The new magazine for alumni of University of Wales Trinity Saint David and predecessor institutions
Welcoming a new VC
Page 7
Research at UWTSD:
Seeing dementia through their eyes
Page 13
Catch-up with alumni, Ifan Jones Evans
Page 20
News and updates from across all campuses
Image: Anthony Pease
We
Our alumni are varied in age, location and interests, but what we hope you all have in common is a strong sense of Belonging to this institution – to your institution, to your campus, and to your academic discipline. The new magazine has been named with this in mind. We hope it strikes a chord.
Though we are bigger than ever, with campuses in Lampeter, Carmarthen, Swansea, Cardiff, London and Birmingham, we remain a close-knit and caring university offering a unique experience to our current and future learners, as well as you of course, our alumni community.
In this issue, we are excited to share with you some of the latest developments on our campuses as well as shine a light on the impactful research being carried out at the university. You’ll also find some inspiring alumni and staff stories in here, as well as an introduction to Professor Elwen Evans, KC, our new Vice-Chancellor from September.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Keep in touch
We want future issues, plus other activities to be led by your interests and ideas. Therefore, we welcome your feedback and comments.
alumni@uwtsd.ac.uk
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/alumni
UWTSD Alumni Network
Did you know we have an app?
Download the UWTSD Alumni app:
1. Register via the QR code.
2. Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
As part of the alumni network, the University is able to offer you:
• Entrepreneurial and career support
• Professional development opportunities
• Invitations to networking and reunion events
• Continued access to resources and facilities
• Discounts when you’re back on campus or study further with us
As well as through this publication, we will share news, updates and invites through e-mails.
Make sure we have your latest contact details so that we can keep you in the loop. Stay connected…
Scan this QR code with the camera on your smartphone or tablet to update your details.
Or visit: https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/ alumni/update-your-details
3. Download the UWTSD Alumni app on iOS App Store or Google Play DOWNLOAD THE APP
A WORD FROM OUR CAMPUS PROVOSTS
Professor Ian Walsh
Provost of Swansea and Cardiff
I’m delighted to have the opportunity to provide you with an update on the developments at our Swansea and Cardiff campuses.
The past year has seen exciting developments and growth at both locations for the University.
Building work commenced on the Innovation Matrix, the next phase in the University’s Innovation Quarter at SA1 Swansea Waterfront.
The Innovation Matrix is central to the University’s ambition in Swansea and will provide a new platform for UWTSD’s research and knowledge exchange to connect with, and support crosssector MNEs, SMEs, micro-enterprises, entrepreneurs, and investors to stimulate commercial growth for Wales’s expanding digitally empowered economy. The development is funded through a strategic partnership between the University and the Swansea Bay City Deal and our aim is to encourage and support the development of a sustainable, innovation-led economy which is based upon knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
We were delighted to welcome Mr Vaughan Gething, MS, Welsh Government Economy Minister and the Rt Hon David T.C. Davies, Secretary of State for Wales to the launch events in June. We’re keen to hear from our entrepreneurial alumni who may be interested in locating in the building or to work with the University to develop their businesses.
A major development in Swansea during the year was the launch of the immersive rooms. Working with AV partner, IDNS, and part funded by the Higher Education Council Funding Wales (HEFCW), the first new learning spaces of their kind in Wales were opened at Y Fforwm in SA1. The Immersive Rooms utilise the latest Samsung LED screens across three walls creating a fully immersive virtual and augmented reality user experience. The learning spaces allow students to experience immersive virtual reality, 360° videos and images and applications through partner, Igloo Vision’s immersive software. There’s also a commercial element to the development and we welcome enquiries from businesses and schools to explore the potential of the facilities in their context.
UWTSD’s Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 International Green Gown Awards for a collaborative project, Seeing dementia through their eyes (Living with Dementia), with Swansea-based film makers eHealth Digital Media. ATiC and eHealth Digital Media also won the Benefitting Society award in the 2022 Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland.
The University was delighted to host the Young Chef Young Waiter of the Year, in association with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association. Now in its 45th year, it continues to highlight the remarkable skills of the finest young professionals in the industry. Relaunched as World Young Chef Young Waiter in 2022 to extend the competition around the globe, this year was the first time Wales could enter as an individual nation.
