Issue 32 SPRING 2010 The magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Ulster
University Announces New Chancellor
University News
Events and Reunions
People
Arts
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Green Light for Magee Expansion 3 Top Marketing Students Recognised 4 I have just returned from a short visit to Canada and Lifelong Learning for NI Graduates 5 the USA, where I and my colleagues had the pleasure of Honorary Graduates 7 meeting with a number of alumni now living on the other Celebrating 160 years of Art and Design in Belfast 8 side of the Atlantic (see page 15). It was a great reminder Health Research at Ulster 9 that our alumni community is truly worldwide – we now have alumni in 121 countries. innovation We have also held a number of events closer to home, including a very successful reunion for students from the University Scoops Top UK Award 10 Belfast campus, held at Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast Spin-Out company wins top business award 10 and a reception in the House of Commons in London. For Innovators Triumph at £25k awards 11 information on past and future events see pages 15-18. We now have over 3,000 members of our online development and alumni news community – Ulster Alumni Online. If you haven’t yet registered you can do so at http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk. Alumni Fund Awards for Academic Excellence 12 You can use the site to check and update the details we Alumni Fund 13 hold on you, contact other alumni members, book for Christmas Reception with the Conservators 14 events and see photographs of past events and reunions. Development Event at the OBG 14 I hope that you enjoy reading this issue. alumni reunions and events Best wishes North American Events 15 Art and Design Reunion 16 Alumni Relations Manager Seventh Alumni Golf Challenge 17 Published by House of Commons Event 18 The Alumni Relations Office, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT37 0QB. people Tel: 08 700 400 700 (Switchboard), or 028 9036 8350 (Direct Line) Fax: 028 9036 6085 Richard Moore 19 Email: [email protected] Brian McLaughlin 20 Web: http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk Classnotes 21 First Trust Bank/ Distinguished Graduate Award 27 Editor: Sue Rees, Alumni Relations Manager Design: Lairdesign Print: W&G Baird arts Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily of The Little Box of Wonders 29 the University. The University of Ulster regrets that it cannot accept Connect, Share, Create 29 responsibility for any claim whatsoever which may arise out of advertisements carried in good faith. Ulster Festival of Art and Design 30 Empty Spaces Project 30 Cover Photograph New Chancellor James Nesbitt - sport see page 2 for full story. Special Visitors 31 Sports and Golf Scholars 32 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 1 university news New University Chancellor - James Nesbitt The new Chancellor of the University very impressive and it is great to see the is to be the acclaimed actor success Ulster students have enjoyed in James Nesbitt. recent years across a number of sports including athletics, soccer, rugby, Gaelic The 45-year-old father of two will succeed Games, basketball, hockey and golf and former London Lord Mayor, Sir Richard to see the wonderful sports facilities it has Nichols who is standing down after eight built including the state-of-the-art High years in the post. Performance Centre at Jordanstown. The chair of the University’s ruling Council, “As an actor, I know how important the Gerry Mallon confirmed the University had Riverside Theatre has been for Coleraine offered the star of ‘Cold Feet’, ‘Murphy’s but the University has also shown a Law’ and ‘Bloody Sunday’ the position and tremendous commitment to the arts in he had accepted. general whether it is through the work of the Foyle Arts Centre or the School “We’re delighted James, a former of Art and Design in Belfast or its active student at the University and an honorary support for Derry/Londonderry’s bid to graduate, has agreed to take on this very Former Chancellor Sir Richard Nichols. become UK city of culture in 2013 – a important role,” Mr Mallon said. cause I very much support. And at a penned BBC series ‘Murphy’s Law’, ‘Jekyll’, time when Northern Ireland is looking “James is taking over as Chancellor at ‘The Passion’ and the Iraq War drama to forge a bright economic future, the an exciting time for Ulster and will bring ‘Occupation’. On the big screen, he has quality of Ulster’s research and innovation, considerable energy, dynamism and appeared in Michael Winterbottom’s ‘Jude’ its investment in science, technology, commitment to this post. This is also and ‘Welcome to Sarajevo’, the hit comedy engineering and maths, its provision of the first time there has been a Northern ‘Waking Ned Devine’, Paul Greengrass’s professionally accredited degree courses Ireland-born Chancellor of the University. ‘Bloody Sunday’, Woody Allen’s ‘Match and its commitment to widening access to Point’ and last year opposite Liam Neeson education is inspiring. “He succeeds an eminent and respected in Oliver Hirschbiegel’s post-Troubles drama Chancellor in the form of Sir Richard ‘Five Minutes of Heaven’. “I am very much looking forward to Nichols who has served the University taking on this role and doing what I can to with great distinction since his installation The actor, who is a passionate fan of both advance the University of Ulster.” in May 2002. We very much appreciate Manchester United and Coleraine FC, the time and the commitment Sir Richard has been in Serbia shooting a movie of Vice Chancellor Professor Richard devoted to the University, its staff and Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’ directed by and Barnett also welcomed James students and we wish him and his family starring Ralph Fiennes and also featuring Nesbitt’s appointment. well for the future.” Brian Cox, Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave. “We are very pleased James has agreed to In 2003, Broughshane-born James Nesbitt take on this important leadership role for received the honorary degree of Doctor Taking a break from filming, he said: “I am the University,” he said. of Letters (D Litt) from the University for deeply honoured to have been asked by Services to Drama. He had previously the University of Ulster to be its Chancellor. “I have no doubt he will be a wonderful studied French at Ulster but left to pursue ambassador for Ulster and will serve the a career in acting by studying drama at the “It is a good time to be joining the University with the same distinction as Sir Central School of Speech and Drama University as it embarks on two major Richard and other Chancellors before him. in London. development plans in Greater Belfast I would like to thank Sir Richard and Lady and the North West which could make Nichols for everything they have done for After a breakthrough role in Peter a significant difference to the academic, the University and wish them well.” Chelsom’s movie ‘Hear My Song’ about the cultural, sporting and economic tenor Joseph Locke, he was propelled to renaissance of the cities of Belfast and As he stepped down from the role, Sir stardom when he landed the lead role in Derry/Londonderry and also Northern Richard Nichols told the Court of the ITV’s comedy drama ‘Cold Feet’ alongside Ireland as a whole. University he looked back on his eight Helen Baxendale, John Thomson and years at Ulster with a lot of “personal pride Fay Ripley. “As a native of Coleraine I know how and admiration” at what the institution much the University contributes to the had achieved. “I have been very privileged Over the years, he has built up an community there and its unwaivering indeed to be in this post in these busy and impressive body of work on stage, commitment to my hometown. sometimes difficult times and look forward television and movies, mixing comedy to hearing about the further successes of with more hard hitting material. This has “The University’s investment in Northern the University, its staff and students in the included lead roles in the Colin Bateman Ireland’s sporting talent has also been years to come,” he added. 2 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 university news Green Light for Magee Expansion The University’s development plan Welcoming the Foyle and Londonderry Assembly. With the news that we have for Magee reached a significant College agreement, Vice-Chancellor secured an option on these sites – and milestone when the University Professor Richard Barnett said: once government gives us permission to signed an Option Agreement with recruit more students – we can commence Foyle and Londonderry College to “The agreement signed here today is an our build-up of student numbers. secure 30 acres of land for expansion. important milestone in the delivery of our development plans for Magee, the “Our aim is to help deliver the economic The Northland Road lands – which city and the region. and cultural regeneration of the North will become vacant when Foyle and West, injecting vitality, energy and Londonderry College migrates across the “The University has always made it clear that creativity into the region, assisting its Foyle to its new site at Clooney – will a pre-condition for the expansion at Magee transformation into a dynamic cultural, offer much-needed space for the growth was the acquisition of additional land and creative and educational destination. of third-level education in the city. we have submitted a bid to expand our student numbers which we hope will receive “Today’s agreement opens the door to Ulster’s growth strategy for Magee all party support in the Northern Ireland a new era in the life of Magee.” concentrates on developing and sustaining high-quality, regionally relevant provision with an emphasis on professional education for professional life. The University has ambitious plans for development of the campus, including: n The creation of an Institute of Sustainable Technologies n The creation of an Institute of Health and Wellbeing n Expansion of Computing, Electronics and Software n Expansion of Creative Technologies and Animation Celebrating the agreement were Professor Jim Allen, Provost of Magee; Jack Magill, Headmaster of Foyle n Expansion in Business and and Londonderry College; Professor Deirdre Heenan, Dean of Academic Development at Magee, and Robin Professional Services Young, Chairman of Foyle and Londonderry College Board of Governors. UNIVERSITY BRIEFS CONGRESSMAN ON DEVELOPMENT PLANS A leading member of the US at George Washington University as Congress was just one of the well as hosting an alumni event in the people briefed on the University’s National Press Club. Greater Belfast and North West Development Plans during a recent Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alastair visit by senior management to Adair used visits to Ottawa, Boston and North America. New York to inform US and Canadian friends of the University and alumni on Massachusetts Democratic the plans to revamp the Belfast campus Congressman Richard E Neal and chair at York Street and expand Magee. of the influential Friends of Ireland Group in Congress played host to a On their return to Northern Ireland, meeting with Vice-Chancellor Professor Congressman Neal with Professor Barnett. Professor Barnett and Professor Adair Richard Barnett during his visit to also met on the Belfast campus US Washington DC. Education, the Northern Ireland Bureau, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s the World Affairs Council and the British economic envoy to Northern Ireland Among those Professor Barnett also met and Irish Embassies. Declan Kelly to discuss the development were staff from Connecticut Senator plans and Ulster’s strong performance Christopher Dodd’s office, the US The Vice-Chancellor also toured the in the UK’s recent research State Department, US Department of campus and met with senior management assessment exercise. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 3 university news Top Marketing Students Recognised Six outstanding marketing students “This is a day of celebration which brings Richard Kee, were recognised for their exceptional together our students, family members, MSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship, achievements at a special ceremony academic staff and sponsors.” from Dundonald at the Jordanstown campus in Wrightbus Award for Excellence - January 2010. The winners were: Best Overall Final Year Student The annual Marketing Excellence Charlotte Jess, Dominic Darby, Awards celebrate the dedication and BSc Hons Marketing, from Carrickfergus MSc Agri-food Business Development, hard work of marketing students from Marketing Institute of Ireland Award from Belfast the class of 2008/2009. for Excellence - Best Overall Final Moy Park Award for Excellence - Year Student Best Overall Student Charlotte Jess, who won Best Overall Chartered Institute of Marketing Final Year Student and Best BSc Award for Excellence - Best Dissertation Dissertation, acquired the position Claire McCamley, of E-Marketing Executive at Randox MSc Marketing, from Maghera Laboratories in Crumlin just a few Envision Management Consultants months after graduating last year. Award for Excellence - Best Dissertation Professor Rodney McAdam, Head Catherine Robinson, of the Department of Marketing, BSc Hons Marketing, from Ballymena Entrepreneurship and Strategy said: Hastings Hotels Award for Excellence - Best Overall Second Year Student “All of these award winners were outstanding students. For those who Emma Hawthorne, left university last summer, we are glad BSc Hons Marketing, from Carrickfergus to hear that many of them have gained Property News Award for Excellence - employment in marketing. Best Overall E-Marketing Student Award winner Charlotte Jess. Graduate into Business University of Ulster graduates are offered the chance One such Ulster graduate entrepreneur is Dr Andy Barr. As to turn their business dreams into reality with an a child, Andy was captivated by the story of the Six Million exciting new initiative called Graduate Into Business. Dollar Man, astronaut Steve Austin. This fascination influenced both his academic and career choices and The Graduate Into Business Programme addresses Marturion was founded in March 2001 to offer innovation key issues of why graduates wait to start their own services to companies who need electronics and software business, often delaying the process for up to 10 years design for new or existing products, with particular focus after graduation. The programme enables graduates to on the medical device sector. match their skill level with an appropriate career in self- employment and entrepreneurship. Marturion now employs thirty people and trades out of Knockmore Hill Industrial Park in Lisburn, providing goods A range of support services are on offer, including and services to markets as widespread as the Far East, mentoring in specialist areas such as financial Africa and the Americas. Andy is now proactive in sharing management, commercial law, sales development and his experiences and encouraging local entrepreneurship. resource management. Networking events, market research services and incubation facilities are also offered, Graduate Into Business is funded by Lisburn City Council together with an opportunity to bid for funding in a and the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme unique Dragons Den style forum. Not only does the NI 2007 – 2013, and delivered by Lisburn Enterprise programme assist in the business start up phase, it also Organisation. Full programme details are available from supports existing graduate entrepreneurs with the growth [email protected] or log on to and development of their business. www.lisburngraduateintobusiness.co.uk 4 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 university news Lifelong Learning for Northern Ireland Graduates In the 21st century, job patterns have changed and throughout their working life. The ideal vehicle for those who wish the concept of a job for life is one that seems a underpinning ethos of successful to enhance their knowledge and thing of the past. There is an identified need for lifelong learning is based on the skills within a professional practice more flexible and responsive workforce development, modular and progressive acquisition context. Offered exclusively by including a requirement for upskilling to ensure of skill, enabling individuals in the the University it forms an integral maximum performance and success. Institutions, workplace to gain recognition part of the Graduate Acceleration including Ulster, are increasingly seeking to develop for their learning at a pace that Programme (GAP) www.gapni.com