Winter 2007

Buckingham has the most satisfied students

For the second increase the number of students of spend two years rotating between year we have different backgrounds who can afford to Buckingham and a small family of district come top of the attend the University. Three, we have to general hospitals, after which they will National Student develop a stronger research profile. return home with Buckingham MDs and Survey. This is a significant expertise. Buckingham will, in survey of all final What sort of research should we be short, be playing a useful role in year doing? This is easy to answer – research postgraduate medical education globally, undergraduates in that the government would not fund. and one day our Medical School will all universities in Governments use research to distract challenge our Law School for size and Britain, run by an universities from their proper role of international significance. independent speaking truth under power, so I hope polling agency, asking about student that we will, over the next decade, move Dr Terence Kealey satisfaction in 21 different areas ranging into the areas of research that have been Vice-Chancellor from quality of teaching to quality of pioneered by free market think tanks such feedback. I am humbled that our students as the Institute of Economic Affairs, expressed such confidence in us, and I Civitas, the International Policy Network, thank them. I hope that you, as alumni, Global Vision and the Centre for Policy Contents will feel proud. Studies. We should be developing a 2 Editorʼs News critique of social and economic policy We are not sure who came second. that, freed of obligation to government, 3-4 Alumni at Work According to the Times Higher Education will allow us to say what is unsayable and How to cope with a media crisis Supplement of 14 September 2007 we think what is unthinkable within state Buckingham in the News beat Oxford into second place, but universities. Concerts and Lectures according to the Sunday Times of 23 Internship at Hewitt Associaties September 2007 it was Cambridge we Summer Placement beat into second place. Either way, those Study Abroad two universities did really very well considering, and if they feel thereʼs 5-7 Alumni News anything we can do to help them improve, Article by Deirdre La Touche they have only to ask. Article by Vivian Constanta Lost Alumni Our success as a university is attracting My work, life & memories of interest. In September 2007 Ernst & Buckingham Young, one of the big four accountancy Article by Larry Sullivan firms, published a report entitled The New VC with current students Article by Marco Previero World Order for Higher Education. There Nigerian Alumni Update they wrote that “the development of a And finally, four, we should seek to attract strong brand” is key to the development of new academics and create new courses. 8-9 Engagements, Marriages a first class university. They also wrote: It is lovely that Professor Peter Cooke has and Births “as Buckingham University has shown, it joined us to create a Centre for is not only the traditional elite universities Automotive Management; it is lovely that 10-14 University News that can establish a strong, distinctive Professors Rajat Mathur and Jay Arnold Postgraduate medical report presence in the market place” which they are creating, with Professor Karol Sikora, Message from Sum-Wah Lam illustrated with a comprehensive case our Postgraduate Medical School; and it MA in Global Affairs study of Buckingham. is lovely that Professors Anthony OʼHear, News from the Foundation Chris Woodhead, Alan Smithers, Dennis Sir Rhodes Boyson honoured Where does the Survey leave us? We OʼKeeffe, Dr Pamela Robinson and Visit by Mr Michael Beloff have four mid-term goals. One, we must others have created our new Department Lecture on entrepreneurship maintain our position towards the top of of Education. We want more such stars! Conference in Beijing the National Student Survey (inevitably Alumni Office we will eventually be displaced from the In the last issue I promised to write about Memorial Garden No 1 position). Two, we have to build on the Postgraduate Medical School but, our success to raise more money in because of the National Student Survey, 15 Obituaries donations from friends, supporters and space is now limited. Let me just say here alumni, to help the University grow its that we will be recruiting qualified doctors 16 Comments from Alumni scholarship, teaching and facilities, and to from India and other parts of the world to Events 2008 Editorʼs News

Welcome to the We will be sending out more detailed Lord and Lady Luce (former Vice- final issue of the information about the weekend via Chancellor) will be hosting a tea party Independent for email and on the website early next for anyone who has given a donation to this year. Each year. our Alumni Annual Fund at the House of year I say it, and Lords. Invitations will be sent out To enable you to check the hotels we each year I mean shortly and we very much hope that you will be using please click on the links it, where has the will be able to be there. below: time gone to? We have had quite a few changes in the However, Recommended hotels are the Suitehotel department and you will be reading although it is Genève (http://www.accorhotels.com about these in different articles in the barely believable /accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/sui/5654/fiche magazine, but I would like to welcome that we have almost reached Christmas _hotel.shtml) or the Hotel du Rhone Beth into the role of PR/Media once again, we have begun to plan for (http://www.hoteldurhone.com/), which Communications Co-ordinator, Iva next year. As well as the annual alumni is rather more expensive. (Xiaojing) Yu who is standing in as summer party in London, our big event You may also be interested to learn that Student Sabbatical Officer and to thank for next year will be a ……… a new train service from St Pancras Helen Miller for her tremendous support Weekend in Geneva Station, London direct to Geneva was in filling in wherever she has been 12-14 September, 2008 launched recently and takes just 6 needed during the past six months. We hours. shall miss her when she goes, but we Make a note in your diary now to join us wish her the very best of luck on her Please contact us on for a weekend of events in Geneva, gap year travels and hope that she will [email protected] to make a Switzerland from 12-14 September next stay in touch. We will be taking on a booking, or if you have any other year. new Student Sabbatical Officer at the queries. More details will follow in the end of this year and they will be We want to create a weekend where Spring issue of the Independent introducing themselves in the next issue Buckingham alumni will meet to discuss If you are not already registered onto of the Independent. I very much hope to how to help grow the University, to the AlumNet website see you next year in either London or enjoy each others' company, and to (www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet) Geneva .... if not before! enjoy a stimulating series of events. We please do consider doing so, as it will will therefore be discussing the Anne Matsuoka enable you to keep up to date with the formation of an International Alumni PR/Alumni Relations Officer details of all events, but this one in Group and welcome interest in that from Tel: +44 (0)1280 820338 particular. It also gives us the ability to alumni who cover all disciplines, years [email protected] contact you via email with “hot off the and cultures. Everyone is welcome. press” news, and for friends from the This will not replace the usual London past to seek you out and make contact. event, which will take place on Friday Also to let you know that on 29 April 20 June.

Xiaojingʼs News

I am glad to be time reading the comments from some of Shanghai or Beijing to attend the events. writing to you as the alumni (reproduced on the back I will provide you with details in the next the ʻnewestʼ page) who responded to this news. One issue of the Independent. member of the of them might be yours. Of course, my work is not all exciting trips alumni team. As part of my job, I have been on a trip to abroad (I wish). The yearly Students, Actually, I have China with Eddie Shoesmith (Senior Staff and Alumni Art Exhibition was held worked in the Lecturer, Business School) to market the from 22 to 25 October. I would especially Alumni Office University. We attended the Education thank Uzoamaka Nsien (LLB ʼ99) for before. Some of UK Exhibition arranged by the British donating her poem, and Henry you may Council China in Xiamen, and visited Adebonojo (LLB ʼ82), who posted 6 remember I was British Council offices in Guangzhou and photos (one of which I successfully bid the Student Sabbatical Officer three Shanghai. An alumni gathering was for) from the States and donated them all years ago. From the middle of arranged in Shanghai on Saturday 10 for the Auction night of the exhibition. The September, I started covering for Ayo, November. event raised £202.60 (both raffle and whom I wish all the best in her Masters at auction) for the UBSOS (University of Birmingham University. I am also working I also visited Beijing British Council Office Buckingham Supporting Overseas with Nancy Zulu (LLM ʼ06), Sabbatical and we held an alumni meeting on Schooling) and was enjoyed by all. Officer in the Admissions Office, two days Thursday 15 November. per week, which I enjoy very much. Enjoy your reading. The interest shown in the trip by our Since I joined the team, Buckingham was alumni based in China was wonderful Yu Xiaojing (MSc IHM ʼ05) voted No 1 in the National Students and I was especially grateful to those Tel: +44 (0)1280 820230 Survey (again). I hope you spend a bit of who made a special trip to either [email protected]

