achievements of our alumni I hope that you too will share our sense of pride in the achievements of our University communities here in the UK and on our campuses in China and Malaysia. Global food security is also one of the major challenges that we are tackling through the largest fundraising campaign in our history. Impact: the Nottingham Campaign was launched last October and will raise £150m to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. A major Campaign landmark was established a few weeks ago with the opening of the first Nottingham Potential IntoUniversity Learning Centre, made possible through an extraordinary gift from the David Ross Foundation. Nottingham
Thank you to everyone who has supported us in kind and with donations so far. I urge to you read more about what we are trying to achieve through the Impact Campaign and invite you to join us in our endeavours. Together, we can make an impact on our world. More information is available at: http://tiny. cc/UoNImpact. Finally, please do not forget to join us for May Fest 2012 on 19 May. It is a great day out for our alumni and friends and their families because there is so much on offer. I am always delighted to welcome alumni to the University so please do come back and see us.
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University news
Royal recognition Academics from The University of Nottingham met Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to receive the highest royal honour for university research. Staff and students visited Buckingham Palace to receive a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, the most prestigious national recognition for UK universities. The biennial award scheme is part of the UK’s national honours system, celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in the UK’s Higher and Further Education sector. They recognise and celebrate winners’ outstanding work which is making a real and practical impact for the benefit of human progress. Nottingham won for its research to help feed the world’s growing population – cutting-edge work which encompasses everything from growing more crops with less fertiliser, to improving the nutrition, safety and taste of food on the plate. The University is home to one of the largest communities of plant, crop, animal and food science experts in the UK, carrying out world-leading research to find new ways of feeding a hungry planet. Worldwide, around a billion people are hungry and nearly 200 million children are severely malnourished. With the population expected to increase from seven billion to nine billion by 2050, coupled with climate 4/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012
change, the challenge of feeding the world has never been more pressing. Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, received the prize from Her Majesty the Queen. He said: “We are extremely honoured and proud to have received this award for our work in the area of global food security. It recognises the important contribution the University is making to this vital area of research at our UK and Malaysia campuses. It also acknowledges the significant input of our staff and research students in furthering understanding in this field and driving forward new initiatives.” Professor Greenaway was joined by Professor Yang Fujia, Chancellor of the University, and senior academics involved in global food security research: Professor Jerry Roberts, Professor Katherine Smart and Professor Sayed Azam-Ali. Five postgraduate students also attended the Palace reception as part of the University’s party. Global Food Security is a key project within the University’s new appeal, Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, which is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. Visit: http://tiny.cc/UoNImpact.
Alumni news They were the stars of the launch. With a confidence and a clarity that belied their ages, Sophie and Rebecca addressed more than 100 academics, parents, teachers, media, politicians and local business people to tell them about their aspirations. Sophie wants to be a teacher and Rebecca has a place at university and is planning a career in family support and social work. “Before I got involved with IntoUniversity I didn’t think I could pass my course, let alone go to uni, let alone get a job,” said Rebecca. “But now I feel I can do all that and be successful. Thanks to IntoUniversity I feel more confident, not only in myself but in my school work.” Nottingham Potential is an ambitious programme to help some of the most deprived young people in the East Midlands to reach university. It represents a multimillion pound commitment to help break down the barriers to higher education. Delivered by the University in partnership with education charity IntoUniversity, Nottingham Potential will provide new learning centres in the community to support pupils from the ages of seven to 18 years, including one-toone support with homework, literacy and numeracy, coursework, exams, GCSE options and A-levels, careers advice and applications to university. Sophie and Rebecca’s words did not go unnoticed by the man whose £2.1m philanthropic gift has turned Nottingham Potential into reality. As co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, Chairman of the David Ross Foundation and Co-Chair of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, David Ross was impressed. “I thought Sophie and Rebecca were fantastic. You can see how the programme has taken these two and given them a sense of direction and self-confidence. I look back on my education as something which was both formative and fun. But I am not sure that young people are getting the same level of engagement or happiness out of their education. “The David Ross Foundation’s partnerships with schools in deprived areas has shown us that in order to raise young people’s aspirations and show them that a university education is a door which is open to them, then the earlier we start, the better. “Talent and ability is abundant in these schools, and in many different fields. However, without the right kind of encouragement and support young people may not appreciate the opportunities that they can seize. Nottingham Potential is a hugely exciting, ambitious and, above all, important programme and one that I believe is genuinely pioneering.” Nottingham Potential is a key project within the Nurturing Talent theme of Impact: the Nottingham Campaign. Visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ NottinghamPotential.
“Nottingham Potential is a hugely exciting, ambitious and, above all, important programme and one that I believe is genuinely pioneering.” David Ross, chairman of the David Ross Foundation
Helping every child to reach their potential 5/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012
Alumni news
Mike’s wild life Fans of the BBC’s The One Show will know him the minute they set eyes on his mischievous face. Mike Dilger (Botany 1988) is the wildlife face of the show – one day capturing footage of badgers feeding in the middle of a suburban lawn and the next snorkelling with sharks. But behind the showbiz presentation there’s a passionate broadcaster and naturalist with an encyclopaedic knowledge of British flora and fauna and an expertise of the ecosystems of South and Central America. He’s been back to the University both to film and to speak to students and he’s one of an ever-growing band of wildlife and natural history experts who are leaders in their field. “I came back to Nottingham to do a One Show film about money spiders with research geneticist Dr Sara Goodacre, who set up the unique SpiderLab in the School of Biology,” said Mike, who holds the world record for keeping the most snails on his face for a minute (37). “And there we were on prime-time television, Sara and myself, banging on about money spiders for five minutes to an audience of between four and six million people, people who were just a little bit wiser about the natural world because they watched The One Show. And that’s important, it’s natural history for people who are not going to be bothered to watch Springwatch or The Human Planet. “I was at Nottingham from 1985-88 and I was distinctly mediocre as a student. I got a 2:2 in Botany and a first in socialising. I was a regular frequenter of the Buttery Bar, I spent a small fortune in the Happy Return in Lenton and I was frequently so hung-over I had to lie down on the seats at the back of the very lecture theatre where I recently addressed students. “I was classically what people would call a late developer but I had a terrific time at Nottingham and finally met other birders and people who loved natural history so I went twitching a lot, tried to get myself invited into Florence Nightingale, Florence Boot and Cavendish Halls after hours and occasionally turned up at lectures. It was an amazing time.” After leaving the University Mike worked for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers at Burton Joyce, then got a contract with the Notts Wildlife Trust and later with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). On his many trips to the tropics Mike collected an
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impressive array of diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, ringworm and septicaemia, which led to the nickname of Britain’s Most Diseased Man. He returned from the tropics in order to recover and got into television work as a wildlife film researcher, working for Bill Oddie. “I don’t know how I got into wildlife. I went through quite a few hobbies when I was about seven years old before I hit on birding. I was given the Blandford Colour Series Guide to Birds and each page had two oil portraits of 256 species of birds commonly found around Britain. And I remember holding a torch under the bed covers at bedtime and reading the names of these fantastic birds — Montagu’s Harrier and Red-backed Shrike. I wanted to see them all and to this day there’s only one I haven’t yet seen.” Environmental historian, birdwatcher and friend, The University of Nottingham’s Dr Rod Lambert says of Mike: “He is engaging, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge, he’s one of our best communicators about nature and people, he’s passionate and I really do believe that he’s one of the finest examples we’ve got of presenters coming through who enthuse people and get people fired up about our glorious, complex and diverse natural world.” Mike can be seen regularly on The One Show and will be appearing at the British Birdwatching fair at Rutland Water from 17 to 19 August. His new book, My Garden and Other Animals, is published in July.
