wlv life summer 2017 issue12

life WLV

University of Wolverhampton alumni magazine

WELCOME TO NOLLYWOOD Adesua’s starring roles WOLVES IN WOLVES Tracking the pack on Wolverhampton’s wolf trail PRINCE’S LAST GUITAR We meet its maker

ISSUE 12 – SUMMER 2017

18 38

10 30 14 22

CONTENTS 04 06 10 14 16 18 20 22 26 28 30 34 36 38 41 43

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IN THE NEWS – LIGHTS, CAMERA, ADESUA! – A GUITAR FIT FOR PRINCE – WOLVES IN WOLVES – A DAY IN THE LIFE – FACTS BEHIND THE HYPE – A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH – TOP BRASS – NEW COURTYARD – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE – A LORRA TALENT – FAKE THAT! – GLOBAL CONNECTIONS – MY LIFE – AN APPLE FOR TEACHER? – WLV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION –

LIFE. AT WOLVERHAMPTON. AFTER WOLVERHAMPTON. FOR LIFE. Welcome to the 2017 edition of WLV Life.

We’ve got a jam-packed issue featuring the latest alumni news alongside inspirational graduates and insightful academics.

In an exclusive interview, our cover star, award-winning actress Adesua Etomi, reflects on her time at the University and how it shaped her career in front of the camera (page 6).

Game of Thrones fans should turn to page 18 for some historical insight and we feature the amazing sculpture work of graduate Emma Rodgers on page 30.

There’s insight into life behind the lens from acclaimed director Michael Cumming, a University of Wolverhampton graduate, on page 22. Michael was one of the pioneers behind the controversial Channel 4 mockumentary programme Brass Eye, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Since the advent of social media, the fake news phenomenon has taken a far more sinister tone. Alan Apperley, Senior Lecturer in Media, Communications and Cultural Studies, reflects on this on page 34.

There’s also news about campus developments, including an update on Springfield, our construction super campus on page 28. If you’re around Wolverhampton, come and visit our University branch of Starbucks, which has now been open for a year. Find out more on page 26 – and enjoy a special in-branch discount on us with a special voucher.

Elsewhere, you’ll find the story behind one of Prince’s guitars (page 10) and news about an exciting Wolf trail around Wolverhampton (page 14).

We’d love to hear from you – whether it’s an update on where you are since leaving the University or feedback on the magazine. Please drop us a line at: alumni@wlv.ac.uk. Also, don’t forget to fill in the inserted form for a chance to see Jimmy Carr live.

Emma Pugh Editor

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News

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1. HONOUR FOR INSPIRATIONAL DAVE

IN THE NEWS... wlv.ac.uk/alumni

Honorary graduate and inspirational fundraiser “Blind Dave” Heeley has been awarded Freedom of The Hawthorns by West Bromwich Albion FC. Heeley was presented the award by captain Darren Fletcher and head coach Tony Pulis in a surprise climax to a ceremony at the Hawthorns celebrating the Albion Foundation's 25th anniversary earlier this year.

Congratulations, Dave! We know what a WBA super fan you are and we’re thrilled for you.

2. HUGH’S THE PERFECT COMPERE FOR ENGLAND CRICKET CAPTAIN JOE England Test cricket captain Joe Root shared his top tips with young players and fielded questions from staff and students during a visit to the University of Wolverhampton. Honorary graduate Hugh Porter MBE compered for the event.

Leading manufacturing and engineering business figures from Jaguar Land Rover, Virgin Rail and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) discussed issues that impact on the region’s industry and were given a first glimpse of the £10 million investment in engineering facilities at the Campus when the refurbished building was officially opened by the Chancellor of the University, Lord Swraj Paul, following the conference.

The newly designed Formula 3 race car was also unveiled by the University’s Race Team students.

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4. IN TRIBUTE TO A CITY AMBASSADOR The University was deeply saddened by the death of Baroness Heyhoe Flint earlier this year.

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The University is sponsoring Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club, where Joe Root’s stellar career started, as part of plans to increase its presence in the city.

is an opening batsman for Wolverhampton Cricket Club and Worcestershire County Academy.

Through the new partnership, the cricket star visited the University and took part in a question and answer session with students and staff, perfectly compered by cycling legend Hugh.

3. BUSINESSES TURN OUT IN FORCE FOR TELFORD CONFERENCE

A Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club team shirt was presented to student Raman Jaswal, a sports scholar who

To mark the completion of a £10 million investment in engineering facilities at its Telford Innovation Campus, the University hosted a manufacturing engineering conference.

Rachael Heyhoe Flint captained England’s women’s cricket team between 1966 and 1978 and was a VicePresident at Wolverhampton Wanderers. She was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University in 2002 for her contribution to sport and was granted the Freedom of Wolverhampton in 2011.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, said: “She was a pioneer for women’s cricket, making huge strides in getting greater recognition for the sport. She has also been an instrumental figure at Wolverhampton Wanderers over many years and was a great ambassador for the club.

“She flew the flag for Wolverhampton and the Black Country and she is someone who had the city running through her veins.”

5 BIKING EXPLOITS IN NEW BOOK

News

Manufacturing Conference 2017 offered businesses in the Midlands an opportunity to contribute to the national agenda for growth in manufacturing engineering.

A former poetry editor of the Students’ Union newspaper between 1990 – 1992, who went on to become Poet Laureate for Walsall, has written a new book.

While studying law at Wolverhampton, Ian Henery’s pen name was Arthur Person and he wrote a section called Achtung Groovers, publishing poetry in the student publication Sheep’s Clothing.

His latest work is inspired by his attempts to raise money for the Scouts in his native Black Country after visiting the world-famous shrine at Santiago di Compostela in Spain. He put together a group called Scouting for Fun(ds) and embarked on cycling the South Downs Way in two days – despite having contracted a virus that left him with only one working lung.

Scout on a Bike: The Miracle of St James is a collection of blogs that he wrote at the time, as well as his poems that were commissioned by the University of Wolverhampton for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The poems were performed at Walsall Campus and streamed to the University’s students around the world.

Each chapter is prefaced by a quote from a song by the Levellers and the band is promoting the book on their own website. “I’m a Levellers fan and I approached them – they’ve been totally supportive,” Ian says.

Scout on a Bike: The Miracle of St James by Ian Henery is published by Mapseeker Archive Publishing at £10.99 and is available from Ian Henery Solicitors, Quickjay Buildings, Bilston Street, Willenhall – call: 01902 366 615.

