CONVERSATION & NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN AUTUMN/WINTER 2012

ENERGISED MINDS British Science Festival returns to Aberdeen for the first time in 50 years

ROYAL OPENING HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh open Sir Duncan Rice Library

PIXAR’S ‘BRAVE’ SCOT Aberdeen graduate Gordon Cameron makes his childhood dreams a reality at Pixar

REACHING NEW DEPTHS More fantastic voyages lie ahead for the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab

ALUMNI AND CAMPUS NEWS VOICE ■

Editors FEATURES ALUMNI NEWS Rachel Sandison Director of Marketing 3 18-23 Student Recruitment & A Word From The Alumni Profiles Alumni Relations Principal Gordon Cameron [email protected] Raj Jutley Emma Brooks 4/5 Michelle Watt Senior Marketing Officer British Science Festival [email protected] 24/25 A Roaring Success ALUMNI RELATIONS Alumni News Fiona Urquhart 6/7 Alumni Development Professor Brian Cox 26 Executive on The Importance of Alumni Paralympic Success [email protected] Communicating Science Inspires at Aberdeen Sports Communications Village Shaunagh Kirby 7 Head of Communications

Plaque Unveiled to Digital version Jennifer Phillips Aberdeen Nobel-Prize available at: Communications Officer Winner www.abdn.ac.uk/voice Jo Milne © 2012 University of Communications Officer 8/9 Aberdeen Reaching New Depths Voice magazine with Oceanlab www.abdn.ac.uk University of Aberdeen King’s College Designed & Produced by Aberdeen 10/11 Hampton Associates Scotland AB24 3FX Royal Opening for Sir Aberdeen, Tel: 01224 620562 Duncan Rice Library www.hamptonassociates.com Principal & Vice- chancellor 12/13 Printed by Professor Ian Diamond BGP, Bicester FBA FRSE AcSS Development Trust: Paper sourced from An International Focus sustainable forests Senior vice-principal Professor Stephen 14/15 Logan Campus News Secretary to the University 16 Steve Cannon A Mutual Honour 17 TO KEEP UP TO DATE Events and Exhibitions WITH NEWS FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY:

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Welcome to the Winter edition of Voice. On one level it was a chance I say “Winter edition” but as I write this it to celebrate the creation of a is early Autumn here in Aberdeen and the magnificent and inspirational month of September was dominated by two building which will benefit of the biggest events in the University’s students, scholars and our recent history. communities for decades to come, The British Science Festival in Aberdeen took and which represents a striking place early in the month and proved to be statement of the intellectual a huge success. We were blessed with great and cultural strength of our weather and I’m delighted to report that the university, city and region. Festival was widely regarded as having been one of the best attended and most successful ever. That is a huge compliment to the many Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in staff of the University who were involved Healthcare have been made possible with the but also the strength and effectiveness of the help of philanthropic giving to the University. Professor Ian Diamond partnership working with several organisations It’s also the case that many academic positions FBA FRSE AcSS Principal and across the North-East of Scotland that were and scholarships for students have been Vice-Chancellor key to the success of the week. You can read supported through the generosity of donors. more about the Festival on page 4. Whatever the purpose of a donation, whatever the size, the collective impact has been to make Then towards the end of the month, and as the University ever stronger. you can read more about on page 10, the University had the huge honour of welcoming The challenge ahead is a constant one. HM The Queen to officially open the Sir We are all committed to making your Duncan Rice Library. Large numbers of the University an ever greater seat of learning, University and local communities turned one that you will feel even more proud of your out to welcome Her Majesty. It was also an association with. Equally, the environment opportunity for us to welcome many alumni in which we operate becomes ever more and donors to the Library for what was a true challenging, particularly for a university day of celebration. such as Aberdeen which is competing on On one level it was a chance to celebrate the a world stage but in increasingly stringent creation of a magnificent and inspirational financial times. In this context, the support building which will benefit students, scholars of our alumni community becomes all the and our communities for decades to come, more important because it can give us the and which represents a striking statement of competitive edge we need to succeed, to make the intellectual and cultural strength of our the investment in the great facilities, scholars university, city and region. and students that distinguish a world-class university from the rest. On another level it was also a celebration of the strength of our global University community, The Library is a great example of what we which has been crucial to our fundraising can achieve with your support. We have many in support of the Library. It’s important to more exciting plans for our beautiful campus, remember the difference that alumni and for new investment in staff and in supporting supporters of the University have made to the our students that you will hear more about in institution over the years, the Library being just the years to come and which, with the support the latest example. Major new buildings such of the University family, will help us to take ■ as the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Aberdeen to even higher levels of success.

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A ROARING SUCCESS

Photo: It was a dinosaur invasion as a giant T-Rex roamed campus on the penultimate day of the Festival. 4 FEATURES VOICE

King’s Campus and venues across The festival also saw the largest number of “Over the course of the week we Aberdeen city and shire were returning alumni since the Quincentenary had more than 250 events spanning transformed in September as the celebrations of 1995 with more than 300 the complete range of sciences British Science Festival returned attending exclusive Festival events, some and crossing with many other for the first time in almost 50 years. travelling from as far afield as Europe, Canada subjects. The attendances have set and the USA. Tens of thousands of visitors attended more a new standard for the Festival than 250 events ranging from debates and The parallel alumni programme, which with many events booked out and a discussions to hand-on workshops and events included a dolphin watching trip, special ‘trace significant proportion of audience for children during the week-long celebration, your roots’ event, food lab experiments and members coming from outside the which ran from September 4 to 9 and was campus tours, was the largest initiative of its north-east and Scotland.” supported by principal sponsors BP and Shell type in the British Science Festival’s history. UK alongside a host of others including the Dr Ken Skeldon, Head of Public Engagement Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, “We were overwhelmed by the support shown with Research at the University and local chair by the University, our alumni and wider The Society for Petroleum Engineers and of the Festival Programming Group describes Marathon Oil. communities as well as our sponsors and the British Science Festival, which was supporters, without which the Festival would The famous Spiegeltent used at the Edinburgh co-organised with the British Science not have been the great success that it was.” Festival was erected on King’s Lawn, creating Association and TechFest-SetPoint, as a a festival vibe with science themed cabaret, “fantastic success not only for the institution Dr Skeldon says that the success and legacy stand-up comedy and speed dating all taking but for Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire.” of the British Science Festival will further energise public engagement in the region. place against its ornate backdrop. He adds: “We couldn’t have asked for any Big name speakers including the physicist more – even the Aberdeen weather was on side “Moving forward the University is one Professor Brian Cox and author Bill Bryson for the full six days. Given that the ‘grapevine’ of eight Research Councils UK (RCUK) addressed capacity audiences, with Cox is usually an honest reflection of peoples’ views centres of excellence for public engagement making a surprise appearance at the lunchtime post an event like this, we are delighted to with research, allowing us to drive forward X-change – a ‘best-of-the-fest’ showcase held have gathered extremely positive reflections an innovative set of initiatives. This includes in the Spiegeltent. from across the UK. We are confident that the diversifying our community café engagement Aberdeen experience was second to none in programme, already the biggest of its kind in Other highlights included a giant T-Rex, the Festival’s recent history. the UK. which intrigued gathered crowds with its life- like appearance, prowling around the academic “Over the course of the week we had more “The British Science Festival has also helped square outside the University library as part of than 250 events spanning the complete range achieve a step change in our audience reach the British Science Association’s 2012 Charles of sciences and crossing with many other and increased the depth and extent of our Darwin Award Lecture. subjects. The attendances have set a new relationship with partners, which we can use to help expand our sector-leading public standard for the Festival with many events ■ booked out and a significant proportion of engagement programme.” audience members coming from outside the north-east and Scotland.

