The magazine for Friends of Coventry University Spring/Summer 2011

Career ladder Graduates reveal their employment stories Three steps to growing a successful graduate business

Global networking Coventry reunites with win graduates overseas Chocolate goodies and book offers See page 37 for more details Behind the headlines Graduate and former Sun newspaper editor David Yelland reveals how his passion for journalism began in Coventry evolve contents Welcome Getting your career off the ground after graduation can be a challenge. We have stories from four very different graduates in this issue though who explain how they got where they are today. From the 80s graduate who became a Chocolate Maker to the Nurse who did a professional Diploma in the 90s – find out how they achieved success by reading their stories on pages 8-11. We also have a special interview with former Sun newspaper editor David Yelland in this issue who talks about his days living and studying in Coventry on page 20. 32 It’s interesting to read about David’s view of the city back then and how he sees it today. This issue is also packed with your updates, letters, reunions and events – so sit back and spend a bit of time catching up with your University.

Keep in touch Kristina PS – We’re planning a fantastic Alumni Weekend in 2012 – read pages 38-39 for more details. The alumni team 9 Alumni Relations Manager Maria Haslam Alumni Relations Officer Kristina Anders Data Officer Katharine Beer Annual Fund Officer Brian Wilson Head of Fundraising Matt Feeley Development Manager Chris Smith Contact us Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 Email: [email protected] Post: FOCUS, The Development Office, Alan Berry Building, Room 10, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB 28 Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni E-News: Subscribe to a free monthly alumni e-newsletter by emailing SUBSCRIBE to [email protected] Social Networking: Become a Fan and join the Friends of Coventry University group on Facebook, link up with the University and other professionals on the Linkedin website. Credits: This magazine is written and edited by Cheryl Liddle, designed by Rob Hearne for Coventry University, photography by Graham Harwood and printed by Emmersons Press. Cover photo by Charles Shearn. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of evolve. Please keep sending in your stories. This magazine is published twice a year for alumni of Coventry University. All letters, photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions. The opinions expressed in evolve are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Relations Office or Coventry University. 2 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 26 Vice-Chancellor Madeleine Atkins explains how the University is embracing contents future challenges I am delighted regulars that 94 percent of last year’s 12 Get Connected 20 graduates Find out what old friends are doing now. went into 18 My University employment, further study How two mature students graduated and or professional set up their own business training. 24 Letters It is evident from the updates Your views and opinions about Coventry from graduates in this issue of evolve that many of you are using 26 Lecturer in Focus your experience at Coventry to Graduates say farewell to lecturer David move into senior roles or develop Browne as he retires from the University businesses of your own. 34 Reunions All universities are faced with See who has been back on campus or the challenge of setting higher fees reuniting around the world in light of the Government funding cuts and while we believe we can 36 Events offer first rate value for money on Find out about the latest events and all our courses, we recognise the activities on offer to graduates concern of students. We are committed to providing a competitively priced, excellent features academic experience with 08 Career Ladder opportunities for international study and a strong commitment to the Four graduates reveal all about their career progression since Coventry employability of our graduates. Some of you recently spoke to 16 The Grand Challenge students as part of a call campaign Solving the world’s biggest challenges with to help raise funds for scholarships a targeted approach to applied research and bursaries as well as gather support for projects. 20 Headline Act Your eagerness to help out was 7 How one graduate became one of the overwhelming and we’re delighted most influential people in the country that so many of you want to support competitions 28 Changing Lives your alma mater and its future and offers How graduates support the University students. Thank you for your ongoing 30 Art Direction 23 Book Prize association with Coventry University What life was like studying at Coventry’s – we really value your engagement Win a copy of David Yelland’s book – School of Art in the 1950s The Truth about Leo with us. 32 Growing a Business 37 Chocolate Goodies Advice for developing a new business idea Win chocolate goodies made by a Professor Madeleine Atkins graduate and chocolate maker Vice-Chancellor 37 Benefits and Services This magazine is Find out about all the discounts and available in alternative benefits of being a member of FOCUS formats on request. 40 University Gifts Please contact via Buy Coventry University branded souvenirs +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or to remind you of your student days [email protected]

3 evolve update update The latest campus and graduate news Writing on wall for graduates

the alumni office and were invited to place their messages on the wall, and be entered into a prize draw to win chocolate hampers and other treats. Les Young was one of the first to graduate from a course in Advancing Practice, Emergency Care and won a Green & Blacks chocolate hamper in the prize draw. Les said: “I’m thrilled to win a hamper – I will now have a very happy wife! I am already working wall of memories written by their hard work and commitment in my dream job as an emergency Agraduates made an emotional at the University during the special nurse supporting the troops. But I mark on graduation week in graduation week. wouldn’t mind being a Ninja!” November last year. The Alumni office also asked Hundreds of graduates and graduates to vote for their dream MEMORY WALL HIGHLIGHTS their families left messages of job after graduation and the most • “May this wonderful place of learning congratulations and thanks, as well popular roles were a Princess and a go from strength to strength. People as memories and sad farewells on a Ninja – both with 25% of the votes have reached many goals.” special wall in the Students’ Union each. Pirates and Chocolatiers came • “My daughter Naomi has enjoyed (see box for an example of some of in joint-second with 20% of the votes her time in Coventry and is now the messages). and only 10% of those asked wanted practising her midwifery in Swmelon. Over 3,000 graduates adorned to be a Magician. Thank you.” their cap and gowns and walked All graduates received a • “My mommy is grajuwayting. When I through the Cathedral in honour of commemorative pin badge from grow up I’m going to be a ners.” Professional development raduates will now find it about bespoke provision. in the global economy. The speed Geven easier to continue their Statistics show that 80% of of technological, global and professional development at the 2020 workforce is already in demographic change will leave Coventry thanks to a new website employment, which will create a some individuals behind if they don’t and coordinated approach. huge skills gap if employees do not upskill now.” Access to information and update their training. The University offers a range of Continuing Professional Development Project Manager Sara Lines courses in key industry sectors. (CPD) courses has been made much said: “Investing in higher-level Call +44 (0) 24 7688 7798 or simpler and there are key contacts for skills through CPD will ensure visit www.coventry.ac.uk/cpd businesses who want to find out more professionals remain competitive for more details.

4 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve update SPEAKERS: (l-r) Peter Shillcock, Professor David Bailey and Martyn Hollingsworth at a recent event.

Global leaders inspire lumni are inspiring postgraduates of working in multi-national Jaguar Land Rover pictured with A about global leadership as part of companies have been offering their Professor David Bailey. a new programme. expert advice to students on the The University launched the The Global Leaders Programme, Programme. Among the presenters programme in response to demands which started in 2010, gives at recent events have been graduate from employers for individuals with postgraduates the opportunity to Peter Shillcock, Chief Operating the skills to work in multi-cultural and enhance their leadership potential for Officer for Manganese Bronze multi-disciplinary teams. global organisations. Holdings and Martyn Hollingsworth, www.coventry.ac.uk/glp for Graduates with experience Director, Vehicle Evaluation from more information.

Opportunities at Jaguar Land Rover www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com for more information. aguar Land Rover is looking for The opportunity will mean putting Jexperienced graduates interested commercial skills and purchasing, in a career change. sales or project management The global organisation is looking experience to the test to drive to recruit graduates with commercial Jaguar Land Rover’s ongoing growth skills to join its market-leading and help create some of the most Purchasing team. desirable, innovative and exhilarating Jaguar Land Rover contacted vehicles in the world. the alumni office to target Coventry John Beck Senior Buyer at Jaguar graduates with the opportunity to Land Rover said: “While we are apply for positions and the vacancies advertising for Purchasing careers, were first posted on the FOCUS the experience is not so specific. The Linkedin page and in the alumni company is looking for a whole range e-newsletter. of disciplines.”

