July 2008

Wise Counsel

I have been occupied ex officio (over a third of all alumni, we will have failed in creating an writing these places are filled by members of staff, inspiring message and we will be robbing articles for six current students, and representatives of ourselves of expertise that must exceed years, and I have the Academic Advisory Council and our own. tried to make Buckinghamshire County Council) we are them interesting. still left with 18 places to fill at our own But as University of Buckingham Alumni This time I am discretion. Association develops (see this issue) writing about and as our alumni grow more established, something that Recently we have started to target those so we increasingly seek to harness your might appear, at alumni who have already been actively help in marketing, fund-raising and first sight, boring, helping us. So, Mr Bob Tavener, who governance of the University, thus but please bear with me because it graduated in 1987 in Business Studies blending the best of global and local, pertains to the future role of the alumni. and who is the CEO of Twinings Tea, and alumni and supporters to ensure that the I am writing about the Council of the Mr Mark Lancaster, who graduated in next 30+ years are as good as the last. University. 1992 in Business Studies and who is our first alumnus to become a Westminster Dr Terence Kealey The University, like most universities, is a MP, have both recently joined Council. Vice-Chancellor charity. Like all charities it has no shareholders; rather, like all charities, it Our thinking has been inspired by the Ivy runs itself and reinvests in itself. And, like League universities and the liberal arts all charities, it enjoys certain tax colleges of America (we have no long- Contents privileges. established European peers). Those independent US institutions have long Charities enjoy these perquisites because drawn their trustees from the ranks of they operate for the public good. their alumni (and donors: in the US, the 2 Alumni Association Consequently charities are answerable to two are largely synonymous). the public for their conduct, and they are 3/4 Alumni News accountable to the Governmentʼs Charity In privileging alumni and donors, the Commission. But it is the trustees on independent US institutions have 5 Buckingham in the News Council who discharge the day-to-day resolved a governance problem. Under responsibilities under the Charity Acts. charity law, the majority of trustees must 6 The Royal Overseas League be outsiders, to hold the management to The Council is, therefore, loosely, both the account. But outsiders may not share the 7 Alumni News board of the company and the guardian of institutionʼs goals. Yet by electing alumni the nationʼs interests, and to be a trustee and donors to Council, a university gets 8 Marriages on Council is to assume serious outsiders who can hold the management responsibilities. We have been to account but who nonetheless possess 9 History of Buckingham extraordinarily fortunate in our trustees an informed interest in the institution. 10 House of Lords/Summer over the years – especially as they work with true aristocratic brio pro bono – and Further, by privileging alumni and donors, Party starting with our first Chairman of Council, independent universities also resolve a Sir Sydney Caine (who had previously fund-raising problem. Charities cannot 11 MA in Global Affairs been the Director of the London School of flourish unless they raise donations (thatʼs Economics) the University has benefited the only way charities can raise capital) 12 Lost and Found/Marketing from a stream of wonderful trustees. but if active alumni and committed donors Update are translated into institutional governors, As has been appropriate to a young others will be encouraged to follow suit. 13 Concerts and Lectures institution, we have found our trustees ad hoc, through recommendations from Buckingham should never go to a wholly 14 Buckingham Annual Dinner friends, but as we mature we should alumnus-based Council of trustees increasingly consider the role of alumni. because we are a small but global 15 Law School News Under the Royal Charter, two places on institution that needs the active support of Council are already reserved for alumni, locally-based trustees. Most members of 16 Council Representative and as youʼll see in this issue, we are the Finance and General Purposes Letter currently holding elections for those Committee, for example, simply have to places. But there are 38 places in all on live nearby. Moreover, if we cannot Council, and though many of them are harness the talents of people who are not University of Buckingham Alumni Association

Editors News Of far more importance than a full column from the Editor in this edition is the news of the newly formed Steering Committee that will guide the decision making process to form the; University of Buckingham Alumni Association It has been increasingly obvious over the last couple of years that our alumni want and need an active, alumni-driven, organisation. Initial meetings in London with Lady Rose Luce, Daniel Fosman Grun (Law 86) and Anne Matsuoka led to a message being sent out to all alumni with email • To provide the alumni with effective addresses asking if they would be willing to representation, allowing them to be give some time to form a Steering involved actively in the future development Committee that would begin the process of of the UBAA. Daniel Fosman establishing the University of Buckingham Grun (Law 86) Alumni Association (UBAA). The 7th and • To provide the University with an Chairman of 8th June was set aside and 18 alumni established network of committed alumni Steering attended a weekend of discussions. who are prepared to assist in the Committee advancement of UB. The following is a brief outline of what went on during that weekend and of the plans for • To increase awareness of the importance the future. of establishing strong relations between a University and its alumni. Steering Committee Weekend The weekend of meetings to discuss the • So that you will know who is involved to formation of the University of Buckingham date: Alumni Association was held in London at Lorinda Long the Novotel London ExCel in Victoria Dock, Chairman Steering Committee (Law 86) a hotel managed by Buckingham alumnus Daniel Fosman Grun (Law 86) Chair of Sagar Naker (International Hotel Organisation Management, 95). Dr Terence Kealey and Chairmen of Working Groups: Working group Professor John Clarke spoke at the initiative and encouraged all participating alumni to Event (Geneva, 2009) continue the work. Anne Matsuoka, Head Patricia Prada Jimenez (International of the Alumni Office, strongly believes in Studies 06; reading MPhil History) this alumni driven project. Organisational Structure Three Working Groups were established Lorinda Long (Law 85) and discussed all the issues relating to the Patrica Prada establishment of UBAA. The Working Networking Jimenez Groups are: Organisational Structure, Valentino Sarantis (PEL, 92) (International Networking and Geneva 2009. All Studies 06) Buckingham alumni are welcome to join Members Chair of Event any of the existing groups and/or to take Leonardo Koshoni (Economics 97) Working group part in any way. Marilyn Driver-Davidson (MA Biography 01) We would very much like you to be a part of Jeremy Howarth (Law 08) this project. Please visit Mandira Chanrai (Eng Lit 97) https://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet/ Huey Yi Wang (Law 95) and let us know how you would like to Lara Kayode (Law 91) participate. Siri Flindal (Law 08) Valentino Sarantis Suzanna Tomassi (MSc Service (PEL 92) Management 02) Chair of Why do we need the UBAA? Mark Simpson (HPE 87) Networking Group • To connect alumni nationally and Marian Atinuke Okunola (Law 08) and Vice – internationally in a structured manner and Clive Hughes (Law p/t 08) Chairman of to facilitate professional and business Peter England (Law 08) Steering networking opportunities for all Shellie Hind (Law p/t 04) Committee Buckingham graduates Joseph Lee (Law 99)

2 Alumni at Work

We have recently adopted a new Law I always wanted to be a detective Practionersʼ Act and today it is possible although I knew that, in common with for international law firms to operate in others, I would have to serve my time on Mauritius. Furthermore barristers and the beat. I did this in good heart, but attorneys can join together in law firms to before my probationary period was up I provide advice. Our financial sector has was selected to become a temporary been doing well for the last ten years or detective. It is here that I have stayed, so and Mauritius has carved a strong obtaining promotion to Detective reputation in financial services and Sergeant and passing the examinations international corporate legal work. for promotion to Inspector.

