Alumni News 2012

University Challenge appearance for Exeter graduates

Exeter alumni took the place of students on one of TV’s toughest quiz shows in a special series which was broadcast over Christmas.

Kids go wild for Cornwall’s new science lab

Broadcaster and naturalist Nick Baker has opened a new state-of-the-art teaching laboratory in Cornwall, which will help encourage children to engage with science.

New book reveals chemistry’s impact on Great War

The impact made by chemistry on World War I has been chronicled in a new book by alumnus Dr Michael Freemantle (Chemistry 1964).

House of Lords hosts Exeter alumni

More than 200 alumni and friends gathered together to enjoy a special evening reception at the House of Lords, generously hosted by alumna Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia LVO (Law 1977, Hon LLD 2010).

US alumni join forces for conservation

After meeting at a University of Exeter networking event, alumni Wim Shih and James Lewis began exploring alternative ways to bring together people from outside the conservation community to further an important conservation cause.

Empowering patients to gain earlier access to medicine: campaign launched by alumnus

A campaign to speed up the availability of new drugs and treatments for people with rare or life-threatening conditions has been launched by alumnus Dr Les Halpin.

Exeter entrepreneurs scoop business awards

Two innovative Exeter alumni have walked away with business prizes in competitions across Wales.

Athlete motivates achieving pupils

International beach volleyball player Lucy Boulton (Sports Sciences 2010) inspired Exeter’s youngsters at the Excellence in Exeter Awards.

Global software leader acquires alumnus’ company

Transition Consulting Limited (TCL), which was founded by an Exeter alumnus, has been acquired by QualiTest - the world’s second largest independent software testing company.

Athlete tells Olympic tale in autobiography

Five-times Olympian and Exeter alumnus Chris Maddocks has written a book about his experiences.

Reception for Hong Kong alumni

Over 80 attendees gathered for the University of Exeter Reception at the British Council Hong Kong on Monday 8 October.

Melbourne alumni meet for dinner

Twenty eight alumni attended dinner at Taxi Dining Room in Melbourne on Thursday 4 October.

Alumni invited to first London carol service

The first ever Exeter Alumni carol service to be held in London takes place at the beginning of December

Inspiring women gather for Alumnae Group’s second reception

The Alumnae Group’s second reception, ‘Exe:X – Women Inspiring the World’, was a great success and has generated many declarations of support for the group.

West End revival for prize-winning play

Two decades ago it won an award for best new play – now Our Boys, created by Exeter alumnus Jonathan Guy Lewis, has been revived for a run in London’s West End.

Twitter principles of social networking increase family success in nesting birds

New research carried out by scientists at Universities in Exeter, France and Switzerland reveals for the first time the importance of social networking in producing a successful family.

Exetra Business Skills Workshop

Recent alumni were treated to an evening of insight into job hunting as part of the Exetra Business Skills Workshop

University of Exeter Chancellor receives prestigious award

Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE DL, actress, author, politician and University Chancellor, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to children’s television and championing of the arts.

Barefoot walk to raise awareness of Nuban people

An Exeter alumnus has walked barefoot across part of Devon to raise funds for Help for Heroes and the Nuban people of Sudan.

Honorary Graduate breaks Man Booker record

Hilary Mantel CBE (Hon DLitt 2011), last night became the first British author and first woman to have won the prestigious literary award – the Man Booker Prize – twice.

University celebrates Hilary Mantel

One of the country’s most distinguished living novelists, University of Exeter honorary graduate Hilary Mantel, will read from Bring Up the Bodies, sequel to her Man Booker prize-winning Wolf Hall, at the University of Exeter on 11 October.

University of Exeter is The Sunday Times University of the Year

The University of Exeter has been named University of the Year in The Sunday Times University Guide 2013.

New publishing house established by graduate

Budding children's authors are being invited to submit their manuscripts to a brand new publishing house set up by an Exeter alumnus.

Thank you! Alumni volunteering leads to international award

The thousands of hours of time given by Exeter graduates to help current students at the University has been recognised with an international award.

Moldovan community benefits from alumni visit

A community in Moldova is enjoying a new playground and improved housing conditions thanks to the efforts of a group of Exeter graduates.

Exeposé celebrates anniversary with exhibition of journalistic history

Student newspaper Exeposé will celebrate its first 25 years this month with the first ever exhibition of its kind: 'Print Power: A History of Exeter through the Student Press'.

Entrepreneur alumna wins business award

Exeter alumna Emily Webb (BA Business and Management 2010) has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the South Wales Business Awards 2012 for her ergonomic hand grips.

Drama graduates’ theatre company to launch production

Graduates from the University of Exeter's Drama Department are to reinvigorate Exeter’s theatre scene with their first production, Agent.

Top women headline alumnae event

Successful women from the world of politics, business and education will be inspiring the audience at the second Alumnae Reception.

Alumni Golf Day hosts third consecutive fully-booked year

The sun shone brightly for the 18 teams contesting the 7th annual Alumni Golf Day at Worplesdon Golf Club. This year's auction raised an outstanding £11,000 toward golf scholarships.