Statistics and Engineering Science, cohort this year. received an ‘Honorable Mention Meanwhile, John Beech, Head of Award’ at the centenary celebration Sport & Tourism Applied Research, of Technical Universities in Poland. has won the Football Supporters’ This prestigious award is one of Federation Writer of the Year award. only ten to recognise the scientific John’s blog, Football Management contributions made to the Wroclaw (http://footballmanagement. University of Technology by someone wordpress.com), follows the finances Recognition outside of Poland. and other management issues of The award recognises the benefits football clubs, including the high level for lecturers from synergies between control of insolvency in the English game. engineering and computer science Malcolm Clarke, Chairman of the wo of the University’s lecturers which have arisen over the years Football Supporters’ Federation T are celebrating recognition in at Coventry and Wroclaw, such as came to Coventry (pictured above very different fields. the launch of the common Masters left) personally to give the award to Keith Burnham, Director of CTAC programme in Advanced Informatics Dr. Beech in front of his colleagues and Associate Head of Mathematics, and Control which will recruit its first from the Business School. 5 evolve update London Campus opens oventry University officially business leaders and prospective Copened its new London MBA students. Campus (CULC) in December 2010 Janet Hannah, Director of CULC, and its first students have started a said: “CULC gives the international range of MBA programmes and top- student the opportunity to learn up undergraduate programmes. about business and to study and Situated in the centre of London’s work in one of the world’s leading financial district, just 250 metres financial markets, London. from Liverpool Street Station, CULC “It is the ideal setting for has already attracted international international students to immerse students from countries such as themselves in both the academic China, India, Nigeria and parts of the and practical side of the business Middle East. world. CULC is at the very heart of It boasts state-of-the-art facilities London’s financial district and is an that include a unique fully simulated exciting place to be.” Commonwealth financial trading floor to enhance Gold business teaching and learning at For more information about the campus. courses and facilities visit The CULC courses have been the website www.coventry.ac.uk/ hysiotherapy graduate Nicky developed in consultation with londoncampus. PHunt won two gold medals for archery at the Commonwealth Games in October 2010. Nicky, who graduated from Coventry Volunteering case studies in 2006, won the women’s individual compound gold and was also a member of England’s three-strong team – along with Nichola Simpson and Danielle Brown – that came first in the women’s compound event. While Nicky studied at Coventry she was also a recipient of a sports scholarship for her archery. These scholarships are given to students who have achieved excellence in a sporting performance. Vince Mayne, Deputy Director of Student Health and Well Being said VOLUNTEERS: Students enjoying the annual Big Challenge Project how impressed the University was with Nicky’s success. he Students’ Union is looking Graduates who want to write a case “We are all very proud of Nicky. Her Tfor graduates who were involved study should include the following dedication to her sport has truly paid in volunteering activities while they information: off and I’m sure I speak on behalf of were students. • Where you volunteered and what her former lecturers in the Faculty of CUSU Volunteering and you got up to? Health and Life Sciences as well where Employability (formerly Horizon • The benefits to you both personally Nicky is remembered as a popular and Volunteering) is an award-winning and professionally. committed student.” service and wants to use the case • If it helped you with your career The University gives the sports studies to promote the benefits of development and how? scholarships to student athletes to volunteering to students. • Anything about your experience support them with costs such as tuition Volunteering & Employability you think potential volunteers fees, accommodation, sports services, Manager Corrine Gordon said: “It’s would like to know. books, equipment and travel. They are your views on your experience that • Any photos of your volunteering a bonus for student athletes to help makes the difference! We know that experience that you would like to them reach their sporting potential. many of you had a fantastic time be featured with your case study. “Nicky has achieved gold in India whilst volunteering, and gained skills Email Corinne Gordon at and now we will all be rooting for her and experience to help you develop [email protected] in 2012 to do the same in London at your career – so please volunteer to with your case study or call the Olympics,” said Vince. write a short case study to tell us all +44 (0) 24 7679 5210. Visit www.nickyhunt.co.uk. about it!”

6 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve update Memory Bank Graduates remember Rescue fellowship their favourite lecturer ne graduate has been awarded this personal experience of being Oa Winston Churchill Travelling deployed to a disaster to assist with Dr Adrian Wood and Fellowship to do research in Canada my Travelling Fellowship.” Dr Sue Charlesworth and the USA about rescue teams Ian will meet rescue teams and (Geography lecturers) who have attended large scale their members to share experiences were by far the disasters. from other large scale disasters, and best lecturers I Ian Nuttall (Specialist Rescue to see what can be learnt from both have ever come across. Both Diploma, 2009), is a Leicestershire attending these types of events as very knowledgeable, inspirational, Fire Fighter and was a member of well as training for them. supportive and always willing to the 61 strong UK Fire and Rescue After graduating from his diploma share a joke! Thanks to both for Service International Search and at Coventry, Ian was chosen to being part of the happiest days of Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) that went be a member of Leicestershire’s my life. out to New Zealand recently. Ian contingent of the UK Fire and Kiren Rana, (Geography, 2006) went over to Christchurch following Rescue Service’s volunteer the 6.3 Richter scale earthquake International Search and Rescue (UK My favourite tutor which caused widespread ISAR) Team. was Senior Lecturer destruction and multiple fatalities in “The idea is to go forward and Alistair Gray. He the city centre. build on what I did at Coventry was down to earth, The main aim of UK-ISAR is to and what I am doing now with the knowledgeable, help with rescue efforts in natural Fellowship to progress in the world interested in his students and caring. disasters and Ian is skilled in that of disasters and helping others,” said Kimberley Hughes, (Nursing and area. “It was a privilege to be able to Ian about his Fellowship. Paramedic Science, 2008 use the knowledge and skills that I have learnt to benefit both the New For more information about My favourite tutor Zealand authorities and the families the Fellowship visit the was Jon Baxter, he of the victims. I now aim to use website www.wcmt.org.uk. introduced me into the CAD/CAM world in a very practical and ‘learning by doing’ way. It was the starting point in my career to become a computer aided design expert! Alejandro Robledo Gallo (European Engineering Studies, 2007)

My favourite tutors were Dr Khalid Abdullah and Dr Jonathan Salked. Fully specialised in their areas, brilliant presentation skills. Very focused and excellent practical knowledge. Abdul Saboor (Innovative Management, 2009)

Steve Foster and Nick Squires were both totally committed to making a success of the law faculty in the period following RESCUE: Ian in New conversion to University status. Zealand helping after Nick is utterly charming and kindly the earthquake and and Steve is the epitome of ‘tough (inset) finding a dog among the rubble but fair.’ A great combination of educators. Charles E. Shepherd (Law, 1994)

7 evolve employability Career Four graduates reveal how their careers and lives have progressed ladder The Chocolate Maker since leaving Coventry

The business woman

LORNA MARSH (Dance and Professional Practice, 2006), was the first woman in a wheelchair in the UK to graduate from a dance degree. She started her new venture Smooth Wheels in 2010.

AFTER GRADUATION turn to in an emergency or while When you have an idea in your I have been teaching children travelling away from home. head it’s so difficult to explain it to with autism dance and drama for I was finding it difficult to find somebody else, especially if you various organisations, the main the right type of person (PA/carer) are dyslexic and as particular as I one being ActOne ArtsBase. I for the activities I wanted to take am! It didn’t help that the website was a head teacher there running part in and it’s extremely frustrating designers are based in America but regular classes. if your PA is off sick and you need we got there in the end after a lot of emergency cover. Most disabled stress. I am beginning to slowly feel THE IDEA people I know have at some point proud but really need other people About three and a half years had to cope without a PA due to to get behind the whole concept ago I wanted to go travelling sickness or an emergency. When and help Smooth Wheels develop. but realised that most of the you are disabled you are very information out there was dependent on a PA/carer helping FUTURE AIMS provided by people who don’t use you to get out of bed, for example. I want Smooth Wheels to help a wheelchair. I thought it would be I am hoping that Smooth Wheels disabled people in the UK by great if there was a database of could be a comfort blanket in becoming a one stop shop; a information (updated by members) those situations. network of information; a place to full of accessible social venues, find accommodation; PAs to go such as clubs and restaurants BIGGEST CHALLENGE travelling with and places to go to all over the UK. As well as travel Getting the website created was while on the road. information, I thought Smooth the hardest thing I’ve ever done, Wheels could offer a database much harder than the degree and I For more information visit of PAs/carers that people could didn’t think that was possible! www.smoothwheels.co.uk. 8 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve employability

DUFFY SHEARDOWN (Politics, History and International Relations, 1980) used his degree to get a job in Formula 1 motor racing. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Duffy recently launched a new venture called Red Star Chocolate with a mission to The Chocolate Maker create the best chocolate bars in the world. Pictures courtesy of Martin Christy Pictures

AFTER GRADUATION that ‘only Cadburys’ made FUTURE AIMS I worked for a small fibreglass chocolate from beans in this Duffy’s Chocolate needs to company during the summer to country. My racing approach be available in more delis and earn money for University and made me think ‘how hard can specialist chocolate shops so decided if I was going to work in that be? I could do that,’ so I I will be concentrating on that that field, I would look to the top started looking into it. I’d already this year. end of the business – Formula 1. done 25 years in racing by then, I am about to introduce I applied for one job with an which felt like enough. another two single-origin bars to F1 team and got it. There were I made chocolate at home for the range plus bars incorporating very few people working with a year and then, when the race flavours – a milk chocolate with carbon fibre at the time so the team I worked for closed, I took cocoa nibs and salt, and a dark race teams had to train the the plunge and rented a factory chocolate with cocoa nibs and technicians themselves. and bought the equipment. Red coffee. Quality has to be kept at I used to take students from Star is a name I used in racing the highest level. It’s already the Coventry University on industrial when consulting so I carried it best chocolate in the UK and so placements when I managed a over to the chocolate business.It I have to aim to make it the best race car construction company hints at the ethical basis of what in the world. called G-Force on the South I am trying to do – dealing direct As for motor racing we shall coast. That put me in contact with the cocoa farmers and see – it is our first race this with Bernard Porter who was paying over the odds for coca weekend and that should give highly thought of by the students. beans so that they can pay their us a baseline and show us how A few years later I bumped into staff properly. much faster we need to be. It will him at the Autosport Show at be the usual things – some aero the NEC and he asked if I might BIGGEST CHALLENGE improvements, lose some weight be willing to share some of my I don’t look at things in that way. and get the mechanical grip to experiences with students on Racing is a constant series of the highest possible level whilst the Motorsports course. I just do challenges, arriving one after keeping reliable. It sounds easy if a few days a year rambling on another after another. You just you say it quickly enough! about the old days. get on with it and learn that change is the nature of the Visit Duffy’s website at THE IDEA business. In chocolate I need www.redstarchocolate. I heard a BBC Radio 4 Food more stockists but we are com to buy the bars or turn to programme which mentioned growing steadily. page 37 to try and win some! 9 evolve employability

The Nurse

The Sportsman

SAMSON LAM (Sports Management, 2002) only took two weeks to find a job after graduation and is still working with the Hong Kong Cricket Club and learning about the game. The Club is steeped in history and was one of the first Cricket Clubs to launch outside of England.

