News archive 2019
Portfolio careers
Alumna Emma Rosen (MA Applied Security and Strategy, 2015) talks about her portfolio career as a Public Speaker and Writer discussing the benefits and challenges of the decisions she has made, the skills needed for portfolio working and advice for taking this path.
From balancing the books to riding the airwaves
Gregory Watson (Accountancy, 1986) is the Managing Director of radio business Folder Media. We asked him about his career and what advice he’d give to students and recent graduates wanting to get into the industry.
The Radical Sabbatical
In 2017, unsure about the career path set out before her, alumna Emma Rosen (MA Applied Security and Strategy, 2015) changed tack and spent a year trying 25 careers before her 25th birthday.
A new law society
A new student-led academic law society is to be formed at the University of Exeter. It will offer a wide range of opportunities for students to help to broaden their career development, to promote interdisciplinarity and to equip themselves with the skills employers find most valuable.
Exeter alumna's legacy supports talented students
More talented students from underrepresented groups will be able to benefit from an Exeter education thanks to a generous legacy from alumna Verena Hoffman, née Fairs (German and Russian, 1967).
Alumna's animated film to raise awareness around pollution and mental health
Alumna and filmmaker Lottie Graham (English, 2015) is directing a short animation film about plastic pollution and mental health.
Exeter alumnus to lead local charity
Exeter alumnus Peter Brennan (MBA, 2012) has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hospiscare, a local, independent charity which provides care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and those close to them.
Exeter alumnus talks about where a science degree can take you
Exeter alumnus, Gameli Adzaho (MSc Environment and Human Health, 2014) talked to us about life after graduating.
Annual Christmas reunion in China
The Exeter China Alumni Association (ECAA) kindly organised three Christmas reunion events which took place during December and January.
Alumni attend Sport and Health Sciences networking event
On 20 November, the Sport and Health Sciences networking evening took place in in Cross-Keys.
Working in business and finance with a Humanities degree
Alumnus Tim Blaxall recently talked with Humanities students about working in Business and Finance with a Humanities degree.
Celebrating our alumni authors
Congratulations to our alumni authors who have recently had their books published.
Memories from the field
Anthony ‘Tony’ Moore (Philosophy & Sociology, 1968) entered the finance sector upon leaving Exeter, and has since worked in six countries, nine cities, and conducted business in another 20+ countries around the world. However for Tony, like so many Exeter students, his experiences were shaped just as much by his time on the sports field as in the classroom.
Alumnus helps bring clean water to rural communities
Exeter alumnus Harry Chaplin (MEng Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2015) has helped set-up a project in Madagascar to deliver fresh drinking water to communities.
A career in writing
Bill Kirton (French, 1962) is an award-winning author and a former fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. We asked him to share highlights from his career and tips for new graduates.
The University of Exeter US Foundation
Hear from alumnus Graham Hill, President of the Board of the US Foundation, about what the group does and how it supports the University.
Flying high-Former Cricket Sports Scholar Freya Davies awarded a full time England Cricket Contract
University of Exeter alumnae Freya Davies (LLB Law 2014-2017) has been announced in the new central contracts for England Cricket in 2019.
‘Waking up to Planetary Health’ and other CPD opportunities for alumni
On 7 November 2018, Exeter University’s Medical School facilitated the ‘Waking up to Planetary Health’ conference at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital.
Alumni volunteers supporting current students
A number of Medical Sciences graduates recently returned to Exeter to inform current students about potential career paths open to them following completion of their degrees.
Alumni volunteers support college events
Our fantastic alumni have continued to support a wide range of college activities this academic year benefiting hundreds of current and prospective students in the process.
Exeter alumnus honoured by British Council in Egypt
Exeter alumnus Samir Omara (Teaching English as a Foreign Language, 2003) has won the British Council Egypt Professional Achievement Award at the Study UK Alumni Awards 2019.
Women in House: my role as Senior Lawyer in a Children’s Legal Team
Alumna Lindy Stephens (Law 1992) In House Senior Lawyer in a Children’s Legal Team, reflects how redundancy from her role as a partner in a solicitors firm and an out of the blue approach by a recruitment agent to cover staff shortages at Plymouth City Council has led her to the most rewarding professional role she has ever had.
Exeter alumni embrace School Governors programme
University of Exeter alumni have signed up in their droves to support schools via the Governors for Schools Programme.
University of Exeter entrepreneurs feature in Forbes 30 under 30 list
University of Exeter alumni and founders of ChargedUp, Hugo Tilmouth and Hakeem Buge have made it onto the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list of social entrepreneurs, which was published in February.
