special feature
From left to right: Poppy Mason Taylor (French and Arabic 2013) Bernie Sluman (French 1954) Barbara Schudel (née Simpson) (French and German 1968)
Bernie: I’ve been down here almost every year since and seen the place grow. I think it’s brilliant. I can’t imagine how people get to know one another with 20,000 fellow students – it’s a bit different to the 900 who were here in my day. Poppy: It goes to show how much I loved Exeter that I was so eager to return so soon. I was lucky in that throughout my time at Exeter, I was able to witness the changes in the heart of campus – before the Forum was built in my first year, then to see the finished project in my final year. Being back there recently, I was very impressed with the Russell Seal Fitness Centre and the updates to the Guild space in Devonshire House. I look forward to seeing the completion of the Living Systems building in 2016!
What difference did coming to Exeter make to your life? Poppy: My four years at Exeter were truly the best years ever! I made friends for life, worked hard, and had lots of fun. It prepared me well for life after graduation, and I am now happily living and working in Paris. Exeter will always hold a very special place in my heart. Bernie: I do feel that the University (or College, as it was) nurtured in me the deep feeling for French language and culture that, over the years, enabled me to become closely involved with both, particularly in the political sphere. Barbara: Returning to Exeter was an eye-opener, but also a very heart-warming experience. I’d had mixed feelings about returning to ‘the past’ – it does make you think about the choices you had, the decisions you made – but I am in no way disappointed.
exeter.ac.uk/alumni
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