The recently enacted Business It would be easy to describe some of the Facilitation Act has opened Mauritius up crimes I have dealt with in depth but I to foreign experts and our Board of believe that the students of Buckingham Investment has various schemes for University will be more interested in my Kishore Pertab foreigners who wish to enjoy the views as to whether or not the police beaches of Mauritius, the tropical climate force offers a creative and interesting My Buckingham days started in winter and the multi-ethnic culture at the same career. Pay wise it is not good enough. 1995. Following my graduation I kept in time as doing business. It is quite easy We cover policing requirements for 24 regular contact with the University, to come and work in Mauritius now. hours, seven days a week and 365 days recommending more than a dozen a year and yet the pay is only just students. I never missed an opportunity The University of Buckingham has adequate. However, in the Metropolitan to visit the University premises and alumni in various fields and across Police, there is scope for overtime and enjoyed walking around the grounds various sectors of the economy and one must not forget the pension scheme reminiscing about the old days. What thanks to the excellent standards of that at present offers an inflation proof sweet recollections of the Law School Buckingham University education we are pension for life. When one considers that and my friends! able to contribute to the progress of our life for many nowadays is in the mid country. eighties and that one may be pensioned I have been practising as a Barrister since at an age of between 55 – 60 years, this 1999 after having gone through In my free time I have kept my swimming is something worth taking into the Bar school at the Council of Legal and jogging habits and every now and consideration. The real bonus for me is Education in Mauritius, learning French and then do a little bit of singing. the job satisfaction and it would be hard Mauritian law. (Mauritius is a hybrid Anglo I also operate a website which you can to imagine a career that could deliver French legal system). After Bar School visit and if we lost contact this is the time anything close to police work. I had to serve as a pupil for one year. to renew friendship and why not …extend your business potential. Whether carrying out routine patrol work Besides my habitual law practice I have or being attached to the Organised also taught law subjects at the two I am proud to say that my only daughter Crime Command, as I now am, it has Universities in Mauritius, as a part-time is now studying at the University of been a fulfilling occupation with every lecturer. Buckingham. day offering new challenges and experiences. I was appointed Chairman of the www.mauritiuslawfirm.com Mauritius Post Limited in 2003 at a time Stephen Ellen of transition from a government Kishore Pertab Law 98 department to corporation (privatization). Law 97 I was happy to have helped in the changeover of the postal government I graduated from Buckingham in 1996 department to a corporate body. having completed the first part-time LLB course run by the University. The In September 2005 I stood as candidate previous year I had joined the for the outgoing Government alliance but Metropolitan Police Force and was still the government was voted out of office going through my probation at the time of by a slight majority and I did not secure a graduation. I come from a family of parliamentary seat. policemen with my great grandfather being a policeman in 1914 and my father In 2006 I worked as the Legal adviser to from 1952 –1981. The Force offers a the Ministry of Telecommunications great career and I am delighted to be a under the responsibility of the Vice- part of an ambitious force whose Presidentʼs Office in the Republic of technology and expertise is probably as Seychelles. good as those of any country in the modern world. I describe the power of The legal landscape in Mauritius has the modern police force as awesome changed thanks to a series of recent and it is becoming increasingly difficult legal innovations that had been in the for major criminals to escape the Stephen Ellen with students pipeline for some years now. clutches of police.

3 Alumni at Work

Whitehall where I helped create I wrote my LLM thesis on the application Serenade to a Princess – a birthday of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and tribute for the late Princess of Wales. the Rome Statute of the International This year the Royal Opera House has Criminal Court of 1998 in the aftermath engaged me to write lyrics for a musical of the September 11th attacks, under the exploration of journalism next January supervision of Professor Jonathan Black- followed by a new production of Camelot Branch. The subject I chose was “The sometime next summer. law of self-defence in the aftermath of September 11th attacks”, which I Most recently I have been directing prepared just half a year earlier for my shorts films and an experimental CD of MA degree in Poland. In 2004 I was words and music - Quest – with Sam admitted as a doctoral candidate to the Fox, James Dreyfus and Carry-On PhD course at the Institute of Legal legend Fenella Fielding which is coming Science, Polish Academy of Science with out shortly. Right now Iʼm directing a new proposed PhD thesis: “Definition of film about Byron, Dangerous to Know, Aggression in International Law starring Fenella, Oscar nominated Janet Prerogatives of the UN Security Council Suzman, Christopher Biggins and in the Scope of the ICCʼs Statute of Graham Roos newcomer Luc Floreani. Rome”.

After Buckingham I went to work at the So for any budding artists among you In 2007 I was a Visiting Scholar at the British Museum (the setting for my novel donʼt be discouraged – persistence pays Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, Prosperoʼs Jewel). Of course, theatre off. If anyone would like to contact me University of Cambridge. I benefited not has always been a main passion since please feel free to get hold of me through only from using wonderful libraries but my first play at the Radcliffe Centre back my website www.grahamroos.com also from meeting wonderful people, or in 1988 and I soon began to perform my should I call them "people-institutions" own work around London including the Graham Roos such as James Crawford and Sir Eli ICA, Café de Paris, The Southwark HPE 89 Lauterpacht. Playhouse and The Groucho Club where I performed with Pete Doherty for a This is how I met Dr Yongmin Bian from couple of years. the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, who Things really changed in 1997. I had a encouraged me to serve as a judge in new job at the Society for Psychical the Jessup Moot Court Competition in Research. The Society investigated Beijing. I contacted Professor Wenqi Zhu paranormal phenomena and I would of the Renmin University of China, explore alleged hauntings like X Filesʼ School of Law, the organiser of all Fox Mulder. As a result I devised and China's Jessup Rounds. Much to my curated the first ever exhibition on amazement, he welcomed me as a judge parapsychology for the prestigious Royal and invited me to the Renmin University Institute. Later that year I presented the in Beijing in February. BBCʼs Ghostwatch from Beaulieu Abbey where some strange things occurred; but The "Judiciary" consisted of legal thatʼs another story. counsellors to embassies, barristers and solicitors, practising lawyers, academics 1998 saw my first book – Rave – and researchers, like myself. In all, 28 published by the National Theatreʼs judges participated. We were divided into Oberon Books. By now I was writing and groups to sit in overall more than 20 performing on a regular basis and was Sylwia Kędzierska panels in the preliminary round, 7 panels soon teamed up with director Di Trevis of quarter-finals and 2 semi-finals. who was working with Harold Pinter on a It happened quite unexpectedly. I believe The final round was judged by 7 most new version of Proustʼs Time Regained it all started when I came to the eminent and senior judges. As the moot at The National. Di asked me to source University of Buckingham in January court was to resemble a real case at the the poetry for this play leading to a 2003 to do my LLM in International and International Court of Justice, the judges dramatic meeting with Harold Pinter Commercial Law. wore black robes with white collars and himself. the rooms set up to resemble court I was soon to graduate from my Alma rooms. As the new millennium dawned I founded Mater, European School of Law and Large Magazine bringing in sophisticated Administration in Warsaw and, after a Each team comprised 3 students (2 writers and contributors, as a result of Summer Course in English Legal agents and 1 assistant). Each agent which I won the Magazine Design Award Methods taken at the University of present 2 arguments within 20 minutes in 2003. Since then I have returned to Cambridge in the summer of 2000, I was and the team had 2 minutes for rebuttal, lecturing and performing, sometimes as convinced I wanted to learn more about so the "court session" took 90 minutes. a charity host and after dinner speaker at the English law... The judges used this time to ask as venues such as The Banqueting House, many questions as possible to make

