SPRING 2001 ISSUE 7 University Gifts

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Title Name Address Postcode Country Spatial awareness Telephone Email Tick as appropriate Designing the ❏ I enclose a cheque in pounds sterling drawn on a bank in England for £ ❏ I wish to pay by MasterCard/Visa/Switch/Access/Delta/Solo. Please charge to my account. extra-terrestrial workplace

Card number Expiry date Name on card Cardholder’s signature Issue number Presidential address 32 elcome to the seventh edition of Apex, the W magazine for Aston alumni all over the world, Contents and a special welcome to everyone from the Class of 2001 who are celebrating their graduation this summer. You’ll receive Apex twice a year to keep you in touch with Aston and your fellow graduates. Don’t forget to Sarah Pymm keep us up to date as well. We enjoy hearing your news. Network lectures 4 Alumni Relations Officer Contact us if you have any suggestions for future In the bag 4 editions of Apex or would like to appear in the magazine Brand aid 5 yourself. So, what’s in store for you in this edition? A seamless connectivity 5

We’re spanning time with a foray into the history of the University and a leap into the Spatial awareness 6 future. Why did a famous queen ride through Gosta Green and Aston in the 1850s? Roundup 9 Who was Garibaldi Beetlestone? If you’d like to know the answers to these questions and more, turn to page 11 where we introduce our very own Heritage Trail around When men and mountains meet 10 the campus. A quick turn of that page will launch you into the future as we explore plans for the new conference centre on campus – opening soon with some special Merger off 11 offers for Aston alumni. Our heritage 11 Amongst the latest research and development news from the Schools of Study, Dr Christina Schaeffner, School of Languages & European Studies, explores the future of Hidden photos reveal secrets of lost Brum 11 translation. There’s also an overview of the work of the Alumni Relations Office. Page Bookshelf 11 Anouche Newman 13 looks at how our valued alumni have helped, not only with marketing the University, but also with external QAA reviews and audits. You can also see how the £2.2million conference centre for Aston 12 Alumni Relations Assistant qualitative data on the Graduate Update Form feeds into the work of the Alumni Relations Office and the life of Aston today. Don’t forget to make use of the services 12,000 students found off campus 13 listed on page 14: Library, Guild, In-touch, web pages, e-groups... If you’re based in How to contact the Alumni the UK, look out for your e-group chat pages coming this summer at Get on form 13 Relations Office www.aston.ac.uk/alumni. Aston University travel programme 2001 14 And finally. Don’t miss out on your anniversary reunion. This year sees the start of a www.aston.ac.uk/alumni reunion programme celebrating 5, 10, 20 and 25 years since graduation. If you’re Net working 14 email [email protected] from the Classes of 1976, 1981, 1991 or 1996, round up your Aston buddies and send What’s in it for you? 14 the booking form back to Anouche who is organising your reunion. If you’ve lost Tel +44 (0) 121 359 3611 ext 4315 touch with them, contact Anouche who will probably be able to reunite you all for a Winning form 14 Fax +44 (0) 121 359 4664 reunion to remember! If you didn’t graduate from these years, hang in there! Your Alumni Relations Office, anniversary reunion will be coming up soon! If you really can’t wait, contact us or Graduate update form 15 come along to the Alumni Weekend 8-10 March, 2002. Aston University, Aston Triangle, Business boasts top scores 19 Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK Whatever you want to know about Aston is bound to be here or close at hand. Keep in touch. Fill in the Graduate Update Form if you want to change any of your details, Unique offering in e-business 19 or pass it to an Aston graduate who doesn’t receive Apex. We’re waiting to hear from Special thanks goes to all alumni who Aston hosts new Bioinformatics Research Institute 20 you all. contributed to this issue of Apex. Apex is published twice a year for alumni of Aston Happy reading! Research grows on 21 University. Letters, photographs and news Kings of education support the queen 21 are very welcome but we reserve the right to edit any contributions. Please address all Alumni@home The brave new world of language translation 22 correspondence to the Alumni Relations Officer. The opinions expressed in Apex are Have you visited www.aston.ac.uk/alumni yet? Everything you need to know will be Presidential address 23 those of the contributors and do not posted here: reunions, Network Lectures, Travel Programme and the on-line Graduate necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Update Form makes it easier for you to keep in touch with us. From RAGs to riches 23 Relations Office or Aston University. But what about keeping in touch with fellow Aston alumni in your own country? E- Where are they now? 24 groups are up and running for many countries. Follow the "Join an international Editor Sarah Pymm alumni group" route on the web page and subscribe today. Members receive In-touch 28 newsletters, competitions and can email other group members about anything and Designed and produced by NB Group. Postgraduate opportunities 29 everything – setting up get-togethers, meals, reunions, networking…the list is Cover photography and page 4 restricted only by your imagination. Living in the UK? Watch this space. In the summer Reunions and events 30 by Mike Kelly we will be launching a web-based chat page just for you. Aston University gifts 32 2 www.aston.ac.uk/alumni 3 "As competition increases and companies run out of ways to put new graphics on a cardboard carton, they Brand aid Network have to look to real innovation of the product itself. If the product is truly innovative, then it is unlikely a eather Cooper (1987 BSc Business have 2,000 lines but not one of them will Her experience suggests that the secret machine is out there to make it. That’s where my H Administration and German), Head be the same." Despite this, Heather to a successful brand lies in of Marketing for Etam, describes the believes that with the right approach the understanding your customer. In lectures business comes in." retail market as "exciting, yet frustrating". future can only be promising. addition, it is essential that a clear, Her Network Lecture, Successful consistent image is communicated Real world solutions So how can companies like Etam survive Marketing on the High Street – a look at through every element of the marketing The Network Lecture Series In the bag with this level of change in a retail brand? the theory and practice of retail brand mix. Etam has already done this very brings together Aston graduates No easy task. But, for Heather, the rules ith a number of patents, natural progression and it also saves positioning, explains why. successfully with Tammy, its fashion and Aston students in an are fundamentally the same as those for W including the PG Tips Pyramid around 20% of the paper. The difficulty range for girls aged eight to fifteen. exciting discussion forum. Aston Tea Bag machine, to his name, David of how to make these bags at high speed Launched in 1974, the Tammy range is "The challenge is to build a consistent brand image graduates are invited back to Seaward (1986 BSc Energy Technology is resolved by our patent. extremely well known now among and 1990 PhD Electrical and Electronic mothers and daughters. In light of this, The greatest risk to any project is market while the product is constantly changing." their alma mater to address an Engineering) still gets a deep satisfaction Heather is certain that, although it acceptance. If the consumer doesn’t buy from seeing his new packaging concepts cannot happen overnight, Etam has the invited audience of professionals a product, we won’t sell any machinery. FMCG brands and this is where her appear on the supermarket shelf. From Clothing retailers continue to find I’m always looking for product ideas potential to achieve the same. The and undergraduates interested in the engineering frontline, this Business trading conditions difficult in the face of wealth of experience and knowledge lies. which give real consumer benefits. We challenge: developing a stronger brand their particular area of expertise. Development Manager of Molins weak consumer demand and heavy designed a round tea bag machine Heather left Aston and headed for Noxell in a highly competitive market. Internal Technology Centre talks us discounting. The recent popularity surge which attaches a string and tag for green before moving to Procter & Gamble, through the world of patents and high- in Internet shopping has also contributed tea and individually wraps each tea bag. marketing Cover Girl and Mary Quant speed machinery. to the decline in overall retail spend. The product sells at a premium because cosmetics. She then joined Wella, Current students can gain a valuable insight "Our main role is to design and develop of the consumer’s perception of quality Etam is no different. The biggest developing local and international hair into the real world of their chosen careers. high-speed packaging machinery and and attractiveness. The Pyramid Tea Bag challenge confronting Heather is the care marketing initiatives, involving the They can make that important business then install it around the world. I make and the Australian squeezeable tea bag need to build a consistent brand image launch of Experience shampoos in the contact or discuss issues related to their contacts with major multinational offer the consumer real benefits, either a while the principle product being sold is UK and creating the highly successful studies at Aston. These key events in the companies to sell my team’s specialist stronger cup of tea in less time, or a bag constantly changing. She explains: ShockWaves relaunch and ‘Gorilla’ Alumni Relations calendar are organised skills – the ability to bring new packaging which doesn’t drip when removing it "There are 2,000 lines in our shops at the campaign. She joined Etam in May of termly and previous Network Lectures have concepts to the market quickly. Less than from the cup – less mess! moment. In six months time, we will still last year. Heather Cooper included: 5% of our work deals with packaging Other patents I have been working on concepts, the majority is machinery Creating A Better Lifestyle: 150 Years of include our method of applying design and development. Engineering Contribution to the Quality of holograms to bank notes. In that Life, Pam Liversidge, President IMechE 1997 I have a number of patents, including the particular industry, it is regarded as the A seamless connectivity to 1998. Pyramid Tea Bag machinery patent, most elegant technical solution. We are documented as one of the hundred most now in the process of marketing a radical hat lies ahead for the mobile? If about, however, is that the desire to What’s more, the fourth generation of Marketing the Transport of Last Resort, important patents of the last century in new type of coffee bag which we we look into the future ten years communicate anytime, anywhere, will be mobile communications may not David Leeder, the then Chief Executive of Inventing the 20th Century. The design invented ourselves. W from now the possibilities are even stronger. necessarily rely on the traditional mobile Travel . brief was for a three-dimensional tea bag, As competition increases and companies astounding. Services such as WAP are phone device. Its attractiveness lies in the which could be made at 1000's per A Hitch Hiker's Guide to Optical Fibre run out of ways to put new graphics on showing the way towards the third fact that location and a handset won’t be minute. PG had seen their market share Networks, Professor Stephen Ferguson, a cardboard carton, they have to look to generation of mobile communications, a hindrance. We may in fact be seeing the decrease in response to the Tetley Round "In a world of Photonics Market Strategy Manager, real innovation of the product itself. If the but how long will they survive? birth of objects other than phones used Bag, which, although it may look nicer in Marconi Communications. product is truly innovative, then it is ubiquitous as communication devices: touch- a round mug, doesn’t deliver any real Katie Brown (1992 MEng Electronic unlikely a machine is out there to make sensitive panels, even jewellery. In a Cyborgs – The Future for Humans, Kevin consumer benefit. In a conventional flat Engineering and 1995 PhD Electrical and communication, it. That’s where my business comes in, world of ubiquitous communication, Warwick, Professor of Cybernetics, The bag, the tea expands and cannot move Electronic Engineering), Senior Futures designing machinery from scratch in future seamless future seamless communication may be University of Reading. around in the water because the bag Engineer with BT, is at the forefront of shorter and shorter timescales. limited only by our imagination. constrains it. A 3-D bag allows the tea to cutting-edge research that has begun the Education Today for the Manufacturers of communication may infuse better. (This is why purists prefer What does the future hold? I’m fortunate push towards what she describes as Tomorrow, Terry Hanley, Chairman of the loose-leaf tea.) A pyramid shape was a as, in many respects, I have already ubiquitous communication – a seamless be limited only by Manufacturing Division of the IEE 1999 to satisfied my career ambitions. From the connectivity. 2000. age of 16, I wanted to run a small our imagination." engineering team. I achieved this when I Katie returned to her alma mater last Strategic Considerations for the Financial was 30. During my studies at Aston, the November to give the seventh in the Services Industry, Douglas Black, Chief mix of electrical and mechanical series of Network Lectures, Mobile Her lecture introduced the concept of the Executive, Towry Law Independent Financial engineering stood me in good stead for Communications: Three Generations in a ‘Virtual Home Environment’ which she Services. my career. The next natural career Decade. Speaking to both students and claims will give its user a common look professionals about the future of mobile Mobile Communications: Three progression is to Engineering Director. and feel interface and service experience. communications, she confessed that So, whatever device you have, wherever Generations in a Decade, Katie Brown, But I enjoy frontline engineering too even she was not sure whether it would you are and whatever you’re doing, you Senior Futures Engineer, British Telecom. much to give it up!" be WAP or something completely still have that common set of connections Successful Marketing on the High Street, different which people would be using in – the ability to pick up emails, use the David Seaward’s Network Lecture was Heather Cooper, Head of Marketing, Etam. five years time. One thing she is certain Internet and talk to anyone you choose. Katie Brown held early May

