My time at Queen’s A trip down memory lane

Research Meningitis Breakthrough Entrepreneurship: The E-Factor

Graduate Enterprise Graduate and Student Scholarships of the Year Awards 2 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast Contents

Page 5 - Honorary Degree Page 6 - Rowing Success Welcome Centre

Page 16 - Scholarships Page 22 - Enterprise Leader

Page 24 - Business Advice Page 42 - Student Life

3-5 University News 6-7 Mark Fangen-Hall, Rowing Coach 8-10 All the way from America 12-15 University Research 16-18 Scholarships - Transforming Lives 19-21 A Lifetime of Benefits We look forward to seeing you! 22-23 Riddel Hall - Building for the Future 24-29 The E-Factor - Secrets of Success Welcome Centre Lanyon Building 30-39 Class Notes - your news Queen’s University Belfast BT7 1NN 40-41 My time at Queen’s - your memories Tel: 028 9097 5252 42-43 Student Scene Email: [email protected] Web: www.qub.ac.uk/welcomecentre 44-46 Graduate Events - getting involved 48 Convocation - taking an active part Opening Hours 9.30 - 4.30 Monday to Saturday 49 Opinions Count - your feedback 11.00 - 4.00 Sunday 50 Competitions 51 The Perks of being a graduate Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 3 Welcome News elcome to the latest issue of Nobel Laureate opens landmark WThe Graduate in its new eco- library friendlier size. The smaller format significantly reduces our postage ne of Northern Ireland’s costs and allows us to engage with Onewest landmark buildings - an alumni network that now spans the £50 million McClay Library at 127 countries. Queen’s - was officially opened in July by one of the University’s most If you have just graduated and famous sons, Nobel prize-winning are reading this magazine for the poet Seamus Heaney. first time, I want to welcome you to the 100,000 strong Queen’s Describing The McClay Library as alumni community worldwide. “a fitting monument to one of the The Development and Alumni University’s greatest benefactors,” Relations team aims to strengthen this network, to encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits available (pp19-21) and to persuade you to remain actively involved in the life of your So far, 460 graduates have University. As ever, we would responded to the spring ‘Adopt welcome your feedback by email a Book’ campaign raising over to: [email protected]. £28,000 for the Special Collections Endowment. This is a terrific This issue has a special focus success and I thank everyone who on enterprise in recognition made a gift. of the University’s status as Entrepreneurial University We are always seeking to improve of the Year, an award which the programmes on offer to Seamus Heaney added: “The acknowledges the spirit of graduates, so we need to know redbrick walls of the new structure enterprise among staff, students what you think – good and bad. match those of the venerable and alumni. It is fitting that, at Our biggest ever alumni survey is Lanyon Building, and will stand as a special event in June, the new now ‘live’; to complete the survey a symbol of both continuity and Library at Queen’s was named please go to: www.qub.ac.uk/ ongoing development.” in honour of one of Northern Alumni/Reconnecting or contact Ireland’s most notable and the Office on 028 9097 3100 for a In June, the library was successful entrepreneurs, Sir Allen copy of the questionnaire. officially named after one of McClay (p3). Northern Ireland’s most famous Thank you for reading! entrepreneurs, the late Sir Allen You can read about innovative McClay. Lady Heather McClay, who research projects (pp12-15) and attended the opening, said: our plans for a Graduate and Executive Education Centre at “Allen spent his entire life learning, Riddel Hall that will meet the Kerry Bryson even in his older years. As he set needs of local and global business Head of Alumni Relations up and built Galen and then Almac (pp 22-23). You can also pick up he always said that he was learning tips for business success from six every day. He held Queen’s in very entrepreneurial Queen’s alumni high regard and was acutely aware (pp 24-29). of the role universities play in driving forward an economy. I am hopeful that what he achieved can The magazine is available inspire future business leaders in Northern Ireland.” online for those who prefer to read larger font size. Go to www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni and follow the links via Benefits & Services 4 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Annual Alumni Awards 2012 countdown begins at PEC pioneering West Indian Asurgeon hailed as a miracle worker in his native St Vincent is 2010 Graduate of the Year. Dr Cecil Cyrus (below left), who graduated in 1957, was the first qualified surgeon in St Vincent when he returned there in 1963.

