Alumni Magazine Universi of

04 06 14 16 Dundee at 50 Starter for ten David Mackenzie celebrating our on his years Our Universi Film director – anniversary in Dundee Challenge triumph a star on the rise

2017 Bridge_May2017.qxp_Bridge_May2017 23/04/2017 12:28 Page 1

00 THE BRIDGE Inspiration + Innovation

Bring your international conference home! Why not inspire your audience by sharing Dundee & Angus with the world? From the bustling historic city of Dundee, recently named the UK’s first City of Design by the , to the rolling glens and breath-taking scenery of Angus, city meets countryside and captures the best of both worlds. As an alumni of the you can welcome your delegates to Dundee and Angus! Get in touch today and find out how we can help you host your next event in Dundee and Angus!

WORKING WITH YOU FOR YOU Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau T: +44 (0)1382 434318 E: [email protected] www.conventiondundeeandangus.co.uk Contents Universi of Dundee Alumni Magazine

03 / Welcome from the 04 / Dundee at 50 06 / Stephen Fry on his Dundee years 08 / Lord Robertson on a Universi to be proud of 10 / What Dundee gave me − views from alumni 12 / Masterchef and graduate Hello from Alumni Relations Gary Maclean is cooking up a storm This edition of The Bridge very much celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Universi since independence 14 / Starter for ten − Dundee’s Universi from in 1967. As well as a nostalgic look back Challenge triumph at the 50 years of the Universi the magazine features the 16 / Film director David Mackenzie fantastic stories of you, our alumni. As our alumni, you are is a star on the rise such an integral part of our story, helping spread the name of Dundee around the world. As you will read, from the 18 / The Universi of Love − pairing up for US to Burundi and Hong Kong to India, we have alumni in life at Dundee every part of the world doing amazing things. We want you to be part of the next fif years too. 20 / Carla Brown is developing games to beat bugs 2017 has been a milestone year so far and we have been 22 / The Dundee dentists giving vital care in Africa delighted to hear your stories and to welcome you to reunions and other events, whether in Dundee or overseas. 24 / Scholarships creating Dundee In your magazine you will find a form to share your story, stars on and off the ice tell us where you are now and let us know how to stay in 26 / From Dundee to Gotham Ci − Claire Roe touch in future. Finally, I very much hope you enjoy reading the 28 / Creating a legacy through giving − 2017 edition of The Bridge. the William S. Phillips' Fund 30 / Our High Commissioner in Ghana, Pam Lawrence graduate Iain Walker Alumni Relations Officer 32 / Alan Linn is shooting for the moon in the Big Apple 34 / Going for Olympic gold with Rucha Kalkashar 36 / 50 years of universi sport 37 / Alumni around the world − a global network The Bridge is produced by the Department of External Relations at the Universi of Dundee, who include some of our own alumni! 38 / Dundee at a distance with Cynthia Murray

Editors Roddy Isles - [email protected] 39 / Transforming lives with a gift − how our Pamela Lawrence (History, Class of 2006) donors are making a difference Contributors Grant Hill (English, Class of 2001), Dominic Younger (Philosophy & Politics, Class of 2015), Paul McPate 40 / The Dundee alumnus building bridges (Town & Regional Planning, Class of 1988), in Hong Kong Josephine Jules Andrews (MLitt Writing Practice and Study Class of 2013), Cara Longmuir and 42 / Generations of success − making Dundee Sophie MacKenzie a family affair Design Creative Services [email protected] 44 / Back to Dundee − alumni reunions Postgraduate

Postgraduate Open Day Wednesday 8th November 2017 2pm - 7pm

Dalhousie Building University of Dundee Main Campus

Booking your place visit www.dundee.ac.uk/opendays call 01382 383838 email [email protected] Postgraduate

03

A Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to the 2017 issue of The Bridge. idea of transforming lives, in the way we This year marks the 50th anniversary of our prepare our graduates, of those who receive Postgraduate Open Day separation from St Andrews to become the benefits of the research we do, of the a University in our own right. I am happy members of the University community and Wednesday 8th November 2017 to say it is a split that has proved to be good of the communities we serve. for both parties, leading to the development As alumni I am sure your own lives will have 2pm - 7pm of what has been called an ‘intellectual gold been transformed in some way through your coast’ on the eastern side of . experiences at Dundee and, for many, in your We are very different institutions, continuing relationship with the University. although fifty years later some of the We value dearly our links with you all – passions that were in the air at the time, as you are our ambassadors to the world in so referred to by Lord Robertson in these pages, many ways, something I see first hand in have now mellowed. We enjoy a very strong the meetings I have with alumni around the relationship these days and both bring many globe, be it in Shanghai, New York, Singapore benefits to Scotland – not least an economic or closer to home in Scotland. impact which is vital to and I always enjoy hearing from you, and – and to society in general. Our successes seeing how our Dundee graduates are doing, were well illustrated by & Sunday so this issue of The Bridge is a special treat Times Good University Guide 2017, which as we speak to some of our alumni, from included both Dundee and St Andrews in Masterchef champions to ambassadors, comic Professor Sir Pete Downes their shortlist for the title of UK University artists to global leaders. They, in our 50th Principal and Vice- of the Year (we were delighted to log a second year, help show everything Dundee can consecutive award of Scottish University achieve and inspire others to achieve. of the Year). My own small contribution to the That is one example of how we have 50th anniversary has been to take on the continued to bolster our reputation around Principal’s Charity Challenge – I, together the world in our anniversary year. Times with my wife Elizabeth, will be cycling, Higher Education again named us among the rowing and running a total of 50 miles, world’s top 200 universities, and the only one connecting our campuses at , in Scotland to improve our standing amidst Ninewells and in the heart of Dundee, with fierce global competition. They also named a ceremonial stop-off along the way to mark us the leading UK university, and in their our historical links with the University global top 20, in their list of the world’s of St Andrews. best ‘young’ universities. I am indebted to all who have supported These awards and rankings are very my efforts and those of my colleagues who Dalhousie Building encouraging but of course it is the work have joined the Challenge. Money raised via Universi of Dundee that leads to them that is truly important. the Principal’s Challenge will give students We have continued to make great strides the support they need to make the most Main Campus in delivering teaching and research that of their Dundee education. Funds raised transforms lives. Alastair McCall, editor of will enable them to take part in sport and The Times and Sunday Times Good University exercise, support social activities run by our Guide, summed this up extremely well when fantastic Student Services team, and make he said, `Dundee proves it is possible to be financial aid available to those most in need. both an outstanding teaching university and If you want to make a donation you can Booking your place one at the cutting edge in research work’. still do so through the ‘Everyday Hero’ page That is the impact we strive to make. everydayhero.co.uk/event/challenge2017 visit www.dundee.ac.uk/opendays Over the past few months we have been I am hugely grateful for the support all call 01382 383838 spending time developing our strategy have shown, as I am sure the students who for the next five years. It reinforces the will ultimately benefit from it will be. email [email protected] 04 THE BRIDGE

2017 marks 50 years of Dundee being a university in our own right. We will be celebrating our half-century throughout the year Dundee at 50 – delivering impact locally and globally

In the beginning On August 1st 1967, the Universi of Dundee came into formal existence by virtue of a . We are marking our 50th anniversary as an independent institution throughout 2017. We are reaching our 50th birthday with plen to celebrate, pointing to how our impact has grown over the decades. We are: Anniversary → one of the world’s top podcasts 200 universities → the Scottish Universi of the We’re bringing history to Year for two years running life with 50 weekly podcasts → consistently rated as one on how the University has of the best places in the UK made an impact on the people, to be a student. the economy and the city Our teaching and research are of Dundee. genuinely transforming lives, Each episode is short, fun both here on campus and around and full of surprises – listen the world. We have grown to be out every week for famous a richly diverse and international folk and fascinating facts about communi, with around 150 the University of Dundee. countries represented amongst All of the podcasts can our staff, students and alumni. be found on the 50th We have become the most anniversary website at potent force for economic, social www.dundee.ac.uk/50 and cultural development in our and they are also available ci region, helping create new for free via iTunes and industries and sparking the idea SoundCloud to bring the V&A to Dundee’s waterfront to establish the UK’s first Museum of Design outside the ci of London. We are among the best universities in the UK for graduate employment and our alumni, as seen in these pages, are making their impact felt in a vast range of disciplines. ALUMNI MAGAZINE 05

HM The Queen Mother at the Universi’s inauguration ceremony in 1967 (Top left) Celebrating the Holi festival on Campus Green in 2017 (Bottom left) The Students Union then and now (Top right) , co-founder of Universi College Dundee (Bottom left)

The President’s view “Dundee is a really thrilling place “Dundee always listens to the Indre Urbanaviciute, to be right now. We have a unique students and tirelessly looks for President of Dundee Universi partnership with the Universi, new ways of improving their time Students’ Association developed and fostered over the here at the Universi. DUSA in years, that helps us to safeguard turn continues to make sure the the excellent student experience Universi is open and affordable for which we are consistently for everyone and ensure there is ranked among the very best always somebody listening to and in the UK. caring about each individual.”

Dundee and St Andrews – a Act of 1889. the Universi of Dundee was Follow the 50th shared past, present and future Initially, UCD and St Andrews formally established. The Queen You can keep up to date with all The history of what would worked alongside each other Mother became the Universi’s 50th anniversary events, news become the Universi of Dundee in relative harmony. Dundee first Chancellor, both raising and features at the dedicated stretches back to 1881 when students were able to graduate in its profile and displaying a vote webpages at Universi College Dundee (UCD) Science from St Andrews, despite of confidence in the newly www.dundee.ac.uk/50 was founded through a donation never having attended any independent institution. of £140,000 from Miss Mary Ann classes in the smaller town. 50 years on Dundee and Baxter and her cousin, John Boyd Relations, however, over time St Andrews enjoy a warm Baxter, two of the famous Baxter became strained, particularly relationship, very much in the family who were among the ci’s over the issue of the Medical spirit of friendly rivalry. Both are jute barons. School and whether chairs of in the world’s top 200 universities Anatomy and Physiology should and are among the top ranked in be established in Dundee, St the United Kingdom for student Andrews or both, setting the experience. The combined stage for the tensions that strengths of Dundee and St would place some strain on the Andrews have been recognised relationship between the two as an ‘intellectual gold coast’ on institutions for the next few Scotland’s east side. decades. We work on many joint By the mid-1900s separation projects, including the Scottish was starting to look like the Graduate Entry Medical way forward. A 1954 Royal Programme (ScotGEM), the Commission led to Universi first programme of its kind in College being given more Scotland. This innovative project independence, being renamed will see Dundee and St Andrews Queen's College, and taking over working with NHS Scotland to UCD then became part of the Dundee School of Economics. give graduates from a range of the Universi of St Andrews in On August 1st 1967 the disciplines the chance to move 1897, under the provisions of the Royal charter was granted and in to medicine.