Swansea’s reputation for innovation and enterprise was further enhanced by the work of the International Institute for Creative Entrepreneurial Development (IICED). Paul Ranson and Hazel Israel received recognition for their transformational practice both at individual and team level at the
Being Entrepreneurial 2022 Conference in Brussels. The EntreComp Awards celebrated excellence in entrepreneurial learning at all levels, across Europe and beyond and are supported by an initiative of the European Union, aiming to engage, connect, grow, and sustain entrepreneurial learning community.
The Wales Institute of Science and Art continued to produce award-winning work with both staff and students collecting accolades for their work. Swansea College of Art student, Agi Olah, created a brand identity for Swansea Project Zero designed to supports businesses, groups, residents and organisations as they help the city achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
A number of students and apprentices have reached the finals of the Worldskills UK competition to be held in the Greater Manchester region in November.
Computing lecturer Nitheesh Kaliyamurthy has been appointed Training Manager for the Worldskills UK international squad, ahead of the next international competition Lyon 2024. UWTSD has become Competition Organising Partner (COP) for CNC milling and turning with Lee Pratt, Manager of the Advanced Manufacturing and Skills Academy overseeing development and delivery of UK competition.
The University’s performing arts programmes were relocated to one centre in Cardiff’s city centre. Haywood House is now home to the Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) which provides a unique environment offering specialised industry-focused programmes for the creative industries. WAVDA is a hub of creativity, developing the actors, singers and directors of the future. The work ethic of the Academy is based on respect and collaboration, our students work with renowned industry experts refining their art in readiness for their careers.
The University continued to engage with employers and schools in order to promote the study of STEM subjects and to highlight the range of career opportunities, often inviting alumni back to the University to talk about their own successful career journeys. Please get in touch if you’d like to work with our current students or to share your career journey with us.
Following the Bicentenary celebrations – which saw a successful parade through the streets of Lampeter and a grand concert in the Arts Hall amongst a series of events organised throughout the year
– this year has been a year of weighting the very priorities of the Lampeter campus as the University plans for the next chapter of its history.
We invested further in the Tir Glas project, the University’s new vision for Lampeter –aiming to double the number of campus students within three years. Plans are underway to develop a new portfolio of programmes with an application recently submitted to the Mid Wales Growth Deal for significant funding to develop an iconic and sustainable home for the project on campus.
We also set out to further strengthen the relationship with the local community and engaged with an increasing number of local organisations and bodies. Y Bont, the new campus newsletter, was well received by the local population while there was strong support for public events such as the ‘Night of the Shows’ concert and the outdoor cinema were strongly supported.
As part of the Campus Development Plan, the focus was on developing the site into a nationally significant conference centre and several conferences took place on campus in the spring and early summer, among them the Aspen UK Leadership Seminar, the WoodBuild 23 conference, the Public Service Wales Leadership Summer School and the Dylan Thomas Summer School.
It was also great to welcome Lampeter Society back to campus in July which saw over 70 alumni spend a weekend on campus reminiscing fondly about the campus that was such an influence on them years ago.
In Carmarthen, the campus priority this year has been to re-establish the close community that has been a prominent feature of it for many decades, following the pandemic period. Thanks to the diligence and enthusiasm of staff and students alike, we were able to do so successfully and it was great to see more life on campus as the year progressed. Canolfan S4C Yr Egin has contributed significantly to this attracting an increasing number of local people to campus.
As part of the Campus Development Plan, a new entrance to the site has been built along with an attractive new reception area which also houses the University’s Student Services Unit.
One of the greatest achievements for the campus this year has been the establishment and development of the University’s Academy of Sport in conjunction with Coleg Sir Gâr. Already, there has been a marked increase in the number of students choosing to study some of its academic programmes taking advantage of the partnerships established with some of the region’s strongest sports clubs such as Llandovery RFC, Carmarthen Quins RFC and Llanelli Town AFC.
Rhagoriaith – the University’s Welsh Services Unit – is going from strength to strength continuing to win external commercial agreements along with leading the Welsh Government’s sabbatical teacher and learning assistant programmes. Although not based on campus, Canolfan Gymraeg Yr Atom and Canolfan Cynefin in Johnstown have both contributed greatly to the redevelopment of Carmarthen town providing various courses and resources for the use of the local community.
Looking ahead, the Campus Development Plan’s priorities will include upgrading the University’s sports resources, reviewing the quality and purpose of some of the campus buildings and considering the need for new digital resources that will be available for use by the University and the wider community alike.