For more photographs related to this Photo: Literary legend Bill Bryson entertained a packed Music Hall, and right, 5 article visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCLJY18 science cabaret in the atmospheric Spiegeltent on King’s Lawn VOICE ■

Professor Brian Cox ON THE IMPORTANCE OF communicating science

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Plaque unveiled to Aberdeen Nobel prize-winner

A plaque in honour of an Aberdeen Nobel Prize winner was unveiled by one of the world’s best-known physicists at the British Science Festival.

It recognises the work of the late George Paget Thomson and is situated on the site of laboratories he worked in at Marischal College. The physicist Professor Brian Cox, “Public engagement is vitally best-known for his hit television series Thomson, son of the famous physicist JJ important now more than Wonders of the Solar System, launched Thomson, joined the University of Aberdeen as ever before as it becomes his own career in public engagement a Professor of Natural Philosophy in 1922, at increasingly recognised that at the British Science Festival when he the age of just 30. academics and researchers, was selected to deliver the 2006 Lord wherever they are in their It was a post he held for eight years and Kelvin Award Lecture. careers, have a responsibility during that time he carried out extensive work to explain their work, to at Marischal College on the behaviour of His presentation on the Quantum Universe inspire young people and to electrons travelling through very thin films of delivered with fellow particle physicist generate and maintain the metals. The experiments showed electrons to Professor Jeff Forshaw was one of the hits of support of the public.” behave as waves, despite being particles with the 2012 Festival, selling out within days. known mass. Cox, who works on the Large Hadron For this work he later shared the Nobel Prize Collider in CERN, explains the importance of “Public engagement is vitally important in Physics of 1937 with the American physicist communicating science to the public. now more than ever before as it becomes C.J. Davisson, who had arrived at the same “I won the Kelvin Award Lecture in 2006 and increasingly recognised that academics and conclusions by a different kind of experiment. it was one of the first big public engagement researchers, wherever they are in their careers, The process of electron diffraction which these events that I had undertaken,” he says. have a responsibility to explain their work, experiments demonstrated has since been to inspire young people and to generate and “I hadn’t been, as far as I can remember, on widely used, for example in the investigation of maintain the support of the public. television or radio at that point so it was a real the surfaces of solids. stepping stone in that the Festival is a major “After all the public are the people who As well as acknowledging the work of event and there’s a lot of focus on it. pay our wages - they have right to know Thomson, the plaque also commemorates what we are doing. “I think the fact the British Science Aberdonian Charles Fraser, chief laboratory Association awarded me the Kelvin lecture at “For too long it was considered some sort of technician whom Thomson credited with the time, as someone relatively unknown and side line activity that academics did in their playing a pivotal role in designing and building who had just started giving public lectures, spare time while really they should be getting the ground-breaking experiments. Members of was very important.” on with teaching, administration or research. Fraser’s family still living in the area, including his grand-son and grand-daughter attended the Professor Cox adds that events like the British “Now I think at last there are four ceremony to mark the unveiling. Science Festival have helped to promote the components to being academic – there’s importance of researchers communicating the teaching, administration and research Dr John S. Reid, Honorary Curator of the ■ their work to the public. but there’s also public engagement.” University’s historical scientific instrument collection, said: “Thomson’s work showed that the new ideas of quantum physics really were confirmed by experiment, and his results quickly appeared in all books setting out to explain the ■ new fundamental physics of his era.”

7 VOICE ■ Reaching new DEPTHS

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It’s already internationally The discovery came during a joint recognised for its “There is a 3,000m void between the deep and shallower UK and New Zealand expedition work and this research cruise hopes to bridge that fascinating discoveries to the Kermadec Trench, north of gap. We’ll be looking at deep sea scavenging fish from the deepest, darkest New Zealand, led by the University communities and examining how their bodies evolve points of our oceans. of Aberdeen and National Institute to withstand the incredible pressures that exist in of Water and Atmospheric Research Now even more fantastic the deep sea environment which is the equivalent of (NIWA). having a ton weight sitting on top of your fingernail.” voyages lie ahead for the University of Aberdeen’s “It was incredibly exciting when the Oceanlab with a new piece trap came up and we found these amphipods bigger than of kit that can descend “There is a 3,000m void between I ever thought possible,” says Dr “Then around autumn we’re to the deepest places on the deep and shallower work and taking the lander off to look at Jamieson who led the research trip. Earth. In fact the new this research cruise hopes to bridge fish populations all the way from lander – an autonomous “Now what’s really intriguing is that that gap. We’ll be looking at deep New Zealand across the South Fiji deep-submergence vehicle we discovered the supergiants using sea scavenging fish communities Basin to New Caledonia. There, with a baited-trap and an older Oceanlab lander at depths and examining how their bodies we’ll be deploying the lander in the of 7,000m. With the new lander we evolve to withstand the incredible New Hebrides trench which has camera attached – is one are aiming to explore deeper depths pressures that exist in the deep not been explored before. of just two or three in the in other previously unexplored areas, sea environment which is the “And then in 2014 we’re off to world that can plummet to equivalent of having a ton weight so who knows what we’ll find there.” the deepest point on Earth - the depths of 11,000 metres. sitting on top of Mariana Trench – in the Pacific The marine biologist heads back to your fingernail.” Earlier this year Dr Alan the Kermadec Trench with the new Ocean which goes all the way Jamieson from Oceanlab made lander and his NIWA colleagues Dr Jamieson designed and built down to around 11,000m. the lander which was funded by headlines across the globe in January. However this particular “However while we will indeed the Marine Alliance for Science when he was part of a research cruise is not about plunging to the explore the deepest point, we’ll and Technology for Scotland expedition that discovered one maximum depth of the Trench. be focusing our efforts of the (MASTS). The aluminium piece of the most enigmatic creatures slightly shallower slopes – between “New Zealand has done a lot of of kit is also bound for three other of the deep sea – the ‘supergiant’ 6,000 and 8,000 metres deep – work in the shallower end looking research trips next year and the amphipod. to investigate the biology and at fisheries impacts and local year after. “In March we’re back physiology of animals as they Usually deep sea amphipods are biodiversity and the University of to the Kermadec Trench with progress from the shallow to two to three centimetres long, Aberdeen has been involved in a lot the HADES project – a major extreme depths. but the specimens captured by of research that has explored depths international research collaboration scientists in waters north of of between 6,000 and 10,000m,” says – where we’ll be conducting the “Who knows if we’ll find another New Zealand measured 28cm – Dr Jamieson, who’ll be accompanied first systematic study of life in supergiant but we’ll make every ■ nearly 10 times that of ‘normal’ by PhD students Niki Lacey and depths ranging from 6,000 to effort!” amphipods. Thom Linley. 11,000m.

