THE GRADUATE 2015

The magazine for graduates and friends of Queen’s University Belfast

FEATURES Meet Thomas J Moran, Queen’s new Chancellor

EVENTS Find out about Queen’s world record bridge building

REGULAR Read what your former classmates have been getting up to

PLUS All the news and updates from the campus and around the world 2 WELCOME TO THE CONTENTS News 2015 EDITION OF 04 News — The latest from around campus 04 32 Students — Laura Graham is Student of the Year THE GRADUATE 38 Class Notes — Your news and books 44 Obituaries

Your University is changing. Though Features

much will still be very familiar, the 09 Profile — Meet Thomas J Moran, Queen’s campus, funding and staffing are new Chancellor undergoing major transformations. 12 Campaign — Catch up on the University’s For example, our cover star, Thomas £140m fundraising campaign 09 J Moran, was installed this summer as 16 Opinion — A testing time for higher education 22 Business — Knowledge Transfer Partnership Queen’s new Chancellor (pp09-11). at 40! 26 Education — The Graduate School, where An uneven UK funding playing field and local And learn how the Queen’s experience impacts futures are made government’s disinvestment has resulted in on the lives of our students by reading recollections 34 International — Look east; focus on Malaysia swingeing education cuts. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, shared by our Malaysian alumni (pp34-37). Professor Tony Gallagher, shares his views on the Events Future plans rely heavily on the support of future of Higher Education (pp16-18) and what graduates like you. Catch up on the latest 19 Convocation — Your invitation to the the changes will mean for local students. Please 12 Campaign News (pp12-15), Queen’s Annual Annual Meeting send your thoughts to [email protected] as part Fund projects (pp20-21) and volunteering 50 Events and Reunions — Keeping in touch of the NI Education Minister’s ‘Big Conversation’. updates (pp29-31) to find out how your around the world donations of time and money ensure your The rebirth of the Lynn Library as The Graduate Editor: Gerry Power University can thrive in the future. School (pp26-28) is not simply the redesign of a Regular Development and Alumni Relations Office beautiful historic building but also the embodiment Thank you for taking the time to read The Graduate. 08 Points of View — Your feedback of the intellectual, social and ethical landscape Changes across campus are reflected in a new Queen’s University Belfast that we aspire to foster here for our postgraduates. look design and we’d love to hear your views 20 Student experience — How Queen’s Annual Belfast, BT7 1NN Northern Ireland Led by the Dean, Professor Margaret Topping, on this issue of the magazine. Get in touch Fund makes a difference with Gerry Power ([email protected]) and tell 29 Volunteering — Opening up a new world it will help make Queen’s the international Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3100 us what you think. choice for postgraduate education and 48 Philanthropy — Why legacies are paying Email: [email protected] research on global challenges. Best wishes. it forward

Your University is changing the world. Discover This magazine is available online for how Queen’s latest international research is those who prefer a larger font size. Go to: helping to improve lives by making chemotherapy www.daro.qub.ac.uk/TheGraduate more effective, combating cybercrime and removing arsenic from rice (pp4-7). Class Notes Contributors - Helen Carrick, Professor The Graduate is an informal magazine published annually by the Tony Gallagher, Meaghan Lyons, Ian (pp37-43) reminds me that our graduates too Norma Sinte Development and Alumni Relations Office, for alumni and friends of Moore, Michéal O’Fearraigh, Lorraine are changing things all over the world! BA Hons Modern Languages Queen’s University Belfast. Extracts from the magazine should not Director of Development and Alumni Relations be published without the approval of the Editor. While every effort is Marks, Natasha Sharma, Helen Surgenor, made to ensure the accuracy of printed information at time of going Professor Margaret Topping, Jackie to press, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Trainor, Adele Ward, Susan Wilson Advertisements are carefully vetted, but the University can take no responsibility for their content. Any views expressed by the contributors PS - If you are reading The Graduate for the first time, welcome to our worldwide family of 170,000+ alumni. are not necessarily those of the University or the editorial team. Letters, Design: www.thepiercepartnership.com The Development and Alumni Relations Office is your lifelong link to Queen’s; we’re here to make sure your photos and news for inclusion are welcomed by the Editor, but we Print Services: CDS connection is beneficial to you! reserve the right to edit any contributions. © Development and Alumni Relations Office 2015 5 UNIVERSITY NEWS

American cancer partnership

Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and “The R&D we will undertake during this Cell Biology (CCRCB) has joined forces with project has the potential to significantly Combatting California firm CV6 Therapeutics for a major improve chemotherapy treatments in a wide cyber attacks research and development project. range of cancers by overcoming key resistance pathways associated with these cornerstone Top 10 place Aiming to develop a new drug with the drugs and in turn deliver significant economic Queen’s is to be at the forefront of SAFEcrypto potential to make chemotherapy more benefits and advancements in cancer – a major, new European push to combat for Queen’s effective, the venture represents a total treatments worldwide.” increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. accommodation! investment of £5.5m in research and development and will promote 10 new The initiative brings together cryptographers research jobs. and other IT experts to devise security Queen’s has been ranked in the solutions capable of withstanding attack from top 10 of UK universities for Invest NI has offered assistance of £2.5m the next generation of hackers. It is the first student halls accommodation, towards the collaboration which includes project to be co-ordinated in Northern Ireland in the latest National Student part-funding from the European Regional using funding from Horizon 2020, the biggest Housing Survey, an independent Development Fund. EU research and innovation programme ever student led survey carried out developed. Dr Robert Ladner, CEO of CV6 and a world- by Red Brick Research. leading expert on mechanisms of drug The venture is set to focus on an acute Elms Village is a purpose-built, resistance, will relocate to Northern Ireland threat from emerging technologies including Pictured (L–R) – Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI, Dr Robert village-style accommodation with his senior team to lead the project. Ladner, CV6, Professor David Waugh, CCRCB, and Dr Karl ‘quantum computers’ – capable of processing complex aimed primarily at Speaking about the initiative, Dr Ladner said: Mulligan, CV6. Image: Parkway Photography information many times faster than normal first year undergraduates. The silicon-based computers. University currently offers over 2,200 staff and student places; Costing £3.8m, SAFEcrypto will concentrate in 2013/14 more than 40 per cent on protecting information passed via satellites, of those living in Queen’s student safeguarding the privacy of data collected by accommodation were non-NI municipal authorities and protecting public Queen’s in search students from over 60 countries. safety communications systems, such as those for top brass! used by police, fire and ambulance services.

Project lead Professor Máire O’Neill, from Researchers in the School of Creative Arts are The research aims to create the most CSIT, the Centre for Secure Information working on a range of new projects related to comprehensive picture of banding in Ireland Technologies at Queen’s, said: “CSIT was brass bands in Ireland. – North and South – by pulling together among the first centres in the UK to be OVER information on the histories of over 200 brass recognised as a centre of academic excellence 2,200 Led by Professor Michael Alcorn and Dr bands, current and defunct, between 1850 in cyber security research, and it is a natural PLACES Linda Price, the University is appealing to and 1970. progression for us to start working on a larger, graduates across Northern Ireland to help by pan-European stage. Horizon 2020 has given 2013/14 searching attics and garages for paraphernalia Further information is available at us the opportunity to form a consortium and artefacts – instruments, old uniforms and www.brassbandsireland.org which is a true partnership between industry 40% NON-NI copies of band music – relating to brass bands or by contacting Professor Alcorn and academia.” FROM OVER over the last 165 years. by email: [email protected] 60 COUNTRIES or tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5534. 7 Agri-Food Competence Hospital superbug Centre Launched breakthrough

Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell was on hand in May to announce the establishment of a £6.7m Northern Ireland Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre Researchers at Queen’s have (AFQCC), to be hosted at Queen’s. developed a cutting-edge Focusing on improving the international medical therapy that could competitive position of the Northern Ireland protect UK hospital patients Professor José Bengoechea Agri-food sector through innovation and Pictured (L–R) – Professor Chris Elliott, Jonathan Bell, Minister co-operative research, the new Competence for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Michael Bell, NI Food against a lethal superbug. Centre will draw upon the research capabilities and Drink Association and Alastair Hamilton, CEO Invest NI. of Queen’s, Ulster University and the Agri-food The new treatment, which uses a molecule and Biosciences Institute. Making the announcement at Balmoral Show, called an inhibitor to prevent the superbug Klebsiella pneumonia from blocking the Professor Chris Elliott, Director of the Institute Jonathan Bell said: “The Northern Ireland body’s natural defences, has the potential to for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre will save thousands of lives each year. Klebsiella, said: “The establishment of this industry- provide a platform for companies which want which has mortality rates of 25-60 per cent, academia research partnership is essential to to pursue research projects in areas such as can cause bladder infections and pneumonia help local companies keep up with the fierce packaging, shelf-life, waste minimisation and and is resistant to all major antibiotics. competition they face on the world’s global food security. markets. The IGFS is very proud to host this The team from Queen’s School of Medicine, Centre and will work alongside our industry “Not only will it support the development Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, led by Kissing with confidence! partners to drive innovation across the Agri- of our local food industry to compete strongly Professor José Bengoechea, found that food sector.” in export markets, it will also build on the Agri-food knowledge and skills that already Klebsiella can survive inside white blood exist in Northern Ireland.” cells called ‘macrophages’, which are meant Emer Maguire, a 23-year-old Clinical to protect the human body from infection. Anatomy Masters student at The superbug takes over a protein in the Queen’s, won the first ever FameLab blood cell called ‘Akt’, paralysing the cell and Northern Ireland – the competition making it the perfect shelter to avoid being to find the new voices of science Security said: “This is a very significant killed by antibiotics. By treating the cell with and engineering – and then went on How to cook breakthrough as it offers an immediate the inhibitor, which stops ‘Akt’ protein from to take the UK title! the safest rice solution to decreasing inorganic arsenic in working, the blood cell is once again capable the diet. of killing Klebsiella and the infection can be Explaining the science of flirting, completely eliminated. Emer was narrowly pipped in the With arsenic in rice a global health concern, “In our research we rethought the method International Finals in June, where researchers at Queen’s have discovered a of rice cooking to optimise the removal of Professor Bengoechea said: “The global she made it to the last nine. simple way of removing worrying levels of the inorganic arsenic and discovered that by using problem of antimicrobial resistance is fast highly poisonous metallic element from the percolating technology, where cooking water becoming one of the major health issues of staple food cereal. is continually passed through rice in a constant modern times. Of particular concern is the flow, we could maximise removal of arsenic.” mounting prevalence of infections caused After numerous laboratory experiments, the by Klebsiella pneumonia which has been University’s team found that a simple, shop- identified as an urgent threat to human bought coffee percolator is the best way of health by the UK government and the World removing the carcinogen, inorganic arsenic, Health Organisation due to extremely drug i from all types of rice, including white and resistant strains. Our research has helped us Further University news stories wholegrain. gain a better understanding of the vulnerable pathways of human defences, meaning we can be found at: Andy Meharg, Professor of Plant and Soil have been able to develop a potentially www.daro.qub.ac.uk/latestnews Sciences at the Institute for Global Food ground-breaking new therapy that will block the bug and stop it in its tracks.” 9 POINTS OF VIEW PROFILE OF A Throughout 2014-15, graduates have been sharing their opinions at discussion groups around the world. From New York to London and from Singapore to Belfast, alumni views have been shared CHANCELLOR and we are doing our best to ensure that what we do for you is relevant and valuable. You said Queen’s responds

You have an interest in hearing from Queen’s more often. We will increase the frequency of the eGraduate electronic newsletter.

You want to support Queen’s but don’t just want to be asked to give money. We will develop more volunteer opportunities and improve the way we promote them.

