News archive 2018
Exeter alumna named in The Independent’s top 20 Extraordinary Women of 2017
Exeter alumna and single mum entrepreneur, Ali Golds (PGCE, 2009), was recently named by The Independent as one of the top 20 Extraordinary Women of 2017.
Alumni family recreate graduation shots through the years
An Exeter alumna and her children have started a family tradition of graduation pictures on campus.
Bursary founder passes away
Alumnus Maurice Morgan (Biosciences, 1938), who established the ‘Anning Morgan Bursary’ to support students from Cornwall, passed away over Christmas, aged 100.
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Chris Tang (Law, 1996)
'Volunteer in the Spotlight' is a regular feature which shares the stories of some of our alumni volunteers.
Exeter alumnus launches innovative dive travel platform
Hong Kong based Exeter alumnus, Adam Broadbent (Business and Accounting, 2014), has used his experience at University to set-up a new business.
Exeter alumni join Arctic expedition
A group of Exeter alumni are organising an Arctic expedition in collaboration with fellow scientists, students and artists from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus and Falmouth University.
Business booms after Dragons’ Den decision
Young entrepreneurs who turned down an offer on TV programme Dragons’ Den now say their business is worth £2.6 million.
Exeter alumnus proves that your degree doesn’t dictate your career path
Alumnus, Ed Challinor (LLB Law, 2003) studied law at Exeter but ended up taking a much unexpected career path.
Alumnus runner-up in top education award
Recent Exeter graduate Liam Taylor was a runner-up for the Degree category within the prestigious British Education Awards.
Exeter alumnus and five-time Olympian volunteers for Hospicare Men’s Walk
Exeter alumnus, Chris Maddocks (Law & Sociology, 1986), is a retired race walker and Olympian and will be giving up his time this March to help at Hospicare’s annual Men’s Walk.
Exeter alumni pass 60,000-hour volunteering target
Former students have spent more than 60,000 hours volunteering at the University of Exeter – beating a target with two years to spare.
New awards celebrate alumni volunteers
The University of Exeter has launched new awards honouring the exceptional individuals who give their time to support students and fellow alumni.
Alumni votes help Exeter to three award nominations
The University of Exeter has been shortlisted in three categories at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018.
Alumni mentor the business leaders of tomorrow
Student members of the University’s Business and Finance Society (BFS) once again had the chance to gain careers advice from Exeter graduates working in a variety of industries at their annual alumni dinner.
Charles Dickens biography written by former Exeter PHD student
Dr Keith Hooper (English, 2009), former PHD student, recently wrote and published a Charles Dickens biography.
Alumna gives talk at this year's Creative Careers Festival
On 22nd February, Alice Higgins (Drama, 2004) spoke at Working in Event Management, part of the Creative Careers Festival 2018.
Volunteer in the spotlight – Nik Rahmel (BSc Information Technology Management for Business, 2015)
BBC iPlayer software engineer Nik Rahmel (BSc IT Management for Business, 2015) talks about his experience of volunteering at Exeter.
Alumnus Hugo Chance speaks to students about how to use their Social Sciences degree for a career in Finance
Philosophy and Sociology alumnus Hugo Chance returned to campus to speak to 30 students across SSIS disciplines about his successful career in the Finance sector, and how they can follow a similar path.
Spring telethon raises nearly £130,000
University of Exeter alumni have demonstrated their exceptional generosity and commitment to their University by pledging £128,162 in the spring telethon.
Shortlist announced for inaugural Alumni Volunteer of the Year awards
Nominations for Exeter’s very first Alumni Volunteer of the Year awards have closed and the shortlist has now been announced.
Graduate cycles from Exeter to Andorra in honour of friend
A graduate from the University of Exeter is set to cycle from Exeter to Andorra on March 27, 2018.
Sir Richard Branson surprises Exeter alumnus
Exeter alumnus Tom Charman (Economics and Politics, 2016) got a high profile surprise recently while attending a Virgin Media pitching masterclass.
Q&A with alumna Jenny Durrant (Archaeology, 2003)
We spoke to alumna Jenny Durrant (Archaeology, 2003) and found out more about her career path and why she volunteers for Exeter.