AFTER GRADUATION member’s Club, so I deal with The most recent challenge for me This was my first job since members’ enquiries, comments has to be taking up part of the graduation – I started out as the and complaints. responsibility of building a close Club’s Recreation Assistant and The Club also offers a variety of relationship with China Cricket am now the Assistant Sports sporting facilities including tennis in developing a new sport in the and Events Manager. I remember courts, squash courts, gym, golf country. My work had previously finding the vacancy in the simulators, swimming pool, Ten- always been inside the Club, so it Classified Post. I was quite lucky Pin bowling alley, indoor cricket is new and exciting for me to be back then as I only sent off three centre and multi-purpose sports working on something external. application letters for different job hall. My team and I ensure the vacancies and got accepted. It daily running and maintenance FUTURE AIMS took me about two weeks to find of these facilities. We also assist To continue to develop and my first job. different sports teams with their increase the standard of Hong participation in the local leagues Kong Football has always been my THE IDEA and social events. I also assist in long term goal; so hopefully I will I always wanted to work in the running various clubs or private have the chance to achieve this at sports and recreation field so it events (mainly sports related) for some stage in my life. is ideal for me to be working for Club members. this Club. Although I did not know To find out more about the anything about Cricket before BIGGEST CHALLENGE Hong Kong Cricket Club working here and I am still far from There are always new requests visit http://www.hkcc.org/ fully understanding the game! from our members and we also and for information on Sports I mainly deal with anything related need to constantly come up with Management courses visit to sports within the Club. It is a new ideas to please members. www.coventry.ac.uk/pg/sport.

10 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve employability

The Nurse

JAYNE ARMITAGE (Specialist Professional Practice, 1997) has been nursing since the 1970s and returned to Coventry in the 90s to top up her skills in Orthopaedics. Jayne has continued to further her career with extra qualifications and says being a nurse is her ideal job.

AFTER GRADUATION don’t know why I just knew it was daughter was very young when I first did a nursing qualification something I wanted to do. You I was studying for my diploma, in 1977 at Warwickshire School see people come in quite poorly which was hard work. I’d had my of Nursing. I’d always had an and it’s so good to see them going youngest daughter when I went on interest in orthopaedic nursing, out looking pain free. It’s not just to study for my MA. which is why I decided to do the the patients; it’s the families as The MA made me think about diploma. Having the orthopaedic well. They become friends. Some my practice and what a fine line knowledge gave me more people will come back and let you there is between right and wrong. confidence and when students know how they got on in surgery. You have to put aside what you came on to the ward I was able It’s good to see that they do believe in yourself and concentrate to be a mentor and assess them. remember you. on what the patient wants. It’s a I could also explain to patients I went on to get an MA in challenge but it’s something I enjoy about the surgery and answer any Health, Law and Ethics in 2006 passing on to students now too – questions that they didn’t feel they from the University of Wales, on a getting them to think differently. could ask the doctor. distant learning course, as I had I work in Rugby St Cross, which always been interested in the law FUTURE PLANS is part of University Hospitals and how it fits in with nursing. I don’t want to do any more Coventry & Warwickshire formal qualifications as I can’t (UHCW), in Orthopaedic Pre-Op BIGGEST CHALLENGE go any further without going into Assessment. I see anyone who is Being able to carry on my career, education full time. I’m a hands admitted for routine surgery to do have a family and still be in a on nurse so I’m not interested in a health screening to make sure position where you can continue to moving into a management role as they are well enough to go on the learn and keep on top of things is I would miss the patient contact. waiting list and for anaesthetic. a challenge! I have two daughters I’m happy doing the role I do now. and when they were both young, THE IDEA nursing enabled me to escape To find out more about I always wanted to be a nurse the nappies and the children nursing courses visit from when I was very young. I routine for a while. My eldest www.coventry.ac.uk/hls

Thank you to everyone who has updated the alumni office with your career details. The information is so important for the University to get a clear picture of the kinds of careers graduates are moving into. Your stories are inspiring students about their future careers. Please email [email protected] with your information. You could also win a £25 voucher for your efforts! 11 evolve get connected getconnected

Graduated 1980s Get back in touch with old friends. Coventry graduates reveal where they are now Neelam Graduated 1960s Jonathan Joshi Brew Biology/ Business Geography, 1981 Anna Phillips Law, 1977 When I graduated, Britain was (nee Brian) I qualified as undergoing a recession (some things Fine Art, 1966 a solicitor in never change). After working on an organic farm in Devon, clerical duties I left Coventry College Oct 1980 and became a partner at at Everready Batteries for more than of Art and embarked Harrison Clark Worcester in 1985 two years, I worked as a Stewardess on a teaching career, and senior partner in 2003. The firm for British Airways for almost three while also continuing to paint. In is a legal 500 firm and last year it years before I met my husband while 1986 I had a picture hung in the opened a “new” office by merger on holiday in the US. Royal Academy Summer Exhibition with Jordan’s in Cheltenham. We The same year we married I and have shown there a number of have 160 staff and 20 partners. settled in New Jersey, US, and joined times since. At present I have taken the Fashion Institute of Technology in a new direction with print-making. New York and got another degree in Interior Design after four years. I had my first baby in the summer of 1991 Graduated 1970s – the same year I graduated. I worked part time with designers for a while until deciding to open my own home based business in silver jewellery five years ago. I import all my items from India, Israel and Turkey and sell through a number of stores and salons here in New Jersey. While I haven’t used my science degree per se, it was an excellent Peter Helliwell education. I have fond memories Modern Languages, 1979 of the lectures in computer programming, our ecology field I have taken early retirement after 28 trips on the beach in driving rain in years as a secondary-school teacher. Pembroke and staying in a beautiful Alison Holden I have a much-reduced income but house by the lake in the Lake my sanity is intact! Applied Social Science, District. The population studies 1974 we did in Cardiff, topography I took early retirement from the measurements in fields, scrumpy in Home Office in 2009 at the Devon pubs...the list goes on. age of 57. Not one regret! A I made some of my best friends satisfying career but great now Email your updates there who remain nearest and to do what I like. dearest to me still. Best years of self for the next issue discovery and angst! of evolve to 12 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni [email protected] evolve get connected

Keith Guy Social Work, 1988 I have just completed a BA (Hons) Counselling at Plymouth University in one year (2010 – full time) because of my CQSW at Coventry University. I am now a Clinical Director at the Red Poppy Company.

Graduated 1990s Simon Kirk Fine Art, 1999 Maureen After graduating, I moved to London. High rents and long working hours meant I had little time to pursue my art career. Just over two years ago I moved back McNall to my hometown of Leigh-on-Sea, which has a thriving art community. I became Modern self-employed, started a website and this year had work in the Royal Academy Studies, Summer Exhibition. I am gradually building up a client base, name recognition and 1990 gallery interest despite tough economic times. Please visit www.simon-kirk.co.uk or www.facebook.com/simonkirkfineart for more information. After graduating, I worked as a Fundraiser for a Marine Charity in Coventry, I also carried on with my role as Jazz Correspondent for the Coventry Evening Telegraph and other publications. On moving to Ireland, I wrote a short book on the Social History of my family. I’ve done some broadcasting on local radio and read articles I wrote for our Arts Festival. I’m also involved with our Stella Coote Ahmad Faisaluddin local Heritage society. Occupational Therapy, 1992 Business studies, 1997 In recent years I’ve become very interested in Classical Civilization I retired from the National Health Since graduating, I have been and have visited many of the ancient Service as an Occupational involved in Malaysia’s (my home sites in Greece, Cyprus and Italy, as Therapist in 1996 due to a back country) Oil and Gas industry. My well as read much on the subject. injury. In 2006 I was awarded a area of specialisation focuses on I’m currently writing a novel set in the BSc at Wolverhampton University Project Management (for both the first part of the 20th century. in Health Studies. In 2007 I onshore and offshore sectors of I keep up to date with what’s was awarded a PGCE. I taught the industry). It has been hard at going on in Coventry through my students with learning difficulties at times but it is quite rewarding, and family (my daughter is a teacher) and Wolverhampton College and in 2010 has enabled me to travel and work news. Taking a degree course is one I was awarded an MA (Special and in various parts of the country. I of the best things I’ve ever done. Inclusive Education) at University of plan to continue to enjoy it more I’ve been recommending it to young Worcester. I am now continuing my (and probably get a chance for an people ever since. academic studies. international posting in the future).

Olivier Descottes Stephen Hall European Engineering Civil Engineering, 1992 Studies, 1995 I am an Associate Director for Arup, I have been living in Argentina, responsible for a series of major Buenos Aires, since 2008. I’ve highway projects in Wales and created ACCS Iberoamerica (Air Northern Ireland with a portfolio Conveyors and Consulting Services). value of over £200m. 13 evolve get connected

Graduated 2000s

John Findlay Automotive Engineering, 2003 After taking part in the TV show Robot Wars, I started my own company. After seven years of events, I secured a deal with a financial investor for a large show at the O2 over Easter 2011. Along with my Robot Wars events throughout the UK, I am also heavily involved in running educational projects in schools across the UK promoting engineering and teaching robotics.