employability attributes as an explicit and embedded suits them and their employers. part of academic learning that an individual can Flexible part-time provision that GAP is a 26 week professional continue to develop in order to remain employable is accessible at a time and place placement programme, supported to suit the individual (and which by DEL which enables graduates enables collaborative activities where who are eligible for job seekers individuals can share experiences allowance to enhance their practical and evaluate achievements) is and academic skills. Professional therefore central to the success of skills in practice are a central theme any programme that promotes the of the programme and one which is development of professional practice. embedded in the new course at Ulster. The University is committed to The Graduate Certificate in providing opportunities for students Professional Practice is a flexible to develop the skills, knowledge course with 60 credits enabling and personal attributes which will alumni to extend their current enhance their employability on knowledge and skills base. The graduation. Ulster places particular course consists of two core modules emphasis on integrating academic which support professional practice content with professional practice to and two optional modules such consolidate and stimulate learning, as Enterprise, Leadership and by allowing students the opportunity Change, Information Technology, to reflect on the relevance of course Communications or Managing content and to put what they have Behaviour. Ultimately the course learned into practice. provides a highly developed learning framework which will allow With these values in mind we turn to individuals to develop their overall our alumni. As a result of economic job readiness, as well as challenging recession there has been a significant and enhancing higher order skills downturn in the number of graduate within a professional context. Study employment opportunities available can be undertaken at any of the across the UK. Research has four campuses. shown that for those just entering the labour market, a prolonged The majority of the content is online spell of unemployment can leave to enable flexibility alongside the For more information contact us on: permanent scars, making individuals professional placement, so while 028 9266 1160 less employable throughout their there are a few face to face sessions working lives. The University is the majority of the work can be seeking to minimise this economic completed at an individual pace and risk to graduates and the wider from any location. region in Northern Ireland, through an innovative programme which has When graduates sign up for GAP, been developed with key, strategic automatic access to a placement partners. Working with a range of database is granted. Local employers local employers, the Department of have provided a wide range of Employment and Learning (DEL), graduate level opportunities and Business in the Community and QUB, are selecting successful applicants a new graduate initiative has been through a competitive recruitment launched which seeks to preserve process. For those interested, and strengthen the knowledge and opportunities for both graduates skills of our graduates. and employers are available. www.lisburngraduateintobusiness.co.uk The Graduate Certificate in For more information contact: Professional Practice provides an [email protected] the ulster graduate l spring 2010 5 university news Research Team Tackles Taxing Problems in Egypt A team of researchers from the and training programmes to support tax issues in developing countries. School of the Built Environment are the project. set to transform Egypt’s outdated Other recent international collaborations tax system. Dr McCluskey said: have included work in Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, the Philippines, Dr William McCluskey, who graduated “This project forms part of major Kosovo and Mauritius. with DPhil (published work in economic reform designed to radically Engineering) in 1999 and Dr Peadar modernise Egypt’s outdated property tax Dr McCluskey added: Davis, who graduated with BSc Hons system and bring it into line with Geography in 1991, will be working standards of international best practice. “Helping policy makers produce better with international consultants Booz policy is a key element to help policy and Co to help implement ambitious “Dr Davis has already helped design an delivery. Our work in property tax policy economic reform and systematic implementation framework which will be in developing countries has the capacity transformation of tax administration. initially introduced in Cairo before being to make a positive difference to rolled out throughout the rest of people’s lives. They will be undertaking preliminary the country.” research into the property market and “We look forward to making a positive appraisal system as well as providing This project sees the University team continue contribution to the policies and technical support, knowledge transfer to provide innovative solutions to property practices in Egypt.” Environmental Sciences Research Institute. Ulster Quake Expert’s Plea - He and his group rapidly analysed the M9.2 earthquake that triggered the Indian Ocean 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and “Future Need Not Look Like Haiti” alerted the world to the threat of another large quake in the Sumatra region of the World-renowned geophysicist international community and the Indian Ocean 11 days before it struck. Professor John McCloskey has international NGOs is enormous.” appealed to the international ”All the indicators are pointing in the same community to prepare for an The Haiti catastrophe coincided with direction for western Sumatra. In this earthquake and possible tsunami in publication in Nature Geoscience of a study case there is complete agreement that it western Indonesia. by Professor McCloskey and international will be very strong, probably bigger than colleagues of an earthquake that struck magnitude 8.5, dwarfing the energy release The professor, who is an expert on Padang, western Sumatra, in September in the Haitian quake. We also cannot say earthquakes in the Sumatra region of 2009, killing more than 1,000 people. for sure what size the tsunami will be but Indonesia, first issued the plea in January as governments and agencies scrambled They concluded it was not the ‘great it has the potential to be very destructive – to send aid to the stricken people of earthquake’ that earth scientists have been maybe even worse than 2004. Haiti, devastated by a 7.0-magnitude waiting for but it may have made the next earthquake that claimed more than massive earthquake more likely. Their “We must work urgently to prepare for 200,000 lives. warning and Professor McCloskey’s call this earthquake if we are not to witness to governments and non-governmental again the awful scenes of children dying He explained: organisations to take urgent preparatory for want of a few stitches or a cast for a action to save lives rather than waiting broken leg. The prospect of more children “The future need not look like Haiti. We until disaster strikes, received wide media lying on hospital floors with no pain relief know that a big earthquake will happen coverage internationally. and without any medical help at all is truly off western Sumatra. Science is not able horrific. How many lives could we save if to say exactly when and we might have “The Padang earthquake, the Haiti disaster the international community were prepared years or even decades to prepare, but it and now the tragedies in Chile and Turkey properly for the next catastrophe? could happen much sooner. Now is the underline the importance of preparation. time to prepare for the event, not the There are many things that can be done to “It is an international disgrace that we day it happens. reduce the impact of earthquakes. Many appear not to have made the smallest of these are low-tech methods that have progress in preparation. If we want to “Given the carnage of the Haiti been tried and tested.” claim to be civilised we need to ensure earthquake and the slowness of the that we never see these scenes again. international response, the responsibility Professor McCloskey is Head of the Let’s make our motto: ‘We will do on the Indonesian government, the Geophysics Research Group, within the better next time’”. 6 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 university news Go green, Child Poverty Honorary Ulster urges rural firms in Northern Rural businesses are being encouraged Graduates to exploit renewable energy sources whilst reducing costs and growing Ireland their company with the help of University experts. The number of families in Northern Ireland living in persistent poverty is more than double that in Great Researchers from the Ulster Business Britain, according to new research School are taking part in a European-wide by leading child poverty experts, project investigating the challenges facing Social Policy lecturer, Goretti rural areas and their dependency on Horgan and Marina Monteith from fossil fuels. Save the Children (NI). Dr Norry McBride, Derek Bond and Dr Their report, What can we do to Elaine Ramsey will be working with small tackle child poverty in Northern to medium-sized businesses in rural areas Ireland found that persistent poverty across Northern Ireland over the next three in Northern Ireland (21% before years to help them develop innovative housing costs) is more than double Daniel Libeskind was the first recipient of renewable energy solutions which are that in Great Britain (9%). The report the new Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) on 11 available locally. explores some of the challenges November 2009 at the Belfast campus. facing the Northern Ireland Assembly “The devastating effect that global as it tries to meet its target of halving warming is having on our environment childhood poverty by 2010 and means that all European countries will have eradicating it completely by 2020. to reduce their dependency on imported fuel and make greater commitments to According to Goretti Horgan, the legacy the use of renewable energy sources of the Troubles is very apparent with that generate fewer greenhouse gas the highest levels of persistent poverty emissions,” explains Dr McBride. in areas like West Belfast, Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan – all of which “Like many other European regions, rural were very affected by the conflict. communities in Northern Ireland are currently facing significant challenges as a Almost three quarters of children result of their dependence on fossil fuels. in persistent poverty live in a small number of wards with a high “Through this Micro Energy to Rural concentration of child poverty. The Enterprise Project we will investigate and authors are concerned that young Dr Gerry Burns, former Pro-Chancellor and evaluate the opportunities that will enable people growing up today in the most Chairman of the University Council, was rural businesses to generate renewable disadvantaged areas are living in areas awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of energy using waste products on a scale where the conflict was at its height Laws in December 2009. that is viable and economically feasible.” and the ripple effect is still being felt. Ms Horgan continues: “Qualitative research shows that there is a layer of young people growing up in persistent poverty in these areas who are socially excluded – even where social deprivation is at the highest level. “These young people are most vulnerable and at risk of falling prey to paramilitary organisations, drug pushers and petty criminals. There is an urgent need to help them by reducing income poverty and material Professor Roy Spence, former Pro-Chancellor, deprivation in these areas.” was awarded the honorary degree of Dr Norry McBride, Derek Bond and Dr Elaine Ramsey Doctor of Laws in December 2009. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 7 university news growth of Northern Ireland’s culture. Celebrating 160 Years of “During the difficult times of the late 20th century the School acted as a Art and Design in Belfast crucial lifeline for artists and designers in Northern Ireland. Two new books celebrating 160 helped shape our educational and our “Over the past 40 years in particular, years of the School of Art and physical environment.” students and staff at the York Street Design were published recently - A campus have made a major contribution School of Design for Belfast 1849- The book was launched at a special to the cultural life of the region in 1960 by Mike Catto and The School graduation ceremony in November 2009 fine arts, applied arts, design and of Art and Design 1960 – 2009 by as world renowned architect Daniel more recently through collaborative Liam Kelly. Libeskind received an honorary degree work in the innovative new School of in recognition of outstanding services to Architecture and Design.” Ulster lecturer and broadcaster Mike global architecture and design. Catto’s book outlines the history of the famous School of Design – the Professor Kelly added: founding school of the University of The School of Art and Ulster – from its humble beginnings Design 1960 – 2009 “This publication is an account of the in three rooms in Belfast in 1849 to Art College and how it became the School of Art and Design. It is the tale the early 1960s when it became the Professor of Irish Visual Culture, Liam of two buildings and the absorption autonomous and province-wide Ulster Kelly, brings the story up to date, outlining of a formally independent college into College of Art and Design. developments from the 1960s to the the university system, the resulting present day in The School of Art and changes in teaching and learning, and “The format of the book, which is Design 1960 – 2009. lavishly illustrated throughout, looks at the establishment of art and design as a credible research discipline.” the development of the school from its Professor Kelly’s book was launched at inception as the Government School of the Ormeau Baths Gallery during a series Design to its position by 1960 as one of events hosted by the University to The School of Art and Design 1960 of the most modern and pre-eminent recognise the 160th anniversary including a - 2009 by Professor Liam Kelly and A centres for art, design and craft in the retrospective exhibition featuring work from School of Design for Belfast 1849 - 1960 United Kingdom,” said Mike. acclaimed artists connected with the School. by Mike Catto are both available from the Alumni Relations Office, price £15. “There were only seven headmasters Professor Ian Montgomery, Dean of over those 111 years, and the book the Faculty of Art, Design and the Built Padraig Coyle talks with Mike Catto shows how each of those heads shaped Environment said: about his new book, A School of Design the policies and practices of the school. for Belfast. To listen or download go to: From Claude Lorraine Nursey in 1849 “For 160 years the School of Art and http://news.ulster.ac.uk/podcasts/ to James Warwick who became the first Design has reflected the changes and CattoBook.mp3 Dean of Arts at the Ulster College in the Northern Ireland Polytechnic in 1971, the headmasters had enormous influence on both teaching within the school and with local manufacturers, especially in the linen and printing trades.” He added: “Significantly, from the early years of the 20th century until the 1960s the school also included courses in architecture. Under the headmastership of Ivor Beaumont – himself an architect and designer – the school became well known for the integration of all the arts with architecture. Now that the University has re-introduced architecture into its degree programme the pattern has come full circle and this book clearly reveals how these artists, designers, craftspeople and architects have all 8 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 university news treating the diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s and stroke, to autism, Health Research at Ulster wound healing and limb formation. Staff across the University are diabetes is a risk factor for developing making a substantial contribution Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common Meanwhile, the Institute of Nursing to international healthcare cause of dementia in the UK. Ulster’s Research has begun work on a four- research. Research Groups covering Diabetes Research Group (DRG) has year EU funded study into continence Neuroscience, Vision Science, successfully developed a range of care in nursing homes. The project is Nursing, Diabetes and Biomedical novel drugs designed to