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ROYAL OPENING FOR SIR DUNCAN RICE LIBRARY

Hundreds of guests and many more University – many of whom had flown in from staff and students turned out to the USA and Hong Kong to be part of the welcome HM The Queen and HRH The historic occasion. Duke of Edinburgh for the formal A new choral piece by Royal Wedding opening of the Sir Duncan Rice Library composer Paul Mealor and a unique on Monday 24 September. ‘soundscape’ of library life by fellow University composer Pete Stollery featured Guests joining Chancellor Lord Wilson of during the formal opening. Tillyorn and Principal, Professor Ian Diamond, for the opening ceremony included former Her Majesty also viewed the original Principal Sir Duncan Rice, in whose honour the Papal Bull of 1495 which founded the iconic new University library has been named. University, and was presented with a posy of unusual flowers from the University’s Hundreds of alumni and donors to the own Cruickshank Botanic Gardens by two ■ University arrived on campus for a day of scholarship students from China. celebration which also included a talk on the University’s treasures, an organ recital in the historic Chapel, tours of the library, and a dinner for over 300 friends and supporters of the

For more photographs related to this 10 article visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCLJY18 FEATURES VOICE

The Duke of Edinburgh meeting Aberdeen University Students’ Association Sabbatical Officers while Chris Banks (Library Director) and architect Morten Schmidt explain to Lord Wilson and HM The Queen the vision behind the stunning interior

11 VOICE ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN DEVELOPMENT TRUST An International Focus

An International In recent months we have promoted specific Scholarship Programme ways to support the International Scholarship for the 21st Century Programme and thanks to the generosity of our Canadian and American alumni, we have The University of Aberdeen Development already raised a fantastic £12,000! Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the International Scholarship Programme aimed With your help, we can help people from all at enabling and encouraging many more over the globe to study at the University of international students to study in Aberdeen. Aberdeen and share the same great Aberdeen From next year, students from anywhere in experience that you were able to benefit from. the world looking to undertake postgraduate The International Scholarship Programme will: study at the University of Aberdeen will be able to apply for a scholarship worth £3,000 • Create life-changing opportunities for to support them with their tuition fees. individuals from all over the world The University has been able to provide • Help those who have the potential to overcome barriers to participation scholarships for international students for The impact of many years, often thanks to the generosity • Promote cultural and ethnic diversity at international of supporters. However, this is the first time the University of Aberdeen scholarships that the Development Trust has embarked • Ensure your University remains a truly on a dedicated International Scholarship global institution The University of Aberdeen has strong links Programme to gain support for a fund which • Create equal opportunities for those who with Hong Kong and China thanks, in part, will benefit students from all over the world. would like to study overseas to generous donations which fund various international scholarships. These scholarships • Share the unique and special University of enable a number of students to come to Aberdeen student experience with the world Aberdeen to study and two such students were • Help the University to recruit the most thrilled to be presented to Her Majesty The promising students from around the world Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during • Enrich the intellectual and social the opening of the Sir Duncan Rice Library. community in Aberdeen Yang Li from China benefited greatly from the Hong Kong Fong Scholarship and has To support the International Scholarship now been awarded the Chevron MSc Subsea Programme today, please contact Engineering Scholarship while Sarah Keung Stephanie Miller on 01224 273595, is currently receiving support from the James email [email protected] or visit Henry Scott Scholarship, which is supported www.abdn.ac.uk/giving. by the Swire Educational Trust. “The James Henry Scott Scholarship is Living outside the UK but would crucial for me to further my studies,” says still like to get involved? Sarah. “I gave up a job to study abroad and the scholarship relieves the financial burden Not a problem. If you are living overseas for me. My encounter with the Queen was then you can still support any of our current more than enjoyment – it was one of the most priorities including the International honourable experiences of my life.” Scholarship Programme. However, the University of Aberdeen Making a donation from overseas is quick and Development Trust currently has an urgent easy. To make a gift either online or by post, need for funding to develop its International please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/giving/giving/ Scholarship Programme. This will provide ways-to-give, where you will be able to select life-changing experiences while helping the your preferred method of giving and then University to recruit the most promising select the appropriate link for your country. students from around the world.

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Remembering a University of Aberdeen Stalwart

Dr Alistair Smith who died in July, was the first Director of the University of Aberdeen Development Trust from 1982 until 1990 but his ties to the University started much earlier and continued until 2002 when he retired. He came to the University as a student in 1957, completing both an MA and PhD. In 1963 he was appointed lecturer in Geography, a position he held for 25 years and during this time he was Returning stateside with appointed Director of the newly established renewed vigour Development Trust. He built the Trust up to a highly successful organisation, not only The opening of the Sir Duncan Rice Library securing local support but also raising funds provided the opportunity for a number of our internationally. As a lecturer he was popular international supporters to visit Aberdeen with students and in 1990 he became including members of our University of Director of the University’s International Aberdeen Development Trust USA Board. Office until his retirement in 2002. He The Board is made up of seven high-profile made a significant contribution to the members of the American alumni community University while also establishing a political who give their time and expertise. These career and in 1982 was awarded a CBE. alumni help the University by contributing financially, soliciting gifts, encouraging connections among alumni, and by helping to recruit students. Recognising international support for the University The visit also coincided with a Board meeting of Aberdeen at which members discussed future strategy and building further support from the Throughout its long history, the University of Aberdeen has produced individuals who have United States. The meeting also provided reached the top of their chosen careers and many have travelled and settled abroad. However, the opportunity to announce that Honorary ties to the University often remain as strong as ever with many alumni giving substantial Graduate and President Jonathan Daube will support through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust, proving that distance is no be stepping down as President in January with barrier to generosity. Rhod Sharp taking up the post. All members However, the need for this worldwide support is more important today than ever as we agreed that the visit had been an excellent aim to support the University’s students, teaching and research while preserving its unique opportunity to refocus and return stateside heritage. Within this we are committed to supporting the University’s commitment to with a renewed vigour and enthusiasm. internationalisation. HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED Announcing the 1st Corporate Scholars’ Reception

On Wednesday 28th November the University of Aberdeen Development Trust will host the first Corporate Scholars’ Reception to which many of our current international donors and scholars will be invited. We will highlight the life-changing impact that scholarships can have on students while providing information about employer engagement opportunities on offer at the University. We are delighted that University of Aberdeen Chancellor Lord Wilson and Principal Ian Diamond will be attending and if you would like to join them to hear how you can make a difference, please contact Vicki Corbett on +44 (0) 1224 274111 or e-mail [email protected]. For information about corporate and individual giving opportunities visit www.abdn.ac.uk/giving.

JOIN OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY

The University of Aberdeen Development Trust is a charity registered in Scotland no. SC002938.