Working with renewables
Electricity generation from renewable sources has grown 230% in the last decade and now accounts for 30% of electricity produced in the UK. This makes renewable energy an exciting sector to work in for many Exeter graduates.
Exeter alumna named Mumbai Icon for her achievements in football coaching
Durva Vahia, University of Exeter alumna (MSc Paediatric Exercise and Health 2017), has been making a big impact in India, coaching both women’s football and being the lead sports scientist for one of four elite boys youth academies in the country.
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Loukas Sarakinos (MSc International Management 2004)
'Volunteer in the Spotlight' is a regular feature which shares the stories of our fantastic alumni volunteers.
Celebrating our alumni authors
Congratulations to our alumni authors who have recently had their books published.
University of Exeter Netball Club and Exeter Netball Club partnership make it four from four
The University of Exeter Netball Club (EUNC) 1st team and Exeter Netball Club (ENC) Regional 1 side have ended their league season undefeated with the opportunity to progress through playoffs into Premier South and Premier 3 next year. Showing the strength and depth of the University Netball Performance Programme EUNC 2nd team have also won their BUCS league with the ENC Regional 2 side taking the Regional 2 title, both who are automatically promoted for next season.
Fast Bowler and former Sports Scholar Freya Davies makes England debut
Stepping onto the field for her 1st England cap former UoE Sports Scholar Freya Davies made an immediate impact on the international stage as England cruised to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka to go one-nil up in their IT20 series in Colombo.
University of Exeter Women & Men's Rugby Union 1st XVs in Semi-Finals of Championship Cup
Two games and two results for EURFC as the Green Machine marches into the Semi Finals of Knockout Rugby.
International Management alumni hear from award-winning Social Intrapreneur in London
Exeter graduates had the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni last month at the Business School’s latest alumni reception, where Gib Bulloch, who founded Accenture’s global "not-for-loss" consulting business, Accenture Development Partnerships, gave a keynote speech on 'Putting Purpose on a Par with Profit'.
Alumna's business has social impact in Africa
Alumna Alice Cracknell (Law, 2009) has set up her own social impact business based near Exeter. ORIGIN is a 100% not-for-profit sustainable fashion business inspired to drive humanitarian projects in the communities from which its fabrics originate; Mali, Ethiopia and Gambia.
Alumni design child psychology app
A group of Exeter alumni are developing an app aimed at parents of children under five, designed to enhance a range of cognitive, social and emotional skills.
Alumnus shortlisted as Digital Leader
A start-up founded by Exeter alumnus Luke Loveridge (Biological Sciences, 2008) has been shortlisted for a Digital Leaders award.
Social Sciences Alumni Return for Q&A and Networking with Exeter Scholars Students
A panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 12 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a round table networking session.
Alumni return to campus wedding venue to celebrate 50 years together
A couple who met while studying at the University of Exeter in the late 1960s have returned to campus as part of their golden wedding anniversary celebrations.
Explore Cornwall’s fascinating wildlife at this year’s BioBlitz Penryn
Join a team of students at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus for a day filled with interactive wildlife activities for all the family.
New books published by alumni
Congratulations to our alumni authors who have recently had their books published.
A career in heritage and the arts
Alumna Catherine Farnell (PGCE 2008) runs Heritage Arts and People (HAP), a community interest company based in Exeter which aims to bring communities together to enjoy and explore the Southwest’s rich and varied heritage. She shares where her degree has taken her in her career.
Exeter graduate entrepreneur raises over £1 million for circular economy start-up backed by the founder of Fitness First
the Bike Club, a subscription lending business, has raised over £1m in a seed round led by the founder of Fitness First. Co-Founded by Exeter graduate James Symes, the financial technology company provides pay-monthly kids bikes which you exchange as your children grow.
Keeping Law Entertaining
Alumna Mary Brehony (Law, 1979) runs her own firm, Brehon & Co., specialising in legal and business affairs advice for media and commercial clients. She shares where her degree has taken her in her career.
New Work Shadowing Scheme Launched
This April saw the launch of the Work Shadowing Scheme, a programme which gives students the opportunity to shadow a professional for a day in their workplace. These opportunities provide a brilliant chance for students to see what it is like to work in a particular sector, job role or company, helping them with their career plan and development.
Alumni Volunteer Awards celebrate individual impact
In celebration of all of our amazing volunteers, and to say thank you to those exceptional individuals who do so much to support us all, we opened our ‘University of Exeter Alumni Volunteer Awards’ to nominations for the second year this spring.