Daniel Dalton International Relations and Politics, 2003 Timothy Read before returning to Coventry to I currently live in Brussels. I got Technical Communication, do my MA part time. I married my married this year and was a wonderful wife Elizabeth in 1998 and MEP candidate in the European 1994 (MA Design and we now have two lovely boys Sam Elections 2009. I am happy to Digital, 2000) and Joshua. come to speak to students about I have great memories of time spent In 2001 I formed my own career opportunities in politics and propping up the Mandela and company specialising in Outside European Institutions. Biko Bars in the Students’ Union. Broadcast camerawork. I currently I certainly can’t forget the massive work on the BBC’s Antiques food fight in Priory Hall refectory in Roadshow and a wide variety Mahir Gazdar 1989. It took the decorators weeks of sports events including the Business Information, 2004 to chisel the custard off the walls! Cheltenham Gold Cup, Royal Ascot In addition to teaching Arabic at the I’ve got fond memories of living and Epsom Derby. City College, I teach at Coventry with Chris, Jason, Fish, Alan and Recent highlights include filming Muslim Resource Centre. I also do Enzo the cat in my final year. I moved HRH Prince Charles and working for some casual interpretation across house recently and found pictures the BBC at the 2010 Commonwealth the city for people who cannot speak of them all (some that can’t be Games in Delhi. I enjoyed my time at English. Apart from that, I have published) but we have now sadly Coventry and it helped give me the launched a website for teaching lost touch. confidence to get out into the big travel Arabic online: I worked for seven years in my wide world and make a life for me www.mahirteachesarabic.com father’s video production company and my family.

Steven Hatcher Lewis Green Transport Design, 2006 Business and Technology I was a sales executive for the Ford Management, 2006 Motor Company for eight months I started work in 2006 for Morris / and then left to travel around Europe. Kone Cranes as a Project Manager When I returned I struggled to find and was made redundant in late permanent employment in design 2009 due to the economic situation but found freelance work designing in the UK. I started work again as public transport interiors. In May a Project Manager for Flowserve 2010, I secured employment with in early 2010. I am still working for John Lewis as a Kitchen Designer. Flowserve currently.

14 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve get connected

Chris Platt Ralph Solly Paul Reilly Motorsport Graphic Business Engineering, Design and Management, 2006 Illustration, 2007 (and Following my 2008 Joanne Slim) graduation, I Working as a In April 2009 I worked locally in Coventry for 12 graphic designer for a small studio married another Coventry graduate, months before being selected for called Fifteen65 outside Newbury, Joanne Slim, in Stratford-upon-Avon. a job in a Motorsport engineering producing and designing limited In January of 2010 we started life in firm (www.safetydevices.com) near edition books for music artists such the Netherlands, having been moved Cambridge where I now live. as Pavarotti, Ronnie James Dio, there by the Dow Chemical company During four years, I have Kiss, Jimi Hendrix with collectors following their acquisition of my progressed to become Design vinyl. Also designing websites, previous company (Rohm and Haas). Engineer, improving and updating brochures and brand identities for It is a big change after twenty years many of the existing product lines a variety of clients. In my freelance of living in Coventry but we are both as well as being responsible for work I continue to design for three enjoying it immensely. development of new products. record labels among other clients. I run a record label and launched my website: www.HI-IM-RALPH.co.uk Lydia Williams www.HI-IM-RALPH.blogspot.com Physiotherapy, 2009 Mark I am currently Knechtle Hiten Dhillon working for Electronics a private Technology, Law, 2009 physiotherapy 2008 I am a Barrister for Boyd Jahani, company called Barristers & Solicitors Metro Physiotherapy I worked for a year and a half as Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am a Wales. I control engineer for ABB. Now I litigator with a focus on Family Law, also work have changed to the E-mobility Criminal Law, Immigration law and for the Cardiff Blues U18’s rugby department within ABB. down the road some Real Estate team and with the Wales Touch law. The firm only consists of trial Rugby team for the 2010 European lawyers. Championships and for the 2011 World Championships. We won the John Horgan Automotive Engineering Design European Championships with the ladies team and the men’s U35’s 1993, MBA Engineering Management 2005 team won a silver. I have been back I am a Purchasing Manager at Jaguar Land Rover with responsibility to talk to third year Physiotherapy for products built at our Halewood facility. I am currently part of the students about my work too and launch team delivering the new Range Rover Evoque. have been offered a modelling contract on the strength of the contacts I made at Coventry. Not bad as I only graduated in 2009!

Research shows these are the best read pages in evolve – so why not share your news and updates with alumni in the next issue of Evolve? Email alumni@coventry. ac.uk with 100 words or less giving an overview of where in the world you are now. Keep in touch! 15 evolve grand challenge GrandThe Challenge

rotecting the world and focused on six Grand Challenge These initiatives will enable the making it a better place Initiatives – areas where the University to work more closely Pfor future generations is a University has identified its expertise with external partners, enhance collective responsibility. But can have a significant impact. the student experience, build on its tackling some of the major These research areas offer reputation for high quality research challenges that society faces now massive opportunities for staff, and, most importantly, address and in the future requires specialist students, graduates and partners grand challenges on a global scale. expertise, experience and research. of the University to collaborate on Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor It’s a critical role that Higher projects. Interdisciplinary activity Ian Marshall is leading the new Education Institutions can perform across the University’s departments research agenda and said it had and Coventry University has and faculties will be encouraged to charged colleagues, students and revealed its contribution to solving involve a broad range of expertise partners with a new energy and these global issues with a new and strengthen results. enthusiasm. research strategy. The plan is 6 ways to change the world > 1 2 3 Integrated Transport Digital Media Ageing Society & Logistics This challenge is focused on both Supporting a growing population Supporting the provision of technological innovation and novel, of older people from the provision better-informed, efficient and creative content to find new ways of healthcare and design of safe integrated public transport to exploit digital environments. equipment to the positive aspects and logistics services. Increasing of wellbeing and social inclusion. business and Government understanding of the design, provision and use of transport/ logistics networks with emphasis on linking to environmental and information technologies.

16 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve grand challenge

The University is on a mission to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in a targeted new approach to its research projects

“Coventry has always been focused magazine Innovate or by visiting Perhaps you are keen on finding on research that has real tangible www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet. out more about how accurate gains, that makes an impact on There are also ways Friends measurement techniques can be society and improves the way we of Coventry University (FOCUS) introduced into your business or live. While we will still be working members can help the University interested in adapting your home to on a complete range of research tackle society’s most pressing reduce its carbon emissions. projects, these Grand Challenge concerns. You may work in a Initiatives will ensure Coventry business that wants support Whatever your interest, if University is focused on helping to in diversifying to environmental you would like to be a part shape a brighter future for us all.” technologies, or you might be of the University’s exciting plans A range of projects are already developing a product that will contact Andrew Tonks underway for all of the challenges support older people or those living [email protected] and you can read more about them with long term health conditions. for more information. in the University’s applied research

4 5 6 Low Impact Buildings Sustainable Agriculture Low Carbon Vehicles Delivering practical solutions, and Food Testing, evaluating and designing knowledge and innovation to This challenge will be focused the vehicles and associated industry and the public sector. It on areas of policy, social science systems needed to establish will cover a wide range of aspects and management associated low carbon vehicles as viable from construction materials and with development of sustainable alternatives to traditional modes methods to intelligent monitoring domestic and international of transport. and user experience of new agriculture and food systems. technologies.

17 evolve my university “A chef changed our lives” Meeting at Coventry led to marriage and business success for graduates Rob Marchant and Pam Cain

Why did you set up your How successful have you money to do other prototypes. It’s Q own company? Q been so far? not that easy at the moment as there Rob and I were mature We won the Lord Stafford is very little money about. A students and met at A Award for Impact Through We’re also helping a group Coventry while I was Innovation in 2009 for of doctors who have an idea studying Geography and then an Mediche LifeOne, which was a for monitoring drug and alcohol MSc in Rural Change and Rob was surprise and have been selected as dependents and treatments for studying Automotive Engineering members of the ICT Excellence Club. some cancers and several other Design as a BEng and MEng. After We moved into the University’s people have approached us with graduation I worked for a local Health Design & Technology (HDTI) ideas too. regeneration agency and then set building this year. We have strong up as an environmental consultant ties with Coventry (I grew up here as What about the chef? and Rob worked for local company well as it being our University city) Q He is a director of Mediche Brose Ltd and then Bentley Motor and the HDTI is a brilliant building; but he’s also a restaurateur Cars in Crewe before setting up as we’ll be working alongside other A in Yorkshire and has set up a an engineering design consultant. health development companies too. high-class catering company. On a weekend away in Harrogate He is flabbergasted that his idea has in 2008 we met a chef who was a What about the future? been taken so far as he had tried diabetic. He had developed an idea Q We are in the process of without success on his own. It has for an insulin injection pen that could raising money – as we’re a changed his life and ours as well. record when you had an injection A start-up and haven’t been and remind you of the next one but trading, we’re off the venture For more information visit he could not get anyone to help him capitalists’ radar. We would prefer to www.mediche.com or www. develop it. We recognised it had a fund as much as possible ourselves hdti.org.uk lot of potential so we set up Mediche so we are gathering a number of Ltd in 2009 to try and market the small investors together to help us injection pen, which is now a full to develop the working diabetes management system, prototype. As soon called Mediche LifeOne. as we have that HDTI will do What does Mediche do? some testing for Q We design, develop and us. From there engineer other people’s we can re-define A ideas to help them take it and get them to market. If we the can talk to people before they talk to anyone else we can help them to either design and develop it through us or point them in the right direction but all under the protection of non-disclosure agreements.

18 Enhance your Employability

Want to find out more about developing your career at Coventry or turning an interest into a vocation?

Come along to one of our postgraduate and part-time open days to find out about the opportunities available.

Subject experts will be available to advise you about our courses and you can have a tour around our dedicated facilities for postgraduate students.

Our open days take place in the Graduate Centre, Jaguar Building on the city centre campus, accessible from Gosford Street, off Junction 3 of the ring road.