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Work starts Big Read for new Thousands flock for new Rowett Freshers to Open Day building The story of the hunt for one of Thousands of prospective students the world’s most wanted fugitives from across the globe descended was the topic for the University’s on campus for this August’s first common reading programme Open Day. – The Big Read. Potential students and their All new arts and social sciences families were keen to hear and students were sent a free copy see the range of opportunities of Matthew Green’s book The and facilities offered at Aberdeen, Wizard of the Nile in which he which was ranked in the top 10 Preparatory work has begun seeks to track down the reviled in 6 categories of the UK’s What for construction of the research Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Uni? Student Choice Awards facility that will confirm Aberdeen – including Overall Rating, Job Students were encouraged to read as a world leader in the study of Prospects and University Facilities. the book before arriving, and the food and health. text was then used for a series of Exhibitions, presentations and The new building for the Rowett discussions, debates and lectures demonstrations took place Institute of Nutrition and Health in Freshers’ Week. throughout the day, alongside live will be a state-of-the-art research entertainment and campus tours Common reading programmes building and a centre of excellence including the opportunity to view are popular in the US as a way to capitalising on its location adjacent the new Sir Duncan Rice Library. introduce students to university to the University’s Foresterhill level thinking but Aberdeen research facilities and expertise, is one of the first in the UK and the close partnership with to combine this with a wider clinicians in the site. programme of events. The £23 million new building will be funded partly by the Scottish Government and by proceeds from the sale of the current Rowett estate in Bucksburn which will become surplus to requirements when staff relocate to the new facility. It also offers many opportunities for private donations, to ensure that the facility is truly world-class.

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Fresh take on Warm welcome for Georgian glory Gilded Beasts Gangnam students from afar restored uncaged

It was a welcome no Fresher will Over 600 new international With completion of sensitive forget! 250 students gathered at students thronged Aberdeen’s renovation, staff moved in Elphinstone Lawn for a flash- Cowdray Hall for an Experience September into the beautifully mob dance inspired by this Aberdeen Culture Fair designed restored elegant houses of 50/52 summer’s internet sensation. to make them feel quickly at home College Bounds, now home to administration for the School of South Korean pop star Psy’s and get a taste of what the Granite Divinity, History and Philosophy, Gangnam Style music hit has City has to offer. and academic staff in History of attracted more than 220 million The event - the first of its kind Art and Scandinavian Studies. hits on YouTube and by October and a joint initiative by the The Aberdeen Bestiary - created was at the top of the UK charts. University of Aberdeen and The Georgian semi-detached in England around 1200 and granite houses have served Not to be outdone, the Aberdeen Robert Gordon University - once owned by King Henry a variety of purposes during University Students’ Association was a huge success, with visitors VIII - went on display for the the history of the University, organised their own spoof of representing a rich variety of very first time this summer in most recently for the Students’ the catchy routine for students nationalities coming along to try the University’s new library, for a Association, and stretching back to old and new to show off their out Scottish culture from food and Gilded Beasts exhibition seen by their role as Professorial Manses Gangnam moves at September’s drink to traditional performances over 4,000 visitors. of music, poetry and dance. over a century ago. Freshers’ Week (pictured). Renowned for its exquisite The International Aberdeen The B-listed houses have been illustrations and covered in Welcome Project is part of a renovated as one building, gold leaf, it is one of the best Scottish Government funded upgrading their interiors into preserved books of its kind still in project run by the STRATOS modern offices and meeting rooms existence and offers an unrivalled Group to create a truly ‘National while retaining the historic fabric insight into medieval manuscript Welcome’ for international students of the building and many of the production methods. when they arrive in Scotland. internal features, including the original decorative plasterwork The Bestiary first came to and fireplaces. Aberdeen in 1625 when it was bequeathed to the University’s Marischal College by Thomas Reid, a former regent of the College and the founder of the first public reference library in Scotland.

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November 2012 A MUTUAL HONOUR Among those being recognised at our graduation ceremonies in Contributions to science, November 2012 are: of the main Departments for Hong Kong students and, with her theology, law and civic Environmental Sciences. Sir husband, became “Scottish parents” Professor Sir John Beddington leadership are recognised John has also acted as a senior to these students while they were Doctor of Science in the award of honorary adviser to several government and away from home. The active and The Hon Lord Bracadale degrees in November 2012. international bodies, including caring role she played reflected the Doctor of Laws the Australian, New Zealand and importance she attached to giving Sir Roland Jackson, Chief US Governments, the European back to Hong Kong, a region The Rev Dr Alan Falconer Executive of British Science Commission, the United Nations which her family has been closely Doctor of Divinity Association, played a central role in Environment Programme and the associated with. Jean Hamilton the British Science Festival hosted Food and Agriculture Organisation. The Hon Lord Bracadale, a Judge Master of the University by the University and Aberdeen in of the Supreme Courts in Scotland 2012. He has a long interest and The Rev Dr Alan Falconer was Sir Roland Jackson since 2003, becomes a Doctor of experience in science education and minister of Aberdeen’s Cathedral Doctor Honoris Causa Laws. A graduate of the University public engagement with science, Church of St Machar from 2004 of Aberdeen, he initially worked Peter Stephen in particular promoting initiatives to 2011. Dr Falconer life’s work has Doctor Honoris Causa as an English teacher before that enable science to be seen and been in the theology and practice embarking on a law degree at the discussed in its wider social context. of ecumenical reconciliation. University of Strathclyde. Sir Roland was previously Head An Aberdeen graduate, Alan Falconer joined the Irish School of Learning and acting Head of Lord Bracadale was admitted as In July 2012 the University Museum at the Science Museum, of Ecumenics, progressing to a solicitor in 1979 and, before become senior lecturer and, in 1990, awarded honorary degrees London, following earlier roles as being called to the bar, served as to:Christopher Bones, Professor a science teacher and as education Director of the School. He has a Procurator Fiscal Depute. He also been a member of bodies such of Creativity and Leadership, adviser for ICI. was admitted to the Faculty of Manchester Business School; as the Irish Council of Churches Advocates in 1985 and served as Dr Jonathan M Daube, Sir John Beddington, Government Forum on Human Rights, and the an Advocate Depute from 1990 to President of the University of Chief Scientific Adviser and Head Irish Council of Christians and 1993. He was appointed Queen’s of the UK Government office for Jews; and from 1988-90 he was Counsel in 1995 and served as Aberdeen Development Trust Science since 2008, is awarded Moderator of the Human Rights Home Advocate Depute from 1997 USA and President Emeritus, a DSc. Since being in post, the Advisory Committee of the British to 1998. Manchester Community GCSA has led on providing Council of Churches. From 1995 College, Connecticut; The scientific advice to Government to 2004 Dr Falconer was based in Aberdeen’s former ‘first citizen’ Peter Hon Lady Dorrian, Judge during the 2009 swine flu outbreak, Geneva as Director of the Faith and Stephen is awarded the degree of of the Supreme Courts in the 2010 volcanic ash incident, and Order Commission of the World Doctor Honoris Causa. As Lord Scotland; Professor Lisa Jardine the emergency at the Fukushima Council of Churches. Dr Falconer Provost, and as an Aberdeen City CBE, academic, writer and nuclear power plant in 2011. The is currently the Convener of the Councillor, Peter Stephen made a broadcaster; Dame Emma GCSA has also been responsible Church of Scotland Ecumenical major contribution to civic life over Kirkby, soprano and renowned for increasing the scientific capacity Relations Committee and co- a number of years. He was born early music specialist; Duncan in Aberdeen and educated at the across Whitehall by encouraging all chair of the Joint Commission Macniven, former Registrar City’s Sunnybank Primary School major departments of state to recruit on Doctrine of the Church of General of Scotland; Sir a Chief Scientific Adviser. Building Scotland and Roman Catholic and Robert Gordon’s College. On leaving school, he joined the Adam Roberts, President of on his earlier work on the Perfect Church, the body which proposed the British Academy in 2009; Storm of food, energy and water the conference to mark the Scottish Union Bank of Scotland Ltd, holding various managerial roles David Sweeney, Director for security, he has continued to raise Reformation. Research, Innovation & Skills, the significant issues of population in Scotland, ultimately retiring A founding member of the Higher Education Funding growth and resource scarcity in the in 1991 as a Corporate Banker. University of Aberdeen Hong Kong Council for England; The Hon context of climate change. Peter Stephen actively promoted Association, Mrs Jean Hamilton Aberdeen’s commercial strengths to Lord Woolman, Judge of the A distinguished academic, is recognised as a long-term friend industry at home and abroad. In this Supreme Courts in Scotland; Sir John was Professor of and supporter of the University ambassadorial role, he also regularly Colin McKerracher; Chief Applied Population Biology at and its Hong Kong alumni for supported higher education in the Constable of Grampian Police; Imperial College and, prior to over two decades. In this time she City and was a recognised champion Ian Suttie, Chairman & Chief ■ his appointment, he was Head helped in creating scholarships for for several local charities. Executive of First Oil Plc.