2 Alumni at Work

your products illegally? Whatʼs the How to cope with a media BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS: crisis correct answer if a journalist phones up and says they understand one of your On 15th August 2007, Professor John Many years ago, I managers has just assaulted one of your Adamson, Research Professor in Modern received the sort clients? History, addressed the Edinburgh of phone call that Of course, you donʼt anticipate any of International Book Festival, on his recent any public these things going on in your business, book, 'The Noble Revolt: the Overthrow of relations adviser but reputational risk is everywhere and Charles I' Following this the University was dreads: a solicitor simply saying itʼll never happen to you is delighted to hear that he has won the client had been not the answer. Instead, should Samuel Pepys award for his book beating accused of something go wrong, the first thing to do 17 other titles to the prize. The judges assaulting a is to make sure you know all the facts of included Claire Tomalin, winner of the 2003 woman at his the matter before you even consider prize, and Sir Keith Thomas, former Regius Belgravia offices, talking to the press. Professor of History at Oxford and former and the press were all over the story. President of the British Academy. Staff and You need to establish what the position Allen Chubb, then senior partner at a students at the University send him their really is, and having done that, a steering firm called Child & Child, had apparently congratulations. committee should be appointed to deal rugby-tackled Laura Harold, the wife of a with any media attention, and the They fiddled the figures: do you agree wealthy property developer, after a company should seek to take a proactive or disagree? dispute where he refused to hand over stance, even though it is sometimes Vice-Chancellor, Dr Terence Kealey poses the deeds of her home before an difficult. The instinct is to run for cover in this question in his article and asks why the outstanding bill was settled. the face of a media storm, but remember University of Buckingham was ranked Chubb was ultimately convicted of falsely that there will always be someone, often second in the government agency HEFCE imprisoning and causing actual bodily inside the company, who is disgruntled results. harm to Harold, and faced a three-month and willing to talk about their views on The Times, September 13, 2007 suspension by the Solicitors Disciplinary the issue. Furthermore, journalists are University Guide Tribunal. The tale, unsurprisingly, pretty good at picking up the phone and Buckingham comes top of the National resulted in copious amounts of salacious asking whatʼs really going on, whilst Student Survey (NSS) for the second year media coverage, and that was back in simultaneously offering reassurances to running, scoring 88.2% for overall 1996. Today, the press is even more potential sources that comments will be satisfaction and beating off stiff competition voracious in its pursuit of juicy tales of kept off the record. from rivals Cambridge and The Open wrongdoing, and where professional So you need to make sure everyone in University. services organisations are involved, the your business speaks as a team, and The Sunday Times, September 23, 2007 column inches dedicated to a spur of the you need to make sure your messages moment misdemeanour can often Postgrad MD for Bucks are loud and clear. New Labour comes in appear dramatically out of proportion to The University of Buckingham launched a for many criticisms – a lot of them the story. new two-year Clinical MD programme in justified – but few can fault the way it general internal medicine. The course will The importance of understanding the dealt with press attention in the early start in April 2008 and dean of the school workings of the media, and being days, when MPs were regularly bleeped will be Professor Karol Sikora prepared for their reaction to a business or paged with precise instructions as to Times Higher Education Supplement event, has never been greater, as the what they could say, when and to whom, November 9, 2007 recent experience of Northern Rock in the face of either good or bad news. demonstrates. Today my clients include As part of the damage limitation not just major corporations, but Concerts & Lectures exercise, it is vital that other staff are fully government bodies, owner-managed briefed on what is going on, and are told January-March 2008 businesses and individuals, all of whom as much as is reasonably possible. You feel they could either unwittingly attract Tuesday 12 February do not need to invite the opinions of your the attentions of a journalist, or wish to Amnesty Lecture, Professor Susan junior employees, but you should keep somehow influence the public perception Edwards, Deputy Dean of Law, University them informed of whatʼs happening, safe of their activities. of Buckingham and Mr John Cornwell, in the knowledge that they will probably Buckingham Amnesty Group Any company, however large or small, express a view regardless. needs to think ahead and be ready to Tuesday 4 March Running for cover in the face of calls deal with the media properly in the event Professor Vernon Bogdanor, MA (Oxon) from the media can seem a very of a crisis. This doesnʼt mean burying FBA, Oxford University tempting option, but in the long-term, it your head in the sand when the press will rarely prove to be the best strategy. Tuesday 11 March inquiries start rolling in, but rather Of course it is inadvisable to assault your Professor Peter Cooke, Inaugural Lecture completing a risk analysis and own clients, but what is even more assessment in advance, so that you Thursday 13 March foolhardy is to be unprepared for a know what you will do if something goes The Rt Hon Lord Leonard Hoffmann media reaction. wrong. How will you behave if one of Tuesday 18 March your employees claims unfair dismissal Ronel Lehmann The Rt. Hon. Ann Widdecombe, MP and tells the local paper? What will you (BSc Business Studies ʼ86) do if one your companyʼs suppliers is Chief Executive For further details email found to be cooking its books or sourcing Lehmann Communications Plc [email protected]

3 Alumni at Work

Internship at Hewitt was happy to have the opportunity to take going back to work. part. I feel I benefited from, and really Associates Japan My first assignments were to get enjoyed, the time at Hewitt Associates. I information on companies and investors I had the hope that many people will know and get from European countries. I worked on opportunity to interested in the company and its work. participate in an Spain, France, Sweden, Norway and internship Masatoshi Kaneta Israel. I was getting there. The manager programme (9- 13 (BSc Psychology ʼ06) was happy with me and now I could July 2007) at MSc Management student understand what I was doing (I had no Hewitt Associates Imperial College London idea the first few days) and what was the in Japan (Hewitt benefit of my work for the company. Associates, SUMMER PLACEMENT: On the fourth week of the placement the provider of human manager assigned another project to me. resources Dow Jones London, The project seemed quite the same as outsourcing and consulting services), and Tower Hill the others, but this time I had to use the was so impressed I wanted to tell you companyʼs software and enter my work about it. Having a mission statement When I arrived at directly into the database system. I was “making the world a better place to work”, St Katherine not reporting to the manager every time I Hewitt Associates in Japan provides an Docks on my first finished a job and showed him what I had opportunity to share experiences of day of work I was done. No, this time I was given making the world a better place to work. welcomed by the responsibility. Everything I was doing I Its businesses cover, amongst others, manager of the would enter directly into the database, Talent & Organisation Consulting, and research with my name and the date on it like Retirement Financial Management. The department who everybody else in the team so that we all purpose of the internship programme is to introduced me to knew who had done what and if there help raise the brand recognition and the research team was any change or update to do. This recruiting in the long-term and my and the sales time I was a member of the team. missions as an internship participant team. The team I was to work with were: reminded me very much of Buckingham: The placement was for seven weeks and international, motivated, and from I have to say these seven weeks went • Learn (e.g. participating in a seminar different backgrounds. They were English, really fast. by Maita, the CEO of Hewitt French, Italian, German, Korean, Danish, Associates in Japan) I learned a lot about the private equity and all with high communication skills. Lots of venture capital industry, their sector of • Contribute (e.g. translation work of jokes were going about the acquisition of activities country by country, and region Hewittʼs publication) the Wall Street Journal by News Corp., as by region. And more basically how people well as how Rupert Murdoch has the • Experience (e.g. getting involved in “there” do business. potential to turn the WSJ into another step-by-step work) sensational, eye-catching slogan tabloid. All in all I could not have wished for a • Report (e.g. showing what is learnt The atmosphere was easy. I was given better work experience this summer. to the world) my own office, computer and telephone, Thank you Buckingham and thank you and my first task was to read the Given the translation work, data check, Dow Jones. companyʼs magazines as well as a series and opportunity to participate in the of definitions about the meaning of private Pierre Bridel seminar, I could see more about the equity and venture capital. (BSc Economics ʼ08) aspects of the HR consulting work than I MA Global Affairs student was expecting and I found significant Basically I had to get ready to start to differences in management of work work with the research team within days, regulations by companies. Although I felt and to do so I had to know what they that the step-by-step work is time- were talking about. Everybody there uses STUDY ABROAD consuming and less exciting than other a different vocabulary such as IPO, MBO, The University of Buckingham Study dynamic work, it does build the basis of all LBO, seed round, first round, venture Abroad and Internships Office in HR consulting work, and is therefore capitalists, angels etc. All sorts of association with European Study vitally important. Working with, and abbreviations and expressions I had Abroad (EUSA) help students like helping, other participants meant I was heard of, read about, and others I had no Pierre find work placement even more encouraged, and learnt the clue about at all, were now what I had to opportunities to enhance their career importance of friendship at work. work with. To be honest the first week of prospects. These placements are office work was a real challenge: I was in Maita cited a mission statement of The offered in a wide range of a new environment I was not used to, and Ritz-Carlton Company in his seminar employment areas. I had to get ready to work as a member of “Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies the research team. If you would like more information and Gentlemen.” meaning that please contact Patricia C. Prada professional employees serve Fortunately the members of both teams Jimenez. professional clients. The consultants at (research and sales) were fantastic with Hewitt Associates also have this mission me. At lunch break we were going for a Tel: +44 (0) 1280 820339 statement in mind. Although the quick sandwich outside the office, getting [email protected] internship programme was only 5 days, I some fresh air, and relaxing a bit before