Gwilym Dyfri Jones
Provost of Carmarthen and Lampeter
Professor Conny Matera-Rogers
Provost of London and Birmingham
I am both pleased and proud to report that UWTSD’s Governing Body has approved significant investment in the infrastructure of our London and Birmingham campuses.
As Provost and Head of Institute, I am grateful for their continued support and appreciation of our contribution to the overall profile and success of UWTSD.
Plans are now in place and work is already under way to relocate UWTSD’s London campus to 1, Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, in time for the June 2024 term. The new campus will be in an iconic building, with its own entrance and with attractive amenities close by and will signal UWTSD’s intent and aspiration to become and even more important and successful University in the capital city.
The challenging logistics and practicalities of moving in excess of 2000 existing students, as well as preparing for a new intake are significant and require careful planning and preparation. As usual, our colleagues in London are working closely with our colleagues in Wales to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Further details will be shared with students and staff over the coming months and site visits for London staff and student representatives will be arranged in early 2024.
Similarly, in Birmingham, we have acquired Louisa House, which adds another three-storey building to the current space capacity in Quay Place. Thanks again to our counterpart in Birmingham and Wales, we are on track to be ready in time for the fast approaching September 2023 term.
Whilst we continue to expand in the UK’s second most populated city, we are also continuing to invest in the Sparkhill site which is where of course, our exciting and successful journey in Birmingham began in 2018.
To all our colleagues, Governors and Students’ Union representatives who have made numerous visits to both London and Birmingham campuses, I want to thank you all for the support and advice. I am equally grateful to colleagues from London and Birmingham who have made visits to Wales campuses in order to further relations and greater understanding and appreciation of what the Institute of Inner City Learning represents.
WELCOMING A NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR
Professor Elwen Evans, KC has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
She will succeed Professor Medwin Hughes, CBE, DL, who will retire after 23 years at the helm in September, making him the longest serving Vice-Chancellor in Wales.
Joining us from Swansea University where she was Pro-ViceChancellor and had responsibility for the Welsh Language and Culture, Professor Evans will be the first female leader of the universities and predecessor institutions.
Having read Law at Girton College, Cambridge, Professor Evans has enjoyed a very successful career as a barrister, choosing to practice mainly in Wales. She has undertaken a wide range of legal work, specialising in criminal law at trial and appellate levels. Her work has included many serious, complex, sensitive, and high-profile cases such as leading the prosecution team in the April Jones case and the defence team in the Gleision mine disaster case. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2002.
A native Welsh speaker, she is a Bencher of her Inn, has been honoured by Gorsedd y Beirdd for her services to Law in Wales and was a Commissioner on the Commission on Justice in Wales. In 2018, she was included in the top 10 of a list celebrating 100 of Wales’ most inspirational women.
“I feel deeply honoured to have been appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
I look forward to working with colleagues, students and governors within the University and external partners to ensure the continued success of both prestigious institutions.”
Professor Elwen Evans, KC
“Professor Evans is renowned as a creative and dynamic leader who has a demonstrable track record in delivering successful programmes of transformation, cultural change, and strategic development.
She joins institutions that have never been afraid of change. The transformative journey of both the University of Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has the wellbeing of the nation at its heart. Our new Vice-Chancellor will continue the work to establish a new university for Wales.”
Professor Medwin Hughes, CBE, DL
Take a sneak peak!
Scan this QR code to view the vision for the Innovation Matrix.
A NEW CENTRE FOR
DIGITAL INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE
We are pleased that work has commenced on the next phase in the University’s Innovation Quarter at SA1 Swansea Waterfront.
The Innovation Matrix will be a stateof-the-art building and an addition to the existing IQ and Y Fforwm buildings that were complete in 2018 as part of Phase 1 of the transformational Innovation Quarter situated in Swansea’s maritime quarter.
“The UK Government is proud to invest in the Swansea Bay City Deal and help create places like this where researchers, innovators, businesses, entrepreneurs and investors can all come together and where ideas can flourish.”
Welsh Secretary, Rt. Hon. David TC Davies
“We want Wales to be a country that’s at the forefront of innovating new technologies that will benefit people in their day-to-day lives. The Innovation Matrix has an important role to play in delivering that vision serving as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity. ”
This development will be funded largely by the Welsh and UK Governments through a strategic partnership between the University and the Swansea Bay City Deal - a £1.3 billion investment that aims to boost the regional economy and generate jobs.
The University’s SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus is the home to our innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects where students can access specialist equipment for their studies.