Photo: Retiring after four decades of service to the University, Professor Dominic Houlihan OBE 16 delivers his last graduation address in July 2012. ALUMNI NEWS VOICE

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

The University website is always the most up-to-date source of information for events taking place at the University. Visit www.abdn.ac.uk/events for further details or call: +44 (0)1224 273233. The events detailed below are correct as of October 2012.

Café Scientifique Series Throughout the year www.engagingaberdeen.co.uk University of Aberdeen Autumn/Winter Concert Series October to December www.abdn.ac.uk/music/events CSID: African Film Series October to December www.abdn.ac.uk/events University of Aberdeen Christmas Tree Lights 4 December 2012 www.abdn.ac.uk/events Scots Philosophical Association Meeting 7 - 8 December 2012 www.scotsphil.org.uk University of Aberdeen Spring Concert Series February to May www.abdn.ac.uk/music/events Young Coastal Engineers Conference 25 - 26 March 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/cpd Energy Industries Overview 9 - 11 April 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/energyoverview Grampian Children's Book Awards May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/events Philosophy with Children 7 May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/cpd University of Aberdeen May Festival 10 - 12 May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/events Advanced Course on Dietary Methods 14 - 16 May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/acdam Microbiology for Teachers 15 May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/cpd Physics for Teachers 17 May 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/cpd EXCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR ALUMNI For further details visit www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni or call +44 (0)1224 273234

Informal Gathering in London November 2012 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Statutory Meeting of the General Council in Aberdeen 1 December 2012 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Graduate Winter Lunch in Aberdeen 1 December 2012 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Informal Gathering in British Embassy in Paris Spring 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Alumni Event in Edinburgh March 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Communicating with Confidence, London March 2013 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events Alumni Event in Moray April 2012 www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/events EXHIBITIONS FEATURED EVENT: The Sir Duncan Rice Library King’s Museum Save the Dates! 1 Sep 2012 – 4 Dec 2012 4 Sep 2012 – 26 Jan 2013 The University of Aberdeen May Festival Pharmacopoeia – An exhibition of printed Food Stories – The latest exhibition at King’s and manuscript material from our Special Museum exploring what we eat and why. 10-12 May 2013 Collections exploring a history of health. MacRobert Building The University will be holding a brand new festival in 2013 to celebrate and showcase All exhibitions and events at the University Sep 2012 – mid Jan 2013 Library are free of charge. the very best of what it has to offer. It will Journey of a Lifetime – The first showing be like no other Festival, offering events in Email: [email protected] in Scotland of photographs of Saudi Arabia music, film, science, Gaelic, literature, and www.abdn.ac.uk/library/about/special/ taken by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter more. It will celebrate the 100th Anniversary exhibitions Princess Alice Countess Alice of Athlone of the Rowett Institute for Nutrition and Old Town House in 1938, the year oil was discovered in the Health with food-related events, and our 4 Sep 2012 – 15 Jan 2013 kingdom. The pictures and film footage on Children’s Festival will allow families to view in MacRobert Foyer until the New Year World in your Kitchen – An exhibition in enjoy workshops and fun activities together. beautifully capture personalities, customs, the Old Townhouse by illustrator Jonathan Keep an eye out for further information, traditions and a way of life which was about Williams helps bring the world to your coming soon. www.abdn.ac.uk/events to change for ever. kitchen in aid of Amnesty, Traidcraft and CAFOD.

For further information on exhibitions contact: Tel: +44 (0) 1224 274330 Email: [email protected] www.abdn.ac.uk/kingsmuseum

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Brave New World Alumni Profile: GORDON CAMERON

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Brave © Disney•Pixar

It’s the blockbuster movie that Scots of Aberdeen in 1990 with a BSc (Hons) in wildly after I picked up my degree was tourism bosses hope will indeed set the Computing Sciences. something I’ll never forget.” heather on fire. Brave - the Scotland- based tale of a warrior princess - is the “I moved to Edinburgh to work, doing Gordon’s work at Pixar involves overseeing, latest animation from Disney•Pixar. Computer Vision research and then parallel planning and collaborating with technical It is also one of the most recent films computing and visualisation. While in artists working on individual film projects Edinburgh I got a call from Montreal asking worked on by Aberdeen graduate It’s a fantastic place to come to each morning me to come out for an interview as what I Gordon Cameron - the only Scot and I am incredibly lucky to have the was working on right then was close enough working for Pixar Animation Studios in opportunity to work here,” he says. California. to what they were looking for. I flew out the next week, got the job and started soon after. Being the only Scot at Pixar meant working Science fiction movies of the time seized the That was my first step directly in the FX and on Brave was particularly special: “Such is imagination of a young Gordon Cameron as animation business.” the attention to detail that Pixar puts into everything, there were a crew of people he grew up in a small Aberdeenshire coastal After seeing Pixar family favourite Toy Story that were probably more knowledgeable on community. Gordon knew he wanted to work for the studio Scotland than I – many of whom would “because it was such a perfect film”. By the time “When I was much younger I harboured this wander around in kilts each Friday! fantasy that I’d love to get into film effects after Pixar’s Finding Nemo hit the silver screen he watching films like Star Wars, Buck Rogers, had successfully made the move to California. “It was also the first film I was supervising on which meant I was able to watch it evolve Battle Beyond The Stars and Alien,” says “When I joined Pixar it was to work on from the start and stay with it until completion. Gordon, now 44. “When I lived in Banff I used developing the in-house animation software Taking my parents to the premiere in to read about that world by ordering magazines we use for all our projects. I’d got that job by Edinburgh was also remarkably special to me.” from the States and imagining what that world working in a similar area in Montreal for an might be like.” animation software company. I managed to get Gordon hopes Brave will indeed help bolster “I was so young and naive back then but the that job by working on vision and visualisation tourism in Scotland: “If only to try and help upside was that I had no fear of learning in Edinburgh, and I got those positions in engage people in their own history,” he adds. and firing off letters to enquire about the Edinburgh by gaining tremendous technical “Scotland is such a beautiful country with so possibilities,” he says. “At 16 or so I wrote to and practical experience studying for my degree much to give, and the filmmakers used that Industrial Light and Magic to ask how I’d go in Aberdeen with some wonderful professors.” inspiration to create something that hopefully about working in the industry, and they were is visually respectful of the source. Gordon remembers fondly his years at gracious enough to send back an advice-packed Aberdeen. “There was so much to enjoy coming “It would be great to think that in some small letter that I still keep. But as I got older it from a small town - a lot of open-minded way people might see the film and perhaps seemed so unlikely that there’d be a way to people from around the world gathered become more curious about investigating their break into that film world although of course it together on an inspiring campus. own wonderful outdoors. Not just read about is always something I wanted.” the history but actually live and inhabit it. “I used to love walking from Hillhead down to But today those childhood dreams are reality as My colleagues who have visited Scotland have King’s before classes; playing basketball, badly!, Gordon is a technical supervisor in production been much more adventurous and curious than with the second team; cycling everywhere; the at Pixar - one of the most successful hit-movie- I was when I lived there!” friends I made in halls and shared flats; the making studios in the world. opportunity and space to learn, and the fact Gordon adds that his career has been helped “To cut a long story short – I owe my entire that although a relatively large university, it was by advice given to him which he is keen to pass work history to a procession of people taking always possible to escape and find somewhere on: “Try hard to do what you love, and in doing a chance on me,” says the married father- alone. It was an enlightening time for me. so see if there are ways to help other people do ■ of-one, who graduated from the University Graduating and having my dad gesticulating the same.”