4 Alumni News

I met Baroness who happens to be black and who of my life experiences. Patricia happens to be a woman. It is a significant achievement to attend Scotland In reply to a letter I once wrote the University without having spoken a (picture left) for Baroness, she kindly wrote a note to word of English before and ending up the first time me in which she said, “God has a funny as an English teacher. After graduating when Michael sense of humour… I am…a politician,” from Buckingham, I completed my MA Morris (LLB ʼ01) referring to her early ambitions to be a in Modern English Language at UCL and I arranged a Barrister and change in career. Lifeʼs (University College London) and then visit to the House circumstances are indeed sometimes worked in a College in London as an of Lords when strange and the Baroness has achieved EFL (English as a Foreign Language) we were students and been granted the highest legal Teacher/Lecturer for adults for two at Buckingham University. Baroness office in the land, therefore still realising years. Scotland invited the Society of her early ambitions. Caribbean and Atlantic Students When I returned to Cyprus I began (SoCA), of which I was then President, I have recently been through incredibly teaching English in a private school in to tea. We were so thrilled to be invited harsh life challenges which have rocked Nicosia - Pascal, while at the same time by a woman from the Caribbean who my belief in myself and in my ability to getting my Certificate in CELTYL had distinguished herself in the world of become a lawyer. I have however been (Certificate in English Language law and politics. She was then, and strengthened by these challenges and Teaching to Young Learners) from remains now, an incredibly strong role- have learnt much about life, the pursuit Cambridge University Syndicate and model for young black women. of excellence and myself. I have also also LCCI Higher in Pubic Relations. been motivated by the example of Baroness Scotland was an extremely For the past two summers I taught Baroness Scotland to continue to strive gracious hostess. She appeared English as a Foreign Language to for success and achievement. genuinely interested in our thoughts on foreigners at a summer school based at world matters and constitutional affairs. I hope to meet Baroness Scotland UCL for a couple of months each time. We were fortunate also to observe her again one day and to be as successful This academic year 2006 – 07 I taught formidably debating a Bill in Parliament. as her when I do meet her. She is English to adults in the University of It was an awe inspiring occasion to see simply inspirational. Nicosia / Intercollege, as well as a black woman like myself, from the Cyprus College. Deirdre La Touche very same island from which my (LLB ʼ01) I am currently in the United States as a parents had come, shaping the policy Fulbright Scholar having been selected and laws of Great Britain in the very and appointed as a FLTA (Foreign chambers of power that had shaped the Changing your Language Teaching Assistant) for this policy and laws that had for centuries whole life can be academic year 2007- 08. affected my ancestors in islands daunting. One thousands of miles away. day you are at Vivian Constanta home and the (BA EFL ʼ02) I then met Baroness Scotland again next you are on a when she received an honorary plane and “on doctorate from the University of your own”. Being Buckingham. Baroness Scotland Lost Alumni alone in a foreign eloquently espoused the importance of country, you the Rule of Law in a democratic society Mrs Sarimah Abdul Aziz, studied have never and on the world stage. When I met International Hotel Management, left visited before, in a place where you her then, I remember saying to her that 08/07/1996 know no one and nothing is familiar is when I grow up I want to be just like difficult. Nevertheless, from my first Mr Mohammed Abdul Ghani, her. I was only half-joking. week at Buckingham everyone made studied Law, graduated 07/03/1997 From the first time that I came to know me feel welcome with their hospitality, of Baroness Scotland I have felt a friendliness, helpfulness, and Mr Junaid Abdul Karim, studied particular affinity for and pride in her. cooperation. Accounting and Financial Her accomplishments include being a Management, graduated 23/02/1991 My years at Buckingham made me a founding member of Greys Inn stronger person by discovering my Miss Halima Abdullahi, studied Chambers in London. She is the first inner thoughts, as well as my strengths Business Studies, left 02/08/2001 black woman Attorney-General of the and weaknesses. Buckingham allowed United Kingdom. She has two beautiful Mr Andrew Babalola, studied MBA, me to achieve my maximum potential children and a successful marriage. graduated 01/03/2003 since its environment allows talent to She has been a champion for peopleʼs develop and flourish. rights in her capacities as a lawyer and Miss Corinna Bainbridge, studied Law, left 13/01/1992 a politician. She recognises and Buckingham is a safe and ideal place to upholds her roots from the study and enjoy the experiences of a Miss Fiona Campbell, studied Law, Commonwealth of Dominica but lifetime while at the same time gaining graduated 23/02/1991 embraces her Britishness. a valuable education. By the end of my studies I had come to realise that If you know where these Alumni Baroness Scotland is a shining Buckingham was truly the starting point are, please do let us know. example of a successful human being

5 Alumni News

Life has been full of challenges, with no I returned to the UK to attend the LSE, shortage of perils. I conclude that the earning a Masterʼs degree. I moved to world is not round as suggested but Washington in 1989 and worked for the rather square. The trick is to stay out of U.S. Commerce Department the corners of life, often dead ends, and investigating unfair trade complaints. It at each turn stay true to conviction and was a great experience for a young belief and work out of the box – round person to travel abroad and conduct things off – and march on. Okay, too investigations of companies and philosophical! government subsidy programs but by 1993 I knew that this capitalist was not I am very passionate about Polo, owning meant to be a bureaucrat. I had met my and playing for team ESCUE which won wife in Washington and moved back to My work, life and memories the US Open in 1998, and was defending her home town, Charlotte, North champion in Argentina Open in 2005. I of Buckingham… Carolina, in 1993 to work for First Union have three of the best kids (all polo National Bank. With the exception of one Many moons ago (in 1976/77) I showed players) and a beautiful wife of 22 years. year (1999-2000) at Duke Energy, I have up at the doors of the then University Also some young (4 legged) ladies in the been with First Union (now Wachovia – College of Buckingham. I have to admit barn – all 20 of them! that I was quite entranced by the most the 4th largest bank in the US) ever beautiful and charming personality that At 51, it seems that I left Buckingham just since. My past positions have included first greeted us all – the stunning yesterday – not 20+ years ago. Fond country/bank risk analysis, international receptionist – I will never forget her memories are impossible to dismiss – so corporate banking, and media portfolio happy friendly face and smile – Sandra if folks, study hard but play harder – as one management. Currently, I am Managing I am not mistaken? Well what can I say – wise man once said, its not knowledge or Director for Wachoviaʼs Energy & Power I had to get in – education was intelligence that will get you there, it is all portfolio management, where I lead a secondary! about ATTITUDE. Thatʼs what I team that underwrites, syndicates, and graduated with and it has carried me manages loans to Wachoviaʼs Energy & There were a handful of students in my through life with no regrets. Power corporate clients. school (Economics), 7 of us out of a total of 180. Always smile, respect everyone and Most importantly, my wife Linda and I remain focused. And yes, send your kids spend much of our time involved in the It was an amazing experience – we had a to Buckingham! lives of our three boys – Matthew (11), global community in this small town with Jack (9) and Mark (9). I coach soccer Sohail Quraeshi the smallest university population - from and basketball teams year-round. (BSc Econ ʼ81) Royalty to unknown – all wearing UCB Swimming and baseball also work their sweatshirts. Lets just call it the Saturday way into our schedule. We are very Night Fever Era! involved in our church and try to focus on There was plenty of drinking at our local raising our children in a faithful Christian student union bar and the Mitre pub and environment. the food at the café was actually quite I told my oldest son the other day that he good. There was a distinct shortage of and I might need to find a cheap airfare beautiful women, but no shortage of and go to England so we can visit some weird individuals while our car park was, old friends and I can show him some of at times, valued higher than our my “memories.” My hope for him is that buildings, making us not quite the place he can find as memorable and treasured of study for the then Labour party experience as the one I had at UB. diehards. It has been a long time (20 years) since I Larry Sullivan I had the good fortune of making true attended the University of Buckingham (Occasional Student ʼ87) friends at Buckingham, some lost in the as an “occasional” student (to Americans course of growing up and apart and this was always a very amusing, and others still in touch. Chris Hollis, still a fitting term). At the time, Lehigh Advertising champ, and Squeeky still a darling. University had a popular semester Soon after graduating, I set sail – arriving abroad program with UB. Nine Lehigh With a circulation of 8,500, the in style, like most boat people – to the students attended (John Fleming, Pete Independent would like to publicise United States. No, not the Mayflower Winebrake, Margaret LaForce, Liz the businesses of alumni. and not an illegal Cuban, but the Queen Lindahl, Robin Paoli, Steve Stryzlecki, Elizabeth 2. Patty Hall, and Julie Shumofsky). We had a great experience at UB getting to know The cost will be: quarter page £50 Having spent my first six years as an the other students, professors, and staff, half page £100, full page £200 investment banker in Boston, I went on to as well as traveling all around Europe. I become a Venture Capitalist and have keep in touch with several of the UB All in colour and based on A4 size stayed in that field till today. Currently I friends I made that semester and can sheet. am Chairman and CEO of a private safely say that they are cherished, Equity Firm that I founded in Beijing, lifelong friends. Please contact Wang Capital. +44 (0)1280 820230 After UB and a B.A. from Lehigh in 1988, [email protected]

