Impact

IMPACT ISSUE No1 2017

YOUR SUPPORT IN ACTION

The 125 Fund: Meet the students you have helped

Mentoring matters: How alumni mentors are inspiring students

Majid AlSadi Changing Lives Programme: A once-in-alifetime trip to Jordan

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IMPACT | INTRODUCTION

W

elcome to the first edition of Impact – a new publication which celebrates the wonderful difference your generosity makes to the lives of students at the University of Westminster and to the wider community.

These are challenging times for students across the country. The UK job market is becoming increasingly competitive which is why it is so important that our University is able to provide students with the chance to broaden their horizons alongside their academic ambitions. The support that you provide, such as mentoring, work experience placements or donations towards innovative student-led projects, all contribute towards giving our students the skills and confidence they need to succeed. The University has, of course, a significant role to play in shaping these opportunities, but we will only be able to truly excel with the help of our alumni and friends.

I do hope that you enjoy reading about the broad range of activities that are taking place every day across our campuses – and beyond – to develop the employment prospects, skillsets, networking capabilities and social development of our students.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has given your time, your hard-earned cash or created new opportunities for our students to go on and achieve their full potential. Thank you for your ongoing support.

CHRIS SMITH Director, Development and Alumni Relations

CONTENTS | IMPACT

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IMPACT ISSUE No1 / 2017

Contents 5

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The 125 Fund Grants were awarded to 92 students this year, thanks to your generous donations

The impact of volunteering How volunteers are transforming the lives of our students

IMPACT MAGAZINE ISSUE No1 / 2017

Editor Rose Bailey —

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Mentoring matters Alumni mentors helping our students to excel

News The latest updates from the Development and Alumni Relations Office

10 Bringing film and cinema heritage to all Inspiring the local community through the Regent Street Cinema

22 Why we need you more than ever before The Students’ Union President tells us why your support is so important

5 12 Changing lives in the Middle East Westminster students take part in a once-in-alifetime trip to Jordan

Contributors Development and Alumni Relations team, Students’ Union — Development and Alumni Relations Office University of Westminster Cavendish House 101 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XH T: +44 (0)20 3056 6495 E: development@ westminster.ac.uk — Thanks to all staff, students and supporters who have contributed to this issue.

—

23 Giving groups Proudly recognising your generosity

A charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Registration number: 977818.

Registered office: 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW 8255/04.17/JW/GP

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The Windle Trust International Scholarship How Windle Trust International are challenging poverty and inequality

westminster.ac.uk/support-us

17 Why I volunteer Alumna Keeran Gunnoo on giving back through volunteering

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Your support in numbers

169

alumni paired up with a student as part of the University of Westminster mentoring programme in this year alone

262 alumni called in the 2016 telephone campaign made a donation

305

ÂŁ78,045 awarded to 92 students from The 125 Fund

donors to The 125 Fund

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132

alumni spoke at a careers event for students

international alumni networks supported by 19 alumni ambassadors

THE 125 FUND | IMPACT

Creating opportunities through The 125 Fund

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The grants were awarded at a special ceremony in March at the Regent Street Cinema. The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Geoffrey Petts, hosted the event, and Students’ Union President Freya Thompson presented the awards.

More than 700 students applied for funding; 92 were carefully selected on the strength of their projects, with grants ranging from £150 to £2,000. In total just over £78,000 has been awarded to directly benefit students this year.

The Vice-Chancellor said: “I am delighted to see this new initiative support our students, providing them with more opportunities to develop skills and gain experiences that will increase their employability. Thank you to all the donors and alumni who have enabled The 125 Fund to help so many students.”

he 125 Fund was launched last year to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Regent Street Polytechnic, the predecessor institution to the University of Westminster, and to award grants to students for projects that support their professional and personal development.

Alumni and friends of the University generously donated to The 125 Fund, and the Quintin Hogg Trust matched each donation pound for pound, making a huge difference to the educational experience of these students.