His service to his country over 40 years has achieved international recognition. In 1983 he was awarded the OBE and in 2002 was named a Local Health Hero by the Pan American Health Organization. A commemorative stamp featured Queen’s Summer Activity Scheme participants, Ryan Holland and his portrait and, in 2003, he was Paul Armstrong, help launch the countdown to the 2012 Olympics awarded the CMG, Companion of and Paralympics with (from L to R): Paul Deighton LOCOG, Kevin the Most Excellent Order of Saint Murray, Queen’s Sport, Lorraine Conlon, Head of the Northern Michael and Saint George, for Ireland 2012 Unit in DCAL and Joanne O’Hagan, DSNI. service in the field of medicine. ocal schoolchildren have helped Five Star Challenge Education Vincent Murray (below right Lthe Chief Executive of the Project since its launch last year with Vice-Chancellor Professor London Organising Committee of and are happy that Queen’s Peter Gregson and the Graduate the Olympic Games (LOCOG) kick Summer Activity Scheme has come of the Year), who led a number off the official two year countdown on board so enthusiastically with of peace and reconciliation to the 2012 Paralympics. the project to help us mark the two and environmental projects as years to the 2012 Games.” Chairperson of SIFE (Students in Paul Deighton joined children Free Enterprise) at Queen’s, is this at the Summer Activity Scheme National recognition for year’s Student of the Year. and Disability Sports’ NI’s 5 Star Queen’s engineer Disability Challenge, as part SIFE is a global network which of a UK-wide day of events to Queen’s professor is to receive nurtures students’ entrepreneurial raise children’s awareness of Athe 2010 Sir Harold Hartley skills to benefit their careers and disability sports ahead of the 2012 Medal in recognition of his the wider community. Games. Each child was given the contribution to control engineering opportunity to participate in five and condition monitoring. In his role as Chairperson, Vincent challenges, each one based on a also contributed to the portfolio of Paralympic event. Professor George Irwin of the activities which resulted in Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical becoming the Entrepreneurial Joanne O’Hagan, Disability Sports Engineering and Computer University of the Year. NI (DSNI) and Johnny McCarthy, Science, will be presented with player with the Knights Wheelchair the Medal by the Institute of A member of the Students’ Union Basketball Team, delivered the Measurement and Control at its Management Board, Vincent serves Disability Challenge project Presidential Address and Learned as a Trustee of Share-Uganda, a to children attending Queen’s Awards at the Royal Society in student-led charity pioneered by Summer Activity Scheme. London in October. SIFE that works with orphaned children in southern Uganda. Kevin Murray, PE & Sport Last year, Professor Irwin was Development Officer at Queen’s one of only nine engineers The Annual Awards were launched Sport said: “Through involvement worldwide to be elected Fellow in 1999 by the Queen’s Graduates’ in this project we hope to of the International Federation Association and the Development challenge commonly held negative of Automatic Control. His work, and Alumni Relations Office, with attitudes about people with including the exploitation of the support of First Trust Bank. disabilities, and to inspire and control engineering methods encourage more disabled and able for batch processes, has seen bodied children to become more him collaborate extensively with active in sport.” DuPont, Seagate, Randox and other industry leaders in Northern Angela Hendra MBE, Chairperson Ireland. Disability Sports NI said: “We are delighted with the success of the Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 5

Dressed to impress! and Statistics. She trained in Olympian takes centre stage accountancy with Price Waterhouse before moving to Deloitte and Touche in 1994.

Scott Rutherford has been appointed Director of Research and Enterprise, joining the University from Imperial College London.

Mr Rutherford has substantial experience within the higher education sector and has worked in a variety of roles covering research policy, strategy and management information systems. He has also worked for the Medical he Development and Alumni Research Council, where he was TRelations Office, in partnership responsible for developing new with Perks, held its annual ‘dress funding initiatives and policies. to impress’ competition during graduation week in July. Mr Rutherford holds an undergraduate degree from the Leading fashion retailer DV8, University of Keele, an MBA from which has stores across Northern Imperial College London and has Ireland and a shopping website at conducted several independent ouble Olympic Gold medal www.dv8fashion.com, sponsored research projects within the field of Dwinner Dame Kelly Holmes this year’s competition with £100 research management. was among those to receive vouchers for daily winners and honorary degrees from Queen’s an additional £200 for the overall Students ‘engineer’ success during summer graduation. winner - Grainne McGill from Magherafelt (pictured). ixteen Queen’s students from Dame Kelly made British athletics Sthe School of Mechanical and history by taking gold in both the Sponsored by: Aerospace Engineering are the 800m and 1500m events at the first to benefit from a unique new 2004 Athens Games. partnership with local company, FG Wilson. Making her second visit to Queen’s, (she officially opened the new PE The FG Wilson Caterpillar Centre in 2007) Dame Kelly picked Scholarships provide financial up a Doctorate of the University for Appointments support, mentoring opportunities distinction in sport and for public and work placements, giving the service. She has now swapped her ueen’s has appointed Wendy students the best possible chance running shoes for a number of QGalbraith as Director of of achieving their full academic roles including ambassador for the Finance. A chartered accountant, potential. London 2012 Olympic Games and Mrs Galbraith joins the University National School Champion. from the Belfast Health and Social At a ceremony in the University, Care Trust where she was Deputy students received a certificate and Delivering her citation, James Chief Executive and Director of a cheque for £1,000 from Dr Mark O’Kane, Queen’s Registrar and Finance. Sweeney, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, said: FG Wilson and Dick Elsden, “Dame Kelly’s life has been about An Associate member of the Caterpillar (UK) Ltd’s Director of striving to be the best, overcoming Institute of Chartered Accountants Government Affairs. all of the challenges before her and in Ireland, she became a Fellow in remaining focused on achieving 2003 and has extensive experience Head of School Professor Robert her lifetime ambitions. across a wide range of strategic Fleck said: “We are very grateful financial management arenas in for the growing support and The first British woman ever to the public and voluntary sectors. successful partnership we have achieve an Olympic double, Kelly is with FG Wilson and the Caterpillar a truly inspirational and respected Mrs Galbraith, who lives in Foundation, which is providing figure in the world of sport.” Belfast and is married with two these students with an outstanding daughters, graduated from Dundee opportunity for learning and For more news from Queen’s go University in 1988 with a First development.” to www.qub.ac.uk and follow Class BSc Honours in Mathematics the links for Latest News. 6 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Profile

Clear Blue Water hen Cambridge University’s second string (Goldie) rowers Wchallenged Queen’s 1st VIII to a race the week before going head to head with Oxford, they probably didn’t expect to receive a thrashing at the hands of the Belfast crew. Thanks to Queen’s Coach of the Year, Mark Fangen-Hall, that’s exactly what happened as Alumni Officer, Gerry Power, found out when he spoke to him in August.