5 4 Holograms for bank notes Nicholas Colford (1988 BSc Ergonomics and Computer Science) "The placement year was crucial. has his feet on the ground and his I really learned what work was all about." head in the stars. "Aston gave me an excellent grounding in ergonomics and systems analysis. I’ve been involved in ergonomically designing equipment to fit out space modules and developing Nicholas Colford astronauts' clothes and personal equipment." Spatial awareness Designing the extra-terrestrial workplace

Zero gravity. Disorientation. Restricted space in which to move around. Not the most welcoming of work environments by any measure. But put yourself in the shoes, or spacesuit, of the astronaut who has to work in these conditions aboard space stations orbiting the Earth. This harsh, challenging work place becomes a perfect environment for the expertise of Aston graduate Nicholas Colford (1988 BSc Ergonomics and Computer Science).

settled in Italy and found employment consultants may sell their services with Alenia Aerospazio. primarily to the ESA and secondarily to other contractors for the agency. As a rule, ESA doesn’t contract directly with What did you do in Tokyo? individuals these days, only After a six-month intensive Japanese companies. language course, I investigated the use of object-oriented programming in the So, what’s the relationship between modelling of human posture. The ergonomics and space travel? modelling program I wrote then Filming underwater demonstrations for live TV wasn't developed further, but I have Ergonomics is the study of the carried on working in this field, as has relationship between people and their How long have you been associated the University department where I working environment. I work as an with developing and testing studied. Ergonomist and System Engineer. I’ve equipment for astronauts? I’ve been working in the space "One of my own designs is a waist bag with ergonomics business since 1991 when a special opening so that the contents won't I joined the Human Factors Engineering Office of the Italian state- float away when you reach into it." owned aerospace company, Alenia Aerospazio. But my association with matters astro goes back to my time at worked on the design and outfitting of Now you are Director and Aston. Back in 1985, I obtained NASA's several modules for Mir, the Consultant with Mare Crisium SRL. Human Factors Engineering Standards International Space Station, looking at Document which I used as a reference Yes. Mare Crisium SRL is a limited the layout of the modules and the work for a few ergonomics responsibility company based in Milan. location of the astronauts’ restraints assignments during my course. I then I helped an English engineer to set up and mobility aids both inside and applied for the first session of the the company in 1996 as an Italian base outside the module. I have also worked International Space University in the for his consultancy operations for the on the development of astronauts’ summer of 1988. Unfortunately, I European Space Agency (ESA). I joined clothes and personal equipment. One wasn’t successful at that time. I did, the company in 1998. The purpose of of my own designs is the Mirsupio however, win a Japanese Education the company is, and always has been, waist-bag with a special opening so Ministry Scholarship and studied in to provide a minimal-overhead that the contents won't float away

Floating weightless inside the Zero-g Airbus 300 testing the Mirsupio waist bag. Tokyo for two years. On my return, I corporate identity through which when you reach into it.

6 7 When you’re testing out your equipment. The data it produced were designs, how do you re-create the "I’ve worked on the excellent. Roundup Around the world in…one page conditions you’d expect in space? design and outfitting of We continue with our worldwide search for Aston alumni. Letters now come to us from the The conditions in which an astronaut several modules for the works are regularly simulated in two Your degree was Combined Honours far-flung reaches of the globe: from Algeria to Zimbabwe, Athens to Zürich. Apex is hot on the ways. The most frequently used way is International Space Ergonomics and Computer Science. heels of four Aston alumni who have settled some distance from their alma mater. ‘neutral buoyancy’. A scuba diver in a Station, looking at the How has your time at Aston helped large tank of water can adjust Name: Athenodoros layout of the modules your career? Name: Ifeoma Okoye Career: When I left Aston, I went back to buoyancy to float without rising or teach at the Institute of Management and Charalambous and the location of the I work as an Ergonomist and a System falling. Although this is only a very Degree: 1987 MSc Teaching English for Technology, Enugu. In October 1992 I Degree: 1996 MSc Risk Management rough approximation of the astronauts' restraints and Engineer and I learned the theory Specific Purposes left the Institute for Nnamdi Azikiwe and Safety Technology weightlessness that astronauts behind all that at Aston. My studies University at Awka. I was with the English Prizewinner: My first two novels, Behind Memories of Aston: I still remember experience in space, it's close enough mobility aids both gave me a very good grounding in Department of the university until I the Clouds and Men Without Ears, were Aston as good academically and to be very useful for training purposes, retired last August. While teaching there, inside and outside both ergonomics and systems analysis. first published by Longman. Men Without I made good use of my knowledge of ESP. socially. The city centre location was so especially training for space-walks or I also valued the transport planning Ears won the Association of Nigerian the module." I designed and taught English for Law, convenient to enjoy the thriving city. As extra-vehicular activity (EVA). The course from my first year. A lot of what Authors' Best Fiction of the Year Award English for Mass Communication and an overseas student I made the best of resistance of the water is similar to the is now called ‘macro-ergonomics’ or and has been translated into Russian. My English for Engineering my time there. There was so much resistance of the spacesuits they wear ‘ergonomics of the built environment’, last three children's books were published courses. I also taught happening on campus but my best and it’s possible to get disoriented data on each other following several was part of the studies into how by Heinemann Oxford in 1995 and have Pragmatics, Semantics, memory was the Greek night on 7 underwater almost as easily as in space. separate protocols. Some protocols February 1996. I had been actively people reacted to and used transport been translated into African languages: Stylistics, Discourse The less frequently used method is a measured how very basic motor- involved in the organisation of the systems. The placement year at British Swahili, Ndebele and Shona. The titles Analysis, and Creative ‘parabolic flight’. This produces a control strategies changed once they are Chika's House, Ayo and His Pencil and Writing, attended whole event which took place in the Telecom Research Labs was absolutely Leicester Room with live music from the much more realistic simulation, but is were in space. The other protocols Neka Goes to Market. My books are sold conferences and crucial. It made all the difference. I Pambos Greek Tavern and a belly used less because it is much more measured their resting and working in Nigeria, Africa, Britain, a few in wrote papers and really learned what work was all about. articles on ESP. dancer. expensive and can only provide around postures. Although some of the America, Germany and other countries. twenty seconds of weightlessness at a Current employment: Internal Adviser protocols were possible only in Ifeoma Okoye time. for Health and Safety, Security and weightlessness, we performed many of What does the future hold for you? Environment of the Laiki Group and the the same measurements on the Name: Mohamed Bensahraoui Head of Risk Surveying Department of astronauts before and after the flight to How do you achieve weightlessness I'm looking to diversify into terrestrial Laiki Insurance, the largest insurance Degree: 1980 MSc Occupational Health and Safety with a parabolic flight? compare with the data they measured ergonomics and systems engineering group on the island of Cyprus. Memories of Aston: Aston years were among the best, if not on each other in space. We used a consultancy. I’m currently writing Challenges: To develop and maintain a A specially modified airliner flies in a the best, of my life: Stafford Tower, Vauxhall Court, sports measuring system for human posture three chapters for two books. One is a positive safety culture both in my steep climb at full power and then the and a green campus which looks even greener now. and movement called ELITE. I oversaw handbook of aeronautical and organisation and in pilot reduces the power to just and engineered its modification for use astronautical engineering. The other Coming back for more: I came back with my wife a few my country, the enough to overcome the air years after graduation. Would you believe for our latter as the in space and it was sent up to the explores the issues of working with resistance. The aircraft's climb peters honeymoon? I even had the chance to meet an old President of the space station, Mir. ELITE is a system of display units. classmate! Cyprus Safety and out and it falls into a dive. At just the pairs of TV cameras which, through Health Association. right moment the pilot throttles up optical filters and image-recognition Mohamed Bensahraoui Employment history: Ten years with Algerian National Gas the engines and recovers horizontal hardware, can identify special and Oil Company Sonatrach where I progressed to Assistant flight. In theory it's like driving over a reflective markers in the camera's field Manager (Safety). Then I joined UAE and worked for ADNOC and then ADCO in the Athenodoros desert. Looking for shorter leaves away from home and my family, I joined ADMA- Charalambous hump-backed bridge. In reality, it’s of view. When the pairs of cameras are OPCO working offshore. like nothing else I've ever carefully calibrated, the ELITE software experienced: smooth and reassuring, can compare the images and, with the it doesn't feel like falling at all. help of an operator, can track the Name: Shahira Abdel Shahid was also a pleasure to know Drs Duan towards a free-market economy has been and Santrupt who shared the same room swift and the process of deregulation and markers and calculate their locations in Degree: 1993 PhD Management on the 15th floor of the tower blocks. privatisation has stimulated stock market three dimensions to an accuracy of a Memories of Aston: My We’re still in contact. activity. Egypt is the second largest Simulation is important, obviously. few millimetres. memories are great – Current employment: I am Director of capital market in Africa in terms of But how do you explore the real supervisors Professors Davis Research and Market Development in market capitalisation, second to South and Buckland and the School effect of zero gravity? Cairo and Alexandria Stock Exchange Africa and the first in the Middle East. My Secretary Pam Lewis. I What are the highlights of your (CASE). The Alexandria Stock Exchange work involves keeping abreast of all The experiment on human posture in remember vividly that I was career? was officially established in 1888 current market developments and microgravity looked at both basic so enthusiastic to finish my followed by Cairo in 1903. In 1991 the making proposals to the Chairman for PhD in two years – one of human science and applied The technical highlight of my career Egyptian government embarked on an the Egyptian market itself. I review the the greatest achievements ergonomics. A European astronaut and was when the astronauts sent down aggressive economic reform and content of all the publications produced Testing the ‘bubble’ helmet with in my academic career. It a Russian cosmonaut collected the the first calibration data from the ELITE new voice communication link restructuring programme. The move by the Exchange. Dr Shahira ShahidAbdel