Country specific information would be appreciated. We will communicate more frequently with international alumni. We have included a feature on Malaysia (p34) as it is the country with the most Queen’s alumni outside the UK and Ireland. Next year we will feature the US.

You would like a list of the benefits available. The benefits page in this magazine (p47) has been redesigned to be clearer. Full details can also be found on our website: www.daro.qub.ac.uk/alumni-benefits “To be Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast at this point in time means More activity on social media so much to me because would be good. There are many social media sites for alumni to keep we are on the precipice of in touch with each other and Queen’s; go to www.daro.qub.ac.uk/socialnetworks for a full list. great things. We are torn @QUBAlumni Next year we will focus on encouraging interaction and between the past of discussion. Volunteers are welcome to help moderate discussions Queen’s University online and remember, this only works if you join in! The Troubles and the Belfast Alumni future of all possibilities, i of creating greatness for If you want to add your comments, Gerry Power, Communications Officer Northern Ireland or would like to take part in an Email: [email protected] or and for Queen’s.” alumni discussion group this year, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321 or please contact: visit: www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni Thomas J Moran 11 DUTIES Curriculum Vitae The Chancellor of Queen’s fulfils three main roles: 2015 Installed as Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast Ceremonial Presiding at degree congregations 2012 Inducted into Irish America Ambassadorial Hall of Fame Helping to ‘open doors’ for the University as it seeks to fulfil its mission 2011 Won Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence for corporate Advisory and humanitarian leadership Available to the Vice-Chancellor and senior management as a 2010 Honorary Doctorate from ‘sounding board’, providing College of Mount Saint counsel and guidance Vincent, New York

2008 Won Irish America’s Irish American of the Year

Honorary Graduate and leading Irish- the Mutual of America Life Insurance 2006 Awarded Honorary American businessman, Thomas J Moran, was Company, he has grown the firm to become Doctorate of Science (Econ) formally inaugurated as the 10th Chancellor of one of the leading financial services firms in This has been one of the by Queen’s for services to Queen’s on Thursday 2 July. Dr Moran succeeded the States with assets in excess of $18 billion.” business, commerce and His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary- most uplifting experiences to public service General of the Commonwealth, in May and will Dr Moran is also Chairman of Concern I’ve had in a long time. serve as the University’s Chancellor for five years. Worldwide (US), an international relief Appointed to Board of organisation operating in 30 of the poorest Aer Lingus Group plc At the special installation ceremony in a countries of the world. He has contributed to packed Great Hall, the University’s President and several humanitarian and community causes, “The ceremonies were fabulous. For me 2004 Honorary Doctorate from Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick Johnston, including acting as one of a group of unofficial it was the excitement of the young people, Mount Mary College, referred to Dr Moran as “someone who shares peace envoys to Northern Ireland throughout knowing that all possibilities are alive and well Milwaukee our passion for education” who “recognises the 1990s. He serves on the boards of the in them. We see so much in the news about 2002 Honorary Doctor of Laws from the transformative effect it has on the world American Cancer Society Foundation, the bad things happening around the world, that National University of Ireland around us.” Greater New York Council of the Boy Scouts it is easy to become depressed. This has been of America, Channel Thirteen WNET, and one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had Tom Moran grew up in Staten Island, one the National Committee on American in a long time.” Concern Worldwide of three children of an Irish-Italian-American Foreign Policy. Humanitarian Award mother and an Irish-American father, with roots Speaking about his hopes for the University, 1996 Received Ellis Island Medal in Counties Fermanagh, Cavan and Tipperary. Accepting the position, Dr Moran said: Dr Moran was upbeat: “The Vice-Chancellor of Honor At 14, he began his first job as a janitor at his “It is a great honour to take on the role of has a vision for 2020, in which I totally believe. I high school and later, while attending college, Chancellor of this fine institution. Queen’s is think to define this University as an international 1994 Appointed CEO, Mutual he drove a cab during the night shift. Now listed known around the world as an innovative, university – that is as well-known as any of the of America as one of the top 100 Irish-American business dynamic and exceptional University that helps great institutes around the world – and to be people in the USA, he has been President and change lives for the better. I hope, during my known for its expertise in certain key areas is 1992 Appointed President, Mutual Chief Executive Officer of the Mutual of time as Chancellor, that I can make a positive exciting and challenging, but it will be done.” of America America Life Insurance Company since contribution to the University’s continued October 1994, the first person to have been success and to increase further its global Dr Moran and his wife Joan, who joined 1975 Joined Mutual of America appointed President from within the Company. impact on society.” him in Belfast for Graduation Week, reside in as a pension underwriter New York City. “Tom is no stereotypical corporate titan,” One of Dr Moran’s first formal duties was 1974 BSc Mathematics, said Professor Johnston. “Instead, he leads to officiate at five summer Graduation Ceremonies Manhattan College a life that is defined by service, generosity and in the Sir William Whitla Hall and to confer a commitment to helping others. As CEO of honorary degrees on a number of local and national academic and business figures. 13

CAMPAIGN CATCH-UP Opportunities to name space(s) in new buildings have provided businesses and charitable foundations with a platform to visibly demonstrate their commitment to The University’s ambitious fundraising campaign continues to attract higher education and the next generation the support of generous individuals, businesses and philanthropic of leaders. We were delighted to receive an trusts and foundations. Funding received in the last 12 months will exceptional gift of £500,000 from the Garfield ensure that Queen’s continues to provide life-changing opportunities Weston Foundation towards the new home for for students in the latest world-class facilities, as well as support Computer Science. This bespoke project will innovative research, impacting society both locally and internationally. double the size of the existing facility enabling us to deliver innovative teaching and further Head of Major Gifts Helen Carrick considers how the Campaign is enhance collaboration with industry. It will also changing the look of the University campus, while Helen Surgenor, increase our inspirational outreach activities Head of Medical Fundraising, reflects on a busy fundraising year. to engage future generations and ensure a sustained supply of highly skilled graduates for the growing ICT sector. Homework Clubs – We are also pleased to see the development raising aspirations of collective giving through our law graduates. A number of them have made a decision to Shaping the face bring their philanthropic giving together into a class gift to make a more meaningful and Queen’s Widening Participation Unit of the University long-term commitment towards the School hosted a Homework Clubs Summer of Law. School for over 50 children from six schools and community groups over Other gifts have helped to establish two days in August. scholarships. This includes a scholarship programme set up by London-based Accompanied by parents, staff and Queen’s alumnus Patrick Magee. The ‘Magee volunteers the young participants enjoyed Scholarship’ provides an opportunity for campus tours, sports and a variety of a Law student to enhance their academic games during their visit to Queen’s, at the journey through spending a semester at an end of which each one was presented international university in third year. with a certificate of participation.

We are also currently developing a scholarship Homework Clubs aim to provide a free, fund which will provide an opportunity for safe environment for children to complete international students, who would otherwise their homework with the help of student be unable to access a UK education, to volunteer tutors. Working in partnership undertake the Juris Doctor degree. The Juris with local organisations, the initiative Doctor programme was set up by the School ensures children and young people from of Law in 2013, and is the only one of its kind 5-16 years old get access to a range of in the UK and Europe. It delivers a Qualifying resources, homework support (both Law Degree to graduates from a discipline one-on-one and group opportunities) Philanthropic support plays a key role in including the development of new facilities other than law, providing the necessary and recreational activities. the development of Queen’s. It helps us to for Law and Computer Science, were outlined. professional exemptions to allow holders to accelerate world-leading research, attract Twelve months on, major changes are evident apply for the professional stage in England, The Clubs ultimately help improve study the best and brightest students, enhance around the campus. Wales, North America and elsewhere. skills, build confidence and raise the the student experience and achieve aspirations of young people about further academic excellence. In 2014/15 we raised an Fundraising for both the law and computer For further information please contact and higher education. This year, the outstanding £15m which takes us just over 80 science projects is now well underway and Helen Carrick, Head of Major Gifts, on University’s Homework Clubs have per cent of the way towards our £140m target. through the support of alumni, businesses tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3403 or enjoyed backing from Santander and charitable trusts and foundations, we email: [email protected] Community Plus Fund and from Queen’s In last year’s issue of The Graduate, details of have raised over £700,000 to date. City Scholars. a substantial capital investment programme, 15

Caterpillar – building Helping patients for the future in Northern Ireland and beyond

The development of a global Institute of Health Sciences remains a strategic priority Trading Places for Queen’s and is central to the medical fundraising campaign. With the opening of the new Centre for Experimental Medicine building In addition, two very generous gifts of £50,000 In 2012, Queen’s Management School, through in September this year, more than 1,000 and £30,000, from people not directly linked to sponsorship from First Derivatives and Invest NI, researchers are now working together on Queen’s, are now supporting postgraduate established a state-of-the-art Trading Room. The main objective of the facility was to give students one site across a range of diseases. Their research in prostate cancer in Queen’s Centre a real-life experience of a busy stock exchange focus is on speeding up the process of taking for Cancer Research and Cell Biology. At a with the capacity to deal in equities and bonds, new laboratory discoveries through to the time when the number of PhD studentships on plus foreign exchange and derivative instruments. patient’s bedside. offer from the Department for Employment and Learning have been greatly reduced, Building on the success of the First Derivatives In April, four Queen’s School of Mechanical and Many generous alumni are already supporting donations such as these are even more Trading Room, Queen’s University Trading and Aerospace Engineering students received research into cancer, lung disease, multiple important and enable more research to Investment Club (QUTIC) was established to help sclerosis, eye disease and diabetes. Moreover, happen, ultimately benefiting patients in cultivate and support the needs of the Trading scholarships from Caterpillar worth up to £7,500 each. an increasing number of patients and patient Northern Ireland and beyond. Room. QUTIC is a large and active student families are choosing to support their doctors’ society with the aim of educating its members on research directly at Queen’s. Regular giving to the medical campaign trading and investing using guest speakers, Pictured at the Caterpillar Scholars presentation continues to grow and was boosted during the competitions, educational seminars and a virtual are (l-r) Helen Carrick (Queen’s Head of Major In 2014/15, the Medical Fundraising team year by a direct mail initiative. The Medical Student Managed Fund. One such speaker was Gifts), scholar William Hamilton from raised more than half a million pounds from Fund now supplements the work of the Queen’s alumnus Manus Cranny (above), Markets Magherafelt, Geoff Cunningham (Director of Editor/Anchor at Bloomberg TV. individuals for the medical campaign. At one Hardship Fund in the School of Medicine, Education, School of Mechanical and Aerospace level donors are funding scholars in cancer Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences and In 2015, Queen’s is seeking to raise £30,000 to Engineering), scholar Andrew Young (Londonderry), research and lung disease and at another they provides further opportunities for summer create Northern Ireland’s first ever student-led Simon Collins (Caterpillar, EAME Future Talent are providing much-needed support for research placements. real money Student Managed Fund (SMF). Development Manager), scholar Darryl Doyle medical and biomedical students to undertake Providing students with the opportunity to manage (Lurgan) and scholar Stuart Fellows (Ballymoney). eight-week summer placements in one of To find out more, or to support research into actual money in financial markets will help to our research centres. These placements allow one of our major disease areas, contact Helen bridge the gap between financial theory and Each recipient gets £2,500 at the end of their students to get insights into working in a Surgenor, Head of Medical Fundraising – everyday applications; enriching the education of 2nd, 3rd and 4th years at Queen’s plus they are research environment and encourage them email: [email protected] or our students and enhancing their employability. also in line for an all-important work placement. to consider a career in academic medicine. tel: +44 (0)28 9097 1568. QUTIC members and the SMF team also received some valuable insights into the markets at two Brewin Dolphin masterclasses held earlier in the year, a gift in kind from Investment Manager Andrew Burns, a 2002 BSc graduate in Economics. Brewin Dolphin is one of the UK’s Cancer research on Through the Darren Clarke Foundation, leading providers of personalised, discretionary the popular Northern Ireland golfer has wealth management services. Expert analysts course with Darren been a major supporter of cancer research, shared their views on the oil, pharmaceutical and Clarke Foundation donating to a number of local and national technology sectors and students also heard cancer charities. about portfolio construction, asset allocation and negative interest rates. The 2016 Ryder Cup Captain, Darren Clarke Two of the students – Jekaterina Vohhodina For further information or to make a gift towards OBE, is supporting three PhD students, (left) and Amy Templeman (centre) – will the Student Managed Fund, please contact holders of The Heather Clarke Scholarships complete their PhDs in 2016 and the third, Helen Carrick, Head of Major Gifts, in the University’s Centre for Cancer Rebecca Steele (right), the following year. on tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3403 or Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB). All are focused on breast cancer research. email: [email protected] 17

evident following the establishment of the China Queen’s College in Shenyang and our partnership with Dubai Healthcare City.