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Graduate feature

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ADESUA! Actress and alumna Adesua Etomi is living the Nollywood dream. The award-winning rising star chatted to WLV Life about her success in Nigeria and how it has been shaped by her time in Wolverhampton.

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Graduate feature

Image credit: Aham Ibeleme

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What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

My experience at the University of Wolverhampton was literally lifechanging. I think of the foundation of a house; it is the foundation upon which my career has been built. I finished college with 360 UCAS points so quite a few universities wanted me to come to them but nothing ever felt ‘right’ until I attended an Open Day at the University of Wolverhampton.

I knew it was my university and once I started my course, I was overjoyed. The lecturers were helpful and very patient.

One lecturer in particular, Royona Mitra, I can never forget – I still apply a lot of what she taught us. So much of what I know now, I learnt while I was studying at the University and I’m very grateful for everyone that helped shape me into the performer that I am today.

What made you decide to study your chosen course, BA (Hons) Drama and Performance?

I’d known for the longest time that I wanted to go into the arts. I wanted to be an actor but I also wanted a course that not only focused on the practical aspects of the arts but on the theoretical too and that is what my course offered.

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EVERYTHING BOILS DOWN TO LOVE: LOVE FOR THE ARTS, LOVE FOR NOLLYWOOD AND LOVE FOR NIGERIA. –

How did your course prepare you for your career?

I think training and discipline are the most important skills to do my job, which is exactly what I got at the University of Wolverhampton.

My writing improved, my performance skills improved, my social skills improved and I was so much more confident in myself and in my ability as a performer. When I enrolled in my course in 2006, I was not confident at all. There is a silent confidence that comes as a result of being informed and being knowledgeable.

I was taught to believe in my natural abilities but also put those abilities to good use. I was taught to hone, build and improve on what I already had.

I was taught that talent is great but you need to be hard-working to succeed.

I was constantly being taught and luckily, I was open to learning all that was brought my way.

What inspired you, following your degree, to make the move back to Nigeria?

I never planned to move back permanently. My initial plan in 2012 was to go to Nigeria and return to the

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UK after three months but now it’ll be five years in October. My reason for remaining in Nigeria is pretty simple. I love the budding film industry and I want to be remembered as one of the people who helped to shape it. It also became very important to me to use what I learnt to make the industry better. Everything boils down to love: love for the arts, love for Nollywood and love for Nigeria.

Over the last few years, you have shot to fame as one of Nollywood’s brightest stars. What is your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement so far would have to be winning ‘Best Actress in a Drama’ [for the movie, Falling] at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. It was totally unexpected and completely overwhelming. It was and still is more than an award. It’s a symbol of triumph for me and I think it’s really imperative for to me to tell everyone out there that if I can get here and achieve all that I’ve achieved, they can too.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day on set includes hair, make-up, lines, filming, etc. When I’m not on set, I’m reading scripts to figure out what project to be a part of next or I might be on a press junket promoting a new project.

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

I just completed a movie called The Wedding Party 2. The Wedding Party is the highest grossing movie of all time in the history of Nigeria. I play the lead female role and the film was selected as one of eight films taken to the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the City to City spotlight programme. It was such an amazing experience.

I’m off to America this summer to shoot a movie that will definitely be the most physically challenging project I’ve done to date. I’m very excited, to say the least. I also had the privilege to be part of a film called 10 Days in Sun City, a collaboration between the Nigerian and South African film industries, which will be released in Nigeria and several other countries in the summer.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is undoubtedly waking up to a job that I love, every single day. It’s a blessing because not many people get the privilege to do what they’re passionate

Graduate feature Image credit: Emily Nkanga

about every day and get paid for it.

I also get the opportunity to live many lives through the characters I play in movies and theatre productions.

What are your goals? Is there a particular type of role or film, in Nollywood or beyond, that you would like to pursue?

I’d love to win an Oscar in the near future. I would love the opportunity to put Nigeria and the UK on the map. I want to leave a legacy; being a successful actor isn’t good enough for me, I have to be an impactful actor.

Finally, if you were to star in a feature film telling the story of your time at the University of Wolverhampton, what genre would it be?

This is an interesting question.

It would definitely be an inspiring biopic with a happy ending. It may sound cliché but I went through so much while I was studying at the University of Wolverhampton. It was such an unexplainable feeling when I finished with a First Class Honours degree and won the Foresight Theatre Award [for Best Performance in a Devised Piece of Work]. I pushed against all odds, gave it my best shot and I was and still am so glad that the best I had was good enough. The joy that my mum felt was the reason I did it all – she’s my hero and seeing her that happy made it all worth it.

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Graduate feature

A GUITAR FIT FOR PRINCE

Let’s go crazy for the man who made Prince’s final guitar! Luke McNaney spoke to alumnus Simon Farmer about his bittersweet tribute to pop royalty.

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Graduate feature WLV Life Summer 2017

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Image (below) Prince with the Purple Special.

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ALTHOUGH THERE IS AN UNDERLYING SADNESS TO THE EXPERIENCE, IN THAT PRINCE ONLY HAD MY GUITAR FOR SUCH A SHORT PERIOD, I WILL ALWAYS BE VERY GRATEFUL THAT HE RECEIVED THE GUITAR AND LIKED IT! –

Back in early 2016, there were few living guitarists quite as celebrated and iconic as Prince Rogers Nelson. Sadly, in April of that year, His Royal Purple Badness (or, y’know, just Prince) joined Hendrix and Berry on the great stage in the sky – but not before playing one gig that proved very special for a custom guitar maker and former student of Wolverhampton Polytechnic.

“Although there is an underlying sadness to the experience, in that Prince only had my guitar for such a short period, I will always be very grateful that he received the guitar and liked it!” Simon Farmer, who established Gus Guitars in 1994 shortly after completing his studies at Wolverhampton, is speaking about ‘the Purple Special’, a guitar Simon crafted for the pop icon which was showcased onstage just days before his death during a private party at his renowned Paisley Park estate.

Simon completed the Purple Special in his Heathfield studio back in 2007, the year Prince played a historic 21 day residency at the O2 in London. Although the guitar didn’t make its way into the hands of its intended owner, Simon was happy with the way the carbon fiber and western red cedar wood guitar (finished with exquisite purple-candy coating, of course!) turned out – and he wasn’t the only one…

“It stayed in my workshop for the next nine years until I came to his attention through social media.” Following a profile in Guitarist magazine, a buzz built amongst Prince loyalists until eventually in 2015, following the artist’s decision to embrace Twitter, devotees started to tweet images of the guitar to their idol.