The new Innovation Matrix will be a digital space, but with a manufacturing centre, testing laboratories and 3D printing facilities in the University’s IQ building.
It will create a vibrant neighbourhood where the University can collocate and collaborate with innovative research centres and businesses linked to our portfolio, as well as develop the skills of current businesses and attract investment into the region.
Working alongside architects, Stride Treglown and construction company Kier, the building signals a significant step forward in the University’s net-zero carbon agenda providing 2,200 sq. m of high-quality floor space.
This exciting development is expected to openin 2024.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, MS
A NEW VISION FOR LAMPETER ALUMNI AT OUR EVENTS
Tir Glas is the name for the new vision the University has for its Lampeter campus.
Building on its existing strengths in the humanities, it aims to develop a range of new programmes – short programmes, undergraduate and postgraduate – in the areas of food sustainability, trees and rural enterprise with a view to doubling the number of students studying on site by 2026/27.
The University sees Tir Glas as a timely development that will provide purpose, relevance and identity to the Lampeter campus. Drawing on the specialties of practitioners living locally as well as partnerships with international institutions – such as the Pollenzo University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy – Lampeter Campus has the opportunity to establish itself as a major destination in sustainability in its broadest sense with a positive impact on individuals and communities for years to come.
We have defined Tir Glas as ‘a community of experiential thought and learning dedicated to the study and development of sustainable rural life. At the heart of this will be promoting prosperity and economic sovereignty, environmental responsibility and conservation and enriching cultural heritage’.
While the emphasis will necessarily be on attracting students to Lampeter, Tir Glas will also positively influence the economy, environment, culture and community of the town of Lampeter and surrounding areas. Through close collaboration between the University and that community, putting sustainable rural life at the heart of everything we do, Tir Glas could be a transformative project for campus and town alike.
Arranging your own reunion?
If you are interested in reconnecting and reminiscing with former classmates, we have great reunion packages on offer available on our campuses. We can also offer support with administrative tasks by reaching out to fellow alumni and spreading the word, as well as help you capture your special event through professional photography.
Get in touch at alumni@uwtsd.ac.uk
From careers fairs, special guest lectures, to reunion celebrations, this year we were pleased to meet a number of our alumni at various events across our campuses. Here are the highlights of just a few:
February 2023
Automotive Engineering alumni working for leading companies such as McLaren, Ford and Bentley, and current students got together for a conference at the university’s IQ Building to discuss careers in the field of Motorsport and Motorcycle Engineering. The day also provided a reunion opportunity for the alumni, some of whom were peers while studying at UWTSD.
March 2023
Alumni working within the travel, tourism events, and hospitality industries spoke at the ‘Future You’ conference organised by current UWTSD students with the Institute of Travel and Tourism. Our alumni shared their expertise of the industry with school, college and university students, plus other alumni.
A number of our alumni attended, our successful careers fairs, both as employers and as guests, organised by the UWTSD’s Careers team across our campuses. Lots of connections were made and work opportunities were found.
May 2023
Successful design practitioner alumni offered talks and workshops to our Surface Pattern and Textiles students. They spoke about their personal experiences and journeys from graduation and helped our current students become ready to take on the design world!
June 2023
A group of Trinity College friends reunited at the Carmarthen campus to celebrate 60 years since leaving the college as qualified teachers. They came from as near as the town itself and as far as the Midlands to meet once again at the place where their friendships and careers all began all those years ago.
July 2023
The Lampeter Society hold their annual reunion weekend on Lampeter campus and celebrate in the company of past and present students and staff with a book launch, the famous strawberry tea, quiz night, and guest speeches from Provost Gwilym Dyfri Jones and new Vice-Chancellor Professor Elwen Evans KC.
August 2023
Lampeter campus will be holding a three-day reunion for graduates of 2015 onwards. Old and new friends connect and share nostalgic memories over a BBQ on the meadow, and talks from UWTSD’s Careers team and The Lampeter Society, plus a presentation from our Special Collections and Archives team.
CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF TRINITY COLLEGE CARMARTHEN SEEING DEMENTIA THROUGH THEIR EYES
This year marks the 175th anniversary of Trinity College, Carmarthen.
Since its opening in 1848, the campus has forever been renowned for its quality teacher training programmes and its bilingual education.
Today, UWTSD Carmarthen maintains its strong teacher training reputation with the offer of BA Primary Education with QTS as well as Education Studies and Early Years programmes all available to study through the medium of Welsh and English.