The impact of Queen’s is evident in Northern NORTHERN Ireland as well. We ourselves are a major IRELAND employer and economic contributor. Our graduates play leadership roles in almost every sphere of life here and the quality of our graduates is regularly cited as the main attractor for foreign direct investment and jobs to Northern Ireland. Adding together 11.6 % the University’s annual output of £289m, the knock on effects of this in other industries, and the output of its students’ off-campus spending, Queen’s had a combined impact BUDGET CUTS of £988m in 2012/13. IN HIGHER EDUCATION The central role of higher education to the economy in Northern Ireland should come as no surprise. Our greatest natural asset is our people, so our key priority for economic development should be the knowledge economy and the skills of our population. The scale of this challenge was recognised a few years ago with the establishment of A TESTING TIME FOR the Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) which set out, in 2012, to identify the key public OVER THE SAME PERIOD HIGHER EDUCATION policy interventions and business community actions that must happen to address the biggest roadblocks holding back Northern Ireland’s transformation. The future for higher education in Northern Ireland has never The most recent annual KEI report suggests looked more uncertain. By comparison to universities in other parts we have much still to do, but we are making of the UK there is significant annual underfunding in the sector progress. The knowledge economy in Northern here. Hundreds of student places and staff jobs have already Ireland is now growing at the second fastest rate of any region in the UK. been axed at Queen’s and Ulster University. With Department ENGLAND for Employment and Learning (DEL) Minister Dr Stephen Farry But all this is being put at risk. In the budget settlement for 2015-16 the Northern Ireland preparing to launch a ‘big conversation’ about higher education Executive cut the Higher Education budget finances, Queen’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Gallagher by over £8m and further in-year cuts are likely as the Executive grapples with the crisis considers the impact of the current education cuts. over welfare. This blow has come on top of 6.7% serious cuts in funding available to teach students since 2011. So in four years, Queen’s student funding in Northern Ireland has BUDGET Queen’s has played a key role in our city and research is translated from the laboratory bench decreased by just under £12m (11.5 per cent) INCREASE region for almost 170 years and increasingly we to the treatment of patients or through our compared to only a 1.1 per cent reduction IN HIGHER are making an impression globally. contribution to the arts, perhaps most notably in in Scotland and a 6.7 per cent increase in EDUCATION our proud tradition of poetry. England. Or put another way, Northern This is evident from the impact of our research, Ireland universities are underfunded by whether this focuses on the safety of the food Our alumni can be found in every corner of the approximately £1,000–£2,000 per student we eat or the way our cutting-edge medical world and our global footprint is even more in comparison to their English and Scottish counterparts, amounting to £39m annually. for a sustainable funding model for Higher Education, with an appropriate balance of public and private investment. This is essential if Northern Ireland is to grow a competitive knowledge economy.

Other parts of the UK have made their choice: CONVOCATION England opted for high levels of private investment through higher tuition fees, whereas LECTURE Scotland and Wales went for high levels of public investment through government funds to universities. The Northern Ireland Executive has Thursday, 19 November 2015 at 7pm in the opted for a middle course, with relatively low fees Canada Room / Council Chamber and low public investment. This may be popular in the short term, but it will be economically Speaker: John Larkin, QC damaging in the medium to long term. Attorney General for Northern Ireland To ensure the widest possible level of access to high quality higher education for our young people, while also ensuring that our universities Notice of Annual Meeting As DEL Minister Dr Stephen Farry says, are enabled to make their maximum contribution of Convocation Northern Ireland’s university funding model is to economic growth and the wider social good, ‘unsustainable’. we need a more sustainable funding model. Like many challenging or controversial issues in The business of the Annual The effects of the cuts are direct, immediate and Northern Ireland, this has become an intensely Meeting of Convocation will serious. The immediate consequence is that we politicised issue. will recruit 290 fewer local and EU students this follow the Convocation Lecture. September and we are seeking to reduce our DEL Minister Dr Stephen Farry launched the staffing complement by 236 posts. Over the next ‘big conversation’ on Higher Education funding At this meeting a Deputy Chair four years our local undergraduate population this autumn and we all hope this will lead to an and four Ordinary Members of the will shrink by over a thousand students. The cruel informed and considered debate on the issues. Standing Committee will be elected. irony, of course, is that many of these young Our 170 years of service and heritage are just people will still go to university, but will leave the start – there is so much more we can do, for for England or Scotland, where they will pay many, many years to come. The Agenda for the Annual Meeting and considerably higher tuition fees! the forms to submit a motion to the Annual Professor Tony Gallagher is Queen’s Meeting are available online at: In other words, while the key priorities for Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning www.daro.qub.ac.uk/convocation promoting the knowledge economy are to invest and Public Engagement and from the Clerk of Convocation. in our people and their skills, Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK actively disinvesting in All graduates of Queen’s University Belfast Higher Education. are welcome to attend.

We have a response: the Vision 2020 goals for Please contact the Clerk of Convocation to Queen’s are to expand our postgraduate and indicate your intention to attend. international student numbers, and to double our external research grant income. This will work for Meaghan Lyons Queen’s and help the Northern Ireland economy. i Clerk of Convocation c/o Development and Alumni Relations Office But it is hard to get past the fact that, this year, For further information visit Queen’s University Belfast about 550 talented young people from Northern www.daro.qub.ac.uk/QUBImpact University Road Ireland who, in normal circumstances might to download the report created by BT7 1NN reasonably have expected to start a degree Universities UK on the economic impact programme in Queen’s or Ulster University this of Queen’s University Belfast on the Email: [email protected] year, will now have to leave Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland economy most never to return. And it will be the same next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. What is to be done? We have argued consistently 21 QUEEN’S ANNUAL FUND Celebrating Architecture HOW YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS Excellence ‘live’

The Queen’s Annual Fund supports a wide range of projects that benefit current Over 160 nominations were received from students Street Society 2015, a week of ‘live’ students, the University campus and the wider community. Since the Fund’s launch in and staff across the University for the 2015 Students’ architecture projects involving 58 first 1999, gifts from generous graduates have helped build distinctive student programmes Union Education Awards. year undergraduate and 26 Masters- and innovative research schemes all of which have a positive impact on University life. level Architecture students at Queen’s, Among those present in the Great Hall for the took place in March. Among the 39 initiatives funded this year was a project acknowledging student announcement of the 12 category winners were excellence, another supporting a week of ‘live’ architecture and a third to send a ladies Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment Initiated in 2010, Street Society is a team to the Gaelic Games in China. But as Natasha Sharma, Annual Fund Manager, and Learning, Professor David Jones, Pro-Vice- unique ‘design research’ learning points out, the most innovative undertaking backed by the Annual Fund is an attempt to Chancellor for Education and Students, and experience for students and a great use a range of engineering skills to build the world’s longest bridge – out of Meccano. Rebecca Hall, NUS–USI President, who was the opportunity for clients to develop a Keynote Speaker at the event. piece of work in a very short space of time. The Awards, supported by the Queen’s Annual Fund, celebrate academic excellence, Students spent a week working with acknowledging staff, students and Schools for their 11 ‘real’ clients (not-for-profits, contribution to the quality of education and the charitable and community groups) student experience at the University. requiring spatial advice, guidance The Big Bridge Build and expertise. For the first time all Among the categories acknowledged were Faculty the projects were located in the Queen’s students local school children, as part of the University’s course representatives, peer mentoring and same place – the lower section of the have created a new outreach programme to encourage young enterprise champion. Newtownards Road in Belfast. The area Guinness World Record people to think about careers in STEM (science, had been designated Urban Village for the world’s longest technology, engineering and mathematics). status under the Together: Building a Meccano footbridge. United Community strategy. The team used 11,000 The project received funding from the Department pieces of Meccano in of Culture, Arts and Leisure, AECOM, Meccano Working in teams of 8-10, each the construction, which and Queen’s Annual Fund with technical support Street Society ‘office’ had to respond weighs 600kg and has an and advice from McLaughlin and Harvey. Smyths creatively to briefs set by community overall length of 32.2m. Toys and Belfast Harbour also supported the event. groups, social enterprises, special Lead Student on the interest groups, cultural and arts project Claire Hughes Academics and students The bridge attracted thousands of visitors to organisations, building preservation from the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Belfast’s Clarendon Dock in September to witness trusts and others. Engineering created the bridge, with the help of the world record.

Asian Gaelic Games

The 20th annual FEXCO Asian Gaelic Games will be held in Shanghai, China from October 24-25, i when 23 clubs from 13 countries across Asia will If you would like further information on the take part in senior, intermediate and junior divisions Queen’s Annual Fund, please get in touch with: in ladies’ and men’s football, hurling, and camogie. Michéal O Fearraigh on tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3351 or Since May, Queen’s Sport has been running a email: [email protected] project giving female international students an opportunity to play Gaelic Football at recreational Find out more about the projects supported at and competitive levels and, ultimately, the chance Ireland to compete at the Asian Games and the www.daro.qub.ac.uk/annualfund to represent the University in Shanghai. first from the UK. Keep up with the progress of the Photo by Awashyak Shrestha Queen’s is only the second university from Queen’s team on Twitter #FEXCO2015AGG. 23

As those behind the initiative in Northern Knowledge Transfer Partnerships give Ireland celebrate 40 years of KTP, Lorraine companies access to the latest knowledge Marks, the University’s KTP Manager, tells The and expertise available within an academic KTP Graduate why the programme has been such institution. That knowledge is then transferred a runaway success. from the University and embedded within the business by a recently qualified graduate who OUR SPECIALIST “Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a works in the host company, usually for a period UK-wide programme enabling businesses to of two years. And with government paying SUBJECT improve their competitiveness, productivity up to two-thirds of the costs, KTPs are often and performance. It is a collaboration between an effective way for businesses to support academic institutions, the business world and important internal projects and to attract graduates. Government funded, KTPs enable and develop talented graduates. firms to work with university staff to transfer knowledge, skills and expertise into their A dedicated KTP team at Queen’s organisation,” said Lorraine. “And Queen’s provides advice and support throughout is number one in the UK in terms of KTP the project lifecycle – from initial contact participation.” and application to graduate recruitment and management of all administration and Two-thirds of the Partnerships are with finance-related aspects of the relationship. local SMEs and on average firms partnering with Queen’s can expect to increase gross annual profits by £270k after completion of a KTP.

“The impact on the Northern Ireland economy has been enormous,” said Lorraine. “Quite simply, KTPs help firms take their business to the next level and enhance their profitability, while at the same time creating important graduate jobs.