control type 2 a partnership with the Royal College Sciences are working to develop diabetes, and the DRG is collaborating of Nursing Research Institute at the new treatments for diseases and with the Neuroscience Research Group to University of Warwick, Manchester improve patient care. investigate this link. Business School, Fontys University in the Netherlands, the Karolinska Institute Scientists in the Diabetes Research Dr Christian Holscher, who heads up the in Sweden, University College Cork, Group are working with NUI Galway, Neuroscience Research Group, has been University of Alberta in Canada and the HSE West in the Republic of Ireland and awarded an Invest Northern Ireland Proof of University of Adelaide in Australia. the Western Health and Social Care Concept grant to investigate the properties Trust in Northern Ireland to create a of these novel drugs for the treatment The aim of the partnership is to collaborative cross-border partnership of Alzheimer’s and other neurological translate research into real patient care. in diabetes related research. The new disorders, and the University currently Atlantic Alliance for Cooperation on has two patents pending worldwide. This Research from the Vision Science Research into Diabetes (Atlantic-ACORD) groundbreaking research could lead to a Research Group has revealed that initiative brings together patients, major breakthrough in the treatment of children in Northern Ireland are up to clinicians and researchers to develop patients suffering from these diseases. three times more likely to be long- innovative solutions to problems related sighted than children living in other to the growing problem of diabetes. Researchers from the School of Biomedical parts of the world. Over 65,000 adults and 1,000 children Sciences are undertaking groundbreaking in Northern Ireland are receiving DNA research to help in the treatment Over 1000 children from different treatment for diabetes, and every year and prevention of diseases. They are backgrounds and different sectors of the 4,000 new cases are diagnosed. examining the atomic structures of DNA community took part in the study over knots using a method called Nuclear a three year period. The team is now Participants include dieticians, Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy in revisiting the children to see how their podiatrists, diabetes specialist nurses, IT conjunction with teams from the Institute eyes have changed for the second phase specialists and psychologists. The study for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences from of the Northern Ireland Childhood themes cover some of the key needs Kyoto University in Japan and the National Errors Refraction Study. for patients in the region and will form Institute of Chemistry from Slovenia. the initial focus of further collaborative The study is being carried out in research proposals. One of the aims of this type of research collaboration with the Aston Eye Study is to find the cause behind, and offer in Birmingham and is funded by the UK Recent research has shown that solutions to, the best possible way of College of Optometrists. New Global Markets for Health Technology Spin-out A University healthcare technology The Vitalsens device is made up of a to software residing on a pc or laptop in spin-out company, Intelesens, is set to disposable electrode patch and a reusable the wearer’s home or in a hospital ward. expand into new global markets after clip-on transmitter, and offers a low- This vital health information can then receiving CE regulatory approval for cost technology solution to help in the be accessed by medical professionals its life-saving wireless health monitor management of care for both chronically either locally or remotely, and appropriate product, Vitalsens. ill patients at home, as well as monitoring treatments delivered rapidly. the health of both in-patients and out- CE marking is a mandatory European patients attending hospital. “The CE accreditation is an important step in approval for medical devices to indicate the growth of the company. conformity with the essential requirements Intelesens Chief Executive Michael set out in European Directives. This Caulfield said: “The next step is to gain US Food and milestone opens up extensive new markets Drug Administration approval for the in Europe and South-East Asia to the “Data relating to the wearer’s health, product. That will open up the enormous Belfast firm, whose products build on including heart rate, ecg, temperature US market to us, taking our business – sensor technologies developed by the and levels of activity are measured in the built on technology developed in Northern company’s founders at the University. chest area and transmitted via Bluetooth Ireland – to a whole new level.” the ulster graduate l spring 2010 9 innovation University Scoops Top UK Award “It is wonderful to see that the company and academic partnership with Ulster has gained recognition for the important work that they do. I would like to thank the sponsors, including Invest Northern Ireland and AEA PLC.” KTP is funded by the Technology Strategy Board and other government organisations, including Invest NI. For further information please contact Caroline McCabe, telephone 028 7137 5236 or email [email protected]. From left: James Leckey, from James Leckey Design, Claire Wright, University of Ulster graduate Associate, and Alison Porter-Armstrong, Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation Sciences. Spin-Out The University has picked up two The Partnership, which had already prestigious accolades for excellence made history by being the first ever company at the Knowledge Transfer Partnership award to be made to an Partnership (KTP) awards Occupational Therapist in the UK, ceremony in London. blended Ulster’s occupational therapy wins top skills with the firm’s expertise in At the gala ceremony, Ulster’s designing mobility aids for children Partnership between the School of with disabilities. business Health Sciences and healthcare firm James Leckey Design Ltd won the top Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong, Senior award prize - the Best KTP in the UK Award. Lecturer in Rehabilitation Sciences and The University Associate was Ulster academic lead on the project, said: University spin-out company Sophia graduate Clare Wright, BSc Hons Search has won one of the top awards Occupational Therapy 1994. Clare is an “We are absolutely thrilled at winning at InterTradeIreland’s all-island experienced occupational therapist who the award. The accolade reflects the Seedcorn Business Competition. gained a Masters in Clinical Research University vision of being known for in 2008 while working as a Student excellence, innovation and regional Sophia Search – a thriving technology Associate on the project and who now engagement. This award encompasses business - was crowned the best high growth works for James Leckey Design as a all three elements.” company among firms from all regions of Clinical Research Manager. the Republic and Northern Ireland. Caroline McCabe, KTP A second award was made to University Manager explained: Chief Executive Dr David Patterson and Associate Eamon Morgan who picked co-founder Dr Vladmir Dobrynin took up the Business Leader of Tomorrow “In KTPs, Associates are supervised by home the €100,000 prize from the awards Award for his current KTP with Foyle specialist academics while they work ceremony held in Dublin. Food Group Limited. with firms on industrial and commercial projects. The University has developed Dr Patterson, who is Senior Lecturer in After the awards the judges said the a long term mutually beneficial Computer Science, said: partnership with James Leckey Design relationship with the company and we “Winning the competition is a tremendous was “the most rounded Partnership look forward to working with many boost for our business. that clearly demonstrated an effective more organisations in the future.” relationship between the company and “Being selected as overall high growth the University. It embodies everything Tim Brundle, Director of winner will bring excellent validation and that the KTP stands for”. Innovation said: credibility to our business plan and put us on a new platform with investors.” 10 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 innovation Director of Innovation Tim Brundle said: “This is the highest accolade for a Innovators Triumph at £25k Awards technology company in Ireland, and comes with a prize of €100,000 on top of the A University team has walked away €25,000 already received from the regional with the overall winner’s prize at heats. I am very proud of what Sophia the Northern Ireland Science Park Search has achieved.” (NISP) Connect’s £25k Awards. Sophia Search was set up in 2007 and Tactility Factory, founded by academic is based across two continents – the Trish Belford and former Ulster Professor Northern Ireland Science Park in Belfast Ruth Morrow edged out nine rival and St Petersburg, Russia. competitors to pick up the £10,000 prize with their patented technology Dr Patterson and Dr Dobrynin have designed to combine textile design with developed ground-breaking semantic hard building materials such as concrete. search technology which enables From left: Trish Belford and Ruth Morrow from Tactility Factory with Michael Kidd, Head of companies and organisations to The team’s versatile, durable concept Business Banking, Bank of Ireland. intelligently search their ever increasing could have wide-ranging implications volumes of documents and unstructured for all types of building construction, The awards, sponsored by Bank of information, whether it resides internally and received particular credit from the Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, or externally to the organisation. judges for combining Northern Ireland’s were presented at a gala ceremony in long-standing heritage in textiles with the newly refurbished Titanic’s Dock and Seedcorn, the largest business competition cutting-edge building product design. Pump-House at the NISP. on the island with a €360,000 prize fund, aims to stimulate new start-up activity, Trish Belford said: Steve Orr, Director of NISP Connect, said accelerate commercial development and that the awards have again uncovered create more opportunities for private “We are extremely pleased to have local talent with innovative ideas and equity investment. been named winner of this year’s £25k inspiring ambitions. Awards. The assessment process has A total of 225 entries to the competition been testing but ultimately “The aim of the awards is to discover were received, a 30% increase on last extremely rewarding. intellectual property concepts which can year’s total and the largest number of offer measurable impact on not only entries since the competition began. Eight “Competing for this award benefited the local but global economy and that companies made it through to the finals our business thinking and has given us is exactly what we have achieved with based on the quality of their business great insight into the potential of our the winners, Tactility Factory, and all the plan and an investment pitch to an business on a global scale. This award other finalists,” he said. independent panel of judges, including has greatly boosted our prospects to leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists commercialise our product and go to “The quality of entrants this year was and private investors. market. In addition to this, the icing exceptional and in particular the judges on the cake is receiving a significant were impressed with Tactility Factory’s The event was attended by An Tánaiste financial prize which will provide vital unique leveraging of one of Northern and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and capital at this time enabling us to take Ireland’s oldest industrial heritages – Employment Mary Coughlan TD, who said: advantage of the opportunities that are textiles – into a whole new and exciting now presenting themselves.” building product arena. It already seems “These winning companies typify the that this idea has great global potential island’s entrepreneurial spirit, using their There was further success for the with interest already emerging within ideas and vision to develop a product or University as TrapCop, which allows the Middle East regarding its potential service with innovative and commercially steam traps to be monitored non- application in the construction viable technology to break new ground in intrusively, and SDW, a digital of mosques. a growing market.” watermarking technique, won awards in the CleanTech and Hi-Tech “This is undoubtedly a very exciting time categories respectively. for the company and I would like to congratulate them and all our finalists. It The judging panel included Sinclair really is a case of ‘watch this space’ with Stockman, ex-Chief Scientist of BT, and all these finalists and I wish them every Damien Callaghan of Intel Capital. success in the future,” he concluded. To find out how we can help your business, contact the Office of Innovation, From left: David Patterson, Sophia Search; Liam Nellis, telephone 028 9036 8019, email [email protected] or http://oi.ulster.ac.uk InterTradeIreland and Alastair Kerr, Sophia Search. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 11 development and alumni relations Alumni Fund Awards for Academic Excellence Six students were presented with Alumni Fund Awards for Academic Excellence at a ceremony on the Coleraine campus in November 2009. The awards are made to the undergraduate student with the highest average mark in each faculty at the end of their first year. The Awards are for £400 (half of which is in the form of book tokens). The students who received the awards were: Eamon Durey: BA Hons Creative Technologies Jill Watson: BDes Hons 3D Design Shweta Agarwal: BSc Hons Biomedical Engineering Roslyn Cooke: BSc Hons Biomedical Sciences Kristen Whitla: BSc Hons Communication, Pictured with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett are (from left): Advertising and Marketing Eamon Durey, Jill Watson, Roslyn Cooke, Kristen Whitla, Rachael McMullan Rachael McMullan: BSc Hons Accounting and Shweta Agarwal. International student Shweta I was looking for a course in Biomedical all of them. My family gives me the Agarwal, a second year Biomedical Engineering in India, only a few colleges encouragement to work hard. I speak Engineering student at the offered it and they were new courses. For to my father every day and I go home Jordanstown campus, is one of me Jordanstown has the perfect balance for my holidays – I went home three six recipients of the Alumni Fund between the country and the city. The times last year. Awards for Academic Excellence campus has everything in one place. There is 2009. Shweta was the top the peace and quiet necessary for study, and You received the Alumni Fund overall student in the Faculty of it is by the sea. The sports centre was a big Excellence Award for being the top Computing and Engineering in her draw. And my brother was here to guide me. student in the Faculty of Computing first year. and Engineering in your first year. What is most difficult about being an Do you think being an international Originally from the historic town of international student here? student contributed to this? Jhansi – which is famous for Queen There is a different culture and environment. I feel that as an international student I Rani Laxmi Bai and her sacrifice in I don’t believe language changes a person, am pushed to work harder. I have had the first War of Independence of but it does highlight their weaknesses to focus on my strength, my academic India – Shweta is the third member of and strengths. It can be hard to express ability. The main purpose for me to be her family to study at the University, yourself clearly and there are difficulties here is education, so I have to work following her brother Shantanu and with understanding. Also my course has hard. Winning the award and academic sister Sonal. She says her family, and a placement year but I can’t apply for all success means it is worthwhile. particularly her father, have been very placements as I am not an EU student. supportive of her studies and always Would you recommend your choices encouraged her. Do you find it hard to fit in? Are you to other international students? treated differently to local students? Yes. There are fewer Indian students in She spoke to the Alumni Relations I used to find it hard to fit in as I am the Northern Ireland so the culture seems Office about her experience so far: only international student in my class. My more blended. The location is perfect weakness was my language – I was slow for me and the environment