To celebrate and commemorate the anniversary, our Special Collections and Archives team have created this unique online exhibition full of extraordinary photos and information.
We invite you to view it and indulge in the history and nostalgia of the Early Years of Trinity College –‘the friendly college’.
Researchers at UWTSD’s Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre (ATiC) have collaborated with Swanseabased filmmakers on a project that has allowed them to literally see the world through the eyes of someone living with dementia.
This innovative research has informed a series of 10 films from digital communications company eHealth Digital Media as a part of a project called Seeing dementia through their eyes (Living with Dementia). The films follow the daily lives and challenges of people living with dementia and focus on delivering support, training and education for dementia patients, their families, carers and healthcare professionals.
ATiC is an integrated research centre which puts user-centred thinking and strategic innovation tools into practice through its cutting-edge user experience (UX) and usability evaluation research facility located in Swansea’s Innovation Quarter in SA1.
The ATiC team worked closely with the Creative Director of the company, Kimberley Littlemore, whose parents Clive and Pauline Jenkins both received a dementia diagnosis in their late 70s. Kimberley and her family supported them to live at home for many years until last autumn, when Pauline moved to a care home and Clive sadly passed away.
Cameras were set up around the couple’s home in Swansea to keep track of their daily lives. They used wearable eye tracking glasses while performing household activities, so the team could ‘see the world through their eyes.’
This footage helped the ATiC team to detect and understand patterns and triggers over time and to pick out key moments, which could be analysed and discussed further by clinicians and academics in the field.
This collaboration has seen the team shortlisted as finalists in the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards 2023 and the International Green Gown Awards 2023, and they were the winners of the Benefitting Society award in the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland.
Scan me to view the online exhibition
Watch the team meet Pauline and Clive for the eye tracking experiment
A NEW NETWORK OF HIGHER TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
UWTSD has partnered with five FE colleges to deliver higher technical skills across Wales.
The partnership will utilise the powers of the University of Wales to bring together UWTSD and its constituent colleges, Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, as well as the CAVC Group, NPTC Group of Colleges, and Pembrokeshire College to form the University of Wales Technical Institutes.
This new network will deliver a programme of higher technical qualifications across economic and social priority sectors driven by employer need. It will provide opportunities for higher learning closer to home and for a strengthened ‘earn as you learn’ proposition through part-time study and apprenticeships.
Professor Mediwn Hughes, CBE, DL commented:
“We are responding to the Welsh Government and the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act. The recent research evidence clearly shows the urgent need to reform the provision of higher-level skills and our commitment as a network to play our part in this process.”
The partnership will establish a network of University of Wales Technical Institutes to deliver a programme of higher technical qualifications across economic and social priority sectors driven by employer need. It will provide opportunities for higher learning closer to home and for a strengthened ‘earn as you learn’ proposition through part time study and apprenticeships.
The network that was officially launched at the Senedd in Cardiff on 20th June, 2023, will transform vocational training in Wales, tackle under-performance, and increase graduate level skills in a way that fits with the real lives of the people of Wales.
“I welcome this example of collaborative working between FE and HE institutions to strengthen the delivery of higher technical education, innovation and applied research.
I am committed to ensuring we do everything we can to provide higher-level skills to learners across the entire tertiary education sector.
This exciting new partnership demonstrates just what providers from across the sector can achieve when they work together.”
Jeremy Miles, MS Minister for Education and Welsh language
CELEBRATING OUR 2023 GRADUATES
This summer, we celebrated the incredible achievements of this year’s graduates as they crossed the stage to officially accept their hard-earned awards.
Success was celebrated at all levels in a wide variety of courser at a total of 12 ceremonies across our campuses. Once again, there was a myriad of inspiring stories. Here are a just few of them.
Mature student returns to education to change career path after being made redundant
Emma Macgregor
BA Advocacy graduate, Carmarthen
“I honestly felt in school I had no confidence. It took me a long time to gain confidence and begin my journey into higher education that came from the opportunity of redundancy in my old workplace and then I decided to give myself the opportunity to change my career path.
“It is an excellent opportunity to be a mature student as we have experienced good and bad in our lives, we get to share that with others and use it to make change for the better.”
Student battled heartbreak and history for her place at UWTSD
Madiha Hassan
BSc Health and Social Care graduate, Birmingham
“I left Pakistan and came to university to prove that girls and women from my country can achieve more than what they are led to believe, that there’s more purpose in life than to just produce a family.”
