Alumni News 2014

Ambition Is Critical

Exeter Drama Alumni present James Graham’s The Man on a short tour of the South

Alumna appointed as Young Poet Laureate for London

At age 21, Aisling Fahey (English 2014) has been appointed as Young Poet Laureate for London. She graduated from Exeter in July. 

Alumna's dream magazine becomes a reality

The first issue of Biosphere magazine, created by alumna Roz Evans (Conservation Biology and Ecology 2014), has now been released.

SMEs recruit students to develop international trade

Exeter has teamed up with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to bring together SMEs and talented Exeter student interns to add valuable capabilities to the UK companies’ export activities.

Alumnus president of Lute Society

A concert held at the University gave alumnus David Van Edwards the chance to hear live lute playing for the first time. He is now the President of the Lute Society, which has over a thousand members around the world.

Chancellor announces £1.6million to unlock genetic secrets

The announcement comes during visit to celebrate women leaders in science.

Get your head around project management

What is project management? Why do I need it? Where do I start? These are the questions that alumnus John Carroll (MSc Information Technology 2005) targets in his new book, Project Program and Portfolio Management in Easy Steps.

Coming back swinging after cancer

After having a revelation whilst battling with cancer, Siobhan Meaker (English Lit 1999) found a new career path in fitness

Dishing up for hip hop fans

The world’s most famous rappers have been immortalised in recipes within a new cookbook, which was dreamed up at Exeter. 

Debut novel tells of darker world

What would you do if you found a doorway to another world? And if you did go through it, what would happen if you couldn’t come back?

C'est toujours aussi beau

So say the France Alumni Group who recently organised a reunion for French graduates, along with those who studied French, to return to Exeter and reminisce together.

A month later, they welcomed the Exeter University Club London branch to Provence

Chemists' key role in First World War

Within a few months of the First World War starting, Germany and Britain were running out of raw materials. Chemists helped sustain the war effort through four long years to eventual peace in 1918. 

Put your art into it!

Talented writers, visual artists, film-makers and musicians are invited to enter The Paddon Award 2015. 

Recognising the achievement of overseas alumni

The British Council is launching the Education UK Alumni Awards programme which will be piloted in India, mainland China and the US.

Culture Secretary holds personal Question Time session with students

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport and Exeter graduate, The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, returned to campus to discuss the top political issues with current students. 

Lord of the Flies 60th anniversary marks handover of Golding archive to University

Lord of the Flies, the classic novel by William Golding, marks the 60th anniversary of its publication on 17 September.

20 year reunion for international alumni

Six alumni and their families returned to Streatham, some of them for the first time since leaving 20 years ago. 

Four years of Exeter in China

The University’s China representatives in Beijing and Shanghai marked four years with Exeter in July.

Burnt out birds suggest hard work could be bad for your health

Unequal sharing of workloads in societies could leave the most industrious individuals at higher risk of poor health and prone to accelerated ageing, according to a new study of a cooperative bird in the Kalahari Desert.

A bid to get British students cooking

A cookery book which started in alumna’s kitchen is now being printed for the sixth time

Exeter chosen as Rugby World Cup team base

The University of Exeter has been chosen as hosts for the Tongan national team during the Rugby World Cup 2015, it has been announced.

University of Exeter tops Russell Group for student satisfaction in latest NSS

Students at Exeter are the most satisfied of any of the Russell Group universities, according to the latest results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2014.

Link between vitamin D and dementia risk confirmed

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in older people, according to the most robust study of its kind ever conducted.

Alumna wins translation prize

The powerful story of an Iranian girl held in prison was turned into a prize winning translation by alumna Lesley Lawn.

A new way to discover nature

A Kickstarter to set up a popular science magazine has outdone its target of raising £5,000

Team Brown: 2014 winners at 9th Alumni Golf Day

John Gilbert, organiser of the 2014 Alumni Golf Day, writes about the event.

A brigade for sustainable development

A group of student volunteers from Exeter help a rural community achieve sustainable development

Naval history interpreted by alumna artist

An exhibition of laser cut sculptural installations by the first artist in residence at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, alumna Helen Snell, is taking place. 

New book singles out future entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur, single mum and alumna Ali Golds has written a book aimed at offering inspiration and practical advice to other parents in a similar situation who want to start their own business.

University of Exeter partners with Brazil

The University of Exeter has made its first official visit to Brazil, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith leading a delegation to to consolidate links with three leading research institutions.

From Malaysia to the UK by bicycle

After living in Hong Kong and Malaysia for five years, it was time for alumnus Charlie Hoare (BA Business & Management with European Studies 2007) and his girlfriend Philllippa to head back to the UK. 

Recognition in Queen’s Birthday Honours 2014 list

Several alumni and an Honorary Graduate were included in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Career Planning and Job Hunting webinar for recent graduates

Career Zone is running a free online workshop for recent graduates struggling to advance their career. 

Alumnus becomes new Attorney General

Law graduate Jeremy Wright MP has been appointed Attorney General in the UK Government’s Cabinet re-shuffle.

Launch of the Exeter China Alumni Association

We are in contact with over 2,500 alumni in China and are very pleased to announce the formation of the Exeter Alumni Association in China.

WW1 soldier poet and composer Ivor Gurney shines bright at the BBC Proms

Archival research brings to light previously unheard, as well as rarely performed chamber, orchestral and choral works by World War One soldier, poet and composer Ivor Gurney.