(Cont. on Page 5)

4 Alumni at Work sure the parties understood the case and His testimony to my work has led to my agents were able to "think on their feet". achieving many appointments and roles We had to be fair and to judge each within the fields of Law and Banking. student separately. At the end of the I am on an International Panel for "court session" we gave the teams some Mediation & Arbitration for the Global feedback on how to improve their Banking Industry Association: The advocacy skills. Association of Treasury Lawyers, and pending the appointment of a Chancellor. It was a very hard and responsible task My current title is Legal Director which but I am sure the judges benefited from de facto covers the Chancellor role. it also. I know I did. It was a great To All Alumni opportunity to review the UN Charter, Under our niche Art Law & Art Banking Geneva Conventions, Articles on State practice, we are able to commission art This publication is for you and if you Responsibility and applicable and sculpture with appropriate would like input into the next issue, judgements of International Court of certificates and we also have our own please send comments and ideas to Justice. It was also a chance to rethink private label champagne. Our Private Anne Matsuoka some fundamental concepts of museum & collection can be moved to [email protected] international law, such as jus cogens, major centres so if alumni in major art self-determination sovereignty. I hope centres are interested we would The next publication we produce will this experience will help me in finishing welcome proposals. contain more information, updating my doctoral thesis, and, most you on where alumni are these days importantly, to open myself to new I also take pleasure in inviting all and what they are up to. perspectives in practising international Buckingham alumni and graduating law. students alike to visit Singapore for the Please Note: first Formula 1 night race in September Copy for the next issue required by Sylwia Kędzierska 2008. Indeed any F1 enthusiast is 10th October 2008 Law 04 welcome to support this special event. We are launching a Private Museum www.buckingham.ac.uk related to Formula 1 entitled 'The Future of Formula 1' - A Visual Encyclopaedia. Private viewings can be arranged.

Our Firm actively supports interactive lifestyles and I enjoy bringing my son, Pierre, to meetings occasionally.

Gerald Perera Foo Law 91

BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS • BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS • BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS

MP drops in for University lecture BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS Students at the University of Buckingham were treated to a lecture by Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, entitled: My life as a Politician, Novelist and Broadcaster on Tuesday 18th March 2008, organised by SAFFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). Gene enjoys big race win. Bicester Review, 11 April 2008 Marc Gene (Economics 95) started his Le Mans Series campaign at the Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday 6th April in the best possible way – with victory in the opening event of the season. Driving the number 7 Peugeot 908 Hdi FAP with Frenchman Gerald Perera Foo and his wife Beatrice Nicolas Minassian, Gene was the star of the race. Welcome to Pearliwood I am the Asia Pacific Partner of BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS Foundations Advisory International which Hong Kong-born socialite Pearl Lam (AFM 82) brings Chinese art to London, and • BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS London designers to China, in her own whirlwind fashion. Article featured in ES is a niche banking firm with Swiss Magazine, 30 May 2008 origins. Foundations Advisory International is independently listed on Lecturers ʻpressed to boost degree resultsʼ the Singapore Corporate Counsel Professor Geoffrey Alderman, former Chairman of the Academic Council at the Association or www.SCCA.org.sg. I have University of London and Professor of Politics & Contemporary History at the University of Buckingham, warned that “league table culture” has led to an explosion in the number also recently been accepted as an of firsts awarded. Overseas Member of the Hong Kong The Independent 17 June 2008 Corporate Counsel Association (HKCCA). The state should keep its hands off Oxbridge BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS • Dr Terence Kealey writes on the governence and funding of Universities. I am grateful to my former lecturer, now The Independent Education Supplement. 26 June 2008 Professor Elias, who encouraged me to BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS • BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS • BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS produce extra project work.