“It’s a win-win for everyone and demonstrates how Queen’s impacts on society and directly feeds into our local economy.” KTP Case Study 01 Knowledge Transfer McFarland Partnerships is a UK-wide Associates Ltd Since 1975, Queen’s has helped programme enabling businesses to improve McFarland Associates Ltd in Belfast more than 350 companies achieve specialises in the inspection, testing their goals through strategic their competitiveness, and remediation of damaged concrete university-business collaborations. productivity and structures, as well as monitoring and maintaining structural assets through Known as KTP – Knowledge performance. It is a their life cycle. Paul Callender is a KTP Transfer Partnerships – these collaboration between Associate with McFarlands. alliances open up fresh markets, academic institutions, develop new products and the business world improve productivity, profitability and graduates. and customer responsiveness. 25

Queen’s has a long-standing reputation for Queen’s, with a significant number of these with funding applications, managing successful university-business collaboration. being from the University) they see significant the recruitment process and financial i Currently ranked No 1 in the UK, the KTP benefit through training and development administration, handling meetings, running team led by Dr Mary Flynn, who earlier in and first-hand experience – and 60 per cent events, drafting final reports and writing up If you are interested in learning the year was appointed an MBE for services of them get a permanent post in the host case studies. Our office is a one-stop-shop more about KTP, please contact to education and business, has received 10 company at the end of the scheme! for KTP!” national awards for their work in this area. Lorraine Marks, KTP Manager, Given that the initiative is operated by To celebrate 40 years of KTP in Queen’s University Belfast, at For the company, the benefits are new numerous universities throughout the UK, Northern Ireland, Queen’s, in conjunction email: [email protected] or knowledge or capability, increased profits, what makes Queen’s the most successful with Ulster University, hosted a night of tel: +44 (0)28 9097 2568 staff training and, in the very best projects, participating institution? Lorraine Marks celebration on 1 October in the Sir William or visit www.qub.ac.uk/ktp culture change. For Queen’s, academic staff also explains. “It’s widely recognised throughout Whitla Hall. The KTP@40 event highlighted benefit. They can apply their latest research the KTP fraternity that our model for and celebrated the achievements of to business problems and work in partnership managing projects is one of best practice. the scheme, bringing together past and with industry to find workable solutions. As present partner companies, academics and for the KTP Associate (around 400 graduates “We look after all aspects of every KTP KTP Associates. have been placed in over 350 companies by including introducing partners, assisting

Dr Mary Flynn, MBE

Dr Mary Flynn, Head of KTP and Business Networks at Queen’s received an MBE for her services to Higher Education in Northern Ireland earlier this year. KTP Case Study KTP Case Study KTP Case Study 02 03 04 “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed an MBE as I see it as an endorsement of the great work the KTP & Lowden Guitars Moy Park Ltd Randox Business Networks team I lead at Queen’s Laboratories Ltd does in facilitating the engagement of George Lowden Guitars is an Moy Park Ltd in Craigavon, Co local companies with our researchers,” internationally renowned, family-run Armagh, is one of Northern Ireland’s said Dr Flynn. business in Downpatrick, Co Down, largest and best-known companies, Randox Laboratories Ltd in Crumlin, Co Antrim, is a global market leader that has been producing high-end, supplying a wide variety of chicken “Through the successful delivery of the handcrafted acoustic instruments since products to retailers throughout Great within the in vitro diagnostics industry. Currently on its third KTP, the company KTP initiative at Queen’s the impact on the 1970s. With an average three- Britain, Ireland and Europe. Graduate our local NI economy has been enormous, year waiting list, the bespoke brand Roberta Bajo is currently employed is developing a test for the detection of bacterial infection in cases of enhancing the profitability of businesses as counts top musicians such as Eric as a KTP Associate, working with Moy well as creating graduate jobs. I am both Clapton, Gary Lightbody and Alex de Park Ltd and the Institute of Global Chronic Infective Lung Disease. Matthew Twigg is the current KTP very humbled and proud to receive this,” Grassi among its repeat customers. Food Security at Queen’s. she added. Mechanical Engineering graduate Associate with the company. William Imrie is the KTP Associate with the company. 27

“The concept of a vibrant Graduate School individuals to be challenging thinkers who at Queen’s is one of the University’s most can then operate in any environment.” ambitious plans. The new School will provide THE GRADUATE the infrastructure, intellectual support and While the ground floor houses support unity of purpose – not to mention a whole space, training facilities and meeting rooms, SCHOOL new programme of challenging, boundary- it is the building’s breathtaking first floor – testing activities – to execute a graduate- featuring a central, open-plan, double height centred postgraduate vision that will enhance space with masonry gothic arches and aisles to the experience of our students,” said each side – which provides the wow factor. WHERE FUTURES Professor Topping. “This is a truly impressive space within ARE MADE An American concept, the Graduate which to study, relax and socialise,” said School model came to the UK in the 1990s in Professor Topping. “And we have a team of response to increased administrative demands dedicated staff on hand, who can provide from a growing postgraduate population. advice, whether it’s on health and wellbeing, Now, the intellectual possibilities of The on securing a postgrad award, identifying Graduate School environment are being training needs, or applying for funding.” recognised with Queen’s adopting one of the bolder and more innovative approaches in As well as fostering interdisciplinarity, the Russell Group, by creating a School that The Graduate School will provide training, operates across, rather than within, Faculties. learning workshops and events. By offering activities that range “The School from writing retreats, will support Faculties to guest lectures in increasing and from intensive the quantity and the week-long courses quality of the national and added-value and international one-off classes to graduate interdisciplinary intake. Set in a research networking unique location, it opportunities, it will will provide a range take students out The development of an ambitious of services aimed of their usual study postgraduate culture at Queen’s, with at enhancing the environments and sizeable increases in student numbers, ‘student experience’ and helping to create throw them together into an intellectual tomorrow’s leaders.” melting pot. is integral to the University’s Vision 2020. Located in the former Lynn The Graduate School will bring together The School will also offer a focal point Library, the Graduate School opened – under one very impressive vaulted roof – for the families of graduate students – and in students of diverse disciplines, with collaboration particular of international postgraduates – with in April and is among the first major and transdisciplinary thinking at its core. So networks and activities reflecting the cultural milestones in the implementation a chemist can talk to a linguist, a lawyer can diversity of the additional 3,000 students of this Vision. As Professor Margaret approach a global research challenge alongside Queen’s is hoping to attract by 2020. Topping, Dean of the new facility, an engineer. Through unexpected conversations, interesting and innovative outcomes may “The Graduate School will create a explains, the refurbishment of the lead to new collaborations, as Professor community built on excellence, intellectual two-storey, grade B listed building, Topping explains. challenge and inclusiveness and will transform has created a beautiful home for the lives and inspire futures. We are seeking to “It’s really about creating an intellectual nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers School in a key historical location on hub, a place where students across disciplines who can work beyond conventional boundaries, the main campus. can get together to think in disruptive and and who can, as such, influence their chosen divergent ways. And it’s about preparing fields in new ways” said Professor Topping. 29

Already the School is making its mark. the University’s part and a huge commitment to Supervisory Excellence Awards have been shifting the culture of the institution. Together VOLUNTEERING introduced, recognising the role of, and it’s what will really differentiate Queen’s.” engaging with supervisors as well as their PhD charges. Bespoke leadership courses for Without doubt, the impressive Lynn postgraduate students have all been massively Building is a stimulating environment in OPENING UP A NEW WORLD oversubscribed. And a number of research which to study and meet fellow students. ‘sandpits’ – intensive brainstorming sessions The beautiful surroundings will provide where diverse teams are challenged to come a conducive atmosphere for developing up with collaborative solutions to real-life transferable skills and furthering individual scenarios – have proved hugely popular. study. The challenges awaiting Professor Topping and her colleagues of changing A ‘Big Thinkers’ series of lectures and a the face of postgraduate study at Graduates of Queen’s know first-hand career networking sessions and association Postgraduate Diploma in Future Leadership are Queen’s forever may be daunting, but the the transformative nature of a first-class social events. Many also provide invaluable among other new ideas currently being worked prospects for success are as exciting as they education. Long after crossing the stage career support as mentors to final year on by Professor Topping and her team, all of are immeasurable. at the Sir William Whitla Hall, there are still students often sharing their experiences which are geared at delivering a differentiated many ways for alumni to get – and stay – in more informal settings. Queen’s postgraduate experience. connected to the University, and to make a real impact on the lives of current students. And alumni can play a key role in the School’s development. Professor Topping is Volunteering not only makes a real keen to hear from graduates – particularly difference it can also open up a new world “I found speaking with graduates at the those who have studied at postgraduate level for all those involved. alumni event to be quite an eye-opening – who would be willing to come back to talk to experience. It was interesting to hear students or to volunteer as mentors. Whether you are a Queen’s alumnus living from someone currently going through in Northern Ireland or further afield there the process of vetting applicants for a “The Graduate School will attract the is a wide range of volunteer openings position, and what she was looking for. best students with high quality, flagship for graduates to support the University. It was also quite encouraging to see just programmes to give Queen’s postgraduates Becoming an alumni volunteer is rewarding how far a degree in Biology could take the edge in a globally competitive market. If Margaret Topping on many levels, and can be an excellent way you, and what sort of career-building opportunities assisted her.” the University’s Vision is about responding to to re-engage with Queen’s, catch-up with old friends and network with fellow graduates – the needs of society, then we’ve got to come Matthew Herdman professionally and socially! together in these multidisciplinary teams to Oxford graduate (1994, 1995 and 1998) (Level 2 Microbiology with address real challenges. Professional Studies) Lecturer in French at University of Wales, Our volunteers help us run successful engagement activities such as class reunions, “Queen’s has taken the first step by Bangor (1998-2002) making a massive investment in what is an Joined Queen’s (2011) from Cardiff exceptional space, but space alone doesn’t University as Professor of French Literary make the School. It’s such a bold statement on and Visual Cultures; Dean of Graduate Some of the many possibilities to make TALK TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS School, 2015 a big impression through volunteering Who better than a graduate to tell someone at Queen’s are outlined below, from thinking of coming to Queen’s all about life Research interests – travel and cultural in Belfast! The University’s recruitment team mentoring a student, to offering a venue needs your presence at fairs around the world i tourism, migration, mobility, and ethics of for an event, and from speaking at a cross-cultural representation and display to help inform prospective students about living The Graduate School welcomes careers forum to organising a and studying in Northern Ireland. For more information contact [email protected] casual ‘drop in’ inquiries Executive Board member of Irish class reunion. (Mon-Fri, 9am-10pm); alternatively Humanities Alliance, the Society for MENTOR A STUDENT email: [email protected] French Studies, and the Association of SPEAK AT AN EVENT You can offer help and advice to a student or tel: +44 (0)28 9097 2585. University Professors and Heads of French Speakers are required for events both on campus and wherever we have alumni considering working in your profession. Our For more on mentoring chapters. Share your experiences of work, mentors provide email or telephone support Graduate School students email: life and university with fellow alumni or on a number of occasions through the period [email protected] students. For more information contact of the Mentorship Programme. For more [email protected] information contact [email protected] 31