“I want to create something special Mark comes from a strong line of coming to Belfast I certainly fell on at Queen’s. We are already being oarsmen - his father was a former my feet! It’s a real challenge and, in recognised both internationally coach to the Great Britain team in rowing terms, Queen’s is definitely and closer to home and yet we’ve the 1980 Olympics. He represented a sleeping giant,” said the former only just started,” says the quietly GB in a coxed four in the under top flight rugby player. spoken Londoner. 23 World Championships and has held senior positions at Kingston Few universities in the UK have Queen’s may have recently seen Grammar School and Great Britain a full-time professional rowing off rivals Trinity College Dublin Rowing. He was also assistant coach. Oxford and Cambridge (of in the annual Ramada Hotel coach at Cambridge Boat Club, course) along with Durham and Shaw’s Bridge Boat Race and they working with the crews who race Reading make up the powerhouse might be justifiably proud to hold Oxford in the annual Boat Race. of college rowing. men’s and women’s Irish and British University titles in several “After a few years as a ski On arriving in Belfast, Fangen-Hall disciplines, but Fangen-Hall views instructor in France, I wanted to was immediately struck by the these as ‘minor battle victories’. get back into UK rowing and in level of enthusiasm shown by the University’s oarsmen.

“Everything, except for that enthusiasm, needed changing! The last real winning team here was in 1963, so clearly the opportunities now are mind- blowing.”

Recognising this, Coach Fangen- Hall doubled the training load on students shortly after he arrived, a move that was quickly and willingly accepted.

Unlike other sports where participation at an early age is a Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 7 prerequisite, rowing is one of the training session in Queen’s Physical 20 or so months he has been in few where both men and women Education Centre (PEC). charge, underscoring the influential can start from scratch at 15 and role of a fulltime coach. And with reach the top. “The PEC has some world-class Queen’s students helping Ireland land training and testing facilities win bronze at the recent World “It is physically demanding and - rowing machines, weight trainers University Rowing Championships time-consuming and it requires and so on,” says Mark. “They are in Szeged, Hungary, Mark’s both self and collective discipline,” probably the best outside of the US guidance is already helping the says Mark. “With up to 12 training and I am delighted that Queen’s University’s rowers to fulfil their sessions each week (2-3 hours at a Sport now embraces the idea of potential. time) you need be passionate. But elite rowing,” he adds. it is a discipline that transfers easily So what next for the sport at into other areas of life.” With carbon fibre boats costing Queen’s? £6-£10k for a single scull, £10k It is argued, by Mark and others, for a pair and £30k for an eight “I am hopeful that Queen’s that rowing is the ultimate team (excluding a set of oars which Rowing will recruit 70 freshers activity, with the best oarsmen will set Queen’s Rowing Club this year – and with it still being often coming out tops back £3k) rowing certainly isn’t regarded as a ‘new sport’ a good academically. cheap! Funding the sport at a top intake is important. I also want to class level is one of the toughest push Queen’s up the national and “Given that teams tend to challenges being faced by the international rowing league tables. Club. lose more than they win, And of course, I’d like to increase “You can’t go fast in an old boat!” the number of new boats in the consistency and stability says Mark. “While the University is fleet,” he concluded. are every bit as important now putting more money into the sport, most of the boats at Queen’s With such a demanding schedule as the result.” are older than the people in them! it is no wonder that Mark has little Several are in a bad state and have time for hobbies. But with the And there is more to rowing than to be patched up every summer University now attracting enquiries just competition and results, as and they are easily damaged. from prospective students with an Fangen-Hall was keen to point out. interest in rowing because of its Last year, each member of the growing reputation in the sport, “While others might not agree, Senior 8 contributed £3,500 to the future looks bright for Queen’s, I am not obsessed with results! represent Queen’s. We don’t really its oarsmen and its rowing coach. Coaching is all about process and have enough new boats or funds performance. Given that teams and at best a new boat really only Anyone interested in making a tend to lose more than they win, lasts 3 seasons,” he added. donation to the Rowing consistency and stability are every Academy equipment fund should bit as important as the result.” Without a doubt Queen’s has contact Shauna Hughes in the established clear blue water Development Office - A typical day for Mark, and for the between itself and many of its 028 9097 3233 or by email - athletes he trains, starts around main rowing rivals. Fangen-Hall [email protected] 5.45am, with an early morning has made a major impact in the