8 9 Sitting on the airport runway at Doha, capital of Qatar, Kevan Baker (1990 MBA) Merger off began to wonder what lay in front of him on a six-day trek in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, climbing to an altitude of 13,500ft. he discussions between Aston and regeneration of Eastside, which will put T Birmingham University have reached Millennium Point, the City Library and a conclusion with Aston withdrawing from Science Museum just across Jennens Road, further merger talks. The meeting of will form a key part of our strategy in Aston’s Council in March voted by 20 future years. votes to 8 not to continue discussions with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mike Wright, When men and mountains meet Birmingham about a possible merger. Bookshelf concluded: "The vision of an entirely new The Council was once again a forum for super university for Birmingham, which evan, a self employed Consultant "We were supposed to have a two- The evening was then spent having impassioned debate with many different Maxwell Irvine and I put together, was a K with the company Marketing hour stop in Doha to change plane. dinner and generally relaxing before views being expressed articulately and very exciting idea but it has unfortunately with great feeling. It was clear that there is proved impossible to make that a reality. Problem Solving, took up this trekking But we were there for nearly 24 hours. going to bed early. On one day we a great deal of pride in Aston’s reputation As far as a merger is concerned, the We were put in a hotel, but Doha isn’t were woken at 4.30am and started to challenge in aid of Whizz-Kidz, a and members wanted to do everything moment has passed, although national charity which provides special the best place in the world to be stuck. trek in the dark as it wasn’t light until possible to guard this for the future. collaborating closely with Birmingham mobility aids to give disabled children This delay meant that our trek would around 6.30am. On that day we Secretary-Registrar, David Packham, remains a priority. We will now put all our the independence and freedom other start a day late and we would have to trekked to an altitude of 13,500ft, not commented: "In recent years, Aston has efforts into making the next few years the children take for granted. "One of my forfeit our relaxation time in arriving at our camp until 4.30pm. had spectacular success in meeting its most exciting in Aston’s history, building targets, increasing income and growing on our record of success. The motto of the cousins has a physically handicapped Kathmandu." Finally, the Himalayas lay Most days were clear with blue skies student numbers. We will now put all our City of Birmingham is ‘Forward’. That is daughter who is unable to walk ahead and the trek began. and sunshine. We walked in T-shirts energies into pursuing our independent also Aston’s motto. I can think of no better and shorts but at night it was freezing. strategy for growth and success." The watchword than that." Temperatures plummeted to -10°C "We trekked to an altitude of 13,500ft… and, at the highest camp, there was there was frost on the inside of the tent!" frost on the inside of the two-man Our heritage tent! that they sum up centuries of history. unaided. She was given a powered nterested in Aston’s history? Then you Most mornings we were woken at "I’m thrilled to have done it, though. It may want to follow the University’s Streets on the Aston Triangle site were wheelchair which transformed her life. I 6.00am with a cup of tea and a bowl was a fantastic experience for a good Heritage Trail, which takes in over nine once thronged with people who lived in The difference it made to her of warm water for washing. There cause," enthused Kevan. hundred years of the history of some of the worst housing in the city, independence is incredible and I were no showers, bathrooms or toilets. Birmingham. An illustrated leaflet showing made a living in the small workshops that decided I wanted to do something to a map of sites of historical interest around were typical of Birmingham’s industrial Breakfast consisted of cereal and some help other children in a similar Aston campus is now available. past and drank in a choice of dozens of sort of bread and then more tea or public houses. There were schools, places A number of University publications are situation," explained Kevan. Mary Bodfish, local historian and member coffee. Trekking began at 7.00am of worship, shops and a library long before produced over the year, all of which are of staff in Languages & European Studies, "Although I already played squash, I and most days we arrived at Aston University was established here." available to Aston alumni. A new addition to devised the trail. She explains: "Few people the suite is the Pharmacy Review 2000. had to be fit to take on this challenge," our next camp around walking around the Aston University Copies of the Heritage Trail leaflet are he explained. "So, I embarked on a 4.00pm after stopping for campus and seeing the names of the available free of charge from the Alumni If you would like a copy of this or any of the rigorous fitness programme of a lunch break. buildings and roadways are likely to realise Relations Office. publications below, please contact us at the running, swimming, walking and Alumni Relations Office. Alternatively you can hours in the gym." With all the log onto our web site at www.aston.ac.uk/alumni. preparations made, both physical and Hidden photos reveal secrets of lost Brum mental, Kevan was ready to meet the Aston University Annual Review Himalayas head on. But he hadn’t hy did a famous queen ride Gosta Green and Aston, images of 2000-2001 planned on the first hurdle. W through Gosta Green and Aston in students and staff at the University and the 1850s? Who was Garibaldi other unique images of old Birmingham, Aston Business School Review 2000 Beetlestone? What did the very first mainly from Aston’s collection but also Undergraduate Prospectus Council Houses in Birmingham look like? from the archives at Birmingham Central 2002 entry Library. Answers to these and many more Postgraduate Prospectus questions can be found in a new book Sally Hoban explains: "Once we’d got over called Aston Through the Lens, written by the initial excitement of discovering the 2002 entry Sally Hoban and Jean Hasson with a collection, we selected the best and most School of Engineering & Applied foreword by acclaimed local historian Carl unusual images for publication. We then Science Research Brochure Chinn. asked Mary Bodfish, a local historian, to research the history of Gosta Green and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research The book features photos discovered at Aston from the middle ages to the present the University last year by the Marketing & Institute Report 2000 day and put it all together for the book." Communications Department. The images Aston Through the Lens span over a hundred-and-fifty years and Aston Through the Lens is available at the were found in the collection of a retired special price of £6.00 to alumni including member of staff and the University’s postage and packing. Order form on the Back issues of Apex can also be found on archives. The photos include views of back of this magazine. Kevan (centre) meets local people on his trek our web site.