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OPENING NEW FRONTIERS IN HEART SURGERY Alumni Profile: RAJ JUTLEY

A medical degree from the University of Aberdeen set Raj Jutley, who arrived in the Granite City from Kenya, on the path to becoming a cardiac surgeon.

The consultant is now set to give up a comfortable family life in Nottingham to return to Nairobi in order to run the first open heart surgery unit in the sub- Saharan Africa region between South Africa and Sudan. The “I had a fantastic experience at to commit himself full-time to his “This is a unique unit will be affiliated with Aberdeen and I’ll never forget my charity work. opportunity to make a Pan Africa Heart Foundation first winter as I lined up with all “The Pan African Heart difference in that part (PANAHF) - a registered charity the other international students Foundation was established to of Africa and I owe the in UK and Kenya. with my nose pressed to the address the problem of rheumatic University a debt of window looking at snow for the Mr Jutley founded the Pan and ischaemic (coronary) heart gratitude for the fact very first time. African Heart Foundation, which disease in sub-Saharan Africa,” I have the highest level makes it possible for patients with “I have four children now and if Mr Jutley added. of training to take back little or no funding to have access they want to study at university with me.” “North of South Africa and south to cardiac care, in 2008 and leads when they are older I’ll certainly the charity’s surgical team. He of Sudan there are no specialist be recommending Aberdeen.” “I feel now is the right time. I’ve makes regular visits to Africa but heart centres and no surgeons given my service to the NHS and in December he will move to run After graduating with an MB that carry out these operations will continue to work closely with the organisation on the ground. ChB in 1996, Mr Jutley completed to international standards with his basic surgical training rotating benchmarking. colleagues in Nottingham as our He says it is thanks to the between Aberdeen and Inverness associated centre of excellence. “As a result a disease that can be University of Aberdeen that he and undertook a Doctorate of treated is claiming the lives of many “However it will be quite a shock has ‘the skills in his hands and the Medicine (DM) at the University, in their prime. One of the biggest to return to the country I left for knowledge in his mind’ to make a for which he invented a new problems is a ‘brain drain’ from the Aberdeen 22 years ago.” difference in his home country. device to strengthen closure of the area and there’s no better place to Mr Jutley is scheduled to meet However he describes his arrival chest following heart surgery. run the charity than on the ground with the presidents of Kenya and in the Granite City, where he In 2001 he left Aberdeen to work so I’ll be moving in December.” Uganda in the coming months to lived for 11 years, as a ‘happy in Glasgow and then moved down Mr Jutley will eventually act as discuss establishing cardiac care accident of the alphabet’. to England. From 2002 to 2009 sectional lead for the new heart centres in the region. Mr Jutley said: “I was in Nairobi Mr Jutley trained in cardiac surgery surgery centre established by the “For 400 million people the choosing the medical school I and became consultant in 2009. Aga Khan University Hospital. service they need to treat heart wanted to go to. I had made four He added: “If I was ever going to disease simply doesn’t exist so choices and realised I needed “This is a unique opportunity to be a consultant there were only there is big interest being shown to add a fifth – Aberdeen was make a difference in that part of two places I wanted to do it – in the area for the project,” he the first alphabetically to offer Africa and I owe the University Aberdeen or Nottingham. added. medicine so down it went on the a debt of gratitude for the fact I form. I’m very glad it was as I was “In the end I settled in have the highest level of training “The University of Aberdeen gave accepted and didn’t look back. Nottingham and have enjoyed to take back with me. me my education and foundation family life there with my wife and I hope now to use that to “The city is just the right size “I come from a Sikh culture and Anita and my four children, the make a real difference in the place for studentship and you are also as a Sikh you have a duty you ■ latest addition only 4 months old.” of my birth.” on the doorstep of some pretty must fulfil at some time in your unique scenery. But all that is about to change as life known as ‘seva’ meaning he prepares to move the family service to mankind. back to the country of his origin

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21 VOICE ■ STEEL AND MAGNOLIAS Alumni Profile: MICHELLE WATT

When it comes to determination, ambition and passion, Aberdeen graduate Michelle Watt is far from “My University degree obviously gave me run of the mill. “My University degree obviously the ability to learn a complex subject area, gave me the ability to learn understand the theory behind electrical She is at the forefront of a new revolution at a complex subject area, engineering – and also allow me to meet great the heart of the industry – and the region - understand the theory behind people and make some friends for life. Our which fuelled Britain’s industrial revolution electrical engineering – and also final year was the best, especially our outward nearly 200 years ago. High quality steel made allow me to meet great people bounds trip to Fort William at the start of in Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire is the and make some friends for life.” foundation of many products that modern the year - it really brought the class together society relies on, such as cars, domestic despite a few disputes over the raft race!” appliances and electricity. Born in Aberdeen, Michelle already had her On leaving University with her MEng, Michelle, who works as an Asset Improvement career in her sights when she sat her Higher Michelle started her working life on the Engineer with global steel producer Tata exams in 5th year at Portlethen Academy. graduate programme at what was then Steel in Scunthorpe, is currently the only “I knew that I wanted to do electrical Corus and is now Tata Steel’s steelworks female chartered engineer with the Institute engineering, and I started at the University in Scunthorpe. “I’d always envisaged of Engineering and Technology (IET) on the of Aberdeen in 2000 when I was 16,” recalls myself working in the power industry,” she 2,000-acre Scunthorpe site. Her success has Michelle. “I suppose I was quite fortunate in remembers, “but somehow I ended up on a delighted Tata Steel bosses, who believe she knowing what I wanted to do at such a young steelworks miles away from Aberdeen. may be the first in the 120-year history of age. I’d always enjoyed physics, maths and “But I made a great choice. Tata Steel is at steel-making in Scunthorpe. computing at school - although I did consider the forefront of innovation - helping to create architecture for a while, as I loved my graphics safer and more fuel efficient cars, producing Michelle, 28, graduated from the University of communication classes too. Aberdeen with a Masters degree in Electrical steel to make trains run more quietly, and and Electronic Engineering in 2005. She “I just thought that electrical engineering would helping to create buildings which generate became one of the youngest female chartered be a fascinating subject to study. But I think their own electricity. engineers in the country when she achieved all the excitement got the better of me though, her professional registration in 2010 at the age because I fainted on my first day! That was a bit of just 26. of a shock to my new-found Uni friends!