For a list of all forthcoming open days please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/pgopendays

For further information and to register, please email [email protected] visit www.coventry.ac.uk/postgraduate or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8614 evolve big interview Headline act Graduate David Yelland reveals how a determination to succeed made him one of the most influential people in the country as editor of Britain’s biggest selling newspaper

lot has happened in the 30 “I’ve got a butterfly brain,” said “I had a very determined attitude years since former Sun editor David who returned to the city in and I did have a faith that I might be ADavid Yelland was at Coventry 2010 to talk to aspiring journalists quite good at it [journalism]. I knew studying for his Economics degree – about his life and career. “I’ve got a I could string words together, that I for him, the city and the University. very short attention span and I jump could communicate in print what I As an industrial city suffering in from thing to thing. When I got here, couldn’t – at the time – verbally.” a poor economic climate, David when I was 18, I felt I hadn’t done as His determination proved to be remembers Coventry in the mid- well as I should have done. I was a his talisman during a time when 1980s as a depressed place. And it passionate economist and I wanted unemployment was high and wasn’t just the city that felt down on to be an academic, which is why newspaper recruitment was low. its luck back then either. my A-levels were so disappointing. I After nearly 100 rejections from Losing all of his hair at the age of was very impressed with the degree newspapers – “I’ve still got the 12 through alopecia had severely course and I gradually woke up to letters” – he finally landed a place on affected David’s confidence. He the fact, during the first year, that this the prestigious Westminster Press wore a wig throughout his time at was a serious place and these were Graduate Training Scheme. Coventry and described himself as serious people.” shy. He arrived at Coventry from It was at Coventry where his Harrogate having come through an ambition to be a journalist started “interesting” set of A-levels. Although to take shape. From day one he naturally intelligent and passionate admits 50 percent of his time was about his subject, he wasn’t spent on journalism – becoming comfortable in an academic setting. the Communications Director of the Union in his first term and continuing with the post throughout his three years at the University. The position meant that, as well as holding a place on the Exec Committee of the Students’ Union, David edited a weekly newsletter and appeared on local radio station Mercia Sound (now Mercia FM) once a month as a student rep.

20 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve big interview Headline act

I can remember being told by my housemates that I would never get into national journalism because you had to be an Oxbridge graduate. In fact, I only wanted to get into local newspapers. The idea of national newspapers was a dream beyond my horizons EADT Suffolk Magazine courtesy of EADT Suffolk Lead picture and inset cover photo by Charles Shearn 21 evolve big interview

But to what David describes as a her cabinet, was released as part of the equivalent of going into a bar, ‘surprise’ he not only made it to the the Good Friday Agreement, David hearing someone say he’s just nationals but ended up editing a placed the story on page 2 instead been unfaithful to his wife and then newspaper with the highest circulation of on the cover. “The Sun sets the running out and shouting about it. I in the UK. He was recruited to The tone for the rest of the media,” says now get paid for doing the opposite, Sun at the age of 27 by editor Kelvin David. “The fact that The Sun didn’t which is being a counsel to people, MacKenzie to fill the new position get angry about the peace process and I enjoy that.” of City Editor and within eight years, helped the Government.” As well as a successful PR via a spell in the States with Rupert But it was while at The Sun that career, David’s personal life is also Murdoch’s newly acquired New York the cracks started to show. Last flourishing as he recently married Post, he was editor. year, David admitted that he was Charlotte Elston who is Director of But David’s liberal politics (he was drunk throughout his editorship Communications at BBC Worldwide. a card-carrying member of the SDP of the paper and that it had led to It seems the boy who was once lost while at Coventry) were in sharp some errors of judgement. But he in the big city has definitely grown contrast to the almost exclusive confessed he first suspected that up – a transformation that David Conservative staff of The Sun. he had an alcohol problem when he believes the city of Coventry has Secondly, his drive for journalism was a student at Coventry. gone through too. was fuelled by his passion for politics “I started drinking when I was 16 “Things are much better now and and economics – not showbusiness or 17 and I attended a lot of lectures this city feels much wealthier than stories about people he had never half cut. I probably realised I had a it did then. I think 18-year-olds are heard of. problem in the last year of my degree more mature than we were.” but I only really admitted it when I It is David’s desire to succeed “Journalism is was 42.” that enabled him to overcome his changing rapidly, David is frank and honest about problems and achieve his dream the subject. He is keen to talk about to work in the media, an industry, but I think there is it, being of the view that alcoholism he told student journalists, has a a constant demand and addiction need to be discussed healthy future. more openly if society is to be able for news. From the to deal with it sensibly. To listen to a full interview outside it seems David hasn’t had a drink for five with David Yelland at impossible to get years now, ever since he learned Coventry University visit in and everyone is that his ex-wife was dying of cancer ww.coventryuniversity.podbean. and knew that he was to become a com/ and search for David brilliant, but it just isn’t single parent. He wrote a book, The Yelland to download the podcast like that. I’d be very Truth About Leo, about an alcoholic or listen online. widower father – it is, he says, about For more information about positive and not the father he would have become if courses in Journalism at give up” he hadn’t stopped drinking. Coventry visit www.coventry. His transformation is complete ac.uk/artanddesign “I was not a natural editor of The now that he has moved from Sun, and I had never pretended journalism to PR, via a business to be one. But I think there was a degree at Harvard. He is now a feeling that The Sun had become partner at Brunswick Group LLP, Student profile slightly irrelevant. So Rupert asked a global financial public relations Lived: In Bedworth with four or me to provide a sheet of A4 with and communications company in five others. “We were like the what I would do with the paper. I London. As well as clients such as characters out of The Young did that, he gave me the job, and I Coca-Cola, Burberry and Ocado, Ones.” implemented what was on my sheet David was also recently the media Favourite memory: “Most of of A4 within about 10 weeks.” advisor to Lord Browne during his them were after consuming too David’s change of direction for review of Higher Education student much alcohol. We had a very the paper included enthusiastic funding. happy time here. There was a lot backing of the Northern Ireland “It suits me down to the ground of emerging university and poly peace process. When Patrick because I like being in rooms where towns at that time that hadn’t seen Magee, whose bomb at the Grand people tell me everything and I get students before. We were walking Hotel in Brighton during the 1984 to help them – and then I don’t around with cones on our heads Conservative Party was intended to talk about it. Being a journalist is and things like that.” assassinate Margaret Thatcher and

22 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve big interview

WIN

A COPY OF DAVID YELLAND’S BOOK Graduate and former newspaper editor David Yelland’s first book was published in 2010 and we have THREE copies to give away. The Truth About Leo is a fictional story about a boy called Leo who’s father is an alcoholic. To be in with a chance of winning a copy just answer this simple question: which British newspaper did David Yelland once edit?

A. The Sun B. The Independent C. The Mirror

Please send your answers to alumni@ coventry.ac.uk or post to Evolve Competition, FOCUS, Development Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB by the closing date of 31 August 2011.

Terms and conditions No cash alternative will be offered. The editor’s decision is final.

23 evolve letters

Share your views with other Friends of Coventry University and you could win £25 to spend in Waterstone’s.

letters Our star letter prize is kindly donated by Waterstone’s Coventry University.

If you know Rosalind Bowron or Victoria Brooke please ask them to get in touch on star letter [email protected]

photograph of her as a ballerina stretched Dear FOCUS, to make her look slimmer! Rosalind often wore the jersey she has superimposed over her face. I saw a request on the FOCUS E-Newsletter for information regarding some old photographs that had been John Clark (1965-1966 Foundation Year, found from an art show in the 1960s. I 1966-1969 Dip AD Graphics) recognised the photos and I know who did the work. The images show work by Victoria Brooke and Rosalind Bowron. The occasion was the Dip Ad Graphic Design (1966-1969) final year student exhibits for our assessment. There were 16 of us on the course, eight males and eight females: Dawn Wilkinson, Vivienne Timms (nee Manley), Rosalind Bowron, Gillian Dole, Valerie Jordan, Victoria Brookes, Helen O’Malley, Gaye Neal, Barry Lord, Jeffrey Booth, Richard Garrett, Alwyn Timms, Brian Smith, Howard (Ned) Needham, David Empringham and myself. I believe we were the year the Dip Ad Graphics course was converted into a BA (Hons) degree. Rosalind Bowron (I don’t think she was from Coventry) achieved the highest pass and Valerie the second highest. The poster (top right) was produced the year before our final year to commemorate the opening of the new Art and Design College building on Gosford Street (June 1968) by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our project was to create a ‘self portrait’ for the poster. Victoria’s self portrait was a

24 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve letters

Share Waterstone’s is the UK’s leading academic bookseller, with a comprehensive your views range of course books, textbooks and professional titles at highly competitive prices. The shop stocks an extensive range of academic books from the UK and with other abroad, with an expert team on hand to help. Friends of Coventry University and you Waterstone’s, Coventry University, Frederick Lanchester Building, Gosford St, Coventry, CV1 5DD, or visit our other Coventry store in the could win £25 to spend lower precinct. You can also follow Waterstone’s on Facebook and Twitter. in Waterstone’s.

Our star letter prize is kindly Please send letters to Letters, Development Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB donated by Waterstone’s Coventry University.