10 11 Conference Aston is undertaking a multi-million pound project to 12,000 students found off campus construct a state-of-the-art Incredible, but true! Since the Alumni Relations Office was founded in June 1997, a non-residential conference staggering 12,000 former students have been traced all over the world and have joined and meeting venue at Aston. the Aston Alumni Network. As you read this, we will be in contact with over 19,000 former Aston students – an increase of almost 250% in just over three years. But why does the University want to keep in touch with you?

ost of you will be familiar with postgraduate study. Some of our alumni Graduate Update Form. You can express £2.2 million Conference M Apex, the alumni magazine, and also support Aston at fairs and your interest by ticking the relevant our programme of reunions over the exhibitions overseas, recounting first boxes. year. But you may not be aware of the hand the benefits an Aston degree has Centre for Aston other projects we involve our graduates brought them. Some highlights of where we are now: in. We are developing new and exciting ways to support the University and feed We also have alumni who are willing to • a large and growing membership he new £2.2 million Lakeside Conference Centre will for conference accommodation throughout the summer into the vibrant life of Aston today. We talk to undergraduates about their • a programme of Network Lectures T provide a convenient and accessible location for small or months. do far more than collect names and career choices and progression. Our large events when it opens in summer 2001. The contemporary students can find out what it’s really like providing a networking forum for Conference Aston Manager, Eddie Kealey, said: "The second addresses. "Alumni Relations work is so new development, which features an eye-catching glass at the cutting edge of their chosen students and professionals stage of the overall Lakeside development, the non-residential important to the life of Aston today," frontage, will further enhance the extensive conference, training explains Anouche Newman, Alumni profession. Many of our alumni provide Lakeside Centre, will ensure that we are firmly placed to • international e-groups and meeting facilities at Aston University and will include a students with placement opportunities capitalise on Birmingham’s continued growth as the meeting Relations Assistant. "It can feed directly range of dedicated meeting, training and hospitality areas, with into the core activities of the University." in their companies and return to Aston place of Europe. The new centre will provide an excellent facility • support of overseas marketing and the latest hi-tech audio visual equipment for up to 450 to give lectures which have a relevant offering users a range of first class meeting, exhibition and recruitment through the delegates. The Centre is the perfect complement to the bearing on our degrees. hospitality facilities in the very heart of Birmingham." "Alumni Relations work is so International Office University’s £18 million Lakeside Residences, which will be used As a direct result of the new Lakeside development, Conference important to the life of Aston Over the past four years, our alumni • liaison with the GradCons Register Aston has been able to sponsor other exciting changes on today. It can feed directly into have assisted Registry by willingly giving managed by the Careers Advisory campus. Firstly, the Londis shop has been relocated to larger and their time to take part in assessment the core activities of the Service more accessible premises in the base of Dalton Tower. Secondly, panels for subject areas as diverse as University." Chemical Engineering, Transport the Martin Luther King Centre has moved to Lawrence Tower, • point of contact for information on providing the Chaplaincy with a self contained suite and thirdly, Management, German and Combined From a marketing point of view, our postgraduate opportunities, a vibrant new Café Bar has opened across the Lake. Honours. Alumni have also played an alumni are our valued ambassadors. important role in the latest raft of QAA Library, Guild and Sport Centre Bar Lago, situated in the Sumpner Building, is a modern, stylish Many of you have friends and family assessments, which have consistently membership food and drink outlet, open between 8.00am and 11.00pm. The who may be thinking of higher returned high-ranking scores, by • assisted Registry and Schools in food at Bar Lago is very cosmopolitan. Offering a range of food education. Some of you have commenting on their time at Aston. from around the world including chargrilled burgers, fajitas, encouraged these people to visit Aston QAA assessments and feedback lasagne, pizzas and stir-fried oriental dishes. Beers, wines and and to obtain information about our There is an incredible generosity of spirit panels. spirits are on sale during licensing hours. Local award-winning degree programmes. We are beginning among our alumni who want to put This is only a taster of the work of the contractors Thomas Vale carried out the refurbishment work. to meet alumni who have a family something back into the life of Aston history of studying here. There are also today. If this has given you food for Alumni Relations Office. More details can those amongst you who, having thought and you’d be interested in be obtained from Sarah Pymm, Alumni completed your first degree here, have offering your support, contact the Relations Officer, or by visiting the Conference Aston as your number one choice for Alumni Relations Office or complete the website at www.aston.ac.uk/alumni.

birmingham Why not spend a few moments completing the If you would like more information about our extensive conference, Get on form Graduate Update Form in the centre pages? training and meeting facilities contact Conference Aston direct. We are increasingly asked to provide qualitative data on alumni, for example, what kind of jobs you have and salary levels. We will need to collect this from you in the coming months and on a regular Aston graduates can enjoy preferential rates in this new state-of-the-art basis. It helps us make a case to government as well as assisting in marketing Aston and getting us non-residential conference and meeting venue. into (and further up) the various league tables that are produced in national newspapers. I am sure you, like us, would like to see Aston regularly appearing among the best universities in the country To discuss your requirements, contact Conference Aston direct. because we know how good it is. The challenge facing us is to communicate this fact to the rest of Eddie Kealey, Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET the world so that the standing Aston enjoys, and by implication the standing of your degree, is Tel 0121 359 7293 Fax 0121 359 5267 enhanced in people’s eyes. All data freely supplied is kept under secure conditions in accordance www.conferenceaston.co.uk [email protected] with the University’s registration under the Data Protection Acts.

12 13 Aston University Alumni 2001 A STON BUSINESS SCHOOL Travel Programme Net working Business boasts top scores It’s not too late to Welcome to all our new alumni – recently found expand your horizons. graduates and the entire Class of 2001. Aston Business School has achieved top marks – 24 out of 24 – and acclaim from the Quality Assurance If you’ve not yet booked your holiday this The net is certainly working amongst Aston alumni as we weave our way ever forward. year, or if you’re thinking of another As an Aston graduate, you are automatically a member of a global network of Aston Agency for the high standards of its provision. The alumni which is becoming increasingly more active throughout the world. break to get away from it all, why not report details the flexibility, quality and professionalism consider the Alumni Travel Programme. Membership of this network is free and new members are joining all the time. Aston has negotiated some excellent of the School, its staff and students. travel offers with two leading tour and What’s in it for you? cruise operators – Collette Tours and he review, conducted in January, Assurance Agency result will not Swan Hellenic. You can have a holiday of If you’re new to the Aston Alumni Network, or if you’ve been a member for some T adds to the continued success of influence what we do, although it is an a lifetime and enjoy preferential rates and time and now want to participate more, here’s a rundown of the benefits you can ABS with its AMBA and EQUIS important measure of our move to discounts. What’s more, you can help the enjoy: accreditation. become one of Europe's leading University at the same time. For every • social networking events for like-minded alumni – get your year group back business schools." The report highlighted the School’s Professor John Saunders scores top marks holiday booking, the travel companies together again with QAA. ABS scored well in each of the six make a contribution to Aston University’s teaching, learning and assessment • reunions back on campus (or nearer home) to mark landmark anniversaries of categories that were assessed by the Development Fund. For more details, strategy as well-articulated, clear and • Learning resources your graduation from Aston effective with outstanding placement agency: contact the Alumni Relations Office. • Quality management and provision and excellent progression to • an In-Touch Service to help you find faces from the past – whatever happened • Curriculum design, content and enhancement employment and further study. organisation to what’s-his-name? The University’s Support Services were ‘Canada and New England’ departs 10 Head of Aston Business School, • Associate Membership of the Students’ Guild* • Teaching, learning and assessment also commended for the clear September for a 14-day Collette tour of Professor John Saunders, commented: guidance and support strategy, • Student progression and picturesque New England and beautiful • Library membership* "This is a great achievement that is personal tutor systems, high quality LIS achievement Eastern Canada. Beginning in the Big • Woodcock Sports Centre membership* consistent with our aim to excel in all and IT provision, highly professional Apple, New York City, you will experience we do. By itself, the excellent Quality • Student support and guidance and supportive administrative staff. all the spectacle and excitement America’s • preferential rates with Conference Aston largest city has to offer before continuing • special room rates in our superbly appointed Nelson Building accommodation on to Niagara Falls, through Toronto, • the Aston Alumni Travel Programme: travel offers with top companies Unique offering in e-business Montreal and Quebec before concluding the trip in the famed city of Boston, home • membership of international alumni groups – wherever in the world you find ith e-business revenue growing full-time MSc course which is ethics of e-commerce and e-business, of Beacon Hill, the USS Constitution and yourself, there’s bound to be more like you nearby W faster than any other business, complemented with a new state-of-the- logistics and operations and are designed Faneuil Hall Marketplace. 1 • opportunities to put something back into the life of Aston today by supporting most companies are looking to make the art e-commerce studio worth £ /2 to address business information needs and skills shortages in the e-Business ‘The Delights of Italy’ Swan Hellenic cruise your former School, the Careers Service or current students transition from traditional trading to the million. e-business on-line marketplace. A new arena. departs 21 October for a 15-day cruise of a Studying for 10 months, students will • and, of course, regular editions of Apex. MSc programme in e-Business at Aston lifetime aboard Minerva. See the canals of develop e-business expertise relating to Business School will enable students to Venice, ascend Mount Etna by cable car, customers, society, the internal *Membership fees apply. Contact the Alumni Relations Office for more details. successfully explore careers such as explore Palermo and shop in Rome. In organisation and technology alongside Internet consultants, general business, e- addition to taking in famous sites and little the necessary management skills required business specialists or dot.com start-ups. visited towns and villages, you will be through close links with local, national accompanied by a team of guest speakers, Winning form The programme starts in September and and international industrial partners. including Nicholas Kenyon, Director of the focuses primarily on the business elements of an on-line company, in Course director, Dr Amanda Broderick, BBC Proms. In the last edition of Apex we teamed up with LivingWell, addition to an IT grounding, preparing explained: "The course provides a the UK’s largest health club operator, to offer a prize of a six graduates for the global workplace in comprehensive and innovative portfolio week membership at one of LivingWell’s 78 health clubs electronic business. It is designed of e-business disciplines. With the focus of throughout the UK. All you had to do was complete your specifically for existing businesses that the programme on managing the Graduate Update Form to be entered into a draw. want to develop into the electronic electronic network of business activities, Congratulations to Rebecca Conway (2000 BSc marketplace either through developing graduates will develop the necessary IBML French) who was the lucky winner. new electronic services or implementing technical and business skills to be highly Alumni Travel Programme 2002 is their business process on-line. competitive in the global electronic coming soon with another tempting marketplace." selection of destinations: cruise Greece Aston is the only premier league Business and visit New Zealand. Anouche Newman picks the lucky winner School nation-wide to offer this specialist Modules include e-marketing, law and Dr Amanda Broderick