Keep up with rowing at Queen’s online at www.queensrowing.org 108 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast All the way from America nvolving the University’s US-based graduates in the life of Queen’s is a top priority not just for student Irecruitment but also for strengthening ties and creating a positive image of Northern Ireland. Keeping in touch with former electronics. Thousands of local Jordan Junge from Denver, students when they return home graduates, including many medics Colorado is in her 2nd year of an - or move - to America is also a who answered the call for doctors International Studies degree. In prerogative for the University’s in the 1960s, have set up home in 2009 she was the Northern Ireland Development Office. Queen’s now the US. regional winner in the British has three graduate associations in Council’s SHINE! International the US; extant groups on the East “I decided to come to Student Awards and not and West Coasts were recently surprisingly is enthusiastic about boosted by the creation of a new Queen’s because of its the campus and the staff. alumni Chapter in Boston. And The outstanding international Friends of The Queen’s University “I love my course - the staff are of Belfast Inc help improve the reputation and for the amazing and actually care about University’s profile and alumni experience of studying the students’ progression. Queen’s networking in North America while is a beautiful place to study and I facilitating tax efficient giving for outside America.” would recommend it to anyone,” US citizens. she added. The University’s present-day links The historical links between with the United States include In addition to the appointment Northern Ireland and the United student exchanges such as the of Ian Moore, Deputy Head States are legendary. No less Washington-Ireland Programme of Alumni Relations, who has than 10 US presidents, including and the Mitchell Scholars, joint responsibility for international Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S Grant staff research projects and several graduates including those in and T Woodrow Wilson, claimed taught collaborations. Currently North America, Queen’s now has Northern Ireland as their ancestral there are over 150 American a designated member of staff for home. More recently in 2001 Bill students enrolled in study abroad, student recruitment in the United Clinton, the first serving President undergraduate and postgraduate States - who is American and also a to visit Northern Ireland, received degrees at Queen’s, including 1st Queen’s graduate! Bridget Carey an honorary degree from Queen’s year medic Brian Cox. told The Graduate: for his contribution to the peace process. “When I first arrived, I was struck “I was initially attracted to Queen’s by the history of the place,” said on the basis of the academic That same process was facilitated Brian, who comes from San Diego. programmes on offer. by Senator George Mitchell in his role as United States Special “I marvelled at the architecture The job in international recruitment Envoy for Northern Ireland. For of Queen’s and the eminent seemed like a great opportunity to 10 years, from 1999 to 2009, individuals who have studied marry my love for this city and for Senator Mitchell was Chancellor here. I spent the first few weeks of Queen’s, actively promoting the exploring the city, eager to find University around the globe and what else it had to offer. And as helping secure funds which have a Californian surfer, I was most been invested in staff, students and surprised to find that Queen’s even facilities. offered a surf club!” he added.

Queen’s is justifiably proud of “So far I’ve been challenged its connections with the United by coursework, inundated States – University researchers are with opportunity, and have collaborating with their American met some of the most counterparts on projects which generously kind people have the capacity to change the in the world,” concluded world in areas as diverse as health, Brian. environmental sustainability and Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 119

Queen’s and to represent a Graduate profile: Our man in area where it is often difficult to University where I, personally, had Washington examine conflict close at hand. such a wonderful academic and personal experience.” imothy Curry, MA “Given the excellent quality TComparative Ethnic Conflict, Focusing on her role as Queen’s 2002, is currently a Policy Advisor of teaching, the academic principal student recruiter in in Washington, DC. The former staff and the significantly America, Bridget continued: Personal Assistant to the late “Queen’s has a long tradition of Senator Edward Kennedy grew cheaper cost of education, welcoming students from the up in Boston and was encouraged Queen’s is a great United States, and we are focused, to come to Belfast by Paul, now more now than ever, on raising the Baron Bew Professor of Irish education destination.” profile of the University throughout Politics at Queen’s. the US and on encouraging “We don’t have a lot of models American students to think of for resolution of conflict,” he said completing a degree here.’’ from his office in the political heart of America. “My research was a With over 150 American comparative analysis of Hezbollah students currently enrolled at and Sinn Féin, focusing on the Queen’s, the aim is to increase rise of these political parties from those numbers. Our alumni the origins of their paramilitary can play an important role Timothy Curry at the Capitol organizations. in that mission by talking about Queen’s and sharing Timothy’s current role as Acting Given the excellent quality of their experiences with potential Director, Counter Terrorism Policy teaching, the academic staff and students,” she concluded. Division in the Department of the significantly cheaper cost Homeland Security involves him of education, Queen’s is a great Queen’s also works closely with in regular high-level contact education destination. It is also a organisations such as the Northern with members of the US and tremendous gateway to Europe,” Ireland Bureau and Invest NI international intelligence added Timothy, who has already to develop a positive profile of communities, the US State convinced a number of his friends Northern Ireland – and Queen’s – in Department and the White House. to apply to Queen’s. the US. “It’s a tremendous advantage to go outside the US to study,” he told Timothy maintains links with Belfast The final word, however, goes to The Graduate. through renowned academics Lord Shawn M Reming Jr., a 1st year Bew, Adrian Guelke, Professor PhD student in Irish Studies from “At Queen’s, and in Europe in of Comparative Politics, and with Mathews County, Virginia. particular, there is a higher level of Beverley Milton-Edwards, diversity - politically, culturally and Professor of Politics at Queen’s. “Outside of the world-class socially - that may not be research environment at Queen’s, represented in the US. Discussions He serves on the board of the the city of Belfast is a great place I had at Queen’s greatly enhanced Washington Ireland programme to live. The people make you feel my global understanding in a way and the American Ireland Fund. welcome immediately, and the that may not have been possible He is also involved in the Belfast- opportunities to experience the had all of my education been in Beltway Boxing Project - a physical and natural beauty of the US.” Washington, DC based non-profit Northern Ireland are boundless.” group dedicated to providing Prior to coming to Queen’s for his cultural exchange and international Masters Timothy helped make a amateur athletic competition documentary film in 1999 on the by supporting at-risk youth, Bridget Carey with Norman role of paramilitary prisoners in the primarily in DC and the Houston of the NI Bureau Northern Ireland peace process. For Ardoyne in Belfast. Timothy, Northern Ireland was an interesting case study, in a subject 10 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