Mike’s just one of the wild bunch Mike is a member of a core of alumni and current staff who have forged careers as naturalists and been involved in awardwinning media on natural history. The University has strong links with the BBC’s world-famous Natural History Unit in Bristol. Dr Rob Lambert is an environmental historian and passionate birdwatcher and has worked closely with Honorary University of Nottingham Professor and wildlife TV series producer Stephen Moss, who has been responsible for many of the BBC’s wildlife TV series such as Big Cat Diary, Springwatch, The Nature of Britain and Birds Britannia. Mark Flowers (Biology 1988), a producer and director on the BBC’s Human Planet series is based at the Bristol unit as is producer, director and photographer Adam White (Zoology 1991), whose credits include Life in Cold Blood. Dr Peter Shepherd (Botany 1985), meanwhile, has more than 20 years’ experience as a consultant ecologist and researcher having set up leading ecological consultancy Baker Shepherd Gillespie in 1997. Raptor researcher Dr Ruth Tingay (Environmental Management MSc 2000 and PhD 2005) is President of the Raptor Research Foundation and yet another alumnus is the award-winning wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt (Zoology 1988) best known for his work in tropical rainforests. Mike Dilger – one day he’s capturing footage of badgers on a suburban lawn and the next snorkelling with sharks. 7/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012
Alumni news
New Year’s Honours for Nottingham alumni Chief Executive of GlaxoSmithKline, Andrew Witty* (Economics/Agricultural Economics 1985 LLD 2010), received a knighthood for services to the economy and UK pharmaceutical industry in the New Year Honours.
Help us break the cycle of disadvantage
Other Nottingham alumni who received Honours earlier this year were: Professor Madeleine Atkins (PhD Education 1982), Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, CBE for services to Higher Education; Professor Ruth Chambers (Medicine 1973; Medicine 1975; DM Medicine 1995), Clinical Director of Practice Development and Performance for NHS Stoke on Trent Clinical Commissioning Group, OBE for services to Primary Care; Dr Andrew Kidd (Agricultural Sciences 1982), Deputy Head, Kabul Office, Department for International Development, OBE; Dr Frank Newton (MSc Sports Medicine 1993) former Chairman, ISAF Medical Commission (1990-2000), OBE for services to sailing; Lynn Slinger (MEd Education 1989), headteacher of Forest Way Special School, OBE for services to education; John Huddleston (Chemistry/ Physics 1974), lately Knowledge Leader and Project Director, AEA Technology, MBE for services to the environment; and businessman Rodney Hughes (MPhil Civil Engineering 1974), MBE for services to business in Newark, Nottinghamshire. * See page 20 for news of an exciting collaboration. 8/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Last year the Nottingham Life Cycle team, led by the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, Professor David Greenaway, rode their bikes 1,000 miles in 13 days from John O Groats to Land’s End. All 11 riders finished and hundreds of students, alumni and supporters cheered them along the way as they raised £229,000 for the Sue Ryder Centre for the Study of Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, based at the University. And now they’re back in the saddle! The Life Cycle riders are in training for another mammoth ride down the length of the country, on a different route to last year, in order to raise funds for Nottingham Potential, an ambitious new programme to help some of the most deprived young people in the East Midlands to reach University. The ride will once again set off at the end of August and if you would like to support the VC and his team go to: www.nottingham.ac.uk/lifecycle. Find out more about Nottingham Potential at: http://tiny.cc/UoNPotential.
“I’ve led Nottingham’s Widening Participation team for over 10 years and this is the most ambitious project I’ve seen. As soon as I heard the ride was in aid of Nottingham Potential I knew I wanted to take part.”
Dr Penelope Griffin, Head of Widening Participation at the University.
Help create New Theatre archive Do you have New Theatre memorabilia — tickets, posters, programmes... anything? The New Theatre Alumni Network was set up by Becky Catlin and Philip Geller, who were the theatre’s president and manager in 2010/11. “New Theatre was founded in 1969 and is one of the biggest, oldest and most exciting studentrun theatres in the country,” said Becky. “The
possibility of a renovation in September 2013 pushed Phil and I to found the network. We send out regular newsletters. But we want to expand the network to include alumni events and an exhibition of The New Theatre archive.” Sign up for the newsletter at: www.newtheatre. org.uk/alumni. You can email Becky or Phil at: alumni@newtheatre.org.uk.
Alumni news A Nottingham professor and alumna who has dedicated her professional life to helping to rehabilitate people affected by stroke was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours in recognition of her work. Professor Marion Walker (Occupational Health Psychology 1992), Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation at The University of Nottingham’s Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour. It is just fantastic that the work of stroke rehabilitation research at the University has been recognised in this way. Improving the quality of life of stroke survivors is central to all our efforts.” Professor Walker was among a host of alumni, University colleagues and research patients to greet HRH The Princess Royal when she visited the University in January to celebrate the 25th anniversary year of occupational therapy research in the Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing. The royal visitor heard how 25 years of work by Nottingham occupational therapy researchers has helped to lessen the impact of disease and disability on everyday life and deliver innovation in patient rehabilitation. Dr Pip Logan, Associate Professor in Community Rehabilitation and Chair of the College of Occupational Therapists’ specialists section on Neurological Practice, said: “We were really pleased and excited to be able to welcome The Princess Royal to the University. Our research is aimed at improving the quality of life for people with long term medical conditions while avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and our results influence clinical care in the UK and abroad. The first
Research makes a royal impact UK Doctorate of Occupational Therapy graduated from the University and at present we are the largest group of clinical research active occupational therapists in the UK.”
its Impact Campaign, which aims to raise £150m in philanthropic support across five strategic themes over the next five years. Find out more at: http://tiny.cc/ Impactstroke.
The Princess Royal also heard how the importance of stroke rehabilitation has been recognised by the University through
See more photos of the Princess Royal’s visit at: http://tiny.cc/UoNflickrRoyal.
Lowry exhibition smashes all records A staggering 46,800 people flocked to The University of Nottingham’s Lowry exhibition in just 10 weeks. A rarely-seen collection of works – loaned from private collectors – made Lowry Lakeside Arts Centre’s most successful exhibition ever, drawing visitors from across the UK. The previous record was 10,000. The exhibition’s popularity led Lakeside to extend its opening hours in the final weeks and peak periods saw visitors queuing to
get in to the Djanogly Art Gallery. The free exhibition focused Lowry’s work from the 1920s to the mid 1950s, and featured a number of drawings, many of which had never been exhibited as a collection before, plus a substantial number of works loaned by The Lowry Collection in Salford. It was held in association with the Crane Kalman Gallery, London, and generously supported by Sir Harry and Lady Djanogly and The Lowry Collection in Salford.