14 19 SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIFE & HEALTH SCIENCES Aston hosts new Bioinformatics Research grows on Research Institute Researchers in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Medical diagnostic systems took a significant step forward with the opening of a new Institute (PSRI) have received funding for two new research institute in Bioinformatics at Aston University. Funded by life-sciences tissue engineering research projects. Tissue engineering company, Cardionetics Ltd, and formed as their long-term research arm, the is one of the fastest moving and exciting new areas of Dr Peter Hanson (left) and Dr Allan Cardionetics Institute of Bioinformatics (CIB) was officially opened in February by Coombes of the PSRI discuss their new University Chancellor, Sir Adrian Cadbury. scientific research. research collaboration.

he £1/2million initiative will develop technologies for issue engineering involves grown on 3-D matrices in labs across the stomach). These models will be advanced pattern analysis of ECG and other clinical T polymer techniques that allow the world, including bone, blood and used to test oral drugs in the lab and biosignals, web-enablement to allow remote monitoring of T growth of human tissue outside the skin cells. Scientists are already able to may eventually help in tissue patients over extended periods and the analysis of large body by using a fine, 3-D polymer grow new sheets of skin that can be reconstruction in the body. bodies of clinical data. The emphasis of this research will be matrix that provides a platform for used to help repair severe burns. on developing and applying data modelling, visualisation The second grant is from the EPSRC Aston’s new research will concentrate and analysis algorithms to biosignals to generate clinically cells to grow on. The cells are allowed and it will enable the researchers to on specific cell types that occur in soft valuable information. to develop in a special cell culture develop new novel biodegradable tissue. medium that is rich in nutrients. The fibres that go into making the 3-D Cardionetics focuses on both products and services for matrix and the new cells can then be The first grant, which is from Astra matrix itself. It is hoped that these will screening, diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular implanted into the body to help the Zeneca, will support the team as they eventually lend themselves to soft diseases for every party involved: patients to the body’s repair system. A variety of produce models of the gastric tissue engineering such as skin and pharmaceutical industry, healthcare professionals, hospitals, different cells have already been epithelium (the layer of cells that line blood vessel recreation. private insurers and HMOs (Health Management Organisations). Sir Adrian Cadbury (front left) opens the Cardionetics Institute The company has produced the C.Net2000, the world's first of Bioinformatics fully automatic ambulatory electrocardiograph monitor Kings of education support the queen which is specifically aimed at Primary Care use to enable better informed patient referral decisions where cardiac reduction in waiting lists, and the patients, who no longer arrhythmia are suspected. It has been shown in clinical have to wait to see a consultant only to be told that their Sir Adrian Cadbury, Chancellor of Aston, and Professor Graham Harding, evaluation to reduce the referral rate by 67% without a condition is benign. single adverse outcome amongst the patients not referred. Head of the Neurosciences Research Institute at Aston, are two of three The research will build on previous work in the Neural The device won a Millennium Product Award and was Computing Research Group in bioinformatics, particularly in new patrons of the Queen Alexandra College in , Birmingham, runner up in the 2000 BBC Tomorrow's World Awards. the analysis of electromagnetic signals from the brain (EEG along with Robert Taylor, who is Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the best non-invasive and MEG). Ian Nabney, Director of the Institute said: method of monitoring the health of patients with known or "Although ECG signals are much cleaner than EEG, there are suspected heart conditions. Currently, most commercial ECG some very difficult challenges ahead. In daily activity, the he Queen Alexandra is a residential further education systems use either visual inspection of short 10-second traces heart rate varies by up to three times changing the shape of T and training college which caters for students aged 16- or the semi-automatic analysis of 24 hours of ECG captured each beat dramatically and making it impossible to clearly 63 from all over the UK. Most students have a visual from the patient at rest. But the algorithms used require a lot separate individual beats. In addition, a very detailed analysis impairment but the college also welcomes people with of skilled manual intervention from a cardiologist, detect of different phases of each beat is necessary to separate additional disabilities and learning difficulties. many false positives – heart beats that are incorrectly labelled different clinical conditions." Mrs Veronica Wootten, Chairman of the Governors at the as abnormal – and the systems are not practical at the The CIB is a mechanism for putting state of the art College, said: "The Governors and staff of Queen Alexandra primary care level in GP surgeries. technology into products based on real patient needs and College are delighted that Sir Adrian Cadbury, Professor The C.Net2000 uses neural computing, a method of in this way will keep a leading UK knowledge-based Graham Harding and Mr Robert Taylor have agreed to extracting non-linear information from data, to analyse the company ahead of global competition. Vice Chancellor, become patrons of the College. Patronage from people with ECG on-line and supply the GP with a short summary report Professor Mike Wright, said: "Cardionetics is a young and such a diverse range of significant achievements in business, of all the abnormalities detected. Of particular importance is small company now. It is very encouraging to see its strong public and professional life will undoubtedly enable us to the fact that the patient wears the device for 24 hours, so vision for the future, and we look forward to working with raise the profile of the College and its achievements even that if any of their normal activities triggers symptoms, they the group as the company grows over the next three years further on a national and local level. We look forward to Sir Adrian Cadbury, Chancellor (far left), and Professor Graham and beyond." Harding (far right) with students from the Queen Alexandra will be detected. This benefits both the NHS, through many enjoyable years in association with our new patrons." College.

20 21 SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES & EUROPEAN STUDIES A STON students’ guild From RAGs The brave new world of Presidential address to riches language translation The final speech delivered. The last campaign battled. What ston Raise & Give (RAG) has earned itself happens to Students’ Guild Presidents when they leave office? A a golden reputation for raising money for charity over the years. Once again the society Apex caught up with a few of them to see how they have has performed tremendously and boosted the The globalisation and internationalisation of political, economic, educational, fared outside the hallowed corridors of power and asked: current total of monies raised to £36,809.69 and cultural communications has been accompanied by increasing demands for 1. Where are you now? 4. If you were running for Among the charities to benefit were the 2. Why did you run for President? President today, what would Meningitis Research Foundation, the Anthony translations. The School of Languages & European Studies at Aston was the first your campaign focus on? 3. What was the major student Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and the Imperial in England to introduce an undergraduate programme in Modern Languages with issue during your term of office? Cancer Research Fund. Here’s a taster of some Translation Studies. It also offers a postgraduate MSc in Translation in a European of the latest RAG events. Lisa Tweedie 1989-1990 wanted to continue the good work that In the run up to Christmas, RAG, the Juggling Context. Students are actively encouraged to pursue careers in this field. had been done by my predecessors. 1. I work as a Senior Society and the Music Society joined forces to Usability Engineer 3. Trying to stop student loans and host the traditional "Kids’ Party" for a local ranslators are expected to 100% accurate. Good systems can mechanical process but rather a for Oracle in getting the initial plans approved for the group called the Second City Lone Parents, T produce cost-effective, high achieve up to 85% accuracy – complex social and cognitive activity Reading, UK. My Guild refurbishment. which was set up for lone parents in the current project is Birmingham area to bring them together to quality texts very quickly. However, provided they have been adapted to that requires decision-making. For the 4. It probably wouldn't be that different. the User Interface support each other. critics of the industry predict that, in specific subjects and customers (for future success of the industry, it is I'm still an idealist who values education! Design for a Java As a working mother, my emphasis might future, machine translation systems example, the limited vocabulary and necessary to build a supporting development tool. I RAG members fasted for 24 hours and followed be on flexibility. For instance, we should (MTs) will do the job much faster and conventional text structure in French have a PhD from this with the ultimate chocolate challenge – infrastructure involving machine have a modular system across all the Imperial College, learning chocolate tricks of the trade at more effectively than humans can. But and English weather reports leads to a translation, subject specific glossaries, educational establishments in the country London in "Human Computer Cadbury World on a very empty stomach. The will they? highly accurate MT translation). so that people can build up their translation memory systems, Interaction". Queen Alexander College (QAC) in Harborne education over time where and when terminology management, and pre- benefited from funds raised. Sir Adrian In a recent seminar, Donald Harvey, For some situations, a 'rough' 2. I ran for President because I had they need to. Education needs to be a and post-editing of the text by human Cadbury, in the Cadbury Cream Egg car, Consulting Associate in Globalisation translation will be sufficient. However, enjoyed being on the executive the year life-long process which is affordable and translators. before. I was editor of the SUN and accessible for all. presented QAC students with a giant heart- and Internet Translation Services to when high quality is required, a shaped chocolate. The QAC is a further human translator will be better than an Lernout & Hauspie Ltd, presented an Tim Martin, who is Language Co- education and training college for students overview of machine translation MT system. This is because humans are overriding issues locally but Aston ordinator for English with the Angela Willoughby 1995-1996 aged 16-63, many of whom have visual systems. He explained that although experts in interlingual and intercultural students will recall Euro96 coming to impairment. The College also welcomes Translation Service of the European 1. Human Performance Consultant with Birmingham and Einstein’s promotions. MT systems are very quick, none are communication. Translation isn’t a people with learning difficulties Commission, also believes that Hay Group in London essentially advising organisations on how to get the most 4. The role of the and disabilities. machines alone will never be as out of their people. President is to effective as human translators. He represent the peer 2. I had some strong opinions and ideas group. A President visited Aston recently to talk about the about the Guild and the University – it today is best placed translation industry to language looked like a fantastic opportunity. to focus on what students considering the industry as a 3. Nationally it was about changing the the student body career. He said: "Translation very policy of the NUS. There was no wants. definitely can’t be done just as well by machines. They have a role to play but Nick Eaton 1998-1999 2. I ran for President because I felt that they’ll never replace human the year could offer me great experience. intelligence. Machine translation in 1. I was head- hunted for the 3. The main issues were the introduction particular will have difficulties coping WHSmith Group of tuition fees and modularisation of forming the chocolate challenge with the subtleties of politically Graduate Scheme. courses. RAG members per sensitive issues, as are translated by the After several moves 4. It would ensure that as many students around the country, The Aston Campus Residents Association Commission’s service." as possible leave Aston with those all I landed in London important skills employers look for. As (ACRA) also contributed over £600 to the New working in an HR ‘Developing Translation Competence’, someone who recruits graduates, it’s Boot Shelter. President of ACRA, Helen Mullen, Internal Recruitment great to see just how important and Aston student, Paul Douglas with Dave co-edited by Christina Schäffner and role. I left WHSmith Students’ Guilds and Unions are in Lewis from the Black Horse camped out in and am now working as a Recruitment Beverly Adab, was published in 2000 providing opportunities for people to extremely cold conditions on 6th December Consultant with HWC Consulting, by Benjamins and gives further develop life skills. last year – and sleeping rough still didn’t deter recruiting recruitment professionals for Tim Martin and Dr Christina Schäffner pictured during his recent visit to Aston information on translation studies. other recruitment businesses! them from lying in!

