Issue two Autumn 1998

NewNew DirectionsDirections Welcome to his edition features some of the ground- breaking research currently taking place in TVision Sciences. Future editions will focus on research in other Schools within University. It might be just the thing to whet your appetite for postgraduate research with us! Contents Alternatively, you might want to share with a Our first edition wider audience something about how your career has developed or exotic places you’ve P4-5 Clear vision certainly had you travelled to. Our regular feature on past reaching for your students looks at a number of you whose lives Vision statement Sarah Pymm have moved on in very different ways pens, word- Alumni Relations Officer since graduation. processors and You’ll find our regular ‘Where are they now?’ feature on pages 15-19. We’ve P6 Schools of Study Getting to the had more than a degree of success in tracing a significant number of Aston Student numbers up e-mails! Thank you graduates. Groups of long-standing friends, flatmates and fellow course- to everyone who members have arranged reunions both in and elsewhere of Aston around the UK. If you’d like to be part of a reunion, or even organise one, contacted the contact me at the Alumni Relations Office. P7 Honorary graduates art Alumni Relations A number of events have already been planned for the first part of the new academic year 1998-99. ‘Agenda’ lists all the events for graduates and I’ll be Office having read glad to send you further details. Look out particularly for next March 20-21 P8-9 The last degree Apex Ð IÕm looking since this year the popular AGM will be part of a Reunion Weekend. Make a forward to hearing note in your diaries, the full programme will be available soon. In the meantime, keep writing to us! We can’t guarantee to publish P10-11 Fifty 50 challenge from even more of everything we’re sent but we’ll certainly do everything in our power to help Aston graduates communicate with each other. Apex – only the tip of the you this time. Aston triangle! P12-13 Getting to the art of Aston Happy reading!

P14 A Guide to Buckingham Palace

Please contact the Alumni P15-19 Where are they now? Relations Office for more details Agenda of these forthcoming events. P20-21 Talkback

November February P22-23 Reunions 18 “French intellectuals on the Eve of the 21st Century: 12 “French intellectuals on the Eve of the 21st Century: French perceptions of world affairs.” School of The self as a cultural construction in contemporary Languages & European Studies Public Lecture Series French literature.” School of Languages & European Editor Sarah Pymm with the support of the French Embassy in London, Studies Public Lecture Series with the support of the In touch with alumni, students, teachers, Special thanks goes to all Dominique Moïsi, 6pm. French Embassy in London, Azouz Begag, 6pm. alumni who contributed to Make research, careers, industryÉ this edition of Apex. Apex is published twice a December March year for alumni of Aston More and more people want to keep in touch University. Letters, 8 Spin Doctoring. Inaugural Lecture of Professor John 20-21 Reunion Weekend. An opportunity for all graduates to with for furthering research and photographs and news are very welcome but we Homer, School of Engineering & Applied Science, return to Aston University. An exciting programme of teaching projects, advising potential students of reserve the right to edit any 5.30pm. events is planned, including demonstrations of current contact under- and postgraduate courses, helping with contributions. Please address all correspondence to the research, a reunion dinner and the AGM of career choices or simply maintaining links with How to contact the Alumni Relations Office Alumni Relations Officer. January Convocation. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet up the University they chose over all the others as a The opinions expressed in Tel +44 (0)121 359 3611 ext 4315 place to study. Keep in touch via our web site Apex are those of the 29 “French intellectuals on the Eve of the 21st Century: with fellow graduates and enjoy the atmosphere of the contributors and do not Fax +44 (0)121 359 4664 Diversity in the one and indivisible Republic.” University campus. where we have a discussion forum, alumni event necessarily reflect those of e-mail: [email protected] postings and ways you can continue to support the Alumni Relations Office School of Languages & European Studies Public or Aston University. Lecture Series with the support of the French Embassy visit web site http://www.aston.ac.uk/ Aston University. Designed and Produced by in London, Catherine Wihtol de Wenden, 6pm. Boxer Creative Ltd. Photograph of Professor Brian Pentecost supplied by the British Heart Foundation.

P2 P3 Aston Aston

Ò The first ever on-line news scientific research news Clear vision programme.Ó Vision statement