LONDON BUSINESSMAN BIOSCIENCE companies working in these areas and to develop links with employers outside of IS ALUMNI VOLUNTEER GOES ON TOUR “It was great to be able to give OF THE YEAR advice and reassurance based on Northern Ireland. my experiences of moving away With increasing student demand there is a from home to work. I think it requirement to establish opportunities for The School of Biological Sciences, was good for the students to see Queen’s students outside Northern Ireland in partnership with Queen’s Careers, that an education from Northern and to raise expectations and ambitions to Employability and Skills service, organised Ireland – and a degree from a work in this sector. This successful three-day a pilot ‘Bioscience Workplace study tour’ in Russell Group university – really pilot was a step towards doing that. June to the Golden Triangle area of England. does set you up for a successful An alumni evening which rounded off the Over three days 14 undergraduates from career in England and the second day, was hosted at the Cambridge the School, who had competed to secure a opportunities over here Gonville Hotel. It was a wonderful occasion with place on the programme, visited a range of are huge.” a number of Queen’s alumni in attendance who biotechnology and pharmaceutical employers were very happy to share their experiences of in the Cambridge and Oxford areas – the Ruth Miller, LLB 2007, living and working in the area. so-called Golden Triangle – home to many Associate at Nabarro LLP of the UK’s leading science employers. Given the success of the 2015 pilot, it is The 2015 Alumni Volunteer of the Year is John expected that the Bioscience Workplace study Murtagh, a member of the Queen’s University Companies involved in the initiative included tour will become an annual event. Association, London. global leaders GSK and Pfizer as well as a number of cutting-edge biotech firms such Head of Operations at FQS Capital Partners as PsiOxus Therapeutics and Immunocore. In LLP, John was presented with his award by addition, a skills-based session was delivered i Ian Moore, Head of Alumni Relations and to the students by SRG, the UK’s leading scientific recruitment agency. Annual Giving at a glittering ceremony in For graduates interested in June. The occasion was attended by over 250 The aim of the project was to provide a quality establishing a link with Queen’s School people there to celebrate the positive impact careers educational experience to students of Biological Sciences Work Placement of volunteering by Queen’s students, staff, in the School of Biological Sciences who programme, please contact Schools and alumni on the local community have an expressed interest in working in the and the wider world. biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Mark Gallagher, email: [email protected] or These sectors in Northern Ireland are small Pictured (L–R) – Kerry McIlwane, Mark Gallagher (School of John was recognised for his contribution and one of the key aims of the tour was to Biological Sciences), Siobhan McNally, Ruth Muckian (Law tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3957 graduate), Hannah Rooney, Amy Rooney, Francesca Ross to the Alumni Career Mentoring Programme. expose students to a range of GB-based

PROVIDE A STUDENT INTERNSHIP WRITE FOR THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Volunteering at Queen’s can be rewarding To find out more about hosting a City Scholar If you have a story to tell, let us know and Would you like to host an international and a lot of fun for all involved. However you intern in London, Dublin, Liverpool, Edinburgh we’ll tell the world! Gerry Power, editor of Queen’s student for a day, a weekend or choose to get involved, giving something or New York contact [email protected] or The Graduate, would love to hear from you perhaps at Christmas? HOST UK is a voluntary back to your alma mater will make a huge tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3114. ([email protected] or tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321). (not-for-profit) organisation which arranges difference, not just for the current generation wonderful occasions for international students of students but for those who have long since SUBMIT A PROFILE to meet and stay with families in their left the University as well. Inspire the next generation of Queen’s own homes in Northern Ireland. For more graduates by emailing your career profile for information contact [email protected] use on our website to [email protected] Alumni volunteering up ORGANISE A REUNION OFFER A VENUE/HOST AN EVENT The Development Office supports volunteers GO ON, WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY! We are always on the lookout for interesting thinking of organising class reunions For further information on Queen’s venues that alumni might enjoy visiting, so if by providing mailing lists and guidance Volunteering programme, 33% email: [email protected] or tel: +44 you are able to offer somewhere (in Belfast on venues. Contact [email protected] or around the world) please let us know at at Queen’s for more information or visit (0)28 9097 3135. [email protected] 2014-15 www.daro.qub.ac.uk/reunion 33

With a keen interest in both science research a shelter for Belfast’s ever-growing homeless and application, Laura grabbed the chance to and vulnerable community. “We cleaned toilets Student pause her undergraduate studies in Dentistry in and did our best to help the full time staff of the Year 2013 to pursue a Masters degree in Research however we could,” she recalls. in Translational Medicine. The one-year programme provided her with the opportunity What about Laura’s most treasured to move from a clinic setting into a lab. Her memories from her time at Queen’s? “I really research, carried out at the Centre for Cancer enjoyed performing in the Chamber Choir Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB), was concerts as a soprano. My time on Student focused on the role of p63 and BRCA1 Council helped me develop my assertiveness in Oropharyngeal Cancer. and get a better understanding of how politics works at the various levels of government,” she Laura was chosen to represent the Irish said. “The Irish Dental Student’s Association division at the International Association of formals were also good fun!” Name Dental Research (IADR) annual conference in Boston, Massachusetts in May 2015, where she Laura’s studies at Queen’s will wrap up Laura Graham went on to win the Junior Researcher Hatton in spring 2016 and, although she says she is Award, the most prestigious student research ready to take the next step, she will always look From prize in dentistry globally. back fondly on her time here. Though Laura had received offers to study at the universities Portglenone, Ballymena, Co. Antrim “It was a fantastic experience,” said Laura. of Dundee and Glasgow when starting her “As Ireland’s representative, I was up against undergraduate degree, her decision to come Education 16 other candidates who were also there to to Queen’s was made easily. represent their countries. Hopefully this award St Mary’s Primary School Portglenone; St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena; will help open some doors for me in the world “I picked Queen’s due to the excellent TOP OF Queen’s University Belfast – Masters of dentistry as it is recognized worldwide.” reputation of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences. Queen’s has one of of Research in Translational Medicine; THE CLASS! Laura’s research has shown significant the top dentistry schools in the UK and I was Trinity Guildhall Grade 8 violin, Grade insight into the links between this gene and able to stay closer to home by studying here. 7 singing, Grade 5 piano. patient survival rates within cancer sufferers It didn’t make economic sense to go further and her work has prompted further research in away for an education when I could get a high Achievements the area. And she is thankful for the financial quality one here.” support she received from generous donors Winner of the 2015 Junior in order to complete her degree. Researcher Hatton Award at the International Association of Dental Pictured (L–R) – Edel McCooe (First Trust Bank), Norma Sinte Research (IADR) annual conference in “I won a scholarship worth £6,500 through (Queen’s Director of Development and Alumni Relations), the School of Medicine for my Masters Laura Graham and Mark McKeown (First Trust Bank) Boston, Massachusetts – the most programme,” said Laura. prestigious student research prize in dentistry globally. “Ten are available every year for students who want to do intercalated degrees in dentistry and medicine. Even with this i Laura Graham is the 2015 scholarship though, which was great, I did The Student of the Year Award First Trust Bank Student of have to go through most of my savings to pay for my Masters and for the remainder of my is organised by the Queen’s the Year. From Portglenone, undergraduate degree.” Graduates’ Association and the just outside Ballymena in Co Development and Alumni Relations Despite spending up to 10 hours a day in Office, with support from First Trust Antrim, the 2014 Masters the lab, Laura found time during her Masters Bank. To submit a nomination for graduate and current Dentistry programme to volunteer as a fundraiser for St the 2016 award, please contact: undergraduate expects to Vincent de Paul. complete her studies and She organised activities to encourage Alumni Officer donations, clothing and food drives for the email: [email protected] graduate from Queen’s for a Christmas season, and organized a cleaning second time next year. support team to work at the Welcome Centre, 35

With an estimated half a million UK alumni, LOOK EAST Malaysia is central to the strong educational and My time at Queen’s trade links between this part of the world and My time at Queen’s South East Asia. And with nearly 2,000 Queen’s graduates living there, it is also home to an FOCUS ON active network of alumni, many of whom have Datuk Lim Si Boon held positions of political influence and business Lee Hui Seng leadership over the last five decades. MALAYSIA BEng Manufacturing BSc Civil Engineering 1988 Engineering 1989, Distinguished graduates include the current Director at Reinforced Earth Malaysia Director, Bonanza leading political figure, YBM Tengku Razaleigh Venture Holdings Vice President, QUAAM Hamzah (1); the former (late) government minister There were many fond memories YB Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik (2); Professor Tan When I graduated a pint of beer was of Queen’s…my personal tutor was Sri Datuk Dr Anuwar Ali; Vice-Chancellor and only 70p in the Students’ Union! The Professor Bahrani; he was a great President of Open University Malaysia (3), top floor had a record shop where you character and was always approachable eminent lawyer Dato’ Dominic Puthucheary (4); could buy 6-inch singles or 12-inch and an inspiration to me. What I always and former United Nations Assistant Secretary albums of the latest chart songs. remember was Prof – who was about 65 General Datuk Rafiah Salim (5). – jumping at least two steps as he came Queen’s boasted one of the best sports down stairs! facilities – the PEC. Malaysian students 1. 2. would gather on Saturdays Memories of the Ashby include meeting to play volleyball and badminton. Jeyabalan Seenivasen from Mauritius – we became good friends and did our The Whitla Hall was, and still is, the location final year project together. We spent for summer graduations. It was the many hours in the workshop and the one event I would never miss – seeing darkroom developing photos and won friends dressed in full robes, and taking photos among the fully blossomed the Institute of Production Engineers 3. Best Project. flowers in the quad. The best memories were the friendships Queen’s Elms Halls of Residence I made. I had friends from Malaysia, was a happy place. We congregated during meal times and socialised in Hong Kong, Mauritius, Ireland…sharing 4. 5. cultures in Queen’s Elms. I remember the kitchens on our respective floors. once I was frying preserved and salted During holidays, we would move our fish when an Irish friend came running belongings to a block that housed out and said, ‘who is drying their dirty students who weren’t going home. socks in the common room?’ We We also met at the Malaysian Students’ laughed when he learnt it was food. Centre, 22 Adelaide Street, where a TV Anyway he insisted on trying it and did donated by eminent 1950s graduate YAM turn a little green! Tengku Razaleigh, still stood the test of time. ‘My time…” memories of alumni help to explain why, despite its remoteness on the western edge of Europe, Northern Ireland still Malaysia is ranked among the top non-EU remains an important study destination for many “Queen’s has recruited from a wide range countries sending students to the UK. At any young Malaysians and a key recruitment territory of subject areas this year including Medicine, time, over 14,000 Malaysians are studying a for the University. The quality of the education Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, Engineering, English- range of degrees at a wide cross-section of on offer, the unique student experience and Creative Writing and business from across British universities. links with Malaysia are all key factors in the several Malaysian cities. special ongoing west-east relationship. Far from a recent trend Malaysian students “Malaysia continues to be our most have been coming to Queen’s since the 1950s, Daniel Tackage is Queen’s Regional important market in South East Asia; currently bringing with them a wealth of culture, Manager for South East Asia, and is based there are over 200 Malaysian students studying knowledge and experiences. Ian Moore, the in Malaysia. He regularly attends recruitment at Queen’s. We have also continued to grow University’s Head of Alumni Relations and exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota our institutional links with the region and will be Annual Giving, reflects on the links between Kinabalu and Melaka on behalf of the University welcoming our first Law cohort from Brickfields Queen’s and Malaysia and on what makes and says that recruitment from the region Asia College this autumn.” Northern Ireland a study destination for so many. remains strong.