22 23 Hamid Habibi (1979 BSc and 1983 Helen with three children, he now lives whose patron is the former British No.1 Where are they now? PhD Biological Sciences) is now a in Tring, Hertfordshire. Simon would tennis player Mark Cox. He said researcher at the University of Calgary, love to hear from anyone who afterwards: "Although it was hard work, Canada. He recently received the remembers him. it was something I had wanted to do for A regular feature bringing you bang up-to-date on Pickford Medal and a United a long time." Nitin is now self employed Nations/UNESCO Professorship in at Fulham Pharmacy, London. the activities of your contemporaries. Here you’ll Science and Sustainable Development discover who’s doing what and where. If you’d like for his research in the field of to share your news with your fellow alumni, please endocrinology. drop a line to the Alumni Relations Office at the usual address. Go on, send a photograph! s Cape Town University before moving 1980 Simon, Helen and children Ben, Rhys and Sarah into sales and marketing and then Dave Barber (1980 BSc Energy general management. He returned to Tavinder Chana (1982 BSc Chemical s s Technology) spent a year at Heysham 1 Nitin Shah 1960 1970 Engineering) has been working for the UK in 1987 and currently works as Power Station in Morecambe, General Manager for a capital Birmingham City Council since leaving Andrew Hopkins (1985 BSc Electrical Noel Stephens (1966 BSc and 1972 Stephen Clifford (1972 BSc Lancashire as part of his studies at equipment company in the water and Aston. He is currently in charge of the and Electronic Engineering) is now PhD Physics) is now Director of Aberlink Behavioural Science) is Head of Aston. He has now returned as their waste water industry. An ex Cobra, and working as Head of IT Infrastructure for Technology Ltd involved in Procurement at Express Dairies Plc, a Director. Neighbourhood Offices. The work is meteorological products. He enjoys his post he took in June 2000 after working "now too old to play rugby," lives in Government Communications. He is Derbyshire with his wife, Lindsey, and very demanding but he enjoys the married and living in Gloucestershire job, which involves a variety of in France for two years. Since leaving Charles Lam (1980 MBA) now works teenage children Lara and James. variety of challenges his post requires – challenges including manufacture of Aston, he has had a variety of jobs in as a Management Trainer and with his three children. When he left and has done for the last 15 years! linear encoders. The company purchasing for companies including Consultant for Information and Aston, Andrew completed the New York encourages his interests in products as Cadbury Schweppes and Electrolux. He Management Marathon and claims Charlotte Engmann (1982 BSc diverse as sun dials and wind turbines. now lives near Stamford, Lincolnshire Systems in he still manages a few Building Economics and Measurement) He has recently won an award with his wife and two sons who are Kowloon, Hong miles a week! He is still left Aston and went on to complete a presented by the British Sundial Society both at university. Kong. He is also a keen Aston Villa fan MSc in Public Health Engineering at the for designing and manufacturing 100 one of the co- University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She and returns as often Millennium sundials, and a two metre ordinators for the now lives and works in Ghana as Water as possible with his diameter wind turbine is currently Hong Kong Alumni and Sanitation Systems Co-ordinator for son, Tom, to see undergoing field trials. He is married to Group. them play. Barbara, a secondary school teacher, the Community Water and Sanitation and they have two daughters: John Bance (left) and son James Charles Lam Agency. Andrew Hopkins Catherine, in her second year at the Roger Evans (1981 BSc Chemistry) Brian Moore (1976 BSc Civil Caroline Whelpton (1983 Business University of Southampton and Rachel worked as a Sales Manager for B.A.S.F Engineering) has been working with Administration and German) is currently in her final year of A-Levels. before becoming Managing Director of Christina Lausevic (1986 BSc French Japanese company Penta-Ocean working as a Marketing Manager for Stephen Clifford Shakespeare Monofilament, a plastics and German) is currently studying to Construction Co since 1993. He is Atrium Communications, an IT Jurek Piasecki (1967 BSc Mechanical company. He has been there since become a Kinesiologist (a unique way of currently a Project Manager and has company. In 1999 she gave up work for Engineering) is now Chairman and Paul Collier (1972 BSc Administrative 1995. Aside from his work, he also finds accessing the body’s ‘bio-computer two months to Chief Executive of the jewellery chain Science) worked as a Chartered spent most of his working life on time to give lectures on plastics at the systems’ to ascertain exactly what back-pack over Goldsmiths Group, the UK’s largest Accountant until 1980 when he overseas contracts, having recently University of Central England. treatment the body needs). As well as 5,000 miles single distribution network for Rolex, became a lecturer at Aston Business returned from Weno in Chuuk State across Australia this she still has time to be a Lecturer Cartier, Ebel and Omega. School. In 1985 he moved to the of Federated States of Micronesia Simon Shipley (1981 BSc Chemical and as well as and Course Director (TESOL) at the University of Exeter, where he became (FSM) where he worked on a water this she still finds University of Newcastle. Dean of Social Studies in 1995 before Engineering) now works for the John supply scheme. All a far cry from his Zink Company as a Product Director the time to study Clifford Waters (1967 BSc taking up his current position as Senior home in Cleveland where he lives and General Manager of the UK office, for a CIM Sylvie Piroulas-Pairon (née Pairon, Engineering) is now retired and lives in Deputy Vice Chancellor. with his wife and twin sons. based in London. Since graduating he diploma. , Birmingham. Since Caroline Whelpton 1987 MBA) works part-time as Project has worked primarily for process leaving Aston, he has worked in a John Bance (1973 BSc Metallurgy) on Manager in the e-business division of Edwin Hadden (1978 BSc engineering equipment suppliers and Nitin Shah (1984 BSc Pharmacy), number of different countries including leaving Aston worked overseas for 14 the French bank Société Générale. She contractors, having spent periods living inspired by the former Aston lecturer South Africa, where he worked as a years in South Africa. During this time Mechanical Engineering) is currently juggles this with the responsibility of and working in the Netherlands and Professor Malcolm Stevens, completed Consultant Engineer. He retains a he spent seven years working for Anglo working as a Master Control Engineer being a mother of four children, aged Bahrain. His current position takes him the Flora London Marathon in April professional interest and is a fellow American/De Beers in gold and for Carlton Television, based in eleven, nine, seven and two. all over the world, with recent visits to 1997. He raised more than £1,000 for member of various engineering diamond production. He also found the Birmingham. South Africa and Kazakhstan. Married to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young institutions including the IEE and IME. time to complete a full-time MBA at