Meanwhile Nottingham alumna Jill Gautrey (Management PG Cert 2001) and her husband Brian, were presented with a Lowry catalogue, bottle of prosecco, and Lowry print in recognition of them being the 25,000th visitors to the exhibition. The Djanogly Art Gallery is now hosting the first major exhibition in 25 years of works by artist Edward Burra. Visit: http://tiny.cc/ ImpactCultural. 9/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012
Alumni news
University a target for employers The University of Nottingham is the fourth most-targeted UK university for employers, according to High Fliers Research Limited. The company conducts detailed research into the graduate recruitment market in the UK. The Graduate Market in 2012 is a study of vacancies and starting salaries at 100 of the UK’s best-known and most successful employers. Nottingham has climbed two places since last year. Visit: www.highfliers.co.uk/download/ GMReport12.pdf The University is also ranked second in the UK for the number of alumni among CEOs in the world’s 500 largest companies, according to the International Professional Ranking of Higher Education Institutions 2011, MINES Paris Tech.
Memorial fund to continue Sue’s work A fund has been set up in memory of a leading scientist who has died of breast cancer. The Sue Watson Cancer Fund will support young researchers, particularly non-clinical scientists, working to discover new cancer treatments, something Professor Sue Watson believed in passionately.
Professor Sue Watson will be sadly missed.
Friends and colleagues from the University and from the wider scientific community have paid tribute to Sue, a greatly respected and warmly admired scientist and a leader in the School of Clinical Sciences.
established a company, PRECOS Ltd, which specialises in bridging the gap between research and industry, recognising that without industry involvement discoveries were unlikely to reach patients.
Sue studied and worked at the University for almost 30 years as PhD student, Research Fellow, Senior Lecturer, Reader and, from 2002, Professor of Pre-Clinical Oncology. She Alumna Natalie Pinkham (Politics published more than 135 scientific articles on cutting-edge research and developed several 2000) is one of Sky Sports’ team of pundits, presenters and new treatments in the field of cancer. commentators covering Formula In 2010, she established the Ex Vivo 1 racing for the new season. Pharmacology Centre of Excellence within the
John Atherton, Head of the School of Clinical Sciences, said: “Brilliant and radical initiatives such as this were typical of her, and will ensure that she leaves a rich legacy in cancer research.”
Natalie’s new job’s the pits!
Natalie had been working as the F1 pit lane reporter for BBC Five Live and joined Sky to partner Ted Kravitz scouring the pit lane in search of an inside scoop. Natalie is a trustee for Access Sport, and an ambassador for KidsAid and Grassroot Soccer, and a supporter of The Motor Neurone Disease Association, SPARKS and Shelter. She also writes for the Mail on Sunday. Visit: http:// www.nataliepinkham.com. 10/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology. She also
To make a gift to The Sue Watson Cancer Fund, please contact Ashley Flint on 0115 951 3627, or send a cheque, made payable to The University of Nottingham, to: Campaign Office, The University of Nottingham, King’s Meadow Campus, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2NR.
Students throw down gauntlet So you were good at sport while you were at University eh? Current students want to see if you’ve still got what it takes. So put the weekend of 16-17 June in your diary and clean the mud off your boots: the Alumni Sports Challenge Weekend is
back. More than 150 alumni returned to the University last year for the inaugural event, which saw alumni wipe the board with students. We’d like even more to come this year. So if you fancy a sport-focused return to campus alongside a
nostalgic beer, or cocktail in the Portland Building and a chance to meet some old friends, why not come along. For details, email: diane.harwick@ nottingham.ac.uk or visit: http:// www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_ tnmn#!/uonalumnichallenge.
News
PM’s visit strengthens links with Malaysia British Prime Minister David Cameron visited the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus as part of an official two-day trip in April reinforcing long-standing links between Malaysia and the UK. He was joined by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in a visit that served to emphasise the strength of ties between the two countries. Both Prime Ministers attended a meeting of the Global Movement of Moderates held on campus, followed by a Q&A session on global politics including around 100 University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) students. In his speech, David Cameron expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Najib (Industrial Economics 1974, Hon LLD 2004), who was instrumental in developing the UNMC campus in his previous capacity as Education Minister of Malaysia.
He said: “Thank you for inviting me to join you today and thank you for speaking about our shared interests, our shared values, our shared history. “It is great we are able to do this at the Nottingham University Campus in Malaysia, the first full campus of a British University overseas: a really pioneering partnership that sees the full breadth of the academic study and research here in Malaysia. “It represents the best of British, the best of Malaysia, and I am very pleased to be here today.” He added: “I know, Prime Minister, that developing this campus has long been an urge of yours when you were Education Minister, so we are grateful to you, Prime Minister Najib, for your vision and support over many years in helping to bring this about.” 11/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue7/ 7/Spring Spring2012/ 2012 Issue
Feature
Team University gears up for the greatest show on earth University of Nottingham alumni, staff and students are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime chance of playing their a part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While some of the University’s alumni and current students are training hard for sporting glory others have given up their time to become an Olympic volunteer. In addition, a series of special Olympic themed community and schools events, called The Five Rings Legacy Games, will be held at the University offering opportunities for everyone to engage in sporting competition and provide a lasting legacy at the University. The culmination will be the Tri-Campus games as teams from Nottingham, Malaysia and China compete for sporting glory in Nottingham to coincide with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in the city on 28th June. The University’s Sports for All initiative received London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games backing for the second successive year, by being awarded the Inspire 2012 mark. Any-Body Month, which breaks down barriers to participation while inspiring more people to become active, was recognised as an initiative which holds the seven core Olympic values at its heart: friendship, excellence, respect, inspiration, determination, courage and equality. The University is also playing a leading role in the Cultural Olympiad in the East Midlands which began in March and runs until October. Lakeside, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary year, has linked up with partners across the East Midlands to help showcase home-grown, world class music, dance, theatre and art produced in the region. Nottingham alumni from all over the world are playing their part in the London Olympics. His Royal Highness Prince Tunku Imran Jaafar (Law 1970, Hon LLD 2011) will attend as President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, sports broadcaster David Mercer (Hon LLB
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1970) will commentate on badminton for the BBC, Diane Gowers (Social and Cultural Studies 2006) works in Oncology and Haematology at University College Hospital London, and is taking part in the opening ceremony for the NHS while Emma Duncan (Molecular Diagnostics 2009) is a volunteer at the canoe sprint events at Eton Dorney. Deng Yaping (Contemporary Chinese Studies MRes 2002) is one of the greatest ever players in the sport of table tennis. A six times World Champion and four-time Olympic Champion, she was voted China’s female athlete of the last century. She played a key role in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and is still a member of the IOC’s Sports and Environment Commission and an Executive Board Member of the Chinese Olympic Committee. She said: “The Olympic Games not only helped the Chinese people to know better about the world, but also provided an opportunity for China to present its traditional culture as well as latest progress to the world. I am sure London and the UK will also receive a great legacy from this year’s event.” Meanwhile, the sportsmen and women wait to hear if they’ve made Team GB. Slalom canoeists David Florence (Mathematical Physics 2005), Etienne Stott (Mechanical Engineering 2000) and Tim Baillie (Mechanical Engineering 2000) all qualified at trials in early April as did Honorary Nottingham graduate and swimmer Rebecca Adlington OBE (MA 2009). But at least a dozen others must still prove themselves before selection or wait for the decisions of their sport’s governing bodies. Visit: http://tiny.cc/UoNNetCommunity and: www. facebook.com/universityofnottinghamalumni for alumni Olympic updates and let us know if you’re involved. Right: Alumni Olympians Tim Brabants (Medicine 1999), left, and David Florence (Mathematical Physics 2005) both medallists in Beijing.