Former Met Office CEO and Business School academics debate the Changing Models of Leadership at the Walkie-Talkie building
Exeter alumni and MBA participants had the chance last month to hear a keynote speech from Honorary Graduate and former Met Office CEO, John Hirst CBE, in the stylish surroundings of 20 Fenchurch Street.
Alumnus supports the next generation at Exeter
A new Widening Participation scholarship is to be introduced at the University of Exeter, helping to ensure even more students can benefit from a University education.
Exeter Professor publishes mother's memoirs
Professor Martin Sorrell, Emeritus Professor of French at the University of Exeter has recently published a memoir based on his French mother’s life.
£10M donation for Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre, medical research and leadership programmes
The new Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre will transform dementia research and diagnosis when it is built at the University of Exeter Medical School. It is being funded thanks to a £10 million donation from the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation – the largest gift ever made to the University of Exeter.
New speed track thanks to support from the Alumni Annual Fund
The St Luke’s Sport Centre was recently able to install a new speed track thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Alumni Annual Fund.
Exeter alumna and co-founder of KOMPAS gives TEDx talk in US
Exeter graduate Olivia Higgs (Combined Honours, 2016) recently gave a TEDx talk in Virginia in the US about the role society plays on artificial intelligence (A.I).
Spotting the products of the future: An interview with alumnus Ken Daly
Ken Daly (Engineering, 1989) is the Chief Executive of JML, retailer and home shopping company. He has been with the company almost since its inception, starting in sales and working up through the ranks, becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2012.
Alumni talk about their careers and return to perform at the Exeter Northcott
Exeter alumni Amanda Faber (Education and Theology 1984), Jonathan Lewis (Politics and Society, 1985) and David Solomon (Maths and Statistics) recently brought their production of 'Soldier On' to Exeter Northcott Theatre.
Winners chosen for Exeter Alumni Volunteer Awards
In recognition of the contribution that our amazing alumni volunteers make to our institution, we recently launched our very first Alumni Volunteer Awards.
Campaign aims to reach 150% of target
In February the University of Exeter celebrated a huge milestone in the Making the Exceptional Happen Campaign, when the number of alumni volunteering hours given since the Campaign began passed 60,000.
Recent Graduates explore how Writing and Publishing have changed
Exetra, the recent alumni group, held an event at the British Library in April on ‘Writing and Publishing in the Modern Age.’
Industry Insights careers event for students in Hong Kong
The Exeter Hong Kong Alumni committee kindly organised an Industry Insight event in April, bringing together alumni as well as students who are currently on their year abroad in Hong Kong.
Two alumni return to the Exeter MBA for 4IR, talks, and networking.
Almost two years after graduation two One Planet MBA alumni are back in Exeter and on Streatham campus. In May, Glendon Filer and Stuart May (MBA, 2016) travelled from London for two Business School talks; ‘The 4th Industrial Revolution’, and ‘Doughnut Economics’; and to participate as mentors in the MBA module ‘Leading in the 4th Industrial Revolution’. The following blog is their reflection on the experience.
Alumna’s Oscar-winning support of future talent
Vanessa Rowan Johnstone (Economics and Agricultural Economics, 1991) is Director of Corporate Marketing at Stifel and has worked in The City for two decades, but in 2017 she also became Executive Producer of a short film. That film, The Silent Child, would go on to win an Oscar at the 2018 Academy Awards and help raise awareness of the struggles children face growing up deaf.
We talked to Vanessa about what inspired her to get involved in such a different field
Continuing links between the University of Exeter and South Korea public sector celebrated during visit
Academics and alumni have celebrated the strong links between the South Korean public sector and the University of Exeter with a series of events.
Exeter alumnus gives an insight into his career in finance
Simon Brooker (History and Politics, 1999) is Head of Loans Product Owner at giffgaff gameplan. After graduating from the University of Exeter, he has worked in a number of financial areas, including mortgages and commercial and personal lending. Now working at giffgaff gameplan, we spoke to Simon about his career to date.
Exploring Different Routes to Success – Alumnae Reception 2018
The Alumnae Group successfully ran their eighth Women and Leadership Reception this April, giving female graduates the opportunity to meet and network with fellow alumni as well as hear from inspiring speakers.