Projects securing grants included the development of a single-parent dating app, fieldwork in a refugee camp in Berlin, a research project into climate change in the Maldives, a play which exposes human trafficking and slavery, and a PR start-up company.

£ The 125 Fund will re-open for applications in early 2018 when we hope to support even more students.

If you are inspired by the aims of the Fund and would like to find out more about making a donation please visit: westminster.ac.uk/the-125-fund

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IMPACT | THE 125 FUND

Meet the students you have helped Thanks to your generous support of The 125 Fund, 92 students were awarded a grant of between £150 and £2,000 in March 2017. Here is a snapshot of some of the wonderful projects that you have made possible and the students you have helped. Thank you!

MUHTASIM MOJNU Architecture BA Honours, 2018 This funding will enable my second-year project group to exhibit and present our 3D projects at the Imperial College Science Festival. This will allow us to gain valuable experience in designing an exhibition within a public context and explaining our work visually to visitors, increasing our future employment prospects.

MAXINE QUINTYNE-KOLARU Graduate Diploma in Law, 2017 I have written a play called Traffick Jam which explores the issues of modern slavery and human trafficking. A grant of £2,000 will enable me to bring this play to the stage, helping to further my employment credentials within the legal field, while promoting the need for action against modern slavery and trafficking.

THE 125 FUND | IMPACT

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DYLAN PACHECO Entrepreneurship BA Honours, 2019 It has always been my dream to be a successful entrepreneur, and through ShutterVision I am gaining valuable experience in how to run a business. ShutterVision creates online adverts, Kickstarter videos and social media promotions for start-up companies at affordable prices. Thanks to The 125 Fund, we will be able to purchase vital equipment to increase our production quality and help our business grow.

BENJAMIN FOOTE Commercial Music BA Honours, 2018 A good keyboard is crucial to my work as a commercial musician. When the keyboard I had used for years suddenly stopped working, multiple revenue streams were instantly stopped, crippling my artistic portfolio. A grant of ÂŁ1,000 has enabled me to buy a high-end midi controller keyboard so I can continue to compose music and build my portfolio.

BAKHTAWAR KHASKHALI English Literature and Linguistics MA, 2017 I’ve been invited to present my research paper at the International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) conference in July 2017.

Due to financial difficulties, I would have had to turn down this fantastic opportunity, but thanks to The 125 Fund I will now be able to attend the conference and present my paper, enhancing my professional development as well as raising the profile of the University.

"I would have

had to turn down this fantastic opportunity, but thanks to The 125 Fund I will now be able to attend the conference and present my paper.

"

Opposite, above Muhtasim Mojnu (far right) and other second-year students with their models Opposite, below Maxine Quintyne-Kolaru Top Dylan Pacheco Above left Benjamin Foote Left Bakhtawar Khaskhali

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IMPACT | MENTORING MATTERS

Mentoring matters The University of Westminster mentoring scheme connects students with alumni who can support their personal and professional goals. Mentors are positive role models for our students, boosting their confidence and broadening their horizons to help them to succeed.

Here, we take a look at the positive impact mentoring is having on our mentors and mentees.

BELAYET CHOUDHURY Electronic Engineering BSc Honours, 2017 Belayet has found it useful to have guidance from someone in the industry. With his mentor Jack, Belayet has had opportunities to make new contacts and learn valuable life lessons.

“Mentoring provides you with a shortcut because you bypass a lot of the mistakes made by your mentor. You get a guide to help you on your journey. I have also seen my time management and my study technique improve dramatically and I feel a lot more confident and more prepared for the world of work.

“Taking myself outside of the University and visiting Jack at his workplace at Google headquarters has been inspirational. It has made me want to work somewhere like that in the future.”

ELLINORE WOLTERINK International Economic Policy & Analysis MA, 2017 Ellinore joined the mentoring scheme to expand her network in London, so she was surprised when she was matched with a mentor in Geneva. She got in touch with him to suggest they talk via Skype, and was shocked when her mentor invited her to Geneva instead.