06 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Stephen Fry first arrived in Dundee early on the morning of his induction as University in 1992, stepping off the sleeper service from London Euston to begin a relationship that lasts to this day. Here the acclaimed writer and broadcaster tells us how it all started Dundee gave me more than I could ever give it

Being Rector is very interesting, because it sits very high in the University structure. I suppose there is always a danger in these things that you end up being something of the regimental goat, a mixture of the mascot “It is a dramatic place to visit, and I always ci of three ‘J’s’ – jute, jam and journalism – and and the Queen Mother, but arrived by train so that I could come in over that it sat right on the . But I had never I thought I could be a little the Tay. That really is one of the great arrivals been there,” said Stephen. of any ci, coming in to Dundee over the “The course of events that brought me more useful than that water.” Stephen Fry has fond memories to the ci was that I was approached by the of his first visits to Dundee, when he was students, which I took as a big compliment. elected Rector of the Universi in 1992. The The notion of Rector was a strange one to richly talented comedian, actor, writer and anyone not acquainted with the Scottish broadcaster spent six years as Rector, the universi system but I was intrigued by it. students’ representative on the governing “I was pondering it when, a week later, I body, and remains a hugely popular figure received a letter from students at St Andrews at the Universi. asking the same thing. Now, St Andrews may It was a relationship he arrived to cold, have looked more glamorous, on the face of both literally and metaphorically. it, to the uninitiated, what with the history and “I knew Dundee existed and had a vague the robes and the golf. But I felt that Dundee memory of it being historically known as the had got there first and so it was only fair I stuck with them.

THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 07

Keeping a clear head Stephen and Jim Duncan (Far left)

Dragged around town Students pulling the ceremonial carriage (Main image)

The art of good conversation Stephen chatting with a student at DJCAD (Below)

“I thought it sounded like an interesting “Being Rector is very interesting, because adventure, so I wrote back and said I would be it sits very high in the Universi structure. happy to have a go, and it was only then that I I suppose there is always a danger in these found out that one of the students had told a things that you end up being something of the friend at St Andrews that they were asking me regimental goat, a mixture of the mascot and to be their Rector, and that had then prompted the Queen Mother, but I thought I could be a the efforts by the St Andrews students to little more useful than that. undercut Dundee. That only confirmed I had “As Rector I had access to the door of the made the right decision!” Principal, and I thought that showed how I After being elected, Stephen’s first duties could be the most use to the people who had were to attend his first meeting of Court and elected me, the students. I tried to spend take part in the ceremonial ‘drag’ around town, as much time with them as possible and to where students carry the Rector around town take up issues on their behalf. What I did sat in a carriage. halfway between the chaplaincy and the “I was voted for in absentia so the first students’ association, trying to get things time I arrived was for my installation and to be done for the benefit of the students. carted across the town,” he recalled. “It was “I did have great fun as well. I would do a a real blur. I got on the sleeper train at Euston bit of a routine in the bar, while the students and arrived in Dundee at something like 5.30 would try to get me drinking. And I got to see in the morning, to be greeted on the platform so much of what was going on. I could turn up by Jim Duncan, the Rector’s Assessor, and a like the Prince of Wales and ask to be given more than I could give it. I have great, great group from the Students’ Association. I got my a tour of this or that school or discipline and memories. They even named the bar in the breakfast cooked at Jim’s house, which became they would welcome me in.” students’ union after one of my books. It is still a tradition in the years to come, then the people The one thing above all others that has there? Oh that is so sweet, I really am touched from DUSA briefed me and I was straight stayed with him from his time at Dundee is the by that!” into, if I remember rightly, a dispute over warmth of the welcome extended to him. The connection between Stephen and the accommodation, and then the Court meeting, “That is the outstanding thing I remember, Universi is maintained with the annual award and then the ceremonial drag through town. the warmth and friendliness of everyone, the of the Stephen Fry Prize for Public Engagement “I loved being chaired through town but staff, the students, the Court members and in Research. I had been warned that the students would the people of Dundee,” he said. “They were “I remain absolutely thrilled that the endeavour to get me as drunk as was humanly very honest and straightforward, which Universi offers a prize in my name,” he said. possible. I worked out a system with Jim Duncan was great. I think it is of great credit, “It speaks so well to the idea of, to use one of that if things got too much I could sneakily pass remembering this was 25 years ago, that I these rather clunky words, outreach. It imparts drinks to him and he would dispose of them. arrived as an openly gay man and no one a real sense of how the Universi works, That just about worked well, and I just about ever made an issue of that, I was warmly carrying out research and making discoveries managed to struggle on to the train back to welcomed with open arms, and I think that that make an impact on ordinary communities. London. If I’d had to get a plane I don’t think said, and continues to say, so much for the That is a hugely important part of what they’d have allowed me to get on it!” Universi and for Dundee. universities do for us all.” Stephen quickly found a way to make the “It is a time I remember extremely fondly most of his new position. and ultimately I feel Dundee gave me 0008 THE BRIDGE

Former Annasach editor, Lord George Robertson, reflects on his journey from student journalism to Secretary General of NATO A universi to be proud of

History records George Robertson “There were several of us who felt Lord Robertson admitted. “One of One of my articles becoming Member of Parliament strongly that the new institution my articles was ranting about old was ranting about for Hamilton in May 1978 but the must be supported and we ran a men running the world. Now I’m 71 fact he tasted electoral success campaign encouraging people to and I think, ‘hang on a minute’! As old men running in Dundee more than a decade be patriotic by taking a Dundee long as I kept supplying them they the world. Now earlier is less well-known. degree but others felt differently. kept printing them. Week after The future Secretary General There was an element of week I was having rants about I’m 71 and I think of NATO and Right Honourable snobbery, with people thinking rents and the warden at West Park ‘hang on a minute’ Lord Robertson of Port Ellen a St Andrews degree afforded and other things. It was pret matriculated at Queen’s College, more prestige.” irresponsible stuff in its own way Dundee in 1963 in order to “get Lord Robertson wrote a but that was the way of student away from home and spare weekly column in the Universi’s journalism in those days.” my father embarrassment”. ‘Annasach’ newspaper, from which The mid- to late-1960s He was elected to the Student he fired broadsides at a number of marked the high watermark Representative Council during national and local targets. Those of student radicalism and the his first year in Dundee having who opted to take the option of a young George Robertson was already made a name for himself St Andrews degree were among heavily involved in on-campus as a precocious activist in his the subjects of his ire. demonstrations. He was one of hometown of Dunoon. This In an edition of 20th October a number of Dundee students to reputation only grew over the next 1967, he hit out saying their invade the pitch during a rugby four years, laying the foundations decision amounted to a vote of no match at St Andrews involving a for the stellar political career confidence in the new institution. team from the Orange Free State that followed. “I think we have a universi to to protest against apartheid. He When George Robertson be proud of,” he railed. “We have also organised a 24-hour work- arrived in Dundee, Queen’s taken away St Andrews’ best in by students in the library in College was already on the verge faculties; we will in the near future opposition to proposed cuts to of becoming a universi in its have the best equipped teaching student grants. The latter incident own right. For George and his hospital in Britain, and probably saw Universi Principal James fellow students who were due to the best Dental School... If people Drever teach the rebels a lesson in receive their degrees during the can be so short-sighted as to kick how to manage opponents. Universi’s first-ever graduation the chances of expansion in the “Speeches were made and ceremony, this meant deciding teeth, then I think they are not there was a great sense of fun,” where their loyalties lay – Dundee worthy of the education they have he remembered. “After a few or St Andrews. received here.” hours this ebbed away. Principal “Those of us who started off “I have quite a collection of old Drever came in to see us about 3 as St Andrews students were given copies of Annasach because my in the morning. We were ready to the option to graduate from either mother kept them and it makes fight back against his complaints there or Dundee,” he explained. me cringe at times,” about us keeping staff up all SCHOOLALUMNI OF LIFE MAGAZINE SCIENCES 009 0

The call for students to take a Dundee degree Annasach, 20 October 1967

Only 10% take up Annasach article, 4 October 1968

I am Lord George Robertson Economics, Class of 1968 Former Secretary General of NATO Lord Robertson has been politically active for most of his life, starting small in his night and the disruption we were hometown of Dunoon and causing. Instead he looked at reaching global influence as students quietly sitting at desks Secretary General of NATO. and working away. ‘Well, this is Despite admitting that he wonderful, Mr Robertson,’ he said perhaps spent less time than ‘Maybe you could organise this he should focused on academic every Wednesday night.’ He left us pursuits, Lord Robertson feeling about two inches tall.” remains fiercely proud of his Lord Robertson was re-elected of a hotbed of politics in those Dundee education and all that by the people of Hamilton five days and I became involved in big and we met when I worked here it has afforded him in life. times and served as Chairman campaigns through the Labour after graduating.” of the Labour Par in Scotland Par that wouldn’t have been Today’s students are very and as Shadow Secretary of State possible if I had gone to Glasgow different to those of Lord for Scotland. He was appointed or Edinburgh. Robertson’s vintage and the Defence Secretary when Labour “I chose Dundee because I decline of campus radicalism is came to power in 1997 and needed to get away from home. often bemoaned. How does the became Secretary General of Dunoon was a small place and former student firebrand view NATO two years later. my father was a policeman with the class of 2017? His time in Dundee had seen the same name as me. I was “That was a moment of Lord Robertson become heavily demonstrating against American time when students were in the involved in local politics as well submarines in Scotland and vanguard,” he remembers. “Brian as those relating to campus life. other things that were causing Wilson, Alex Neil, , He worked alongside “very big, trouble for him. I had struggled Lynda Clark and Chris Chope, controversial personalities” in the at school but here I just sank who all went on to politics, were local Labour Par and believes into the system and enjoyed it here around then. There was lots that his choice of universi thoroughly. The social scene was of activi everywhere. Things provided him with a solid pret vibrant with lot of parties are more competitive now and grounding in politics. taking place. I made lots of friends students are more focused on “I did very little academic work and really just had an amazing careers but there is still a lot for during my time at Universi,” he four years. My wife worked in the them to get angry about. And I admits. “Dundee itself was a bit Economics department hope they do.”