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Events round-up 1
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Photo gallery
Here’s a flavour of some of our gatherings, attended by over 5,000 alumni last year. For more photos, visit www.alumni.nottingham.ac.uk 6
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1 Alumnus and broadcaster Matthew Bannister (Law 1978) officially opens the new Humanities Building. 2 Alex Tate (Zoology 2003) holds court at the alumni Family at London Aquarium. 3 House of Commons Dinner hosted by Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher (Politics and International Relations 1997). 4 Guests at the Nottingham Talent Roadshow. 5 Youngsters at the launch of Nottingham Potential learning centre in Broxtowe, Nottingham. 6 LordLieutenant of Nottinghamshire Sir Andrew Buchanan (left) with Anna Soubrey, MP for Broxtowe and Emeritus Professor Sir Peter Mansfield (Hon DSc 2004) at the Lowry exhibition. 7 Guests at the alumni reunion in Mauritius and 8 at the Jakarta event for alumni.
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Listings
Events
Visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/alumnievents for up-to-date listings. And follow us on Twitter: @UoNalumni and Facebook at: www.facebook.com/#!/ universityofnottinghamalumni. 19 May May Fest 2012 Venue: University Park, The University of Nottingham The University will again open its doors to alumni, friends and the community. We are expecting alumni from all over the world to join thousands of people from the community again for a day of fun activities in our Schools and at Lakeside Arts Centre. We’re also offering a free lunch for our alumni so bring your friends and family and see what your University has to offer. To find out more and to book for the lunch contact: events@ nottingham.ac.uk. And visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/mayfest.
24 May Gallery talk and tour of the Edward Burra Exhibition Time: 7pm to 9pm Venue: Djanogly Art Gallery, Lakeside Arts Centre, University Park Price: £5 per person We are very pleased to offer alumni and guests the opportunity to attend a ‘talk and tour’ of the first major exhibition for over 25 years of the work of Edward Burra given by Neil Walker, Visual Arts Officer, University of Nottingham. Contact: susan.daley@ nottingham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 115 846 6940 before 11 May. London Careers Masterclass Time: 6.45pm to 9.15pm Venue: The University Women’s
Club, 2 Audley Square, Mayfair, London W1K 1DB Price: £5 per person Professional networking skills, run by Martin Cussons, training and development professional at the University. This interactive introduction to networking, a key skill for business and career development.
31 May Business Wear Fashion Show, hosted by LK Bennett Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Venue: University Women’s Club, Mayfair, London W1K 1DB Price: £5 per person As a follow-up to our Careers Masterclasses, we are concluding the series with a fantastic fashion show of business wear. Join us for drinks and nibbles and everyone will get a goody bag!
9 June Malaysia Masterclass Venue: Room KL11, Chulan Tower, Kuala Lumpur Time: 1.30pm to 4.30pm Price: Free Suzanne Morton from the University’s Professional Development department will deliver a Masterclass on Introduction to Assertiveness in the workplace. Contact: hannah.curnock@ nottingham.ac.uk
21 June
22-24 June
Bristol Talent Roadshow Venue: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery Time: 6.30pm to 8.45pm Price: Free
Cripps Hall Association 40th Anniversary Venue: Cripps Hall, The University of Nottingham Price pp: Saturday, £35; former residents of Cripps 1972, £30; students, £15; Sunday lunch, £12. Accommodation is £34.50 for B&B ensuite/£28.70 for standard B&B.
Hosted by VC Professor David Greenaway, our roadshows are a great opportunity to hear about the latest developments at the University and network with fellow alumni in your area. Key speakers will be Professor Mercedes MaratoValer, Professor of Energy Technologies & Head of Research Division, Dept of Engineering – Carbon Capture Storage, and Professor Stephen Jackson Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience – MRI and the Developing Brain. Contact: events@nottingham. ac.uk
22-24 June 50 years of Lincoln Hall Venue: Lincoln Hall, The University of Nottingham Price: £85 pp for the event inc. accommodation and breakfast and £50 pp for the event only. Student price for dinner is £20.
Help Cripps Hall Association celebrate its 40th anniversary and meet up with old friends. Contact: susan.daley@ nottingham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 115 846 6940 or book online before 31 May at: https:// www.alumni.nottingham.ac.uk/ NetCommunity/SSLPage. aspx?pid=2899.
26 June University of Nottingham India Strategy 2012 Launch Venue: The India Habitat Centre Time: 7pm Price: Free Help mark the launch of our representative office in Delhi. Contact: hannah.curnock@ nottingham.ac.uk
Lincoln Hall Association is holding a Jubilee weekend where you can meet up with old friends and relive your time here. Contact: susan.daley@ nottingham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 115 846 6940 or book before 25 May at: http://www. alumni.nottingham.ac.uk/ NetCommunity/SSLPage. aspx?pid=2145. 15/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
International
Wise words from Harry “We chose to embark and complete this journey for different reasons. And what we hope to achieve may not be the same. No matter what the outcome is, what we have learnt over the past years has been a life-changing experience and it will lead to something good”. These are the words of Harry Tan (MBA 2012), one of 30 Nottingham University Business School students to graduate in Singapore in February. Harry delivered the valedictory speech and, by sharing his personal journey, sent off his fellow graduands with an inspirational message. “Some of us did our masters in the hope of a promotion, a higher pay or simply just to get ahead. Whatever the future holds, it is undeniable that our academic journey has changed the way we see things. This would not have happened if we didn’t have the desire to learn. We thrive when we learn, so never stop asking questions and always stay curious. “Without my partner, friends and my family especially my mother, I would not be complete and I wouldn’t be feeling like the happiest person in the world today. Without the support and understanding of our families, friends and partners, it would have been very tough for us to persevere through the months and years of hard work and sacrifices needed to complete our studies. Today is not just a time for celebrating our successes. It is also a time for us to remember the ones we love and thank them.” A full transcript of Harry’s speech is in Alumni Exchange online at: http://exchange. nottingham.ac.uk/alumni 16/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Item Seven on the agenda
Olu Amodeni, who has launched Item Seven.
African Caribbean students are being offered a little taste of home thanks to a Nottingham University Business School alumnus with entrepreneurial flair.
With chef friend and fellow alumni Jumoke Olufuko (Supply Chain Management 2011) cooking the food and Olu’s mum and sister pitching in, the venture soon took off.
Olu Amodeni (MSc Entrepreneurship 2011) offers African-Caribbean fusion food in his Item Seven takeaway based in the old Portland Ballroom. His venture is part of a £2.5m overhaul of the catering facilities at University Park, which has created a truly international flavour for students and staff. The new food court at Portland offers Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Italian menus as well as traditional options and a Starbucks.