6 Alumni News

I graduated from Buckingham in 1993. understanding business and accounting children, we negotiate leases on their Writing this brief article is a good issues across a broad range of behalf and support their tenancy opportunity to share my journey since I organisations. Hmmmm…. management needs during their stay. graduated, and how my time at Today, I am the Managing Director for Iʼm not too sure what drove my decision Buckingham has helped to shape some EMEA; we employ approximately 150 to specialise in Corporate Tax. I still of the decisions made along the way. people based in London and in Paris and wonder sometimes, but in any case, I have been growing at a rate of 20% a joined KPMG as a Corporate Tax Advisor year for the last 2 years. Long may it for the Entertainment and Travel industry continue! shortly upon qualifying. I was fortunate to join at a time when the .com bubble was After some initial difficulty in “letting go” (I inflating. I was also part of the tax team attended some 6 or 7 graduation balls servicing a small budget airline called after graduating…), I havenʼt actually easyJet (before they went Public). It was visited the University in quite some time. fascinating (in a strange, “I enjoy tax” Nevertheless, throughout the last 14 sort of way) to be involved in the whole years there is an aspect of my life, you Public Offering and receiving the odd could say, that has remained forever email from Stelios. Buckingham: the great bunch of guys that I met during my stay there, and Marco with his daughter, Amélie May However, after six years at KPMG, one (Milly May) whom I still meet regularly today. As the wife, two daughters and an MBA later, I University aspires to grow in size and decided it was time to join a smaller I moved to London straight after status, I hope it will retain the organisation. Enter Pricoa Relocation. graduating. I was keen to find something fantastically diverse pool of students and Pricoa Relocation is part of Prudential that combined both an opportunity to staff that I was fortunate to be part of, Financial, a large US Insurance and continue my academic development as and continue to promote the close Investment company. We help well as kick-start a professional career environment that has enabled me to find companies (predominantly Financial within a business-oriented environment. the enduring friendships that were made Services organisations) move their Finance seemed to fit the bill. I worked during my “Buckingham years”, and that employees into Europe; so we find them for a medium-sized Accountancy firm in endure to this day. temporary accommodation at the the City for four years and qualified as a beginning of their assignment, Marco Previero Chartered Accountant in 1997. This permanent housing for them and their (BSc Econ ʼ93) provided me with a solid grounding in family, appropriate schools for their

Nigerian Alumni Update

Honorable Justice Gbaja-Biamila (Law Other Nigerian Law graduates from the ʼ82), Honorable Justice S.O Nwaka University are mostly in private practice (LLB ʼ86) and Honorable Justice Tunde and are doing very well in Lagos State Oshodi (LLB ʼ86). and many other States in Nigeria. The credit goes to the highly knowledgable While on the lower lecturers we were privileged to be taught bench (the by – Dr Clifford Hall and Mr Irving Magistracy) in Stevens, to name but two. Lagos State are the following alumni: Adefunmilayo Tejuoso and Mrs Eniola Nike Animasaun Fabamwo (née I want to take this opportunity to let you Koleoso) (LLB know of some of the successes of our ʼ91) (picture right) Nigerian alumni. I hope you might like to Mrs Nike see what they are doing now, and how Animasaun (née Senbanjo) (LLB ʼ87) prominent many of them are: Mrs Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi (née Smith) (LLB ʼ87) Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (LLB ʼ92) is Mrs Jumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu (née the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi Olateru-Olagbegi) house of Assembly, the legislative arm of the Lagos State Government, and is As you may know, Lagos is a centre of Many thanks to the publishers of the serving her second term. excellence in Nigeria, which goes to Independent, who enable us to look back show that Buckingham has produced and remember the good old days at the There are also a number of Law excellent material for that most University! graduates doing well in their competitive State, especially in the legal chosen fields. In the Lagos State Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi field. judiciary a number of alumni sit as High (LLB ʼ87) Court Judges in the State. They are

7 Engagements… Marriages…

Nigel Hawkins (BA PEL ʼ78), Emma Births Congratulations to all King (née Saxby) (BSc Business Studies ʼ00), Anthony Edwards (BSc these alumni who have Business Studies ʼ00, MBA ʼ01), Dan recently married, become Day (BSc Business Economics ʼ99) engaged or added to and Faye Geoghegan (LLB ʼ04). their families:

Engagements

Anna Harvard (LLB Law ʼ07) is happy to announce the birth of her daughter. Evelyn Barbara was born on 16 February 2007 weighing 7lbs 7oz.

After ten years of being in love, Trang Nguyen (MBA ʼ05) tied the knot with her fiancé, Minh Bui. The couple had their Philipp Kleyser (LLM ʼ02) is happy to wedding on 6 April 2007. They are very announce his engagement to Amelie pleased their former classmates sent Heuser, which took place on 14 July them greetings. They now live in Hanoi, 2007 in Paris. Philipp says the wedding Vietnam. will take place in Germany in the middle of next year.

Marriages

Guido von Rohr (BSc Business Studies ʼ94) and Christina (BA Politics and History ʼ99) share the photo of their second baby boy Konstantin. ʻBorn on 8 June 2007, the second one is keeping us on our toes, demanding his milk at 2:30am.ʼ

James Baker (LLB ʼ06, LLM ʼ07) and Xiaojing Yu (MSc IHM ʼ05) are happy to announce that after their marriage in Charlie Venn (née Brooker) (BSc Beijing in December 2006 a blessing Business Studies ʻ00, LLB ʻ03) and her was held on 21 July 2007 in Bradford husband Robert are delighted to Abbas, Dorset attended by family and announce their marriage which took friends, including a large contingent place on 7 July 2007. coming from Buckingham. They were thrilled to be surrounded by The guests braved unseasonable family and friends including their Maid of flooding in Buckingham and torrential Honour Elizabeth Saxby (BSc rain all through the day in Bradford Business Studies ʼ00), their Best Man Abbas but this did not hamper the John Pattinson (LLB ʼ80), Jane Howell Uzoamaka Izuora-Nsien (LLB ʼ99) and fantastic day, which was enjoyed by all. (née Henderson) (LLB ʼ83) and her her husband Michael had a baby girl The happy couple are now living in husband Andrew (BSc AFM ʼ80), Dr Angel Uyaiobong (beauty of God) Buckingham. Terence Kealey, the Vice Chancellor, Afomachukwu (the Grace of God) Nsien Professor Alistair Alcock (former on 2 August 2007. Born on Thursday at Deputy Vice Chancellor), Anne 7:28am. She weighed 7.5 pounds. Uzo Matsuoka (PR/Alumni Office), Eddie said, ʻMichael and I are so happy to have Shoesmith (Business School), Sheena our long awaited bundle of joy. Sheʼs our McMurtrie (former Tutorial Fellow, Law angel and in perfect health. I am enjoying School), Sheila Taylor (SU Office), motherhood. Itʼs an awesome job.ʼ