American Partnerships Tennessee covering a broadly- Getting involved based programme of research North America is just one area ueen’s has strategic links partnerships and staff/student where partnerships continue to be Qwith several key American mobility. Successful collaborations developed. Among other priority institutions among them in English/Humanities and countries for Queen’s are India, Georgetown and Vanderbilt Astronomy have led the universities China and Malaysia. We need Universities and the University of to pursue other areas of mutual your help to achieve our ambition Maryland. It also has close ties with research interest, including of attracting more international the University of Massachusetts Paediatric Pharmacology, students and to tell the world that Lowell and Boston College and, Information Systems (Engineering), Queen’s is a great place to study. through its Centre for Cancer and possible collaborations in Research and Cell Biology, currently Education. For further information please has a dynamic partnership with contact the International Office the US National Cancer Institute in Opportunities for co-operation are (see details below). Maryland. also being explored in respect of English (Creative Writing), Music Among the University events Georgetown University (Sonic Arts and the Curb School which have taken place in the Several partnerships exist between of Music) and Chemistry/Pharmacy US, was the conferment of an Queen’s and Georgetown ranging (Drug Discovery). Additionally, Honorary Degree on former from Cancer Research, Peace and Belfast and Nashville have been Queen’s student Liam Neeson Conflict Studies to Law, Politics, ‘Sister Cities’ since 1995 which has in New York, in May 2009. History and Creative Writing. The strengthened the ties between the Dr Neeson (left) is pictured colleges have worked very closely universities. with Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, on developing joint seminars and Professor Peter Gregson. conferences at both campuses. University of Maryland In January 2010, a group of 20 The President of Georgetown, social science students from the Dr John DeGioia, received an College of Behavioural and Social honorary degree from Queen’s Sciences, Maryland visited the in 2008 to mark the special School of Politics, International relationship between the two Studies and Philosophy at Queen’s universities. to study conflict resolution and deeply divided societies. A further Vanderbilt University group of Maryland students will be Queen’s also has strategic ties visiting in 2011 for an expanded with Vanderbilt in Nashville, series of talks and events

Contacts

Ian Moore, Deputy Head of Alumni Queen’s University Association, Bridget Carey, International Officer Relations and Annual Giving USA (New England Chapter) Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 5088 Tel: 028 9027 5218 Contact: Damian Barr (President) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] or Victoria Drakoulakos www.qub.ac.uk/home/ (Vice-President) - ProspectiveStudents/ Queen’s University Association, Email: [email protected] InternationalStudents/ USA (QUAUS) - East Coast QueensandtheUSA/ Contact: Chris Boyd (Acting LinkedIn information President) - [email protected] www.qub.ac.uk/home/ For all other enquiries relating Alumni/KeepinTouch/ to overseas recruitment please Queen’s University Association, Graduatesocialnetworkgroups/ contact: [email protected] USA (QUAUS) - West Coast Contact: Colette Wright Email: [email protected]

12 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast Research Meningitis breakthrough Saving lives - researchers develop ground-breaking test for meningitis.

ny parent who has ever diagnosed in the early stages while Professor Shields: “In recent years Aworried that their child may others are admitted and treated molecular diagnostic tests, that have meningitis can take heart ‘just in case’ when they don’t use the DNA finger print from from the latest research from actually have the disease. ‘bugs’ for diagnosis, have been Queen’s. developed, but they still require “Speedy identification the specimen sample to be A new rapid diagnostic test for transported to the laboratory and meningococcal bacteria that can of the cause of infection it takes a considerable time to get produce results within an hour has enables doctors to make the result back to the doctor. This been developed by scientists from means that doctors have to make Queen’s Centre for Infection and life-saving decisions...” clinical decisions before results are Immunity and the Belfast Health available. and Social Care Trust. The speed “With the development of a of this new test is a vital factor in small piece of equipment, which The new test called ‘loop mediated the treatment of young children resembles a portable home printer, isothermal amplification’ also with meningococcal meningitis and a sample of blood or a secretion utilises a molecular method to septicaemia who become very ill such as saliva, can be tested quickly detect genes that are common to over a short period. by the machine. This produces a all strains of the meningococcus. colour reading that determines if The real advantage of the new This research has been supported the patient has meningitis or not.” LAMP test is that it has the by the Meningitis Research potential to be a simple bedside Foundation (MRF). Alongside saving lives, early test that is rapid, cheap, easy to detection can potentially improve use and doesn’t require laboratory Professor outcomes for meningitis patients trained staff.” Mike Shields, who are often left with life-altering of Queen’s conditions such as deafness and Currently there are 1,200 to 1,500 and the cerebral palsy. laboratory confirmed cases of Belfast Trust, meningococcal disease in the UK explained: The machine is now being trialled each year and it is thought that “The first in the A&E Department of the actual numbers could be higher. symptoms of Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick meningococcal Children. The medical team behind this infections are the same as a simple breakthrough was recognised for viral infection, making it difficult “There is no other rapid test that its work in June of this year when it to diagnose in the early stages. can confirm the diagnosis in such won an Elevations Diagnostics idea Parents often use the ‘tumbler a short time. Current tests are of the year award, organised by test’ on their children’s bodies, expensive and take up to two days. HSC innovators, a panel of experts but the non-blanching rash that is Speedy identification of the cause from industry, healthcare and associated with a positive outcome of infection enables doctors to business support organisations. of this test is a late sign and is not make life-saving decisions about always present in children who the treatment of patients. If we have meningitis. have the results within an hour we If you are interested in making a will be able to start the appropriate donation to Meningitis research Currently doctors will admit course of treatment right away,” please contact Kerry Bryson in the and treat with antibiotics any said Professor Shields. Development Office. child that they suspect of having Tel: 028 9097 5186 meningococcal disease while The new test is very different to Email: [email protected] they await the traditional test standard culture-based detection results that take between 24 and methods used until now. 48 hours. Some children are not Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 13