In February 2016, Simon’s dream was about to be realised when Prince made contact through his friend and assistant Kirk Johnson. “After he received the guitar, he got in touch to see if I could build him a bass version – this was obviously incredibly exciting and about as important a commission as a guitar maker could possibly imagine!”

Unfortunately, despite Prince riffing on the Purple Special (with photographic evidence on Instagram to prove it!), the sad events of 21 April 2016 transpired and Simon never got to witness his guitar hero playing it live – or the custom-made bass, now finished, that Simon was working on at the time of his death.

Image credit: InTouch Weekly Magazine

When asked what cut from Prince’s back catalogue he would have loved to have heard played on the Purple Special, Simon responds: “It would really have to

be either Let’s Go Crazy or Purple Rain – not original choices I know, but they are both songs that I never tire of listening to and encapsulate the flamboyance and ultimate showiness that was Prince at his best.”

A world away from Paisley Park, Simon typically starts the day with a cross country run with beloved spaniel Betsy before getting on with the business of creating new guitars. Are there any legendary guitar slayers still on his hitlist?

“I have a particularly exciting project on the go at the moment that should come to fruition later in the year, but I’d particularly like to see my basses achieve a higher profile now, so am looking to see which artists might be interested.”

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Simon credits his time at Wolverhampton for helping to shape what he calls a “unique perspective on guitar making that has kept me in business for over 20 years now”. He studied at the Polytechnic, the precursor to today’s University, after building his first guitar at fourteen.

He says: “I thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Wolverhampton and credit the course and tutors for setting me on the path that I am still following today as a guitar maker. I was extremely lucky to have the freedom to work the way that I did. I think I steered just about every project towards instrument making!”

It is testament to Simon’s talent and ambition that the now-iconic Purple Special found its way to its rightful owner, one of the music world’s biggest ever stars – even if it took almost a decade for things to come full circle.

Despite the bittersweet nature of a fruitful working relationship cut short by death, Simon recognises his good fortune.

“The last year has been the busiest of my career so far and has catapulted my instruments from the periphery to somewhere closer to the mainstream, bringing me to the attention of far more people than I could ever have imagined just a few years ago.

“Prince’s acceptance and interest in my guitars has also given them a credibility that no amount of advertising or promotion could hope to do. In many ways, the whole experience has validated spending the last 20-odd years labouring away in relative obscurity and I suppose adds credence to the notion that you really shouldn’t ever give up on your dreams, as you have no idea what might be around the corner!”

To find out more and browse Simon’s range of unique guitars, visit: gusguitars.com

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In the region

WOLVES IN WOLVES In the summer of 2017, Wolverhampton has welcomed a new family of residents.

A 30-strong pack of wolves is setting up home in the city. The metre-and-ahalf tall fibreglass sculptures have been decorated by artists and groups from across the region, including established artists, University students and pupils at Moreton School, creating the largest public art event seen in Wolverhampton.

Similar to Birmingham’s Big Hoot of 2015, the Wolves in Wolves project, organised by The Outside Centre and Enjoy Wolverhampton, with support from City of Wolverhampton Council will showcase the creativity that the city has to offer.

us: throwing out the drab, the negative and the misconceptions for a future of colour, hope and ensuring people from across the region, country and internationally, see Wolverhampton for the great cultural city it is.”

Organisers hope that the project will showcase Wolverhampton’s community engagement, pride and integration, and that it’s a great place to visit. The walking route will provide families with a fun way to (re)discover the city and what it has to offer, in a way that will get people active and exercising.

Residents and visitors alike will be able to join the pack in a five mile hunt across the city, taking in Wolverhampton’s cultural centre and various landmarks, providing a great day out for art lovers, families or those looking to explore the sights of the City of Wolverhampton.

The lupine spectacle will be in place over the summer, before each wolf is auctioned off to raise money for seven Mayoral charities: Central Youth Theatre; LGBT; Interfaith Wolverhampton; Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust; Alzheimer’s Society Black Country; Sickle Cell Care; and Wolverhampton Street Pastors.

Dr Paul Darke of the Outside Centre said: “Wolves in Wolves is the beginning of a new Wolverhampton cultural project for

The University, as well as being project sponsor, has been involved in number of ways. Several artists are current

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or previous students, and a design competition was held for its sculpture – designed and painted by final year art students in studio space at the University. One wolf sculpture will sit proudly outside the University’s School of Art building on the trail.

It’s hoped that another wolf will have a permanent home in the new Courtyard of the University after the summer. A special wolf about mental wellbeing, designed through the University’s involvement in the city-wide Suicide Prevention Stakeholders Forum, will hopefully raise awareness of mental health issues to future students, encouraging them to seek appropriate help and guidance if needed.

Those living in Wolverhampton already know the creativity and cultural history the city holds; however the event hopes to raise the creative profile of the city… and maybe even cause people to paws for thought. wolvesinwolves.co.uk

In the region ‘Kiyiya’ by Jo Burgess WLV Life Summer 2017

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Day in the life

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

TANWEER IKRAM Tanweer Ikram was appointed by the Queen as Deputy Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate), one of the top roles in the judiciary, earlier this year.

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Day in the life Based at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Tan has leadership responsibility for the 300 District Judges (Magistrates’ Courts) and Deputy DJMCs across England and Wales.

confronting the magistrates’ courts. I am fortunate that I studied management at university as the skills there are so different, and yet so similar, to managing the people and cases in a courtroom.

The 51-year-old was called to the Bar in 1990 and admitted as a solicitor in 1993 after graduating from the University of Wolverhampton. In 2015 he was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law from the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences for his contribution to law.

I am also the deputy lead diversity and community relations judge and am involved in all sorts of projects to support a more diverse judiciary and engaging with the community in dispelling myths about who we are and what we do.

Here, Tan describes his working day: “I like to be the first in and prepare for the day ahead. It means I can miss the crush of the rush hour, relax with some tunes in the quiet of my room and catch up with reading and judgments before anyone else is in.

I have the most amazing job. No two days are alike and the cases are varied.

I support the Senior District Judge in her court workload of high profile, sensitive and difficult criminal cases. Additionally, I deal with terrorism and extradition cases which are unique to Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

My other significant role is providing leadership to the 137 district judges in the magistrates’ courts as well as the 125 deputy judges across the country.