“I went to visit my mentor for two days in January. We went to a UN conference and another conference about how to manage the ocean sustainably. I want to work in diplomacy and he explained all of the details on how diplomacy works. He has given me so many useful tips and he’s helped me with my CV as well.”

"Visiting

Jack at his workplace at Google headquarters has been inspirational.

"

MENTORING MATTERS | IMPACT

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ZAHEDA ISLAM Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours, 2019 Zaheda was unsure of which route to take after her Biomedical Science degree. When she met her mentor Asha (right), they instantly clicked, and are now constantly texting each other and keeping in contact.

“I applied for a mentor because I was so confused about what I wanted to do in the future. I’ve loved it – it has helped me so much.

I now have a clear focus. I definitely want to become a senior biomedical scientist like my mentor.

“Asha is organising my visit to her lab to see what the environment is like. If I didn’t have a mentor I wouldn’t be able to have that sort of experience.”

ASHA VELANI Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours, 2003 Asha applied to be a mentor after receiving an email about the scheme, and wanted to find out more. After attending an introductory session, she decided to share her NHS expertise with students. She’s now in constant contact with her two mentees, one of whom is Zaheda (left), and has provided opportunities for them both to visit the hospital where she works.

"I’m helping

others pursue their dreams.

“Sharing my knowledge is the main benefit of mentoring. You are helping people that need guidance so they can pursue their dreams like I did.”

Would you like to be a mentor?

We are looking for mentors from across the world and in all sectors. If you have a few hours to spare each month and would like to make a difference to our students, please email alumni@westminster.ac.uk.

"

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IMPACT | BRINGING FILM AND CINEMA HERITAGE TO ALL

Bringing film and cinema heritage to all Thanks to generous donations and a huge restoration campaign, the Regent Street Cinema has been back in business since 2015. It now plays a key role in inspiring people of all generations to learn, share and experience the heritage of film.

REGENT STREET CINEMA | IMPACT

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"Within the context of a lonely

week, it gives me something to look forward to.

Matinée Classics attendee

D

rawing on the University’s longstanding reputation in film education, the Cinema provides a unique opportunity to engage people from all walks of life in its Community Engagement Programme, including activities such as: Low-cost screenings through the Kids’ Kino Club Filmmaker workshops and school holiday activity programmes Matinée Classics screenings with low-cost entry for over-55s Special activities targeted at vulnerable groups

INCREASED WELLBEING Many friendships have been made through the Matinée Classics screenings and for some guests, it provides a rare opportunity to interact with others.

Dr Jenny Bloodworth, Senior Hub Manager at Open Age said about the programme: “The films stimulate much discussion and are very popular, while the dancing afterwards improves physical health, mobility, co-ordination and mental agility. It is also good value, which is helpful to members, a number of whom are on limited incomes.”

We would like to thank everyone who has played a part in the restoration of the Regent Street Cinema and the delivery of the Community Engagement Programme, with special thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund for its generous support.

Schools outreach and engagement One of the most popular activities is the Matinée Classics programme, which aims to tackle the growing problem of social isolation among older people.

In partnership with Open Age, a charity that champions an active life for older people, the Cinema welcomes vulnerable people in the borough of Westminster along to matinee screenings to encourage social engagement, build confidence and promote physical and mental activity. Every Wednesday afternoon, the Cinema screens classic films such as Some Like it Hot and High Society at a reduced rate of £1.75. Other highlights enjoyed by the older audience are hearing the Cinema organ, discussing the films with fellow visitors and taking part in dance workshops.

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Show your support and help the Community Engagement Programme continue to flourish E: development@westminster.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7911 5741 westminster.ac.uk/support-us

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IMPACT | CHANGING LIVES PROGRAMME

Changing lives in the Middle East

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he University is committed to providing all students with the chance to spend time abroad as part of their studies. In support of this ambitious aim, in September 2016 we launched a partnership with the Majid AlSadi Changing Lives Programme, a project which gives students the life-changing opportunity to volunteer in Jordan and learn about the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Working with a number of charitable organisations, the Programme enables students to develop valuable new skills by taking part in community projects, volunteering activities, group workshops and historical site visits in Jordan. Students have the chance to make a difference to the lives of children and refugees living in the country, while developing skills that will prepare them to operate in an increasingly interconnected world.