5 Alumni at Work

A Journey trade for any in the world. It occurs to me in Turbulent Waters as I say this, that had I made that other Buckingham & The Royal Over- choice instead, perhaps today I might Seas League (ROSL) As the time approached for me to actually be a lawyer. Ultimately, my love graduate from University College of films won me over. The University of Buckingham is now a Buckingham in 1982, I found myself at a corporate member of ROSL, which is a cross roads in more ways than one. For My first days as a film professional in self-funded, non-profit Commonwealth one thing, I was not entirely sure where I 1985 were frightful ones. Without a film organisation offering clubhouse facilities wanted to put down roots. I had lived in studies background or any pre-existing to members worldwide the UK since July 1978, having come networks or connections to the (http://www.rosl.org.uk/rosl/pages/rosl_re over from Nigeria and I loved being here. profession, I felt like a sixteenth century ciprocal.php). After graduation. I spent six months seafarer, out at sea with a broken living in New York and subsequently sextant, a malfunctioning compass and To benefit from these facilities, each returned to the UK in July 1982, for an inverted map. There are no blue alumni, student and member of staff postgraduate study at University College prints to a career in films. My first film must join ROSL individually, by London. I finally left the in 1984, to live in assignment lasted 12 days and I met downloading and completing the New York, with the issue of roots still some really wonderful and supportive membership form on the ROSL people, but it was another five months website, before my next assignment. This year, I (http://www.rosl.org.uk/rosl/pages/rosl.ph celebrate 23 years as a filmmaker. I am p). often asked by young filmmakers for the best path to a successful, lasting career When applying online, state that you are in film and I stress two components: hard affiliated with the University of work and dedication. Buckingham and you will then be entitled to a 50% discount on the one-off joining One component of my career which I fee and will also receive a small discount cherish and loath in equal measure is the on the annual subscription fee. unpredictability. That said, I know I never have to tread the same ground day after Salvete day, which helps me face assignments with enthusiasm and anticipation. That is Mrs Liz Baggett, Assistant Accountant a feeling I cherish. The balancing of Mrs Julie Clarke, Post Room Assistant emotion and expectation is an essential Dr Roy Davis, Secretary to Senior Tutor ingredient to longevity. At the last count, Miss Lucy Draper, Domestic Services Henry Adebonojo I have visited some 30 countries in the Mr Michael Green, IT Technician course of my work and I look forward to Mr Dan Harris, Help Desk Assistant very much unresolved. I very much visiting many more. You can view Mrs Sheena Hopkins, Secretary to the wanted to stay in London, but my student samples of my work at Dean of Law visa was set to run out and I had no www.henryadebonojo.com and some Mr Simon Lacey, Accommodation viable way to extend my time, so I more of my credits are listed at Assistant departed for New York and have called it www.imdb.com. I look forward with home ever since. New York is still, to this enthusiasm to adding to those credits, day, an awkward fit for me. I feel very just as I look forward to the next Valete much at home in Europe by comparison. 23 years. Dr Mike Lucas, Head of Accounting and I did however make my peace with New Finance York. All told it is what was in the cards Henry Adebonojo Mr Ryan Stevens, Help Desk Assistant for me, just another tributary in my Law 82 journey. Tim Fricker (Buildings & Maintenance) and Beryl Saving (Domestic Services) The other cross roads I faced was what I have both returned to work recently from would do professionally with the rest of Apology long term sick leave. We are pleased to my life. I studied law at Buckingham and In the April 2008 issue we welcome them back to work and are glad at UCL, but something deep inside me to see that they are well on the road to featured an article by Wendy needed to be given a voice, something recovery. utterly unrelated to the law. I am Crawforth in which her degree profoundly proud to have studied the law was written incorrectly; it should Congratulations to Jackie Hodgkinson and to have been a student at have read "MA in History of Art (former Admissions Secretary), recently Buckingham. Truth be told though, appointed to the post of Post Room without the constraints of external and Heritage Management 2000" Assistant and also Nancy Zulu (Law '06) expectation I might have opted for and not who successfully applied for the post of something more in line with what I have "MA Wallace Collection". Admissions & Secretarial Assistant in pursued ever since. Art school or film Humanities. school might have been a more suitable We do apologise for this mistake. choice. However, that would have meant not having enjoyed the Buckingham experience, an experience I would not

6 Alumna opens New Travel Business the decade. The travel profession is of your future, to create financial freedom huge, simply because EVERYBODY and live a fuller life, take a simple step It's been some time since I graduated travels. and visit my www.fct123.com website. from Buckingham with an LLM in If you find the information as compelling International Commercial Law - Also, because my business is internet as I did, contact me and I'll help you start December 1989 to be exact. The based, I don't have huge overheads. creating true financial independence. following year, after completing Bar Travel is my only product and this works I will outline, step-by-step, what you studies, I was called to the Bar of because of the power of the internet. need to do in order to succeed. England and Wales as a member of Most people are already accustomed to Lincoln's Inn and then to the Bahamas booking their own travel online, so it's Bar. Almost 19 years later, I have easy for me to refer them to my website. I look forward to doing business with enjoyed a varied career. I have served in each of you! the Attorney General's Office as a Crown Instead of booking with third party travel Prosecutor and practised civil litigation in agencies, my friends, colleagues, private practice, as well as sitting on the contacts and family, locally and abroad, Bench as a Stipendiary and Circuit simply book their flights, cruises, cars, Magistrate. Currently, I serve as In hotel, vacation packages, event tickets, House Counsel and Vice President of last minute travel etc. with me instead. Industrial Relations for the largest private employer in the Bahamas. I am proud of When they do this, they enjoy highly my achievements and enjoy a competitive rates and I get paid 60% on phenomenal lifestyle with my husband of all purchases made on my website. Not sixteen years, Dion and my two sons, only do I earn commissions, but as a William 11 and Christopher 10. referring travel agent, I also save on my own travel. I've already done a lot of During the course of my legal career, I've travelling which would have been met some incredible people who have delayed for a few more years, had it not introduced me to the benefits of owning been for the benefits offered by my a home based online travel agency. This business. In addition to this, for citizens has been working well for me, as travel of the US and Canada, a home based Rionda Godet Law 89 is clearly one of the largest business business like mine helps you to enjoy FunCity Travels opportunities in the world. Over 7 trillion tremendous tax benefits, which again, www.fct123.com dollars a year is spent on travel and this puts dollars back into your pocket. is expected to double before the end of If you truly have a desire to take control

7 Marriages....

Fiona Button (nee Hewitt). On behalf of the Alumni Office, may (Law with French 99) I married we send many congratulations to Christian Button on 10th May 2008 at the following: Buckingham Town Hall. I arrived by horse and carriage and the weather was Christopher Sam (Law 05) We got beautiful. We then enjoyed a honeymoon married in a small ceremony on 7th June on Palm Island, The Grenadines and Barbados.

Emeka Anohu (MSc Service Management 06) married Bertha Uchendi Mekoma (Law 08) The traditional wedding took place on 14th December 2007 at Chief Anderson 2008 in Freeport, Bahamas. My wife's Mekoma's country home in Delta state, name is Kendra Diane Hughes from whilst the white wedding took place in Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.A. We are the Congress Hall, Hilton Transcorp, expecting our first child in late Abuja-Nigeria, on 11th January 2008. September 2008. Alumni (many from London) who Nikki Pinnington (Law 00) attended were; Kingsley Odabi, I just wanted to let you know that I finally Anthony Ehilebo, Olamide Kolade, Joke and Femi, Yeside Lasaki, Oke and Maci, Seun and Biodun Adelana, Sandra Ankobiah, Big Chima, Chijioke, Ayo Orjiakor Jennifer Opone, Lara Bello and Jideofor Ogbutoh. Toulupe Junaid (International Relations 02) I got married on Thursday 14th February 2008 to my sweetheart Folashade Banuso and we had a traditional wedding the following Saturday on 16th February 2008 in Lagos, Nigeria.

got married last year on July 21st to Andrew LaPersonne in Central London and had the most wonderful day; we also had the most wonderful honeymoon in Italy on the Amalfie Coast! Unfortunately 3 days after our return I was in a taxi on my way back to work when a London Immran Fayyaz (Law 06) (University bus jumped a red light and caused me Representative in Lahore, Pakistan) major head and facial injuries. I am lucky was married 12th April 2008. to be here apparently. Well anyway, I am up and about again and also wanted to let you know that we are expecting our first child on 6th September so fingers crossed this year will be better than the last!