“Everything I did on the MSc was preparing me to open this business and all that training brought Item Seven to life. It’s been hard work but the University has been very supportive and helped us through this first six months.”
Originally from Nigeria Olu was studying for his MSc when the business idea came to him. “90% of the students on my course were international and I realised that the University would need to offer a home from home for an increasingly diverse international community of students and staff. I believe that if you can meet their dietary needs then people will feel more at home. “So I took the plunge and wrote to the university and offered them an African Caribbean takeaway just, coincidentally, as they were planning new food outlets. We set up a meeting in March 2011 and we opened the takeaway at the end of September.”
Meanwhile on the University’s Ningbo campus in China, Jackie Liang finished a degree in International Business and Management and promptly set up her own coffee shop on campus. “I think a number of well-known coffee outlets wanted to open on the campus and I just thought ‘why not let me do it’, I can make it work as well. So it all started with the support from my boss, colleague, parents and the University. “The coffee shop is actually a kind of dream come true. Our mission is to provide the best coffee in the University. Aroma provides various products including: coffee, fresh fruit juice, smoothies, soft drinks, sandwich, pies, cakes and wines. My biggest interest is to make it a comfortable and popular place to help encourage more communication between staff and students. “I’m very happy to be still on the campus and the smiles from customers make me very happy.”
Diana’s a sole sister
International
Diana Rikasari is a woman with a passion for shoes. In fact, the Nottingham alumna, who graduated from our Malaysian campus with an MSc in International Business Management in 2006, is making a career out of them. Her business, UP Shoes “shoes with a passion and purpose” has recently celebrated its first anniversary. Based in Indonesia’s fourth largest city Bekasi, Diana’s brand, described as edgy and eclectic, is fast developing into a business success story with her handmade shoes, designed for women of all ages and for all occasions, showcased in many of the world’s top fashion magazines. “I’ve always believed that wearing a pretty pair of shoes makes a person happy and I really want my business to spread happiness around the world. Our shoes are 100% Indonesian, they’re made-to-order which minimizes waste and inventory cost and enables us to offer affordable prices.” Diana (pictured) also wants to change lives through her shoes and has donated RP5.000 from each sale as part of her own Level UP Scholarship Programme which supports the education of bright and promising young students until they complete at least nine years of basic compulsory education. The scheme is currently supporting 51 Indonesian students. Diana attended a recent alumni reunion event at the Shangri La Hotel in Jakarta.
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Alumni news
Mystery figures? Well, imagine that! Portraits of mystery figures from the 16th and 17th Centuries have gone on display at the National Portrait Gallery for the first time in over 50 years. The sitters for the portraits were originally thought to represent famous people, such as Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Over time the identity of the sitters has either been lost, disproved or disputed, resulting in the portraits being either removed from display or lent to other collections. Now eight internationally renowned authors, including Alexander McCall Smith, Joanna Trollope, Minette Walters and University of Nottingham alumna Sarah Singleton (English 1987) have written imagined lives of the mystery sitters in order to bring them to life. The other authors have invented biographies and character sketches exploring who these men and women might have been and why were they painted, offering a unique, fresh insight to these mystery portraits. The authors have responded to costume details, and poses in the portraits in their interpretations. Former journalist Sarah, who writes adult and young adult fiction, has written about the adventures of a spice merchant and amateur musician struggling to make his way in the world despite his illegitimate status. Sarah’s eighth novel, Dark Storm — a gothic romance set in a contemporary seaside town —was published on 31 March by Simon & Schuster UK. Imagined Lives: Portraits of Unknown People runs at the National Portrait Gallery until 22 July 2012.
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Alumna Sarah Singleton is taking part in the prestigious exhibition.
Great vibes in city ‘Freedom Vibes’ could be heard all over Nottingham when the African Prisons project held a fundraising concert at St Mary’s Church. The evening was hosted by singer Michael Shand and included rapper Wariyah; soul singers Miracle and Christine Asamoah; acoustics players/singers Lincolnshire’s Abi Moore and JonPaul Palombo and Nottingham poet Nicki Agalamanyi. All performed for free. The APP stand proved popular,with the merchandise such as the Freedom Cry CD by Condemned Choirs of Luzira Prison, Uganda.
APP was founded in 2007 by Nottingham alumnus Alexander McLean (Law 2007), its Director General. It is now a multi-award winning charity which has touched the lives of more than 25,000 prison inmates and staff in Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Nottingham photographer Kevin Night, also offered his professional services free of charge and you can see a selection of photos from the concert at: www.kevnight. com. For more details, visit: www. africanprisons.org.
Alumni news
New model army
In years gone by third-year students would fund their final fling through University with bar work or a ‘job on the bins’ — not so for the class of 2012. More than 50 male and female current students have signed up to an innovative new business model which offers them a share of the limelight. Model Students gathers intelligent, attractive and confident young people with an interest in working in the modelling industry. It’s the brainchild of Nottingham University Business School graduate Anna Gray (Management Studies 2010), once a model herself. The idea came out of her entrepreneurship module. “When I was in my final year I knew I wanted to set up my own company. I had worked as a model during my time at university so it seemed like a logical step as it was an industry I had experience in,” said Anna. Most of the models are students from Nottingham’s two universities but applications are welcomed from other young people. They can earn anything up to £100 a day and have so far graced catwalks and completed adverts, video production work and music videos for the likes of Ted Baker, Debenhams, Bench and Boots. “Model Students represents models who are not just attractive but healthy, bright and great communicators. In short everything you could want to represent a brand or company.” If you want to book a model please contact: anna@modelstudents. co.uk or call: 0783 7238266. Visit: www.modelstudents.co.uk and: www.nottingham.ac.uk/business. 19/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012
Campaign news
Last October we launched a campaign to raise £150m in philanthropic support over the next five years. We hope by now that you’re aware of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign and our ambitious but achievable aims to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More than £57m has been raised towards our goal and our students and staff and our alumni and friends have begun the hard work of breathing life into our projects across five strategic themes. The stories on these pages and throughout the magazine are just a flavour of what’s happening in the Campaign.
£69m+ Amount raised so far
Find out more Visit: http://tiny.cc/ UoNImpact to discover more, watch films, and find out how you might feel able to get involved.