inventions will arise and products can be improved.”

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor The future of Peter Gregson added: “ANSIN builds on Queen’s internationally recognised research strength in advanced materials, with special technology reference to nanostructured media, to promote an ecosystem for the n partnership with Seagate micron scale, about 50 times creation, transfer and exploitation ITechnology, the global leader smaller than the width of a human of knowledge. This new facility will in data storage solutions, new hair, all the way down to layers of encourage further investment by levels of information and data materials just a few atoms thick. indigenous companies and storage will be just one of multi-national corporates in the groundbreaking potential Explaining how work at ANSIN will Northern Ireland.” applications that will be created impact positively on people’s daily in new research hub ANSIN, at lives, Professor Robert Bowman, ANSIN was first raised as a concept Queen’s. Director of Queen’s Centre for following discussions between Nanostructured Media said: Queen’s, Invest NI and Seagate, By attracting a wide variety of “Twenty-five years ago my music following Invest NI’s £12.7 million international companies to ANSIN, collection filled many shelves, offer of support for a £58 million it is expected that advances in new now I’ve 100 times more music and research and development medical sensors, security devices it fits in my pocket. The science, investment by Seagate in its and many other areas will also be technology and manufacturing Springtown campus. Seagate have made possible. required to make that happen has also committed to a £1.7 million been revolutionary. collaborative research project Seagate has provided £7.5 million at Queen’s which is funding 10 worth of equipment to ANSIN Before the end of the decade you research posts at the University. which is based in the School will have the ability to carry a vast of Mathematics and Physics at digital library of text, images, music Dr Kenneth Allen, Seagate’s Queen’s. Unparalleled in third-level and HD movies with you in the Vice-President of Development, physics education in the UK, the same way. To make that possible said the joint project with Queen’s ANSIN facility is one of the top ten will again require revolutionary would not only contribute directly industry-linked university research developments of advanced to Seagate’s R&D learning but centres in the world. materials and their exploitation in would also provide an ongoing as yet unimagined ways. This is “Twenty-five years ago flow of highly skilled engineers into all only possible by understanding local industry. He added: “ANSIN my music collection filled and exploiting fundamental physics provides a unique opportunity to and materials science questions. make a difference for Northern many shelves, now I’ve 100 This is what we are aiming to do Ireland and for Seagate in the long times more music and it at ANSIN. term. By establishing this initiative, we hope to provide the spark fits in my pocket.” We hope that new partners will which leads to a stronger base of bring their ideas into ANSIN and magnetic and nanotechnology In ANSIN, researchers will work on that by co-operatively working with capability in these islands.” new advanced materials from the other partners in the hub, new

L to R: Professor Robert Bowman, Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Dr Ken Allen, Seagate Technology.

A new £7.5 million international research hub, which will bring major advances in computer hard drives, medical sensors and security devices, has opened at Queen’s. 14 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

To boldly go…

“The mission would focus on solar systems close enough to be scanned for bio-signatures, or signs of life by later missions and ground-based telescopes.”

Image courtesy of David A Hardy/ Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Artist’s impression of ‘exo-planets’ discovered at Queen’s from the SuperWASP. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 15

he discovery of new Planet hunter Professor Don Finding cures for blindness Tlife-bearing planets is a Pollacco, from Queen’s School step closer as the result of a of Maths and Physics, is Principal ueen’s is to further develop its new space mission involving Investigator of the international QCentre for Vision and Vascular physicists from Queen’s. PLATO Science Consortium. He Science after the announcement said: “The discovery of life- of a £4.8 million grant award from Known as PLATO (Planetary Transits bearing planets is one of the the Wellcome-Wolfson Capital and Oscillations of Stars), the major scientific and philosophical Awards Initiative. mission is designed to seek out challenges of our time and at planets far beyond Earth’s solar Queen’s we have been active in Focusing on fighting sight- system, orbiting stars in the Milky this area for many years. Already threatening diseases of the Way Galaxy. PLATO will be capable our SuperWASP experiment, using retina, the Centre offers hope to of discovering small rocky planets ground-based telescopes, has those suffering from serious eye (like the Earth) that are potential discovered 43 ‘exo-planets’. conditions. The new facility will abodes for life. encourage the brightest science We envisage that the new PLATO and clinical graduates into careers PLATO is one of three missions spacecraft would be launched in biomedical research and develop to share in a £3.65 million between 2017 and 2020, on a the bio-industry as an important development grant from the UK Russian Soyuz Fregat rocket. We part of the local economy. Space Agency. In June 2011, the hope it will be powerful enough European Space Agency (ESA) will to detect rocky planets in the choose two of the three missions habitable zones of sun-like stars, Vanishing Lizards to build and launch into orbit those regions around a star where between 2017 and 2020. liquid water can exist. In other orthern Ireland’s precious lizard words, it could find new earths. Npopulation is under threat. Lizards are found in local coastal Using a suite of space telescopes areas, heath and boglands, but on a single spacecraft, PLATO a Queen’s study, published in the would detect these planets journal Amphibia-Reptilia, suggests by picking up a brief and tiny natural habitats may have been dimming of light as they pass in replaced through agricultural front of their stars, blocking their intensification. The study concludes brightness. that a new ecological network is needed to preserve the connectivity The mission would focus on of remaining heath and boglands, solar systems close enough to be or the reptiles could disappear. scanned for bio-signatures, or signs of life by later missions and ground-based telescopes.” Cancer care improving