Scholarship programme established in honour of Mining alumnus
Richard Osman (MSc Mining Geology, 1999), a graduate of the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), has been honoured posthumously by friends and former colleagues who have set up a scholarship scheme at his alma mater.
Exeter announces new Mireille Gillings Fellowships in Health Innovation to develop future women leaders
The University of Exeter Medical School is creating two new Mireille Gillings Professorial Fellowships, to help develop the next generation of leaders that excel in medicine, science, leadership and business. They have been funded from a £10 million donation from the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation – the largest single gift ever made to the University.
Seminar Room named in honour of outstanding alumnus
Alumnus Steve Edge (Law, 1972), was recently honoured at a naming ceremony which celebrated the naming of the Steve Edge Seminar Room.
Alumni Annual Fund supports Pint of Science 2018
Pint of Science Exeter 2018, which was supported by the Alumni Annual Fund, was hosted over three nights between 14-16 May.
Exeter and Beyond: Alumna gives her Top Tips for Graduating Students
Often described by my parents as a homebody, I never dreamed I would live internationally. However, towards the end of my Bachelor’s degree, I sensed the need to spread my wings.
Reusable KeepCup Campaign supported by the Alumni Annual Fund wins Campaign of the Year at the Guild Awards
The student-led Give Up Your Paper Cup campaign has won the award for Campaign of the Year at the Guild Awards, for encouraging students and staff to use a re-usable KeepCup when buying hot drinks.
University Crowdfunder races past £12k thanks to Eagle One
A University Crowdfunding Campaign to help student entrepreneurs stay in the city after graduation
Royal recognition for Exeter alumni
14 University of Exeter alumni and three honorary graduates have received recognition for their work in the Queen’s birthday honours.
Alumni involvement in curriculum
Classics and Ancient History Alumnus James Smith talks about his positive experience of taking part in Liberal Arts ‘Think Tank’ module.
Alumni mentoring provides valuable real-life insights for students
Hannah Guzzetta-King (MSc Psychology, 2012), has been mentoring Exeter students since 2016 and is passionate about her involvement in the scheme.
Alumnus helps with Headstart engineering week
40 budding engineers have spent four days with the College of Engineering, Maths and Physical Sciences undertaking activities in order to gain an insight into what undergraduate engineering entails.
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Tim Ireland
Alumnus and volunteer, Tim Ireland (Chemical Engineering, 1984), talked to us about his time at Exeter and why he volunteers.
Alumni help current students with career workshops
This June, alumni from a broad range of professions returned to campus to deliver workshops designed to give students unique insights into specific career pathways.
Sports Scholar search-where are they now? Freya Davies
University of Exeter Law graduate and former women’s cricket Sports Scholar Freya Davies has recently joined Western Storm for the start of their 2018 Kia Super League campaign .
Alumnus elected as a Fellow of the prestigious British Academy
Alumnus, Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke (PhD Psychology, 1988) of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, has been elected a Fellow of the British Academy.
A career around the world. How one alumna used languages to open doors to global opportunities
Rene Wyndham came to Exeter to study BA French and German and loved French so much she continued to complete postgraduate study too.
She shares how languages helped her build a successful and enjoyable career.
Music as therapy – how one alumna founded a charity at Exeter
Recently graduated and keen to make a difference in the charity sector? Read the experiences of alumna Alexia Quin (Music, 1996), a music therapist who set up the charity Music as Therapy International in 1995.
Exeter smashes fundraising record, raising more than £15 million in single year
The University of Exeter’s ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ Campaign has raised more than £15 million of philanthropic income during the academic year (to 31 July 2018), the best ever fundraising performance in the University’s 63-year history.
Medicine graduation joy for young mum
It can be challenging enough being a single parent, but University of Exeter alumna Justina Igwe managed to conquer a demanding five-year Medicine degree at the same time.
Why do Exetra, the recent alumni group, hold annual alumni events?
Exetra, the University of Exeter’s recent alumni group, will be holding its seventh annual Christmas Quiz this winter.