24 25 Peter Feltham (1988 BSc Business Catherine Jones (née Coleman, 1989 Guernsey as Practice Manager of the Jennifer Smith (née Wilson, 1995 BSc show how widely applicable an Su (née Rix) and Jon Pickerill (both Administration and French) now works BSc Managerial and Administrative English Solicitors Wedlake Bell Guernsey. French) now works as Sales and engineering degree 1998 BSc Psychology and Management) as a Freelance Professional English Studies) works as an Infant Leader at St In 1999, Ros qualified as a Chartered Marketing Manager for the food service can be – starting off married in September of last year after Trainer and Translator in Strasbourg, George’s Prep. School in St Peter, Jersey. Secretary and Administrator (ICSA) and company Compass Group in Croydon. in the steel industry getting together during their placement France. He also plays She lives in St John with her husband, joined Milvus, a banking software She married Tony (1995 BSc IBML I never imagined I year at Aston. Their wedding, attended the clarinet and is Michael, and their baby, Frankie. Group. Now, as Finance Director, she is French) in July 1998 and honeymooned would be working by 130 guests, included 50 friends from Vice-President and the first female Director of the Group. in Malaysia. He now works for Nestlé, with sugar and Aston. According to Jon, a good time Secretary of a 50- also in Croydon, as Business chocolate!" was had by all and a drunken time by member strong 4- Robin Harper (1992 BSc Development Manager. They live in most! Su now works for 3M Healthcare voice choir, as well as Clare Hill Manufacturing Engineering) joined Epsom Downs, Surrey and would love in Bracknell as a Business Systems Vice-Conductor for Renishaw Plc after graduating and now to hear what their old friends are up to. Developer and Jon as a Data Manager Schiltigheim Concert works as Senior Production Engineer in Dexter Lee (1997 BSc French and for IBM in Basingstoke. Band. German) since leaving Aston, has Peter Feltham the Machine Tool Programming completed an MA in Modern European Catherine, Michael and baby Frankie Department. In 1999, he ran the Rosemary Harradine (née Whitley, London Marathon for the Whizz Kidz Studies at North London University, 1988 BSc Managerial and Administrative Cameron Teague (1989 BSc IBML charity to provide mobility aids for graduating in December 1999. He Studies) is currently studying for an MSc French), after graduating, spent one disabled children. He also completed enrolled in September 2000 to do Management Accounting degree at the year as an English and French teacher in the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ in June another MA, this time in Playwriting, at University of West England. She is Barcelona. He returned to the UK in 2000 to raise money for his local sports London University’s Goldsmiths College. married with two daughters and works 1991 and has had various jobs over the foundation. He now lives in Tetbury, Tony and Jenny Smith as a Management Accountant for the last nine years. He now works as a Gloucestershire with his wife and their UK Hydrographic Office. She is also Business Analyst for an IT consultancy five-year old son. Sarah Storey (née Shaw, 1996 BSc Chair of Governors at a local school and where he designs applications for credit French) works as a Programme Co- an active founder member of her local risk management in banks. Elaine Waterland (née Jones, 1993 BSc ordinator for Merill Lynch International Su and Jon Pickerill on their wedding day amateur dramatics Group. Society, Government and Psychology) Bank Ltd. She married David (1995 BSc and her husband have just moved to Applied and Human Biology) in 1998 Megan Wellens (née Marks, 1999 BSc Houston, Texas in the USA after having and they now have a daughter, Maisie, French and German) and her husband 1990s spent the last two years in Equatorial born in January of this year. Richard (1999 BSc European Studies Guinea, West Africa. She is currently with French and German) met in their Vanessa Cook (1997 MSc Public first year at Aston and were married in Joanne Osborn (1990 BSc French and looking to return to work to follow her Dexter Lee and Natasha Lee (no kin, Sector Management) is now working for August 2000. Richard now works for German) now works as Promotional career in management which began after 1997 BSc French and German) Welwyn Hatfield Council as Head of CHP Consulting Ltd in London as an IT Services Manager for Hoffman-La-Roche leaving Aston when she worked for Marks Policy and Information. Callum Bridgeford (1998 BSc Consultant. Megan is currently studying at their HQ in Basel, Switzerland. She and Spencer for five years. Managerial and Administrative Studies) for her PGCE at Homerton College, joined the company in 1992 at the Kate Howard (1994 BSc French) has James Fallon (1997 BSc Pharmacy) is currently working for Accenture Cambridge University, before she takes a German Office in Grenzach. She started worked for Bloomberg LP since leaving now lives in Co. Westmeath in Ireland (previously Andersen Consulting). The full time position at Queen Elizabeth’s y Harradine (right) as Maid Marion out as Assistant in the Marketing and works as a Locum Pharmacist. post has taken him to various countries, School in Barnet this coming Rosemar Aston. She never quite envisaged Department and was promoted to her working in a position related to the benchmarking computer systems. Since September. Christopher Squires (1988 BSc current position in 1999. She is financial markets but finds her job as an Rob Garlicki (1997 MSc joining the Financial Services area two Applied and Human Biology) is now responsible for Account Manager fast-paced and Telecommunications Technology) now years ago, he has travelled to living in Worcester with his wife Sharon multimedia challenging. lives in Bristol where he works as a Luxembourg, Geneva and California. He and their two daughters Siobhán and promotional activities Senior Service is now based in Chancery Lane, London Georgina. He currently works for in the HIV Marketing Sacha Gomez Design Engineer and lives in Wellingborough, Shering Healthcare as a Regional Sales for Orange in the Northamptonshire. Team – Intranet and de Zamora Trainer in West Sussex. Value Added Internet. (1995 BSc Service Design Joanne Osborn Managerial and Kate Chacksfield (1989 BSc Business Team in Administrative Studies and Computer Science) now Ros Jinks (née Benton, 1991 BSc Engineering. Studies) and Ester lives in London and works as a Managerial and Administrative Studies) Edwards (1998 BSc Rob Garlicki Television Reporter for Sky News. Ester & Sacha spent four years after she graduated French and German) Clare Hill (1997 BEng Mechanical with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in were married last year in Lapland, Karen Dequidt (née Bennett, 1989 Engineering) is currently at Nestlé Southampton where she became a Sweden. They now live in Spain with BSc IBML French) is an Assistant Credit working as a Senior Research Scientist. Chartered Accountant. She then moved their two young children. Sacha is a Manager for Fortis Banque in Lille, Her job involves developing new to Lewmar Marine Ltd in Hampshire and Brand Manager for a fashion France. She lives with her husband confectionery and has taken her as far became Group Financial Controller. She Bruno and their two children Manon importer/distributor and Ester works in as Russia which she found exciting and and Olivier. then relocated with her husband to the ladies division of the same company. interesting. She says: "It just goes to Callum Bridgeford Megan and Richard Wellens