10 THE BRIDGE

The mission of the Universi is to transform lives, locally and globally, through the creation, sharing and application of knowledge. Our students are the most important element of that. The education and experience they receive while at Universi is life changing. We asked some of our graduates from across the years what their experience at Dundee had given them What Dundee gave me…

My Dundee education gave me opportunities that I would never have dreamt of

Sarah Cruickshank, Marketing My God, world class teaching - people actually taught you, & Communications Professional (Interactive Media Design 2009) you know - in an environment that was so generous, and let you sort of develop so many skills, because these people were really, really good at what they did; these teachers, these painters, these sculptors, draftsmen, they were just fantastic, and the way they talked about things, if you were smart - I mean, I say I was a big dopey kid, but I was smart enough to have my eyes open and my ears pinned back so that I could pay attention. They taught me everything, those guys

David Mach, Sculptor (Fine Art, 1979)

ALUMNI MAGAZINE 11

My Dundee education gave me a great start to my career. It gave me confidence that I could move on to the working life that I was hoping to have - which was completely different from, perhaps, the life that my parents’ generation had. So I've been extremely lucky and I'm very My Dundee education has given me grateful to Dundee Joyce Cullen, Solicitor (Law, 1979) most things in my life professionally My Dundee education and personally. I came here to study as gave me a tremendous someone who knew the city, and thought launchpad, really, for the I knew many people, but I built a whole rest of my career. I really new community and relationships enjoyed my time in Dundee and look back with very with fantastic people around here. fond memories of it Professionally, it gave me the opportunity Alan Grant, IT Consultant to become an entrepreneur at a very early (Electronics, 1967) age, and without the support of the team My Dundee education gave here at the University I don’t think I would me a wonderful five years have ever started my business as early as of my life - which have been I had. My wife and I both studied here, so unforgettable - fantastic I suppose, in summary it’s pretty much further education, and lifelong friends given me everything

Chris van der Kuyl, Entrepreneur Sue Lawrence, Author & Food Writer (Computer Science, 1991) (Modern French Studies, 1978)

My Dundee education gave me confidence. I don't think I would be in the job I'm in now or have moved down to London and tried something different if I hadn't been in a position where I had to push myself and try new things. So, in the main, confidence My Dundee education gave me a complete new future Kirs Fergusson, Marketing Gerry Coll, Solicitor (Law, 1985) Professional (English, 2011) 12 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Graduate Gary Maclean’s teaching qualification set him up to be a UK Masterchef champion Cooking up a storm

I love the opportunities that teaching throws up for the students and staff. Very rarely do I have two days the same. I also love to see the progression of the students from when they start and graduate. It’s very rewarding

MasterChef: The Professionals is widely wowed judges with his signature dishes. He recognised as being the most gruelling of was exposed to entirely new approaches to all reali shows. food and cooked for some of the biggest Unlike others of the genre, the show does names in the culinary world. After seven tense not set out to ritually humiliate contestants, and gruelling weeks, Gary was named the footage is not selectively edited according to winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2016. a pre-determined narrative, and participants “I had a few sleepless nights in the weeks are unlikely to become tabloid fodder. Instead, up to my first day,” he said. “Once I was there contestants must put their professional I was very calm and composed and for the reputation, indeed their entire livelihood, on most part continued like that all the way the line for no set prize, no guarantee of a through. I never thought I would win. It’s celebri career and a high chance of failure. strange to say, but I don’t think any of us did at Dundee graduate Gary Maclean was one any stage. It was all about survival and getting of the dozens of contestants to put it all on the through to the next stage. Winning was just line. The catering lecturer at Ci of Glasgow a dream that was very difficult to imagine College faced skills and invention tests and coming true. THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 13

I am Gary Maclean Teaching Qualification in Further Education, Class of 2014 I am winner of Masterchef: The Professionals 2016 From the catering classroom at City of Glasgow College, Gary Maclean competed alongside dozens of others to be crowned champion in the 2016 series of Masterchef: The Professionals. He continues to teach the next generation of fantastic chefs, and credits his teaching skills with helping him achieve his TV win.

“I think the show summed up very well important now than ever. Our graduates are not how I felt before the winner was announced. looking for jobs but long-term careers. The job I probably wasn’t nervous but it was almost like market they are entering is very different to the an out of body experience. I knew I had done one I entered. It’s now a global industry and our well and was in the running but still couldn’t graduates can chose almost any country in the start thinking about winning. When my name world for career opportunities. We encourage was read out I was shocked, speechless, proud all our students to work part-time in good and totally overwhelmed.” establishments whilst attending college so a Gary obtained his Teaching Qualification in combination of both are vital. I think this is a Further Education at Dundee. As his course was very exciting time for the Scottish food scene. part-time, he needed to juggle his studies with Lots of new restaurants are opening with his day job and the demands of a young family. amazing chefs and real pockets of excellence in Fitting it all in came down to good planning most of our cities.” and sticking doggedly to deadlines, according Given his success, many people expect Gary to Gary. He believes the course significantly to be among those amazing chefs opening enhanced his teaching and that his experiences swanky new restaurants. While he is determined of working at the college were a major to make the most of the opportunities that contributing factor to his MasterChef success. winning the show has opened up for him, the “I feel the qualification has helped my Glaswegian has no intention of abandoning his teaching in many ways,” he said. “It made me teaching career. think much more from a student’s perspective. “My plan is to stay with the City of Glasgow It also has helped me in identifying effective College,” he continued. “I have never worked teaching styles. I can honestly say my teaching with such a dynamic and forward-thinking was one of the main reasons I won. As a lecturer employer. We have just moved into an amazing you need to be super organised and be able to new campus and I enjoy being here. plan and organise your lessons. Secondly, “Winning MasterChef: The Professionals I have been the College culinary coach for the was a truly life changing experience. I now have last six years. This means you need to know an agent who deals with the dozens of enquires what you are doing so you can then pass it I get in a week. The strangest thing is being on to students. recognised in the street and being asked to do “I love the opportunities that teaching selfies with people. I want to take advantage of throws up for the students and staff. Very rarely the amazing platform that winning MasterChef do I have two days the same. I also love to see has given me. I would love to do more TV and the progression of the students from when also do a book. At the moment I have loads of they start and graduate. It’s very rewarding. things in the pipeline. Watch this space.” “I think formal education for chefs is more 14 THE BRIDGE

University Challenge has become one of Britain’s most popular shows, sparking viral sensations and maintaining a reputation as one of the toughest intellectual challenges on television. The competition has been dominated over the years by the Oxbridge colleges but their hegemony was broken in 1983 by a triumphant team from Dundee. The story of how they won the day is one of high drama Starter for ten… again and again!

Universi Challenge often leaves many of for Universi Challenge. With the team duly When the quarter final us mumbling answers to questions we would selected they made their way some months was transmitted viewers normally never get asked, something which later to Granada TV’s studios in Salford, paradoxically seems to only add to its appeal. arriving slightly in awe of the legendary host noted a disallowed correct No such problems for the Dundee team of Bamber Gascoigne. answer. Consequently we 1983. They were underdogs who went all To qualify for the quarter-final, teams had the way to the final and eventually won in a to win three games. Dundee won their first two, were invited back for a best-of-three showdown. against Salford and Westfield, London, before play-off against Corpus But it so nearly never happened. The team losing to Balliol College, Oxford. “A week later of James A. Smith (Economics and Politics), Granada told us there had been a scoring error Christi, Cambridge, who Graeme Davidson (Law), Donald Kennedy and we had actually won,” noted Peter Burt. were in a similar position (Medicine) and captain Peter Burt (Zoology) So it was on to the quarter-final. Then had to endure almost unbearable drama on it appeared that they had lost to Universi their way to the final. College, Oxford, by the slightest of margins, The story started with a notice in the a mere five points. Students’ Association asking for volunteers ALUMNI MAGAZINE 15

However, lightning struck twice. “When the The series champions’ story didn’t end there. quarter final was transmitted viewers noted a In December 1983 they took on their dons I also confess to having disallowed correct answer. Consequently we in a light-hearted challenge. Almost twenty experienced in the moment were invited back for a play-off against years later they were invited back for a 40th Corpus Christi, Cambridge, who were in a anniversary series, Dundee again recorded a a certain sense of similar position.” explained Peter. notable win, beating St Hilda’s College, Oxford. ‘Ha, we showed them!’ Dundee won that match and then smoothly And now, for the University’s 50th progressed through the quarter and semi-finals, anniversary, they are flexing their mental against Leeds and Birmingham respectively. capacity once again. The final was to be against Durham. Three of the original line up - Peter Burt, Durham won the first game James Smith and Graeme Davidson – are being comprehensively, Dundee won the second, and joined by Tom McGhee, an English graduate the third was a cliff-hanger. Peter noted in his and member of the Dundee team 1978 who also diary that it was Graeme Davidson who clinched enjoyed a spectacular run in the competition, the match with an interrupted starter for ten, finishing as runners up. They will face a team only 30 seconds before the end. of current students out to show that the 2017 Graeme Davidson, remembering the win, vintage can match their predecessors. said, “On the moment of realisation that we James Smith said it was a cautious return had secured victory for Dundee I felt a range for the historic champions, “I think we should of sensations, all of them vast. The key ones prepare two speeches beforehand – one saying were delight, surprise, achievement and pride, that we may be confident that the baton has plus enormous gratitude that we had James passed to worthy successors, and a second Smith on our team, as the fellow's an absolute crowing that young people aren’t a patch on brainbox. their parents’ generation. I don’t expect we “And, perhaps embarrassingly, I also confess would need to use the second one!” to having experienced in the moment a certain The 2017 student team is Ian Bertram, sense of 'Ha…we showed them!', as regards Mason Mcilreavy, Ian Brodie and Rory people who might not have rated our chances McDowell and reserve Greg Armstrong. Dundee of getting anywhere at all in the tournament, far hasn’t competed in in less actually advancing to the senior stages and recent years but together with the Students’ eventually going on to win the chuffing thing, Association we are currently looking to mount after an utterly draining and totally nail-biting a new assault on the nation’s premier quiz. three-game final!” Perhaps beating the 1983 champions could set That made Dundee only the second Scottish the new generation on their way… university to win University Challenge, a record that hasn’t been added to since. 16 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Filmmaker David Mackenzie was attracted to Dundee by the world-class facilities on offer, setting him on a path that has led to Oscar nominations for his box office success Hell Or High Water A star on the rise