If selected for full development, esearch by the Northern Ireland the UK, together with other ESA RCancer Registry (NICR) funded member states, will design PLATO’s by the Public Health Agency scientific instruments and finance has reported a better quality of its development, while ESA would treatment for cancer patients, commission the spacecraft to be despite cases increasing. built by European industry. Recent NICR reports highlight Second only to the United States the need for continued in space science, the UK’s thriving preventative work while pointing space sector contributes £6.5bn to improvements such as closer a year to the UK economy and working between clinicians, early supports 68,000 jobs. diagnosis and better treatment options as having had a significant The International PLATO Science impact on positive patient Consortium involves seven UK outcomes. institutions (Queen’s, Queen Mary University of London, UCL, Also illustrated is the University of Leicester, Open unprecedented change in health University, University of Cambridge care delivery, with professionals and Warwick University). involved in cancer care across For the latest news on Northern Ireland working together research at Queen’s go to to bring life changes to those with www.qub.ac.uk/home/Research the disease. 16 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Scholarships - putting education within reach

ueen’s “A scholarship is awarded to The availability of scholarships Qhas cover, or to make a significant enables the University to offer opened the contribution towards, the costs places to outstanding students, door of of University attendance for the irrespective of their ability to pay opportunity duration of an undergraduate or for their education. Given that to well over postgraduate course. Queen’s provides the majority of 100,000 local lawyers, teachers, doctors, students since Students today can expect to dentists and nurses, scholarships it was established 165 years ago. leave University with debts of are also an important investment Since then the University has around £10,000 and they are often in Northern Ireland’s future. The undergone many changes but reluctant, therefore, to apply for University also trains researchers, its mission remains unchanged postgraduate courses and increase policymakers and business leaders - to provide transformational this liability. Consequently, many so no part of local life remains experiences for students. talented young graduates are untouched by Queen’s. forced to abandon further research Scholarships have always been an opportunities because of lack of By enabling the University to important part of University life. finance. offer more scholarships, you will They provide students with the help ensure that Queen’s can put means to achieve their ambitions. A scholarship can make the education within reach of gifted With the introduction of fees, difference between success and students and make it a viable scholarships are even more failure for many individuals. These option for those considering third- important than ever as Norma awards are important not only to level study. Sinte, Director of Development the students fortunate enough and Alumni Relations, explains: to receive them, but also to the Scholarships, which are often University, the professions, industry named in honour of the donor, and to communities around the are a time-honoured way to world. make higher education accessible Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 17

and promote the talent of those been possible had I not gained the Kassy Ginnane - LA Bar Library studying in Northern Ireland.” MacQuitty Scholarship. Scholarship

If you are considering creating a This opportunity has provided me “Without the LA Bar Library new scholarship or prize in your with a stepping stone to progress Scholarship, my experience name please contact Shauna as both a practising and academic this summer as a United States Hughes in the Development lawyer. federal judicial extern would not Office. Telephone 028 9097 3233 have been possible, because the or email [email protected] “...it has opened so many externship is otherwise unpaid. for more information. doors for me, for which I “...I am hugely grateful Esme Hamilton am so grateful.” for having received the graduated generous financial support from Queen’s Pursuing a full-time Masters has with an LLB not only developed my knowledge of the Bar Library.” (1st class) in and understanding of Human 2006. Her Rights Law, but also provided me Factoring in the relatively high cost opportunity for with the desire and self-belief to of living in Los Angeles, it would further study was made possible pursue further studies. have been impossible for me to when she was awarded the James personally finance this summer. MacQuitty Scholarship in 2009. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the MacQuitty family for I appreciate the externship as my “Having studied at Queen’s at providing me with this fantastic first step towards a legal career in undergraduate level, I always opportunity; it has opened so many the United States, and thus, I am wanted to pursue further studies in doors for me, for which I am so hugely grateful for having received Law; however this would not have grateful.” the generous financial support of the Bar Library.” 18 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Did you know...

• Over the last 10 years, The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation has stewarded £3.2 million of scholarship income raised from individuals, companies, trusts and foundations.