26 27 POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN THE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES & Postgraduate courses in the 2000s In touch EUROPEAN STUDIES School of Life & Health Sciences Shazia Butt (2000 BSc Human If you’ve lost touch with your friends from Aston, or would like to contact your former lecturers here, why not get in touch with us. It worked for Nick Bennett Psychology) spent July and August of MA in Comparative European Politics and Cultures last year travelling across the USA. (1985 BSc Computing Science). "Thanks for putting me in touch with a couple of old friends from Aston who I haven’t seen or heard from since we MA in German Cultural Studies MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Tempted by postgraduate education Community Clinical Pharmacy parted company in 1985. Two of the three people I was looking for have MA in German/Jewish Studies by Research and career opportunities in her area of made contact and we’re catching up on 15 years of news!" MA or PgD in Translation in a European Context Available part-time as a part- interest, Clinical Psychology, she is taught/distance learning package Advanced Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign currently applying to various universities We’d like to find Language MSc in Community Pharmacy Practice in the USA for courses commencing this Contact Sylvia Rowe on ext MSc in Hospital Community Practice These people who are no longer in touch with the Alumni Relations Office. Teaching English to Speakers of Other 5533 or email autumn. At present she is working for Languages/Teaching English for Specific Purposes [email protected] MSc in Hospital Clinical Pharmacy If you know of their whereabouts, please contact us. NSF (Befriending) on a six-month Contact Dr Christina Schaeffner on ext 4224 or email minimum contract and plans to move [email protected] Graeme Anderson (1970 BSc Production Julia Lock (1994 BSc German) over to the States in August or Postgraduate opportunities in Engineering) Rakhesh Mistry (1996 BSc Managerial September of this year. Language Studies Unit Psychiatric Pharmacy Kay Anderson (1984 BSc Pharmacy) and Administrative Studies) Contact Celia Feetam on ext MSc/Diploma in TESOL/TESP Available via a variety of learning Helen Brown (1989 BSc French) Nicola Peace (1990 BSc French 4751 or email Distance Learning, 2-5 years [email protected] methods Amanda Burt (1994 BSc Business and German) and French) Jane Pratt (1993 BSc Managerial Contact MSc Course Secretary, Language Studies Unit or visit website www.les.aston.ac.uk Peter Buzzard (1983 BSc Production and Administrative Studies) Technology and Management) David Preston (1995 BSc French Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Evidence- Advanced Certificate in TEFL Based Pharmacotherapy Nicola Card (1979 BSc Human and German) Contact Professor Alain Li Psychology) Linda Read (1998 MBA) Flexible distance learning: six months to one year plus Wan Po on ext 5530 or Available full-time and part-time as a one week practical classroom experience email [email protected] distance learning package Helen Daniels (1993 BSc French) Rita Shah (1988 BSc Pharmacy) Contact Course Secretary on ext 4236 Ian Davies (1985 MSc Teaching English Constantine Spanoudis (1983 MBA) for Special Purpose) Michael Stacey (1997 MSc Mark Eadie (1986 BSc Transport and Telecommunications Technology) Shazia Butt Operation Planning) Zoe Such (1999 BSc Public Policy Craig Farquhar (1995 BSc Optometry) and Social Studies) Katherine Hobbs (2000 IBML French Michael Fenn (1977 BSc Communication Clifford Thomas (1983 BSc Civil Postgraduate courses in the and German) spent last summer Science and Linguistics) Engineering) School of Engineering working for Disneyland Paris which she Melissa Fleming (2000 PhD Chemistry) David Walker (1976 PhD Management) describes as: "A great experience that Antonis Koumi (1983 MBA) & Applied Science did wonders for my language abilities". She now works for Kimberley Clark having obtained a graduate position in You’d like to find the IT Department on the European Friends, flatmates and research partners. A number of alumni have contacted us Currently provides a broad portfolio of Helpdesk. wanting to get back in touch with lost friends. Many have been successfully advanced programmes leading to MSc qualifications. Many of these courses reunited, but others are proving to be a little more difficult to track down. Do offer Advanced Course Studentships to Pauline Moogan (2000 BSc Social you know the whereabouts of any of the following? well-qualified candidates. Studies and Business) now works for automotive company Magneti Marelli as Anthony Beves (1985 BSc Computing Barbara Evans (1994 BSc IBML German) Telecommunications Technology Science) a Product Manager. Some of you may Claire Gordon (1989 BSc French) Information Technology Corrieane Blades (1980 BSc Biology remember Pauline – she completed her Andrew Taylor (1985 BSc Civil Internet Technology and German) placement year as Alumni Relations Engineering) Polymer Engineering and Science Paul Clarkson (1981 BSc Managerial Assistant here at Aston in 1998/99. Glen Wells (1980 BSc Civil Engineering) Occupational Health and Safety and Administrative Studies) Risk Management and Safety Technology Renata Scarr (2000 BSc Managerial Looking for someone at Aston? and Administrative Studies) set off on a Photonics two-year trip around the world this Contact the Alumni Relations Office. Pattern Analysis and Neural Networks February. Starting in Katmandu in If we have a current address, you will be invited to write a letter or leave your contact Product Process Interfaces in details. We will pass these on to the address we hold. As we rely on alumni telling us when Pharmaceutical Manufacture Nepal, she will visit India, Asia, Australia they move on, we cannot guarantee the person you are looking for will still be at that and New Zealand before returning to address. We would like to hope, however, that you all keep in touch with us and let us The following programmes will be her home in Rochdale, Lancashire via know of any changes to your address. The In-Touch service does not give out individual Contact Professor available from October 2002 the Pacific Islands and South America. names and addresses to inquirers and all mail is treated in the strictest confidence. Roger Kettle on ext 4370 or email Industrial/Project Management [email protected] Internet Technology 28 Reunions and events STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS Did you graduate in 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991 or 1996? Then don’t turn the page. Special anniversary reunions are planned for you. Full What a gregarious lot you are! Aston alumni reunions and get-togethers are the perfect way to details are pinned on the noticeboard at the foot of the page. Get in touch with us now! Calling all ex-members of the Surf Club. Allister Haynes (1992 BSc Managerial and Administrative Studies) is organising a reunion. Contact the Alumni Relations Office for more details. meet up with other Aston alumni in your home town or right back on campus in the heart of a newly-developed Birmingham. Apex has been all around the world dropping in on your Cyprus reunions to see what went on… Sunday lunch was arranged for Aston alumni who were joined by Dr Keith USA: Football UAU team Dennis (Combined Honours) and Lyn Cottrell (International Office). It was a Aston: Biology of Man and his Environment very enjoyable occasion. The meal brought together good friends and new Class of 1980 In 1976 Aston won the Football UAU faces. Everyone found it enjoyable to hear how fellow alumni were faring. An and since the graduation of most of alumni group is forming in Cyprus. Contact us for more information. Don’t Biology of Man and his Environment class of 1980 enjoyed their reunion on 15 these students in the late 70s early forget that you can join the e-group to talk to fellow alumni in Cyprus – see July last year. Rob Hynes contacted the Alumni Relations Office with a plea for 80s, a team reunion has been held www.aston.ac.uk/alumni. Lyn (right), Vrahimis help. Could we help him track down each year. Errol Walker (1980 BSc and Keith (1st and 3rd from left) the rest of them? "We had a very join Aston alumni for Sunday lunch in Cyprus MAS) contacted us to tell us that this AGA enjoyable day," said Rob. "It was quite of back-to-back houses in the 1960s, to AGA web-site via the alumni web-site informal. We met at the Faculty & year’s reunion was held in San f meeting up with other graduates appeals to you, but you can’t wait for the green campus we have now. and so keep up-to-date with news and Firkin where we spent quite a few Francisco partly because it was some I the next reunion, why not consider Members are also considering a day trip events. hours! Then we had a tour of the 20 years since most of the group left joining AGA? AGA is celebrating 51 years to Boulogne in the summer. A talk about campus, some of it has changed a lot, Aston and partly because one of the Quite a few alumni already belong to of organising visits, meals out, talks and life on the local canals and a visit to the whilst some of it is spookily familiar! group now lives over there and runs AGA. We have members of all ages, from other social events for Aston graduates newly refurbished Hippodrome Theatre Then we went off for an Indian meal The Mad Dog in the Fog, which is a all departments within the University and their friends. In the coming months, are also planned. successful bar with a football theme and from all corners of the world. If you in a restaurant in town." we’re hoping to arrange a visit to an The aim of AGA is to help all graduates would like more information, why not and listed in the Rough Guide to San English vineyard and play boules against Pictured left to right: Rob Hynes, Paul Hand, Mervyn Burrows, Ian Featherstone, maintain links with Aston, provide an contact us through the Alumni Office at Francisco." our arch rivals at Tamworth. We have a John Edwards, Sue Purkis (née Higginson), Delma Wilson (née Pitt) and Julian Foster. interesting social calendar and mark Aston. For a subscription of £5 per year joint meeting with Birmingham important University anniversaries by you can widen your circle of friends and Graduates’ Association in June to see Hong Kong Alumni Group suitable donations. Amongst AGA’s most join us in an interesting and varied social how Gosta Green changed from an area Brecon: Building Class of 1971 recent donations was the significant programme. We look forward to adding The 15 December meeting in the Bull contribution towards the installation of your name to our membership. and Bear pub went down a storm. Stephen Bowden (1971 BSc Building) and the clock on the South Wing which And this proved to be the start of so his fellow alumni regularly stay in touch. marked 100 years of technological Has that given you a flavour of what much more. A Spring Dinner for "This is our recent get-together in Brecon, . AGA also reunions are all about? If you’d like us alumni , Professor Nigel Reeves (Pro- May 2000. We have been meeting awards an annual prize at the AGM of to help you organise one for your Vice-Chancellor) and Dr Dennis Convocation to the student, considered crowd, contact us at the Alumni annually since 1974, making it a weekend Relations office. Our details are on Crumpton (Head of the International by Students’ Guild, to have made the for our families." The group would be glad page two of this edition of Apex or you Office) was organised on 9 February most significant contribution to the life to hear from other Building graduates and can go to our website at at Butterfields, Taikoo Shing. A major of the University. It is hoped that www.aston.ac.uk/alumni. the parallel BEM course. AGA members and friends enjoying the alumni gathering has been scheduled annual cheese and wine party. members will soon be able to access the Back row left to right Alan Mills, Paul Hetherington, Ken Redman, Terry Goodman. for 18 May for all alumni and Front row left to right Steve Bowden, Dave Hankin, Doug Chalmers. partners, not forgetting the 5-a-side match and golf trip. More information is available from the group co- Notice Board France: MBA Class of 1991 ordinators. Don’t forget that you can join the e-group to talk to fellow Coming up over the next 12 months, a fun-packed and Incredible! Ten years after meeting at Aston to do our MBA, a "core bunch" of us still alumni in Hong Kong and get first informative selection of open days, conferences and special stick closely together – some married each other (Ian & Carol Woodroofe), others hand information on events – see reunions to entice you back to your alma mater. travel the world and have survived many adventures (Paul, Christel, Christine, Luc and www.aston.ac.uk/alumni. 9 June: 10 years on since the Class of Schools & Colleges Liaison on ext 4812. Patricia). Nine of us now live and work in Paris – Ian and Carol, Paul, Patricia, Luc, 1991 graduated. Christel, Christine, François and Silke – so we see each other regularly: 19 September: Aston University Open cinema, Chinese food (always Paul’s favourite), gym (Paul & Silke) or travel 19 May: a 20 years on reunion for the 27 June: Conference for French Teachers. Day. Details from Schools & Colleges (Luc and Patricia went to Guatemala in 2000). We also stay in contact with Class of 1981. Details from Schools & Colleges Liaison Liaison on ext 4812. other Aston MBA alumni like Wendy Wong, Pete Morgan, Anntah Koh, on ext 4812. September: a 15 year celebration since Rennie Bennigton and many others. Last September, for our 10th 26 May: five short sweet years since 5-6 July Birmingham Education the Classs of 1986 graduated from Aston. Anniversary, we organised a big reunion in Paris where we were joined by graduation and the Class of 1996 will be Convention: a major event aimed at Date to be confirmed but look out for Edmund who came over from England for the event. heading back. details. prospective higher education students (Left to right) Luc Molinier, Paul Morrison, Ian Woodroofe, Patricia Huc, Silke Todt 2 June: a silver anniversary for graduates and their advisers with over 130 8-10 March 2001: Alumni Weekend (née Asmussen), Christel Koehler, Carol Woodroofe, Christine Truillet, Jagendra Edmund Jayasuriya of the Class of 1976. institutions exhibiting. Details from 2002. Put it in your diaries now.

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