Thanks to generous support from donor Dr Majid AlSadi, one of Jordan’s leading philanthropists, more than 70 Westminster students will benefit from the Programme’s life-changing impact, with five trips planned over the next two years.

Holly Patrick, a third-year journalism student, was one of the first to take part in the Programme last year. Holly said: “I have always wanted to travel to the Middle East and experience life in Jordan but have never been able to do so. We’re often creatures of habit so it’s been an amazing experience to do something so different to my usual routine, and look beyond my life in London. I’ve met some incredible people here and I’m so grateful to Dr Majid AlSadi for making this experience possible. I am really glad I chose to study at Westminster and to have had the chance to travel overseas as part of my degree.”

"It's been an amazing

experience to do something so different to my usual routine, and look beyond my life in London.

"

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IMPACT | CHANGING LIVES PROGRAMME

A cultural exchange with Dr Majid AlSadi Dr Majid AlSadi campaigns on important humanitarian issues in the Middle East and aims to challenge perceptions of the Arab world.

Here, he tells us why the Changing Lives Programme is so important.

CHANGING LIVES PROGRAMME | IMPACT

What motivated you to create the Changing Lives Programme?

Is there anything that continues to surprise you even after several trips?

My experience of studying, working and living between the UK, Jordan and Iraq over a span of 30 years showed me how powerful and damaging misconceptions across cultures can be. I also saw that when people gained realistic insights into the shared humanity of other communities and cultures they were able to work together and understand the other much more productively.

The ongoing surprise is the joy that the Programme brings through simple interactions.

It is really all about connecting people and exploring what we share in common as human beings.

September 2016’s Programme was the first to welcome students from the University of Westminster. Was there anything that surprised or impressed you about our students?

The first group of Westminster students were impressively proactive, curious and co-operative. As a group they worked very well together and were not shy about exploring a country and culture so new to them.

Could you tell us about one of the highlights or memories that particularly stands out for you?

I think our first visit to the Princess Taghrid Institute – a charity that supports orphaned young adults into a brighter future – was very successful. The students were inspired by the work and leadership of the Institute and came away with a great understanding of the issues facing orphans in Arab society.

What would you say is the greatest achievement of the Programme?

To date we have brought over 120 students from different UK universities to Jordan and I think our most important long-term achievement is the interest we have built among western universities in partaking in activities in Jordan.

We continue to see more and more interest from important institutions in engaging with the region and contributing to solutions to its many issues.

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"It really is

all about connecting with people and exploring what we share in common as human beings.

"

Finally, what are your future plans and ambitions?

We are currently expanding the Programme to include more universities and to become more frequent. We are also diversifying the themes and design of our programmes with new partners and new sponsors. We hope to make some major announcements later this year.

What sort of impact do students volunteering in Jordan make to the local communities?

The students volunteering give a break in everyday routine to a range of local communities across Jordan. In addition to improving public facilities and teaching language skills, the students’ work helps to break down local conceptions about what westerners are like and builds relationships between youths that have multiple effects.

Often students go on to establish their own programmes and organisations that benefit local communities.

Opposite Students taking part in the Changing Lives Programme, April 2017 Left Dr Majid AlSadi

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IMPACT | WINDLE TRUST INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Challenging poverty and inequality: the Windle Trust International Scholarship In 2016, Abraham Malek received a life-changing letter: “I was so excited I had to read it twice, just to be sure.”

Abraham is currently studying an MSc in Finance and Accounting at the University of Westminster, and, thanks to a scholarship from Windle International Trust (WTI), he has been able to leave South Sudan and study in London with the reassurance that his financial costs are fully covered. “The opportunity has had such a positive impact on my life because it has enabled me to advance my career,” says Abraham. “It has broadened my network and I have learnt a lot from the extracurricular sessions on employability, CV writing and interview skills.”