It was the reputation of Duncan of Jordanstone After leaving Duncan of Jordanstone he College of Art & Design as one of the United began a directorial career with a series of Kingdom’s best art colleges that drew David well-regarded short films before making his Mackenzie to Dundee in the early 1990s. feature debut with The Last Great Wilderness, “It was pretty much unique in the United a cult Scottish road movie with elements of Kingdom, the course they were offering. It comedy, a thriller and a strong dose of horror. was very practical, film-related stuff, and It tested the mettle of all involved, as people forget this but even then we were still external forces seemed to conspire in the relatively early days of the visual effects against them. world,” said David, director of a series of “The Last Great Wilderness certainly critically acclaimed films from The Last Great provided a tough beginning in directing,” Wilderness and Young Adam to Starred Up laughed David. “We had a lot of outdoor and Hell Or High Water. locations and two days before we started “The facilities were really good, well filming the UK was hit by foot-and-mouth above what you found elsewhere, and I think disease, which closed down half the everyone realised the massive opportunity we countryside. That took away all of our locations were all being given. It was a great course to and we had to abandon our plans and start be on and a great place to be. rethinking what was plausible. It was a real test I think everyone realised “I had a done a theoretical course on film of thinking on your feet but we got there. the massive opportunity in England but this was about being allowed “That probably served me well when to get your hands dirty and make things, and we came to make one of my later films ‘You we were all being given. It to be allowed to make mistakes. And when I Instead’ (released as ‘Tonight You’re Mine’ in was a great course to be on look back at the stuff I made then I certainly the USA). We shot it in the midst of T In The made plenty of mistakes but that’s great. Your Park (Scotland’s biggest music festival). You’re and a great place to be failures are as important as your successes. working as a director with no way of controlling You have to work out where things go wrong this human tide of revellers that is all around and the only way to do that is to practise.” you. These are the situations where you learn It was a creatively fertile atmosphere in so much.” which David completely immersed himself. He followed that with prison drama “I had a cottage just out in the country Starred Up, which saw his own star shine in my first term but I soon felt that even that brighter, bringing numerous awards including 20 minute commute was time wasted,” the BAFTA Scotland Best Film and Best he said. “So I got a flat just off Perth Road, Director awards. practically on the doorstep of the college and Last year’s excellent Hell Or High Water from then on I was in there full-time, working upped the ante even further. In this tale of on film stuff.” two bank robbing Texan brothers, David saw the opportunity ‘to shine a light on the raw THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 17

I am David Mackenzie Electronic Imaging, Class of 1990 Oscar nominated film

nerves of contemporary America’. With stellar together a reasonably big budget Scottish director, Best Picture performances from Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine film, a medieval epic I’ve been developing for David’s debut feature film stars his brother and Ben Foster, the movie was a box-office hit about six years. That now looks like it is going and is set in the Highlands, and his Scottish and drew four Oscar nominations, including for to happen so it’s a very exciting time.” roots are present in many of his works. Best Picture. On the day he speaks to us, it is reported He’s directed some of the biggest names in That, he hopes, will help propel him to even this will be a Netflix-backed movie centred on Hollywood; Sir Ian McKellen, Tilda Swinton, bigger things. Scotland’s legendary King Robert The Bruce. and Jeff Bridges to name a few. He credits “Having an Oscar nomination for Best David Mackenzie’s star is well and truly his course at Duncan of Jordanstone with Movie definitely starts to open doors,” on the up. providing fantastic practical experience he says with a smile. “I have been trying to put in his field. 18 THE BRIDGE

University is often synonymous with the first throes of freedom and romance. For some that romance may be fleeting, a term-time relationship. For others it is the start of a lifelong partnership The University of Love

At Dundee, we have a wonderful Gaby and Martin Beattie Building on campus in the history of long-lasting love. Gaby said “The University March of their final year before Since 1975, over 400 marriages of Dundee was the start of qualifying in December 1990. have taken place in our our story in many ways. We Andrew and Shona University Chapel while others felt that the only place we graduated as a married couple have been held across campus could choose to get married and celebrated their 25 year including in the gardens. was at the University. wedding anniversary in 2015. Reverend Dr Fiona Douglas, I had been on Fiona Douglas' Andrew is now a senior lecturer University chaplain since the interview panel as a student at the Dental School and Shona 1st of August 1997, has been member and knew that she teaches there as an NHS dentist marrying university lovebirds would be the person to marry us. and honorary University teacher. for almost 20 years. The Chaplaincy is the perfect Andrew has given a welcome “I think the reason so venue as it is so beautiful inside speech to the new first year Reverend Dr Fiona Douglas, many staff and students have with its pristine white walls. Dental students for some University Chaplain married here is because it has We had met in the Union so years now, which includes a special place in their heart,” walked between the Union and the line “Look at who you said Fiona. “The community the Chaplaincy to get to the are sitting beside – I married is so special here and the fact Geddes Quadrangle for our the person I sat next to at we get to witness people give photos, which seemed apt. Our this talk in first year!” their strongest commitment of wedding party turned out to be love is really heartwarming. only Dundee Uni graduates! Tim Chew and Christine Wang “I am always delighted It was a perfect day and marked Christine said, “I was in the when someone tells me they our 10 years together. It has Electrical and Electronics want to get married here. almost been 7 years since we got Engineering faculty in 2000 to We are here throughout the married and we still live locally 2002 and then did my MSc in highs and lows and everything with our two perfect little boys.” Applied Computing in 2003. in-between, for students and My husband Tim was a medical staff. We get to build a special Andrew and Shona Mason student then who spent most relationship with families on met in Freshers’ Week of of his time at Ninewells. We campus and it is wonderful to their first year in 1985. actually met in the Dundee be part of their celebrations.” Both studying Dentistry, Chinese Christian Fellowship they started going out in the at the Chaplaincy in 2000. November of that year and The DCCF held meetings there got engaged exactly three for about a year or so before years later after completing moving on to another location. an intercalated BMSc. They It's funny how we got together tied the knot at the Frankland given that 1) We weren't studying ALUMNI MAGAZINE 19

Tim Chew and Christine Wang (Below) Gaby and Martin Beattie (Centre) Andrew and Shona Mason, (Top right) Sally Melville and Kat Marshall, (Below right)

in the same faculty, and 2) I was long-distance, got married ‘met’ Kat Marshall in 2013. just an escape but easier to actually dating someone else and I moved to Australia. And Despite growing up only just meet like-minded people.” back then. After completing the recently, we just celebrated a few miles from each other, Having just celebrated postgrad degree, I left Dundee our 9th wedding anniversary! they actually matched on their three-and-a-half year and went back to Malaysia Whenever anyone asks how the Blendr, a lesbian version of anniversary in February, to work. Tim continued his two of us met, we always said Tinder, when Sally swiped Kat Kat and Sally say that internship year in Inverness it was back in Dundee at the as she was travelling in Sri despite going to different before he too left and headed to Chaplaincy. That's our story!” Lanka. It was love at first date. universities they couldn’t be Australia to work. We lost touch “It was ridiculously lucky,” said happier. In fact, it actually with each other as we moved on Love for modern generations Sally. “We lived 15 miles apart helps increase collaboration with our lives. A few years later, isn’t any different – just digital. growing up but if it wasn’t for between the Abertay and thanks to social media, we got LGBT+ Society President, Sally the app we would never have Dundee LGBT+ Societies. back in touch, started dating Melville told us about how she met. Going online was not 0020 THE BRIDGE

On a digital media quest to educate and engage the public with science and health, Dr Carla Brown takes up the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria with her Bacteria Combat app Games to beat bugs

I am still gobsmacked to have been named in Forbes 30 under 30… but I am also extremely By 2050, anti-microbial resistance (AMR) will she is currently undertaking a postdoctoral kill approximately 10 million people each year. fellowship focused on the development and honoured. It was very Some of the finest scientific minds in the world implementation of digital games in higher exciting to see innovative are working on a looming crisis that policy science education at Philadelphia’s Drexel makers across the globe are struggling to get Universi. Carla’s passion for her subject is microbiology education to grips with. the force driving the story forward. and antibiotic resistance Dundee alumna Dr Carla Brown is among “I am still gobsmacked to have been those to have taken up the battle against named in Forbes 30 under 30,” she said. education featured antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Her weapon of “But I am also extremely honoured. It was on the list choice – video games – may at first appear very exciting to see innovative microbiology unconventional but her placing in Forbes education and antibiotic resistance magazine’s ‘30 under 30 Europe Science education featured on the list. This shows and Healthcare’ list recognises both her own great promise for STEM (science, technology, success to date and the vital role education engineering and mathematics) education will play in the fight against AMR. and also women in STEM. Carla, who graduated with a BSc “I have always been fascinated by Microbiology degree in 2011, is the founder of the social and dynamic behaviours of Game Dr., an award-winning company that bacteria. And I have always loved talking develops games and films to educate the about microbiology so I try to use different public on important health topics. In addition, strategies for different audiences,” she said. SCHOOLALUMNI OF LIFE MAGAZINE SCIENCES 021 0

“I love people. People are the reason I do If we can raise an antibiotic-aware generation my job. Having conversations with different now, we can prolong the lifespan of these I am groups about microbiology is probably new classes of antibiotics and avoid Carla Brown Microbiology, Class of 2011 my greatest passion. It’s interesting how repeating our mistakes.” individuals will have unique perceptions Carla credits her lecturers in the School of Founder of Game Dr. towards bacteria and antibiotics based on Life Sciences at Dundee with inspiring her to their upbringing, life experiences, lifesle excel in her chosen field. The wider Universi developing games and and interests.” and ci also influenced her. films to educate the public The idea for Game Dr. developed as a “There is so much to be gained from the on health issues result of such conversations. When discussing campus environment,” she says. “Due to the her PhD subject Carla found herself using proximi of Duncan of Jordanstone, I was Carla has been named in the Forbes 30 the analogy of warfare to explain microbial/ able to befriend lots of talented artists and under 30 Europe Science and Healthcare antibiotic battles and warfare. This led to a creatives who have helped shape my future list, recognising her work on educating the card game called ‘Bacterial Combat’ that was career. The ci itself has also influenced public on health topics. She is currently eventually developed into a mobile app. After my career massively. Dundee hosts some of undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship evaluating the effectiveness of these products the best game development studios in the focused on the development and at engaging school students Carla realised the country. Having these innovative and creative implementation of digital games in higher potential for games in science education. groups around me during my studies really science education. “Games are engaging, interactive and helped to expand and develop my passions individual,” she continued. “Each player and interests. has a unique experience. Bacteria, which “Game Dr. was launched as a game are invisible to the naked eye, can also be development company, but over the last two humanised and visualised through games years we have expanded. We aim to utilise allowing players to experience the challenges lots of different forms of digital media to faced by these organisms. For science, games educate and engage the public with science are powerful. If you want to help people, you and health. I want to expand my knowledge have to start with people.” on game design, film production and creative Game Dr. brings scientists, educators, storytelling to ensure that I continue to creatives and developers together to work on develop effective products that break the innovative digital media. The team continues mould of science education. to investigate new strategies that can be used “I’ve got a long way to go until I can call to influence the attitudes of both children and myself a successful businesswoman but I adults towards health topics such as AMR. have learned some important lessons along “It’s not my job or desire to scaremonger the way and continue to do so. There’s an but we do need to wake up to reali, which is amazing network of mentors, peers and an increasing number of multidrug-resistant investors that can help take your start-up bacteria alongside a limited number of from a napkin scribble to fully functional new antibiotics,” said Carla. “When new business so take advice of the wide range of antibiotic therapies are developed we need support out there. Most importantly, make to ensure they are used effectively through sure the company is founded on your passion public education, regulated prescribing and and just do it.” decreased use of these drugs in farming.