I attend various meetings which range from law reform to the swathe of management challenges and reforms

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I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING JOB. NO TWO DAYS ARE ALIKE AND THE CASES ARE VARIED. – I have just returned from an international conference in Iceland on what more we can do to promote gender equality. In the next few weeks, I will be hosting judges from China and talking to newly qualified barristers about advocacy as well as having school students shadowing me in court. A lot of what I do is outside the courtroom and often in my own time.

I hope I can make a real difference both in relation to public perceptions about us, as much as making sound decisions on the cases I hear. I am privileged in the opportunity I have been given to contribute in so many ways. I am also very fortunate to have excellent lawyers appear before me. It makes making decisions much easier, being assisted by advocates who test the evidence thoroughly and can assist me on the law. My life would be so much tougher without them.

Next week, I am off to sit as a judge in the heat of the Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus. I will be the only judge on the British territory and will deal with anything that comes my way, whether a civil injunction, criminal trial or a deceased’s body I need to deal with as coroner. It is a million miles away in scenery but I call on the same basic skills of best managing the available resources and knowing where to look up the law.

I have to say that it is a challenge to keep up-to-date with such a wide range of work. In my so-called spare time, I do some writing on a textbook to help me refresh my own knowledge.

My real passion, however, is classic cars and I have had my 1961 3.4 Mark 2 Jaguar out in the sun over the last week.

It was the preferred choice of getaway drivers in the bank robberies of the 1960s, though mine rarely starts when I turn the key; my life sure isn’t perfect…”

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Academic comment

HISTORICAL FACTS BEHIND THE HYPE

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Academic comment

Almost nine million people were glued to the finale of the sixth season of Game of Thrones.

Now, with a new season just beginning, the frenzied fan talk starts once more.

If you’re an avid viewer, you may be interested in some insight from historian Dr Spencer Jones, a Senior Lecturer in Armed Forces and War Studies in the University’s Department of History, Politics and War Studies. He takes a look at where the writers have found inspiration in real life historical events for some of the major storylines in the popular fantasy drama.

If not, take a read anyway and impress Thrones fans when the subject inevitably rears its head at your next social occasion…

• Daenerys’ conquest of a Middle Eastern style land – and the problems of rebellion – are much as those suffered by Alexander the Great and the successor Seleucid Empire.

• King Joffrey (RIP) is modelled on Edward of Lancaster – a psychopathic child prince who was eventually murdered by his brothers.

• The Battle of Blackwater Bay and destruction of Stannis’s fleet by fire was almost exactly as occurred to the Arab Fleet at the Second Siege of Constantinople in 711.

• The Dothraki are based on Huns (more so than Mongols) and have a similar leadership structure – plus a fear of the sea.

• The Night’s Watch are similar to the Knights Templar – on volunteering, all sins were forgiven, and members took a lifelong vow of poverty and chastity.

They were eventually destroyed when they became involved in politics – perhaps a danger for the Night’s Watch in the new series!

• The Red Wedding is a clear take on the Black Dinner of 1440, when the Crichton clan betrayed the Douglas clan and violated the right of hospitality, leading to a prolonged civil war that raged on and off for almost 40 years.

• The Wall is inspired by Hadrian’s Wall.

Games of Thrones is available on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV. WLV Life Summer 2017

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Research feature wlv.ac.uk/alumni

Research feature

A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH University of Wolverhampton scientists have made a major breakthrough which could impact on male contraception and fertility for the future. Life magazine finds out more.

The Pill was approved as a contraceptive for women in 1960, heralding a new era of birth control and increased choice.

So it’s hard to believe that in over 50 years, a suitable male version still hasn’t been created.

But, with the groundbreaking work of University of Wolverhampton scientists, things may soon be changing.

Professor John Howl and Dr Sarah Jones are at the forefront of cell penetrating peptide research which it is hoped could be used in birth control techniques in the future. Their work has made international headlines, capturing the attention of media across the globe.

They have discovered that cell penetrating peptides can be designed to alter the physiology and fertilization capacity of sperm.

Attempts to develop a male pill so far have been unsuccessful owing to alterations in male hormone levels which can be irreversible. Cell penetrating peptides have the potential to change sperm motility, without affecting male hormonal control systems.

Professor Howl, Professor of Molecular Pharmacology, said: “Dr Jones and I have proven, through extensive research studies, that it is feasible to design cell penetrating peptides to be biologically active.

“Such molecules, synthesized in our laboratory, represent a new class of agent

that we have named bioportides. This state-of-the-art technology enables the control of processes that happen inside cells and which often represent intractable targets for conventional drugs.”

“They can easily be made to incorporate a fluorescent dye which can be used to determine the distribution and precise intracellular location of these peptides within living sperm when visualised with a confocal microscope.”

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WE ARE BASICALLY DESIGNING PEPTIDES THAT CAN ALTER THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SPERM. – But while the media attention has focused purely on the male contraceptive angle, understandably given the lack of success in developing a male pill previously, the research could also have an impact on fertility and help couples who are struggling to conceive by improving sperm motility.

are notoriously difficult to penetrate, but with cell penetrating peptides we are now able to cross an otherwise impermeable barrier to manipulate the intracellular biology of sperm so as to enhance or inhibit motility.”

Professor Howl and Dr Jones have teamed up with the University of Aveiro in Portugal on a €194,000 threeyear project to look at the impact of these peptides and the way in which they can control the function of sperm.

They are using bovine sperm for their UK investigations but partners in Portugal have access to human sperm so can repeat the experiments conducted in UK for further testing.

Professor Howl said they had recently visited their collaborators in Portugal and the joint research project is progressing well. Work is currently underway to test the lead bioportides in mice.

“Our goal now is to obtain additional funding to further progress our ideas into the clinic. A joint patent application will also soon be completed, to protect our Intellectual Property.”

Dr Jones says: “We are basically designing peptides that can alter the physiology of sperm. Ironically, sperm

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Graduate feature

TOP BRASS

It’s been 20 years since the satirical news and current affairs parody Brass Eye first aired on Channel Four. Emma Pugh talks to its acclaimed director Michael Cumming about controversy, comedy and his student days at the University of Wolverhampton in the eighties.

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Graduate feature WLV Life Summer 2017

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WOLVERHAMPTON IS WHERE I DISCOVERED A PASSION THAT STAYED WITH ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. –

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Image (above) Michael on the set of Toast of London with Matt Berry.

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Image (right) Chris Morris as Ted Maul on the set of Brass Eye.

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Michael Cumming is back in Wolverhampton for the first time since his student days, here for an exclusive anniversary screening of Brass Eye. And he’s impressed with how the city has changed.

a completely different environment, in a Brutalist, 60s building.” Referring to the iconic Wolverhampton School of Art building where he studied, which he is visiting again, he says: “I really liked it and I still do; I like the architecture.”