WTI challenges poverty and inequality by expanding access to and improving the quality of education for communities affected by conflict, displacement, neglect or discrimination. This includes working in partnership with UK universities to provide opportunities to young people from Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and South Sudan.

“Studying at the University of Westminster has been challenging and fun at the same time,” says Pauline Nagaibu, who has recently completed her Conflict Prevention, Dispute Resolution MA and has since returned to South Sudan. “Now I have finished studying I’m hoping to work in the development sector where I can really apply what I have learnt, before starting my own NGO to support women.”

WTI and the University are working together to provide full scholarships to postgraduate students at the University of Westminster, enabling them to better contribute to development and become leaders in their fields.

Another current scholar, Felix Onoma (Cyber Security and Forensics MSc), knew that being awarded the scholarship would be a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity: “Studying in the UK would not have been possible for someone like me without this funding. I am proud and very grateful to Windle Trust International and the University of Westminster for standing with the people of South Sudan and Uganda and for providing them with the opportunities to study.”

He added: “It is the skills and knowledge which we acquire through our time at Westminster that we will use to promote peace and rebuild our nations for coexistence with others.”

Samantha Davies, Director of UK and Sudan programmes at WTI, said of the scholarships: “Windle Trust International is proud of the partnership with the University of Westminster, which has so far supported six students from conflict-affected areas, in particular South Sudan, over the last three years. We are delighted to see students who have studied at Westminster return to put their skills to use for the positive development of their communities.”

"Windle Trust

International challenges poverty and inequality by improving education for communities affected by conflict, displacement, neglect or discrimination .

"

Above Abraham Malek (left) and Felix Onoma

WHY I VOLUNTEER | IMPACT

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Why I volunteer Keeran Gunnoo, Global Employer Brand Director of Unilever and University of Westminster alumna, tells us why she volunteers her time to help current Westminster students.

What have you been up to since graduating from Westminster?

I have been very fortunate to have had a diverse and varied career to date. I've worked for some of the world’s most well-known organisations and met notable leaders; from Barack Obama to CEOs admired across the industries that I have worked within. It is also very humbling to be considered an expert within the staffing and recruitment industry, and to be able to communicate the importance of employer branding.

What volunteering activities have you taken part in at Westminster?

I’ve had the pleasure of presenting to some of Westminster’s best and brightest at the inaugural Marketing Society launch. I shared how their career choices can be defining, rewarding and life changing based on my own personal experience – understanding that there is more to a career than just a salary.

Volunteers like you make amazing contributions to the student experience, but what skills and insights have you gained through your volunteering?

From a personal point of view, volunteering has allowed me to engage with students who are the future leaders of tomorrow. It allows me to relate better to them and what we as leaders can do better to help support them through the challenges they face today. This includes thinking more strategically of ways that we can interact and communicate so that students are served content in a more digestible way, enabling them to make a more informed decision about career opportunities.

What do you think are the main barriers to success that students now face, and how are alumni volunteers helping to overcome these barriers?

The war for talent is fierce. It is important to ensure that you stand out in a positive way from other applicants. My advice is to take your student hat off and put your recruitment hat on. What do you think the recruiter is looking for in a potential applicant? How can you grab their attention and highlight your suitability for the position? Remember, it’s not just about your talents and skills right now, it’s also about your attitude and whether you have the potential to progress in that position. As an alumni volunteer I cherish the opportunity to share my expertise with budding professionals.

In what ways did your time at Westminster influence you and your career?

Westminster provided the education, guidance and support I required in human resources to understand the complexities of the industry that I was about to enter. Employer branding was virtually non-existent during the time of my education, but it has evolved from human resources and I am thankful to the University to have obtained the knowledge that I required to be successful in my career today.

"Volunteering

has allowed me to engage with students who are the future leaders of tomorrow.

It allows me to relate better to them.