Bacteria Combat, screens from the game 22 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Dundee alumni and students are bringing vital services to people in Burundi, where what we consider straightforward procedures present new challenges Filling the gaps in dental care in Burundi I am Chris Southwick Dentistry, Class of 1975 In the heart of Africa, when an abscess Since 2011, Chris and his team of keen Providing vital dental care forms around a rotten tooth, infecting the students have spent two to three weeks of to citizens of Burundi gum and bone tissue, it can quickly become their summers in the Myembuye Clinic in a life-threatening complication. Rutana, dealing with 35-40 patients each Dr Chris Southwick has been delivering While treating an abscess can be a simple day. Some of the patients, including pregnant oral health to communities all over the procedure in countries like the UK, in the women, have to walk over 15 kilometres to world for more than 30 years. His career province of Rutana, South-West Burundi, receive treatment. has taken him from , a swelling jaw can be an issue of life and death “We were determined to provide acute to the remote and sparsely populated island when the nearest dentist is over 200km away. dental care to maximise our effectiveness of Tristan Da Cunha, to the heart of Africa. There are only 16 doctors for the 400,000 but this also limited our ability to perform He has been instrumental in the training people in the region and the closest health all the extractions needed,” said Chris. “We of both local practitioners and Dundee clinic does not extract teeth. had plenty of practical problems to cope based students. This was the stark situation facing Dundee with. Working at an altitude of 3500 feet, dentist Dr Chris Southwick when he began in a remote location, we had to sterilise our travelling to Burundi, a country devastated instruments in a pressure cooker.” by years of ethnic conflict. Chris began to train the male nurse For the past five years, Chris has been practitioners at the clinic in safe and effective extracting teeth in the rural clinics of Burundi. oral health. He has also helped train and During his time he has been training local nurse support a young doctor in dentistry. The practitioners as well as guiding young Dundee situation in the country means there is a need dental and medical students how to deliver to blur the boundaries between the jobs. oral health amongst the terraced hillsides in “The vast majority of treatments are very a country the size of Wales. simple but are crucially life-saving,” said Chris. “You are dealing with people who have “Each year I have been helped by students nothing,” said Chris. “When my son, John, first who have, through their actions, helped told me there were only 13 qualified dentists for transform the lives of those living in Rutana the 10 million people in the country, I couldn’t province. It has become a vital service for believe him, but our exploratory trip to assess patients and a great experience for all those how the Scottish Christian community could who have gone.” help confirmed it. Over the years Chris has been travelling “I joined up with a team from Mission to Burundi he has seen some positive signs International and for the next five years I of change, although with much still needing helped organise the instruments, materials to progress. and appropriate medicines to care for up “There are signs of improvement but to 400 people per trip.” it is slow,” he said. “This is a country the size of Wales but many of the people aren’t able to get the healthcare we take for granted.” Chris intends to return to Burundi this summer to carry out more of this vital work. THE BRIDGE ALUMNISCHOOL MAGAZINE OF LIFE SCIENCES 023 0

The vast majority of treatments are Dr Southwick and his clinical team very simple but are crucially life-saving 24 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Ice hockey might not be the first thing which comes to mind when you think of the city of Dundee, but the Stars have a proud history on and off the ice

The University has been a sponsor of the teammates but you’d know you were competing Hockey doesn’t last Dundee Stars ice hockey team since 2014, and week to week for the same spot on the team!” forever, and I’m fortunate key players have benefitted from a scholarship Justin says. to study in the School of Business. Last year’s recipient Marc Cheverie agrees. to have my education So far, each of the ice hockey scholars has “Playing Ice hockey in Dundee was quite a bit and a plan for my future come to Dundee from Canada. Current MSc different than my previous experiences playing Management student and scholarship recipient in North America, but I really enjoyed it. The fans career in management. Justin Faryna started playing hockey at age 7, of the Stars are extremely passionate about the Wherever that may be and gained his first professional contract for club and it makes for a great atmosphere at the Rapid City Rush in South Dakota, USA. games. The schedule was very demanding!” “The biggest difference playing in Scotland Balancing a job and a full-time degree is a is that it’s a much closer-knit team. In North challenge, but it’s one that’s familiar to many America you’d go out for a beer with your Dundee students. Without financial help, THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 25

Dundee Alumni or Family Member Scholarship

Did you enjoy your Dundee experience that they would like to experience so much that you study here? Graduates and their plan to complete another family members could be eligible it can be a real struggle to pay bills and rent, degree here? Or has a relative to a discount of up to £1500 on and cover the general living costs of studying. been inspired so much by your tuition for one full year of study. Scholarships and bursaries are a vital lifeline to those, like Justin and Marc, who have the talent and drive to succeed at universi. Being able to focus on their studies, free from worries about money, mean that students can fully participate in all that Dundee has to offer. Learning beyond the classroom is just as important as performing well in exams and coursework – whether this is taking part in sport, finding new interests by joining societies, or simply making lifelong friends, as so many students do. It’s through the kindness and generosi of our alumni communi that such opportunities are available – every gift makes a wonderful difference. “It’s life-changing,” says Justin of receiving a scholarship. “Hockey doesn’t last forever, and I’m fortunate to have my education and a plan for my future career in management. Wherever that may be!” After graduation, Marc returned to Canada and now works in global commercial real estate. “My Dundee education gave me a global perspective on business. It’s really helped in my career. I also spend a lot of time volunteering with youth ice hockey teams.” Justin wants to continue playing, but he’s really proud of his achievements at universi too. His paper on the discourse of leadership within the Dundee Stars is one of the highlights of his studies so far, because it links his coursework and his life on ice. Ice hockey may not be as big in Scotland as it is in Canada, but the links between the Universi and the Stars continue to grow. Thank you to all those who make scholarships Find out more: and bursaries possible for Dundee students. www.dundee.ac.uk/study/scholarships/2017-sept/dundee-alumni/ 26 THE BRIDGE

Animation graduate Claire Roe is the latest to continue Dundee's rich comics heritage, bringing Batgirl to life From Dundee to Gotham Ci

Making their inky mark “As a kid I read Spider-Man on the DC Universe is one and the Simpsons comics, of the greatest achievements but nothing much more than that comics artists can aspire that,” she explained. “It wasn’t to. Most toil throughout until I was at universi and their careers without ever picked up American Vampire attaining the hallowed status in a bookshop that I really of working for DC Comics or started to love comics.” Marvel—the Big Two of the As Claire’s appreciation of industry—but Dundee graduate the medium blossomed, comics Claire Roe joined the select began to feature more and band within a few short years more in her work. She was one when she was commissioned of the first ever students on to illustrate the Batgirl and the Level 3 Comics & Graphic the Birds of Prey series. Novels Module, and also the While the Universi has first student on the Animation established itself as a leading course to submit a comics- centre of comics scholarship only Degree Show piece and and training in recent years, worked with the BBC and comics Claire didn’t matriculate with the writers on projects during her express intention of carving out studies. Claire’s tutor Phillip a career in the industry. At the Vaughan was quick to spot her outset of her Animation degree potential and alert his contacts at Duncan of Jordanstone at DiamondsteelComics. College of Art & Design, she was That led to Claire being no more than a casual comics chosen to illustrate Saltire, fan but that changed with the Scotland’s first traditional 2010 publication of American comic book superhero. After I didn’t even know that a Vampire, co-written by Saltire, Claire worked for Boom! Stephen King. Studios and soon found herself career in comics was an option… being feted by the Big Two. It always seemed so inaccessible “I didn’t even know that that I guess I never gave it a thought ALUMNI MAGAZINE 27

From Dundee to Gotham Ci

I am Claire Roe Animation, Class of 2013

a career in comics was an would actually happen though. be a comics writer or artist, I am the DC Comics option,” continued Claire. Bringing Batgirl and the Birds according to Claire. Batgirl artist “It always seemed so of Prey to fruition was a pret “The comics industry Illustrator and comic book inaccessible that I guess I stressful process. Dealing with isn’t just an old boys club artist Claire Roe fell in love never gave it a thought. Then impostor syndrome on top of the anymore,” she said. “You don’t with comics at university, Phil Vaughan passed on my work is tough. But the folks in the have to travel to big American but didn’t expect to be able to name to the creators of Saltire. Bat-family are brilliant, I couldn’t conventions for a portfolio make an incredible career out They liked my art, we met up, have asked for a better and more review to get a chance at of them. Since leaving Dundee chatted, and I got my first supportive team to work with.” working for big publishers. The she’s been in high demand at comics gig. I learned basically Her stellar rise has meant internet is changing everything. some of the world’s biggest everything about drawing dealing with autograph-seeking People with different stories to publishers, including DC and comics while doing Saltire. fans as well as adjusting to tell are now getting that chance. Marvel. Claire still works “I met (award-winning seeing her name on comics “I have a few things down freelance, and was recently artist) Cameron Stewart at a produced by one of the world’s the pipeline, but I don’t have shortlisted for the SICBA convention in Glasgow and most prestigious publishers. many comics under my belt, Awards in 2016. showed him my work. He very “It’s crazy seeing my art so I’d still love to do something kindly tweeted about me and with the DC logo,” she said. at Marvel or DC but I’d also like soon enough the DC editor “I hate to look at my own final to do a creator-owned comic, he worked with on Batgirl of product in print though, so I to really build something Burnside got in touch. I kept just quickly glance it over then up. My career has only just in touch with the editor while hide it away so I don’t start started, so who knows what working at Boom, and with a noticing things I could have opportunities will come my way.” stroke of luck I got asked to be drawn better! I’ve only done part of Birds of Prey. Around a couple of signings, and it’s the same time I was asked to nice to see that people like your do an issue for a Marvel title, work. Drawing all day puts you which I had to turn down, so in a little bubble, so to hear it that was a crazy few months. from real people and not just a “I was stunned when I was random online is gratifying.” told I would be working on Online bubbles or not, Batgirl. I didn’t quite believe it. the liberating influence of Working at the Big Two is always the internet means there has an ambition. I didn’t think it never been a better time to 28 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Since 2003, a trust fund set up by the son of one of Dundee’s best known 19th century artists has been contributing to the city’s rich heritage, giving over 40 postgraduates bursaries for study at the School of Art and Design, an outstanding example of the impact a legacy gift can have A lasting legacy through art

In his wonderful book Art in Dundee Willie attended the William Sangster Phillips 1867-1924, Matthew Jarron (Curator, Universi until 1917 when he became an apprentice at Museum Services) describes how the ci has the famous linen manufacturers Baxter inherited and continues to benefit from an Brothers (owned by the brother of our extraordinarily rich art culture. Education has universi’s co-founder, Mary-Ann Baxter). In undoubtedly played an important role: the 1924 he gained certificates in Jute Spinning Dundee Technical College founded in 1888 and Weaving from Dundee Technical College gave rise to our Duncan of Jordanstone College and School of Art, the forerunner of Duncan of Art and Design, now one of the UK’s finest of Jordanstone. art schools. After leaving Baxter Brothers, Willie worked The William S. Phillips' Fund helps students for one of Dundee’s paper and stationery firms of exceptional talent, particularly those who until retirement. A keen tennis player, he was wouldn’t be able to study without President of the Lawn Tennis Association from a bursary. It is an outstanding example of 1953-54 and a lifelong member of the Liberal how a legacy gift can transform lives for Par. In addition to setting up the trust fund, years to come. Willie donated a large number of his father’s William ‘Willie’ Sangster Phillips was born in works to the Dundee Heritage Trust. These are Dundee in 1901 and died just before his 100th now regularly on display. birthday in 2001. Art was close to his heart – A legacy such as the William S. Phillips' Willie’s father was Charles Gustav Louis Phillips Fund contributes to the education of (1863-1944) whose best known paintings generations to follow. The graduates of include ‘The Siege of Dundee, September Duncan of Jordanstone who have been 1651’ which hangs at the entrance to Dundee supported by this fund are now inspiring Council Chambers, and ‘Dundee from Balgay countless others through their art practice and Hill’, in the McManus Galleries. The family lived teaching. We are all the beneficiaries. in Union Street where his father taught classes We caught up with some of the recipients in art from his studio. of the bursaries and asked them what receiving the award meant for them.