37

And we are building on our successful collaboration in green chemistry with the My time at Queen’s petrochemical giant Petronas, co-founded Malaysian students have by YAM Tengku Razaleigh. The technology My time at Queen’s developed at QUILL, the University’s world been coming to Queen’s famous ionic liquids laboratory, led to our scientists receiving the Royal Society of since the 1950s, bringing Dr YN Chow Chemistry Teamwork in Innovation Award in with them a wealth of Mei Ling Foo BAgr 1985, MSc 1987, 2014 for what was previously named the most BSc, Finance, 1997 PhD 1990 important British innovation of the 21st century culture, knowledge Consultant at CEO, Han Chiang College by the British Library. PositiveLinks Asia and experiences Ireland was my very first adventure living A number of Queen’s networks exist for Until I met Clarence Ko (Civil away from home. Engineering, 1984) in Dublin in late Malaysian students while they are in Belfast September 1982, I had never heard of and for alumni once they return to Malaysia. As the country which is home to the largest I can remember, vividly, getting on Queen’s! He persuaded me to follow The Malaysian Students’ Society of Northern number of Queen’s graduates outside the British my first plane and arriving at Belfast him to Belfast to try my luck there. I have Ireland (MSSNI) reflects the cultural diversity Isles, and with a tradition of sending its brightest International Airport where we were no regrets and am greatly indebted to of Malaysia, celebrating festivals such as and best students in this direction down through warmly escorted to Queen’s. Till today, Clarence’s kind gesture. Chinese New Year, Diwali and Hari Raya Adilfitri, several generations, it is clear to see why Malaysia the beautiful façade of the University is the biggest holiday in Asia. Back home, the remains so important, not just to Queen’s fondly in my memory. I stayed as a student for longer than Queen’s University Alumni Association of University Belfast but to Northern Ireland. most and ended up being one of the Malaysia (QUAAM) organises regular events for Queen’s remains a precious experience where I learnt, built relationships, saw few individuals who have earned three graduates and assists the University with visits Those wishing to assist the University with the beautiful sights, sounds and the degrees from Queen’s. I graduated with and recruitment initiatives. In 2009, QUAAM student recruitment or to attend any of the delicious local food. a Bachelor of Agriculture (1985), also funded a study space in the award-winning pre-departure sessions in Malaysia should followed by an MSc in Biotechnology McClay Library which is fittingly decorated with contact Daniel Tackage ([email protected]). Everywhere I went, the locals greeted (1987) and finally a PhD in plant tissue Malaysian artwork and wall-hangings. students with “hello luv” or “duckie” culture (1990). which I found charming and endearing. People were warm and lovely. Life as an undergraduate in agriculture was tough as I had never been near a My time at Queen’s My first winter, we had snow – not much, cow or a sheep until I came to Queen’s. but it was a thrill. Till today, the midnight Having to be on field trips almost snow fight remains a wonderful memory Life at Queen’s was rich as there were many together with crumpets and strawberry every week visiting different farms clubs and societies that catered to all interests. jam, the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, gave me a better insight into life I partook fully in student life and became the in rural Northern Ireland. Datuk Ramesh Chander first ever overseas’ student to be elected to mouth-watering Irish Stew, and familiar BSc (Econ) 1958 Chinese takeaways! In 1984, I was elected President of the the Executive of the Student Representative Former Chief Statistician Council. This was a rich experience for me. Malaysian Students’ Society of Northern Government of Malaya I arrived at Queen’s a young and Ireland (MSSNI). Organising the annual The Malayan Student Society of Northern inexperienced girl and left with greater Merdeka Ball for MSSNI, however, nearly Queen’s and Belfast remain in my thoughts. Ireland’s Annual Dinner and Dance gained a confidence, experience and memories took a toll on my studies! The passage of years has not dimmed high reputation as guests included prominent that I will treasure a lifetime. fond memories. figures in Belfast society. I was 19 when I stepped ashore from the After attaining the high position of Chief Statistician Liverpool ferry in Belfast docks on a cold to the Government of Malaya at the age 28, I Brickfields is just one of a number of and grey October morning in 1954, after a went on to become the Senior Statistical Adviser i important institutional links which Queen’s has 3 week long journey from the other end of at the World Bank. After 20 years, I retired from the Empire. Malaya was home. with Malaysia. Others include a joint research the Bank and founded a private research group For more on The Queen’s University that advises governments on statistical reforms. Centre for Public Health in International We from the tropics found the harsh winters I celebrated my 80th birthday last month. of Belfast Alumni Malaysia Medical University (IMU), and connections with trying. Thus, the Union was a haven of warmth. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), the Institute of For sure, the Library was warm and inviting! On behalf of my contemporaries, allow me to Find us on Facebook or contact So too were the city’s cinemas where for 2 salute Queen’s! Thank you for the experience! Technology Petronas, the University of Malaysia, Queen’s Alumni Officer Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Taylor’s shillings one could keep warm and see two Yes, those were the days and we thought they films in an afternoon! would never end! by emailing: [email protected] University College. 39 In association with: CLASS NOTES 2000s Thanks to all those who have contributed to our popular Class Notes section. Unfortunately, we are limited by the space available, so apologies if your entry has not been included here. All class notes are posted Catharina Hendrick, Richard Kirk, MEng Civil Engineering 2005, MBA on our website – www.daro.qub.ac.uk/classnotes – BA History of Art 2006, Business Administration 2013, was appointed Regional from where you can also submit your news. has recently completed Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in a PhD in Museum June 2014, where he is working with ICE members in Studies at the University Northern Ireland to develop and deliver the regional of Leicester. The former business plan. In January 2015, he was appointed to the Press Officer for the board of Colleges NI as a Non-executive Director. Victoria Bustard, BSc Zoology Ulster Bank Belfast 2010s 2013, opened her own business Festival at Queen’s and Seán Hogan, MSSc Organisation and Management – Plant & Play Wildlife Garden the European Parliament 2004, stepped down as Chairman of Northern Ireland Luke Hanley, MSc in Bangor – in May 2014. One year on and Plant & Play won the worked at the Naughton Water Ltd in March 2015 to take up a role on the board Construction and Project Gallery for two years of Ervia Ltd, the parent company of Irish Water Ltd Management 2014, Visitor Attraction of the Year (small during her studies at and Gas Networks Ireland (formally Bord Gáis). Seán is works for PBC Builders in category) 2015 in the NI4Kids Queen’s where she also currently chairing the Strategic Partnership Group, Limerick. He was shortlisted Awards! That’s in addition to being was Project Manager appointed by the Agriculture Minister to devise a for Project Manager Regional Winner at The Big Start Up Loans Competition of the Year at the Irish plus Runner-up in the Northern Ireland Enterprise for the ‘Silver Sounds’ strategy and implementation plan for the reduction and Construction Industry Awards – Start Up Business of The Year in her first year! exhibition. eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis in Northern Ireland. Awards 2015. Further information available at www.plantandplay.co.uk

Lisa McEvoy, BSc The wedding of Sharon Economics and Accounting McConville, MB BCh BAO 2014, has begun an (2007), to Robert Hastings, MA Accounting Graduate David Leonard, LLB 2004, has co-written programme at Deloitte Creative Writing (2013), took Constitutional Law of Ireland (3rd edn) published in Belfast. place at the Meeting House, Ulster Folk and Transport by Bloomsbury Professional, along with co- author Michael Forde SC. The book provides Stephanie Ferguson, BSc Museum, on 23 April 2015, and was followed by a Zoology 2014, started an reception at Cultra Manor. comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of Irish accelerated veterinary constitutional law. David lives in Dublin with his medicine course at The The couple met in 2012 at a leisure writing class in wife and son. He has been a barrister in practice Royal Veterinary College the Crescent Arts Centre and run a video production in the Law Library, Dublin, since 2005. in London in September. business – Eye Contact Films – from their new home.

Sean McGeough, MSc International Catherine O’Neill, BEng 2012, is Cat Barter, BA Drama 2004, Post- Business 2012, moved to London in managing director of the Amelio Grad Intensive Performer Training 2014 after interning at Corkscrew and Group, an engineering firm which (Pilot) 2009, and Clare Galway, BMus working in AIB, to join Wonga Group she founded while still a student Music, MA Music (Interdisciplinary as a Procurement Analyst. In March at Queen’s. And Catherine has Arts) 2009, have been touring 2015 he was promoted to Group made the shortlist for the 2015 EY babytheatre to venues across the Philip Smith, BA Procurement Manager with a remit to Entrepreneur of the Year in the UK, Ireland and the US with Replay European Studies 2003, manage all third party spend across Emerging category. Amelio now Theatre Company. They are taking MSc Education 2009, has the group (Wonga.com and Billpay. employs over 50 staff their current show, TiNY, to South written his first novel The de) that together provide services in 12 and has offices in Belfast, Dublin Africa in October. KD Shindig published countries. and Gloucester. by Austin Macauley. It The show was created by Anna Newell, the Artistic Director is a tale which starts out of Replay Theatre Company and former Artistic Director in ‘…a small, historic Andrew Mulvenny, BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2010, moved from of CETL(NI): The Centre for Excellence in the Creative and cathedral town in London to New York in 2014 as Assistant Vice President at Barclays Investment Bank. Performing Arts, with music by award-winning composer Northern Ireland’. Philip He is now responsible for CCAR – Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review – and David Goodall, who worked as a freelance composer on currently lives in Ontario, the US IHC (Intermediate Holding Company) implementation and execution. many of the CETL projects with Anna. Canada. 41 In association with: 1990s Jacquelyn Benson, BA English 2002, MA Caoimhe Keogan, BSc Psychology 1999, MSc Simon Mowbray, BA Modern History and Politics 1997, has taught in Castlederg High Social Anthropology 2003 Occupational Psychology 2000, won the Excellence School in Co Tyrone since 1999. After five years as Vice Principal there, he was recently – New Hampshire author, in People & Talent Award at the 2015 Digital appointed Principal of Devenish College, Enniskillen, and took up post on 1 September. playwright, mystic and Masters Awards. Caoimhe is currently VP People explorer, released her first at SoundCloud, based in Germany. In the past novel The Smoke Hunter in two years, she has overseen huge growth in the September 2015, published company, which now has over 300 staff from 36 by Grand Central Publishing countries in four offices across the globe. in the USA. Find out more at www.soundcloud.com Find out more at www.jacquelynbenson.com

Bernard Mulholland, BA Environmental Science 2000, MA Archaeology and Joan McCoy, BSc Architecture 1990, Palaeoecology 2001, MA won the Best Woman Architect at the DELTA CREW Byzantine Archaeology European Women in Construction and Text 2004, PhD History and Engineering Awards 2015 in REUNION 2012, has had a number of May. Joan is a Director of White Ink Brendan Duffin, Darren Comer, Mark academic works published Architects in Belfast and has been McGimpsey, Allan Leonard, Jonny including Identification involved, among other key projects, Malloy, Stephen Meenan, Paddy of Early Byzantine in ongoing upgrades to the 24 Joanne Campbell (née Shaw), PGCE 1998, left Doherty, Keith Wilson, Paul Murphy and Constantinopolitan, Syrian, VIP suites and the creation of a primary school teaching in 2013 to pursue a career Gareth Ingram pictured at the Little and Roman Church Plans new shared hospitality area the as a freelance artist and art teacher. Joanne paints ‘Electric Lounge’ in the landmark Angel pub, in Berkshire, England. in the Levant and Some with acrylics on canvas and slate and teaches drawing Possible Consequences Odyssey (now SSE) Arena. and painting in Whitehead and Antrim. Her paintings The group of former students who and Paraliturgical activities can be found in Belfast Castle, America, Japan and rowed for Queen’s in the 1994-95 season in the Early Byzantine Germany. – when they were nicknamed the Delta basilical church. Crew – have been meeting for reunion For more, go to www.ballycarryart.com Christine Chu Jia Huey, BSc events every five years. Biochemistry 1992, has been appointed Head of Medical Read Allan Leonard’s report on the most Laboratory Technology Service at the recent get-together at this year’s Henley Department of Laboratory Medicine, Regatta online at http://bit.ly/1JmHIfW Sharon Noonan (née Devlin), BA Business Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Administration 1995, has taken to the airwaves! Sharon presents a food and drink show, ‘Best Possible Taste’, on West Limerick 102FM every Tuesday from 8-9pm. The one-hour programme features a variety of topics 1980s including on-air wine tastings, reports from food festivals and interviews with a wide range of guests from celebrity Kevin Smith, BA English and William McDowell, BA Modern History chefs to culinary heroes and artisan producers. Philosophy 1986, is due to publish and Politics 1984, was ordained in July his second novel, The Voyage of 2015 at Christ Church Cathedral Oxford If you have an interesting food story to tell, Sharon would the Dolphin – a comic odyssey set in as a deacon in the Church of England. love to hear from you. You can email her at s.noonan@ 1916 – early next year. His first book, William’s curacy will be in East Downland live.ie, follow her @QueenofOrg (short for Queen of Jammy Dodger, was nominated for in the Newbury Deanery. Organisation) and listen to the podcast of her show the 2013 Desmond Elliott Prize for www.soundcloud.com/food-and-drink-show new fiction. 43 In association with:

Denis Christie, Premnarine Misir, BSSc 1973, BSc Mechanical has been appointed Vice- Paul Miller, PhD English 1982, Mrs Rosemary Engineering 1970, Chancellor of the University of Fiji. and his wife Carol Miller (née Lim (née has spent most of his Holding degrees from a number Hunter), BA Arts General 1975, Wright), BA life living and working of UK universities, he also has a Postgraduate Diploma Library and 1981, (pictured in England. From Postdoctoral degree in Public Information Services 1978, retired right) is the new 1966 to 1969 he was Health from Columbia University from their positions in Stowe School, President of the a member of the Queen’s University Air Squadron (NY). Prior to his new role Professor Buckingham in August 2015. Paul Irish Graduates’ and learned to fly De Havilland Chipmunks. The Misir was Executive Director of and Carol would be delighted to Association of Singapore. The current Vice- six aircraft in the fleet were based at Sydenham, the Health Sector Development hear from contemporaries from their President is fellow alumna, Dr Lee Sze Min, MB now George Best Belfast City Airport. Recently, by Unit at the Ministry of the Health, University days, including those BCh BAO 1994 (left). It is the first occasion that chance, Denis found out that a Chipmunk being involved in the Drama Society. both roles have been held by Queen’s used in the Midlands to tow gliders was one of those Government of Guyana. The graduates and the first time the Association has from his time at Queen’s. one time Pro-Chancellor of the [email protected] elected two women to the senior positions. University of Guyana, he also served The registration number is WP788 which Denis says as Professor of Public Health at the will bring back some happy memories to his fellow University of Central Lancashire. 1970s airmen from those days. In July this year, Denis He has intensive publications to managed to get to fly in the aeroplane again nearly his credit in international journals, 50 years after he first flew it. books and book chapters. Geoff Hill, BA English Professor James Scott Brown, 1979, has been appointed MB BCH BAO 1979, has taken motorcycle columnist for up the post of Vice Chancellor Patrick McConnell, BSc Mathematics 1969, the Daily Mirror. Formerly at International Health Sciences 1960s has jointly authored People Risk Management, the bike columnist for The University, a private non-residential published by Kogan Page. Sunday Times, he is also the university in Kampala, Uganda. Ken Mitchell, BSc editor of Microlight Flying Geography 1965, will This book is the first to cover the topic of magazine and a travel writer retire from teaching People Risk or the risk that people, especially senior managers in financial institutions, will for the Daily Telegraph, as on December 31, 2015 after 45 years make ‘really bad’ business decisions. Building well as being the author of 11 Dr Thomas Geehan, BSc Colour as a Professor of on research from the behavioural sciences, the book charts cases best-selling books. and Polymer Science 1977, retired Geography at Rutgers where managers were blinded by ‘cognitive biases’ such as from Schlumberger after 31 years’ University, USA. He over-confidence and groupthink, leading to disasters such as the For further information go to service in January 2015. A keen hopes to continue failure of the Royal Bank of Scotland. www.geoff-hill-adventures.com cyclist, Thomas has been racing in research, writing his age group for over four years. and other assorted Pat, who now lives in Australia, has recently finished another book activities until they no on the topic of systemic risk, which is to be published by Risk Ken Addley, MB BCh longer satisfy. Books in 2016. BAO 1979, MD 2000, was awarded an OBE (Officer Dr RM Raja of the Most Excellent Harun, BSc 1950s Order of the British Empire, (Hons) Botany Cecil Cyrus OBE, MB BCh BAO Medicine 1957, MCh Surgery 1991, and former First Trust Civil Division) in the 1970, BAgr Bank Queen’s Graduate of the Year, has published his autobiography, A Dream Come Birthday Honours List 2015 Agricultural True – the autobiography of a Caribbean Surgeon. It includes a history of life at Queen’s for services to occupational Botany 1971, during his sojourn from 1950-1963. The book is available on Amazon. health. PhD Agricultural Botany 1974, For over 30 years Ken, who was awarded Thomas J Hughes, BA Geography 1954, spent most of his career teaching is a Visiting Professor to the Faculty of Medicine an Honorary MBE at Hillsborough in St MacNissi’s College, Garron Tower, in north Antrim where he served as and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates Castle on 30 April in recognition vice-principal. An avid film fan since boyhood, his book How Belfast Saw University, UAE, Al Ain has been an active of his services to commercial the Light: A Cinematic History traces the growth of cinema in Belfast from promoter of employee health and wellbeing in horticulture in Northern Ireland and the earliest ‘electric theatres’ through the mid-century ‘picture palaces’ to the Northern Ireland. the local community in Belfast. modern multiplexes. 45

OBITUARIES completely changed the ambition and scope carried out numerous assignments, including of what could be achieved in the arts in Belfast. the recent successful Rosetta/Philae comet landing. Over the next four years, Tony was a key part of that optimistic scene which gathered Fred is survived by his widow, Anne, sons It is with sadness that we include obituaries and appreciations of some of around Queen’s and had a reputation as the Nicky, Jon and Simon and their families. ‘fixer’ for the Festival, sorting out problems those graduates and former students who are no longer with us. where no one else could.

In 1968 he met and married Mary Mills, who The former Ulster, Ireland and British and Thérèse Garnett (née Gibson) was Michael’s secretary at the Festival. Irish Lions fly-half played his club rugby Dr John Hinds After he stepped down from Festival, Tony for Queen’s and North of Ireland. He is went on to have a distinguished teaching BSSc Econ and Social History 1975 (18.08.14) acknowledged as one of Ireland’s greatest MB BCh BAO 2003 (04.07.15) career, including teaching US History at the ever rugby players, winning major honours University of Ulster. He was also an important Consultant and ‘flying doctor’ Thérèse Garnett died in Kendal aged 61, for his country in the 1940s and 1950s, figure in the Irish Association of American Studies. after a 28-year battle with multiple sclerosis. playing a key role in Ireland’s 1948 Grand Slam success. In 2002 he was voted the best John Hinds died following an accident at Born in Belfast in 1952, Thérèse was the Ireland player of all-time in an IRFU poll and a motorcycle event in Skerries, Co Dublin, eldest of eight children. One of her cousins was inducted into the International Rugby aged 35. was Irish actor Ciarán Hinds. She met her Board’s Hall of Fame in 2008. A consultant at Craigavon Area Hospital, Dr future husband Will in Edinburgh while they Frederick James Kennedy were both studying for a diploma in adult After graduating he practised as a GP Hinds was also a lecturer in trauma science. and community education, and the two before specialising as a surgeon. He worked He was known affectionately as one of the were married in Belfast in 1978. They moved in Sumatra and Indonesia before moving BSc Physics 1954 (13.03.15) ‘flying doctors’ of Irish motorcycling, for the lifesaving support he provided during high- briefly to Canada before living in Suffolk for to Chingola, Zambia where he served as a Computer/space expert two years and then settled in Kendal in 1982. consultant surgeon between 1966 and 2000. speed bike races throughout the country, including the world-famous North West 200 Fred Kennedy died at home in Malahide, Possessing a beautiful soprano singing Jack, who received an OBE in 1959, was in Co Antrim. He had, for many years, led Co Dublin, aged 83. He grew up in Bellaghy voice, Thérèse was a member of Kendal given an honorary doctorate by Queen’s in a campaign for a regional air ambulance in Co Derry. After graduating from Queen’s South Choir. She was diagnosed with MS in 1991. In his honour, the Jack Kyle Bursary service to be introduced in Northern Ireland. with a first class degree, he worked for Shorts 1986 and for the last two years she lived at fund was established to support Queen’s in Belfast on the development of the first Summerhill Nursing and Residential Home. RFC Academy in 2001. He is survived by his partner Janet Acheson. vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Thérèse is survived by husband Will and Pre-deceased by his wife Shirley in 2009, he is He married Anne Marshall in 1957 and the children Catherine, Ciaran, Liam and survived by son Caleb and daughter Justine. Siobhan, and granddaughter Eva Rose. couple moved to Montreal, where he worked with Canadair on supersonic aircraft design. Stephen McKiernan He then joined the aerospace department of Radio Corporation of America in Boston, BA English 2004, MA Creative working on the Lunar Lander subsequently Writing 2005 (28.07.15) William Anthony ‘Chas’ Emmerson used on NASA’s Apollo missions. John Wilson ‘Jackie’ Kyle Journalist BA History 1967 (09.12.14) Fred then moved to IBM in New York, where MB BCh BAO 1951 (28.11.14) he helped develop the first computerised The former Communications Officer with Co-Founder Belfast Festival at Queen’s reservations system for Aer Lingus, a project the SDLP Group in the NI Assembly died at Surgeon and rugby great that brought him to Dublin in 1963. When his home in Trillick, Co Tyrone, after battling Tony ‘Chas’ Emmerson co-founded the Ireland joined the EEC, Fred became a strong illness for a number of years. Jackie Kyle, one of Ireland’s all-time rugby Belfast Festival with his brother Michael, advocate for the country’s participation in the greats and one of Queen’s most notable and was Assistant Director from 1964-1968. newly-formed ESA. Originally from Drumnakilly outside Omagh, graduates, died at his home in Newcastle he worked as a freelance reporter and with last November, aged 88. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he was a year He went on to establish CAPTEC and over the Tyrone Constitution and Q101 Radio behind Michael and followed him to Belfast four decades expanded the company into in Omagh. Born in Belfast on January 10, 1926, Jackie in 1962. Reading Modern History, Chas, like other areas, including medical imaging. Kyle was educated at Belfast Royal Academy, Michael, was devoted to the arts. Putting CAPTEC was a major contractor to the Stephen is survived by his wife Julie and his before studying medicine at Queen’s. on two Festivals in 1964, the Emmersons European Space Agency (ESA), for which he children Grace, Dara and Éabha. Dr Ian Brick DID YOU BSc Physiology 1965, PhD Among other graduates and former Pharmacology 1967 (05.07.15) staff who have passed away are: KNOW? Businessman and philanthropist • Leo Wilson BA Politics 1993 (04.01.14) One of Queen’s most distinguished • Sylvia Cox graduates and generous benefactors, BA 1969 (03.09.14) Ian Brick died at his home in Nashville, • Denise Moyes Tennessee, aged 72, after a long battle One thing we often hear is “I never knew you did that!” So we dedicate MB BCh BAO 1995 (01.10.14) with cancer. this page to highlighting the special advantages available to you. • Ann McGeeney Ian was born in Belfast in 1942, the son of an BSc Geography 1985 (02.10.14) insurance salesman and grandson of an East • Volunteering is a valuable way to support Belfast joiner who worked in the shipyard • Rev Dr Joshua Adeware CONNECTIONS Queen’s. Advocacy, career mentoring, and on the construction of Parliament AlokanBA History 1961 (22.12.14) providing feedback, organising events, • There are over 145,000 Queen’s alumni. supporting student recruitment and/or Buildings at Stormont. • Elizabeth Jean Fulton OBE We can help you access the power of committee leadership are just some of the BA 1975 (15.01.15) At 16 he came to Queen’s to study medicine that network. ways you can give back. but transferred to physiology, graduating • Laura Morton • We can also help you reconnect with in 1965 and again in 1967 with a PhD in BA Mathematics 1952 (01.05.15) old friends. pharmacology. His research field was in beta • Join a graduate association locally or NEWS UPDATES • Hugh Speers blockers and cardiology. internationally and benefit from a network BA Geography 1963 (19.01.15) of connections and a range of social activities. • Annual alumni magazine. He served as President of the Students’ Union • Norman Wright Stewart • Bi-monthly eGraduate newsletter for those when, in 1967, it moved to its current location. BSc (Econ) 1965 (20.05.15) with a valid email address. In 2002 he received an honorary DSc (Econ) for BENEFITS FOR YOU • Dedicated alumni website helping you services to Queen’s and in 2011 was awarded • Alan William Martin manage your personal information online. an OBE for his contribution to Northern BSc Computer Science 1982 • Free careers support for two years • Your personal updates can be published Ireland education. (30.06.15) after graduation. in the magazine or online in the Class • Discounted access to the McClay Library. Notes, My time at Queen’s, obituaries and • Caroline Chisholm • Further study discount. news sections. After 10 years with ICI Pharmaceuticals and BA English and Russian Studies • Exclusive right to get married in the • You can access Queen’s videos online by a period as MD of Cullen & Davidson in 1994 (July 2015) Dublin, he co-founded the Institute of Lanyon Building. visiting www.qub.ac.uk/qtv Clinical Pharmacology in 1980. The firm went • Dr Jeremy Harbison • Special rates at Queen’s Physical public in 1984 on NASDAQ, requiring the MSc 1966 (14.08.15) Education Centre. Brick family to move to the US. In 1990 he GET CONNECTED • Dr Jack McCluggage set up Pharmaceutical Laboratory Services MB BCh BAO 1965 (31.08.15) in Baltimore, Maryland, subsequently SHOWING YOU CARE Queen’s LinkedIn groups offer purchased by his major competitor in 1994. • June Meenagh-Smartt professional support to 30,000 • We welcome your help to ensure BEd 1978 (25.09.15) pre-registered graduate users. A founder member of the Board of The that Queen’s continues to deliver an Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation, exceptional student experience and to Facebook provides social interaction Ian was also a past President and Honorary offer crucial solutions to world problems via the Queen’s University Belfast Patron of the Friends of Queen’s. through its pioneering research. Alumni page. i • Financial gifts can be made to the Queen’s Predeceased by his wife Katherine in 2008, Annual Fund, (page 20) to a major Twitter gives bite-sized updates he is survived by his son, Michael, daughters, campaign project (page 12) or by leaving and announcements. Queen’s has Further obituaries and appreciations a legacy to Queen’s (page 48). Karen and Claire, and eight grandchildren. can be found online at a dedicated alumni Twitter feed #QUBAlumni and an additional www.daro.qub.ac.uk/obituaries institutional feed #QueensUBelfast