"

Above Keeran Gunnoo (Human Resources Management BA Honours, 2006) regularly provides careers advice to University of Westminster students

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IMPACT | VOLUNTEERING

The impact of volunteering Over the past year, many of you have generously volunteered your time to help current students. Whether through giving careers talks, providing work placements, or submitting profiles, our volunteers make a huge difference to raising the aspirations and achievements of our students.

Here, we spotlight our volunteers who have come back to campus to share their wisdom with students through a range of careers events and skills workshops.

INSPIRING Our alumni volunteers encourage students and recent graduates to think big. This academic year has seen alumni motivate at both subjectspecific and broader careers events.

At the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Difference Festival, budding student writers had the opportunity to hear from BAFTA award-winning alumnus Babak Anvari (Film and Television Production BA Honours, 2005) and novelist and journalist, alumna Jemma Wayne (Broadcast Journalism PG Diploma, 2003).

During a special public lecture in the autumn, adventurous types heard the tale of alumna Meg Dyos (English Literature BA Honours, 2014), who participated in the challenge of a lifetime – rowing as part of the Coxless Crew, the first all-female crew to cross the Pacific Ocean.

Throughout the year, ambitious student entrepreneurs spent their evenings at Westminster Business School, where they enjoyed hearing a range of talks given by alumni innovators and directors, learning to grasp opportunity with both hands. Our alumni help students and graduates to realise that the sky is the limit.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS To mark International Women’s Day, the Alumni Relations Team hosted ‘Break the Glass: Exploring Gender Equality with Westminster Alumni’. Our alumni volunteers ran discussions and activities asking key questions about gender equality and how we can all help overcome the barriers to success.

A special thank you to our alumni Chris Ankobia (Purchasing & Supply Chain Management MSc, 2015), Suzanne Bamgboye (Quantity Surveying BSc Honours, 2012), Jo Shaw (Law, Languages and Communication CPE, 1996), and Draga Tchipeva (Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours, 2010) for helping our students to empower themselves through this event.

Participants of Break the Glass said: “I loved the fact that it was an interactive event, rather than an event where we are being talked at” and “Break the Glass was a great evening, providing an excellent way to exchange ideas with each other. It was a friendly atmosphere and I came away with lots of inspiration.”

"... budding

writers had the opportunity to hear from BAFTA awardwinning alumnus Babak Anvari.

"

VOLUNTEERING | IMPACT

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"Break the

Glass was an inspirational evening, and a great way to exchange ideas with one other.

"

Left Rebecca Graham sharing her career story at the ‘Now What?’ event Far left and below Participants at the Break the Glass event taking part in discussions around gender equality

EMPLOYABILITY How do you get started in your career when you simply don’t know what you want to do?

Four alumni with unusual career paths helped us tackle this issue, at our panel event ‘Now What…? Overcoming career confusion with Westminster alumni’. Rebecca Graham (Contemporary Media Practice BA Honours, 2015), Miriam Hanna (Human and Medical Sciences BSc Honours, 2012), Jack Hart (Politics BA Honours, 2010), and Akshay Khullar (Computer Animation PG Diploma, 2007) each shared their career stories and taught students that it’s okay to feel confused or unsure about the future – it’s how you handle it that matters.

Rebecca told students: “I learned how to break everything down into micro-tasks. It isn’t 1,000 words I have to write, but one sentence. And then another sentence and another to make up a paragraph which will become a chapter.

And that has echoed throughout life.”

Akshay’s advice to students: “Keep learning.

Share. Break out of your comfort zone.

Practise, practise, practise. And ask why.”

Interested in volunteering?

For further information on volunteering opportunities please visit westminster.ac.uk/alumni

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IMPACT | NEWS

NEWS

Quintin Hogg Trust funds PhD opportunities

Westminster advancing breast cancer research

In January 2017, the University of Westminster announced the launch of 22 new MPhil and PhD scholarships, fully funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust. The scholarships cover an annual tax-free stipend of £16,000, plus the payment of full-time tuition fees.