GSK invests £12m into Excellence GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and The University of Nottingham have formalised a collaboration to establish a new laboratory to accommodate a Centre of Excellence for sustainable chemistry and to construct an innovative carbon neutral sustainable chemistry laboratory. The GlaxoSmithKline Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry, will be based on the Jubilee Campus and its construction is being supported by a £12m grant from GSK – the largest corporate gift in the University’s history and in the top tier of all corporate gifts to higher education institutions in the UK. GSK’s donation is a key contribution to the University’s fundraising campaign, a five-year drive to raise £150m, launched in October 2011. Impact: The Nottingham Campaign focuses around the five themes of Sustainable Futures, Health & Wellbeing, Ingenuity, Nurturing Talent and the Nottingham Experience. The announcement — made at a presentation attended by 20/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
alumni, donors, staff and the local business community — takes the University’s total raised to date to almost half way towards its Campaign goal of £150m by 2016. The Centre of Excellence will serve as a global hub to catalyse new collaborations with other institutions and industry partners and will bring together leading UK academics, postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers and GSK chemists, developing expertise in sustainable chemical synthesis. Nottingham alumnus Sir Andrew Witty (Economics/Agricultural Economics 1985, Hon LLD 2010), CEO of GSK said: “The carbon neutral laboratory will help affirm the UK as a global hub for the future of the lifesciences industry. Scientific space is very energy hungry and R&D facilities are among GSK’s highest energy users. Our vision is that the science researched within the laboratory will be as iconic as the building itself. This is an opportunity to invest further in science in the UK, re-think how we approach the drug discovery process and
play a role in contributing to environmental stewardship.” Professor David Greenaway, ViceChancellor of The University of Nottingham, said: “This development will be transformational in several dimensions: the built form will break new ground in sustainable construction; the Centre of Excellence will shape the future of drug discovery; and innovation in training and development will accelerate the translation of discovery to application. This is all tremendously exciting and will underpin a unique partnership between GSK and the University of Nottingham.” Sir Andrew signed a gift agreement on his visit to the University in April before meeting students on the GSK Medicinal Chemistry modules. He also formally opened the University’s Engineering and Science Learning Centre before giving a public lecture on The Future of Drug Discovery: new partnerships, collaborations and approaches.
Campaign news Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, talks to Luis Juste, Director of Santander Universities UK.
Santander announces £260k package New scholarships at The University of Nottingham will help students and staff travel overseas to enhance their learning and research. The scholarships will provide an international dimension to study or research as part of a £260,000 package of support provided by Santander Universities. Santander took the opportunity of the opening of a branch on campus to announce an agreement supporting students and staff at the University. Each year for the next three years, 11 awards of £5,000 will be made to staff or students from countries within the Santander Universities’ network, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela. A further 15 mobility scholarships of £1,000 will be available annually to help
enable study or research in one of the countries that make up the Santander Universities’ network. Sophia Stanley, a third-year Politics and International Relations student at Nottingham, received a Santander scholarship and travelled to Mexico as part of her course. Sophia said: “I was lucky enough to be studying in the city of Guadalajara, a vibrant and bustling cosmopolitan city – Mexico’s second largest. With the help of my scholarship I was able to travel far and wide across the country and experience all it had to offer. Additionally I was able to spend two weeks in Cuba after exams. As a politics student it was an amazing opportunity to see a form of Communism in action, the country and its people were amazing.” Visit: http://tiny.cc/UoNscholarships.
Family’s generous gift in memory of Malcolm The family of 1956 alumnus Malcolm Warwick, who achieved a 1st class honours degree in Russian and Slavonic Studies and who died in January 2010, have carried out his wish to create an endowment fund for year abroad scholarships. Every year from 2012/13 The Malcolm
Warwick Year Abroad Scholarships fund will provide £2,500 each to two students spending their third year in Russia or Serbia — a compulsory part of a language degree. The University of Nottingham’s Department of Russian and Slavonic Studies is a renowned and
internationally recognised centre for its excellent research and teaching. It is delighted to receive this generous gift and is keen to extend its support. For details, please contact Simon Buttenshaw on +44 (0)115 951 3998 or e-mail: simon.buttenshaw@ nottingham.ac.uk 21/ Alumni Exchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Campaign news
China in change A stunning exhibition by Yunnan-based Chinese artists Yuan-Hsiung Wang and Xue Qian was centre stage of Nottingham’s 2012 Spring Festival celebrations. The documentary photographers try to capture the rapidly changing nature of the environment and the way of life and culture of some of the 56 different ethnic groups who live in China. Their visit was made possible thanks to a £4,250 grant from Cascade (formerly the Annual Fund), which supports transformative student projects. Right: Xue Qian gave a number of talks to Nottingham students during her visit. Visit: http://tiny.cc/UoNCascade to find out more about Cascade.
The Fellows bid a fond farewell to Andrew They called themselves The Fellows. They were captains of University sports teams between 1988-1992 and have kept in touch since they graduated. The Fellows each pay £25 into a joint account each month to fund gettogethers. They were: Jed Glanvill (Economics 1991 and Rugby 1st XV captain 1990/91), John Webster (Industrial Economics 1991 and Rugby Club Captain 1989/90), Steve Currie (Geography 1991 and Rugby Club Captain 1990/91), Nick Gregory (French and Spanish 1992 and Cricket 1st XI Captain 1990), Andrew Quick (Industrial Economics 1990) and Andrew Stott (History 1991 and Cricket 2nd XI Captain 1990). But in 2005 their numbers were reduced with the sad death of Andrew Quick from cancer. The Fellows have decided to donate £350 from their fund to the Vaughan Parry Williams Coaching Fund in 22/ AlumniExchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
memory of Andrew. Many of the University’s world-class sportsmen and women were inspired by Vaughan, the former Director of Sport and Physical Recreation, who dedicated almost 33 years to sport at the University before his death in 2009. “When we set up The Fellows our intention was always keep in touch and attend a number of events together,” said Nick Gregory. “In the early days we played Old Boys games of rugby and had an annual cricket match against a similar group from another part of the country. In recent years, as middle-age has caught up, we tend to meet up at events such as the Varsity match but have also attended rugby matches in France and Italy. “We decided to send this sum in memory of both Andy and of Vaughan whom several of us remember with enormous fondness both for his Thursday evening fitness sessions for
the rugby club and his role with English Universities rugby. More than half of the group had direct experience of running around Wollaton Park behind Vaughan on one of his much-feared but muchvalued training sessions as part of the University Rugby squad in the days before protein shakes and ice baths.” You too can support the Vaughan Parry Williams Coaching Fund, which is a key project within Impact: The Nottingham Campaign. The coaching fund total currently stands at £140,000 and is already having an impact on sports provision at the University. Thanks to the fund, eight high-calibre coaches are providing professional expertise to students in an effort to grow sport for all at The University of Nottingham and help able-bodied and disabled athletes reach their potential at all levels. Find out more at: http://tiny.cc/ VPWFund.
Campaign news
Goodbye to our friend Dolly Mrs Dolly (Doris Ellen) Sewell, a close friend of the Campaign Office’s fundraising team, has died aged 98. In her later years the tireless fundraiser performed a number of hair-raising acts including abseiling down a building and riding pillion on a motorbike. She celebrated her 90th birthday being wrapped in a python snake and once told the Nottingham Post: “I suppose I’m a little bit mad, but not dangerously so”. Dolly, a positive thinker, was also a member of the Nottingham Writer’s Club and author of several books. She sold her hand-stitched aprons, dishcloths and ran a Knit and Natter group, raising thousands of pounds for the University’s Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre as well as other causes. Emma Pearson, Senior Development Manager in the University’s Campaign Office, said: “I remember turning the radio on one day to hear Dolly, aged 94, on the Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2, extolling the virtues of taking vitamins. She was truly one of life’s great characters and we need more of them. I feel privileged to have known her.” A celebration of Dolly’s life was held at Stapleford Methodist Church in December.