is good. How did your family hear about to understand conversations and found it The Faculty has been very helpful. the University of Ulster? hard to join in. I needed to focus on my My brother Shantanu was looking strength which is my academic ability. My I would like to work in genetic for a university to do a Master of success has given me confidence. engineering, maybe research, do a Business. He looked on The Times I don’t think I am treated differently to PhD. I can use my education to give website, where Ulster rated second for local students. I used to get lost all the something to India. student satisfaction. My family had no time, but people here were very helpful, connection to Northern Ireland before and I was given good guidance. What would you like to change my brother came here. about your life here? What do you miss most about India? I went to boarding school in India, and Why did you choose to leave India I miss my family and Indian food – we although I missed my family, my friends and come here? use a lot of spices in our cooking. I have became like family to me. I would like India is a developing country. When a large family and I feel connected to to bring them all here with me. 12 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 development and alumni relations Alumni Fund Awards for Academic Excellence Commonwealth Lifesaving Alumni Fund Championships 2009 Sports Scholar This year’s Alumni Fund Sports The Opportunities Fund helped in team events but individual events as Scholar is final year BSc Hons Sport student Catherine Browne to well. As well as winning a bronze medal and Exercise Science student Neamh compete as part of the Northern she also achieved 11th place in the 200 Woods from Omagh. Ireland team at the Commonwealth metres obstacle race. She said that the Lifesaving Championships in support and encouragement from the Neamh has played Gaelic football for Edmonton, Canada, last year. team at the side of the pool throughout over 11 years and in that time she has the race was really heartening and will established herself as one of the top The 21 demanding events required always be a fond memory. players in Ireland. Having worked her way a unique combination of speed- up through club and County Tyrone age swimming, underwater swimming, Catherine would like to thank the group teams, the pinnacle of her career negotiating obstacles – together with supporters of the Alumni Fund, which to date has been her captaining the Ulster considerable lifesaving technical skills, helped with her travel costs. Seniors to Inter Provincial glory and being knowledge of first aid and initiative in awarded a Senior Ireland All Star Award. managing disaster scenarios. Neamh is a key member of the ladies This was the third time Northern Ireland Gaelic football team at Jordanstown on had competed in the championships, and off the pitch. She has been integral competing against teams from Australia, in the club winning every possible major Canada, South Africa, England, Wales, University title over the last two years Scotland, Hong Kong and New Zealand. and has now taken on the role of Club Secretary. She has won two Irish University Catherine won one of the two bronze All Star Awards and in her spare time medals the team brought home, in the she also manages to play some netball. rope throw event. She also competed Not one to do anything by half she has in a number of event finals, not only recently returned from the Cooke Islands where she was part of the Northern Ireland netball team that finished eighth in the over the telephone by calling the Alumni World Youth Championships. Alumni Fund Relations Office on 028 9036 8350 or at http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk We believe Neamh is a very worthy The Alumni Fund supports the winner of this year’s Alumni Fund annual Academic Excellence Awards, Direct Debit: we can send you a form or Sports Scholarship Award. the Alumni Fund Sports Scholarships, you can download one from the Opportunities Fund, Scholarships http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk for Students from the Developing Just £10.83 a month for three years, World and is used to support with Gift Aid, is worth £500 to us. the Libraries. By using Gift Aid, your gift will be The Alumni Fund enables donations increased by the Inland Revenue by 28p from alumni, staff and former staff for every £1 you give. If you are a higher of Ulster to enhance the experience rate taxpayer you can also claim back 20p and create opportunities for current in every £1. This means that a donation and future students. If you would like of £100 from you is worth £128 to us, to support the fund you can use the and if you are a higher rate taxpayer only donation form on the reverse of the costs you £75. All you need to do is tick carrier sheet or make a donation in one the Gift Aid box on the Donation Form. of the following ways: Further details of Gift Aid are on our website. (USA Donors – Donations to the Cheque: made payable to the American Friends are tax-deductible to ‘University of Ulster Foundation’. the extent allowed by law). (USA Donors - cheques should be made payable to the ‘The American Friends of We welcome every gift, regardless of the University of Ulster’). size. When put together all gifts will make a huge difference to our students Credit card: donations can be made now and in the future. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 13 development and alumni relations Christmas Reception with the Conservators 3 December 2009 saw donors and Guests were welcomed by Professor Deirdre supporters of the Derry and Raphoe Heenan, Dean of Academic Development at Diocesan Library gather for a Christmas Magee. Highly-esteemed book conservator reception at the conservation studio at and bookbinding historian Professor Shantallow Library in Derry. It provided Nicholas Pickwoad spoke on the national an opportunity to meet members of significance of the collection. It is a unique the conservation team and see the historical resource despite little having ingenious solutions they are putting been known about it until recent years – in place to halt the decline of this it is a Cinderella of the library world. historic collection. Joe McLaughlin, University Archivist and Rare Books For many donors and supporters of the Curator with Professor Deirdre Heenan. The Diocesan Library comprises project this was their first visit to the studio approximately 7,000 documents and to see how their help has made the project volumes dating from circa 1480 to a reality. The conservation team welcomes 1990. It covers an impressive range of visits by schools, special interest groups subjects in addition to its theological and the wider public. Please contact the writings and reflects an important period conservation studio to arrange a tour on in the City’s history. 028 7135 0791. The project aims to conserve the Fundraising efforts are continuing in order historic Church of Ireland Derry and to raise the final target of £55,000. Raphoe Diocesan Library and to create Further details on the project and how to opportunities for learning and education donate can be found at: From left: Conservation Assistants Alessandro Scola and Tony Upton with Yolande Macartney and Jenny through outreach activities. www.derryraphoelibrary.org Jarvis, Project Director and Chief Conservator. Development Event at the OBG Last year the University celebrated the 160th anniversary of its School of Art and Design, one of the oldest such schools in Ireland and the UK. Since its foundation in 1849, the School has contributed significantly to the creative and artistic life of Northern Ireland and beyond. The exhibition which ran from 3 December 2009 to 31 January 2010 at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast was the highlight of a year-long series of events organised to mark this milestone anniversary, and to recognise the history and successes of the School, its alumni and staff. The Exhibition reflected the wide variety of artistic disciplines which have flourished under the institution and on 20 January 2010, the Vice-Chancellor, Among the statues: Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters; Neil Shawcross; Professor Richard Barnett held a reception at the gallery. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long; Professor Barnett; and Mike Catto. Guests were treated to entertaining speeches by the well-known artist and former lecturer at Ulster, Neil Shawcross and writer, broadcaster and former lecturer at Ulster, Mike Catto. The Vice-Chancellor outlined future plans for the University before guests were taken on tours of the exhibition by the University Curator Hugh Mulholland and Mike Catto, both of whom were instrumental in making the exhibition a reality. For information on current fundraising priorities and how to donate to Ulster please visit www.ulster.ac.uk/development or contact the Development Office on 028 7032 3208 email: [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. From left: Mrs Fitzpatrick, Professor Liam Kelly, Dominic Fitzpatrick, Dr Wendy Austin. 14 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 alumni events and reunions North American Events University staff recently held a series of meetings and events in North America. Receptions for alumni and friends of the University were held in Ottawa, Boston and Washington DC. Unfortunately the planned event in New York had to be cancelled due to severe weather but will be rescheduled for later in the year. His Excellency Mr Anthony Cary CMG was our host at Earnscliffe, the Residence of the British High Commissioner to Canada, while the Boston event was at the Residence of British Consul General to New England Dr Phil Budden. Both made us feel very welcome, and we are very grateful to them for allowing us to hold our Dr Phil Budden and Professor Adair with past and current University of Ulster New events in their homes. England Alumni Association Committee members. The final event was in the plush surroundings of the National Press Club in Washington DC which over its 100 year history has hosted Presidents, Prime Ministers, Royalty, entertainers and business leaders and been a base to the United States’ leading journalists. Alumni at all events were briefed on the University’s exciting plans for the development of its Belfast city centre campus and the expansion of the Magee campus. They were also briefed on the achievements of the University, including the recent UK Research Assessment Exercise which saw Ulster ranked in the top third of all universities – up 18 places and just six places behind QUB. Development Event at the OBG Alumni in Washington DC. Alumni and guests in Ottawa. Professor Richard Barnett with alumni at the National Press Club in Washington DC. Alumni and guests in Ottawa. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 15 alumni events and reunions Tour of Belfast Irish Alumni New Year’s Party City Hall A number of Ulster graduates attended the annual Irish Alumni New Year’s In October 2009 Belfast City Hall reopened Party in the Irish Club in London on after renovations lasting two years. A 28 January 2010. This event is open number of graduates went on a tour of to all former students of colleges and the City Hall in November 2009. universities across the island of Ireland. Reunion for 160 Years of the School Alumni in of Art and Design Bavaria The School of Art and Design celebrated attend. Another reunion will take its 160th anniversary in 2009. As part of place in June this year during the Ulster Thursday 27 May 2010 the celebrations, a retrospective exhibition Festival of Art and Design. Further details was held in the Ormeau Baths Gallery, will be available closer to the time. There will be a reunion for Ulster with graduates from the School being Alumni living in Bavaria, to be held in invited to a private tour and reunion. Past Kempten on Thursday 27 May 2010. and present staff came along, as well as over 250 graduates – some of whom had Around 400 alumni live in Bavaria, graduated in June along with others who due in part to the links between graduated over 50 years ago. the University of Ulster’s Faculty of Computing and Engineering The response to this reunion was and educational establishments in overwhelming, and unfortunately we were Kempten, Augsburg and Gießen, unable to accommodate all who wished to as well as business and humanities graduates. Arboretum Tour Saturday 5 June 2010 The Coleraine campus is home to the University arboretum with over 90,000 trees on the campus. Professor Brian Rushton, Professor of Botany at the campus will lead a tour of the arboretum on Saturday 5 June. Come along to find out more about this unique site. 16 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 alumni events and reunions Seventh Alumni Golf Challenge Reunion for Wednesday 9 June 2010 and loads of prizes! Corporate rates are available by contacting Keith Thompson Graduates of The seventh annual University of Ulster Tel: 028 9036 6721 Alumni Golf Challenge will be held on Magee College Wednesday 9 June 2010 at Galgorm The competition is an individual and a Castle Golf and Country Club. This popular team event (Stableford format). 20 and 21 August 2010 event is organised by the University of Ulster Alumni Association, supported by Former students who studied at the University’s Golf Bursars, and is open Magee College before 1971 are to graduates, students, staff and friends of invited to a reunion at Magee on 20 the university. and 21 August 2010. Come along to see the changes on campus and get Tee times are from 12 noon – 14:00. back in touch with old friends. There is a special price of £120 for a The weekend will include a reception fourball for Ulster golf club members and on Friday evening, a talk and tour of Ulster graduates to include golf, meal Magee and dinner in the Great Hall on the Saturday. Should auld acquaintance be forgot and n’er brought to mind This year will see the 10th love and the universe. The week will be anniversary of the 1999-2000 MSc filled with events, overnight trips, some Biotechnology class at Coleraine. games, some socializing, some dancing, a chance to meet former lecturers and Graduates from this class are invited maybe a few motivational speeches. to a reunion which will be held in Coleraine from Monday 20 September We would love to see everybody there. Alumni to Saturday 25 September 2010. If you have any suggestions for the Since this class contained a sizeable event, would like to help participate number of students from Greece, we in its organisation or recount your Association are also extending the invitation to experiences in the last ten years in a other international students from other semi-formal setting or are just thinking disciplines who attended the Coleraine about coming along then contact the AGM campus around this period. Alumni Relations Office, [email protected] so that we can As well as celebrating a common gauge the possible attendance numbers. Monday 10 May 2010 at experience, the reunion will also be Facebook page 7.00pm in the Boardroom, a chance to share important lessons http://www.facebook.com/event. learned in the past ten years from life, php?eid=298053768961&ref=ts Jordanstown All graduates and members of the University’s academic and academic-related staff are 20 Year Class Information on all our events invited to attend. and reunions, both past and Reunion future, in Northern Ireland or For further information and BA Hons Catering Administration elsewhere, is listed on an agenda please 1986-90 (Block 15, Jordanstown) http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk telephone or from the Alumni Relations Alumni from this course are Alumni Relations Office on invited to contact Owen Crilly at Office on 028 9036 8350 [email protected] email [email protected] 028 9036 8350 about a possible reunion event in late May/early June. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 17 alumni events and reunions House of Commons From left: London Branch President Michael Conlon, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Orla Tomany McKeon, Sue Rees and Brendan Gormley. Ulster graduate Dr Roberta Blackman- Social Sciences at Coleraine and met her Woods, MP for Durham, hosted husband, Tim Blackman when he was an informal reception for alumni lecturing there. and friends of the University in the Strangers Dining Room at the House Alumni and staff were joined for the of Commons in early March 2010. occasion by a number of parliamentarians Roberta has strong links with the including former Ulster Vice-Chancellor University, having graduated at the Professor Lord Trevor Smith of the Liberal Coleraine campus with a BSc Hons in Democrats, the Reverend Ian Paisley MP Social Sciences in 1979 and a DPhil and Baroness Paisley of the DUP, Lord Laird in Social Administration and Policy in and Lord Rogan of the Ulster Unionists 1989. She is also a former lecturer in and Lord Glentoran of the Conservatives. Information on all our events and reunions, both past and future, Convocation AGM and Reunion of Members in Northern Ireland or Thursday 29 April at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber (MD111), Magee elsewhere, is listed on Guest Speaker Professor Deirdre Heenan will give a short address on the http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk plans for expansion at the Magee campus. or from the Alumni All Graduates, Diplomates and members of the University’s academic and Relations Office on academic-related staff are invited to attend. 