Your generous donations have supported vital research undertaken in the Breast Cancer Research Unit, as well as providing valuable work experience for Westminster students.

The scholarships are available across each of the University’s five faculties, comprising subjects as diverse as climate change and religion, obesity therapy, business strategy and media research.

This support from the Quintin Hogg Trust will provide opportunities to study in a distinctive, high-quality and vibrant research environment which encourages knowledge transfer and an interdisciplinary approach. The scholarships are targeted towards developing research that will make a difference – to academia, industry and professional practice – and that is internationally recognised, innovative and publicly engaged.

"The

scholarships are targeted towards developing research that will make a difference.

"

Last summer, two Biomedical Science BSc students, Michal Psujek and Nadia Nasreddin, had the opportunity to work in the Breast Cancer Research Unit. The complex nature of cancer cells makes them difficult to study, and the Unit is developing new models to understand how they behave. Michal and Nadia were able to explore these new research techniques that focus on growing breast cancer cells. Nadia described what she learned: “This wonderful opportunity allowed me to familiarise myself with a research laboratory environment while building my knowledge on breast cancer and learning techniques never used before.”

Dr Miriam Dwek, Reader and Group Leader of the Cancer Research Group at the University of Westminster, said: “This generous funding enabled us to provide work experience

NEWS | IMPACT

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opportunities to undergraduate students to improve their University experience and understand the real-life issues associated with research work. We are immensely grateful for the support that has been provided by University alumni and donors.”

Westminster around the world This year the University of Westminster has launched new alumni committees and alumni ambassadors around the world. Alumni-run committees have been established in Mumbai, New Delhi and Beijing, where we have large and active networks of graduates. In New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia and the US, we have ambassadors to champion the University in their regions and grow alumni engagement.

The alumni committees and alumni ambassadors are there to support the University’s international ambitions through a number of initiatives, including attending recruitment fairs, speaking with prospective students and providing advice and support for recent graduates. They also strengthen the alumni network in their area through social media activity and organising informal gatherings and networking events.

We are always looking to recruit new alumni ambassadors across the globe, so if you would like to support the University’s global profile and strengthen the alumni network in your area, please contact us at alumni@westminster.ac.uk to find out more.

Will your employer match your gift?

Matched giving is an easy way to quadruple your donation to The 125 Fund. Many companies support employer philanthropy by offering matched giving programmes, meaning you can maximise the value of your gift at no additional cost.

Above Alumni Ambassador for Mumbai, Joyanto Mukherjee, speaking at the Mumbai Alumni Reception, January 2017 Bottom left University of Westminster staff at the Mumbai Alumni Reception

How does it work? A donation of £100 turns into £200 thanks to your employer, which is then matched by the Quintin Hogg Trust, turning into an incredible £400 for the benefit of our students.

For more information email development@westminster.ac.uk.

Going on holiday?

Use Booking.com and support students at no extra cost Hotel booking website, Booking.com has generously joined the cause to support University of Westminster students via a unique URL. For all finalised bookings made via Booking.com/ UniversityofWestminster, they will donate seven per cent of the total cost directly to The 125 Fund. Every pound donated to The 125 Fund is matched by the Quintin Hogg Trust too, so your holiday booking has the potential to support lots of Westminster students.

If you, your friends or your family are booking holidays using Booking.com, please do so via Booking.com/ UniversityofWestminster. With your help, we hope to raise £10,000 through this initiative which will go directly into enhancing the student experience.

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IMPACT | OPINON

Why we need you more than ever before

A

s Students’ Union President, I get to speak to students from a range of different backgrounds and subject areas on a daily basis. Although everyone has individual goals and interests unique to them, we are all united by our decision to study at Westminster and our desire to pursue our academic dreams and ambitions.

Over the past few years, however, the process of graduating and getting a job has become much more complicated than it used to be, and many students I speak to are scared that they might struggle to find a job and be successful in their chosen field.