“I left on July 14, 1985. I remember the date because I packed up my possessions in my bedsit on Stafford Street while I was watching Live Aid,” he says.

Michael initially loved to paint but wasn’t sure what direction to go in career wise. He eventually, and quite accidentally, stumbled upon a cupboard of video equipment one day and was encouraged by tutor and filmmaker Guy Sherwin to explore what he could do with it. “I thought I wanted to do painting but I got into film and video and became the only person in my year doing it.

Looking around at the place he called home for three years, he notes the many positive changes and new developments.

“There wasn’t much going on at the time but the good thing about that was I really focused on my work,” he says. “The University was an oasis of stimulation, organising brilliant gigs and events. It gave me all the cultural experiences I needed.”

Coming to Wolverhampton for a degree in Fine Art was a “massive culture shock” for a country boy from the Lake District: “I came to study in

“I didn’t realise there was a world where fine art could be anything other than painting and sculpture; it was eye opening. I’d come from a music background so I wasn’t put off by cables and wires. And it allowed me to wear better clothes – because I didn’t have to be covered in paint all the time,” he jokes.

His talent and enthusiasm soon took hold. “Wolverhampton is where I

These were the days before social media and it was far easier to keep the ruse under wraps.

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the programmes aired and the director says that among the most disgruntled was Noel Edmonds, despite making a career out of playing pranks himself.

“I don’t think you could do it now; it would be so much harder,” says Michael.

“We sent out the most ridiculous press releases that we didn’t think anyone would really believe but they actually worked. People are more savvy now and somebody would spot us filming, recognise people and put it out there.”

The programme was first pitched to the BBC but they didn’t feel they could broadcast it. Even Channel 4 got cold feet before it aired and there was a frustrating period of delays.

After two years, once edited, it was finally aired. It was hugely successful but controversial; not least because the drugs episode had Parliament discussing a made up drug and MPs were not happy about being so easily duped.

The programme led to Michael specialising in comedy and working with top comic talent. “I’d never done comedy before but since then I’ve never really been asked to make anything else.”

discovered a passion that stayed with me for the rest of my life.”

screening of an episode of the comedy Toast of London.

Michael’s love of film direction had always been there in the background.

“I used to make comedy films, mostly about camping, when I was 12 years old; very poor ones though,” he laughs.

Brass Eye parodied the sensationalised reporting that led to moral panics.

Countless celebrities and politicians were duped into supporting fabricated campaigns and causes, including animal welfare and crime.

Guy – who still teaches in the Fine Art school – encouraged Michael to apply to the Royal College of Art. “He said, ‘make something with a narrative’; it seemed like a long shot but it paid off and I got one of only six places on the MA Film course.”

After that, Michael got a job directing at the BBC which soon led to regular freelance work. Then he met the satirist Chris Morris – and so to Brass Eye. Fans old and new flocked to Wolverhampton’s Light House (“I would have loved it here as a student”), to listen to Michael talk about his career and take part in a Q&A session. It was also a chance to see Brass Eye’s infamous ‘Drugs’ episode, and some exclusive unseen footage, as well as a

‘Drugs’ featured a fictitious Eastern European drug called ‘Cake’, which purportedly affected an area of the brain called ‘Shatner’s Bassoon’, altering time perceptions and resulting in a bloated neck. It was frequently referred to as a ‘made-up drug’ during the show but that didn’t stop the likes of Noel Edmonds, Bruno Brookes and Bernard Manning warning of its dangers.

Credits include Snuff Box and The Mark Thomas Comedy Product, primetime programming with, among others, Alistair McGowan, Omid Djalili, Matt Lucas and David Walliams, and all episodes of the BAFTA-winning Channel 4 sitcom Toast of London.

Michael is still passionate about the work he loves and the opportunities that come his way. But he’s looking over his shoulder: “My son met up with Chris Morris’ son recently and they got on worryingly well...” Watch this space.

David Amess, the Conservative MP for Basildon, was fooled into filming an anti-cake video and even brought it up in Parliament.

Did Michael ever feel bad for the famous faces that were tricked? “No,” he states, firmly. “We didn’t cajole anybody.” But of course, not everyone took it well when

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Campus developments

NEW COURTYARD DISPLAYS ARCHITECT’S SUCCESS Much like the University itself – our campuses rarely stay the same for long, and in the past year, City Campus in particular has seen a dramatic redevelopment.

The Courtyard has been revamped as part of the University’s Our Vision, Your Opportunity £250 million investment generation project.

Reuben Caesar, an architectural design technology graduate from the class of 2014 was responsible for the new Courtyard design, and wanted to “create a space that is habitable, where students want to stay and chill.”

The space, once a draughty thoroughfare between areas has been transformed into a vibrant, pleasant space that is proving popular with students and visitors – including those of the feathered variety, with a family of ducks becoming a feature in spring!

It is also the perfect setting for the University’s very own Starbucks, which has proved popular since it opened last year.

Needless to say, Reuben is thrilled at people’s response. “The courtyard is everything I had hoped it would be.

Seeing it being used as I envisioned is such a rewarding feeling. Students and staff appear to enjoy the university that little bit more because of it and I am so privileged to have been a part of a project that has brought people closer together and helped them to enjoy the

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university experience that little bit more. I wish I could use it myself!

“I think that the University of Wolverhampton’s a uni that is for the students! The tutors on my course in particular have been such a great help whilst I was studying and that has now turned into professional help whilst in my career, which is great because I never feel alone and know that I can contact my tutors at any time if I need a hand.”

Reuben, now working for BM3 Architects in Birmingham, has pursued a successful career since graduating. He had another reason to celebrate in 2017, winning Graduate Employee of the Year at the Business Achievement Awards.

He received his award at a glittering ceremony in May at Molineux Stadium.

“The nomination itself was overwhelming but to have actually won made me speechless! I didn’t actually think I would win or even get through to the finalist stage. It wasn’t until I sat down at the table at the award ceremony and was reading what was written about me that I thought I could actually win! Hearing my name being read out made me feel so proud, then the almighty cheer from my tutors and family put a huge smile on my face – I know that they’re

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COURTYARD IS EXCELLENT; IT’S ONE OF THE NICEST AREAS TO SIT IN THE TOWN CENTRE. I LOVE TO SEE PEOPLE SOCIALISING AND STUDYING IN THE SUN; REMINDS ME OF WHEN I WAS AN UNDERGRADUATE! –

Campus developments

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incredibly proud of me too. The whole thing has me feeling so humbled. It goes to show that hard work really does pay off and you get out what you put in!”