Iconic TV weatherman Michael Fish B.A.S.E jumps for climate change

Honorary graduate and iconic British TV weatherman, Michael Fish MBE, has completed a B.A.S.E jump from a London tower block to raise awareness for Climate Change.

Alumna Crystal Lane selected for the Paralympics

Alumna Crystal Lane has been selected to represent Paralympics GB Cycling squad at the London 2012 Games.

New releases for children's author

Children’s author Chris Higgins has two new books out this summer, the start of two new series.

Honorary Graduate on Man Booker shortlist

Honorary Graduate Hilary Mantel CBE (Hon DLitt 2011) has been included in the shortlist for this year’s prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

Alumni and friends enjoy inaugural Invitation Golf Day

The inaugural Exeter University Invitation Golf Day was held at St Georges Hill Golf Club this July with 23 alumni and friends taking part.

Exeter physicist bends light waves on surfboards

A University of Exeter scientist is bringing together his passions for physics and surfing with research that could inspire a host of new technologies.

Degree delight for local couple

Local couple James and Niamh Gale are celebrating after both graduating from the University of Exeter.

Take part in new Exeter history

The University celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 2015 and work is already starting on a new book which will celebrate the previous six decades.

Honours for graduates in Queen's Birthday List

A number of Exeter alumni and Honorary Graduates have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

New novel follows on from Orange success

Exeter alumna Anne Peile is about to publish a second novel, Seeing the World.

University of Exeter welcomes honorary graduates

This summer the University of Exeter will recognise key figures, including some of its alumni, with honorary degrees.

Air Ambulance celebrates 20 years

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust – which was founded by an Exeter alumna – celebrates its 20^th anniversary with a special event on 1 September 2012.

Entrepreneur backs Forum at University event

Dragons’ Den investor and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden shared some of her expertise during a special event about Sustainability and Business at the University.

Exeter engineer leads Olympic Park project

The largest urban wetland planting scheme ever undertaken in the UK has been led by an Exeter alumnus at the Olympic Park in London.

English PhD student wins major UK literary prize

English PhD student Ginny Baily has won a major UK literary prize for her debut novel Africa Junction.

Students un-earth Archaeology Careers advice

June saw another successful student-led Archaeology Careers Fair with several alumni attending the event including Archaeologist Professor Mick Aston.

Work starts on new Home for Boat Club

Work has begun on the construction of the University’s new Boathouse at Countess Wear.

Business growth recognised with award

An Exeter alumnus has received an award for contributing to the growth of a renewable energy company.

Delhi Alumni Dinner

Sixteen alumni gathered at Geoffrey’s restaurant in Delhi on Saturday 2 June, with special guest Barry Lowen (Director, UK Trade & Investment India) speaking about trade links between the UK and India.

Pants business laced with success

The founder of a social business which employs women refugees to make pants for the UK market has been listed as an ‘innovator’ in the 2012 Independent on Sunday Happy List.

Olympic Call-up for Exeter Alumna

Sarah Thomas (Exercise & Sports Sciences, 2002) has become the first University of Exeter alumna to be selected to represent her country at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Olympic Torchbearer shares her 'once in a lifetime experience'

Ashley Petrons (International Relations 2007) was nominated as an Olympic Torchbearer for her extensive volunteer work. Here she gives an account of the day and her moment to shine...

Alumnus provides insight into a career in documentary film-making

Exeter alumnus Narinder Minhas (Engineering Science, 1981) returned to campus yesterday to give a talk to students on his 20 year career in the TV industry.

Reality of global success for Fantasy Shopper

A company which offers a social network for shoppers and launched just last October, will move into the American market within the next few weeks.

Alumni couple donations exceed £1 million

Alumni couple Claire and Les Halpin have made a further generous gift to the University, taking their support for Exeter’s Halpin Scholarship programme, Biosciences and the Business School to over £1 million.

Alumna to be Olympic Torchbearer

The Olympic flame will be carried through a part of Devon by Exeter alumna Ashley Petrons.

Annual Fund supports 31 projects across the University

More than £195,000 donated by alumni and supporters is set to fund a range of projects across the University of Exeter.

Artist to work with academics

Artist Jeanni Grant-Nelson is to work with neuroscientists from the University of Oxford to investigate how art can break established habits and patterns of behaviour and help people reassess aspects of their lives.

Washington DC event held with British Council

The University of Exeter has hosted a prestigious reception in the United States’ capital in conjunction with the British Council. The reception was hosted by Philip Barton, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy.

Alumnus tackles the probability of God

Who is right, Richard Dawkins or Christians? To explore that answer, alumnus Dr John Morris (PhD English 1987) wrote the Revised Edition of Contemporary Creed, launched this month.

Royal visit legacy lives on through scholarships for Exeter students

The visit of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to the University of Exeter on 2 May will have a lasting legacy through new scholarships announced for overseas study.

Ruler of Sharjah makes Forum visit

The Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, PhD, Hon DLitt received a tour of University’s new Forum project, ahead of its official opening by Her Majesty the Queen.