Anna Orton Anna graduated with an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 2013 and has gone on to specialise in theatre design, designing the sets for King Lear and Messiah with director Tom Morris (War Horse) for Bristol Old Vic Theatre. “I had 5 years out after my undergraduate degree and the award gave me the opportuni to re-evaluate and continue my art practice.” THE BRIDGE SCHOOLALUMNI OF LIFE MAGAZINE SCIENCES 29

Abi Baikie Ruaridh Lever-Hogg

Two of the most recent recipients Abi Baikie “It allowed me the time, support, tuition and A legacy can deliver and Ruaridh Lever-Hogg are putting the access to facilities to push my art career remarkable results finishing touches to their Masters’ Degree forward. I will be forever grateful.” Show projects. Ruaridh has had an exciting year, A gift in your will is the most personal Abi’s work embraces colour and striking having been filmed for the BBC’s Big gift you can make. It’s a way for you to patterns and has already exhibited her work Painting Challenge. make a lasting difference at the University, as far as Charleston, South Carolina as well “The award has meant so much to me – it ensuring support for students, research and as in the online gallery, Curious Egg. She says has boosted my confidence and helped me teaching for generations to come. of the award: to believe in myself.” For more information on remembering the University in your will, contact your Amanda Adam solicitor or our Legacy Officer, Amanda achieved an MFA with Gordon Ramsay Distinction and now works as an artist in +44 (0)1382 381136 Fife. Her work is inspired by the natural [email protected] landscape and geological phenomena. “As a single mum on a low income I had no way of funding a postgraduate course. The award has meant I have been able to continue working and progress my ideas”

Joletta Thorburn After graduating with a distinction in an MFA Art & Humanities in 2016, Joletta received the Fife Decorative Arts Award which further enabled her to travel to the foothills of the Himalayas to study Tibetan Buddhist painting. After learning the ancient arts of applying and mixing pigments and pure gold, she completed a painting of Machig Labdrön, an 11th century Dundee's art heritage: Independent and Tibetan yogini. Individualist: Art in Dundee 1867 - 1924 by Dundee was her first choice due to Mathew Jarron, (Abertay Historical Society/ the facilities and opportunities to deepen University of Dundee Museum Services, her understanding in philosophy and 2015) is available to buy in Waterstones or critical practice. in our online shop: www.buyatdundee.ac.uk 30 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

A most unusual route to international diplomacy and not a Ferrero Rocher in sight for our now High Commissioner to Ghana Opening doors across the world I am Iain Walker Scots Law, Class of 1998 The British High Commissioner to Ghana

Iain Walker’s career spans the private, public and voluntary sectors, from Dundee, to London, to all over Africa – , , and Ghana. He has worked in consultancy for some of the world’s largest firms, in the Cabinet Office and the Foreign Office. His new post in Ghana will be a fantastic adventure for him and his family when they move there in August.

Iain Walker credits his Law degree at Dundee neighbours, , and . His with opening many doors for him, the latest role will see him work in a country with strong being to the UK High Commissioner’s residence links to the University, primarily through the in Ghana. Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law The 40-year-old Dundonian’s route into the Policy. Ghana’s recently appointed Minister world of diplomacy is less conventional than for Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter many. He didn’t join the Foreign Office straight Amewu, is a graduate of Dundee and ‘The after studying languages or PPE at university. Scholarship’, an Apprentice-style radio reality Instead, his CV shows a career built across show that offers talented Ghanaian students the the private, public and voluntary sectors. “The chance to win a fully paid postgraduate place Foreign Office has changed a lot in recent at the University, has been running for the past years,” he says. “It is so much more diverse than three years. any stereotype would suggest. In any case, as “Ghana is a wonderful, vibrant country. I’m allergic to nuts I won’t be spoiling people There is real, genuine affection for the UK with Ferrero Rocher!” there, and there is a significant population of As well as becoming the British High Ghanaians living and working in the UK,” he Commissioner to Ghana, Iain will also become explained. “I’ll be looking to build on a long the UK Ambassador to Ghana’s smaller tradition of close UK-Ghana ties. In the coming THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 31

years, I’m sure trade will be an increasingly to be working so closely with No. 10 Downing important part of my role as the UK adapts its Street. It was a time of a lot of change and I, perhaps naively, wanted to relations following Brexit, and as the recently we were charged with looking at new ideas do something useful and to elected Ghanaian government looks to and new ways of organising Government and strengthen their economy. Building new trading getting different departments working together. make a difference. I thought relationships and growing existing ones will be It was a challenging and interesting job, made about how I could best do that a major part of this. more so by the change of Prime Minister and “I’ve previously worked in Africa, but Ghana the unfolding financial crisis. so I volunteered to work for will be a new challenge and experience for Upon leaving the Cabinet Office, Iain an NGO in Africa. I spent the myself and my family. It will be a four-year and his family moved back to Scotland posting. I’m thrilled to be taking up this role at when he accepted a position with first year in Malawi and then this time, and I hope it will be a great adventure PricewaterhouseCoopers, another of the moved on to Ethiopia and for my whole family.” ‘Big Four’ professional services firms. There he After graduating in 1998, Iain left his worked for PwC’s public sector consultancy arm Kenya. It made an incredible hometown and went to work for multinational before, in 2010, he felt the pull of policy once impression on me and I financial services firm Ernst & Young in London. more and joined the Foreign Office as Finance There he obtained accountancy qualifications Director and became a Board member. learned more than I could ever but also realised that his destiny lay elsewhere. Iain takes up his new post in Ghana in have imagined “I, perhaps naively, wanted to do something August. Although he left Africa 13 years ago, useful and to make a difference,” he said. “I the continent had never left him and he thought about how I could best do that so I remained a trustee of GOAL, the NGO he first volunteered to work for an NGO in Africa. I worked with all those years ago. spent the first year in Malawi and then moved “My journey here has been unconventional, on to Ethiopia and Kenya. It made an incredible I suppose,” he said. “I think my law training impression on me and I learned more than I helped me in several ways. It made me think could ever have imagined.” about the importance of the rule of law: how Iain moved back to London at the end of his we can take it for granted, and how essential a African adventure and began working for the foundation it is for securi, commerce and a UK Government, firstly at the Department for functioning socie. It opened doors to different Environment, Food & Rural Affairs before joining experiences in the private, public and voluntary the Cabinet Office during the premierships of sectors that I will bring to the role. And it made Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. me interested in areas I wasn’t interested in He explained, “I joined DEFRA at a time before; it made me inquisitive and question when it was developing the Carbon Emissions the ways things were and how they could be Trading scheme, responding to the bird flu made better. outbreak and going through a lot of internal “When I got married my best man and change. It was a great experience – it felt ushers were friends that I had made while fast-paced and purposeful. It led to me joining at universi. My time at Dundee has had the Cabinet Office and working for the Prime a big influence on my life, professionally Minister’s Delivery Unit. It was a fascinating time and personally.” 32 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Now the owner of the vibrant private members club, Norwood Club, in New York’s Chelsea district, Duncan of Jordanstone alumnus, Alan Linn has come a long way from his student days in Dundee Shooting for the moon in the Big Apple

I came to America with a dream. Americans love your enthusiasm – it doesn’t matter your socio-economic background. The Scots have always been good at going out on their own and creating new things THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 33

I am Alan Linn Design, Class of 1983 Owner of Norwood, a private members' club in Chelsea NY Alan counts coming to university as one of his best moves. He originally planned to study at , but found himself sharing a flat with three other students for £4 a week in Dundee. His private members' club Norwood in New York is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Alan Linn came to Dundee as a last resort. Alan has always had a love of America and It turned out to be the best thing that could after meeting his husband, he looked to move have happened. to New York. Prior to his move to the US he “I didn’t actually choose Dundee. I’m had worked as General Manager for Blacks, dyslexic and as I didn’t get my Higher in English a London Private Members Club, for 12 years. I was turned down by Glasgow School of Art. He couldn’t get a job in the US, being told that Dundee was my third choice behind Glasgow he had too much experience so decided to and Edinburgh and it was the best move ever open Norwood. for me. It made me leave home and grow up. “I came to America with a dream. It also provided me with the opportunity to Americans love your enthusiasm – it doesn’t meet people and be in a new city. matter your socio-economic background. The “My first flat was £4 a week, I shared it with Scots have always been good at going out on three other people and we had an outdoor their own and creating new things. That’s what toilet! I’m still great friends with my Dundee I love about us – we assimilate into the places group. We had no money. We would go the we go and we don’t hold a Scottish badge, Steps Theatre and watch French movies, it we’re making things happen. was fabulous. Being a working class boy in “Upon opening we were asked to do pieces Glasgow in the 1980s we were means tested in Vanity Fair and Vogue. It was a time when and it gave me the opportunity to go to Art the British were coming over saying it’s great College and in turn graduate with a first in Britain, it will be great in America too. That class degree.” wasn’t our philosophy though. We wanted to Sadly Alan’s mum was diagnosed with let the Americans discover Norwood so we terminal ovarian cancer. At this time Alan didn’t do the articles.” stopped working as an artist and got a job Now celebrating its 10th anniversary in a bar, the foundation for his career in Norwood has been voted second best club hospitality. One of the pieces in the club, in America and second best club in the world. featuring the moon, is a fitting tribute to his There are 1100 members of the club with late mother. 11 clubs around the world including in London, “My parents were ordinary, working class Madrid, Munich, Toronto, New Zealand, people. When mum walked the dog she Buenos Aires and LA that members can could see the moon. At the time I was living in access. Membership is open to all but is based London and my sister was in Italy. She always on curiosity. said if all three of us could see the moon she “Make creativity happen, that’s what felt connected to us both and she wasn’t as we do. It’s amazing to see people with lonely. I was actually pictured telling Nicola creativity meet each other. The real essence Sturgeon this story recently. Everyone in the of the club is smashing people together and background was in tears and asked what I had connecting people.” said. It’s the smallness of life – simple as that.” 0034 THE BRIDGE