The problem is twofold. Firstly, there are the financial difficulties that many students are facing – a situation that has worsened dramatically since the rise in tuition fees and cuts to maintenance grants. Students can now expect to pay up to £9,000 per year in tuition fees. When coupled with up to £10,702 a year in loans to cover the cost of living, this means students can leave university with a staggering amount of debt before they even begin their career journey. In fact, the average debt that students now face on graduating is £44,000.

Surveys suggest that 80 per cent of students are struggling to make ends meet and often don’t have the extra time or funds to take part in career-enhancing projects, as they have to work one, or even two, part-time jobs. More than half (56 per cent) say that because of this financial stress and worry, their grades suffer, and 65 per cent admit their diet suffers.

Secondly, there is the issue of the extremely competitive job market and the fact that students nowadays need more than just a degree; they require work experience and confidence to stand out from the crowd.

And this is why support from alumni and friends of the University is more important now than ever before. Your support of our fundraising projects, such as The 125 Fund, opens new doors to students, creating opportunities for them to develop their skills

and boost their employability. You are giving Westminster students a chance to enhance their learning experience, build their CV and be in the best position they can be when they walk through the door for their first interview.

Furthermore, through giving up your time to give career talks, by offering work placements or by mentoring a student who may be lost and confused, you are inspiring young people to broaden their horizons and build their confidence so they are prepared for what is ahead. Alumni can offer real-life examples of the working world and have the ability to motivate young people to succeed.

With cuts to higher education affecting universities across the UK, Westminster, like other universities, needs to be looking elsewhere for support to ensure that we can continue to provide a well-rounded university experience to all students.

I’m constantly impressed by the level of commitment alumni and friends show in supporting students here at Westminster. On behalf of the student body, I would like to thank each one of you for your kindness and generosity in helping us to succeed.

FREYA THOMPSON English Literature and Creative Writing BA Honours, 2016 and University of Westminster Students’ Union President

"I would like

to thank each one of you for your kindness and generosity in helping us to succeed.

"

GIVING GROUPS MEMBERSHIP | IMPACT

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Giving groups membership We are proud to offer membership of the following giving groups to alumni, friends, businesses, and charitable trusts and foundations, who have made donations to further enhance the opportunities available to our students.

£50 up to £999

£1,000 up to £9,999

£10,000 and more

The philanthropist Quintin Hogg championed the expansion of educational opportunity to the widest possible audience and his wife Alice pioneered the inclusion of women in the life of the Polytechnic.

Robert Mitchell dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the success of our predecessor institution, the Regent Street Polytechnic, as the organisation’s first Secretary and later its first Director of Education (the Vice-Chancellor of the day).

Distinguished scientist Sir George Cayley founded the Royal Polytechnic Institution to stimulate innovation and demonstrate how it could be applied to change people’s lives. The George Cayley Circle recognises the support of those who lead our fundraising efforts.

Friends of Quintin and Alice Hogg receive invitations to a range of events, project updates and special communications throughout the year.

Members of the Robert Mitchell Society receive all the recognition of the Friends of Quintin and Alice Hogg as well as special acknowledgement on our online donor roll, an invitation to a members-only event hosted by our Vice-Chancellor and President, and complimentary tickets to the Regent Street Cinema.

Members of the George Cayley Circle receive all the recognition of the Robert Mitchell Society as well as bespoke reports on the development of the project(s) they are supporting and additional tailored recognition including opportunities to name facilities or academic prizes and awards.

Join our giving groups. You can make a gift in three easy ways: Make a donation online at westminster.ac.uk/ support-us

Complete the enclosed donation form and send using the freepost envelope

To find out more about joining one of our giving groups, please contact us: E: development@westminster.ac.uk T: +44 (0)20 7911 5741

Make a bank transfer or send a cheque payable to the University of Westminster

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IMPACT |

FREE MEMBERSHIP To thank you for your support, we would like to offer you a free one-year membership of the Regent Street Cinema (worth £40) by entering the discount code ‘IMPACT’ when you sign up on the website.

regentstreetcinema.com