Dear FOCUS, the years I studied at Coventry I gained experiences that have I would like to take the opportunity shaped me, not only academically, to congratulate you and everyone but also as a whole person, for that I involved for the excellent job that am most grateful to you all. you have been doing over the years Since 2005 and having with the publication of Evolve. completed army service as an Evolve allows all of us former Engineer Officer at the Artillery students of the university to keep Force, I have been working at in touch worldwide and follow the Sydesys S.A. as a Network Manager news of the institution. It has proven for the collection and recycling to be a very important tool over the of waste accumulators. Sydesys years and a connection for us. S.A. is the only authorized National System for the implementation of It has been more than seven the EU directives and legislations in years now, since I completed my regard to waste accumulators. BEng degree at Coventry in the field of Automotive Technology. During Beng Ilias Vorrias (Automotive Technology, 2003)

Dear FOCUS,

I saw the snowy pictures of Coventry and Warwick on the alumni website in December! They are wonderful. It reminded me of my time spent in Coventry where I experienced the snowfall for the first time ever in my life. Me and my friends actually ran out of the Business School (William Morris) to enjoy the snow. We took a plethora of pictures and had fun like impish kids making snowballs and throwing them at each other. I got nostalgic seeing the snowy pictures. I simply remember so much in flashes and enjoy the memories I have about this City. Thanks for directing us to the BBC website to see more.

Shital Mehta, lives in Mumbai, India, (MBA in Marketing, 2007) 25 evolve lecturer profile

When Course Director David Browne announced his retirement after over 30 years at the University, alumni wanted to share their memories Farewell David Browne eveloping design talent for the automotive Dindustry has been David Browne’s key focus in the last 32 years since he has been at the University. David started out as a designer at the British Leyland styling studios and with Rover before deciding to move into academia. The course has grown in size and calibre since David joined the team, winning awards and even the Queen’s Prize in 2007, and has produced successful automotive designers who are enjoying careers with some of the world’s most recognisable brands – not only in Automotive Design, but Marine, Sports Product and Transport Design generally. Last December David announced his retirement from the University but will still make an important contribution to the School of Art & Design as an Honorary Teaching Fellow. David said: “A great part of my ‘job satisfaction’ has been seeing our graduates develop as professional designers and likeable, well-rounded young men and women, and keeping in touch with them as they climb the ladder of success in their chosen careers. “I’ve been proud to be able bring them back to contribute – via lectures or project collaborations – to successive generations of aspiring students to show that ‘it can be done’. Two have even become colleagues! But I also get the sense that they enjoyed their time here and maintaining the contact. “Although I’ll be leaving, this is what I’ll GRADUATES: David with Douglas Hogg and other graduates. David likes this somehow hope not to lose.” photo as he is at the feet of the graduates ‘literally and figuratively. He said: “They have the skills, I just made sure I was around to keep them pointing www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 26 creatively in the right direction.” evolve lecturer profile Dear David... Before I officially applied for a place at Coventry, David was kind enough to show David was a lecturer with a unique me around the facilities, as well as giving style, both in his tastes and fashion! me an insight of what the course entailed. His contacts with industry made Following this I decided that it was definitely Coventry the place to study car design. the path for me to pursue, and during my education He had a relaxed and subtle way of David was always a fine mix of being both supportive and delivering advice, but with a group of challenging during the creative process. young egos in the making, his calmness

Richard Shaw, GM Chief Designer (Transport Design, 1988) and honesty were qualities everyone appreciated! He was and is a character that will always be in the minds of so many successful car designers – and My year group and I had many I can speak on behalf of everyone in good times with David during I think I speak for everyone saying, David, thank you. Thanks for our time at Coventry University when I say a heartfelt thank your guidance and support, Coventry between 2005-2009. He always wouldn’t be what it is without you you for your support and had his door open, was always encouragement over the years. – and I wish you all the best in your friendly, polite and not afraid to retirement! I think it is understated just say what he thought which was how much of an impact you refreshing, even if it was your Mark Fetherston, Design Manager, Design Exterieur (DE/PEE), had on us all. You went above project he was being honest Mercedes Car Group, Daimler AG and beyond your mandate and about! Most memorable for me became a central and crucial though, was a trip he organised part of our year group. It really to Morgan in 2008 for a small wouldn’t have been the same if group of us.”

you weren’t around. I am sure Adam King everyone in the group echoes (Automotive Design, 2009) my sentiments. We all miss the familiar turquoise text of your late night I wanted to let you know what a brilliant Lecturer and Head of Year emails of random thoughts and David was, he made my third year at Coventry the best year I had musings! there. I have worked in post production at a children’s television Douglas Hogg company in Stratford called Ragdoll – they have made Teletubbies TRANSPORT DESIGN, 2010 and In The Night Garden (to name a few). I’ve been involved with visual effects and animation during my two years here and I’ve loved every second of it. I’ve even managed to get my name on television in the credits of a show called Tronji. I didn’t have any idea about visual effects as a career until my third year 3D modelling/animation placement with Jean Micheal and you really gave me the self belief that anything was possible. The overriding perception is that Emma Gallini TRANSPORT AND PRODUCT DESIGN, 2007 David has been the heart and soul of Automotive and Transport Design at Coventry, he informed the teaching, practice and outward facing character throughout his career as an educator. He has a keen sense of fun and looked for that When I think of the Transport Design Course I think of DB. in setting student projects and in He has shaped it over the years he has been there and assessing their work, his ability much of its fantastic reputation can be credited to his input. to encourage radical designs was Always approachable and educational, David was just what always balanced by a logical sense a lecturer should be. I remember many of his teachings of correctness. about both design and life in general. He has definitely John Owen, Academic Coordinator, influenced my life and career and I’m sure I am just one of Coventry School of Art and Design many. I wish you all the best David and I’m glad I studied whilst you were there.

Christian Forbes-Bell MA Automotive Design, 2007 27 evolve development Changing The University is getting bigger and better with support from graduates and leading industry figures

he significant funding to Higher Education. This means that cuts announced in Higher through Gift Aid and the Matched T Education mean universities Funding scheme, a personal gift of are increasingly looking for support £1,000 could be worth nearly £2,000 from alumni and industry. to the University. Donations made to Coventry The University’s Chancellor Sir University are critical in helping to John Egan has also set up a new develop specific projects to enhance group called ’The Chancellor’s Circle’ the student experience and to ensure to recognise all of those supporters that the University can continue to of the University who have made a offer students a world class learning significant donation to the institution. experience. “The whole thing about giving is The opportunity to invest in being able to see that you’re helping the University is also an attractive society. Coventry and Coventry opportunity for businesses that want University are in a pivotal situation. to guarantee their future workforce Universities are able to play an is being given the best opportunities important part in the regeneration of available to succeed. cities. This is an exciting opportunity For alumni there is a vested to invest in the city and the interest in ensuring their alma University,” he said. mater climbs the league tables and Members of the Chancellor’s develops an impressive reputation Circle are attending a thank you that reflects well on their CVs. The dinner in St Mary’s Guildhall this FUND: Chancellor Sir John Egan sense of ‘giving something back’ year so they can find out more is also hugely important to former about the huge range of projects students. that have been possible thanks to If you would like to know One of the massive benefits of philanthropic giving. more about development donating to the University at the To give all graduates a flavour opportunities at the University moment is that the Government has of the generosity that leading or would like to donate towards a committed to matching any gifts business figures and alumni have project contact Chris Smith on made to the University up until July shown, the highlights are included on +44 (0) 24 7688 8311 or 2011 to encourage charitable giving the right hand page. [email protected].

SUPPORTIVE ROLE has made to the lives of Coventry Chris Smith was the President of the University students,” said Chris Students’ Union between 2006 and (pictured left) who is proud when 2007 after graduating from a History a project comes to fruition. “At the and Politics degree. He is now the moment, we are seeking support University’s Development Manager from organisations and individuals to and helps to raise awareness and help equip the new Engineering and build support for University projects. Computing building. “As a graduate of the University, “It’s a great feeling when you can I have experienced first hand the show someone the impact their huge difference that philanthropy support has had to help students.” 28 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve development

If you donate £1,000 then the Government will match fund this to make it lives worth nearly £2,000 to the University

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT UK nationals, aims to encourage One Coventry alumnus is funding entrepreneurship by providing loan ten international scholarships worth finance to fledgling student and £5,000 each and has also purchased graduate businesses when they need it a flight simulator for the Engineering most. The loans also come with support and Computing Faculty. from industry experts who will help Majid Al-Sadi, who studied for a mentor and develop the individual and part-time MPhil-PhD in Mechanical the business. Engineering in the 1980s has The fund is the brainchild of Sir John MYSTERY: The logo for pledged £50,000 towards The and he is keen to see other business the Coventry Mysteries Majid Alsadi Scholarship Foundation leaders invest in the scheme. “I am annually and contributed £135,000 concerned that our UK universities will towards a suite of new Flight fall behind internationally as a result of Simulators for the Engineering and reductions in public sector funding and Computing Faculty. limited access to development funds from the EU. I am very keen to make SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES this initiative a success, not just for the The Higgs Charity helped the University, but for the region as a whole.” University to participate in the new Find out more about access to Coventry Mysteries in 2010, bringing the fund on page 32. open air performances to the city. Traditionally based on Christian Bible stories, the medieval miracle plays as they were known in the 13th Century have been revived and made into more contemporary performances thanks to £20,000 of funding from the charity and enabled Performing Arts students from the University to take a key lead in the delivery of the festival that was seen across the city.