University totally changed me – a girl who, once upon a time, could not even speak to strangers, can now give whole presentations alone. Thank you UWTSD.”
Sports Designer says ‘all dreams can happen’
Jac Elsey BA Graphic Design graduate,
Swansea
“I visited many other university open days but UWTSD felt different. It was convenient as a Swansea resident, but more than that, as soon as I walked in at the open day the ethos of the place felt very comfortable.
The lecturers prepare you for what it is actually like to work in industry… this really benefitted me – because for the last year and a half, alongside my degree, I have been employed as the sole Creative Designer for The Scarlets, a professional rugby team based in Llanelli.”
A student’s transformation from shy and anxious individual, to confident UWTDS employee
Matthew Cowley MA Medieval Studies graduate,
Lampeter
“I knew when searching for university that I didn’t want a large and busy campus with classes of hundreds of people. I stumbled upon Lampeter a little by chance and was instantly intrigued.
When I arrived at Lampeter, I was a very anxious and shy individual, but thanks to all the opportunities and support that all departments of the university have given me, I have grown in confidence, made lifelong friends, found a hobby I am truly passionate about, and although it sounds cliche, developed into the person I am today.”
Business Management graduate credits course with helping her personally and professionally
Khadija El Maski
BA Business Management graduate, London
“Professionally, the knowledge and skills I acquired during my studies have been instrumental in securing employment. The course equipped me with a solid understanding of business principles, strategic thinking abilities, and effective leadership skills.
Personally, the course has fostered my self-confidence, expanded my perspective on global business trends, and enabled me to build a valuable network of professionals and like-minded individuals.”
Read Madiha’s full story >
Read Emma’s full story >
Khadija’s full story >
Matthew’s full story
Read Jack’s full story >
A SHOWCASE OF THE ARTS
Students of our creative degree programmes at Swansea College of Art, Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA), Cardiff and our Carmarthen campus have been busy delivering a number of inspiring shows and exhibitions throughout the year.
Here’s a snapshot of a few!
Swansea College of Art exhibit at their final year degree show
BA Acting and BA Set Design and Production students perform their Studio Production, ‘Image of an unknown young woman’, directed by MA Theatre Directing student, William Kingshott.
Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) students perform shows Amadeus, Assassins and Miss Littlewood.
CATCH-UP WITH ALUMNUS, IFAN JONES EVANS
Ifan Jones Evans has been a familiar face and a recognisable voice to many for a number of years now. As well as juggling a daily radio show on BBC Radio Cymru and numerous presenting roles on S4C, he also runs a family farm in Ceredigion.
Hosting shows such as ‘Cefn Gwlad’, ‘Fferm Ffactor’ and the coverage of The Royal Welsh Show ‘Y Sioe’, there’s no doubt that his agricultural background plays a role in the type of shows that attract him.
There’s no doubt also that his passion for performing and the media industry has led him to where he is today, and as an alumnus i of the Welsh medium BA Musical Theatre and Media (Theatr, Cerdd a’r Cyfryngau) at Trinity University College Carmarthen, we could not be prouder of what he has accomplished in his career, including recently winning the award for Presenter of the Year at the Celtic Media Festival 2023.
We interviewed Ifan to find out more about his role and also ask about his time at University.
What led you to your career today?
Good question – well I worked during the Uni summer holidays as a runner for a television programme called ‘Rasus’, running tapes back and forth and setting things up on location. Then I graduated and returned home to farm and hoped to find an acting role since I enjoyed the performance part of my course so much. I was still working as a runner within the media industry and as it happened, an opportunity came up. The S4C were searching for a new face to present a brand new children’s proragramme, ‘Mosgito’ and I was invited to a screentest. From there, went on from one role to
another. It really was the matter of being in the right place at the right time all those year ago. It happened very naturally but I’ve
been very lucky to have had the experiences that have led me to where am today, and have made the most of every opportunity that has come my way.
Did your time at University or on the course influence your career choice in any way?
Absolutely! I learnt a lot in the three years studied Musical Theatre and Media. Of course, through the variety of modules we covered, I learnt different sound, camera and editing skills, plus scripting. It definitely gave you an idea of what happens within the industry and prepared you. The course was a huge help to me in terms of what I’m doing in my career today. Having the experience of being on stage and public speaking – it definitely gave me confidence and influenced what I do.
My tutors at the time were also pretty inspirational in terms of their experiences and expertise they had to pass on to us students. They were certainly a huge boost for someone looking to the future.