028 9036 8350, email For further information and an agenda please telephone Azlina Cohen on 028 7032 4403 [email protected] 18 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 people Richard Moore, BA Hons Going to university could have been a crossfire of the grinding cycle of poverty difficult transition but a combination of and hunger. The charity now works in Social Administration, 1983 factors made it relatively easy. collaboration with local organisations in Ethiopia, Gambia and Tanzania, to identify Richard Moore was blinded by a rubber “Rita and I started dating in 1979, the sustainable development opportunities, bullet as a ten-year-old schoolboy but he same year Rita went to Coleraine to study which in turn will help create a better has never allowed blindness to stop him History and Education. The following year, I future for the local community. from getting on with his life. Now aged got an offer to study Social Administration 48, he is happily married to Rita (née and by happy coincidence another good While building up Children in Crossfire, Page) and the couple have two daughters friend of mine Michael Doherty - who Richard also embarked on a personal Naoimh and Enya. First and foremost a taught me the guitar – decided to go to odyssey to find out more about the family man, Richard is also a successful ‘uni’ as a mature student and was offered soldier who fired the rubber bullet which businessman, writer, musician, recording a place on the same course.” blinded him. His meeting and subsequent artist, radio presenter, founder and chief friendship with Charles has been executive of the successful international Since Richard and Rita had just formed well documented. humanitarian organisation, Children in the Long Tower Folk Group - which this Crossfire and last but by no means least, year celebrates its 30th anniversary – they “Most people accepted and respected an alumnus of the University of Ulster. decided to travel between Derry my decision to meet Charles but it wasn’t and Coleraine. about making statements. It was a As Richard talks about his life’s experiences personal journey and something I had to to date, his self-deprecating manner “Rita drove so that was the lifts sorted do. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself, not to makes it easy to forget that he is totally and Michael was in the same class, so others,” he says. blind. He credits his ability for being able getting about campus between lectures to turn such a life changing and traumatic was sorted,” says Richard pragmatically. When His Holiness the Dalai Lama was event into something positive to his in Derry to mark the 10th anniversary of parents, Liam and Florrie, and says their All three graduated in 1983: Rita is now Children in Crossfire, he described Richard example of forgiveness, coupled with Vice Principal of St Mary’s High School in as his hero saying ‘I preach forgiveness. the support of his family, neighbours and Limavady and Michael is Director of the Richard lives it’. wider community allowed him to Peace and Reconciliation Group in Derry. move on. Since their first meeting in 2007, Charles Although Richard was delighted to have has visited Derry and stayed at Richard’s “To me blindness has been a positive a tape recorder, courtesy of the RNIB, home. In May this year, the two men plan experience. It made me look at life to record lectures, technology and the to travel to meet the Dalai Lama in India differently and has taken me on a journey level of support were basic by today’s where he lives in exile. that for the most part has been very standards. The only concessions to enjoyable. It has enriched my life, teaching his blindness were that he sat exams “How I do things is my way of dealing with me to focus on what I can do, rather than in a separate room; an examiner read blindness and while I don’t want to minimise worry about what I can’t do.” the questions aloud; he had a manual the disability or the effect that it has had typewriter to type out the answers; and on my life, it has given me many amazing The second youngest of 12 children, got an extra 15 minutes for every hour of opportunities and allowed me to meet Richard grew up in Derry and was the first the exam. inspirational people at home and abroad.” in his family to go to university. “I developed my own coping mechanisms In 2007 Richard was the subject of a “Like many of their generation my parents and systems. Lecturers did what they major BBC television documentary, ‘Blind believed that getting a trade would secure could to help and other students were Vision’. His autobiography, Can I Give Him a better future. My older brothers were always friendly, approachable and very My Eyes? has just been republished by all doing well as qualified tradesmen and accommodating. I really enjoyed being at Hachette Books Ireland. if I hadn’t been blinded, I might have Coleraine and never felt out of place. I www.childrenincrossfire.org followed the same path.” was just another student but when I got my degree, I felt I’d proved my parents Always wanting the best for Richard, and the wider community right for all their his parents considered sending him to a support and faith in me.” school for the blind but much to his relief, they decided he had already been After graduation, Richard forged a through enough. successful career as a businessman and musician but as he became increasingly “I had to learn to read and write all over involved in fundraising activities, he came again. It was tough having to learn Braille to realise that his day job didn’t give him and typing but thanks to the support the same buzz as charity work. of all the teachers and other pupils at Rosemount Primary School and later St In 1996 he launched Children in Crossfire Joseph’s Secondary School, I managed.” to help children who were caught in the Rita, Richard and Michael. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 19 people Brian McLaughlin BEd Sport and Leisure Studies, 1981 Brian McLaughlin has arguably one of the most high profile and important jobs in Irish sport. The Ulster graduate has recently landed his dream job as rugby’s Ulster senior coach. However, although names including Brian O’Driscoll, Tommy Bowe and Eddie O’Sullivan are familiar to him, he still fondly remembers his roots at the Ulster Polytechnic. Since graduating in 1981 in Physical Education, Brian’s teaching career has taken him from Kilkeel High School to Wallace High School and in 1992, colleagues and lecturers, including Walter contract at Ulster and the Newtownards to the head of department in Royal Bleakley, Ann Curran and John Kerr, there man says that it has always been Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI). were lots of great characters about. The an ambition. Whilst enjoying a successful playing staff, Hillary O’Neill and others, prepared career himself alongside Ireland stars us really well for PE teaching careers and “I have always aspired to coach my Philip Matthews and Nigel Carr at Ards, I got a really well rounded education. province and I have been very fortunate Brian is of course most recognisable for However, amongst my fondest memories to be able to do that. Of course it is a his outstanding record at schools cup are the traditional mothers and fathers challenge; it’s a test of knowledge, level particularly at RBAI Boys where he (ma’s and da’s) nights we used to have man management skills and everything coached the 1st XV squad to five famous in the Sport and Physical Education you require as a teacher, but at a level Ulster schools cup victories. department, those were great times. I still where you are working with adults. bump into a few of my old class mates on From my personal point of view, it is a Following coaching spells across some the PE circuit or elsewhere.” fresh challenge and one which I am of Ulster’s most high profile clubs, in really enjoying.” September 2005 Brian took up the role of Outside rugby Brian is a devoted husband specialist skills coach with Ireland, under and father who enjoys nothing more than The interview was conducted by Helen McConnell, Coach Eddie O’Sullivan, and helped the spending time with his wife and children. He BSc Hons Sports Studies with DIS 2009. team to win the Triple Crown in both also has a fondness for watching and playing 2006 and 2007. Indeed, due to his the occasional tennis match with his son impressive record it seemed inevitable but humbly suggests he is ‘a bit old now’. that in June 2009 the former Ards player would be appointed as Ulster’s new coach. Brian’s coaching career has enabled him to meet and work with some of Ireland’s Although it has been nearly 30 years most gifted rugby players, who he also since Brian’s days in the lecture theatre, counts as his heroes. his current role never takes him too far from Jordanstown’s shores. “Brian O’Driscoll, is one of my sporting heroes, I have worked with him from “The campus hasn’t changed much under 21 to senior level and have since my day, for example the mall is still nothing but admiration for him, he is an the same, but the new facilities down at outstanding sportsman who is very level the sports centre are outstanding. The headed. Belfast born Nigel Carr is also a area of expertise, the sports institute and sporting hero of mine. He was a fantastic the 3G pitch are the reason the Ulster player who I played alongside at Ards but team train down here.” unfortunately his career was cut short due to injuries sustained in an IRA bomb Indeed, Brian looks back at his time at explosion. Nigel and I remain great pals. the University with happy memories. Outside sport I would have to say my wife Judith is my hero.” “During my time here I had many memorable days with my class Brian is currently in his first of a two year Photo credit: John Dickson, www.dicksondigital.com 20 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 people - class notes Ulster Alumna wins I was really pleased to discover that Ulster Annapurna Trek offered the MSc in Lifelong Learning via BMJ Award elearning. Initially my intention was to Four friends who met at the then New expand my knowledge of lifelong learning University of Ulster in the 70s, have gone Patients and carers in the UK are at last in part by becoming an elearning student, their separate ways, but have stayed in able to share their stories of healthcare to give me greater insight into what touch over the years – more or less. through digital storytelling – a new way people who are studying by elearning of telling a story in words and pictures so really need in terms of well-designed study They are four 50 somethings with 10 that it can be shared over the internet. programmes. I was really lucky to have children and one grandchild between People whose voices are not often heard good support from my supervisor and them. They work in community and youth are delighted to share their experiences to also from other students – we developed projects in Belfast, Bradford and North help others. a strong community of learning, even Wales and all share a commitment to though we never met face to face, until helping people and especially young people All this has been made possible by the graduation day!” reach their true potential. Patient Voices Programme, directed by Ulster alumna Pip Hardy, MSc Lifelong Growing interest in the new Patient Voices The four are Chuck Richardson, BSc Hons Learning 2007, which has recently won Programme soon led Pip to focus her Professional Development in Community the prestigious British Medical studies on the development and delivery Youth Work 1994; Rowan Davison, BA Journal (BMJ) award for ‘Excellence in of the digital stories. Her dissertation Hons History 1973; Hugh Bryson, BSc Healthcare Education’, which reflects one of the few research studies Hons Social Administration 1977 and recognises an individual or team who has ever carried out into the uses of digital Kieran Duff, BA Hons Education (English) demonstrated outstanding leadership storytelling – and the only known 1976. It was Chuck’s idea initially but it and/or innovation in healthcare education study looking specifically at how digital only took a few pints to persuade the and performance improvement. The storytelling can be used to improve quality other three to go trekking in programme was also shortlisted in the and safety in healthcare. Pip commented: the Himalayas. ‘Health Communicator of the Year’ category. “Doing the research gave me the In October 2009 they flew to Kathmandu opportunity to demonstrate the real and then by bus to Pokhara where they value of the growing collection of stories. set off for the Annapurna Sanctuary with Interviews and focus groups with people a guide and a porter. They trekked for in universities and in various parts of the ten days. Along the way they caught NHS revealed the value of the stories glimpses of daily life, children walking in healthcare education and quality miles to school, women winnowing improvement programmes. Although the rice and millet or washing clothes. The research has not yet been published in an landscape changed from rice terraces academic journal, it receives a number of to bamboo forest to moorland as they hits on the website every month and we neared the Annapurna Base Camp at see it cited in a number of places. I think 13,500 ft surrounded by some of the that piece of work really helped to give highest mountains in the world, including the Programme credibility and a degree Annapurna South and the sacred of authority. And now, after a couple of Machhapuchare (The Fishtail). The friends years’ break, I’m starting a PhD to look sponsored the Child Welfare Scheme more closely at the impact of the (CWS) and were impressed by the projects digital stories.” they visited in Pokhara supporting street children. “Trip of a lifetime”, they said, Nominating the Programme, Valerie “Until the next one!” James, Independent Consultant and The Patient Voices Programme is Honorary Senior Fellow at St George’s, If you would like to support the charity delivered by Pilgrim Projects, an education London and Kingston Universities said: go to http://www.justgiving.com/ consultancy based in Cambridge Annapurna4trek that specialises in healthcare quality “By offering people the opportunity to improvement. Established as a social tell, hear and share personal stories of enterprise in late 2003, the Programme birth and death, health and illness, care aims to promote greater understanding by or the lack of it, Pilgrim Projects hoped facilitating the telling and sharing of the to develop a sense of community with stories of all stakeholders in healthcare - the values of humanity and compassion patients, carers, clinicians, managers and taking precedence over the ‘tyranny of the policy makers. Shortly after setting up the urgent’ or the need to accomplish more programme, Pip began her MSc at Ulster: with less.” “I’d been wanting to do some The awards ceremony, hosted by Tony postgraduate work in lifelong learning, Hawks, was held at the London Hilton in From left: Rowan Davison, Chuck Richardson, Hugh but there was nowhere near where I live. Park Lane on 10th March 2010. Bryson, Kieran Duff. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 21 people - class notes George H Smyth Shona McCarthy Erik Alejandro BA Hons Fine Art 1994 BA Hons Combined Cancino Torres Humanities 1989 MSc Communication, “As a result of seeing my website, Maurice Buckley, the President of the Ireland Advertising and Public Shona McCarthy has been appointed Chamber of Commerce, got in touch and Director of the British Council in Northern Relations 2006 invited me to exhibit my paintings at their Ireland, leading a team of almost 50 annual Celtic Ball, held each October in staff on a wide range of cultural relations the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York”, “It is my pleasure to share these lines said George. projects. Shona will lead the Northern with my fellow Ulster alumni. The next Ireland office, which plays a strategic paragraphs describe my life before and after role in ensuring the UK in all its diversity completing a Masters programme at Ulster. is represented in the work of the British Council throughout its network in over “The problem with so many people is that 100 countries. they do not know what they really want. In other words they are not at all clear Shona is well placed to take up the about what they want in life. Setting your challenge of leading the operation, goals needs you to make a decision about having worked in leadership roles in what it is you want, and determine when “The website took over a year to complete the cultural sector in Northern Ireland you want to have achieved it, and that is and the response since its launch in April for 20 years. In 2007 she was the NI what I did. 2009 has been incredible. I have had recipient of a prestigious NESTA cultural emails from all over the world from people leadership award. The premise of the who have got in touch to say how much award was to place people from science, they enjoyed looking at the work. But it technology and the arts sectors in the UK was Mr Buckley’s invitation in June 2009 with outstanding leaders from around that proved most exciting and gave me my the world. Shona chose to be placed with biggest challenge so far. Naveen Kishore at the Seagull Foundation for the Arts in Calcutta. She spent six “I ended up producing four paintings for months living and working in the cultural the show, but this was only half of the hard sector in India. work needed to make sure it all went OK on the night. We had to frame the work, Since 2002 she has been the Director of package it really well and then get it sent her own company Rubyblue Consultancy, over. The paintings looked fantastic set on specialising in cultural collaborations gold easels with everyone in black tie and from concept through strategic planning, ball gowns – it was like a very nice dream. project development and management, fundraising and advocacy, including “After leaving my undergraduate studies “The reaction to my paintings on the night managing a multi-million pound was superb. Several prominent figures in my country, Mexico, I decided to travel special funding initiative (Paul Hamlyn involved in charity work were honoured overseas and find a recognised university Foundation) for Northern Ireland from at the event. Paintings were bought to study a postgraduate programme. Since 2003-2007. by collectors living in exclusive parts of I did not have the economic resources Manhattan. One couple who bought a to do it by myself I requested support Prior to this Shona was Chief Executive painting were so pleased with it that they from public institutions but I failed. I did of Imagine Belfast 2008 and delivered used it as the image on their Christmas card. not give up and fortunately I found the a city-wide consultation, and the final right option to achieve my goal, which “As a result of the sale of my work I was Belfast bid. Belfast’s campaign to be was my university. Thanks to the funding able to make a donation to the chosen European Capital of Culture 2008 was a that I received I could travel to Northern charity on the night ‘The Albert Schweitzer city-wide dialogue and provocation that Ireland and start my MSc Communication, Leadership for Life Program’, a charity culminated in the formation of a cultural Advertising and Public Relations. that helps underprivileged kids get a strategy for the city. Shona led a major better education. This felt good! I was also consultation exercise involving Belfast’s “It is important to highlight that during made a partner of the Ireland Chamber multiple stakeholders, politicians, artists, my postgraduate studies I experienced one of Commerce and have been invited to community and church leaders, and the of the most incredible periods of my life take part in an event out on Ellis Island in city’s citizens. there as a student and the most important May 2010 which will probably prove to be thing is that I acquired an invaluable another memorable occasion. Shona also spent six years as Chief knowledge about Communication, Executive of Cinemagic, Northern Ireland’s Advertising and Public Relations which has “Anyone interested can view the four International Film Festival for young been the key to achieve my job objectives. paintings as well as a selection of photos people, was Director of the Foyle Film from the event on my website in gallery Festival 1996-99; and Head of Exhibition “After completing my postgraduate no. 9, www.georgehsmyth.com”. at the Northern Ireland Film Council. studies at Ulster I returned to México and 22 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 people - class notes today I work at the Universidad Autónoma Belfast College of Technology after what de Tamaulipas, the main public university he always claimed was the only successful in my province, where I teach advertising job interview he ever attended. Thereafter modules for graduate and undergraduate his career was shaped by the changing communication sciences programmes, identity of the Tech as it became the Ulster at the same time I teach public relations College and then the Ulster Polytechnic modules at La Salle University Victoria before the creation of the University of Campus on the Communication Sciences Ulster in 1984. undergraduate programme. I am also responsible for the Communication and Tony was a vital member of the Public Information Department of the Polytechnic’s successful Combined Supreme Court of Justice of Tamaulipas Humanities programme team both for where I am in charge of a magazine, his teaching but particularly for his press releases, radio and TV production, administrative skill and patience which photograph coverage and the design of often proved crucial at examination boards. different graphic templates for He also served as a trade union official institutional campaigns. Pat with Dean Crumlish, student, and Dr Sarah Edge, and as a member of the College’s Board Head of School, Media, Film and Journalism. of Governors and he was heavily involved “Finally I combine all these activities in the negotiations and planning for the with one of my passions which is radio. I Congratulating Pat on his appointment, University at the time of the merger. produce radio commercials as a freelance the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard by recording my own voice in my own Barnett, said: His love of the United States was kindled studio for different advertising campaigns, by touring many of them adventurously both institutional and commercial. “Pat Loughrey is one of our most by Greyhound bus as the recipient of distinguished graduates. the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Travelling ”I want to say hi to all my ex-classmates Scholarship in 1966 and was reinvigorated and ask them to keep in contact by MSN”. “Throughout his career in the media he by his time at Indiana University South [email protected] has been at the forefront of innovation, Bend in 1990-91. It is unsurprising and his commitment to quality therefore that Tony’s great contribution broadcasting is renowned. I am certain to the University was his unstinting that the wealth of talent and experience championing of American Studies. Both Pat Loughrey he brings to his new post at Goldsmiths as an enthusiastic teacher and a tireless will be of great service to the institution. BA Hons Contemporary facilitator of countless exchanges with American universities he enriched the lives History 1976 “Like the University of Ulster, Goldsmiths of many students of all disciplines from is a leader in the area of creative arts and both sides of the Atlantic. Distinguished alumnus Pat Loughrey technologies, and I am looking forward to has been appointed as 12th Warden of working jointly with Pat on this agenda in Goldsmiths, University of London. the coming years.” Currently serving as a Visiting Professor in Pat Loughrey said: the School of Media, Film and Journalism at Coleraine, Pat was for nine years the “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to Director of BBC Nations and Regions, lead one of the UK’s most distinguished leading a staff of 6,500 based in more and dynamic colleges. I have long admired than 50 centres across the UK. its tradition of research-led scholarship and innovation and I firmly believe that While a student at Ulster, he read for a Goldsmiths has huge potential for the future. I look forward to working closely BA in Contemporary History and in 1997 with staff, students and the College received the First Trust Bank/University of Council to realise that potential.“ Ulster Distinguished Graduate Award. Tony acted as an officer of various organisations furthering transatlantic A native of Donegal, Pat began his career studies and continues to serve on the as a language teacher and freelance committees of the British Universities broadcaster before being appointed as a Tony Emmerson Transatlantic Exchange Association and radio and then television producer in BBC the Irish Association for American Studies. Northern Ireland. He subsequently became Tony Emmerson retired from the He will be greatly missed as a teacher, Head of Educational Broadcasting. University as Senior Lecturer in History in administrator and wise counsellor. He September 2009. and Mary will continue to live in Belfast In 1991 he was appointed Head of where their retirement projects are both Programmes, and in 1995 Controller of A graduate of QUB, he played a major backward and forward looking – they plan BBC Northern Ireland. He took up his post role, with his brother, in establishing the to trace their family trees and enjoy of Director of Nations and Regions in 2000. Queen’s Festival before joining the City of their granddaughter. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 23 people - class notes Professor Welch Professor Welch remains at the University to practice so that any decisions taken as Professor Emeritus, working on a subsequently were better informed.” The summer of 2009 saw the retirement number of new projects and continuing to of one the University’s longest-serving share his expertise with his colleagues and Dr Mullan, who played a key role in the professors. students as readily as he has done over the development of the Newry and Kilkeel last twenty-five years. Ad multos annos! College’s successful access and industrial Robert Welch was Professor of English at links programmes, says he adopted a Ulster for exactly a quarter of a century. A phenomenological approach to leadership, native of Cork, he was educated at UCC teaching and learning. and Leeds, and he taught at Leeds and Dr Raymond Mullan OBE Ife, Nigeria, before arriving at Coleraine, in “On many occasions I drew on what I had 1984, to lead the Department of English, MSc Education learnt during the Masters programme and Media and Theatre Studies in the newly- Management 1988, found that this helped inform what I created University of Ulster; from 2000 to was doing.” 2008, he served as the Dean of the Faculty DUniv 2006 of Arts. Dr Raymond Mullan OBE, who has Professor Welch’s main area of academic taken up an appointment as a Civil Service specialism is Irish Literature in English: he Commissioner for Northern Ireland, has a is the author of a number of monographs, long association with the University. including Irish Poetry from Moore to Yeats (1980), A History of Verse Translation from Now retired after a long and distinguished the Irish, 1789-1897 (1988), Changing career in further education, Dr Mullan States: Transformation in Modern Irish added to his Economics degree by Writing (1992), and The Abbey Theatre, completing his Masters in Education 1899-1999: Form and Pressure (1999); Management at Jordanstown in 1988. he is also the editor of The Oxford In 2006 he was awarded the honorary Companion to Irish Literature (1996) and degree of Doctor of the University of numerous collections of essays, and (DUniv) in recognition of his distinction in one of the general editors of The Oxford promoting access to further and higher History of the Irish Book (2006-). education, having been awarded an OBE He adds that the University’s proactive in the 2000 New Year’s Honours for his approach to widening access to education Apart from his literary criticism, Professor services to education in Northern Ireland. was in line with his own thinking. Welch is a respected poet, novelist, “One of the greatest gifts you can give and playwright, writing in both English As Interim Director and Chief Executive someone is the opportunity to develop and Irish; he has published a number of Belfast Metropolitan College during themselves but you need to make sure of collections of poetry – Muskerry 2008/09, Dr Mullan was involved in that the necessary support is in place so (1991), Secret Societies (1997), The Blue the College’s innovative development that they can not only aspire but achieve. Formica Table (1999), and The Evergreen proposals for the Titanic Quarter. Prior We did this at Newry and Kilkeel College Road (2006) – while his other work to that he was the Director and Chief by developing a wide variety of access and includes novels The Kilcolman Notebook Executive of Newry and Kilkeel College of degree programmes.” (1994), Tearmann (in Irish, 1997), Further Education, which was an Associate and Groundwork (1997), and a play College of Ulster and is now part of the Protestants (2006). He is chair of Greenshoots-Newry Ltd, Southern Regional College. an innovation and incubation company supporting fledgling business, which was “One of the things I enjoyed most about formed by Newry and Kilkeel College working in the further education sector in conjunction with Ulster. He is also a is that because it is constantly changing, Commissioner of the Northern Ireland there was no time to get bored as every day Judicial Appointments Commission and is brought new challenges,” says Dr Mullan. a non-executive Director of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust whilst He signed on as a part-time student for remaining a member of Newry’s Chamber the three-year Masters programme when of Commerce and Trade. he was Head of Business Studies at Newry and Kilkeel College. Although he admits Dr Mullan is one of six Civil Service that the academic content and rigour of Commissioners selected through open the course was at times challenging whilst competition. Commissioners have a holding down a full-time job, it gave him statutory responsibility to ensure that an opportunity to reflect on the changing selection for appointments to the Northern role of educators. Ireland Civil Service (NICS) are made on merit, on the basis of fair and open “It was also an opportunity to do research competition. They also hear appeals by civil and consider the application of theory servants under the NICS Code of Ethics. 24 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 people government departments and public sector organisations, and provided policy New Year Honours 2010 relevant advice to Ministers, CEOs and Two senior University figures were costs of pharmacological care of civil servants. recognised in the New Year Honours the elderly. list. Professor Denise McAlister, Dr Gerard O’Hare is one of Northern Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Ireland’s most successful property and Learning) becomes a CBE, as does business entrepreneurs with a portfolio of Dr Gerard O’Hare, Chairman of the developments across the UK and Ireland. University of Ulster Foundation. Born in Ballyholland outside Newry, he Professor McAlister is recognised for was educated at Abbey Grammar School services to Higher Education in Northern and at Nottingham Trent University Ireland. Dr O’Hare is honoured for where he graduated as a surveyor. services to Higher Education and to regeneration in Northern Ireland. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the Professor McAlister became Pro-Vice- University in 2004. Dr O’Hare has Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) in She has held a number of public supported a range of activities in September 2005, having previously held appointments including: membership the School of the Built Environment, positions as Head of School, School of of the Ministerial Advisory Board, Water including a Chair in Property Public Policy, Economics and Law and Service (NI), the National Board for Development and Design, and Dean of the Faculties of Business and Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, a travel bursary scheme for students. Management and Social Sciences and interim chair ERINI, membership of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Quality Assurance Governing Body of BIFHE and a Board and Enhancement). Member of the Northern Ireland Public Sector Enterprises Ltd (NI-CO), Department She is also Professor of Health Policy of Trade and Investment; she is currently and her research interests and expertise chair of the Examinations Board, PSNI and include economic appraisal and Ulster Educational Partnerships Ltd. evaluation, the economics of contracting and the role of the user in health policy She has undertaken consultancy projects evaluation. Her research projects include in performance measurement and work on attitudes to euthanasia and the economic appraisal for a wide range of have links with the Economic and Social Accolade for Ulster Business Dean Research Council (ESRC) Capacity Building Steering Group.” Dean of the Ulster Business School “I feel very honoured and delighted to Professor Marie McHugh, will be become Chair of a highly influential Professor McHugh’s involvement in Chair of the British Academy of Academy that plays such a major role in the Academy has focused on building Management (BAM) - the leading developing capability and supporting the management research capacity and as society for business academics across delivery of world-class management and a member of BAM Executive she has the UK - this year. business research. furthered this agenda with the ESRC. “This role underpins the research, Her role at the Academy supports the teaching and learning, and knowledge research agenda within the Ulster Business transfer objectives of the Ulster Business School, a faculty that has a very strong School and the strong performance of the profile regionally and nationally and Business and Management Research Institute focuses on providing quality education in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise and research that is relevant and which (RAE), where the quality of 85% of the meets market needs. research submitted was viewed, at minimum, as ‘internationally’ recognised in terms of “I am a longstanding member of the ‘originality’, ‘significance’ and ‘rigour’. BAM Council, more recently I have had responsibility for the Academy’s This prestigious appointment is nationwide training and development very opportune, given the exciting Commenting on her new post, Professor agenda. This is very much focused on developments within the Ulster Business McHugh (DPhil Behavioural Sciences building management research capacity School in terms of its contribution to the 1997) said: across the UK and as part of this I development of the Regional Economy. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 25 people Five New Professors Appointed to Magee The University has appointed five new Dr Paul Moore, Resolution Institute, which is a joint professors to its Magee campus. BA Hons Combined Humanities 1975 project of Ulster and the UN University. Dr Paul Moore, Head of School of Creative He is a conflict transformation researcher All are senior academics with a record Arts, has been appointed Professor of and practitioner who has worked in of achievement in teaching and research Creative Technologies. He joined the South Africa, Northern Ireland, Liberia, across the University. Each has been based University in 1999 and has been active Mozambique, the Basque Country and at the campus for several years. in the development of the creative arts/ Sierra Leone. He has written extensively on industries in the University. His research the South African Truth and Reconciliation Paddy Gray is focused on the creative industries and Commission, the psychological implications BSc Hons Social Sciences 1979 ways in which theory and practice can of political violence, trauma and the process Paddy Gray has been appointed Professor be brought together in training and of transition and reconciliation in South of Housing. He has been a lecturer at Ulster education. His own practice is in the area Africa, Northern Ireland and other regions. since 1987 and is an expert on housing of sound art. policy and housing management in the Dr Mark Shevlin UK and Republic. Currently Vice-President He is the Ofcom Content Board member BSc Hons Applied Psychology 1992 of the Chartered Institute of Housing for for Northern Ireland and has most recently Dr Mark Shevlin, Reader in Psychology, has the UK and Hong Kong, he will be the first been appointed as a member of the Digital been appointed Professor of Psychology. person from Ireland and first academic to Britain Consortium and Chair of the NI He has lectured at Ulster for 11 years. become its President in June. Digital Participation Hub. A freelance His research has been in the areas of broadcaster with BBC Radio Ulster, he has trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and Mary McColgan, Head of School of written and presented documentaries for psychosis. He recently received an award Sociology and Applied Social Studies, BBC national radio. from the prestigious Economic and Social becomes Professor of Social Work. Research Council to provide statistical Her research interests include family Dr Brandon Hamber, Professor of training for researchers and postgraduates support and child protection within Peace and Conflict Resolution, is Director in latent variable modelling across Northern statutory social services. of INCORE, the Magee-based Conflict Ireland for the next three years. Fellowship Honour for Leading Political Scientist Professor Elliott described him as ‘that unusual of academic figures who has, One of Ireland’s best known political him as an informed and even-handed in addition to his teaching and research, analysts, Professor Paul Arthur, commentator on the ‘Troubles’ and played a significant role in bringing has received a rare accolade for peace process. political adversaries together and, in enlightening students at home and the process, has gained the respect of abroad and aiding the quest PSAI members include leading academics all political parties in Ireland, north and for peace. in universities across Ireland and the UK. It south, as well as wider afield, particularly is only the second Fellowship that the PSAI in North America’. The Political Studies Association of Ireland has awarded. (PSAI), the leading forum for promoting As such, his reputation has extended far the study of politics both in and out of The Fellowship scheme was instituted in beyond Ireland. He is regularly invited to Ireland, has elected Professor Arthur a 2007 to mark the 25th anniversary of the advise on other conflict zones and speak Fellow in recognition of outstanding Association.The first recipient was Professor at international peace conferences. service to the PSAI and, in particular, his Tom Garvin of University College Dublin. He is particularly sought after in the promotion of political studies. United States to help develop peace Professor Arthur said: studies programmes and used his Professor Arthur, who is based at the recent Fulbright scholarship at Stanford Magee campus, is an internationally “Acknowledgment by one’s peers makes University to advise universities in recognised authority on Northern this a very special honour. I am very California, the Dakotas and Oregon. Ireland politics, Anglo-Irish relations grateful to the PSAI for electing me a and Irish America. He is Professor of Fellow and particularly honoured to be Politics and was Director of the Graduate following in the footsteps of my friend and Programme in Peace and Conflict Studies colleague, Tom Garvin.” from 1994 until last year. He was proposed for the honour by His writings in influential papers such Executive Committee member Dr Sandra as the New York Times, the Times and Buchanan, of INCORE, and the proposal Irish Times and frequent broadcasts as was supported by Professor Marianne a political analyst with Ulster Television Elliott, Director of the Institute of Irish and other major outlets helped establish Studies at the University of Liverpool. 26 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 people Five New Professors Appointed to Magee FIRST TRUST BANK/UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD The First Trust Bank/University of Ulster Distinguished Graduate Award 2009-10 was awarded to John McMullan MBE, Chief Executive of the Bryson Charitable Group, during the graduation ceremonies at Jordanstown in December 2009. John is a graduate of Ulster three times, having been awarded a Masters in Business Administration in 1993, a BA Hons Business Studies in 1991 and an HNC Business and Finance in 1987. He is responsible for performance and development of all Group Business Units and Companies, the Group financial performance and the development and implementation of strategy direction as Professor Richard Barnett, John McMullan and Peri Mullan, First Trust Bank. agreed with the Group Board. within Bryson Recycling Ltd, Lagan John was elected a Life Fellow of the John served as the Northern Ireland Watersports Ltd, North City Training Royal Society for the encouragement of representative on the national Landfill Ltd (Chairman), Work West Ltd and is a Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) Tax Credit Forum, and ENTRUST (the member of DFP’s (CPD) Social Economy in 2007; and in 2009 was elected to the regulator of the Landfill Communities Enterprise Working Group. He was RSA Fellowship Council representing Fund) on the operation of the scheme, a member of the ministerial (DSD) Ireland. He was awarded an MBE in as well as serving as Chairman of the Taskforce on resourcing the Voluntary the 1998 Birthday Honours list. Visiting Committee for Hydebank Wood and Community sector and The Young Offenders’ Centre and Chairman Minister’s Fuel Poverty Taskforce. The award is made each year to an of the Northern Ireland Boards of Visitors alumnus/alumna of the University ‘in and Visiting Committee of Prisons. He was appointed by the Minister at recognition of outstanding achievement the Department for Social Development in their chosen field’. John is also Vice-Chair and Hon Treasurer as Chairman of the Northern Ireland of Belfast Healthy Cities, Hon Treasurer Fuel Poverty Advisory Group until John was presented with a trophy Belfast Hills partnership, Chairs the 2009 and by the Minister of State at which was been designed and made by Visiting Professor’s Panel on Sustainability the Department of Public Enterprise Ulster graduate Helen Moore, BA Hons at the University of Ulster, Chairs the (Republic of Ireland) as a board member Fine and Applied Arts 2009. Helen is DoE’s Northern Ireland Climate Change of the Sustainable Energy Authority of currently a student at the Royal College Impact Partnership, holds board positions Ireland (Sustainable Energy Ireland). of Art in London. Marketing Award for Professor McGowan headed the Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship Business Professor (NICENT) until May 2009, with responsibility for promoting the enterprise agenda Pauric McGowan, Professor of within higher education. He currently Entrepreneurship and Business lectures in the Department of Marketing, Development in the Ulster Business Entrepreneurship and Strategy, specialising School has been awarded a Fellowship in strategic marketing in entrepreneurial from the Marketing Institute of Ireland. firms, and researches in the area of entrepreneurial learning. Professor McGowan received the honour in recognition of his contribution to the He has been actively engaged with marketing profession and to the work of business development and business the Institute itself in Northern Ireland. networks for over 25 years. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 27 people Third Time Lucky as Sue Returns to Ulster 25 years on and back at Ulster for I moved to the Northern Ireland Tourist the third time, Sue Ward talks about Board as Director of Marketing. Both her time at Jordanstown and how of these posts gave me international the intervening years have set her up experience and contacts that are standing perfectly for her new role as Head of me in good stead now. International Sales and Marketing at the University. And so to the present. I arrived back at Ulster last summer, this time as Head of I find it quite incredible to think it will International Sales and Marketing. My be 25 years this summer since I first role is about promoting the University in graduated from Ulster. My years as a the international marketplace, overseas Sports Studies student seem a lifetime ago, recruitment and the internationalisation although it was lovely to come back and of Ulster. find some of the people who made such a positive impression on me are still here. In a tough market economy and a global marketplace, the students of today can After Ulster I headed off to Loughborough only benefit from a more international University to complete a PGCE and then I really enjoyed my year back at experience. From my perspective this spent nine great years teaching PE in Jordanstown. As an undergraduate I had is not just about what our international Leicester. Everything changed when just always been a very average student. At students gain from us but about what we, after we got married in 1996 my new 30 I was like a sponge – I thrived as a as a university, choose to learn from our Scottish husband was offered a job in mature student. I finished my Masters in international visitors. The job market is Belfast. I decided to take a year off from Marketing with a distinction and a one tough for today’s graduates. International teaching to go back to University to do year contract with the Chartered Institute dimensions to learning, work experience something completely different. It was the of Marketing. After this I went to FG and life can only serve to strengthen job MA in Marketing at Ulster that appealed Wilson, where I held both Marketing and prospects and broaden personal outlooks. to me most. Change Management roles. From there We have much to learn and more to gain. Jiemin Scoops Chinese Women’s Awards International Officer Jiemin chairman of both the Chinese Chamber Tomita has been presented with a of Commerce and Chinese prestigious award which recognises Welfare Association. the invaluable contribution made by Chinese women from all corners of In her role at Ulster, Jiemin is responsible the UK. Jiemin, Country Manager for for recruitment and other partnership links China and Hong Kong, was the only with students and academic institutions in candidate to receive the award for China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. her ‘Contribution to Public Life’. In 2009 she received two accolades for Jiemin received a Mu-Lan Award from her work – the University’s Community Cherie Booth QC and Mei Sim Lai OBE Partnership Award and Outstanding at a ceremony in the House of Lords. Employee Award from the Chinese Diversity Business Award for Excellence. She said: The Mu-Lan Award is non-party political “It was a great privilege and honour to and impartially judged by a distinguished receive the Mu-Lan Award and meet panel including Cherie Booth QC, Lady all these wonderful women at the Marguerite Woolf, Mei Sim Lai OBE DL and presentation ceremony.” Alice Yu from London Spectrum Radio. She was nominated by Shek Yung Lee There are five Mu-Lan awards: Community OBE, former chairman of the Chinese Woman of the Year, Woman Volunteer Chamber of Commerce and former of the Year, Contribution to Public Life, chairman of the Chinese Welfare Female Benefactor of the Year, and Female Association and Danny Wong MBE, Young Achiever of the Year. Jiemin with Cherie Booth. 