Sports and Biomedicine graduate Rucha Kashalkar is helping lift India to Olympic glory Going for physiotherapy gold

Rucha graduated in 2014 with an MSc in Sports and Biomechanical Medicine. Having already completed her Bachelor’s Degree back home in India, Rucha decided she needed to further her skills to improve her already blossoming career as a physiotherapist. “When I was in Dundee, the whole of Scotland I am was getting geared up for the Rucha Kashalkar Sports Glasgow Commonwealth Games,” & Biomechanical Medicine, said Rucha. “This meant Dundee Class of 2014 had a whole host of professionals from the field of sports medicine Physiotherapist who were able to guide me on how athletes should be preparing to India’s Rio and training for high level games.” Olympics Women’s She was able to get to grips with Wrestling team new technologies that were not available to her in India. “I had the Rucha was the first female chance to work with athletes from physiotherapist to work with a varie of nations and cultures an Olympic medal-winning which made me confident and team from India, and worked competent to handle any high with the tennis, rugby, football pressure situations. It was and cricket teams at Dundee. actually a reason I got the She hopes her success will chance to work with the Indian inspire future generations Olympic team.” in India to explore sports medicine as a career. SCHOOLALUMNI OF LIFE MAGAZINE SCIENCES 035 0

Get involved with the British Council Alumni Awards in the future

Thanks to Rucha’s work in a lot of inspiring people and The British Council Alumni Candidates for the Dundee, she was selected to be professionals. It felt fantastic Awards celebrates alumni who Entrepreneurial Award have the physiotherapist for the Female to represent the Universi of have used their experience of to be active in initiating, or Indian Wrestling team in the Dundee.” studying in the UK to make contributing to, innovative new Rio Olympics. She worked with Being part of an Olympic positive contributions to their business opportunities with Sakshi Malik who went on to win medal winning team has not professions, communities and strong growth prospects. The a Bronze medal for her country. gone to Rucha’s head. She still countries. 2017 marked the Social Impact Award is awarded This made Sakshi the first Indian feels she has more work to do to third year the awards have to an alumnus who has made female wrestler to win a medal at encourage the physiotherapists been held in Egypt, Ghana, a positive social change to the Olympics, and only the fourth of the future. “I feel as a sports Greece, Hong Kong, India, improve the lives of others. female to win an Olympic medal physiotherapist I have to inspire Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, The prestige of winning an for her country. young physiotherapists to take Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Alumni Award is far reaching. This was a massive up sports as a specialisation,” Thailand, Turkey and the The benefits to awardees achievement for India and said Rucha. “I have been inspired USA. All award finalists were include enhanced global status even led to Rucha getting by my former lecturers Dr Weijie invited to one of the prestigious and strengthened professional some accolades of her own. Wang and Professor Rami Abboud award ceremonies held in networks. All finalists are given “I was given the Thane Gaurav and have started to move my their country, giving them the the opportunity to connect Award in October 2016 which knowledge into the classroom.” opportunity to raise their profile with fellow high-calibre and is granted to Thane Citizens for Rucha has been delivering a host and highlight their success to an successful alumni, as well as their exceptional work in their of lectures to try and encourage international audience. influential guests at the award field. I was also nominated for more people to get into sports The awards are split into ceremony. This will help them a British Council Alumni Award medicine. “Sports is a neglected three categories; Professional to extend and build their this year.” The British Council field in India and awareness Achievement Award, professional networks and Alumni Awards celebrates the about the link with physiotherapy Entrepreneurial Award, and contacts. outstanding achievements of is lacking.” explained Rucha. Social Impact Award. The alumni and showcases the impact “Sports medicine is basically in Professional Achievement For more information and importance of undertaking its infancy. I feel I can help give Award is given to an alumnus about the British Council a UK higher education. “Being Indian athletes the much needed who has proven themselves Alumni Awards : named on the shortlist was just boost to improve their athletic as a leader and who has made www.britishcouncil.org/ as good as winning. I had a great performance and help train the exemplary achievements in education-uk-awards. time at the ceremony and met Indian Olympic stars of the future.” their professional industry. 36 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Football, golf, netball, ski, basketball, surf, dance, volleyball … tiddlywinks? Celebrating 50 Years of Universi” Sport

The Universi’s 50th anniversary marks many “Universi teams have a unique team spirit, significant changes and developments within engendered by the companionship of Varsi the institution over the past half century, but life, as well as the social occasions so often one thing which has remained a constant associated with clubs…” during this period is the key role which sport It is these bonds that see sports club alumni plays in enhancing and contributing to the frequently returning to relive their student days student experience. and share their memories and stories with When the Universi gained its charter current students. Many sports clubs now host in 1967 students had a choice of 23 sports alumni reunions on a regular basis, celebrating clubs, twen of which still welcome their club histories and stories and enabling students today (the ice skating, gymnastics former members to learn and share in current and weightlifting clubs being no longer in developments and successes. existence). The number of universi sports The Universi has enjoyed much competitive clubs has now almost doubled to 43, with the success during the past fif years, with many establishment of clubs such as Dance, Surf, individual students and clubs claiming Scottish Ultimate Frisbee and Handball reflecting the and British titles, while some exceptional changing trends and interests in sport that student athletes have reached the pinnacle have taken place during the last fif years. of student sporting competition at the World During this time there have been occasionally Universi Games. This run of sporting success eccentric attempts to establish new ‘sports’ was launched in 1967 by the men’s rugby team clubs, such as in 1970 when an application which claimed that year’s Scottish Universities for a Tiddlywinks club to be admitted to title. Fif years on, Universi teams continue the Sports Union was dismissed, while an to enjoy sporting success with Scottish Student attempt to start a Swingball Club in 1992 also titles being claimed in 2016/17 by a number of suffered the same fate! clubs, including men’s and women’s water polo, However, the camaraderie and lifetime women’s hockey, karate and fencing. friendships forged through the experiences However with survey feedback indicating that students enjoy in their sports clubs has that 83% of our 2500 sports club members remained constant throughout the past half confirming that they joined their club ‘for fun’, century. This unique role was highlighted it is the strong bonds created through weekly by the men’s rugby club captain, Graham training sessions, club trips and regular club Desson, in 1967: social events that ensure that strong friendships are forged and lifelong memories are created.

From Top Men's Hockey Club, 1975 Sports Club Captains, 1967 - 1968 Volleyball reunion, 2016 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 37

With thousands of alumni worldwide, the University network is one that we trust you will want to remain connected with Building a global network

Global ambassadors Over the past twelve months we have met alumni from all over the world, both here in Dundee and on our travels. As our alumni you are our global ambassadors who can help the University with plans for transformation and growth throughout the world. With thousands of alumni worldwide, the University of Dundee network is one that we trust you will want to remain connected with, no matter how many years have passed since you left the University. We encourage alumni to come together and formally set up regional groups across the world.

To get involved please email [email protected]

Clockwise from top left Alumni gathering, Malaysia, November 2016 New York Tartan Parade, April 2017 Dinner with the Principal, Hong Kong, October 2016 Alumni and friends reception, India, April 2017 ‘Showcase Dundee’, Saudi Arabia, April 2017 38 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Studying via distance learning, Cynthia Murray has only been to Dundee for her graduation ceremony but her Dundee education is helping to transform lives in a global world I am The reach of Dundee Cynthia Murray, Nursing Class of 2008 Nurse Care Manager (Ambulatory Care) for the US Department of Veterans Affairs Cynthia Murray studied via distance learning so only visited Dundee for her graduation. Working for the US Veterans Health Administration, she serves veterans of US conflicts abroad and at home, past, present and future in the context of ambulatory care.

Cynthia’s journey with the University have been exposed to rabies due to lack of principals I gained at university prepared me of Dundee began in 2005 when she was veterinarian care, limited access to basic to chair several important national projects awarded a National Nursing Education public health standards and or non-existent on the quality and standards of professional Initiative (NNEI) scholarship through basic animal control mechanisms in these nursing practice for the American Academy the United States Veterans Health war-torn lands. Once the soldier transitions to of Ambulatory Care Nursing. Administration (VHA). veteran, screenings for these post deployment Indeed, Cynthia hopes that her experience “Through my work at the US Veterans maladies begin in the ambulatory care clinic of Dundee will encourage her colleagues Health Administration, I have the honour and treatment can be initiated.” to benefit from the international outlook a of serving veterans of US conflicts abroad Cynthia credits her Dundee education Dundee degree provides. and at home, past, present and in preparation with giving her a global perspective. “With the expanded need to treat locally of future events. Our troops, when deployed “My curriculum was research centred while thinking globally in how health care to areas outside of the borders of the United in evidence based nursing practices. Through is delivered, I am hopeful that other nurses, States, are returning to the US with post the extensive resources of the University library including those within my beloved US VHA, exposure illness and diseases. The United and the astute personal guidance provided will consider the University of Dundee as a States public health service had eradicated or by my professors, I developed a foundation place to prepare their nursing practice. It is vaccinated against many diseases that are still of knowledge and abilities that has served truly an honour to be an alumna of a university present in the underdeveloped world but these me well professionally and has expanded my that desires for its students to not only impact are again affecting our population through the influence within the greater field of nursing their native countries, but more importantly exposures now faced by our troops. both nationally and internationally. to have a global impact for the betterment of “Many of our soldiers who are longing “My work at the Veterans Health all mankind. As the world becomes smaller, for the normalcies of home have taken on Administration is based in the Ambulatory Care Dundee’s reach becomes greater.” native dogs and cats as pets only to find they setting. Utilising the foundational research THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 39

To paraphrase Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful way to transform the world – and this is exactly what our supporters do every day

Making a difference

I’m grateful for what Dundee did for me… I feel that, if I’m going to give to help students, then the logical place is to start where I started