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“I wear flowers in my hair quite a lot because I am pretty girly, and a fellow engineer once said to me ‘you don’t need to wear things like that to work!’ But I like to brighten the place up - the flowers have remained!”

“Looking back, I had no idea how challenging friends told me they’d listened to it over the “My message for young female engineering the transition from university to work would radio and internet. I’m not sure how well the students is - just go for it! If you are be - but also how interesting and exciting. North Lincolnshire listeners understood my passionate about your career and interested in I’ve been very lucky to be exposed to so much accent though! engineering, then pursue it. Engineering and within the steelworks - and I must be doing technology is continually evolving and has “Now that I’m chartered I’m concentrating something right as I’ve managed to move up the many different career paths to offer. on developing my skills in terms of reliability management ladder to my current role as Asset “There are some unexpected bonuses too. Improvement Engineer. In this job I don’t focus centred maintenance and best practice in I am the only female electrical engineer on so much on electrical engineering in terms of maintenance excellence. I’d like to become a our site, so no-one ever forgets my name. design and fault rectification in a practical sense, member of the Institute of Asset Management I do have colleagues who are female but now drive the development of maintenance and focus my career on asset management. I mechanical engineers, and it’s great how strategies to increase reliability of equipment. also hope to become an IET mentor so that I can help others achieve their professional we all just fit in like anyone else. “My main role is to improve and drive Asset registration.” “I have to admit however that sometimes some Management within the business. It’s a subject female action is required. Some of the facilities area that I really enjoy and it’s imperative in Bur Michelle still finds time to have fun and on a mucky steelworks are not designed for manufacturing to ensure a sustainable future.” catch up with friends across the UK and also spend time with her fiancé who also works at ladies and I once got a project to install my Michelle’s main goal after leaving Aberdeen Tata Steel, although her passion for travelling own ladies toilets and showers!” was to achieve her professional registration has been curbed temporarily, with a wedding When it comes to looking ahead, Michelle is as a chartered engineer, which she did in an to save for! still keeping her options open. “I’m not sure astonishing five years. “I wanted to prove that what my ambitions are for the future. I am a professional and competent engineer. Her rapid career rise presents other challenges I’d certainly like to be involved a bit more I wasn’t sure that I had enough experience, too, as she says: “Since I came off shifts in with graduates and apprentices coming but I was surprised how much I’d learned and 2010 I don’t get nearly as much exercise as I into the business. I’ve done a lot of work achieved at work in five years.” used to, so I try and get to the gym a few times a week too!” with schools through initiatives like the F1 But the day of her interview will be one challenge and STEM activities. Some young Michelle will not forget in a hurry. “I’d been One topic Michelle is regularly asked about people still have a distorted view of what so nervous before my interview that I planned is her view on being a woman in what many engineering entails in the working world, so to relax by meeting a friend in London for still regard as a man’s world. She has a ready I try to relate it to the things they know and a coffee before catching my train. And then answer: “There will always be stereotypes of are current. Everything we use on a daily basis guess what happened - the sole of my shoe women in engineering,” she says, smiling. has been designed and manufactured, and came off in the middle of London! What “But they are just unnecessary, and so far from engineering is vital throughout these processes. a nightmare - I was just thankful that it reality that it’s quite funny. “Our business is so diverse and gives me the happened after my interview and not before!” “I wear flowers in my hair quite a lot because I opportunity to gain exposure in so many Gaining her chartership also made Michelle am pretty girly, and a fellow engineer once said aspects of engineering. So we’ll just see where ■ something of a local celebrity across North to me, ‘you don’t need to wear things like that that takes me in the next few years.” Lincolnshire. “I remember doing a radio to work!’ But I like to brighten the place up, interview for BBC Radio Humberside, which so the flowers have remained. And I also have was quite fun,” she says. “All my family and fairy lights around my desk!

23 VOICE ■ ALUMNI NEWS

Calling all alumni…current students are Alumni Reunion Weekend, 7-9 September looking for mentors. With over 300 graduates joining Dr Ken Skeldon, Head of Public us from Canada, USA and many Engagement with Research Students are back on campus and parts of Europe, the Alumni commented: “The dedicated we are accepting applications Reunion weekend was a huge Festival alumni programme to the Career Mentoring success. represents the most ambitious Programme. We now have a initiative of its type in the British General stream and separate Law During the weekend, participants Science Festival’s history. It is a stream and are looking for even were able to soak up the buzz of perfect example of how to boost more alumni to join our existing the British Science Festival on the number of visitors travelling volunteer alumni mentors. the University’s King’s College to Aberdeen from further afield Graduates have found it to be a campus and attend festival events while strengthening our vitally worthwhile and valuable way to with an exclusive discount. The important alumni relations.” ‘give back’ to the University. weekend also offered graduates the opportunity to compare You don’t need to have prior their memories of the campus mentoring experience. We are with today and attend special looking for alumni with good alumni-oriented events. Alumni communications skills and a non- events included a bus trip to judgmental manner. Baxters Highland Village, a More information and an online family-friendly science event at application form can be found at the Aberdeen Arts Centre and a www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/ session about tracing ancestry at mentoring the new Sir Duncan Rice Library. In addition to the Career One of the highlights of the Mentoring Programme, there are weekend was Doors Open Day, other ways to engage with current where buildings on campus were students: opened for tours and special events, including lectures on • Employability Courses the Witchcraft Panic of 1597 • Guest Speakers in Aberdeen and the Aurora • Presentations & Workshops Borealis. • Work Placements & Work- based Projects Social NETWORKING: CONNECT WITH US For more information about any of these opportunities, Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/AberdeenUniversityAlumni please contact Julie Bakewell, Alumni Development Executive ([email protected]) or join our group on Linkedin: University of Aberdeen - Alumni Relations (Official Page)

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Alumni Event Round-up ALUMNI BENEFITS BOSTON LONDON NEW YORK

Benefit card

We launched our new benefit card in the summer, offering you Alumni gathering with Professor Alumni attending a wine tasting An informal reception for alumni a wide variety of benefits on and Bill Naphy, Director of the event at Vinopolis in London. with Professor Bill Naphy, Director off campus. With the card, you Graduate School. of the College of Arts and Social will be entitled to benefits such Sciences Graduate School. as: discounted venue hire at the University, discounted magazine HONG KONG X’IAN Beijing subscriptions, reduced hotel rates and much more. If you would like to receive a copy of the card, please email [email protected]. For a full list of benefits, go to www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni.