URN stays top University Radio Nottingham (URN) has been described as “a fantastic ambassador of student radio,” after its team became the first to retain the Best Station prize at the Student Radio Awards. The student-run station, which has won the main prize four times in the last six years, also won Best Student Station and Best Marketing Sound gongs and the runners-up prizes for Best Journalistic Programming and Outside Broadcast. And that’s where alumni support has been paramount. URN received £2,191 from Cascade, which is made up of alumni donations, towards new equipment. Listen to Sarah Sullivan, Donor Relations Assistant in the Campaign Office, talking about Cascade, in a URN interview: http:// tiny.cc/URNCascade. Information about URN can be found at: http://urn1350.net.
Babies benefit from your gifts The way in which potential problems with premature babies are diagnosed has been significantly improved thanks to your support and a new, state-of-the-art magnetic resonance incubator. The University of Nottingham’s highly specialised incubator — costing more than £200,000 and based at the Queen’s Medical Centre — will be used to transport babies from the Neonatal Unit to the MRI scanner at the hospital. The benefits to the baby, parents and medical staff are immense. Previously, on
reaching the MRI scanner, the baby would have to be moved from the old transporter for the scan. The new incubator was made possible by donations from a range of supporters, including the James Tudor Foundation. It has an integral 3T infant Head Coil for MR imaging, which is the first in the world, and has MRI-compatible parts, meaning the whole unit can be wheeled into the MR scanner without having to disturb the baby. Premature babies can now undergo detailed MR imaging supported by all the treatments essential to their wellbeing.
Small Change: Big Impact Hundreds of University staff have signed up to round their net pay down to the nearest pound each month – and donate the pennies to HeartLight: a unique sensor for newborn resuscitation. This device is being developed at the University to help save the lives of newborn babies and is part of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign.
The Small Change: Big Impact scheme automatically collects the pennies from net pay each month and places them in a fund to support further research into HeartLight. The University’s student community has also pledged its support with a series of events organised by Karnival throughout this year. Visit: http://tiny.cc/UoNHeartlight. 23/ AlumniExchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Campaign news Left to right: Professor John Robertson, Susan James, Chief Executive Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Geoffrey Hamilton-Fairley, Executive Chairman, Oncimmune.
“Early detection is the holy grail in cancer treatment. If we can treat cancer at the earliest possible moment we know we can help save millions of lives.” John Robertson Director of CEAC
World first in fight against cancer The University has opened the world’s first centre of excellence specialising in pioneering research into the early detection of cancer. The Centre of Excellence for Autoimmunity in Cancer (CEAC), based at the School of Graduate Entry Medicine and Health in Derby, will lead research into the early detection and management of cancer and push forward the introduction of a blood test which can pick up the first signs of cancer as much as five years before a patient presents with any symptoms. Director of CEAC John Robertson, a world-renowned breast cancer 24/ AlumniExchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
specialist and Professor of Surgery in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: “Early detection is the holy grail in cancer treatment. If we can treat cancer at the earliest possible moment we know we can help save millions of lives.” The Cancer: Early Detection project, developed by CEAC, will bring together a multi-disciplinary team of experts to lead to a better understanding of the molecular pathways that cancers in humans exploit as they develop and spread. This will help cancer specialists gain a greater insight into the associated immune response.
Professor Robertson said: “Mapping these changes to the immune system is clinically important. However, the ability to measure these cancer specific autoantibodies in a reproducible and reliable manner has eluded the scientific community until now. We can do this for lung cancer and CEAC is a significant step towards early diagnosis for all forms of solid cancers — such as breast, colon and prostate. Cancer: Early Detection is a flagship project within Impact: The Nottingham Campaign. Find out more at: http://tiny. cc/UoNImpact-earlydetection.
Campaign news
Nottingham reignites Leslie’s passion Thanks to funding from our American alumni, the Friends of the University of Nottingham (FUN) America scholarship supports one student each year from the USA to study a full time Masters degree course at The University of Nottingham. This year’s FUN America $6,000 Scholarship recipient is Leslie Fisher from New York, who is studying for a Masters in Advanced Nursing. Leslie said: “The scholarship has given me the opportunity to study in such a wonderfully diverse environment, where I’ve gotten to meet people from all over the world. This has truly provided me a unique perspective on nursing, and has provided me with some lifelong friends. I am feeling more academically challenged than I ever have before, which is fantastic!” FUN America, Inc is an independent charitable organisation established to help US-based alumni to keep in touch and to raise funds for the University. All contributions to the Friends’ Foundation are tax deductible under section 501(C)3 of the US Internal Revenue Service Tax Code. For details, contact Appeals Chairman Dr Andy Fowell: afowell@verizon.net. Leslie added: “Receiving this scholarship was the encouragement I needed to take such a big step and go abroad for my education, which was a wonderful opportunity that I’m glad I didn’t pass up.”
A gift made of memories Wherever you are in the world you can remember the University of Nottingham with a special memento. An exciting new range of University of Nottingham merchandise is now available via our revamped online shop, including handbag mirrors, key rings, umbrellas, travel mugs and teddy bears alongside our best-selling favourites; ties, cufflinks, desk clocks, leather notebooks and roller pens. We also stock a bespoke collection of high quality jewellery, including women’s and men’s rings, cufflinks, stick pins, pendants and charm bracelets, created by Commemorative Jewellery in conjunction with the University. The pieces are beautiful and are offered in silver and 9ct and 18ct gold. Many items are also available to order in white gold, 22ct gold and platinum. Graduation gifts are also available for pre-order before graduation as is a selection of glassware, greetings cards, books and souvenirs. All profits from the sale of memorabilia help support student activities via the Nottingham Enrichment Fund.
The Fund provides grants to students embarking on vacation projects that develop their personal potential and also enrich the life of the communities in which the projects are set. And, for the first time, we’re able to offer through our online shop a range of University of Nottingham gifts on sale in the Students’ Union Shop such as baseball caps, branded hoodies, rugby shirts, sweatpants, beanies and polo shirts. To see the new range and to order your gifts visit: http://store.nottingham.ac.uk.
Or visit us at: Alumni Relations Office The University of Nottingham Portland Building University Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD T: +44 (0)115 823 2406 E: alumni-shop@nottingham.ac.uk.
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In memoriam
In memoriam
The University extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of those below, who passed away recently.
1942 Professor Harry Smith (Chemistry) 1951 George Hern (Agriculture/ Horticulture) 1952 Ernest Smith (Physics and Astronomy) 1953 Edward (Ted) Ward (Chemistry) 1954 James Dawes (Mechanical Engineering) 1955 Professor Alan Soons (Education) 1956 Dr Derek Hedge (Chemistry) Alyn Davies (Engineering) Clive Priestley (History) 1957 Rev Timothy Kidd (Theology) Patricia Moore (Social Administration) 26/ AlumniExchange/ Issue 7/ Spring 2012/
Dr Janet Folkes
Don Varley
Professor Peter Preston
Academic Dr Janet Folkes (left) has died after a long battle with cancer. Dr Folkes, an expert in the field of lasers and high- powered waterjetting, was also recognised across the globe for her record-breaking achievements in hot air and gas ballooning. A tribute website has been set up and everyone is welcome to post photographs, messages and anecdotes: http://ourmemoryof.com/ janetfolkes/
Tributes have been paid to the life and work of former University of Nottingham lecturer Don Varley, who died in January. Mr Varley played a significant part in the development of the University over a career spanning more than 40 years, as a senior lecturer, hall warden, student mentor and a key member of the academic community both in Nottingham and further afield.