Exeter alumni celebrate 40 years since marrying on campus
University of Exeter alumni Dr Joan (Chemistry, 1975 & PhD Chemistry, 1978) and Brian Stopp (Chemical Engineering, 1975) not only met and fell in love at Exeter, but married on campus too!
The Alumni Network Group (ANG)
Hear from alumnus Steve Edge, Chair of the Alumni Network Group, about what the committee does and how it supports alumni at Exeter.
Alumna’s new children’s book set to change attitudes to peatland
Exeter alumna Iona Tulloch (Psychology, 1999) has published a new children’s book believed to be the first to highlight the importance of peatland.
Alumni back on campus for 40th reunion
A group of alumni recently came back to our Streatham Campus to celebrate their 40th reunion.
LLM Exeter Club meets in Brussels
At the beginning of June, the LLM Exeter Club, an independent alumni association of former Exeter School of Law LLM students, gathered in Brussels for its annual meeting.
University Campaign enters home straight
The University of Exeter’s ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ Campaign has reached 75% of its ambitious target with two years to go.
Autumn 2018 telethon set to begin
Our autumn telethon will begin in October when a team of students will call a selection of our alumni.
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Nick Masson (Education & Physical Education, 1985)
This month for our volunteer in the spotlight we caught up with Nick Masson (Education & Physical Education, 1985).
Tour of Britain Platform Propels Stedman into further Team GB U23 Honours
Significant performances with his team Canyon Eisberg (UCI Continental) and a dominant display in France for the GB U23 has led to further selection to feature in the UCI World Road Race Championships.
Alumnus publishes his third book
Exeter alumnus recently published his third book which tells the story of how we equipped the British Army during World War 1.
Exeter Alumna and bestselling author publishes new book
Exeter alumna, Helen Russell (English Literature, 2001), has recently published her new novel.
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Exeter alumna publishes first book
Exeter alumna, Emily Hunt (English, 2009), has released a new science book for children.
Exeter alumna highlights challenges faced by disabled researchers
Exeter alumna Dr Sasha Kosanic (PhD Geography, 2015) has published a paper raising awareness about the obstacles researchers with disabilities can face in the academic system.
Entrepreneur networking event focuses on business with purpose
Earlier this month, Exeter hosted the third edition of its University of Exeter Entrepreneur Network event at Hangar 58, Runway East, Shoreditch. Exeter’s Student Startup Support team welcomed attendees for an evening of networking and ideas sharing. This event also featured a panel discussion around the theme of B-Corp.
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Ronnie Henderson (Ancient History, 2014)
We caught up with alumnus Ronnie Henderson (Ancient History, 2014), who talked to us about why he volunteers for Exeter.
New scholarships help top Canadian students visit Exeter
Students from Canada are being given the opportunity to study at the University of Exeter Business School, thanks to a new scholarship programme set-up by an Exeter alumnus.
College of Social Sciences and International Studies Alumni Engage with Exeter Scholars Students
On Wednesday 12 September, a panel of alumni from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies attended an Exeter Scholars event, answering questions posed by Year 13 students on this prestigious programme, followed by a networking session.
The Exeter China Alumni Association (ECAA)
Hear from alumnus Wenjie Li, President of the Exeter China Alumni Association, about what the group does and how it supports alumni at Exeter.
Exeter alumna is revolutionising the US vacation experience
Soon after graduating in Law in 1998, Exeter alumna Sarah Dusek packed up her bags and headed to Zimbabwe. Fuelled by a desire to do some good in the world, she settled into aid work supporting development, healthcare and education within the community. It was here that Sarah fell in love with the outdoors, the wide open spaces and the bush experience.
How the MBA supports business development
Trevor Worth (MBA, 2015) set up Portcullis Legals in Plymouth when he was 23 years old. A specialist in estate planning, as well as running a successful business, he also sits on the Advisory Panel of the Legal Services Board in London and provides consultancy services to a number of law and financial services firms. Wanting to explore more innovative ways of working and take his business to another level, a few years ago Trevor enrolled on the MBA programme at the University of Exeter.
Exeter alumna awarded prestigious sports leadership prize
Exeter alumna Emma Vetriano (International Relations, 2011) has been named a Sports Industry NextGen Leader for 2019.