8 …and Births

Andrea Welby (née Kelly) (BSc Ailsa Dennett (LLB ʼ97) told us her Donna Hardman (née Wiseman, former Economics ʼ87) happily announces the birthday was rather quiet this year HR Dept) gave birth to a beautiful baby new addition to the family. because of their new arrival. girl at 12.36pm on Sunday 21 October 2007. She weighed a whopping 8lb 7oz. ʻOn Tuesday 4 September 2007 my ʻMiss Belinda Rachel Dennett arrived Donna and her husband Trev named the husband Chris and myself had a baby on 11 September 2007 weighing in at 8lb girl Eleanor Chloe. Both Eleanor and boy whom we have named William 8oz and has turned our worlds upside Mum are very well. Michael. He was 7lb 10oz when he was down - in a good way! We are settling in born. Andrea and William are well. We well although she has made us realise in are enjoying parenthood but it is very a very short amount of time exactly who hard work.ʼ is boss!!ʼ

Antonia Thompson-Carey (LLB ʼ91) and her husband Andre are happy to announce the birth of a baby girl, Austin Aloysius Tay (LLM ʼ04) who Veselin Bandev and Shulian Zhang Gabriela Elise, sister to four-year old wants to share good news says: ʻSelina (both MBA ʼ04) were really thrilled that Xavier. Gabriela was born on 23 Hon (née Chen) (BSc Psychology with their baby girl Sophia Veselinova January in Hong Kong. “She is a English Language ʼ03) (husband Bandeva was delivered safely at 17:07 wonderful addition to our family and she Johnny, Fellow of the University) on 16 October 2007 in Tokuda hospital, and Xavier are crazy about one another recently gave birth to a baby girl. Cecilia Sofia, Bulgaria. She was 50cm at birth … hope it lasts!” Hon was born on 6 September at and weighed 3.42kg. 8:33am in Hong Kong.ʼ Shulian says: ʻWe named her Sophia, as Sofia is the city where Ves and I registered our marriage in 2004, where we are living now, as well as where she was born.ʼ

Yusrin Faidz Yusoff (LLB Law ʼ93) says ʻFaris Irfan was one year old on 21 July 2007 (photographed with my wife, Rashidah Rasib). We can tell that things are just going to get more exciting as time goes on.ʼ

9 University News

Postgraduate The distinguishing features of the UBMS NHS hospital trusts approached as well Medical School course include: as the chief executives of independent sector healthcare providers. The concept • Response to UK and global market Itʼs a very exciting of an independent medical school outlook and local demographic time in medical captures the continuing drive towards changes. education at public-private joint ventures and growing Buckingham. • Innovative entry for successful involvement of the private sector in the Britainʼs only graduates likely to increase diversity provision of front line services in both independent of entry into medicine health and education. University is going • International student mix with 50% Professor Karol Sikora to be offering two UK; 50% international (including Dean of the Medical School courses. A 25% from EU) postgraduate medical school (to • Design and delivery especially train already qualified doctors and award attractive to mature entrants a Clinical MD) will open in September Message from • Designed to provide alignment for 2008. Its first entry will be 24 students Dr Sum-Wah Lam students to link to US Medical and this will subsequently increase to 50 Licensure Examination requirements students per year. They will be based at I spent 3 hours with Professor Kerry Shephard, who was my thesis Buckingham, Ealing Hospital, London; St • Fast track four year integrated full supervisor at the Unviersity of Richards Hospital, Chichester and Royal time programme based in clinical Buckingham, on Friday 14 September Gwent Hospital, Newport. The course will centres and at UB be divided into seven clinical modules of 2007 here in Hong Kong, while he was in ten weeks each (cardiology, respiratory • Distance learning provision transit from the UK to New Zealand. He medicine, gastroenterology, infectious throughout the course has not changed too much since the last time we met twenty years ago in 1987. diseases, critical care, diabetes and • A rich supported learning endocrinology, emergency medicine) and environment intertwining science Kerry is now Director of the Higher last for 2 years full time. There will also be and clinical teaching using a unique, Education Development Center at the a Buckingham module focussing on web-based, distributed clinical University of Otago in New Zealand. His ethics, accountancy, legal issues, learning system will distinguish this wife, Sally, a registered physiotherapist, molecular medicine, statistics, programme from the existing is now a student taking courses in Fine management and audit. The relevant provision. Arts in New Zealand. His little son, Tom, contracts have been signed by the is eleven years old receiving primary • Novel use of IT to disseminate and hospitals and the curriculum already education in an aided school in New monitor use of teaching material approved by UB after external peer Zealand. His other children have review. • Student, patient and public completed their university education. The graduate entry medical school is involvement in curriculum Jacob, the elder one, with a chemistry being created by bringing together a development proposed degree from the University of Bristol and Katie with a fine arts degree from consortium of clinical partners from both • High levels of student support and University College London. Kerry is still the public and private sector. This allows career guidance selected candidates who already have very competitive; he is also very degrees to enter a fast tracked 4 year • Recognition of more pluralistic competent in his work. I hope he and his programme to become a qualified doctor. healthcare delivery landscape family will continue to have a prosperous Teaching will take place at several demonstrated through clinical and happy life in New Zealand. experience in NHS and private hospitals including Milton Keynes, What I have written is to share with hospitals and community facilities Bedford, Stoke Mandeville, Ealing and for friends from the University of the first time in several major London • Unique model for clinical training can Buckingham the joy of meeting Kerry private hospitals. UBMS plans to take its be re-produced in other parts of again. I hope I can be in touch with first cohort of 100 students in September Britain/abroad – presenting the friends who have not been in 2009. opportunity for satellite centres. communication with me for the past twenty years. We have discussed this proposal with the • Individual clinical mentor and GMC, the DH and our potential clinical professional development supervisor Dr Sum-Wah Lam partners who have all welcomed this throughout the course (DIP Fisheries Psychology ʼ88) strategy which creates Britainʼs first truly independent Medical School. We have • Excellence in both internal and now field tested the implications of our external quality assurance distributed model with several of our • Full compliance with UK General partners who are enthusiastic but Medical Council and WHO concerned that they receive realistic guidelines payment. We have negotiated with the University of Leicester Medical School to There is tremendous enthusiasm for such version their graduate entry curriculum a venture from clinicians in both hospitals materials into the form required for the and general practices which was mirrored UBMS distributed learning system. This by the considered corporate responses course has full GMC approval. from the management of the relevant