STUDENT ENTERPRISE FUND Students and graduates can now get support from a Student Enterprise Fund that leading businessmen are investing in – including the owner of Coventry Airport Sir Peter Rigby and Chairman of Aston Martin David Richards. The fund, which is ENGINEERING SUPPORT: available to alumni who graduated Alumnus Dr Majid Al-Sadi with the Vice Chancellor unveiling the in the last five years and who are Simulator Facility 29 evolve nostalgia

Megan Walden (nee Roberts) reveals what life was like studying at Art Coventry’s School of Art in the 1950s direction > oventry seemed a rather provided but in cash-strapped When it was time to leave I found dreary place back in the early Coventry most things were done on no fashion work anywhere near C50s when I started student a shoe-string. We were expected home. At eighteen, I couldn’t afford life at Coventry School of Art at the to make patterns for our designs, accommodation away so I settled age of 15. complete the hand-finished at a department store producing The School was small with less garments and were taught glove and in-house publicity and painting than 100 students and was based in belt making. backgrounds for window displays, two buildings – Ford Street and ‘Hill The highlight of each year was while teaching 11-15 year-old girls Crest,’ an old family mansion which the exciting, ‘themed’ arts ball held on Saturday mornings at art school. had been used, among other things, at Coventry Casino, Coundon and Not being a very diligent student I for convalescent soldiers after the war. later, I believe, the Locarno. Work left without qualifications but I have After two years as a day release went on for many weeks making continued to work in art all my life, student, what a thrill it was to be at costumes and scenery and it was becoming self employed for a time Hill Crest after getting a scholarship. one occasion when I had a new, and also using the same skills for our It was a beautiful, rambling old posh frock. local music club activities and arts place, turned into fully functioning Most of us lived at home – money festivals. classrooms, it still retained the air of was short so entertainment was fairly I taught calligraphy, my least a home, with original fireplaces and limited. Coffee at break time was favourite subject, for many years at wonderful views over Naulsmill Park. down at the Good Companions café adult education evening classes. Ford Street, was an altogether more in Bishop Street. Pubs were a bit Many of my skills were learned along functional place which I attended for beyond our pockets and thankfully, the way but my Art School years typography and clay modelling. the drug scene hadn’t arrived so we were a good basis and gave me a Most aspects of art were covered; were a pretty steady lot, even so, memorable insight into what would painting, sculpting, architecture, eccentrics abounded. One budding eventually be my working life. fabric printing, sign writing, jewellery, artist occasionally trotted up to Hill Thinking of those days now, it is window dressing and some students Crest on her horse, another roared Hill Crest that holds the memories. were training to be teachers. up most days on his motorbike. Sadly, the building was demolished We were inspired by some One girl, a very high achiever years ago and the last time I was excellent teachers, who must have having won a bursary in fabric there, the site was windswept and had a difficult job. The atmosphere design, later supplemented her bleak. Such a pity. was studious but friendly, a working income by doing a horse In retirement I became interested phenomenon I was quite unused drawn milk round. An amazingly in painting and have had fun learning to coming from a strict secondary musical chap could play absolutely and occasionally selling work. The modern, and we had to learn to use anything on the piano and learning process goes on. our freedom wisely. entertained us by getting music out I quickly became more interested of a battered old mandolin, one of See the Coventry School of in fashion and after a year studying our ‘still life’ props. National Service Art & Design today at commerical art I transferred to the was still in operation and I remember www.coventry.ac.uk/ dress design department where when several male students turned artanddesign. Email your I embarked on a City and Guilds up in air force and army uniform memories of Coventry to course. Some materials were having been called up. [email protected].

30 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve nostalgia

ARTIST: A selection of Megan’s paintings, and (top, left) Hill Crest (photo by former student Falcon David Hildred), (top, centre) fashion drawings Megan did at Art School, (left frame) Megan today (right frame) Megan at Art School and posing for an Arts Ball photo. The theme was ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ so Megan and fellow students made vintage swimming costumes 31 evolve enterprise 3 steps to growing your own business

Plant a seed of a new business idea and watch it grow with expert support from the University’s Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship 1 2 3 Sow the seeds Feed and water Watch it grow (Funding) (Mentoring) (Business support) Get the business off to a great start Register for free online mentoring Once you are up and running you with access to funding from the support to help your business get might need a professional front University’s new Student Enterprise established. for your business but without the Fund. The online tool, that was created expense of office accommodation. While the Fund was originally set by the National Council for Graduate The IAE offers a range of business up to support student businesses, it Entrepreneurship, means graduates support packages that are available is now also available to alumni who anywhere in the UK can access as pay as you go or monthly direct graduated in the last five years and specialist support. debit, based at the Technology Park. who are UK nationals. Once registered, the system The Flexi Desk scheme has a The fund, which is the brainchild will help graduates with planning, range of business benefits – starting of the University’s Chancellor building, launching and growing a from £30 per week. They include: Sir John Egan, will support the successful business. • Use of the Technology Park as establishment of new businesses There are resources, tools, online your business address across all academic disciplines training, networking and enhanced • A dedicated mail box with through investments normally in the mentor support – backed up by forwarding or collection service range of £3k to £5k and as much as experts from the IAE. • Desk space, WiFi and a computer £30k for an outstanding proposition. The My Plan tool asks users • A telephone number A team of industry experts will important questions about their • Personalised call answering in your also help shape, mentor and business to enable them to work out company’s name develop both the individual and the where there are gaps and directs • All your calls answered efficiently businesses they create. them to resources to help them get • Message taking, post, parcel, and The loans, available at competitive into a better position. fax handling facilities rates, will be expected to be paid • Use of fax, photocopier and back once the business is up and To find out more about document binding services running so that the money can go mentoring visit the website: • Business support services with back into the fund to support the http://coventry.mihmentoring. access to business advisers next wave of new businesses. com/apply/register • Discount on meeting room hire. 32 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve enterprise

FORTUNE: (L-R) Misagh Alami and Marlon Lewis

Business support

arlon Lewis and Misagh Misagh have based their business at The Artifice to life. Alami had an idea for the Institute for Creative Enterprise “I don’t think this approach has Man innovative new film (ICE) on the Technology Park. The been done before on such a large company while studying Theatre company pay a monthly fee for the scale and using the type of media that and Professional Practice at the Flexi Desk scheme, which gives we’re using,” explained Misagh. “We University in 2007. them equipment and office space – would have found a way to start this As students they received help even late at night – and the use of a business without support from the from SPEED, a nationally funded professional business address. University but this offer definitely gave programme aimed at supporting “They have given us a place us a chance to not worry about where student enterprises, an d went on to where we feel at home and we were going to work and helped us form their company Fortune Frames. comfortable. It helps being based in set guidelines for the business very Their concept has been to build an an environment with other creative early on. It’s definitely helped saved us audience for their film The Artifice businesses,” said Marlon. “We’ve a lot of time and hassle.” before moving it into production. also had students working with us “We have more than 20,000 active doing some graphic design work Find out more about Fortune users on a game we created for The too, which is a massive help.” Frames at www.the-artifice.com Artifice and over four million fans on They are currently making an online Facebook,” said Marlon. “Our aim is show for The Artifice. Starting in the For more information about the to get the audience involved and to late summer of 2011, this show aims support available to graduates create a community that can actually to unearth and showcase the wealth call +44 (0) 2476 23 6001 or email affect the outcome of the film.” of undiscovered talent from the West [email protected] Since graduating, Marlon and Midlands, who will in turn help bring visit www.coventry.ack.uk/iae 33 evolve events

reunions alumni events events> what’s on Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events to keep up to date online with future and past events Global Networking Graduates in Hong Kong and Malaysia got together to network and reminisce at two recent reunions

euniting with graduates more about the University’s range of overseas is a key priority for services for graduates. Rthe University as it expands Attendees included recent its global networks, and two recent graduates from partner institutions events in Malaysia and Hong PEAK, SCOPE and HSSC, alumni Kong have helped alumni make who had been to Coventry for a year connections. of their studies and older graduates A reunion at the Hong Kong who had studied in the 1970s. Jockey Club in the Happy Valley As well as dinner and networking, Stand this March meant that over graduates enjoyed speeches from 100 alumni and guests found out senior University officials who told

34 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve events events > Scary stories Ghostly tales of Coventry’s gruesome past were regaled to graduates on a cold and dark night last Halloween. Two professional tour guides, dressed in period costume, walked around the back streets of Coventry them about Coventry’s latest their news while hearing all about the and revealed some of the darker developments and the extensive new developments at Coventry. sides of the city’s history. opportunities still available to them at Graduates from 2003 helped Graduates and their family and the University. run the event – Zahrain Zulkifli was friends came on the tour to find out Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) the host, Mira Ezwany handled more about the city and to celebrate David Pilsbury opened the event and registration and Noami A Hal the annual festival. told alumni that Coventry had a long organised the performances. Zahrain history of academic collaboration welcomed everyone to the event and with Hong Kong. There are currently introduced speeches by the FOCUS Good call 938 students from Hong Kong on on Malaysia representative Dr Arzmi Coventry programmes who are Yaacob, the University’s Director of A reunion for graduates who have spread across the three Coventry Marketing and Communications, worked on the Phoenix Foundation’s accredited institutions. Nick Stokes, Associate Dean call campaigns at the University “We want to offer alumni the (International) of the School of Art reunited in Coventry this year. chance to access expertise, & Design, Wallace Murdoch, and The reunion also included knowledge, contacts and services the International Office’s Regional graduates who had helped out to support their career development Manager, Fiona Johnston. in the alumni office as student through Coventry Connections – or The speeches were followed by ambassadors or those who had if they have a business, to use the dinner and cultural performances helped track down missing alumni. global network of Coventry partners and the event continued late into the Students who took part in this year’s to access new markets or develop night, with alumni networking and call campaign also came along to a new services,” said David who catching up with friends as well as lunchtime get together. acknowledged there were also ways the University. graduates could support their alma Graduate Izwan Mat Yusoff mater by offering current students (Computer Science, 2002) who was Law dinner placements and internships. He told on the committee to help run the One of Coventry’s oldest buildings graduates: “Our aim is to place our event, said: “We really had fun that was the venue for a special dinner global network at your disposal and night and the event went well as for law graduates this month. to assist you to help us and also one planned. The committee received Graduates enjoyed a three- another.” some favourable responses from course meal in the historic building Hong Kong is an important guests too.” and listened to a talk from a local area for the University to have The FOCUS on Malaysia group are councillor and tourist guide Roger connections as it expands its global hoping to reunite in Coventry in 2012. Bailey who spoke about the presence. Building relationships with significance of Coventry in the middle businesses and alumni in the area is Events are also being ages. See photos and find out who a key priority and more events are lined up in China, India was there on the alumni website. planned for the future. and Africa to give alumni the A similar event took place in opportunity to meet up and share Malaysia where more than 40 alumni experiences with each other and To see photos and find out gathered at the Hilton Hotel in the University. If you would like more about the events Petaling Jaya. The exclusive event to know more about future global click on the events section was an opportunity for graduates to events email Kristina Anders at of the alumni website at meet up with fellow alumni and share [email protected]. www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 35 evolve events On the ball Graduates enjoyed fun and games across the campus at the 2011 Alumni Vs Students Sports Day