Lorraine Harper, Arts and Social Science, 1976

Lorraine and her husband David met as Rick Smith now lives in Australia, but his Now Oor Wullie sits in the Tower Building and students in Dundee, and both feel that their connection to Dundee remains strong. Thanks greets guests as they come into the foyer! regular gifts are a modest way of recognising to his kindness, two students have been able For students who would otherwise struggle how much their time at university has to start their university careers in the last year, to afford their degree, the generosity shown influenced and benefitted their lives. They with two more set to join them in September. by Dundee alumni and friends is life-changing. have each had highly successful careers; Holly and Scott were thrilled to be the inaugural The fact that alumni are happy to take some Lorraine in pensions and management Joan Markie and Richard Smith Scholarship time out of their day to help someone following consultancy, David in public and global recipients. Holly says of finding out she’d been in their footsteps means a great deal. health, and they both think fondly of the awarded a scholarship: Whether it’s £5 or £5,000, a five minute big adventure they had arriving at university “I was really shocked when I was chat or even a five(ish)-foot statue, every gift for the very first time! successful. Being awarded the scholarship has makes a wonderful difference. Our heartfelt And it’s not just financial help that alumni opened up more opportunities for me, helping thanks to every University of Dundee donor! are providing to current students. Through me further my career in a way I thought would volunteering to represent the University, not be possible!” sharing stories about days past, or hosting Helping students in unexpected ways is a marvellous send-off for those travelling to something graduate Chris Van der Kuyl is Scotland for the first time, the dedication of familiar with too. Last year, he won the graduates in spreading positive Dundee vibes Dr Manhattan Oor Wullie statue at auction, all over the world is amazing. and decided to donate it to the University. 40 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

From Hong Kong to Dundee and back again, Eric Chan is building connections across the world Building new pathways

Life was diffcult to begin with in Dundee. Language was the obvious problem. But I soon made friends

If you are lucky enough to be flying into Hong bridge contractor's Director of Infrastructure. Kong International Airport take a look out of the Eric graduated from Dundee with a degree in window. You will see a bridge over the sea that Civil Engineering in 1979. “Life was difficult to is currently under construction. This is called begin with in Dundee,” said Eric. “Language the Hong Kong Link Road. A 12km road system was the obvious problem. It took me several built to connect the areas of Hong Kong, months to find my feet, but I soon made Zhuhai and Macao to the nearby airport. This friends.” Also, being a student in the 70s came mega-bridge is also outstanding for another with its own problems. “There was no TV, reason, its construction is being supervised by mobile phones or internet at that time. The a Dundee alumnus. library and computer centre were our home.” The Hong Kong Link Road is a dual three- After graduating he moved back to Hong lane carriageway, comprised of 7.4km marine Kong and got to work finding a job. “Without viaducts, 2km land viaducts, 1km of tunnels my degree from Dundee it would not have and 1.6km at-grade road. Eric Chan is the been possible to train as an engineer. In THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE 41

I am Eric Chan Civil Engineering, Class of 1979

Now he leads a 400 strong team. The Hong Kong Link Road is a HK$25 Billion project Director of Infrastructure and currently one of the largest in country. for Arup HK “It is a very expensive project and it has been Eric Chan started his career designing small branded a white elephant by some people. bridges and roads, but his latest projects There is always someone trying to hit out are anything but small. From the 30km- against it,” said Eric. “So if we are over budget, long Hong Kong Zhuhai and Macao Bridge, violate environmental permits or have an to the Central Kowloon Route (designed accident on site there’s always a backlash. to reduce journey time from 30 mins This makes life very difficult, especially for to 5 mins), Eric continues to take on big a supervisor.” challenges – not least finding time for his Building a link road in close proximity to favourite hobby, cycling! a massive international airport comes with many risks. “It is a delicate operation and all of the work is demanding. We have to work around many restraints because of the airport,” explains Eric. Airport-related height restrictions have meant that viaduct construction in areas adjacent to the south runway have had to be carried out at night when the runway was closed. Height detection equipment was installed to ensure construction was done within the height limits. On the positive side Eric is working on Hong Kong a degree is essential to gain an what is described as a world class standard engineering chartership,” explains Eric. It construction. “Everything is of high quality,” was not long before he joined the design and said Eric. “I love being part of this challenging engineering consultancy, Arup HK. “It was here and rewarding project.” that I decided to specialise and discovered my The Hong Kong Link Road is scheduled to favourite subject, bridge engineering,” said open very soon. Thanks to his Dundee degree, Eric. He started off his career by designing Eric is a local man who is helping to build new small vehicular bridges, footbridges, roads pathways for the people of his country. and drains as well as civil structures. Later on, he was involved in the 4km Kwun Tong Bypass project in 1987, which was built to alleviate congestion on one of Hong Kong’s busiest roads. 42 THE BRIDGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Four very different siblings all trod the well worn path to Dundee, following in the footsteps of Law graduates John and Caroline MacMillan (Mum and Dad) It's a family affair

The MacMillan bunch

John and Caroline MacMillan met while Geography, rounded off by the youngest sister He decided that his they were both studying Law in 1974. After Esther arriving in 2006 to study English. graduating in 1978, they got married, moved Their youngest son Lewis took a different path was at a different to Ayrshire and had four children: Christine, route to Dundee. “Lewis said no. He wasn’t university. However, he Merrick, Lewis and Esther. Remarkably, all of going to Dundee,” said John. “He decided that them have returned to where their parents his path was at a different university. However, soon changed his mind met to attend university. “When Christine he soon changed his mind and ended up and ended up following was a teenager I told her she would make an following his brother and sisters to Dundee to amazing lawyer. I had to be trained for five study Renewable Energy in 2011.” his brother and sisters years how to think like a lawyer, but she had The links do not stop there. Christine met to Dundee the gift, explained Caroline “But that was it. her husband James while he was studying After that suggestion there was no way she Economics at Dundee, and Lewis also met his was doing law. So if I told her she should go to girlfriend Adele, who will graduate this year in the University of Dundee she would have gone Mental Health Nursing. anywhere in the world except Dundee.” John With all of their children heading to added “Hand on heart we can say we never Dundee, John and Caroline decided to invest encouraged any of them to go to Dundee. It in a property in the city. “We bought a flat, in was their choice.” Paradise Road, just on the outskirts of the city Caroline thinks it could be down to the centre,” said John. “It became very convenient. lasting friendships she made during her time All four of our children stayed there. We owned at Dundee. “I've always been close to my it for 13 years and we only had to find a tenant former flatmates from university. The kids were for one of those years. So it was a good piece brought up hearing tales and stories and I think of real estate.” they had a good idea of what Dundee was like.” The MacMillans' is a love story that started Christine arrived in Dundee in 2001 to study in Dundee and led to their children starting Physics and Maths, followed by her brother their very own adventures right here in the city. Merrick in 2008 who studied History and THE BRIDGE SCHOOLALUMNI OF LIFE MAGAZINE SCIENCES 43

Three sisters who began their careers at Dundee In one 18-month period under the watchful eye of their academic father I represented solicitors, Professor Ravindra Dhir a male escort, fraudsters, heads of major corporations, Sister Act three accountants and defendants with learning and psychiatric problems

On 27th February 2017, Anuja Dhir QC was Shortly after graduating Anuja was appointed to the Old Bailey. She is the awarded a Gray’s Inn scholarship and was youngest and first non-white judge to hold called to the Bar in 1989. Gray’s Inn is one this position. Anuja’s incredible career all of the four Inns of Court, professional started in Dundee. associations for barristers based in London. Anuja was born in the city, attended Harris “Some of my friends had gone to London Academy and took the decision to study to sit the Bar Finals and after hearing about English and Scottish Law at Dundee in 1984. the Inns of Court and the English Bar I “I didn’t really know what to expect or even decided I would like to try it. I joined Gray’s if I had chosen the right course to study,” Inn because they were the smallest and explained Anuja. “It helped that my best friend I thought they were the friendliest of the from school, Cheryl Edgar, started with me and four Inns,” explained Anuja. She decided to that we both were studying law. Good friends focus on Commercial Law and even taught make all the difference. I didn’t consider going International Law at the City of London to any other university and I’m not sure my dad University during her first year at Gray’s Inn, would have encouraged it.” but she soon realised she wanted to be a After all, her dad taught at the University. court advocate. Professor Ravindra Dhir was a lecturer in Civil She practised at the Bar for 23 years, Engineering during Anuja’s student days. prosecuting and defending in serious He was later promoted to chair of Concrete criminal trials and appearing in cases Technology and remains an Emeritus Professor involving national security and human rights. at Dundee. “It was always useful having Anuja was made QC in 2010. “In one 18-month him on campus, especially as it meant we period I represented solicitors, a male escort, could always get a lift home after lectures,” fraudsters, heads of major corporations, said Anuja. “But in all seriousness he was an accountants and defendants with learning inspiration. He gave us so much and was also a and psychiatric problems,” said Anuja. committed academic with an exemplary work She is also keen to train the next Anuja (Above) ethic. He is also a decent and kind man who generation of legal advocates. “I enjoy

has helped many.” working with students, pupils and new Namrta, Anuja and Pratima (Below) The family links do not stop there. Both practitioners. I teach in the UK and of her sisters graduated as dentists from the abroad, including Singapore, Jamaica and University. Namrta graduated in 1990, with Zimbabwe.” She also regularly trains judges Pratima completing her studies in 1998. “I can’t for the Judicial College and has a particular take credit for either of my sisters deciding to interest in how the vulnerable are treated study at Dundee. My dad might have, subtly.” by the courts. However, Namrta, being the older sister, made Dundee was where Anuja’s legal career sure Anuja made it to lectures on time, but began. “The quality of the teaching and the looking back the younger sibling thinks it must people I met during my time at university have been a struggle for her. “Who wants their made it really special for me. It got me to annoying younger sister at University? So it where I am today. If I picked a different was difficult for her, but wonderful for me.” university my career could have taken a explained Anuja. very different turn.” 0044 THE BRIDGE

We may be celebrating one big to the ci to celebrate their own reunion in Dundee to mark the milestones. Whether by subject, Returning to the 50th anniversary in 2017 but sport, halls or socie there’s over the past twelve months always a good reason to return we have welcomed reunions back to Dundee! Ci of Discovery

02

03

05

01 06 ALUMNI MAGAZINE

01 Class of 1966 Medics

02 Class of 1976 Medics

03 Class of 1987 Dentists

04 Matriculating Class of 1966 Architects

05 Class of 1996 Medics

06 Chalmers Hall Ladies, 1966

07 Chinese Society, 1990s

08 Gaelic Football, Alumni v Students

07

04 08 Be part of the next 50 years The law is changing on how we contact you. Make sure you don’t miss out on all things Dundee – get in touch today!

DundeeConnect www.dundeeconnect.com

The Bridge is published by External Relations, Universi of Dundee. Image courtesy of Shahbaz Majeed The Universi of Dundee is a registered Scottish chari , No: SC015096 Applied Computing, Class of 2003 e: [email protected] t: +44 (0) 1382 381184