8 University News

The Loyal and Ancient But not all of the ʻvisitorsʼ were pilgrims; But this article is really about Ted, my some were invaders, Vikings from beloved Clydesdale horse who I bought Borough of Buckingham: Scandinavia. Of course, the Vikings were when he was only 12 weeks old. Ted's fight the early days much feared but their violence may have for survival inspired me to write the been exaggerated. Perhaps they were a Children's Book 'The Story of Ted', in 2005. bit boisterous – rather like some of our Then, with permission of The Duke of students at parties. As I approach a spell Bedford, I filmed the book at Woburn and as Acting Senior Tutor, I appreciate that brought the pages alive on DVD. It has a boisterous students and boisterous very serious message to children from invaders need a firm hand. Thus, King every walk of life - if we don't conserve it Edward the Elder came to Buckingham in we will loose it! 914 to deal with the problem. His visit resulted in an expansion of Buckingham to In my capacity as a Director of the the middle of the river loop. This area Clydesdale Horse Society and the Rare became known as Bourton Hold. Edward Breeds Survival Trust, who work to John Speed map of Buckingham built a fort on higher ground – later the site conserve our native breeds of farm of the present Church (where we hold our animals and horses which are under Part 1 Graduation ceremonies) - to bring locals to threat of extinction in the UK, my study in While this University is comparatively new order or, if they were really incorrigible, to Law will be a major contribution to my – with our first students arriving in 1976 – expel them from the town (our own voluntary work. our ʻhostʼ, the town of Buckingham, is ultimate sanction for naughty students). much, much older. In 1684, a Charter With its fort, Buckingham became a place I have worked with children from the Holy issued by Charles II described of some importance and when this part of Name Primary School in Moss Side Buckingham as ʻA Loyal and Ancient England was divided into counties, in the Manchester and Toxteth in Liverpool. The Boroughʼ. More than three centuries have words of Browne Willis, Buckingham letters that Ted inspires them to write are passed since 1684 but, even then, became ʻThe Capital of the Countyʼ - some of my most precious possessions. Buckingham had been around for more hence Buckinghamshire. We have recently Education, as I constantly stress to any than a thousand years. acquired a copy of Browne Willisʼs classic young person is your passport to the History of the Borough, Deanery and world, regardless of your colour, creed The best way to understand the story of Hundred of Buckingham (1755) as part of or wealth. Buckingham – ʻthe Meadow of Buccaʼs a legacy from Mr Edward Legg, a great peopleʼ - is to buy a postcard of a map supporter of the University. Ted has become the top fundraising horse made by John Speed in 1610. You will in the UK and has raised awareness and see that, while some things have changed, So, by the time of the Norman Conquest in inspired people to get actively involved in much is still recognisable. The most 1066, Buckingham was already about four their communities. This year he will return striking feature is the great loop of the hundred years old. Much had happened to Blenheim International Horse Trials for River Ouse. River loops make good since the time of its foundation – but there the third time, to front their chosen defensive features and it was this that was much more to come. nominated charity of the year. drew Bucca and his people to establish a small village – on what is now the John Clarke If you would like more information on what Universityʼs ʻIsland Car-parkʼ - Professor of History & Secretary to Council Ted and I are doing next please click on about 600 AD. the following link: www.thestoryofted.com. (to be continued...) You will also find me as one of the team of The village prospered and its importance equine presenters on the Country Channel increased when this area was converted to (www.CountryChannel.tv, Sky 167) from Christianity in the 650s. Details of the March of next year. My catch phrase is missionary activity are obscure but they “Still Nifty at Fifty”! are definitely connected with legends Tedʼs Adventures surrounding Rumbold - Buckinghamʼs infant saint, whose name is still Reaching the milestone of fifty might have commemorated in St Rumboldʼs Lane. some women booking their face lift! Rumboldʼs body was brought to I happened to be delivering some publicity Buckingham and his relics, in the old flyers for my family business, the Devils church on Hunter Street, attracted pilgrims. Horsemen Equestrian, when I met Nancy A Pilgrims Inn was set up for them – on Zulu (Law 06), a day that would change what is now the site of our Admissions my life. She gave me the confidence to Office. I like to think that the use has not apply for a place at Buckingham. really changed. Since the first visitors to Buckingham were pilgrims in pursuit of To stimulate the mind by studying for a godliness, I always regard student LLB Law degree with Spanish and to be applicants as pilgrims in pursuit of good lectured by some of the greatest academic learning. I cannot say whether my minds in England is a privilege. Each day I academic colleagues see students in this pinch myself when I walk in to the light … This part of Buckingham became University and I am part of a community of known as Prebend End and the name young people who will go on to contribute Sally-Anne Oultram survives in Prebend Cottage and in politics, industry and the judiciary all Prebend House. over the world. Law with Spanish 08

9 House of Lords Party

House of Lords were taken to the Cholmondeley Room On the journey home, some of us where we were greeted by Lord and Lady dozed off – dreaming most probably of a Tuesday 29th of April was a special day for Luce, with Anne Matsuoka present to far away land of lords and ladies. It was approximately 60 students, members of make the introductions. a very happy day. Once again, the people staff and alumni of the University of from the pink building – our Alumni Office – Buckingham who have, in different ways, We were treated to traditional afternoon have amazed us with another great event supported Buckingham over the past tea and a wide selection of sandwiches and we look forward to the next one! and cakes. After piling up our plates and 18 months. Many of them have kindly Nadia Hossen Mamode topping up our tea cups, we listened to given of their time or have donated Current Business Studies Student to the Alumni Annual Fund. Professor John Clarkeʼs speech on the History of our University. To all those who Our former Vice Chancellor and his wife, are not familiar with the journey, one would Lord and Lady Luce kindly invited us for a advise them to get in touch with the tea party at the House of Lords. Professor! This was followed by Lord That was a good occasion for some to take Luceʼs speech with anecdotes of the their jackets from their dust cover and Lords. others to brush up on their knowledge of British politics. It was a real opportunity for current students to meet our alumni. Jean-Paul At 1 oʼclock sharp(ish) the “Buckingham Bethoin, our alumni-photographer made us Express” minibus left the Hunter Street lay- pose while he took various shots (some by for a non-stop journey to the House of taken on the terrace overlooking the Lords. Two hours later, we arrived in Thames - “the best view in London”.) London. After the security checks, the All the ingredients were present to make metal detectors and saying “cheese” to all the day a very memorable one. Left to right Lord Luce, Professor the cameras (security not paparazzi) we Clarke, Dean Junayed Miah

Alumni Summer Party

Alumni Summer Party

The cool and funky Pitcher and Piano wine bar in the glorious location of Trafalgar Square (or just round the corner from it) played host to the annual alumni summer party. Over 70 people came along on the night and enjoyed a delightful selection of canapés and drinks intermingled in the convivial spirit of the party. A cheeky (un- invited!) card-playing magician provided light entertainment. The guests were most certainly not timid in ordering their drinks from a 16 page drinks menu!! Some of these were quite extraordinary! Sadly, time passed unnoticed and the end approached all too quickly. A few diehards decided to dig in until the last second but even they had to concede defeat. The slow procession back to the coach and the long journey back to Buckingham was a reality. A huge thank you to all those who made it and for those who couldn't, perhaps next year? Any ideas for next year's venue are welcome in my inbox. However, there is only one requirement; you must be willing to come along and bring your friends with you!