One Vision - Queen's guitarist on his life's passions

Honorary graduate Brian May recently gave an interview to The Witness, The Exeter University Politics Journal. In this interview he explains why animals are just as important to him as music.

University celebrates Diamond Jubilee and Forum opening

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited the University of Exeter on Wednesday 2 May 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Humanities academics will star at Daphne du Maurier Festival and Tremough Campus Culture Festival in Cornwall

Academics from the College of Humanities and alumni will be taking part in this year’s Daphne du Maurier Festival, which includes the Tremough Campus Culture Festival at the University’s Cornwall Campus, from the 9th-20th May.

Students' Guild recruiting for External Trustees

Graduates of Exeter may be interested to hear that the University of Exeter Students’ Guild is currently accepting applicants for vacancies on its Trustee Board.

Placement students present their innovative project at Law Alumni Event

The award winning collaboration between Exeter City Football Club and the University of Exeter scored a goal at the recent Law Alumni Event in London this March

Top panel debate our Victorian legacy

Political journalist and broadcaster John Humphrys headed up a panel discussion on Great Exhibitions and Great Debates: Victorian Values and 21st-century Britain.

Alumni and students golf match ends in tie again

Students and alumni battled it out at Darlish Warren Golf club in the annual Northcote Trophy Golf match.

The Queen to officially open the Forum

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will visit the University of Exeter on Wednesday 2 May 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Tour.

First year scoops Paddon Award

The Grand Final saw an evening of live performances, drinks and networking.

Hong Kong Alumni Social and Pub Quiz

Over 20 alumni and study abroad students gathered at Kila bar in Central Hong Kong for a social and pub quiz.

University of Exeter to join Russell Group

The University of Exeter is delighted to announce that it has accepted an invitation to join the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.

Ask... Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan

We’re inviting you to submit questions for Ambiga Sreenevasan, for a new feature in the next alumni magazine.

McFly opening slot for Exeter alumnus' band

A band started by an Exeter alumnus has won a battle of the bands competition to support McFly.

Tributes paid for first woman to receive PhD from Exeter

The first woman to receive a PhD from the University of Exeter, has died at the age of 101.

Annual Fund project makes a difference

A group of Exeter alumni and supporters are preparing to sit on a special panel designed to choose which projects receive support from the Annual Fund.

Alumnus MP gives insights into the centre of government

Alumnus MP Sajid Javid recently returned to Exeter to give students insights into banking, politics and his role at the centre of government.

Alumni events in the USA

Events in both Boston and Tempa, Florida USA took place last month and provided a great opportunity for our alumni to catch-up and find out what is happening back on campus.

Graduate donation boosts University of Exeter Medical School investment to £33 million

An Exeter graduate who went on to found the world’s largest provider of clinical trials has donated £1 million to help the University of Exeter Medical School attract the brightest and best clinicians to Devon and Cornwall.

Perseverance pays off for Exeter alumna

A story submitted by an Exeter alumna as part of her degree has been published.

Three-book deal for teacher

One man and a small group of beleaguered soldiers stand between an enemy force and the annihilation of the Roman Empire, in a debut historical thriller by Exeter-alumnus Nick Brown.

Writing success for alumnus

An author whose latest book was published last month was inspired to pursue writing seriously during his time at Exeter.

Students and locals reveal Devon’s character through story-telling

University of Exeter students, alumni and staff have contributed to a new book of short stories about Devon.

Exetra in the House of Lords

Exetra hosted its latest successful networking event ,focusing on Government & Public Affairs careers, in the prestigious House of Lords hosted by Baroness Anita Gale.

Olympic Gold Medallist Jason Gardener MBE speaks at the Sport and Health Sciences Careers Day

Olympic Gold Medallist Jason Gardener MBE was the main speaker at the Sport and Health Sciences (SHS) Careers Day on 17th February 2012.

Exeter man chairs new legal recruitment venture

University of Exeter alumnus Chris Harrison has become Chairman of a newly-launched senior legal recruitment venture, IV League Talent Limited.

Law school academic appointed to prestigious United Nations expert body

Dr Michael Addo from the University of Exeter Law School has accepted a position advising the United Nations on human rights.

Mumbai Alumni Dinner

Fourteen alumni gathered at Out of the Blue restaurant in Mumbai on Saturday 11 February.

Author John O’Farrell returns to Exeter

Best-selling author and comedy writer John O’Farrell is to return to Exeter on Friday 23 March to join a panel discussion at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter.

Exeter Alumnus wins Elektra Award for Rising Star in Engineering 2011

Adrian Carter (MEng Electronic Engineering 2008) was recently named ‘Rising Star – New Engineer of the Year’ at the Elektra 2011 European Electronics Industry Awards.

Alumnae success in Miami World Cup regatta

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) development squad sailors and former University sports scholars Sophie Weguelin and Sophie Ainsworth have claimed their first World Cup regatta success, joining GBR’s Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark on the 470 women’s podium at the recent Miami World Cup regatta.