oad accidents are more likely to be hey may not be the latest high street fashion findings suggest that wearing reflective armbands influenced by age and avoiding bad driving accessory, but yellow reflective armbands significantly increases the visibility of pedestrians Rconditions than by vision. This surprising Tmay go some way to reducing accidents on making drivers’ reaction times faster. This could finding comes from the largest ever UK study of the road. potentially reduce serious accidents. drivers’ vision. With the onset of darker winter mornings and The ‘pedestrians’, in this case on-screen computer In 1996, PhD research student Sarah Slade and Dr evenings, the busy road can become an even graphics, randomly step off the kerb into the Mark Dunne of Aston’s Vision Sciences bigger hazard for pedestrians. As roads get busier middle of a virtual road. Some of the pedestrians coordinated this major national survey of drivers’ and volumes of traffic increase, what measures sport reflective armbands. This enables the vision with sponsorship from Vauxhall Motors. can be taken to raise the visibility of pedestrians? programme to measure any differences in the Trained teams set up test centres at 24 Granada Dr Mark Dunne of Aston’s Vision Sciences may speed of drivers’ reaction times. Everyday Service areas. Volunteer drivers were asked to have found the answer in ‘Day-glo’. distractions are also incorporated into the complete a vision test and fill in a confidential programme to make it as realistic as possible and In the first ever survey of its kind, Aston questionnaire about their eyesight and accident there is also the facility to simulate day and night University has teamed up with Vauxhall Motors record. The main test examined drivers’ ability to driving conditions. to study the role reflective clothing may play in distinguish contrasts – an important factor in preventing accidents. “We are currently analysing “Something as simple as wearing a reflective low-light conditions or in fog. Almost 8,000 results obtained from an on-line programme armband could mean the difference between drivers took part in this survey. known as The Driver Reaction Time Simulator,” being seen or being involved in a road accident,” “Our initial findings showed that drivers who explains Dr Dunne. This programme measures points out Dr Dunne. The programme is available believed their vision to be poor were being how quickly a driver is able to react when via the Internet at http://vauxhall-drts.com generally more careful, driving more slowly and someone steps off the kerb into the road. Initial avoiding potentially hazardous conditions,” Sarah Slade of Vision Sciences commented Dr Dunne. Although situation avoidance could potentially go some way to reducing the number of accidents Clinical eye testing on the road, many drivers do not necessarily realise that their vision is not up to the same read a number plate at 67 feet – the legal eyesight standard as when they took their test. The survey standard required for driving. This has obvious revealed that as many as 1 in 16 drivers failed to implications for the safety of other road users. This research forms part of a wider initiative backed by a consortium of road safety officers, Health Authorities, police forces and the Guild of Ò 39% of drivers over the age Experienced Motorists. The DVLA (Driver Vehicle and Licensing of 65 fall below the legal Agency) has also been informed of the valuable research taking place at eyesight requirement.Ó Aston. Vision Sciences is currently developing a dynamic visual attention test which may eventually be used to assess the effects of tiredness, medication and visual or mental disability on driving and general mobility.

P4 P5 Aston Aston

Ò The establishment news of Schools of Study news marks a watershed Schools of Study in AstonÕs history.Ó Honorary graduates 1998 David Packham, Secretary-Registrar he beginning of the new academic year sees This year’s degree ceremonies were held on July 15th and 16th. the beginning of Aston’s new organisational Tstructure. Schools of Study are now firmly Five honorary degrees were awarded in recognition of contributions made to established, replacing academic Departments and the and Aston University. Faculties throughout the University. This major re-organisation has not, however, been undertaken lightly as Secretary-Registrar 15 July David Packham points out, “A large number of Student numbers up people have put in a huge effort over the past Lord Simpson of Dunkeld FCCA FIMI FCIT ACIS two years to bring us to this point. There have he recent media interest in the introduction Educated in Scotland where he qualified as an accountant, Lord Simpson was recently introduced into been exhaustive discussions within Faculties and of tuition fees has led to speculation that the House of Lords as a Life Peer. Over the last 30 years he has held senior management positions with Departments as well as mighty efforts made by Tuniversities would struggle to fill places on top companies and is currently Managing Director of GEC. the task force which was originally set up to look their undergraduate courses. Aston, however, into the establishment of our Schools of Study.” has seen a marked increase in its new The driving forces behind the change were the undergraduate intake. Pam Liversidge BSc CEng FIMechE FCGI FRSA desire to encourage more collaborative ventures Entry standards have improved, with the average Pam Liversidge graduated from Aston University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She began within and between the Schools and to A-Level entry score rising to 21.3 points. In line her career with GKN before joining East Midlands Electricity plc. Now living in Sheffield, she is accommodate the shift towards modular with strategic objectives to widen access, numbers Managing Director of Quest Investments Ltd. In 1997 she was elected President of the Institution of programmes. Each School of Study has been of international students have risen and there has Mechanical Engineers. structured along similar lines, ensuring the most been a marked increase in the number of high efficient use of resources to promote the success of calibre students coming to Aston with the academic activities taking place within them. non-traditional qualifications. Dame Rachel Waterhouse DBE PhD Dame Waterhouse has enjoyed a long association with Birmingham. She has traced a series of fascinating studies into the rise of the city as an innovative engineering centre and has recorded the development of Aston University Schools of Study some of the city’s schools. Dame Waterhouse’s career has been closely associated with consumer affairs and she was a Council member of the Consumer’s Association for 30 years, eight as Chairman. Aston Business School Life & Health Sciences HEAD HEAD Prof John Saunders Prof David Billington 16 July Director of UG Director of PG Director of Research Director of UG Director of PG Director of Research Programmes Programmes Prof Programmes Programmes Prof Bill Irwin Rt Hon Baroness Jill Knight of Collingtree DBE David Johnson Dr Mark Oakley Graham Hooley Dr Keith Wilson Prof Alain Li Wan Po Baroness Knight was educated at King Edward Grammar School in Birmingham. She was awarded the MBE in 1964 and two years later elected Conservative MP for Birmingham , a seat she was to keep for 31 years until she entered the House of Lords in 1997. Engineering & Applied Science Languages & European Studies HEAD (Designate) HEAD Prof Ashok Kochhar Prof Anne Stevens Professor Brian Pentecost MD FRCP