10 University News

The MA in Global Affairs consummate, indeed, flattering. note of congratulations on United Nations Security Council headed programme Consisting in two terms of global notepaper. And so, when I designed the governance (global politics and When I took my MA in Global Affairs programme for institutions), two terms of international degree in Politics, Buckingham, I made Professional law (public international law and law of Economics and Skills Training and Testing central to international trade and investment), two Law at the entire programme – without it, the terms of history (evolution of the state Buckingham programme could not properly be called system and of global society), two terms almost 30 years ʻa professional training programmeʼ. of global economics and finance, two ago, I never terms of security flashpoints and other thought I would global issues, one term of global one day return to I would not give the Professional Skills environmental politics and one term of teach here. Training and Testing to any institution, negotiations, the programme is so When, in but I gave it without hesitation to my comprehensive that it prepares – indeed, November 2005, the Vice-Chancellor Buckingham University. over prepares – its graduates for senior alma mater , and the Dean of Humanities, Professor employment in virtually any sector in the The success of the MA in Global Affairs Martin Ricketts, asked me to design an 21st century world, be it public office and must wisely be followed by a period of MA for the Department of Economics government service including diplomatic consolidation. But watch this space: and International Studies that would be service, trade and industry, commerce another unique, inimitable and equally uniquely attractive, the task was not at all and finance, multinational corporations, revolutionary MA has already been daunting. The idea of such a global civil society organisations, non- designed and will soon be launched by programme had been with me for over a government organisations, international the Department of Economics and decade and had grown largely out of the organisations, and serious journalism. International Studies at Buckingham advisory work I did for Foreign and other No other MA in the world offers such a University. Ministries of the major Powers. The comprehensive range of courses that resulting programme was the MA in Dr Charles Henn together give graduates this full Global Affairs, with the distinctive Consultant Professor understanding of the modern world. subtitle, ʻa professional training Founding Director of the MA in Global programmeʼ. Launched in September Added to the unique and inimitable Affairs programme with only a modest amount of marketing scope of the programme is what I regard from March till September 2006, it as the jewel in the crown – the unique attracted 33 applicants of whom 11 were Professional Skills Training and Testing. admitted. In April 2007, another 7 were I had quietly and rather secretly Tui Design admitted out of 37 applicants; and in developed the Professional Skills September 2007, as the first intake of 11 Training and Testing during the 15 years students completed the programme, 7 I taught Public International Law for were admitted out of 65 applicants. The Diplomatic and International Studies at statistics speak for themselves. Birmingham Universityʼs Graduate School of Political Science and The instant success of the programme is International Studies. My colleagues not surprising. It is, after all, unique and there only looked at me quizzically or inimitable. Buckinghamʼs four-term blankly whenever I mentioned it; nobody twelve-month academic year makes it was really interested in it, and that was easy to create unique and inimitable just how I wanted it to be. The programmes. With three courses per Professional Skills Test part of my course term, students receive twelve courses for at Birmingham was worth only 5% of the roughly the same amount of money they final mark, but it involved a tremendous would have to pay if they were enrolled amount of additional work for the at state universities where they would students as well as for me receive only six courses taught over two Sarah Jane Myhill (approximately two hours per student). terms (three per term), where the third However, year after year, my students Meadowcroft House and final term is used for examinations would tell me that the Professional Skills Lenborough Rd and where the summer is used for the Training was the most enjoyable and Buckingham rather leisurely writing of a 12,000 word most rewarding part of the course. MK18 1DH dissertation. Buckinghamʼs MA in Global Among my many grateful students was Affairs is therefore excellent value for one from China who, despite his less money. However, the intensity of the Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1280 815594 than perfect English, consistently twelve-course programme coupled with surprised his internship supervisor at the E-mail: [email protected] the professional skills training does United Nations Security Council by mean that only high-flyers would want to For Buckingham scenery always being the first to find materials he apply - and that is just as it should be. I paintings, please log on to was asked to find and the first to tell my students that apart from learning www.tuidesign.com complete professional tasks he was the substance of the various courses, “I asked to complete, notwithstanding the Commssions taken for will teach you the meaning of discipline fact that he was the only non-law Buckingham alumni and hard work, and you will like it.” And graduate among that yearʼs interns. It they do. The feedback has been was most gratifying when I received a

11 University News

News from the Foundation Clore Laboratory stunning location. Tickets will be very limited and will be £60 per head. If you I commend to everyone the support of By the time you wish to reserve your place, please contact Professor Mike Cawthorne and his Clore receive this issue, me as soon as possible. the 2007 colleaguesʼ work on obesity and diabetes. Foundation year Many of you will be aware from your own Deaths or your familyʼs experience how prevalent will be almost at I am sad to report the deaths of two of our type 2 diabetes is throughout the world an end. However, honorary graduates, Sir John Burnett in today, and its incidence is growing. as I write my July and Dr L M Singhvi in October, and Donations are always welcome for the column, it is a one of our patrons, Sir Edward Tomkins, valuable research which is being wonderful sunny an eminent diplomat, in September. Their undertaken at Buckingham into this autumnal day in obituaries are reported elsewhere in the problem. Mike led the research team Buckingham, and Independent but I must record my thanks which discovered the insulin sensitiser winter still seems very far away. to Dr Singhvi for his help in obtaining drug Avandia. Mike was also responsible recognition of the Buckingham law degree The Foundation has enjoyed a good year for writing a significant part of the UK by the Indian Bar Association. to date although the summer period is Governmentʼs recent Foresight report on always our quietest time when we are able obesity. General Sir John Hackett ʻs widow also to contemplate and plan our future died in May 2007, Sir John who pre- Scholarships activities. deceased his wife was one of our Donations The Leathersellersʼ Livery Company in honorary graduates. London offers a competitive scholarship Visit to Sarajevo School of Science and Donations this year are close to the for any student who has resided in the UK Technology £500,000 mark and it is wonderful to see for three years, who wishes to undertake a how generous our alumni are becoming second degree. The degree may be either In mid-October, I made one of my bi- as they reach a successful point in their at undergraduate or postgraduate level, annual visits to Sarajevo to visit SSST post-Buckingham careers. We hope to and in any subject. Do contact me if you where, as always, I was made most end the year on a high note and I know would like further details. welcome. Emir Ganic, an MBA alumnus is that with the help of all our supporters that now working at SSST. At the end of this The Athenaeum Lunch that is likely to be so. academic year, SSSTʼs first students will Prebend House On December 3, the Vice-Chancellor will graduate which will be a wonderful host the annual lunch in London to thank achievement for them and their professors As so many of you know, the renovation of all those who have been major supporters who have seen them through the 4 year Prebend House has always been high on of the University. degree programme. my list of priorities. However, time is no longer on my side. Unless I can raise The Annual Buckingham Early in October 40 students registered for £1.75 million in the very near future, I fear in London Dinner the two new programmes in economics and political science. that the University may have to part with This dinner which is open to our alumni, the property before it deteriorates still our honorary graduates and our donors Our baby is thriving and Buckingham feels further. There is a faint optimism on my will be held on May 1 2008 at the like a proud parent! part that one of our Independent readers Leathersellersʼ Hall in London. The Livery Dr Mary Welstead may know of a generous donor who would Company has very kindly allowed us to Director of the University of like to safeguard this property for the use their hall for the second year running. Buckingham Foundation University before it is too late. My It will be a glittering occasion with Tel: +44 (0) 1280 820263 telephone line and email box are open! wonderful food, interesting guests, and a [email protected]

Honorary Degree for Sir Rhodes Boyson

An Honorary Degree (DLitt) was the then DES were opposed to conferred on Sir Rhodes Boyson the idea of an independent on Thursday 20 September in university. recognition for his unerring Because Sir Rhodes was not well support in helping Buckingham enough to travel to Buckingham, gain its Royal Charter in 1983. As arrangements were made for a Under-Secretary of State for special, though low key, Education at that time Sir Rhodes ceremony at the nursing home liaised closely with Professor Sir where he now lives. The Vice- Alan Peacock (the University Chancellor and the Graduation College's last Principal as well as Officer travelled from the University's first Vice- Buckingham, picking up Sir Alan Chancellor) to help him achieve on the way. Also present were University status for Buckingham Lady Boyson and one of their - not an easy task as officials in Sir Rhodes Boyson (fourth from left), next to Professor Sir Alan daughters. Peacock, with his family and the Vice-Chancellor and Graduation Officer