Reuben has said that designing this new space for future students was his way of giving something back to the University, and the space has certainly been a success so far, with various student-focused and community events, such as the International Fair and Easter Family Fun Day taking place in the Courtyard. It has even been transformed into an open-air cinema!

Find out how you can give something back through our Alumni Association on p43.

20

This voucher entitles the user to 20% off at Starbucks in the University of Wolverhampton’s Millennium City Building.

Terms & Conditions Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only valid at Starbucks in the University of Wolverhampton’s Millennium City Building. Only one voucher per customer. Voucher valid until end of November 2017.

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Campus developments

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE A £100 million investment, the University’s biggest to date; Springfield Campus is a catalyst for change. It’s changing the city skyline and changing the face of education and training for the region.

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From the ashes of a derelict former brewery, ravaged by fire in 2004, Springfield is rising as Europe’s largest specialist centre for construction and built environment training.

A super campus for the 21st Century spread across a 12 acre, Grade II listed heritage site, it is creating jobs, raising aspirations and training the future professional experts required by a thriving and growing industry.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoff Layer said: “Construction is a vital growth sector for the Black Country, with the global construction industry forecast to grow by more than 70 per cent over the next ten years. Our new campus will be well placed to take advantage of this rising international demand with strengths in architecture, engineering and sustainable construction – all designed to address the national skills shortage of engineers and construction workers.”

Campus developments Already home to the newly opened West Midlands Construction University Technical College, teaching up to 600 14-19 year olds, Springfield will provide an exciting new base for the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, with 8,100m² of internal floor space featuring bespoke learning and social spaces alongside innovative technology and cutting edge courses.

A hub for the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills is also due to open at Springfield this September, which has been funded by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.

The ECMS is an employer-led training facility designed to enhance productivity in the manufacturing sector by providing training courses and apprenticeships in areas of specialist skills. Trusted partnerships with sector professional bodies and links with highly regarded employers ensure our outstanding courses link back to the workplace, and our graduates meet industry demands.

As a brownfield site, the campus is the perfect example of how to successfully redevelop former industrial land, so it is fitting that it will be the base for the new Brownfield Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC). This will see high calibre academics working with industry and global partners and providing information, advice and guidance, and supporting the need to bring contaminated land back into use for commercial and residential developments.

With so much to celebrate, a special event was held at the House of Lords earlier this year, hosted by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Swraj Paul to showcase the development. The successful evening brought together Faculty of Science and Engineering staff with key people from construction and architectural companies, education trade, local government and technical awarding bodies, as well as former Springfield Brewery employees, delighted to see the historic site revived.

Ultimately, the aim of this ambitious project is to provide complete career progression from training college to university and direct to the workplace.

And, as a key element of the Midlands Engine, an ambitious government plan to help the region compete with London and the Northern Powerhouse, Springfield Campus will position Wolverhampton as a national and international hub of excellence for construction and the built environment.

Springfield Campus will be transformational for the city and for the industry, bringing investment and opportunity to those who work in Architecture and the Built Environment, and those who have yet to discover the path.

To find out more about Springfield and Phase 2 of this exciting project, visit: wlv.ac.uk/springfield

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Graduate feature

A LORRA TALENT Renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers has exhibited her striking work worldwide, from the Victoria & Albert Museum, to the Royal Academy of Art, Collect at The Saatchi, S.O.F.A. in Chicago and New York and the Grande Palais Paris. Her work is constantly in demand and she has also worked with Marvel films on the sets of Guardians of The Galaxy and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

She has recently received great acclaim for her statue of Liverpool icon Cilla Black, which is proudly displayed in the city.

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Graduate feature

Image credit: Mike McCartney

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Graduate feature

Despite her success, Emma Rodgers has never forgotten the help and support she received from the University of Wolverhampton, where she studied a BA in Ceramics and Glass and an MA in Art and Design (Ceramics).

“When I attend art fairs, one of the first things you get asked is where you studied,” says Emma. “I tell everyone about Wolverhampton; my course was really diverse and gave me the confidence to take risks. It was absolutely brilliant.

“Even now, I am still in touch with the staff, 20 years after graduating. The support doesn’t just stop when you leave and they are fantastic.”

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It was while studying for her degree that she received her first big break.

“We were encouraged to go for things and to gain experience and push ourselves forward. I was urged to apply for Ceramic Contemporaries 2 at the Victoria and Albert Museum and I was accepted into the exhibition. It was great to get that recognition and things moved on from there.

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“I was then able to fund my part-time MA by exhibiting my work.”

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Image (above) Emma in the studio.

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Image (above right) One of the many striking pieces by Emma.

Image (bottom right) Steven Gerrard with the trophy created by Emma.

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Emma has pioneered new boundaries for age-old mediums of clay and bronze, pushing them to the edge of their elasticity to create powerful, challenging, delicately beautiful statuary. She has deliberately abandoned the solidity of form traditionally associated with both classical and modern sculpture.

She was delighted to be approached

by Marvel for set sculptures for the box office smash Guardians of the Galaxy.

“The sculptures were featured in a laboratory and museum set, based on Knowhere: a fictitious mining planet, which also serves as the headquarters of The Collector, played in the film by Benicio del Toro.

“The sculptures I created can be seen as part of The Collector’s personal possessions. I was asked to create pieces that were not instantly recognizable and they had to feel ‘otherworldly’. One of the pieces created was Man & Ape, influenced by Darwin’s theory of evolution. It is two porcelain skulls layered with details using found objects including shells for teeth, latex, wire and threads for flesh. Another is Mother and Child, where I have aimed to capture the relationship between the animals and their offspring.”

Graduate feature

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I REMEMBER FROM THE ORIGINAL MEETING THINKING ‘SHE HAD GREAT LEGS, YOU HAVE TO FEATURE THOSE LEGS!’ –

The pieces range from small table top size sculptures through to an 8ft bronze puppet.

Emma’s iconic 60s era Cilla statue, a collaboration with artist Andy Edwards, was unveiled earlier this year. Cilla’s family wanted to gift the statue to the city as a thank you for all the support and comfort expressed by the people when their mother passed away.

“I remember from the original meeting thinking ‘she had great legs, you have to feature those legs!’”

Emma is passionate about art in the community and is excited to hear about the Wolves in Wolves project (see our feature on page 14) taking shape around Wolverhampton.