Visit www.daro.qub.ac.uk/benefits for more information or tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3100. 49

PHILANTHROPY “I am very proud to be associated with Queen’s and Suspended legacy menu IS CATCHING want to support the continuing (Spring/Summer 2015) good work of the University M Tyrrell through a legacy gift that will BA German 1973 – to support a postgraduate student in the make a positive and lasting Institute for the Study of Conflict PAY IT FORWARD difference.” Transformation and Social Justice £1,000 Dr Lavinia Boyce, MSSc 1992, PhD 2010 M Bell Non-graduate – to support Each and every one of us will, one day, leave behind a legacy. The great thing about ‘paying it forward’, students in engineering whether through a legacy or an arbitrary act of What lives on after we are gone, irrespective of our financial £30,000 kindness, is that anyone can do it! You don’t wealth and the personal lifetime causes we back, is really a have to be wealthy to make a difference and E Hamilton question of how we want to be remembered. The University’s the act doesn’t need to be magnanimous; the Non-graduate – to support impact lies in its cumulative effect. Legacy Marketing Officer, Susan Wilson, explains why leaving research in pharmacy a legacy is a wonderful way to make your support for Queen’s £150,000 Earlier this year, I received notice of a gift live on for future generations. to Queen’s from the late Dr Mary MacWilliam in California. I didn’t immediately recognise her name, nor could I find it on our list of legacy pledgers or on our graduate database. Yet the name Dr MacWilliam and her someone in their career or help them find a job. benevolence will be recognised and We can pay forward a gift which we may never remembered by students for years to come. be around to see the full impact of. As a result of her action, future generations will benefit from the exceptional educational Over the years, many individuals – Many will be aware that the motto on in 1999 which has been gaining worldwide facilities and internationally-renowned graduates of Queen’s and people who never Belfast City Council’s Coat of Arms is Pro Tanto momentum since. researchers available to them at Queen’s. In her studied here – paid forward their legacy to the Quid Retribuamus, the first three words of will, Mary donated 20 per cent of her estate to University. Our ‘suspended legacy menu’ looks which provide the title for that most infamous The ‘pay it forward’ philosophy maintains the University and it is thanks to ‘suspended’ quite impressive, but we still need others to of Queen’s publications, PTQ. The full legend that, through random acts of kindness, we can gifts such as this that we will be able to fulfil our add their names to the board, to provide for translates as ‘what shall we give, in return for all foster a more caring society. In the novel, a Vision to create a world-class university. upcoming generations. so much’ which seems apt for a student Californian social studies teacher challenges rag magazine. his students to come up with a plan to ‘change Each of us, every day, has the opportunity To those most recent legacy pledgers the world’, even in some small way. One pupil, to show our charitable side. We can share a – some we know about, others currently Recently, I popped in to a café near Queen’s 12-year-old Trevor, takes the task to heart. As he meal with a stranger or buy a friend a coffee. anonymous – I would like to say thanks. Thank to buy my early morning coffee. I paid for two goes about his day he wonders what he could We can volunteer with a charity, mentor you for paying it forward, for giving so much in Americanos but only took one away with me. do to change the world. He starts by showing return for whatever Queen’s has given you or, Another customer bought a Cappuccino and a kindness to a stranger and, from there, moves in a selfless random act of kindness, for sharing soup and left with just the coffee. As we walked on to the next person he can help. His kind your generosity with our future students, out, the staff marked the menu board over the attitude spreads from those he helps and has researchers and staff. That is retribuamus. counter to reflect a ‘suspended coffee’ and a a cumulative effect. ‘suspended soup’ on offer. Retribuamus? Anonymous acts of kindness are something The café is a port of call for local homeless I see often in my role as Queen’s Legacy Officer. i people, where they can drop in (usually to We regularly receive notifications of charitable If you would like to add your name to Queen’s shelter from the Belfast rain!) and take up a legacy gifts to the University from individuals suspended legacy menu please contact bowl of soup or a coffee, thanks to a charitable who have paid forward a gift in their will to Susan Wilson (Legacy Marketing Officer) stranger. This is a relatively new phenomenon support a student or area of research. And yet on tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3162 or here, one that started with the book Pay it they know it’s a gift they won’t be around to see email: [email protected] Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, published the impact of. Retribuamus? 51 EVENTS AND REUNIONS Over 30 students and 12 mentors (most of whom were graduates) took part in a Speed Mentoring evening Keeping in touch around the world in the Student Guidance Centre in February. The alumni mentors from Highlights from 2015 areas such as radio production, international law, planning, social work, language support and the voluntary sector, also included – via Skype – a graduate based in New York!

Events are a sure-fire way to keep the University to reconnect with old friends, to return to connected with its alumni. Lectures, dinners Queen’s to catch up on the latest news and and business networking occasions enable developments, or just to see how the campus Graduates in engagement with those who benefited first- has changed. Ontario, Canada hand from a Queen’s education. attended a Increasingly, events organised by the University reception at the Reunions and association activities give give graduates an opportunity to link with current residence of the thousands of former students the chance students, to pass on personal careers tips. British Consul General in March. Organised by the local alumni chapter, guests welcomed Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston, who was on his first visit to Canada since taking up post in 2014. In June over 70 Queen’s Pictured (L–R) – Association members Paul Nix and John University Association, London Kennedy, Tony Russell, member of Queen’s University (QUAL) members and alumni Foundation Board, Association President Barb Hill, Helen were hosted by Citi in Surgenor, Head of Medical Fundraising, Professor Patrick Canary Wharf for the annual Johnston, Stewart Matthews of the Northern Ireland President’s Summer Drinks. Queen’s University Alumni Association Steve Rowe (fifth from left), Executive Bureau, Association member Dianne Ballam and Norma Malaysia (QUAAM) held a Fellowship Director of Food at Marks & Spencer, was Sinte, Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Speaking about Citi’s Belfast Dinner in Kuala Lumpur in January keynote speaker at the annual lecture centre James Bardrick for over 50 members and guests. The of the Queen’s Institute for Global Food outlined how its growth occasion was attended by a delegation Security, delivered to a packed audience In June, Arts, had been with considerable from Queen’s including the University’s in Riddel Hall in February. Humanities and cooperation from Queen’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Social Sciences as a source for talent in McElnay (third from right) and Isabel students spent technology, law, finance Jennings, Director of Marketing, four days in and human resources. Recruitment, Communications and i Brussels learning Internationalisation (second from about internships Association President, left) and was hosted by the QUAAM Whether you are a recent graduate wishing and graduate roles Cormac Bradley (pictured President Lim Si Boon (fourth from to attend a careers event, an information in EU institutions. above with his wife Kate) right). evening or a public lecture, or are returning announced QUAL’s next from further afield for a significant class Pictured at the networking reception are (L-R) – Aoife two events – a City Leaders/ reunion, your University always looks Macauley (Law), Laura Barron (Law), Johanna Haughey City Scholars Programme forward to welcoming you back! (Queen’s alumna working at Scottish Government EU Office), evening in September and Tom Mervyn (Queen’s Employer Engagement Staff), Irish the Annual Dinner at To find out more about future events for Ambassador to Belgium, Eamonn Mac Aodha, and Andrew Royal Thames Yacht Club, alumni go to www.daro.qub.ac.uk/events Elliott (Queen’s graduate and Head of the Office of the NI Knightsbridge 11 November. Executive in Brussels). My legacy

Caroline Jamison Helping drive ground-breaking research into treatments for MS

Caroline Jamison was diagnosed with MS in 2013. Shortly after her father passed away the following year, she decided to reserve her late parents’ collection of rare and valuable motorbikes as a legacy gift to support ground-breaking MS research at Queen’s.

My late mother had MS and I understand first-hand the devastating impact it can have on family life. My aim is to help raise awareness of the pioneering MS research at Queen’s. I want to do what I can to support this work, in memory of my late parents, to ensure that research continues until a cure is found. I hope that through my actions I can offer a beacon of hope to other families with MS. I also take confidence from the fact that 100 per cent of money raised will be spent on MS research here in Northern Ireland.

If you would like further information on legacy gifts to Queen’s please contact Susan Wilson, Legacy Marketing Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University, Belfast BT7 1NN

T: +44 (0)28 9097 3162 E: [email protected] www.queensfoundation.com Registered Charity Number: XR22432