12 University News

Who, Whom? Unresolved adopted the function test – whether the Lecture on entrepreneurship Judicial Review function of the organisation concerned, as opposed to statutory foundation, was On the 3 October Chris Smith On the evening of of a public nature. Michael discussed (European Studies ʼ84) returned to the 29 May 2007, the subsequent cases, inter alia, the University after 23 years and gave a University was National Greyhound Racing Club and the lecture regarding “The Highs and Lows delighted to Jockey Club, neither of which are of being an Entrepreneur”. welcome the amenable to judicial review; parochial The attendance was higher than Honourable church council, which the House of expected and Chris gave the audience Michael Beloff Lords, by a majority, held was a hybrid not just an insight into the pleasures and Q.C. of public authority, and nursing homes, both disappointments someone might have in Blackstone private and local authority owned. the life of an entrepreneur but also Chambers, to Michael also discussed the interpretation valuable lessons for life itself. deliver his given by the courts to ʻpublic authorityʼ inaugural lecture as Visiting Professor of contained in the Human Rights Act 1998, Law before an audience of students, s.6(1), which provides that it is unlawful academics and other staff and visitors. for a such an authority to act in a way incompatible with a Convention right. Michael Beloff was introduced by Whilst suggesting that these definitions Professor Susan Edwards of the Law will need to be harmonised he pointed School, who in emphasising the out that in European law ʻemanation of international reknown of the speaker said the stateʼ contains a different analysis that in searching the Lexis data base she again, as demonstrated in Foster v had found in excess of 100,000 entries British Gas, in 1991 in which he for him. Suffice to say that he is appeared for British Gas. described as a ʻsuperstar silk who does Chris (second from right) with Dr Mary Skinner, a lot of things very wellʼ and ʻa showman In connection with standing, Michael Kyriakos (far right) and other students (with) incredible brainpowerʼ and reviewed early decisions, such as ex ʻimmense experienceʼ. He has appeared parte National Federation of Self- Chris made a full presentation on three more than 40 times in the House of employed and Small Businesses and ex companies that he started as business Lords, ten times in the Privy Council, ten parte Rose Theatre Trust case, where projects and that have now expanded all times in the European Court of Justice, ʻbusybodiesʼ were held not to have over the world. The companies were: eight times in the European Court of sufficient interest in the matter to bring Inspecs, Maratex and GreenPower. Human Rights, and in Courts in Hong an application for judicial review. Kong, Bermuda, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Michael outlined the case law that One of the biggest and most successful Gibraltar, Singapore, Trinidad, Brunei demonstrates how the courts have business projects that Chris started, and Belfast. moved from treating ʻstandingʼ as a together with another alumnus of the threshold precondition to recognising University (Robin Totterman, PEL ʼ85), Being a leading silk in, inter alia, that unless access to judicial review is is the Inspecs Group, a Bath-based administrative and public law it was given to individuals and groups not company that has more than 600 fitting that his lecture focused on two directly affected by the decision being employees and forecasts revenues of particular topical aspects of judicial challenged, the decision may go about €65 million ($83 million) in 2006, review; the definition attributed by the unchallenged. This was demonstrated up about 24% on 2005. Inspecs courts to ʻpublic lawʼ for the purposes of by the granting of leave to pressure designs, manufactures and distributes judicial review, and the issue of groups such as the World Development spectacle frames all over the world. This ʻstandingʼ or ʻsufficient interestʼ. Michael Movement, Greenpeace and The year they were awarded the Queenʼs combined a review of the law in these National Trust. Most recently leave was Award for Enterprise as well as the areas with both humour and panache. granted to Remedy UK, the group Optician Award for Optical Product of the He outlined the legislative framework for formed by junior hospital doctors to Year. judicial review, contained in the Supreme challenge the decision of the Secretary Court Act, 1981, s.31 and Rule 54, Civil GreenPower is a business project that of State to proceed with the computer Procedure Rules, and through a number has as a primary goal to cut significantly based Medical Training Application of decided cases demonstrated a carbon dioxide emissions for HGVʼs by Service (MTAS). progressive relaxation towards the developing a unique dual fuel system. categorisation of cases that fall within the Following questions, William Lo, a Law The lecture went very well indeed and ambit of public law and are therefore student, presented Mrs Beloff with a both Chris and the audience thoroughly subject to judicial review, and also the bouquet and the law school entertained enjoyed it. standing of such cases for judicial review Mr and Mrs Beloff to a buffet, during purposes. which many students had the opportunity Kyriakos Armenakis to talk with our guests. Current Law student In connection with the definition of ʻpublic lawʼ, Michael said that since OʼReilly v Dr Helen Desmond Mackman in 1983, in which the House of Director of LLM Lords adopted the principle of exclusivity, the law had reached a high water mark in the city takeover case of ex parte Datafin, in which the House of Lords

13 University News

International Conference Message from Alumni Office Memorial Garden in Beijing Since the last It is with great pleasure that we show I had an issue of the below photographs of the newly opportunity to Independent a lot completed Memorial Garden. This was present a paper at has changed. As funded from the Alumni Annual Fund and an International some of you may is the first major project that the Fund Conference jointly already know, I has undertaken. It has also paid for organized by have recently left flooring in the refurbished Bar in the Mill IARIW my old role as and for an LCD flatscreen TV in the Mill, (International Alumni Annual but the Memorial Garden has been the Association for Fund and Country biggest, and most visible, project so far. Groups Co- Research in There will be a grand opening on Friday, ordinator to take the place of Lauren in Income and 22nd February 2008 at 3pm and Mr the Publicity Office. I have taken my Wealth) and NBS (National Bureau of Wilhelm Bourne (LLB ʼ87) the Attorney- place in the hot seat on the landing and Statistics, China). The Conference was held General of Anguilla, has been invited to am very much looking forward to the in Beijing in September 2007 with over 100 cut the ribbon and formally open the challenges ahead. As I have now academics and senior staff attending. The Memorial Garden. Anyone who is going handed over the role to Helen Miller I paper was entitled, “The Postwar Japanese to be here for Graduation on the 23rd is thought it only fair to give you all a quick Economy: Some Cautionary Lessons for most welcome indeed to attend the update on the annual fund. China from the Japanese Experience,” which ceremony. At that time we will remember fortunately attracted a strong interest among All has been going well with the plans for those alumni, staff and students whom participants. the memorial garden and I am delighted we have lost over the years, and we The Chinese economy has witnessed rapid to announce that work began on 23 hope that the garden will become a place economic growth and remarkable progress October and is now complete. If you of peace and contemplation, changing since 1979. The country is undergoing havenʼt already seen the plan and and evolving with the seasons. photos of what the area looks like then similar and dissimilar economic experiences Our thanks go to everyone who has please log on to: to those of the Japanese rapid growth period contributed to the Annual Fund - your https://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/alumn (1950-73). The two countries shared most of generosity is very much appreciated, et/news-garden.aspx. the gloomy sides (congestion, pollution, particularly by the students who are the social imbalance and inflation) and some With the donations made so far to the recipients of your kindness. We will be bright sides (increased income, material annual fund we have been able to set sending out our second Annual Fund standard of living, and employment). Various aside money to give to the student union letter shortly, but for those of you who differences existed, however, between the to provide a new ʻbig screenʼ television have given already we will be inviting two countries both at the starting point of for the refectory and we hope to you to a tea party at Westminster in the expansion and in their respective growth purchase one soon. Spring of 2008. We very much hope that strategies. The Japanese experiences many of you will be able to attend. provide some valuable lessons for China to I would also like to mention that while enable it to cope with the more unwelcome working in the alumni office I created an downside effects and distortions brought ʻup-date leafletʼ for the annual fund to let about by rapid industrial change. staff and students know how it has been developing and where the money has The paper explained why economic growth been and will be spent in the future. I did not always lead directly to the hope that you will all have a look at a pdf improvement of household living standards. version, which is available on this page. The paper investigated some of the causes https://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/alumn that were included in the measurement of et/ubf-aaf.aspx. GDP that reflects the cost of market failures theoretically and empirically. The paper Finally, I am exceptionally pleased to Memorial Garden, under construction considered the use of NNW (Net National have become the new PR and Media Welfare) and the measurement of Communications Co-ordinator. This role happiness, investigating their properties. is highly relevant to my degree in Media Finally, the paper briefly outlined the Communications and English and getting proposal for a basic design towards a high a job in this area has been my goal since satisfaction level society, which included the graduating from university. I have been discussion of social balance. given a fabulous opportunity and am working with a fantastic team of kind and The paper originated from a presentation I hugely supportive people. As part of my made to the Economics and International new role I will be writing the ʻBuckingham Studies Seminar series of Buckingham in the Newsʼ section of the Independent University in August 2006. I am grateful for so please do let me know of any media the comments made by the then participants. coverage you have had or will be getting. Memorial Garden Professor Mitsuhiko Iyoda Bethany Carter For further details of what is (DPhil Economics ʼ96) PR/Media Communications happening with the fund please look Momoyama Gakuin Co-ordinator on the AlumNet site at (St. Andrewʼs) University www.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet

14 University News Obituaries Sir John Burnett the Refectory on 19 January 1977 and Neil Cawley since then the group has worked tirelessly (1912-2007) (1957-2007) to raise funds for and support Buckingham Sir John Burnett, students. Sir Edward became President of It was with great who died in Oxford the Friends in 1985 and was also a Patron sadness that we at the end of July of the University. Sir Edward and Lady learnt of the death at the age of 85, Tomkins kindly hosted various events at of Neil on the was a Winslow Hall over the years including some morning of 7 distinguished committee meetings. Although he had September. Neil academic and retired as President Sir Edward stayed in studied Law at university touch with the University and he will be Buckingham, administrator sadly missed. graduating in whose influence 1989. His funeral was of great took place on 12 assistance in gaining the Royal Charter for Dr Singhvi (Hon Grad) September 2007. It was a private family Buckingham. He also served on our funeral in accordance with his wishes. A Academic Advisory Council for many years. L.M. Singhvi, India's longest-serving High Requiem Mass was held on the 22 He believed in academic innovation and Commissioner to the United Kingdom, died September at St. Edward the Confessor in the two year degree, saying that the long on 6 October 2007 in Delhi. He was a great Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes. Mr summer vacation was only there to allow friend of Margaret Thatcher who introduced Irving Stevens, Senior Lecturer in the Law students to return to the family farm to help him to the University of Buckingham during School and Mr Gordon Goldberg, retired with the harvest. His last demanding his time in London; Dr Singhvi hosted a Law lecturer, attended the Mass. Our administrative post was that of Vice- dinner at his residence for the University thoughts go out to his wife Serene and their Chancellor and Principal of Edinburgh and in honour of Margaret Thatcher. He children. University, but he maintained a foothold in also helped the University obtain his chosen discipline, mycology. In this, his recognition of the Buckingham Law degree research interests ranged from the genetics to enable students to become members of Memories of of certain fungal groups to their complex the Indian Bar Association. In 1993, Dr structure. Extensive appraisals of his Singhvi was awarded an honorary LLD by Chris Codrai (1955-2007) contributions to botanical science can be the University of Buckingham. Chris Codrai (LLB ʼ79) was one of life's found in the tributes in the "Independent" Dr. Singhvi was truly a renaissance man: nice guys. He was one of Buckingham's and the "Times" newspapers. he was a scholar; a statesman; an eminent first seven students. Before the University officially opened, they ran a French jurist; an excellent linguist; patron of all Professor Alan Brook language course for some of the first year forms of arts and Indian culture; a in-take at the University Libre de Lille. constitutional expert and scholar; an John Clarke came out and introduced Sir Edward Tomkins illustrious diplomat and an able Chris to me and a motley band of parliamentarian. He wrote prolifically both undergraduates including, amongst (1915-2007) prose and poetry. From 1998 to 2004 he others, Paddy Kealing, Robin Neil and It is with great was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Derek Thresher. On the course, I am not sadness that the Party of the Rajya Sabha, India's sure that Chris learnt much French, but University heard of Parliament. He was responsible for we did our best to sample much of what the death of Sir initiating a programme of interaction with France had to offer. Indians living abroad. Edward Tomkins I can't help but think that Chris is one of on 20 September. Buckingham's great successes. He was a Following a quiet man, full of charm, thoughtfulness distinguished and consistency. Chris and I had career in the diametrically opposing views on many issues, like the Arab/Israeli conflict, but he Diplomatic Service had the ability to discuss and ultimately Sir Edward and agree or disagree with one in a civilised Lady Tomkins retired to Winslow Hall manner. He was a man who you could where they immersed themselves in local count on for reliability and friendship. Such affairs. As well as being elected to people are rare. Buckinghamshire County Council (as vice- Dr Singhvi (bottom right) with Baroness Thatcher It is not surprising that, in an environment chairman of the education committee), and and the other honorary graduates of 1993 chairman of governors at Stowe School, Sir that stimulated logical debate and Edward has always been a strong His wife Kamla Singhvi, his son Abhishek sensible compromise, Chris would do well supporter of the University of Buckingham Singhvi, also a member of Rajya Sabha, - as reflected in his rise to be IFAD's and was on the founding committee of the and his daughter Abhilasha, a senior general counsel. I am sure that I speak for many Buckingham graduates...that we will Friends of the University, in the role of advocate, survive Dr Singhvi. remember Chris will great affection. Chairman, alongside Ralph Yablon who Dr Mary Welstead was President. Paul Seligman (PEL ʼ79) The Friends held their inaugural dinner in

15 Comments – AGAIN, Buckingham Tops the Poll

“Fantastic! You certainly deserve it! It China! Keep up the good work and spirit high standards, and are keeping the flag makes me proud to be an alumnus.” and enjoy the moment of glory! But.... flying. The people at Buckingham seem to remain critical and ambitious for growth have it ingrained in them that better than Franco De La Croix and improvements at the same time!” best is better, always. Well done. We (BSc Business Studies ʼ89) share your pride.” Rutger Groot (BSc Business Studies ʼ86) Raymond Noel (LLB ʼ91) “2 years in a row - simply great! Buckingham is truly a wonderful university and you have no idea how much I missed “This is an excellent all-round performance “Bravo! Letʼs go for third time running and it while I was in Bristol for 2 years doing and puts the University in a good position remain there perpetually.” my LPC and BVC.” to attract students.” Mohammed Abdul Mumin (LLB ʼ97) Winnie Carruth (LLB ʼ03) Cameron Donnelly (Law ʼ80) “Hearty CONGRATULATIONS to all. “No wonder the University stood first in the “Heartiest Congratulations from me!!! Keep Wishing the University the same in next league table because the professors are the spirit of UB riding high every year.” yearsʼ Survey.” the real assets and they are not only Ismail Tajol Aros (LLB ʼ93) Medinah Huthman (BSc AFM ʼ80) teaching but also creating students who excel in their fields of study. Please convey my heartfelt wishes and greetings “This is exactly why I am proud to be a “I remain ever so proud of our University! to all staff for their achievement in making Buckingham alumnus.” My prayer is that our beloved this university truly a learning experience University will continue to grow in leaps Pushpika Weerakoon (DIP Law ʼ04) in my lifetime, one which I can never and bounds in the years ahead.” forget.” Shirley Okonkwo (LLB ʼ85) “PROUD! Iʼm glad to be a product of the Sathiyanarayana Krishnamurthy great University.” (DIP Computing ʼ05) “Congratulations and thank you very much Popo Kadiku (BA PEL ʼ87) for your continuing efforts.” “Good news and very well deserved Chen Ke (LLB ʼ02, LLM ʼ03) indeed. I totally agree with this result as “We are the proud students of the University has left profound imprints Buckingham.” on my education and personal “I am very pleased that Buckingham is, for Hasnain Kazmi (LLM ʼ99) development.” the second year, at the top of National Student Survey. Also, when I receive the Charlene Astwood “You guys must be feeling on top of the Alumni newspaper I always read it with (BSc Economics, Business world after coming top of the survey. I pleasure.” and Law ʼ07) have not the slightest doubt that it was a Julietta Alkhasova well-deserved recognition of how we do “Great news to learn whilst on a far away (BSc Business Studies ʼ05) things at Buckingham. You set the usual mission in Kunming, Yunnan Province,

Events in 2008

April are considering going to the Piano and On Tuesday, 29 April Lord and Lady Luce Pitcher in Trafalgar Square again but would To All Alumni (former Vice-Chancellor and his wife) will be welcome comments from Alumni who were there this year before making a final decision. hosting a tea party at the House of Lords, This publication is for you and if you Further details will in the next issue but if you Westminster. This is an invitation only event would like input into the next issue, think you will be coming please let us know and anyone who has most kindly donated to please send comments and ideas to so that we can put your name on the website. the Alumni Annual Fund will be receiving a Anne Matsuoka. formal letter of invitation shortly. This is a strong encouragement to attend. September The next publication we produce will May contain more information, updating A weekend in Geneva for all alumni and The Annual Buckingham in London Dinner you on where alumni are these days students from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 will be held at the Leathersellerʼs Hall in and what they are up to. London on 1 May. All alumni are welcome September. There will be a chance to and tickets are priced at £60. See page 12 for network, catch up with old friends, and make Please Note: further information. new ones. For those who are interested, we Copy for the next issue required by will also meet to discuss the formation of a 1st February 2008 June Buckingham International Alumni Group. On Friday, 20 June we will be holding the Further details will be posted on the website www.buckingham.ac.uk annual Alumni Summer Party in London. We and via email in the New Year.

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