Top tips for using the Career Zone
Recent alumna Marie Johns (Sociology, 2017) writes about how pleased she was to discover that the Career Zone is available to graduates, and therefore the wider alumni community, forever! She outlines how these resources have supported her in her career so far and shares her Top Tips for using them.
Northcote Trophy retained by students
The Northcote Trophy was retained by the students in the 11th playing of the Northcote Trophy between the University Golf Club and University Alumni Society that took place this May. In this article we review the matches, highlights, and share the final scores.
Investing in inclusion: Basirat Razaq-Shuaib – Founder/CEO of The Winford Centre for Children and Women
Alumna Basirat Razaq-Shuaib (Finance & Investment, 2009) is the Founder/CEO of The Winford Centre for Children and Women which is dedicated to supporting children with developmental and learning difficulties as well as empowering disadvantaged women. She shares her career journey and insights, as well as the skills which have been most useful along the way.
Volunteers share “Industry Insights” across China
Three employability events took place in China during April 2019 with thanks to the volunteer network group, Exeter China Alumni Association (ECAA).
Weekend ‘Business Brunch’ launched in Hong Kong
Volunteers of the Exeter Hong Kong Alumni Group (EHKAG) identified the need for in-depth employability and networking for recent graduates in Hong Kong. In response to the need to support the careers of young Exeter alumni, the network group organised the first Business Brunch event, which took place on a Saturday morning in March 2019 in Central, Hong Kong.
Medical students launch cancer support book alongside charity
A local cancer support charity project, founded by University of Exeter Medical School students, is launching a book to promote open conversation about cancer.
20 years of meetings for the Out Of Doors Society alumni
Alumni who were members of the Out of Doors Society whilst at Exeter have been meeting for 20 years, co-ordinated voluntarily by alumna Sandie Brunnen (nee Blizard) (Philosophy, 1976). We take a look at how these meetings have come about and what they’ve looked like over the last 20 years.
30 years since statue's mystery appearance
30 years ago staff and students on our Streatham Campus awoke to a new statue on the grounds outside Devonshire House. Overnight a twelve foot high metal sculpture had been erected by a group of students as a memorial to the events in Tiananmen Square. The sculpture now stands on the Queen’s Drive Lawn and can be seen by all who visit the campus.
2019 Volunteers of the Year named!
After a tough decision making process, the Alumni Volunteers of the Year for 2019 have been announced.
Alumni volunteering reaches 125% of goal
University of Exeter alumni have donated 75,000 hours to the institution’s ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ Campaign since it began in 2012.
Championship success for Exeter alumni
Alumni couple Linda and Keith Whitehead have both won medals for Great Britain at the European Middle Distance Duathlon Championships.
British Council Alumni Awards 2019-20
Applications are currently open for the British Council Alumni Awards 2019-20.
Project to examine ‘price of birdsong’
What is the natural world worth? Can you put a price on birdsong?
Celebrating University Cricket & 10 years of the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre
A fitting end to the University’s cricket season for 2019 as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre opening on the 6th July and the achievements of all our teams this year.
Counting the Memories: Malcolm Sweeney
We recently caught up with one of our alumni, Malcolm Sweeney (Physics, Economics and Philosophy, 1970) to chat about his time at Exeter. Malcolm knew from a young age that he wanted to be an accountant and following graduation worked in finance in the plastics, technology and pharmaceutical industries.
Taking community work from Exeter to Hebron
Last year alumna and PhD student, Charlotte Littlewood (Applied Security and Strategy, 2015), spent four months working with young people in Hebron, Palestine, delivering community workshops and training people to support victims of domestic violence.
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Volunteer in the Spotlight: Rae Ahmed
Rae (International Business Law LLM, 2011) volunteered with the Pathways to Law programme for 2 consecutive years, advising students on how they could get the most out of attending the Law Fair on campus and also helped with the Client interviewing skills workshop. She has also facilitated a workshop for students from the School of Law on applications to training contracts and vacation schemes. Rae currently mentors 2 students through the career mentoring scheme.
Shape the new Masters in Circular Economy
In 2017, the University of Exeter was designated as a Global Pioneer University by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2010 with the aim of accelerating the transition to the Circular Economy and supporting decision makers across business, academia, and government.
Students gain sector insights at Professional Pathways
This June the Professional Pathways Programme enabled students to gain invaluable knowledge and experience in the sectors they were most passionate about.
Obituary - Sir Rex Richards
Sir Rex Richards FRS, FRSC, FBA DSc, Chancellor of the University of Exeter from 1982-98, has passed away at the age of 96.