Peter Preston, (English 1966), the founder of the DH Lawrence Research Centre and Honorary Lecturer in the School of English, has died. A memorial for the former Acting Head of the School of Education was held at Trent Bridge cricket ground in November.
1958 Dr John Westley (Chemistry) Professor Frank Musgrove (Education) Barbara Harding (French)
1969 Carole Johnson (Politics) 1970 David Grove (Industrial Economics)
1959 Professor Richard Radley (Agriculture/Horticulture) Joy Utting (Theology)
1974 Robert Dossetter (Education) Edward Pate (Education)
1960 Jasmine Matthison (English)
1975 Ian Gray (Mechanical Engineering)
1961 John Spratling (History) 1962 Robert Ayres (Mechanical Engineering)
1976 Dr Shirley Stockwell (French Literature) Dr Paul Webb (Agriculture)
1963 Rev John Abdy (Theology)
1978 Professor Katrina Honeyman (Economic and Social History)
1964 Michael Coleman (Industrial Economics)
1985 Professor Menon Unny (Production Engineering)
1968 Dr Roger Lintonbon (Chemistry)
1986 Geoffrey Hadfield (Classical Civilisation)
1987 Professor Sue Watson (Medicine) 1989 Alison Nix (Education) Simon Wilson (Chemistry) 1992 Leslie Sammons (Education) 1995 Geoffrey Stansfield (Combined Studies) Keith Buckley (Combined Studies) 1996 Ginger Tomlin (Law) 1999 Dr Daniel Williams (Education) 2000 Dr Stephanie Kirby (Nursing) 2003 Dr Jamal Bidour (Business and Management)
Networks
Keep in touch...
...with the University and each other. Nottingham alumni groups are important points of contact for alumni. They also play a key role in building the University’s global community. Here are contact details for active Nottingham networks. NUBS Alumni All former Nottingham University Business School students are automatically members of the NUBS alumni network. It has a dedicated website, magazine and events. Contact: alumnienquiries@nottingham.ac.uk Old Kingstonian Association (OKA) The old students’ association for both Sutton Bonington campus and the halls of residence. OKA produces a publication known as Agrimag and organises an annual reunion in November for new graduates and events during the year for other class groups. Contact: julian.wiseman@nottingham. ac.uk or susan.golds@ nottingham.ac.uk
Geller at: alumni@newtheatre. org.uk; becky@newtheatre.org. uk or phil@newtheatre.org.uk Facebook: The New Theatre Alumni Network INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS Australia: Contact Gillian Kelsey and Alain Marc de Sales: Gilly164@bigpond.net.au China: Nottingham Alumni Association in Beijing (NAAB). Contact: Zhan Bo Wang zhanbo1974@yahoo.com or nottinghamalumni@yahoo.cn China: Nottingham Alumni Association in Ningbo (NAAN). Contact Candy Shen: NAAN@nottingham.edu.cn
Bacon Boat Club (NUBC – BBC) Nottingham University Boat Club (NUBC) is open to all ex-NUBC rowers and organises social events, rowing, and fundraising. Check it out on Facebook or contact: james. shrager@gmail.com
China: Nottingham Alumni Association in Shanghai (NAAS) Contact Li Shen (Victor): NAAS-UK@hotmail.com
Pickering Association The alumni association for graduates of the University’s Medical School, with associate membership for staff. The association can facilitate reunions, support existing students and graduates and arrange social and academic functions. Contact: wayne. carter@nottingham.ac.uk or visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ alumnirelations/pickering
Ghana: Alumni Group. Contact Nana Damoah: n.damoah@ yahoo.co.uk
New Theatre Alumni Network Updates and Registration: www.newtheatre.org.uk/alumni Contact Becky Catlin/Philip
Egypt: Contact Dr Maha Mourad: mahamourad@hotmail. com
v.verma@aspirebig.com Jordan: Contact AlMuntaser AlHindawi: almuntaseralhindawi@gmail.com Korea: Nottingham Alumni Association Korea (NAAK) Mr Jaesung Kwon: jaesungkwon@naver.com Malaysia: Nottingham Alumni Association Malaysia (NAAM) Contact Goh Hoon Huar: hoonhuar.goh@nottingham.org. my or visit: www.nottingham. org.my Mauritius – Nottingham Alumni Association – Mauritius ((NAAM) Mr Patrick Tse: NottsAlumniMauritius@groups. facebook.com Mexico: Alumni Group: Ninna Makrinov, International Officer: Ninna.Makrinov@nottingham. ac.uk Nigeria: Nottingham Alumni Association Nigeria (NAANG). Contact Isaac Adoki: izikadoki@ ymail.com
Hong Kong: Friends of The University of Nottingham Hong Kong (FUN: Hong Kong) Contact Candy Chui: candy. chui@freecomm.com or visit www.ss.com.hk/fun
Pakistan: Nadeem Omar Tarar, Head of Department, National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan: notarar@gmail.com Singapore: Nottingham Alumni: Singapore (NAASingapore) Contact Chris Lee: leekatswee@yahoo.com
India: Nottingham Alumni Association India (NAAI) Mumbai: Jehangir Demkevala, Rahul Modi, Sonal Jalan e-mail: indiaalumni@nottingham.ac.uk Delhi: Contact Vaibhav Verma:
South America: Contact Patricia Borsa, The University of Nottingham South America Office, Rua Joao Colin, 1285 – Conj 101, Joiville – SC, Brasil, 89204. Tel: +55 47 3026
3526. E-mail: patricia.borsa@ nottingham.ac.uk Sri Lanka: Contact Tharindu Wijesuriya: sameendratw@ hotmail.com USA: Friends of the University of Nottingham America (FUN America) Contact Derek Chapman: chapmandd@prodigy. net We also have active alumni Chapters for many of our international groups. Chapters are dedicated areas of our website for alumni living in a particular country or region and we have more planned for the coming year. You can join by registering your details and signing in at: www.alumni. nottingham.ac.uk HALL ASSOCIATIONS Cripps Hall Contact George Gubas, President: george. gubas@cadacademy.co.uk Hugh Stewart Hall Contact Stacy Johnson: stacy.johnson@ nottingham.ac.uk Lenton and Wortley Hall Association Contact Professor Glenn McDowell: www. lentonandwortley.com Lincoln Hall Association Contact Ben Scott: ben.scott@alumni. nottingham.ac.uk or Dr Mark Goodman: mark.goodman@ alumni.nottingham.ac.uk Sherwood Hall Contact Dr Antonino La Rocca: antonino. larocca@nottingham.ac.uk
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The University’s Open Day for alumni & friends Save the date in your diary to come back with Nottingham friends and your family to enjoy May Fest 2012.
19 May 2012
University Park, NG7 2QL t: +44 (0) 115 823 2804 e: events@nottingham.ac.uk Watch out for more details and updates throughout the year at:
www.alumni.nottingham.ac.uk