Friends and alumni at a lunch Alumni attending a dinner in Alumni meet Principal and in Hong Kong to honour our X’ian with Professor Dominic Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Chancellor, Lord Wilson of Houlihan, former Vice-Principal. Diamond, at a gathering in Tillyorn, and celebrate the Beijing. JSTOR contribution of Mrs Jean Hamilton to the University We are delighted to announce, and the Granite Pearl scholars. that we have extended our subscription to JSTOR. As a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, our subscription gives The University’s Affinity Credit Card is you access to more than 1000 Credit Where available to any UK resident over the academic journals across all age of 18. Since it became available disciplines and dating from the to alumni and friends many years 17th Century to the present day. it’s Due. ago it has helped to generate tens of This material has previously only thousands of pounds in commission in been available to our current staff support of University projects. We wish and students, but will now be to thank everyone who has supported available to you 24/7. We have been able to continue offering this the University in this way. The credit benefit thanks to contributions card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank from the Friends of the Library. Limited and offers all the features you To access this benefit, visit, would expect from a premium service www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/ credit card. benefits To apply for this card, please call: 0800 028 2440 and quote 31CVQKJY.

25 VOICE ■

Alumni Paralympic success inspires at Aberdeen Sports Village

Aberdeen alumni brought Sports Development Executive which has also seen a boost in “As part of the disability hub we’re home Gold and Silver from Emma Hunter says turn out membership following the success now running fully inclusive fitness the London Paralympic at drop-in athletics sessions, of Team GB at the Paralympics. sessions, table tennis, trampolining Games. which allow youngsters to and athletics clubs. It was established in summer 2011 sample different sports for just as a partnership between ASV and “We also have teenage gym Their achievements – and the £2, has trebled. success of both the Olympics and Sport Aberdeen, which manages sessions for those with learning Paralympics – are now inspiring “Our ‘Kids@ASV’ club was leisure facilities and services on disabilities and a specialist sports enthusiasts of all ages and attended regularly by around 100 behalf of Aberdeen City Council. Multi Sports Club for people abilities in Aberdeen. children but since the London with disabilities, which are both The hub forms part of a Games we’re regularly been growing rapidly. community sports initiative run Neil Fachie, who graduated attracting 300 over the course by sportscotland to increase “It is wonderful to see the impact with a degree in Physics in of a week. 2006 took Scotland’s first Gold opportunities for people with both the Olympic and Paralympic in the Paralympic Games, “Kids@ASV, supported by physical, learning and sensory games have had at ground level alongside Barney Storey, with a Hydrasun, allows youngsters disabilities to get active and and we hope that by making scintillating display in the tandem to come along and try different improve their performance available opportunities to all one-kilometre time-trial at the activities such as athletics and in sport. we can continue that ‘feel good’ Velodrome. table tennis without the pressure feeling. “Aberdeen Sports Village is a of signing up long term. Karen Darke, who holds a PhD fully accessible facility and we “With the new Aberdeen Aquatics in geography after graduating “We know many parents don’t wanted to make the most of the Centre set to open as an extension from Aberdeen in 1997, won a want to pay for blocks of classes great resources we have here,” to the Sports Village in 2014, the cycling Silver in the women’s for sports their children might not Emma adds. future is looking very bright for ■ H1-2 time trial. enjoy. By doing things this way we sport in the city.” “The disability hub is proving allow them to come along and try really popular and we’ve certainly Since London 2012, attendance out a full range of activities and benefitted from the inspirational at Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV), new sports on a drop-in basis.” run by the University, Aberdeen impact of the London Games City Council and sportscotland, Another Sports Village success and the achievements of former has soared. story is the disability hub, Aberdeen students.

Photo: Olympic Gold medal winner and Aberdeen graduate Neil Fachie: Picture courtesy of SWNS 26 ALUMNI NEWS VOICE Alumni Travel Programme 2013

Provence & The Camargue An archaeological cruise along the Luxury Barge Cruise from Avingnon Aigues Mortes Turquoise Coast 28 July – 3 August 2013 Halicarnassus and Knidos to Loryma and Caunos with Professor Rosamund McKitterick 7-21 September 2013 Price: £2680 pp sharing, full board inc. flights from London with Professor Geoff Horrocks We have exclusive use of Le Phenicien, a deluxe, air- Price: £2950 pp sharing, full board inc. flights from London conditioned barge taking just 18 passengers in comfort, with The shores of Turkey have the finest scenery and the purest seas in the private en-suite cabins and an on-board chef to prepare Mediterranean. The mountainous landscape has been sculpted into long wonderful Provencial cuisine complemented by selected peninsulas and deep inlets whose remoteness creates an ideal coast to local wines. Meander along the Rhone River through stunning cruise. In Classical times, these waters saw Roman galleys and Greek scenery of the Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon regions in triremes sailing to the most famous cities of the ancient world. style and comfort. NB. This is a joint trip with Cambridge University NB. This is a joint trip with Oxford and Cambridge University

For a full brochure contact Temple World Ltd., 13 The Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2AL Tel: 020 8940 4114 Email: [email protected] Website: www.templeworld.com ATOL 2903

KEEP IN TOUCH

We are sending more and more of our updates and communications by email, this will include future editions

of the VOICE.

To ensure you receive future editions and to help us to keep you updated with all of the news, events and alumni bene ts on offer please provide us with your email address and inform us of any other changes in your contact details.

Please contact the Alumni Relations office by post: Alumni Relations University of Aberdeen Alumni Relations FREEPOST AB600 Aberdeen, AB24 3ZQ Or email: [email protected] 27 Alternatively, you can complete an online update by joining our online community at: www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni AQUATICS CENTRE

Coming in 2014 - the £22 million Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre is a wonderful opportunity to help create one of the best aquatic facilities in Europe.

The new Aquatics Centre, funded by the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City To discuss how you can Council and sportscotland, will offer exciting new opportunities for elite support the Aquatics Centre athletes, students, and communities throughout north-east Scotland, including: contact Liz Bowie, Director of • a 10 lane 50 metre pool, a 25 metre pool and full international standard diving Development – University of facilities to grow local talent and help create future Olympic champions Aberdeen Development Trust, • plans to be the first UK facility equipped with a camera system under and above on +44 (0)1224 274198 water to provide vital playback for competitive swimmers in training [email protected] • promoting swimming as a healthy and enjoyable lifetime sport for everyone, with a full programme of public, senior and family swimming lessons, exercise classes, For information about and swimming sessions for local primary schools organising a community The funding partnership will create an excellent new facility. However, your support fundraising event contact can help make the Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre truly world-class. Cara Baird, Development Executive – Regular Giving, Over a million pounds has already been pledged to help create the very best facilities University of Aberdeen and opportunities for our students and communities, including corporate support from Development Trust, on Saltire Energy and FirstGroup, as well as donations from many individuals in the UK and beyond. +44 (0)1224 273278 [email protected] In addition to individual donations, there are lots of opportunities for people to group together and organise fun community fundraising events. Gifts of any amount are very much appreciated and will take us a step closer to realising our ambition to create a Or to donate online go to world-class facility. www.abdn.ac.uk/giving

The University of Aberdeen Development Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, no. SC002938. The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland No.SC013683