Given the chance, she’d love to return to make her mark on the city she called home. And the wolf theme is a perfect fit.

“I often imagined a small pack of them pacing, possibly alongside Lady Wulfruna, near St Peter’s Church,” she says.

Wirral-based Emma is strongly connected to Liverpool and is a finalist for Merseyside Woman of the Year, an “amazing honour”. She also designs and makes the shields for Liverpool FC and created the You’ll Never Walk Alone award for Steven Gerrard.

With international demand for her work, Emma rarely stops; there are exhibitions in Beirut and Holland and she is currently shipping pieces to New York, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Plans are also in the pipeline for new public art pieces for Liverpool, Manchester and Salford, which are currently under wraps.

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Academic comment

FAKE THAT! THE RISE OF FAKE NEWS, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

By Alan Apperley, Senior Lecturer, School of Film, Media and Broadcasting

On December 4, 2016, 28-year old Edgar Maddison Welch from Salisbury, North Carolina, walked into the Comet Ping Pong pizza restaurant on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC, and started shooting. Welch was responding to a trending news topic that the restaurant was at the heart of a child-sex ring involving key members of the Democratic Party, possibly including former president Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary.

This story, which has come to be known as ‘Pizzagate’, is an example of fake news. It has been debunked by online fact-checking sites such as Snopes.com, and by many major newspapers and news outlets from the Huffington Post, via the Washington Post (whose journalists Woodward and Bernstein exposed the original ‘-gate’ scandal – Watergate – in 1972) to the UK’s own Independent newspaper.

Welch’s actions on that December day might well have passed quickly out of the public’s mind. After all, none of the three shots he fired hit anyone, and in the USA there are always plenty more shootings for journalists to write about.

But the original paedophile story emerged against the backdrop of the US presidential campaigns. And it spread like wildfire, not in traditional

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forums such as newspapers or broadcast newsrooms, but on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and via websites such as Infowars.com, which seem to exist in order to generate such material.

The role of the news media has always had an almost sacred role in democratic societies. We’ve always looked to

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THERE IS A REAL DANGER THAT FAKE NEWS WILL BEGIN TO CROWD OUT MORE MUNDANE NEWS. – journalists to expose corruption amongst politicians and the powerful, and to hold them to account. The First Amendment of the United States constitution which protects freedom of speech was put there to protect the news media of the day for precisely this reason. But a right to free speech does not entail a duty to tell the truth.

Of course, there has always been fake news. The Zinoviev Letter, linking the UK Labour Party to communism, scuppered the party’s chances four days before the 1924 general election. The letter was a fake, as were The Hitler Diaries in 1983, and stories of Iraqi soldiers throwing babies out of incubators in 1990.

But in a world of social media, news travels fast, and the more outrageous, more titillating, more gobsmacking that news, the faster it travels. As more and more of us get our news from the very social media platforms where these stories circulate, there is a real danger that such stories will begin to crowd out more mundane news from trusted media sites. The sites themselves have begun to recognise the problem, with Facebook and Google both actively seeking ways and means to stem the flow of fake news stories.

But we have a role to play too. The more we understand about how these stories originate and how they come to be circulated, the better equipped we’ll be to judge for ourselves the relative merits of the stories we encounter in our newsfeeds.

After all, to paraphrase the Irish politician John Philpot Curran: the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

Academic comment WLV Life Summer 2017

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International

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS As a truly international university, we’re proud to have connections across the globe.

This year, the University of Wolverhampton has celebrated with students from all over the world at a number of international graduation ceremonies. 1,241 students from the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Oman, China, France, Greece, Russia and Ireland graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a variety of courses.

We work with a network of transnational partners including Middle East College in Oman, the British College of Applied Studies, and Columbo International and Nautical Engineering College in Sri Lanka, Victoria University College in Myanmar and Westford in the United Arab Emirates. More graduation ceremonies will take place internationally in September, November and December.

With so many different countries and cultures linked to Wolverhampton, it’s important for us to maintain strong links and help our graduates stay connected.

Our international alumni associations are growing day by day; creating networks, hosting events and strengthening the University’s profile overseas.

Here’s just a taste of what’s happening:

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

At the time of going to press, organisers were preparing for the Alumni Dinner, due to take place on July 15 at Sheraton Hotels and Tower, Abuja.

SRI LANKA

MALAYSIA

HONG KONG

A fantastic alumni event was held in April at Regal Hall, Sea Princess Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai, which was well attended and enjoyed by all.

At time of going to press, the preparations were underway for the TNE ceremony to be held at CINEC in July, with another ceremony planned for BCAS later this year. We hope everyone had a fantastic time!

Plans are in the pipeline for a new alumni association.

We’ll keep you posted.

We’re delighted to have His Excellency Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin as the President of the Association.

The annual Summer Wakeboard Boating Party 2017 is a fantastic event which gets bigger every year.

A former Law graduate from the 1980s, His Excellency is Head of State for Sabah and Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

MPTON

W’

HA

New this year!

We’ve just launched an association for the Dominican Republic and we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received.

A launch party was held at the restaurant El Higuero, in Santo Domingo in May and got things off to a great start.

INDIA

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G N HO MALAY SI

A AN K IL SR

I ND IA

NI

GE RIA

K ONG

N A C NI BLIC I M PU O D RE

International

NIGERIA

Guests took in the world-class coastline of the Sai Kung area, with its beautiful islands and jewelblue waters.

Instructors hosted wakeboarding sessions for both rookies and aficionados.

Those who prefer a more sedate experience enjoyed swimming, sunbathing or fishing. It was a chance to meet with old friends, network and bask in the breathtaking scenery.

In addition, the annual alumni dinner is due to take place on 29 Nov; always a highlight of the Hong Kong alumni calendar.

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My Life

MY LIFE SHORSO SURE OF SUCCESS As far as inspiring graduates go, you can’t fault the drive and determination of Jessica Robinson.

What’s more, she’s proof that you don’t need to study business in order to succeed in the business world after graduation.

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My Life

now show off a wide range of modest, fashion hijab dresses to rival any model.

Just like Jessica’s grown-up fashion range, the dolls have also received a fair amount of media attention – the majority of it positive – with articles featuring in outlets including Marie Claire.

Still based in the West Midlands, in Tipton, Jessica is involved in managing every aspect of the business – from sales and social media to customer service.

Although she gained a lot of confidence while at university, both personally and professionally, she sometimes regrets that she didn’t take advantage of the support available to students and graduates in setting up their own business through schemes like SPEED and the support from The Workplace.