REUNION PARTY: (l-r) Back row standing: David Oddy, Jim Williams, Michael Collins, Dr Tony Scanlon, Alan Jenkins, Martin Crapper, Barry Leat, John Ross, Ron Blackwell (Lecturer), Kneeling front row: David Roberts, Garth Perry. (Missing from photo: Gordon Whitmore and Geoffrey Hinson). Good chemistry Metallurgy graduates meet up again on GOOD SPORTS: Clockwise from top left: Women’s hockey team, men’s rugby, Jess campus after 47 years Apperley, rugby at Westwood Heath and Badminton duo Robion and Dave.

t might have been around 15 years played matches, as well as teams To celebrate 47 years since a group of Isince two graduates had played for rugby union, rugby league, tennis Metallurgy graduates started at The Lanch, badminton together on campus, and netball. they held a reunion in Coventry last August. but they still managed to beat the The field sports all took place The 12 friends who are based all over students at the annual Sports Day at Westwood Health and women’s the world have been meeting up every event in May. hockey player Jess Apperley five years. Barry Leat, who has worked Dave Spring (Leisure (Physiotherapy, 2010), who now in aero engineering at many companies Management, 1995) and Robin works as a Physiotherapist in including Bristol Siddeley Engines (now Trust (Business Economics, 1997) Walsall, said it was good to come Rolls Royce), said the course stood them have both kept in touch but had not back to the event to play on the in good stead. been on the University courts since winning alumni team. “We all know that the education we graduation. They were, however, “I’ve kept in touch with people from received was first class and did us proud winners of the BUSA National Shield the hockey team and it’s good to see as the introduction to our respective in 1997 and Robin represents people from years ago too. And we careers,” said Barry about the three-year Berkshire at Badminton while Dave won so the student hockey team is HND sandwich course and the diploma has only just retired from playing for obviously mssing me!” they all did in Metallurgy. Hertfordshire County. Despite the alumni efforts though, The gang of friends, which also Dave, who now manages a Golf the 2011 shield belonged to the includes former lecturer Ronald Blackwell, Club in Hertfordshire, said: “It’s good students who beat the alumni in five were treated to a campus tour. to be back. Robin saw the event out of the nine matches. Trophies “As a group of qualified metallurgists on Linkedin and we thought it we and medals were given out at an we spread our wings worldwide, either would be a good opportunity to play awards ceremony at the Students’ through business travel or emigration. together again.” Union later in the evening. One member who was unable to They were just two of the be with us resides in Perth, Western graduates who made it back for the For more information and Australia, whilst the other long distant annual event where students get to register your team for member was making a visit to the UK the chance to play against alumni the 2012 Sports Day event email from Tasmania, hence our recent reunion,” from their sports clubs. Men’s and Kristina Anders on said Barry who is looking forward to their women’s hockey and football teams [email protected] 50th year reunion. 36 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve events >yourbenefits Make the most of your FOCUS membership by attending events, getting third party discounts and entering exclusive competitions. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni for more

July Discounts WIN FOCUS has arranged for all 20 July members to get discounts on useful CHOCOLATE GOODIES Graduation 2011 for International services and fun days out with and postgraduate students leading companies. A full list If your mouth was watering after reading Time: 11.00 until 14.00 of discounts is below. Just visit about graduate Duffy Sheardown’s Place: Coventry Cathedral www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/ special chocolate on page 9, then benefits to find out how to redeem why not win a couple of bars to try your discounts. for yourself? We have two packs of September Duffy’s Single Origin chocolate bars Leisure to give away. Both include one milk • Up to 50% off top attractions 3 September and one dark chocolate bar that have such as The Alton Towers Resort, been handmade with fairly traded and Postgraduate and part Chessington World of Adventures organic cocoa liquid, cocoa butter time open day Resort, LEGOLAND® Windsor, and sugar. Find out more about postgraduate Madame Tussauds London and study at Coventry Blackpool, the Dungeons, SEA LIFE To be in with a chance of winning just Time: 10.00 until 14.00 centres & Sanctuaries. THORPE answer this question: As well as being Place: Coventry University PARK and Warwick Castle. a Chocolate Maker what sport is • Up to 50% off green fees at Open Duffy Sheardown involved in? October Fairways • Discounted membership to the A. Tennis Gourmet Society B. Boxing 31 October Transport C. Formula 1 Spooky Ghost Tour of • Savings on car and van hire with Please send your answer for this Coventry Europcar competition and the one on page 23 to • Savings on membership with the [email protected] or post to Family Halloween event, children Evolve Competition, FOCUS, Development AA and RAC welcome. See page 35 for details of Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, • Discounts on airport parking with Coventry, CV1 5FB by the closing date of last year’s event. Parking4Less 30 September 2011. Time: From 16.00 until 18.30 Place: Meet at Alan Berry building, Terms and conditions Holidays No cash alternative will be offered. Coventry University • Discounted rates at the Ramada The editor’s decision is final. Ticket Price: Adults £5, children Hotel Coventry 5-13 years £2.50 • Savings on holidays with cottages4you November University offers • Discounted library membership • Discounted Sports Centre 21-25 November membership Graduation Week • Associate membership of the A week long celebration as the class Students’ Union of 2011 graduate • Careers advice and graduate Time: 12.30 until 16.30 (check vacancies information for details) • Business start up support Place: Coventry Cathedral • Coventry University wine club. 37 evolve events Celebrate!

Dear Alumni,

Party details Itinerary In 2012, it will be 20 years since Coventry became a Some of the highlights of the weekend will be: University and to celebrate the institution is opening its doors to all of its graduates so they can see the • A chance to view the Final year Degree Show latest developments and tour their former Faculty to see the latest creations in areas such as or School. There have been so many changes at Fashion, Product Design and Fine Art the University over the years – since its origins as • Enjoy a tour of the new high-tech Students’ Coventry’s College of Art to the sprawling campus Union building, which will be finished in that it is today – that we wanted to invite our alumni to September 2011 – you can even have a look see how it has progressed. around the old one to reminisce about your student days • See the latest facilities in the Faculty of Health Date and Life Sciences – including a Sports Therapy There will be a series of activities across the campus Clinic and its very own ambulance from the 7th until the 10th June 2012 – so block • Be the first to see inside the state of the art the dates out in your diary now. Engineering and Computing Faculty, a multi- million pound sustainable building with all the latest technology

Attendees • As well as the campus tours and events inside Coventry is inviting all of its graduates from as far faculties and schools, you can also enjoy special back as when it was known as the College of Art, activities around the city as many local venues are the Lanch, the Polytechnic and the University. joining in the celebrations too. Everyone is encouraged to bring friends and family to share in the events too.

More details will be revealed soon but to register your interest in taking part in this celebration event, please email Kristina Anders at [email protected] and you will be kept informed of the latest developments.

RSVP Look forward to seeing you there!

38 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni evolve events Don’t miss out on the event of the decade. FOCUS is inviting you, your friends and family to join in a massive long weekend of celebrations in 2012 at Coventry University 7th-10th June 2012

Business conference Ahead of the weekend, alumni are also invited to a special business-facing conference on Thursday 7 June 2012. The ‘Doing Business in Coventry’ conference is aimed at alumni, local businesses and strategic partners as well as UK and EU funding bodies and will explore business and investment opportunities in the Coventry and Warwickshire region. It will cover a wide range of industrial sectors including health, transport, digital media and low carbon technologies.

The event will be delivered with the support of Coventry City Council, UKTI and the new Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

To register your interest please contact Claire Edwards on [email protected] 39 The University Gift Shop

Round Crystal Paperweight Coventry University’s Book

Cuff Links Mini Cut Vase

Satin Notepad and Mirror

Tankard

Business Card Case

Graduation Bear Champagne Flutes Remember your student days with pride and buy special souvenirs branded with the University name or logo. It’s now even easier to choose from our selection of high quality goods by shopping online: www.coventry.ac.uk/onlinestore If you wish to make purchases by mail order please contact Jackie Walsh, Alan Berry Reception, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB. Telephone 024 7688 8774 or e-mail [email protected] for further details.

Please note: refunds are only available where goods are faulty, statutory legal rights are not affected. Goods will be delivered within 21 days of receipt of order. If you are not fully satisfied, goods may be returned within seven days for a full refund. Prices are valid until November 2011.