Peter England [email protected]

10 University News

From Buckingham and How do you find these helped you find Do you know what kind of job it will be your work placement? and what responsibilities you may across the Atlantic – have? Modupeʼs experience Even though I had an idea of what I wanted to focus on there was a particular The application explains what job options event at the university organised by our you may select from. There are Department – Symposium on Career programmes such as Conflict Resolution, Development in International Affairs- which Poverty and Development and Democracy. helped me organise my curriculum and Among many I chose Poverty and think about the skills required for work. Development and Democracy. I was The symposium encouraged me to chosen for the latter. Iʼm very pleased with continue my search for a placement so I the subject since we worked on it in our decided to ask my tutors for advice. MA courses. It will be very interesting to I spoke to Dr Davenport, Director of the see how the theory Iʼve learnt can be MA Programme as she had followed my applied to real situations and how this may performance throughout the MA course develop when working on cases of and knew what I was capable of. Doctor different countries. Davenport suggested doing some Most internships involve a lot of research and contacting certain administrative duties. But this placement at international organisations and one of the Carter Center is different. We will be these was the Carter Presidential Center. working with other organisations and we will be involved in electoral processes So, tell us the secret then. Where are around the world which is an important Modupe with Dr Deborah Davenport, you off to? What is this wonderful issue in democratic agendas. I think there Programme Director of the MA in Global placement you have been accepted will be a lot more fieldwork involved and Affairs for? we will be working on real issues that affect the various international players. Have you enjoyed your experience at Iʼm going to the United States for three Buckingham reading for the MA in months! After talking to Dr Davenport I Is there any advice you may want to Global Affairs? went straight back to my room and give to other students who are thinking searched for the organisation on the of doing the MA programme in the When I first started at UB I found the town Internet. I found that the deadline was two future or to those who are already part very quiet and I became slightly worried days. I thought I would never make it and of it? that I might not enjoy being here. However, Iʼd probably have to give up. However, after a VERY short while I realised it was I still sent my CV and further details. Linda Give a lot of attention to your lecturers the perfect environment for my studies. Waterman, secretary in the Department, during classes and participate in group Even when I went to London I was thinking Professor Clarke, who had also been my discussions. If you have questions, donʼt of returning to the peace and quiet of lecturer, and Dr Davenport helped me with think it silly to ask. The only silly question is Buckingham. the references. Once I had all the material the one never asked! Always be interested ready I also realised that the application in other peopleʼs point of view and try to Did you find there was a nice had to be sent from the UK on the last day understand them and learn from them. atmosphere within your group of of February which I initially thought was the Remember, different backgrounds and life students? day after. Luckily, 2008 is a leap year so I experiences shape peopleʼs perception on had an extra day! any given issue. It basically calls for Definitely. Iʼd say it was the most ʻfunʼ diplomacy. group in the university. It couldnʼt have Was it difficult to follow the application been better. We knew when to work hard process? Students should also try to have fun. but also when and how to have a good You only do this once! time. I found that the application demanded hard • • • • • • • • • • • work! They ask for a lot of information on Sotomi has recently finished her MA in What do you think about the contents current and previous studies and Global Affairs at Buckingham. of the Programme? Have you got any experience. I managed anyway. It was She had previously completed a BSc favourite courses that you think sent in time and I just waited…fingers in Demography and Social Statistics in encouraged you to focus on certain crossed. Nigeria. We would like to congratulate areas of Global Affairs? Modupe on her achievements and wish How did you hear back from them? her all the best in her new job. And we I think it is a wonderful programme. hope sheʼll come to see us when her It covers every issue that is important in I received an email saying that I had been internship is over to tell us more about it. international affairs today; for instance, accepted to start a placement at the Carter security studies and international law; all Center and they will be waiting for me in If you would like further information on the crucial topics that enhance your career in the United States. I was delighted! MA Programme please contact Linda the global arena. I particularly enjoyed Waterman at International Negotiation and Global [email protected] Security which are subjects that I would or visit the website like to specialise in. http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/ postgrad/