Steel City to rural England
Two Super Bowl championships, three Conference championships, eight Division championships, 10 Play-offs appearances, and one summer in Exeter!
Exeter alumnus awarded Governor General's Gold Medal
Dr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu (MSc in Biocatalysis, 2009) has been awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal – Canada’s highest academic achievement in coursework completed for any doctoral degree.
Alumna Ali Golds' Globetrotting Adventure
Alumna Ali Golds (PGCE, 2009) has spent the last nine months travelling the world whilst running her own business and charity remotely. We caught up with her to find out why she set off on this globetrotting adventure, and what it's been like so far.
Alumnus joins the slow fashion revolution
Alumnus Russ Avery (French and Russian, 2007) has set up a new sustainable and ethical fashion brand for men, women, and children.
From Bedroom to Boardroom: Exeter Alumni celebrate 20th year in business
In 2000 alongside their final year at university three Computer Science students started a business designing and building websites for friends and families which became Optix Solutions based in Exeter. We recently caught up with Exeter Alumni and Directors Alastair Banks and James Dawkins (Computer Science, 2000) to talk about their last 20 years in business and the journey from bedroom to boardroom.
New books published by alumni
Many congratulations to our alumni authors who have recently had their books published.
Senior alumni support student and graduate careers in Hong Kong
Exeter Hong Kong Alumni Group volunteers organised their annual employability event, kindly hosted for the third year at the LinkedIn headquarters in Hong Kong.
Alumnus helps bring prosthetics to those in need in Colombia
Alumnus Theo Gwyther (History and Spanish, 2017) took some time to go traveling before starting a new job and ended up staying away for longer, volunteering to help communities in Colombia.
Alumnus selected as Cyprus’ Minister for Justice and Public Order
George Savvides (Law, 1982) was chosen by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, this year for the important position of Minister of Justice and Public Order, after 35 years of practicing as a lawyer.
Touring success: Alumna honoured at Travel Awards
Dr. Eireann Marshall (PhD Ancient History, 2001) has just been awarded the Top History & Culture Guide prize at Wanderlust magazine’s 2019 World Guide Awards.
MARDON REVISITED – by Peter Sampson (1956-59)
Alumnus Peter Sampson (Economics, 1959) recently returned to campus for a 60th anniversary reunion with his old house mates. Below he has shared his memories of his time at Mardon Hall, and what it was like to be back.
Law alumna's charity seeks justice in Malawi
Charlotte Mackenzie (Law, 2010) was called to the Bar in 2011 and is now a tenant at Staple Inn Chambers in London practicing in Family Law and Immigration (Asylum). She is also the Founder and Director of the Malawi Bail Project (MBP), a UK registered charity that funds and delivers access to justice initiatives and activities in Malawi.
Looking back on the founding of the Canadian Law Society
Victoria Stephens (LLB 2017) reminisces here about her role as one of the founders of the Canadian Law Society at Exeter University and reflects on how the experience has helped her in her professional life since graduating. She is currently a pupil at Marshall Diel and Myers Limited in Hamilton, Bermuda, and the Country Contact for Exeter in Bermuda.
A snapshot of life on the wild side
Alumnus Benjamin Harris is a Wildlife Camera Operator/Assistant and graduated with a Zoology degree from our Penryn Campus in 2014. Since then he’s travelled the world and turned his love of wildlife and the outdoors into a career. We recently caught up with him to find out more about what life has been like since graduating and his top tips for those who are interested in pursuing this career.
Three Generations at Exeter
Three generations of alumnus Nick Colwill’s (Economics, 1986) family have studied at Exeter, including his parents, and youngest daughter who is currently studying here for one year. We caught up with him to find out some of the Colwill family's favourite memories of studying and living in Exeter.
COMEX 3 participants reunite after 50 years
Participants from COMEX 3 (the Commonwealth Overland Expedition to Pakistan and India) recently reunited in London for a 50th anniversary reunion of the adventure.
Recent publications from our Alumni authors
Massive congratulations to our alumni authors who have had their books published.
Alumnus wins French literary award
Alumnus David Bates (History, 1966 and PhD History, 1970) has won a prestigious French literary award.
Exeter alumna shortlisted for Entrepreneurial Award
Han Wang (MSc Finance and Management, 2004), Co-founder and CFO at Asien Credit Company Ltd, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the entrepreneurial awards category of the British Council UK Alumni Awards 2019-20 in China.
Alumnus honoured with Petroleum Award
Alumnus John Williams (Chemistry, 1974 and PhD, 1979) has been honoured with the 2019 Regional Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Faculty, from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Middle East and North Africa Region.