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DON’T BE SCARED – IT IS AFFORDABLE TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH. – Jessica originally studied Creative and Professional Writing with Media and Communication Studies, graduating in 2011. She chose her degree as she had a strong interest in media, and knew whatever career path she took, her studies would be relevant.

Jessica was inspired to set up Shorso in 2013 to provide Muslim girls and women with clothing suitable for outdoor pursuits that retain modesty.

She says: “I remembered a time at school when Muslim girls wanted to take part in swimming lessons but didn’t feel comfortable wearing swim suits because they were too revealing. They would wear leggings and t-shirts with the swim suit, even though the clothing wasn’t suitable for swimming. I designed a body suit suitable for swimming and my business grew from there.”

Praise and success have followed swiftly, with Shorso launching online with House of Fraser in 2015. Jessica’s clothing range is growing and is also available online through her eBay store.

Shorso’s swimwear range has received growing publicity, featuring on ITV’s This Morning. Jessica also appeared in a short film about influencers bringing modest fashion to the mainstream as part of The Telegraph’s ‘Consider’ series.

The most recent addition to her portfolio has been a range of dolls in Muslim dress, which she sells through her eBay store. Designed to provide Muslim girls with an alternative to dolls currently on the market – ones which “look like me” – the dolls can be dressed up in a variety of clothes, the difference being that, unlike traditional Barbie, the fashion is guaranteed to be modest.

As for that traditional Barbie, the Shorso Mini range began with intricate handmade clothes being sold for girls to dress their Barbie in – so she can

However, she has some words of inspiration and advice, tempered with caution, for students looking to create their own business: “Don’t be scared – it is affordable to set up your own business from scratch. I started with £3,000. It gave me all the essentials for my start-up such as my website and product prototypes.

“The business world is probably tougher than you think – there are barriers in your way everywhere and the competition is strong. However, with the right attitude and determination, you can succeed.”

It seems clear that whatever barriers may come up in the future, Jessica Robinson is one woman who will face them head on for continued success. shorso.co.uk /ShorsoUK @ShorsoUK #Shorso #ShorsoMini #ModestFashion

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We know our alumni have a wealth of diverse experience so please come on board and be part of WLV Online Mentoring: wlv.aluminate.net

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WLV Online Mentoring is up and running – and we’d love you to join us either as a mentor or mentee.

Now we’re online, it’s even easier to join in and make the scheme work for you:

MENTOR BENEFITS (ALUMNI): • Mentor who you want, when you want.

• Manage your own mentor profile – you choose what information you want to share.

• Specify what services you can offer, from email advice to full-on work experience or internships.

• Determine the maximum number of mentees you want to handle at any one time.

• 24/7 online training resources and mentoring hints and tips.

• Online scheduling for all your mentoring activity – no more back and forwards emails.

• Gain peer recognition and a sense of satisfaction from helping others.

• Network with other graduates who can even mentor you!

wlv.ac.uk/alumni

MENTEE BENEFITS (STUDENTS & ALUMNI): • Search for mentors with the knowledge, skills and experience you need.

• Find mentors in your local region with the geographical visualisation map.

• Connect with a mentor at any time during your studies.

• No limit to the number of mentors you can contact.

• No tied in programmes – dip in and out as you need it.

• Record your activities, interactions and create your own Personal Development Plan.

• 24/7 online training resources and mentoring hints and tips.

• Expand your knowledge and skills and build your professional networks.

Alumni Associations

AN APPLE FOR TEACHER? We can do better than that – how about a brand new Alumni Association instead?

In 2017, our Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) scheme entered its fourth year, continuing to offer recent undergraduate students the opportunity to embark on a career pathway into teaching in the post compulsory (16 and above) sector.

It’s a scheme that was inspired by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, and one that has supported our vision as ‘the University of Opportunity’ ever since the first cohort in September 2014.

We now have three years under our belt of delivering a professional development programme that leads to the recognised teaching qualification award of PGCE in Post Compulsory Education, not to mention one that puts students first – and we think you’ll agree that merits a support network for GTA alumni.

Our new Graduate Teaching Alumni Association is a dedicated chapter of the WLV Alumni Association for GTAs. Membership of the Association is free and open to all GTA alumni – so simply get in touch and we’ll do the rest!

DO YOU WANT TO SET UP AN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION? Have an idea for a specific alumni association? Would you like to keep in touch with friends and colleagues from a particular course or subject area?

If you’d like to express your interest in establishing a new association, we want to hear from you! To get started, get in touch at: alumni@wlv.ac.uk or on: 01902 323 056.

You can also join the WLV Alumni Association or one of our existing alumni associations. Find out more and sign up at: wlv.ac.uk/ alumni/alumni-associations

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POSTGRADUATE OPEN EVENING THURSDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2017 4pm – 7pm wlv.ac.uk/enquiries

/uniwolverhampton

@wlv_uni

#leadthepack

WLV Alumni Association

KEEP IN TOUCH! Are your details correct? Update them online at: wlv.ac.uk/alumni.

We love to hear about where life has taken our graduates – the next steps they have taken and the joys and successes they are experiencing.

Why not tell us where you are now?

You can be featured on our alumni website at: wlv.ac.uk/alumnistories or maybe even in future editions of the e-zine or WLV Life magazine.

You can contact us with any news, updates or enquiries you may have at: Alumni and Development University of Wolverhampton MA140, The Wulfruna Building Wulfruna Street Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY

BENEFITS AND SERVICES

Email: alumni@wlv.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1902 323 056 wlv.ac.uk/alumni Don’t forget – you can also join thousands of fellow alumni online. /wlvalumni @wlv_alumni

We offer you great benefits and services long after you’ve left the University.

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• WLV Life alumni magazine and WLV@lumni e-newsletter.

• Alumni reunions and social events.

• Careers advice and guidance from our dedicated team.

• Access to our online jobs database.

• Professional development workshops and networking opportunities.

• Up to 20% discounted fees on taught postgraduate courses.

*

• Discounted library and sports centre memberships.

• Volunteering opportunities, including becoming a mentor.

LIFE BY EMAIL Would you like to receive future editions of WLV Life by email?

Let us know at: wlv.ac.uk/life

*Terms and conditions apply.

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Alumni and Development University of Wolverhampton The Wulfruna Building Wulfruna Street Wolverhampton WV1 1LY

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 323 056 Email: alumni@wlv.ac.uk wlv.ac.uk/alumni

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