Director of UG Director of PG Director of Research Director of UG Director of PG Director of Research Professor Brian Pentecost trained at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London. His career took him Programmes Programmes Prof Nigel Slater Programmes Programmes Prof Paul Chilton to the United Birmingham Hospitals where he was appointed Consultant Physician and Cardiologist. Dr David Miller Prof Roger Kettle Dr Pamela Moores Dr Christina Schäffner Since 1993 he has been Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation and has published widely in medical journals.

P6 P7 at that time of year; you can’t walk around in Ronald and James were stranded at Resolute Bay darkness. Going in Spring means that you at least in a ‘white-out’, with the wind blowing up ice have daylight, but there are watery holes in the crystals from the ground making it impossible to ice and it is difficult to land a plane.” see. They could go nowhere. It was clearly a hard It was three days before Ronald and James were decision to make. It able to make further progress northwards. Finally Profiles would be a dangerous they reached Eureka. The weather was not ÒYou can go out mission for anyone. expected to hold out, so a decision was made to Despite his make a final dash for the North Pole. Hours later The last degree in temperatures apprehension, Ronald Ronald and James were standing on top of the Ronald with son James (centre) agreed and flew out to world. The expedition had been an and wife Elizabeth of -35ûC as long as Ottawa, Canada in overwhelming success. A polar expedition to the highest it is not windy Ð April 1997. Over a year later Ronald vividly remembers his latitudes of 89˚N - 90˚N. The journey to the arctic journey. “It was difficult to readjust to real North Pole was to take life,” he admits. “At the North Pole there are no itÕs the wind that Ronald and James appointments, no routine and no rat-race. The eeling on top of the world was a very real through the Northwest region is strange, primitive and merciless. It’s not emotion for Aston graduate Ronald kills you.Ó Territories, on to a world where you take chances.” FHeath as he stood at the North Pole. Resolute Bay with a Meeting up with the polar expedition stop at Eureka before was a great risk for him and his son. flying the final 700 miles to the North Pole. At The prospect of supporting the charity Resolute Bay, however, the weather began to close ‘Whizz-Kidz’ made it all in fast and temperatures plummeted. What had seem worthwhile. begun as a straightforward journey had suddenly Ronald Heath (1967 BSc Mechanical turned into a slow and gradual move northwards Engineering) could hardly believe through territories populated by only a few the message waiting for him when thousand Inuit. he returned home from work in December 1996. A team of former soldiers was embarking on a high profile fund-raising expedition to the North Pole to promote ‘Whizz-Kidz’, a charity which provides mobility aids for disabled children to help improve their quality of life. Ronald’s son, James, has cerebral palsy and had already benefited from ‘Whizz-Kidz’. They were both to be given the opportunity to profile the work of the charity by flying out to the North Pole to meet up with the expedition team. The expedition was scheduled for Spring 1997. “The ice is at its thickest in winter,” explained Ronald, “but there is no sunshine

ÒAt the North Pole there are no appointments, no routine and no rat-race. The region On top of the world is strange, primitive and merciless. ItÕs not a world where you take chances.Ó

P8 P9 START

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P10 P11 ÒThe inspiration behind my paintings Profiles is almost always an overwhelming Getting to the art of Aston sense of urgency to put down on paper he next time you buy a greetings card have a look at the name of the artist – you may be my emotions and Tcloser to Aston University than you think. The work of 1988 BSc Modern Languages thoughts about graduate Alison Fennell is now widely available in the high street. a subject.Ó “I was absolutely dumbstruck when I caught sight of a framed print of my sunflowers picture in the window of a branch of a national greetings card chain,” she admits. A wonderful feeling no doubt, but evidence of a tremendous amount of hard work and a sound business sense to realise a childhood ambition.