11 University News

ʻFound Alumnaʼ Marketing Update Lost Alumni With so many universities offering a rich variety in size, location and courses, it is Mr Gamil Abdulhak, Business difficult to stand out from the crowd. We Studies 96 believe our latest prospectus has Mr Gabor Calderbank, History with succeeded where others fail, providing a French 01 guide to the courses available, and giving a flavour of the way we live and Mr Ogheneovo Edewor, Politics with work together. This unique document, English Language Studies (EFL) 03 incorporating beautiful pen and ink Mr Padraig Galgani, Politics, illustrations by Alan Percy Walker, shows Economics and Law 85 how we have successfully combined the best of what is old with modern, purpose- Mrs Ngozi Ibekwe, Law 00 built buildings creating an intimate Miss Rima Kabbani, Law 91 campus where nothing is more than ten minutesʼ walk away. We will incorporate Mrs Rina Maassen van Sieleghem, elements of this winning design into Biological Sciences 82 I recently discovered that I was on the promotional material over the next twelve Missing Alumni List of the April issue of Mr Robert O'Brien, PGCE 08 months so that we can ensure The Independent. I would definitely like consistency. During the summer we will to get back in touch and can give you a Mr Bilal Qamar, Law 06 be preparing powerpoint presentations and supporting documentation. brief update on what has been Mr Krishnasamy s/o Bhaktavatsalu, happening since graduating from Law 83 Buckingham. Mr Michael Wachira, Accounting and Economics 95 After Buckingham I went on to do a Masterʼs Degree in Public International Mrs Dana Yadin-Douard, Business Law at the London School of Economics Studies 94 and Political Science. Upon completion in October 2002, I moved around, If you know where these people are please contact Pam Lindsay on: gaining valuable experience through work with international human rights [email protected] organisations and academic institutions. + 44 (0) 1280 820133 I started with the International Service for Human Rights in New York monitoring the sessions of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. This was a Do order a copy of the prospectus (you useful introduction to the work of the and conflicts. I believe that I am can do this online from the website) and United Nations and key global human contributing, albeit in a small way, to show it to your family and friends. We rights issues. It was also an excellent international justice. It is certain that I rely heavily on word of mouth introduction to the role of international would not be in the position I am today recommendation and feel sure that this politics in international law. In 2003, I without the solid legal foundation I document will make ʻsellingʼ our was privileged to work with leading obtained from the University of University easier. Remember, if you refer human rights academic, Michael Ignatieff Buckingham. I can never forget my first someone to Buckingham and the and Pulitzer Prize winner, Samantha class, mooting in front of Mr. Goldberg applicant subsequently registers with us, Power at the Carr Centre for Human and the adrenaline pumping as Mario we will make a one-off payment of £250 Rights Policy, an academic research Gray and I represented the University at to you when we have received the new institute at the Kennedy School of the Semi-Finals of the National student's first term's fees Government, Harvard University. While Negotiation Competition (2001). there I was exposed to human rights My remit is to concentrate on promotion discourse from a different angle. I was I really enjoyed my time at Bucks. within the UK, to both home and able to put in practice all that I learnt as I There, I formed solid friendships and I international students based here. investigated violations of human rights in have reconnected with many classmates The National Student Survey results in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, later (through the wonders of Facebook). 2006 and 2007 have given us a much- that year. needed boost. Buckingham is now I look forward to an opportunity to join recognised as a real alternative to the I am currently an Associate Investigator one of the Alumni events in the future. state funded universities. I hope to at the International Criminal Court (ICC), encourage more students, their parents in The Hague, The Netherlands, where I Joké Babington-Ashaye Law 02 and advisers to visit our beautiful have been since January 2005. I am also campus and see us in action – who can a qualified attorney in the State of New fail to be impressed? York. Through my work at the ICC, I meet and interact with victims and Debbie Millns witnesses from different backgrounds Marketing Manager

12 University News

Tuesday 25 November regretfully commented that dancing is After Sales Service not a common activity in Japan (a shame). Open Evening - Thursday 2 October Reflecting upon this month of teaching 5.30 to 7.30pm Light refreshments I am once again reminded of the vital For all who are interested in part that education can play in Postgraduate programmes, transforming our cultural differences into MSc in Services Management, a community. And it is a pleasure to be a MBA and MSC in Accounting and part of the process at Buckingham. So it Finance is a fond farewell to Ikumi, Chisato, and Daisuke… or perhaps I should say – For further information please contact: Sayonara ?! [email protected] [email protected] Setara A. L Pracha Lecturer in English Literature Anneke Edmonds Buckingham - Osaka 2008 - Or ʻTurning Japanese!ʼ PG Business programmes: A new marketing thrust The post-graduate business Concerts & Lectures programmes at the University of Buckingham will now get a new July - September 2008 marketing thrust from Ms Anneke Edmonds. She recently joined the 6:30pm Tuesday 29th July University to pursue research in the area Dr Joachim Strupp of Service branding under the Fellow of the University of Buckingham supervision of V.S. Mahesh, Programme 'In search of the perfect house: Director of the MSc in Service Palladio's villas and their decoration' Management. Besides working on her thesis, she will also provide support to the University marketing team in Each year the English Department has 6:30pm Tuesday 5th August an influx of additional students from Dr Nicola Smith promoting the Business Schoolʼs post- Fellow of the University of Buckingham graduate programmes to corporate Japan. The purpose of the visit is to 'Palladio in England: Master or Misfit?' customers in the U.K. ʻimprove their English and to absorb some English cultureʼ. What is less Anneke works with the Milton Keynes known is that they sing, dance, laugh, 6:30pm Tuesday 12th August business community and offers training make good friends and end up adoring Andrew Wilson-Jenner their host families and UB. Theatrical Costumier and consultancy in marketing for the ʻCostume in Theatreʼ Chamber of Commerce, Milton Keynes This year I had the pleasure of teaching *Please note that this particular lecture College and local companies. She is a them and observing at first hand their will be held in the Radcliffe Centre on Fellow of the C.I.M. and a Chartered impressions of Britain, Buckingham and Church Street Marketer and has worked in marketing the University. And as they learnt from for the past 20 years. She lectures on me, so I also learnt from them. the Chartered Institute of Marketing 6:30pm Tuesday 26th August professional qualification courses in the I now understand that Japanese tutors David Urch, Classics master at Bury Lawn School and John Clarke, UK and Russia. are not much given to gesturing in class Professor of History & Secretary to and that my physical acting out of words Council at the University of Buckingham Anneke feels at home in the University of caused astonishment amongst my ʻWriting Crescent and Deltaʼ Buckinghamʼs international academic students. Likewise, when playing a environment. She is German but was confidence game involving singing they raised and educated in the United were initially cautious and then Venues States, and has lived with her husband laughingly regaled their ʻmad teacherʼ Lectures are held in the Chandos Road and three children in Buckinghamshire with Japanese nursery rhymes. Building (apart from the lecture on the for 20 years. (Curiously, they were familiar with our 12th August which will be held in the Radcliffe Centre) Drinks will be served in • • • • • • • • • • • nursery rhyme ʻLondon Bridge is Falling seminar rooms 4 & 5 following the lectures The Business School looks forward to Downʼ – but no others. If anyone knows for all those who would like to welcoming you to the following events: why…please let me know!) stay for a short time of informal discussion. Admission to lectures is free, although Their adventures included wandering Buckingham University Business donations are welcomed. Parking is around Windsor, Warwick and London, Breakfast series available off Hunter Street or opposite drinking beer and braving the London the Chandos Road building. Service 7.30 - 9 a.m. including breakfast Underground. A few even came to the Graduation Ball where they were Tuesday 23 September For further details email delighted and surprised to be dancing Customer Value / Service pricing [email protected] with members of faculty. They later

13 Former Vice-Chancellor made Knight of the Garter

The Rt Hon The Lord Luce, KG Sir Thomas Dunne has also been made a The investiture ceremony took place in (3rd left in ceremonial robes) Knight of the Garter while HRH Prince June at Windsor Castle (See picture above). William has been made a Royal Knight. The University was thrilled to hear that on This year was the 660th anniversary of This is the highest award to be bestowed St George's Day 23 April 08, Lord Luce Britain's oldest order of chivalry, which personally by Her Majesty Queen (former Vice-Chancellor at Buckingham) was founded in 1348 by King Edward III. Elizabeth II and there are only 24 non- was made a Knight of the Garter. Royal Knights of the Garter at any one Lord Luce, who retired in 2006 as Warmest congratulations were sent from time. Lord Chamberlain following six years staff, students and alumni. in office, is truly deserving of this honour.