What do you enjoy the most about your career? And have there been any highlights so far?
Well through the radio and the television programmes that I present, I truly enjoy meeting new faces every day, chatting to real characters, and hearing their stories and experiences. I think I learn so much from them and so that’s what I enjoy the most about what I do, without a doubt.
In terms of highlights for me, as well as being asked to present ‘Cefn Gwlad’ and a daily show on BBC Radio Cymru the national radio station each week, perhaps the biggest one of my career is hosting ‘Y Sioe’ - coverage of The Royal Welsh Show,. that I’ve been presenting for a number of years now. To be able to present a show that I would attend regularly with my family is a surreal experience – an opportunity that I never would have imagined. It’s a highlight every year for me, especially with it being one of our largest festivals here in Wales and one that holds such national importance, in my eyes. It’s a real honour.
What has kept you in Wales?
was very lucky in that after leaving University, there was plenty of work here for me. But a big thing for me has been the people – those that I’ve met and worked
with along with way. I’ve worked for some incredible small companies within the industry as well as working for a great national company that has really looked after me. And perhaps it’s been more of the people than the work itself. Of course the work is great, but it’s the people who make you want to stay within the industry and stay where you are. As well as having a strong connection to the agricultural industry here of course!
Which leads nicely on to…how do you balance your career and work on the farm?
Having my own stock on the farm, I’ll be honest, it’s a juggle. Of course the weather plays a huge role in what happens on the farm, but I try to plan ahead as much as I can do as much as I can with my mornings which are generally free before my radio show. I’m lucky in a sense that my job is quite unusual in that it’s not 9 to 5 so it gives me that flexibility and freedom to carry out my duties on the farm.
What are your best memories from your time at University?
For me, University was a good balance between hard work and achievement whilst also making most of the social aspect of it. It was important for me to socialise and make friends – I’m still in touch with many of them and even started my presenting work withgot to work recently with fellow classmate, Trystan Ellis Morris on an S4C’s programme called ‘Mosgito’.
A highlight of my studies without a doubt was the end of term performances we used to do as a part of the course which loved preparing for. In terms of the social side, I enjoyed playing football and rugby for the university, and of course a highlight was having cheesy chips and curry sauce from the side hatch at the Students’ Union on a Wednesday night!
Socialising through the medium of Welsh was hugely important to me too, and that’s a big reason why I chose to study here. After hearing lots about the University from my brothers who studied here, then attending an open day, the University reminded me a lot of my old school, Ysgol Uwchradd Tregaron, and felt like the right progression in my education. It was a place that was not too big, where everyone knew each other, and it just felt right. That’s what made me want to be a part of it.
I TO DDYSGU LEARNING DYCHWELYD RETURN
Dewch i astudio gyda ni a chynllunio eich dyfodol gyda’n profiad ôl-raddedig ardderchog. Rydym yn cynnig cymwysterau ôl-raddedig a addysgir, ymchwil a phroffesiynol i wella eich rhagolygon gyrfa a chynyddu eich potensial o ran enillion.
CYLLID AR GAEL
Ar gyfer mynediad yn 2023, hyd at £12,167 i fyfyrwyr y DU, neu £18,770 ar gyfer myfyrwyr sy’n byw yng Nghymru.
YSGOLORIAETHAU A BWRSARIAETHAU AR GAEL
Mae ein hysgoloriaethau a’n bwrsarïau’n amrywio o £100-£4000, ac i’n graddedigion, mae gennym fwrsari dilyniant Ôl-raddedig o £2,500 i’r rheini sy’n dymuno parhau â’u hastudiaethau.
CYFLWYNO HYBLYG
Opsiynau Llawn Amser, Rhan-Amser, O Bell ac Ar-lein ar gael i weddu i chi.
AMRYWIAETH O RAGLENNI
Dewiswch o’n portffolio eang o raglenni mewn meysydd fel y celfyddydau, addysg, gwyddoniaeth, iechyd, y dyniaethau, rheolaeth, a’r gwyddorau cymdeithasol.
CANOLBWYNTIO AR YRFA
Dysgu ac addysgu wedi’u cynllunio i fodloni’ch anghenion gyrfa a hyfforddi ac yn seiliedig ar yr ymchwil diweddaraf gan ein staff sy’n weithgar ym maes ymchwil.