Born in , Alison has always shown Sunflowers a keen interest in all things creative. As a child distinctively impressionistic feel: “I am a bit of a This is the first step towards Alison’s ambitious she spent hours surrounded by glue, paper, card would give tips on how to look at a subject chameleon and usually find myself tackling career goal to one day own her own gallery. and paint and holds up her class prize for a carefully in order to draw more realistically. different subjects in different styles. I would hate Alison is now concentrating on developing her drawing of Pinocchio as one of her earliest Despite this strong encouragement, art took a to have a portfolio of identically rendered commission work, and hopes to expand her achievements. Alison’s talent was encouraged by back seat during Alison’s years at secondary paintings varying only in subject matter. That to contacts in the public galleries of Bath, Bristol her grandfather, himself an oil painter, who school. She became interested in languages and me is boring. I like to be free to experiment with and London as well as producing more designs went on to qualify as a teacher. It was not until the medium and express myself however I want.” for the greetings card market. This autumn she Poppies 1993 at a local art exhibition that she resurrected This love of open expression brings a dimension will have had the double satisfaction of a second her childhood passion for art. Here she met of freshness to her work – probably one of the month long gallery show at “The Makers” in teacher Arnold Lowrey who was to become her main attractions for international greeting card as well as seeing her work on the cover of mentor. It was his encouragement that inspired publishers Beechwood Publications Ltd©. Alison a book distributed by Welsh publishers “Honno”. her to pursue her creative talent. explains that it was no easy task to prepare her Alison can be contacted via the Alumni Relations Office. She describes her style as representational portfolio for publication: “It took me a solid although some of her floral work has a month creating new ideas and struggling to work to an unfamiliar paper size. The hard slog was worth it, however, when two of those portfolio designs went into print a few months later.” Alison Fennell painting with ÒIn the early 70s pictures of completed works I used to love watching Tony Hart ÒI practised on an and Rolf Harris doing ironing board left their art programmes permanently up in and creating the hallway of my amazing pictures flat. This was the only spare with seemingly working space I had where I could leave everything and come back effortless ease.Ó to it when I felt like it.Ó

P12 P13 Profiles Where A guide to Buckingham Palace

oing to London to see the Queen was no fairy tale for Samantha Jenks (1997 BSc are they now? GHuman Psychology). In June she received her Queen’s Guide Award and was invited to the ÒIÕve met the Queen, prestigious Young Achievers’ Reception at A regular feature to bring you up to date on the activities of your Buckingham Palace. Viscount Linley, contemporaries. Here you will discover who’s doing what and where they have Samantha’s interest in The Guide Association gone. If you would like to share your news with readers, please drop a line to the began at the age of seven when she joined her actress Julia local Brownie pack. Sixteen years and a string of Alumni Relations Office at the usual address. Why not include a photograph? awards later, she is now a Guider in St Paul’s Sawalha and Brownies in Hampstead, Birmingham. As a Guide she gained Mandy Dingle the Baden-Powell 1950s 1960s Trefoil, the highest from Emmerdale.Ó award for her age Thomas Yates (1955 BSc Mechanical Janet Roughton (nŽe Bentley: 1964 BSc group. This motivated Engineering) is now enjoying retirement after a Pharmacy) is a self employed locum pharmacist her to accept the successful career as Chief Engineer for Lucas in the West Midlands. Janet is also a member of international charity, ‘Tools for Self-Reliance’, challenge of Aerospace Engine Systems. Aston Graduates’ Association. which reconditions old tools and dispatches completing the highest them overseas. I also embroidered greetings cards, After graduation, Peter Wells (1958 BSc achievement possible: which I sold and raised £300.” Engineering) undertook further research at The Queen’s Guide Bristol University. He is currently working as Award. Despite the huge amount of dedication needed to Chief Physicist for the United Bristol Healthcare complete the Award, Samantha still found time Samantha embarked on NHS Trust. to serve on local committees, including the a programme which Birmingham branch of PHAB Camps (Physically was to run for three Handicapped and Able Bodied), an organisation years, “almost exactly which provides holiday opportunities for the same time as my children of all abilities. Since January 1998 she undergraduate studies,” has been working as a Speech Therapy Assistant she points out. Her with the Paediatrics Team of the NBC NHS Trust work involved and is considering returning to education to gain completing numerous professional qualifications. projects in the home, community and In recognition of her commitment to The Guide overseas. “Some Guides Association and her work within the local With a little help from friends, Samantha carried out an access help out with projects community, Samantha’s Division Commissioner survey in London. abroad,” explains nominated her for the Young Achievers’ Samantha, “but because I am Reception in London. Samantha was one of only in a wheelchair that would five other young people from the Midlands who have been difficult. I decided to had the honour of meeting members of the ÒSometimes collect tools for the Royal Family. the workload felt like I was studying for two degrees.Ó

Janet Roughton (bottom row, second from left) and Pharmacy students visit a pharmaceutical manufacturer, 1960