The wonders of life presented in poetry

Romney Duffey is an alumnus with a varied and rich background in Physics and risk management yet he recently published something completely different: a collection of poems and images.

Graduates aim for material world

A company which was started as a side-project by two Exeter students is now an internationally facing company with an annual turnover of over £600k.

Rik Mayall - a tribute

We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Honorary Graduate Rik Mayall (Hon DLitt 2008)

Epic cycling trip by graduates captured in ebook

An alumna who followed in the tracks of her father’s 2,000 mile cycle ride across Europe, has written a book about the experience.

Trinity of Exeter alumni at St Albans Cathedral

Britain’s oldest recorded site of Christian worship, St Albans Cathedral, now has the novel coincidence of three Exeter alumni serving as members of its Cathedral Chapter.

'War Song' a resounding success

A spectacular concert showcasing musical talent at the University of Exeter has raised around £1,000 for Help for Heroes. 

New initiative for medicine access

A campaign group, which was launched by an Exeter alumnus, has welcomed a new initiative by the UK government.

Alumnae build students' networking confidence

Students recently benefited from an event organised by The Alumnae Group, a group of female graduates from a variety of sectors.

Graduate runner up in Masterchef UK

Geography graduate Jack Lucas was a runner up in the latest prestigious television competition MasterChef UK.

Exeter students amongst happiest in UK according to Times Higher survey

The University of Exeter has been ranked seventh in the UK in the prestigious Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2014.

Exeter to host first UK gathering of IPCC Fifth Assessment report authors

The world’s leading climate scientists will gather for an event to examine the future of climate change research following a major international report into the impacts, significances and implications of climate change.

Exeter strengthens top ten position in The Complete University Guide

The University of Exeter is in the top ten of 123 UK universities for 2015 in the influential Complete University Guide, published yesterday.

Financial thrillers from global expert

A murky world combining high stakes finance and organised crime has been captured by author and alumnus John Gubert.

Graduate attempts record-breaking cycle across Canada

An Exeter alumnus is attempting to set a new world record by cycling 3,751 miles across Canada.

Graduate is new Secretary of State for Culture

Exeter graduate Sajid Javid MP has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Culture.

One hundred challenges for birthday blogger

Graduate Caroline Hukins has taken on 100 challenges in her 40th year but instead of choosing them for herself, asked friends and family to suggest them for her.

BBC expert considers what became of the Arab Spring

The Arab Spring in the Middle East failed to deliver on its early promise, BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner OBE told a packed audience at the University of Exeter.

New book explores religious ideas of the past

The way different religions succeed or “fail” at various times in the Graeco-Roman world are explored in a new book by graduate Dr Anna Collar.

Graduate becomes first World Dementia Envoy

The Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed alumnus Dr Dennis Gillings CBE as the first World Dementia Envoy, whose role will be to bring international experts together to tackle the disease.

Green light for St Luke’s refurbishment project

A major upgrade to research and learning facilities at the University’s St Luke’s Campus will soon begin, after full planning permission and internal funding were both granted.

Cultural communication expertise published

A guide to communicating across different cultures has been written by Exeter alumnus Brian Hurn.

University appoints new Director of Development & Alumni Relations

The University of Exeter is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Jarman as its Director of Development & Alumni Relations.

Exeter subjects fly high in QS World University Rankings

Science and humanities subjects at the University of Exeter rank amongst the world’s best according to an influential international league table.

Ethics of stem cell clinical trials

A team at the University of Exeter are contributing to the largest clinical trial of adult stem cell therapy which has started in London.

Epic charity row for alumna

Alumna Emily Blagden is in training for a rowing challenge which she hopes will set a new world record.

New Year Honours for alumni and Honorary Graduates

Alumni and Honorary Graduates have featured strongly in this year’s UK New Year Honours list.

Graduate is President of the Supreme Court of Cyprus

Law graduate and former Exeter academic Judge Demetrios Hadjihambis is currently President of the Supreme Court of Justice.

University welcomes Wol Kolade to Winter Graduation

The University’s Winter Graduation ceremony will take place on 18 January 2014 and we are delighted to welcome Exeter alumnus Wol Kolade as our Honorary Graduate.

Play tackles higher education challenges

A play written by a drama graduate about current conflicts and pressures within the world of higher education, receives its premiere at the Exeter Northcott Theatre this month.the sto

Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits

Green space in towns and cities could lead to significant and sustained improvements in mental health, finds a new study published in the journal of Environmental Science & Technology.

Vice-Chancellor joins Minister’s delegation to India

Professor Sir Steve Smith touched down in India this week as part of a delegation led by Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Minister for Universities and Science, to attend the India-UK Science Innovation Council meeting and the UK-India Bilateral Education Forum.

Diwali celebrations to light up the sky

Diwali or Deepavali is the most important festival of the year for Hindus, which is also known at the Festival of Light and is being celebrated at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus on Sunday 26 October.

 

University of Exeter to establish US Foundation

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith returned to the USA this month to meet with some of the University of Exeter’s alumni in the country and to announce plans to establish a new Foundation based in America to facilitate fundraising for the University. 

Alumni sailors enjoy medal haul at Miami World Cup

Sailing alumni from the University of Exeter have helped the RYA British Sailing Team to an impressive medal haul at the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup event in Miami, USA.

Green light for University golf practice facility

Plans to construct a new short game practice golf area at the Sports Park on Streatham campus, have been unveiled by University of Exeter Sport.