Alumni celebrate 40 year reunion back on campus
A group of Exeter alumni returned to campus last week to celebrate 40 years since graduation.
Student business becomes online brand
Two entrepreneurial Exeter alumni are seeing success after setting up a jewellery business while still at University.
Responding to your views
At the beginning of 2018 we sent a survey to all our alumni around the world. We asked you to share your views on our events, our newsletters, our magazine and our fundraising. More than 1,300 of you completed the survey and we reviewed all your responses and comments, in order to check what we do and make changes where necessary
Volunteer in the Spotlight: Patrick Wilken (MSc International Management, 2016)
We caught up with alumnus Patrick Wilken (MSc International Management, 2016), who talked to us about why he volunteers for Exeter.
No sibling rivalry in this alumni business
Exeter alumnus Ben Ritsema (Business and Management, 2012) started Cranes Drinks with his identical twin brother Dan straight after graduating.
Exeter alumnus supports research internships
Five additional undergraduate students in Natural Sciences will be able to benefit from research internships, thanks to a further donation from Exeter alumnus Mick Jackson (BSc & PhD Chemical Engineering, 1979, 1984).
A year across the pond
In August 1951 Jim Hollensteiner came to Exeter (University College of the South West as it was then) for a year's exchange. Here are some of his memories.
Biosciences alumni support Exeter student employability event
Sixty Biosciences students recently attended an alumni panel event .
Skinner Shines In Man of The Match Performance During International Debut
The 2017 BA Business Economics Graduate, Sam Skinner, made his starting senior international debut for Scotland against Fiji.
Alumni in the spotlight: Tom Morley
Tom Morley, graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences in 2016 and is now working as an Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant for Trium Environmental Consulting.
Alumni in the spotlight: Hannah Ladd-Jones
Hannah Ladd-Jones hasn’t wasted any time since she graduated this summer with an MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity.
More success for our alumni authors
Congratulations to all our alumni authors who have recently published books just in time for Christmas.
Exeter alumnus is helping to unveil Kolkata’s hidden heritage
Exeter alumnus Dr Tathagata Neogi, co-founder of Heritage Walk Calcutta, is now working with Exeter to unveil Kolkata's heritage.
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Exeter graduate entrepreneurs secure distribution with supermarket giant
Exeter graduates and Co-Founders, Jesse Wilson and Tom Jordan are no strangers to the world of business, having quit regular jobs to pursue the dream of running their own craft beer company, Jubel. Just one year since they launched, they have secured distribution in more than 600 Sainsbury’s stores in four countries.
Exeter alumnus named sporting leader
Tom Glover (Economics, 2011 and MSc International Management, 2012) is one of just 30 professionals from across the UK sports industry to be selected as a Sports Industry NextGen Leader for 2019.
Autumn telethon raises more than £135,000
The University of Exeter’s autumn telethon has raised more than £135,000 to support students as part of the Making the Exceptional Happen Campaign.
Exeter alumna named as a next generation entrepreneur
Exeter alumna Selin Yigitbasi (Business and Management, 2013) has won the FBN NxG Lombard Odier Award for 2018.
Exeter alumnus raising awareness of river pollution
In January 2019, Exeter alumnus David Brearley (MEng Mechanical Engineering, 2018) will be heading to South East Asia to document the problem of plastic waste on the Mekong River.
A career in engineering innovation
Giovanni Strano (PhD Engineering, 2013) recently returned to Exeter to speak to Engineering students about potential career paths. Giovanni works at Rolls Royce Civil Aerospace and before that he worked at Jaguar Land Rover Research and Technologies.
UN genocide prevention expert honoured at University of Exeter winter graduation
A campaigner leading the UN’s international efforts to fight genocide is among the experts being honoured at the University of Exeter’s winter graduation ceremonies this week.
Mother and daughter both graduate together - for the second time
A mother and daughter are celebrating graduating together from the same university – for the second time.
Alumni take on University Challenge for festive special
University of Exeter alumni will be taking on counterparts from the University of Birmingham on a festive edition of University Challenge this December.