P14 P15 The following people are no longer in touch with the Alumni Relations Office. If you know of Where are they now? their whereabouts, please contact us. Tessa Avery (1997 MSc Personnel Management and Business 1960s 1970s Administration) Andrew Brumley Vrahimis Petri (1965 BSc Physics Robert Fradley (1972 BSc Social Sciences) was Christina Wheeler (nŽe Parkhouse: 1979 BSc Elizabeth Dickinson (nŽe Hornabrook: 1988 BSc Now married, (1992 BEng Mechanical and Mathematics) the first undergraduate to be sponsored by Computer Science and French) worked in the IT Society and Government and Business has returned to his former Engineering) school in Cyprus as Senior Mathematics Master. Birmingham Police Force. Now retired, he runs a industry for many years after graduation. A full Administration) worked for academic publishing Vrahimis would like to hear from Peter Rock, bed and breakfast in Bath with his wife, Jill. time mother until recently; she is now training to companies as Marketing Manager after Christopher Chileshe Colin House, and David Perkins. Malcolm Hawksford (1968 BSc and 1972 PhD be a GNVQ and A level Computer Science teacher. graduation. Elizabeth is now part time proof- (1996 PhD Mechanical reader and full time mother to fourteen month Engineering) Tony Stanley (1966 BSc Chemistry and Zoology) Electrical Engineering) is now a Professor at old Jake. worked as Environmental Manager for the Essex University where he specialises in audio Matthew Crummack National Rivers Authority until his retirement in engineering and electronics. He has lectured both Joanne Fairhurst (nŽe Mayor: 1988 BSc Human (1993 BSc 1996. Tony is a JP and a member of his local at under- and postgraduate levels as well as 1980s Psychology) is IT Training Manager with Price International Business amateur dramatics association. He is currently supervising numerous research students. Waterhouse Coopers in Hong Kong. and French) working on a production of “An Evening with Graham Hanson (1974 BSc Combined Honours) Stephen Powell (1980 BSc Managerial and Guy Williams (1988 BSc Business Brent Ellis Gary Lineker”. currently works for an education foundation in Administrative Studies) is currently Distribution Administration and French) is Group Finance (1988 BSc Managerial Alan Barker-Benfield (1967 MSc Production Malaysia. Planning Manager for Argos. Director for the Welsh . During his and Administrative Engineering) Aston days, Guy was also a member of the Guild Studies) now lives and works in Vienna, Having recently left Hope Hospital where she was Stephen Humphries (1981 BSc Political Studies Rugby Club. Austria. He is IT Architect for IBM and his last Director of Pharmacy, Christine Clark (1975 BSc and Business Administration) moved to Sydney, David Hatch Vrahimis Petri assignment took him to Switzerland where he Pharmacy) is now a Research Associate at Australia in 1987. After 3 years in Papua New Dawn Anderson (nŽe Purselove: 1989 (1993 BSc Pharmacy) assisted a tobacco company in preparing their IT Psychology and Business Administration) Manchester University. Guinea, Stephen moved to New South , is Stuart Henderson systems for the Year 2000. Australia where he is a partner with Price Business Manager for Nottingham City Hospital International student ÔKellyÕ Hussain (1975 PhD (1986 BSc Ophthalmic James Leach (1967 BSc Engineering) Waterhouse Coopers. NHS Trust. Dawn is responsible for coordinating worked for Mechanical Engineering) is the President and Optics) the National Grid Company for 27 years as Public Christopher Jackson (1981 BSc Transport and national and international training courses. General Manager for Alstar Engineering Ltd, Keith Heppenstall Relations Officer. He is currently a self employed Business Administration) Steve Richardson (1989 PhD Geological Canada. is Deputy Editor for (1986 BSc Energy PR Consultant. Science) Alexander Robertson (1976 PhD Mechanical Railway Gazette International. joined British Nuclear Fuels Plc at Technology) Stephen Salt (1968 BSc Production Technology Sellafield. As a Senior Research Associate and Engineering) is Director of Mechanical Nigel Woodcock (1982 MSc Public Sector and Management) Chartered Chemist, Steve’s work has been related Andrew Hicks lives in Kentucky, USA. Engineering for Sierra Technologies Inc. Management) is Finance Director at to operating the plant. He would like to get in (1988 BEng Mechanical Stephen has worked for Alcan Sheet Products for Alexander met his wife, Ibtissam Al-Daimerlani, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. touch with other geology postgraduates. Engineering) 30 years as Engineering and Maintenance at Aston. They now live in New York with their Kwong Ching Lee (1985 BSc Mechanical Manager. Steve and his wife, Pat, raise Irish setters Vanessa Holden daughter, Nadia. Engineering) is working as a professional and compete successfully with them in field trials (1985 BSc Nick Harris (1976 BSc Chemistry) Mechanical Engineer at the Baptist University in and hunting tests. is a Mathematics) Management Consultant for Pera. He would like Hong Kong. He would like to hear from his good Matthew Lintern to say, “Hello,” to all Chemistry graduates friend Jonathan Virgil Cox of the same year. (1996 BSc Managerial of 1976. Annette Judges (nŽe Penman: 1985 MSc and Administrative Personnel Management) Wallace Wilson (1976 BSc Behavioural Science) is Head of Human Studies) works for the Legal Aid Board as Group Duty Resources for the Northern Birmingham Mental Christopher Lowe Solicitor and Franchise Manager. Wallace is also a Health NHS trust. (1997 BSc Computing dedicated supporter of Newcastle United! Peter Munro (1985 MSc Public Sector Science) Cris Mota Soares (1977 PhD Mechanical Management) works for the Department of Richard Nutt Engineering) is Associate Professor of the Health as a Social Services Inspector. (1997 MEng Chemical Mechanical Engineering Department at the Mark Wright (1985 BSc Physics) is a partner with Engineering) Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal. the tour operator, Majestic Tours. Amanda Roxburgh John Claxton (1978 BSc Civil Engineering) Rosemary Arrowsmith-Oliver (1987 MSc (née Sawyer) studied for a postgraduate diploma in Health and Personnel Management) is a Local Government (1993 BSc International Safety at Aston in 1979. He is now a Health and Manager in the Borough of Enfield, London. Business and German) Safety Executive inspecting the public utilities, Mark Pearson (1987 BSc Business engineering and construction sites. Anne Sanchez Administration and German) is an Associate (1996 MSc Personnel Tina Morris (1979 BSc French and German) is Partner of Andersen Consulting. Kwong Ching Lee with daughters Jane (right) and Judith Management and Head of Events for Motivforce Group Plc. Business Kelly Hussain, Ibtissam Robertson, Glenys Hussain, Cris Mota Soares, Sandy Robertson (left to right) Administration)