28 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 arts Connect, Share, Create Feedback A groundbreaking dance to be creative by using social networking and creative technologies project. sites where they’re used to meeting up and sharing music, video, photos and The University dance outreach team thoughts. Through their participation Satellite, in partnership with artists in the Feedback project the students from the University resident dance are exploring alternative ways of using company Assault Events, are currently Facebook that allow them to collaborate delivering a groundbreaking new and develop creative connections thus project, Feedback, to FE Colleges that widening their access to and increase looks at ways in which social media participation, in creative arts activity.” can help enhance and assist creativity. Working alongside Sandie is Sophy Smith, Performing arts students from Researcher at the Institute of Creative Northern Regional College and South Technologies at De Montfort University West College have been engaged in Leicester and together they will use this a series of music, dance and creative pilot project to research the potential technology workshops since February use of online social media as a virtual and are exploring ways of using the studio environment for making social networking site Facebook as a performance work. virtual studio environment to support the collaborative creation of a piece Feedback culminates in June with a of performance. ‘Creative Think Tank’ day at the Foyle Arts Building, Magee campus, when all the Sandie Fisher, Lecturer in Dance and participating students will come together Feedback Project Manager said: to share and develop their experience and create more work they can share online. This project has been supported by “This is an exciting and innovative This will then be followed by the launch of the University of Ulster Access project that encourages young people an online Facebook archive exhibition. Agreement Fund. now editing and developing into a 30-minute professional performance. The Little Box of Wonders This development stage is being supported with the input of two leading Staff and students from the School of theatre practitioners. Creative Arts are currently making final preparations for a very special production “We were delighted to be invited by Young to be presented as part of Belfast at Art to perform The Little Box of Wonders Children’s Festival. Created by staff and as part of Belfast Children’s Festival which students in Drama, Dance and Music, is renowned for producing high quality The Little Box of Wonders is an originally performances for young people. This is a devised performance which has been wonderful opportunity for our students developed throughout the spring through to see a creative project through from the a series of multi-disciplinary workshops very outset of its development to a final with local school children and visiting professional presentation.” artists. Dr Tom Maguire, senior lecturer in Drama, said: The Little Box of Wonders will be presented as part of Belfast Children’s Festival from “The idea behind the project has been 27 to 29 May 2010. For further details of to explore what happens when you start performances please log on to with an opened box and add theatre, www.belfastchildrensfestival.com. dance, live music and a lot of imagination! The project has started with a series of Additional performances of the production workshops led by our own drama students for invited school groups will be staged in two local primary schools. This process in the Foyle Arts Building, Magee campus of working closely with the target age- on 24 May 2010. This project has been group has provided our students with an supported by the University of Ulster array of initial material which they are Access Agreement Fund. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 29 arts Ulster Festival of Art and Design Monday 7 June - Belfast’s cultural hub the Cathedral Saturday 19 June 2010, Quarter, its communities and its visitors. Belfast campus Hence, the Ulster Festival of Art and Design The Faculty of Art, Design and the Built was created in 2008, the only festival of Environment has traditionally mounted its type in Ireland. It complements the work by its graduating students in an ‘End University’s successful and highly visible of Year Show’. Whilst this has proven to degree shows, which attract significant be a very successful event over the years, audiences. In its short lifespan, the Festival collaborations and exhibitions all related it became evident that it could offer a has built a strong following. Its programme to art and design – encompassing a broad more significant contribution to Northern includes talks, workshops, screenings, range of disciplines including photography, Ireland’s artistic excellence including performances, a fashion show, residencies, ceramics, architecture, fashion, painting, product design, visual communication, textile art, etc. Some of the highlights over the past two years have included visits by Wayne Hemingway, founder of Red or Dead; international designer, Peter Anderson; fashion designer, Peter O’Brien; Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin; Bruno Maag, graphic designer; Jay Osgerby, product designer; Pete Davies, photographer and Fritz Maierhofer, jeweller. The Festival places great emphasis on producing events of the highest quality, attracting artists and designers of international repute and continuing to assert its reputation for excellence in creativity and innovation. www.ulsterfestival.com explore the people, spaces, history and culture of an area that once formed the Empty Spaces Project heart of Belfast. In the autumn of last year a number were involved with their wider community One of the on-going objectives of of organisations and individuals investigating a range of tools that could the initiative is to use culture as an met to discuss the idea of making be employed to educate architects important element in revitalising town creative use of empty retail and and designers on understanding urban centres and high streets in the belief commercial properties in issues beyond the studio. that culture should be used not just as central Belfast. a quick fix in a time of crisis, but as a As a result, students and staff screened vital element of the high streets of the Following the Arts Council England an interpretive documentary film with future. It is hoped that further spaces initiative called Art in Empty Spaces, architectural, graphic and photographic in central Belfast will be used for other a scheme to help artists and arts work at a number of empty shop units projects by Ulster students in the near organisations turn vacant high street in the Haymarket Arcade (between future, helping to bring their creativity shops into vibrant artistic places, the Royal Avenue and Gresham Street, to a large public audience whilst also Cultural Development Support Scheme Belfast) in February this year. promoting art as a natural bed-fellow granted assistance for a project to to shopping and an invaluable aspect of bring University projects into Entitled “What’s Wrong with This place-making. unoccupied sites. Place?” the exhibits were often surprisingly poignant and beautiful A similar initiative is also planned for Since September 2009, students from observations about the notion of place Derry which is aiming to be up-and- Architecture and Visual Communications that move beyond the obvious to running later this year. 30 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 sport Special Visitors – Colin Jackson and Leon Taylor October saw the visit of two inspirational On the tour, the two times World Olympians to the Jordanstown campus – champion and four times European with Olympic silver medallists champion, met Michael McKillop, who Colin Jackson CBE (110m hurdles) and won gold at the 2008 Paralympics in Leon Taylor (synchronised diving). Beijing, and also works at the Jordanstown sports centre, and praised the University’s Colin Jackson, who picked up his Olympic attitude to sport. medal at the 1988 Seoul games, toured the campus’ multi-million pound sports facilities When Leon Taylor visited the campus, he also and met staff and students, handing on gave it a ringing endorsement, saying the some helpful advice to the Athletics Club. University is more than capable of hosting athletes for the London 2012 Games. The Jordanstown campus has been designated as a pre-Olympic and Paralympic training camp for the Games in two years time. Leon, who is a BT Ambassador for London Leon Taylor 2012, said: place for anyone looking for a pre-Olympic “Comparing the facilities to the Sheffield training camp.” Institute of Sport where I trained, this is a fantastic facility and because it’s newer Leon won his silver medal in the you’ve learnt from what’s going well synchronized diving event at the Olympic across the water and made improvements. Games in Athens in 2004. It was Great Colin Jackson with pupils from Orangefield It is an amazing facility, which is being Britain’s first Olympic medal in diving for Primary School. well used, and this should be a fantastic 44 years. University of Ulster. Sport is there to help succeed in sport, in business or whatever Black Tie Ball our young people and attract people from your discipline may be. If you give it all disadvantaged backgrounds to further you’ve got then you can achieve The Ulster Sports Academy held its education and I am passionate about sport your dreams.” first annual black tie fundraising ball at Ulster.” at the Ramada Hotel Belfast, with Sir Steve has been described as ‘the special guest Sir Steve Redgrave CBE. Speaking at the gala event the world’s greatest Olympian’ having won Minister said: five consecutive gold medals between The five times Olympic gold medal the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 winning rower joined the Minister “The University has made a huge and the Sydney Olympics in 2000. of Culture, Arts and Leisure Nelson contribution to sport in Northern Ireland The rowing star also picked up nine McCausland MLA, and Dame Mary and must be congratulated on their World Championships golds and three Peters DBE, DL, to lend their support commitment to continue in its dedication Commonwealth Games gold medals in to the vision of the Academy to make to sport. an illustrious career. Ulster the leading third level institution for sport on the island of Ireland. “The University’s partnership with Sport NI with the Sports Institute Northern Welcoming people from the world of Ireland based at the wonderful facilities at business and sport, Vice-Chancellor Jordanstown is a great benefit to athletes Professor Richard Barnett said: looking forward to the 2012 Olympics and beyond.” “Sir Steve and Dame Mary have Guest of honour Sir Steve Redgrave said: demonstrated excellence in sport is what the University is all about. Our “Support for sport is extremely important partnership with Sport NI has allowed and the theme of today was ‘be inspired’. our young people the opportunity to The best advice I can give in terms of compete, train and succeed in sport. being inspired is to do the best you can all Professor Marie Murphy (left) and Dr Nigel Dobson the time. The best preparation, the best (right), with Olympic heroes Sir Steve Redgrave “Sport is incredibly important to the training and the best attitude can help you and Dame Mary Peters. the ulster graduate l spring 2010 31 sport Sports and Golf Scholars Liverpool Thirty outstanding University sportsmen At the award ceremony Vice-Chancellor, and women have been honoured for Professor Richard Barnett said: their sporting achievements. Champions “My congratulations to all those who are The awards are designed to help students today receiving scholarship awards. League who excel in sport to carry on their studies while achieving the highest level in their “We are the leading University for sport Trophy Visit sporting discipline. on the island of Ireland, but we are not content with that, and over the next few Ulster Rugby captain and Irish Grand Slam years we intend to secure that position. winner Rory Best was guest of honour at the special awards ceremony. The 13 performance scholars include some of Ireland’s top-level athletes such Lending his support to the programme, as Olympian James McIlroy, sprinter Amy Rory said: Foster, world handball champion Dara Daly and Paralympic swimmers Stephen “It’s brilliant to see that Ulster is Campbell and Hannah Clarke. recognising excellence in the sporting field and are doing their bit to help them along James also picked up a Coach Scholarship to also get an education that is vital. along with Northern Ireland under-17 and under-21 coach Conor Marlin. “It’s good to see so many sponsors involved including Lucozade Sport and Kukri.” There were also 14 International Scholarships awarded, which included As part of the scholars programme, four Belfast Giants Ice Hockey stars from participants are assigned a member of staff the United States and Canada and three Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Gerry as a mentor, to help the student achieve field hockey internationals from South Mallon with the Champions League Trophy. balance between their academic and Africa, France and India, who helped the sporting lives. Jordanstown hockey team to all-Ireland The University experienced victory in the intervarsity competition. some top-flight soccer coaching as community coaches from Tyrone Gaelic football star Neamh Manchester United FC and Liverpool Woods was awarded a scholarship from FC visited for training sessions. the Alumni Fund. Senior international swimmer Conor Leaney was presented Liverpool FC community coaches with a Commonwealth Games Scholarship visited the Jordanstown campus to as he strives to pick up a medal at this train school children in the Merseyside The 2009/10 University of Ulster Sports Scholars. year’s games in India. mould, while the men from Old Trafford helped open a state-of-the-art floodlit outdoor soccer and hockey Ulster is also backing some of the Nations, and taking the team title in the training pitch at Magee. top golfers on the island of Ireland European Universities competition. with academic scholarship awards The £250,000 rubber crumb surface for six of its students. The University has also enlisted the is the first of its kind in Ireland that assistance of Bill Donald, Director of can be used for both sports. The third Minister for Employment and Learning, Golf at the K-Club, to help develop a generation (3G) pitch’s soft texture Sir Reg Empey, was on hand to present strategy to make Ulster an all-island helps prevent sports injuries and is the recipients with their awards. leader in golf. especially good for children. Golf is one of the University’s focus At Jordanstown over 160 school sports and it is dedicated to its children linked up with the development and putting structures in representatives from Liverpool FC. place with the top golfing organisations. The group also brought with them the Ulster students have already shown the crowning glory of European soccer – benefits of the scholarship scheme as the Champions League trophy, which last season they finished up winning Liverpool FC were awarded to keep the Irish Colleges League, the Irish following their fifth European win Intervarsity title, the British Home Sir Reg Empey with Golf Scholars. in 2005. 32 the ulster graduate l spring 2010 A SMART MOVE 1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS QUALITY TURNKEY SPECIFICATION EXCELLENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ØÊlÃØÁÁÃÇØÇØà CLOSE TO THE NEW UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ÒÒÒ¨Åg¢gŸL¼¨U¨Ë IN THE HEART OF CATHEDRAL QUARTER, BELFAST www.saintannessquare.com ØÊlÃØÁÁÃllll ÒÒÒ¨LÅÒU=¸¼¨U SAS ULSTER HP ADVERT 2b.indd 1 11/2/10 13:53:05 www.oideas-gael.com IRELAND’S LANGUAGE & CULTURE Múinteoirí ar Scor de dhíth Adult Irish Language Courses All learning levels - weekend & week-long Retired Teachers Needed Cultural Activity Holidays Are you a qualified teacher with three hours a week to spare? If so, then Sólás needs you! Damhsa • Hill Walking in the Donegal Highlands • Archaeology • Environment & Culture Sólás, which means comfort in Irish, is a registered charity setup to • Donegal Dances • Tapestry Weaving support children who require additional educational support in schools. Ceol • Marine Painting • Flute & Whistle 1 in 5 children, who require such care, are not being catered for, because • Beat the Bodhrán • Irish Harp their needs don’t fall under the statutory provision. • Digital Photography Sólás are seeking 10 volunteers to pilot our “Back-on-Track” scheme. Comhluadar Info & Brochure 2010 from This would involve providing one to one classes with children who are OIDEAS GAEL struggling with their numeracy and literacy skills. Gleann Cholm Cille Co. Dhún na nGall “Back-on-Track” will be piloted in South Belfast’s Irish Medium School Gaeilge Fón: 074 973 0248 Facs: 074 973 0348 An Droichead. Irish is welcomed but not a prerequisite. [email protected] To Volunteer please contact Caitlín on 077 6316 3026 or alternatively, Saoirse send an email to [email protected] 7kÓhijWYYekdjYekbZX[ `kijj^[j_Ya[j\ehoek ;if[Y_Wbbo_\oekmWdjje][jekjceh[ Ef[dWkÓhijehkÓhij]ebZWYYekdjjeZWo\ehZ_iYekdjie\(+e\\Wm_Z[hWd][e\j^[Wjh[ j_Ya[ji"YedY[hjj_Ya[jiWdZj_Ya[ji\eh_dj[hdWj_edWbifehj_d][l[dji$ M_j^Wcedj^boc[cX[hi^_f\[[e\/\ehkÓhijWdZ')\ehkÓhij]ebZ"m[YWd]_l[oekie ckY^ceh[j^WdWijWdZWhZYkhh[djWYYekdj$ I_cfboZhef_djeoekhbeYWbXhWdY^ehbe]edjemmm$kbij[hXWda$Ye$ka J[hciWdZYedZ_j_edim_bbWffbo$OekckijX['.ehel[h$OekYWddejYecX_d[j^[e\\[hWdZZ[WbiWlW_bWXb[m_j^kÓhijWdZkÓhij]ebZYkhh[djWYYekdjim_j^Wdo ej^[hfhecej_edWbe\\[h$J^[i[hl_Y[im_j^kÓhijWdZkÓhij]ebZWh[fhel_Z[ZXo7\Ód_ed?dj[hdWj_edWbB_c_j[Zm^eWYjWiekhW][dji$J^[_dikhWdY[m_bbedbo Wffbo\ehWibed]Wioeka[[foekhkÓhij]ebZYkhh[djWYYekdjef[d$OekYWdÓdZ_d\ehcWj_ededekhY^Wh][iWdZ_dj[h[ijhWj[i_dekhXheY^kh[É7]k_Z[je f[hiedWbWYYekdji"\[[iWdZ_dj[h[ijÊ"m^_Y^_iWlW_bWXb[_dekhXhWdY^[iWdZedekhm[Xi_j[Wjmmm$kbij[hXWda$Ye$ka$ 03144 AD22.indd 1 10/02/2010 10:46:48