CYSWLLT: info@uwtsd.ac.uk
Study with us and plan your future with our excellent postgraduate experience. We offer postgraduate taught, research and professional qualifications to enhance your career prospects and increase your earning potential.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
For 2023 entry of up to £12,167 for UK students, or £18,770 for Welsh-domiciled students.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES AVAILABLE
Our scholarships and bursaries range from £100-£4000, and for our graduates, we have a £2,500 Postgraduate progression bursary for those wishing to continue their studies.
FLEXIBLE DELIVERY
Full-Time, Part-Time, Distance and Online options available to fit around you.
VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES
Choose from our wide-ranging portfolio of programmes in areas such as arts, education, science, health, humanities, management, and social sciences.
CAREER FOCUSSED
Learning and teaching designed to meet your career and training needs and informed by the latest research from our research-active staff.
CONTACT: info@uwtsd.ac.uk
A JOURNEY IN ACADEMIA FROM MEXICO TO WALES
In summer of 2022, Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon FREng who was previously a Professor of Enterprise and Engineering Education at The University of Sheffield, joined the University as Deputy Vice Chancellor.
A female Mechanical Engineer born in Mexico, Elena came to the UK 25 years ago and today is one of the most innovative leaders of engineering education reform in the country.
On International Women’s Day 2023, in a special lecture she shared her inspirational story about the journey she undertook to be where she is today.
Drawing upon personal as well as professional challenges, she explored how she navigated a career pathway in a male-dominated industry, by facing difficulties head on, and by asking in the face of doubt: really, what’s the worst that can happen by having a go?
She touched on the topic of sexuality and described how she’s led by the notion that if she is true to herself, she will succeed, and so can others.
Here’s an extract from her speech:
“In 2014 I learnt that approximately 1 in 5 people in engineering were not disclosing that they were part of the LGBTQ+ community, and that fact finally prompted me to say, and say very loudly… I am a gay female engineer.
My journey up to that point had been changeable, accidental in a way. I took opportunities that presented themselves to me and thought, if it doesn’t work, I’ll learn from it.
Mae’r Drindod Dewi Sant yma i gefnogi myfyrwyr a chyn-fyfyrwyr i ddechrau a thyfu eu busnesau.
UWTSD is here to support students & alumni to start and grow their businesses.
But taking control of my own narrative in this way was no accident at all. What was happening was that my passion for education in enterprise and engineering, my work to raise awareness of engineering to help women succeed, and my eventual commitment to using my own life to shine a light on problems faced by LGBTQ+ engineers was actually giving me a platform to succeed.
When I reflect on my successes, I realise that most of them happened when I was out, when I was me.
I am determined to give women opportunities and training to build confidence in their own visibility. It will help personally, it will help professionally, it will help students and it will help the University if women stand proud and show what they are capable of.”
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Help us to ‘Transform Education, Transform Lives’
Alumni are our greatest ambassadors and supporters. We would love to encourage you to contribute in any way that you can to helps us provide the greatest possible experiences for our current and future learners.
Your support will help us in achieving our mission statement of ‘transforming education, transforming lives.”
What are the ways that you can contribute?
• Share your knowledge and experiences by offering guest lectures to our students
• Provide current students or fellow alumni with work placement opportunities through your company
• Attend careers fairs on campus to share your expertise
• Make a donation to support the student experience and contribute to hardship funds*
*Your donations can go towards hardship funds, entrepreneurial funds, or student experience funds for our students to help with travel and study costs.
We are open to your ideas! If you would like to discuss fundraising projects, get in touch on alumni@uwtsd.ac.uk
We also currently have a number of funds which specifically support our Lampeter campus students, including a Widening Access Fund and Student Projects Fund. For more information, or to donate visit:
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/alumni/lampeter-alumni/donate-now
YOUR UWTSD MERCHANDISE SHOP.
CAREER SUPPORT
Did you know that UWTSD’s Career Service is still there for you after you have completed your studies?
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified careers guidance practitioners can help you as alumni to understand your career options and develop your employability.
Alumni also have access to the university’s digital Careers platform –MYCAREER.
For more information on the service, contact the careers team on careers@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Add to the collective voice of graduates by providing feedback on your ‘Graduate Outcomes’
The Graduate Outcomes survey is the UK’s biggest annual social survey. Recent UWTSD graduates including those who completed qualifications as part of, or as a requirement of their existing employment, and those who continued their studies will be invited to join in 15 months after completing their studies.
These responses help inform prospective students and higher education policy.