P16 P17 Where are they now? A number of graduates have contacted Weddings the Alumni Relations Office trying to get back in touch with former friends, 1990s flatmates and research partners. Susan Mowse (1990 BSc Managerial and Rachel Cowburn (1995 BSc French and German) Many have been successfully reunited, but others Administrative Studies) has recently been worked in Brussels for Glenys Kinnock MEP after are proving a little more difficult to track down! Do promoted to Marketing Manager for TMS graduation. She completed a traineeship in the you know the whereabouts of any of the following? International Ltd. European Commission, and now works as Michael Archer Marc Garrett (1991 BSc Managerial and Parliamentary Research Assistant for Chris (1986 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies) Administrative Studies) Pond MP. is Branch Manager of car Michael Coles Colin Stone (BSc sales company MJ Autogroup Plc. Pan European Utilities Analyst (1992 MSc Telecommunications Technology) Stephen Hills (1991 BSc Managerial and 1995 Mathematics and Computer Science), is currently working for BT Alex Brown Michael Crossley Administrative Studies) is Second Officer and International, London. (1980 BSc Civil Engineering) Deck Navigator aboard ships belonging to the Claire and Piers McLeish Coflexip Stena Offshore Group. “Apart from Robert Lee Aston (1996 PhD Civil Engineering) Louise Davis (née Diggle) travelling all over the world, the best thing about lives in Georgia, USA. He is a practising attorney (1979 BSc Modern Languages) Robert Lee Aston my way of life is the six months leave!” at law, specialising in mining and George English admits Steve. environmental law. (1976 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies)