Buckingham Annual Dinner

The University held its second London represented by Kwame Acquah, The guest speaker was Lord Hurd, who annual dinner on the 1st May 2008 at the Akipataki Akiwumi-Thompson, Beryn talked about his recently published book, Leathersellersʼ Hall. We were delighted Duncanson, Richard Faircloth, Patricia Robert Peel: A Biography, showing his to welcome over 70 guests to this Prada Jimenez, Lucinda Roberts- in-depth knowledge of the man and his popular event. Holmes, Julia Styles, Christopher Smith, life. Alumnus Mr David Taylor gave Sue-Yen Tan and David Taylor. Among thanks to Lord Hurd and emphasised the The Leathersellersʼ Hall is a magnificent friends and supporters of the University, traditions of the University and the desire building, an ideal setting for such an we were delighted to welcome Mr Brian of alumni to maintain contact with illustrious event. The surroundings were Kingham, Mr Peter Lewis, Mr Rufus Buckingham. matched by the high quality of the dinner Palamountain, Mr Martin Shenfield and and excellent service provided by the Miss Jane Warren. Leathersellers' staff.

Professor Sir Alan Peacock, Professor Alan Brook

Dr Jung Chang with Lord Hurd of Westwell The whole evening was a great success, L/R The Hon Sara Morrison, Mrs Chloe enabling the guests to meet old friends Woodhead, Mr William Underwood The guests came from many countries and make new acquaintances in a formal and represented a wide range of but very relaxed and enjoyable Among the guests were past Vice professions and organisations. Many atmosphere. Chancellors, Professor Sir Alan Peacock people commented that wherever they and The Lord Luce of Adur. Honorary travel in the world, they find Buckingham Nigel Adams graduates included The Hon Michael alumni who are very proud of their Programme Director of Business Beloff, Mr John Fairbairn, The Lord education at the University and never fail Enterprise Kalms of Edgware and writer, Dr Jung to promote it to their friends and Chloe Woodward Chang. The alumni were well colleagues. Chairman of Council

14 University News

Law School News addition to World Trade Specialist. We one for particular mention, but I do owe a have also installed state of the art special thanks to Irving Stevens and teaching facilities in our lecture rooms Susan Edwards: Irving, for his tireless and and enhanced IT facilities in the Denning dedicated efforts as Admissionʼs Tutor Law Library. We have also been active in and marketing of the Law School; Susan, successfully fighting off the Bar Councilʼs for the wonderful support she has given proposal for Deferral of Call which would me over the past five years as Deputy have affected the career structure of so Dean. I am delighted that she will now many of our international students. take over as Dean and the Law School is Our students will now continue to be able very fortunate to have her. to be Called to the English Bar if they so wish. Lastly, I think our biggest cause for I was honoured to be offered the position celebration over the past five years is, as of Dean of Law in August 2003, but I was You may remember that in 2005 we had a ever, our student body. I have always felt following on from a long line of very very successful Quinquennial Review and that Buckingham students are very distinguished Deans and I have to admit Audit. All three of our external assessors special. It takes a lot of courage and that it felt rather a daunting task to praised the structure, content and delivery determination to undertake a three year undertake! Five years on I can honestly of our programmes and the Bar Council law degree in only two years and our say that it has been a wonderful believed it boded well for the future, students have to work hard to achieve a experience and a great privilege to have particularly praising those elements we good degree - however hard some may led such a great team of staff and have introduced in response to the needs try to disguise the fact! Their dedication, students in such a prestigious Law of the profession. Building on that good humour and courtesy make School. strength the Law School was back in the Buckingham students a pleasure to teach Guardian League tables in 2006 as one of and, with our student numbers flourishing, There has been sadness along the way the top 20 Law Schools in the country. it looks as if we shall be thriving for some with the illness or retirement of several We were all extremely proud of this time to come. This is a real asset for me much loved members of staff and others confirmation that Buckingham is a top UK personally because, although there will be have moved to promotions elsewhere, but Law School. We have always known that many aspects of being Dean that I shall there have also been some real joys and our small group tutorials and individual miss, I am really looking forward to having much to celebrate. Our student numbers student care is of the highest quality, and more time to undertake teaching and have risen and are continuing to rise; we we have every expectation we will do maintaining more contact with our have won several UK National Mooting even better in the future. students and with you, our biggest asset Competitions; we were UK Winners of the – our alumni. National Negotiation Competition in 2007, None of this would be possible without and it was law students who made the the dedication and support of a fantastic Charlotte Walsh biggest contribution to the University team of academic and administrative Retiring Dean of Law being voted top in the Student staff. It seems invidious to single out any June 2008 Satisfaction Survey two years running in 2006 & 2007. Oh - and we have beaten the Business School for the Chancellorʼs Cup in 2003, 2006 & 2007 (not sure what happened in 2004 & 5!).

While we have yet to raise the funds for a brand new law school building, we have done a lot to improve the fabric of the existing building. We have a new improved and enlarged coffee bar, and, with a refurbished ʻCellarʼsʼ area for students, a new staff room and a dedicated LLM Common Room, it means that each element of the Law School is catered for in terms of relaxation! We have also recently undertaken a complete decoration and refurbishment of the Franciscan: if you come to visit us you will find sparkling new paint and windows with a new entrance and foyer due to be completed in September 2008.

On the academic front we have introduced new courses at both LLB and LLM level; our LLM programme has expanded to include a new pathway leading to International Law Specialist in

15

July 2008

The University’s Charter provides for Alumni representation on Council. There are currently two vacancies in this category. We wish to fill these vacancies as soon as possible because we believe that Alumni should make a major contribution to the development of the University. Council meetings usually take place four times a year and are held in Buckingham. Alumni representatives on Council serve for a period of two years.

We invite Alumni to stand for election. If you would like to stand and feel that you are able to contribute to the work of Council, please send your name and brief CV to the Secretariat Office (sarah.kiff@buckingham. ac.uk). We will then make arrangements for an election. We will circulate all Alumni (with known email addresses) with the list of names and brief details and ask them to vote for two candidates. If you are not sure whether we have your email address, please register on the Alumnet site (www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet).

Everyone is most welcome to stand, but no-one should feel obliged to stand if they do not wish to, as we are aware that some alumni are already anxious to stand.

We hope to announce the result of the election in the course of October, so that the new Alumni representatives can attend the Council meeting on 26 November.

If you would like further information about Council and its role, please contact the University Secretariat.

Yours sincerely

John Clarke Secretary to Council

16