Claire Butler (nŽe Benton: 1992 BSc Nomaan Bin Bashir (1997 MSc Marketing Gareth and Sharon O’Leary Graham Fosh International Business and German) works for Management) is Corporate Accounts Manager for (1981 BSc Mathematics and Computer Science) Bass Brewers as Marketing Communications Cable and Wireless, Pakistan. Ian Fryer Manager. Julie Richardson (1997 BSc Applied Chemistry) is Gareth and Sharon (nŽe Sulley) (1987 BEng Civil Engineering) Paul Jackson (1992 BSc Business Administration a nuclear plant chemist and has recently moved OÕLeary married in August 1996. Anthony Gavin and Mathematics) is Branch Manager for Newey to Anglesea. They are both 1993 Pharmacy (1973 BSc Combined Honours) and Eyre. John ÔTedÕ Worth (1997 MSc Teaching English) is graduates. Sarah Hall Tina Kochhar (1992 BSc International Business Director of an English school in Greece. He was 1993 BSc International Business (1974 BSc Chemistry and Physics) and German) is Fleet Business Manager with the recently elected Treasurer of TESOL, Greece. and Modern Languages graduates Ford Motor Company. Claire Buchanan and Piers Steve Hill (1974 BSc Biology and Chemistry) Sara Reeve (1992 BSc Ergonomics and Computer McLeish, married in September Science) works for University Hospital, 1994. Claire is currently Michelle Jordan Lewisham as Clinical Audit Manager. Sara would Marketing Analyst at (1988 BSc Pharmacy) like to say, “Hello,” to all who know her from her Looking for Michelle and Martyn Styles Jungheinrich (GB) Ltd, and Piers Simon Kerrich Aston days. is Systems Development Manager (1986 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies) for MBNA International Bank Tina Kochhar Aston graduates Kerry Glover (1994 Managerial Richard Lavelle someone from in Chester. and Administrative Studies) and Nick Elton (1993 (1980 BSc Civil Engineering) BSc Computer Science) are getting married next Michelle (nŽe McConville) (1988 year. Kerry is Resourcing Manager for Railtrack Doug Learmonth BSc Pharmacy) and Martyn Styles Great Western and Nick is a Police Officer with Aston? (1976 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies) (1987 BSc Society and Surrey police. Nicolette Obertelli Government and Public Policy) (1974 BSc Combined Honours) Faith Carter (1994 PhD Mechanical Engineering) Contact the Alumni Relations Office. married in June 1992. Michelle is is back in working as a Network f we have a current address, you will be Head of Information Services at Richard Potter Forecasting Analyst for Orange. invited to write a letter. We will pass on the National Pharmaceutical (1989 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies) Mike Freeman (1994 PhD Management) is a Iyour letter to the address we hold. As we Association and has appeared on Dewi Powell lecturer and also writes for the professional press. rely on graduates telling us when they move the BBC several times (1995 BSc Chemical Engineering with European representing the NPA. Martyn is Kate Lovegrove (nŽe Hatherill: 1994 BSc on, we cannot guarantee the person is still at Studies) the address we hold. We would like to hope, Computer Networks Manager of a Business Administration and German) is Adrian Raybould however, that you all keep in touch with us corporate services company. They Marketing Communications Specialist for (1980 BSc Civil Engineering) and tell us of any changes to your address. are expecting their first child in Creative Labs (UK) Ltd. The post box service does not give out March next year. Stephen Welch Carol Toomer (1993 PhD Pharmacy) works for individual names and addresses to enquirers (1991 MSc Telecommunications Technology) the Imperial College Medical School as Research and all mail is treated in strict confidence. Justin Williams Assistant in the Dermatology department. Santrupt Misra and Mike Freeman (1995 BEng Chemical Engineering)

P18 P19 Report of ÔTalkbackÕ the year March The success of the partnership between the AGA University, the city of Birmingham and Lloyds Bank was evident on a recent visit to the Science Park. There has been extensive development work in the area which has changed it into a thriving Prize-winner business centre for small hi-tech companies ach year AGA awards a prize to a graduate May who has made a significant contribution to Ethe life of the University. The 1998 prize was The AGM was held on 15 May 1998. The awarded to Anthony Ellison (1997 BSc International discussion addressed the ongoing issues of how Business and German). AGA is to move forward into the next millennium. The AGM was followed by the ever-tasteful Anthony contributed enormously to the activi- cheese and wine party! As usual there was an ties of the Students’ Guild. He was RAG Officer excellent selection of fine wines and cheeses and in his second year and was responsible for thanks must be given to all those who helped coordinating events which raised £20,000 for with the organisation of the event. charity. He was also a Guild Counsellor and IBML Course Representative. Anthony’s love June of skiing led him to become Captain of Aston’s Ski Club and, under his leadership, Birmingham can lay claim to being the birthplace Aston won a place in the National of many influential people. Amongst these are University Finals for the first time. Prior to Matthew Boulton and James Watt who, with studying at Aston, Anthony was himself a others, contributed much to manufacturing and member of the British Ski Team. scientific investigation in the area. As a follow-up Noticeboard to the recent visit to Soho House, AGA members joined up with the ’s Guild of Graduates to hear Dr Brian Giles’ lecture on the recording of local weather phenomenon Past AGA Chairman, Lawrence Innis (1989 MSc over the last 100 years. Next year’s lecture will be Public Sector Management) was appointed by the organised by AGA – all suggestions gratefully Secretary of State for Health as a Non-Executive received. Sir Adrian Cadbury (left) Director of Solihull National Health Care Trust. presents the AGA Prize July to Anthony Ellison John Evans is no longer email contact for AGA Petanque Challenge members. Correspondence should be addressed to There was a time when AGA could boast a close An additional point is that the University wishes the Secretary or can be sent via the Alumni liaison with the British Petanque Association for AGA to assist the Alumni Relations Office in Relations Office for forwarding. having amongst its membership stars of the establishing regional branches throughout the international circuit. The courts at , world. These branches will help develop Dear AGA once the site for many gruelling matches played professional networking opportunities amongst The Social Secretary is currently finalising details out to the bitter end are now overgrown with Aston graduates as well as offering a social of another visit to the BBC at Pebble Mill for weeds. With such a reputation to maintain, AGA function. The Alumni Relations Office has those unable to join the group last time. felt obliged to accept a recent challenge from the Members received specific requests from graduates in Hints Petanque Club to a match on their village Canada, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan and court. Hints Petanque club are to be congratulated s a newcomer to AGA, I have become aware Singapore to set up groups. I would encourage The last issue of Apex acknowledged AGA’s for supplying the rule book, boules, cochinon of a need for the Association to become any graduate living in these areas to contact the generous donation to the commemorative clock and refreshments in a vain attempt to improve Amore dynamic and adopt a pro-active on the face of the South Wing. Jenny Martin Alumni Relations Office if they are interested in their chances. Nonetheless, AGA team members approach to serving its membership. I hope to see supporting this venture. comments, “Sitting at the Tilton Road End rose to the occasion in magnificent fashion and AGA working closely with the Alumni Relations watching Birmingham City Football Club beat I look forward to your continued support. won the contest with ease. Office with the aim of improving services and Manchester United in a pre-season friendly benefits for both graduates and students of Aston match a few weeks ago, I found myself admiring University. This, I am certain, will attract more the city skyline silhouetted by the setting sun. members and help the Alumni Relations Office Philip Taylor One of the most impressive buildings on the and the Committee to further enhance the Philip Taylor (1996 MBA) skyline is without doubt Aston University Main activities of AGA. Vice-Chairman of AGA Building with the South Wing clock.”

P20 P21 1978 Environmental Health 1978 graduates of Environmental Health celebrated their 20 years in style. “We had a great meal, lots to drink and a ‘bop’ to the old songs of the 70s! We intend to Reunions have a 25 year reunion in 2003,” said Les Poultney (1978 BSc Environmental Health).

Front seated left to right: Sue Schofield (née Hockey) Robin Reunions are a great time to catch up with friends and enjoy being together Barnes and children, Daphne Arnold (née Roger). Rear with your year group again. The Alumni Relations Office can help you standing left to right: Les Poultney, Steve Dudley, Judy Carter, Sue Hibbert (née Merrington), Graham Roberts, organise a reunion or publicise your event in Apex. Here is a taste of what Bob Hatfield, Sue Paull (née Best), John Gee, John Zarins, Richard Farr, Dave Dainty, Derek Piekarczyk and Steve has been happening over the past few months. Sumner.

1978 Environmental Health

IBML 93 Reunion Dinner IHD/TT/Alvey Scheme To celebrate five years since their graduation, 40 Drs Alastair Cochran and Derek Hickson (tutors) families. The reunion was held in the Senior International Business and Modern Languages were joined by Drs David Newey, Alastair Purves, Common Room and gave everyone the graduates and guests returned to Aston on Faith Carter, Clive Hickman, Paul Crane, Rosanne opportunity to catch up on news. The next September 5th. The evening was the initiative of Wrench, Andrew Carruthers, Alan Pilkington, reunion is planned for March 2000 and details Nick Baldwin (1993 BSc IBML German) who Cedric Rodrigues and Michael Wood with their can be obtained from Dr Mike Wood. contacted the Alumni Relations Office back in June to discuss the possibility of organising a reunion for his year group. “The initial thought of organising a five year reunion filled me with dread. How many people would I be able to track IBML93 Reunion Dinner down? Would they want to come? And how big would my phone bill be? However, a single call to the Alumni Relations Office solved all my problems. They were totally geared up to organise our reunion and they were raring to go!”

IHD/TT/Alvey Scheme Biannual Reunion

Ò The initial thought of organising Answers to the picture quiz in issue one 1. The tree was donated to the University by AGA in the 1970s. a five year reunion filled me 2. The Vauxhall Dining Centre photograph dates from 1978. 3. The Sacks of Potatoes, originally a potato factory, has been at Gosta Green for 105 years. with dread.Ó 4. The 19th Century water trough is now located near the Students’ Guild. 5. This building was the former Department of Geology.

P22 P23 Aston University gifts

To order your Aston University gifts, please complete the order form below and send it to: The Alumni Relations Office, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, England. All prices include VAT @17.5%. Postage and packing extra. Please add per item: £2.00 UK and Europe; £3.00 Outside Europe.

Title Description Price Quantity Total Each (£) (£) Full name Full address Genoso roller ball pen in blue marble effect 12.00 Genoso fountain pen in blue marble effect 14.00 Parker roller ball pen 6.00 Postcode Document wallet 19.99 Country Desk clock and business card holder 19.99 Name at Aston if different Leather wallet and credit card holder 12.00 Calculator 7.00 Degree and subject studied Golf umbrella 12.00 Year of award Mug (navy) 3.00 The Origin and Development of Tick as appropriate: ❏ Aston University 1895-1996. Written by I enclose a cheque in pounds sterling Professor George Parker (hardback) 19.99 drawn on a bank in England for £ ❏ Total postage and packing I wish to pay by Mastercard/Visa/Switch/Access/ Delta/Solo. Please charge to my account. Order Total Card number Expiry date Payment can be made by credit card or cheque made payable to Aston University in sterling and Name on card drawn on a bank in England. All orders must be accompanied by full payment. Refunds will only be given if the goods are faulty. Please allow 28 days for delivery from receipt of order. Cardholder’s signature