• Queen’s has around 200 endowed named scholarships and prizes set up in perpetuity. Emily Dedakis - PhD Student in Chelsea Pascoe - Undergraduate the Seamus Heaney Centre for Student in the School of Music and • The Drennan & Tennant Poetry, School of English Sonic Arts Exhibitions (‘Exhibition’ is an archaic term meaning scholarship) “My PhD scholarship from the “The money which I receive were founded at Queen’s in 1864. Queen’s Annual Fund is a gift in through the Paul Monaghan They are still awarded annually, the truest sense. It’s allowing me Performance Scholarship is very although the sum of money incomparable opportunities to beneficial. bestowed is very modest. challenge and develop myself as an artist, a writer, and a teacher. Being a musician is costly with • Scholarships can cover tuition, instrument maintenance, buying travel, international research, As a non-EU humanities student, music and tutor lessons on top of accommodation and cost of living my chances for PhD funding were my University loan. expenses. just about nil! But I knew exactly where I wanted to be: at Queen’s The Scholarship helps me keep on • And finally, there is a scholarship as a part of the Heaney Centre’s top of my financial anxieties and in the University of Texas endowed first creative writing doctoral allows me to expand my repertoire by the friends of a faculty member programme. The grant I received, through access to new music and whose cat died. The scholarship, thanks to support from alumni additional lessons which will help which is named in memory of the donations, was a blessing and a me gain a Diploma on the Tenor furry feline, benefits students surprise - truly serendipitous.” Horn.” who plan to major in English - and love cats!

“I was (and remain) immensely thankful for the chance to stay and work and write in Belfast.” Emily Dedakis Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 19 A lifetime of benefits

Graduating from Queen’s marks a significant milestone in the lives of all those who cross the stage of the Sir William Whitla Hall. Shaking hands with the Vice-Chancellor and collecting well-earned degree certificates, is the start of a lifetime of contact with Queen’s.

hile the applause of Visit the Development and Alumni Wfamily and friends and Relations website and: the enjoyment of traditional strawberries and cream on the • Find out about events and lawns round off the end of one reunions special era as a student, they also signify the start of a new lifelong • Join LinkedIn and Facebook relationship with Alma Mater as • Make a gift Brian Friel Theatre a graduate. And there are many tangible benefits to being a • Find a former classmate Queen’s graduate. • Join an association (and get For further information: 100s of Perks!) Recent alumni can avail of Development & Alumni website: independent advice and support • Update contact details www.qub.ac.uk/alumni from the careers service. • Get advice on organising Twitter: @QUBAlumni Graduates can also purchase reunions official memorabilia and book Public lectures: www.qub.ac.uk/ campus tours at the Welcome • Sign up for regular emails, home/Alumni/EventsReunions/ Centre and enjoy a coffee in one including the eGraduate PublicLectures/ of a number of cafés on campus in • Find out how donations the Students’ Union, The McClay have been used to fund student Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s: Library and the PEC. programmes, University www.belfastfestival.com research and capital projects Even a brief visit back to the campus gives graduates a chance • Get details of public lectures To receive the quarterly ebulletin – the for a trip down memory lane. The and student music and drama eGraduate – please make sure to send Naughton Gallery, The McClay performances your email address to: Library and the Welcome Centre [email protected] (quoting your name, degree and year of graduation) are among the many treasures • Buy tickets for the award- outlined in detail overleaf. winning Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. 20 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

The Naughton Gallery The McClay Library Students’ Union

A Queen’s Accommodation Tourist Board Local Information second to none. A wide range and Hospitality Office. It hosts a regular of activities are available Planning the big day? Queen’s programme of exhibitions, from performance sports, University is licensed to hold offers a varied selection of climbing, swimming, exercise civil marriage ceremonies and souvenirs and gifts and provides classes or just recreation, the University’s facilities are guided tours of Queen’s! extended opening hours, available for hire to couples kids’ party packages and with a close link with the To see BBC presenter William various membership packages: University - what better way for Crawley in action - book your whatever your interest, you are a graduate to celebrate their place at an ‘Out to Lunch’ in sure to find an activity for you. wedding than by holding it at the Great Hall. the University! Recent graduates can avail of Telephone: 028 9097 5252 all-inclusive membership for Telephone: 028 9097 5185 [email protected] £25 per month (£295 for the [email protected] qub.www.queenseventus. year). Full membership for com/queens-welcome-centre all other alumni is £340 per B Queen’s Film Theatre Admission Free / Wheelchair annum – with other packages Northern Ireland’s foremost Access also available. independent cinema welcomes you! QFT’s special ambience E Students’ Union Telephone: 028 9068 1126 provides a world away from the With a £9 million redevelopment, [email protected] local Cineplex. Situated at 20 the SU offers state-of-the-art www.queenssport.com University Square, it is available facilities including coffee shops for daytime hire as a venue and eateries, two first class H The McClay Library for conferences, launches, bars, the Mandela Hall - one Providing instant, direct access workshops or special occasions! of Northern Ireland’s most to the latest learning in any Members enjoy a range of prestigious live gig venues, field and housing 2,000 benefits including discounted and is also home to one of reader places, the Library tickets and invitations to special the country’s most popular accommodates 1.5 million events throughout the year! nightclubs, SHINE. volumes - and you can join! Various memberships are Annual membership (£35) gives www.qubsu.org available for graduates starting QFT members a superb range at £40 per annum with a of additional benefits (see F The Naughton Gallery reduced rate of £25 for the website for details). The Gallery is a former winner Class of 2010 of the Times Higher Education Box Office: 028 9097 1097 Award for Excellence and Telephone: 028 9063 2695 [email protected] Innovation in the Arts 2008! It [email protected]. www.queensfilmtheatre.com features a rolling programme www.qub.ac.uk/lib of works from the University’s C Brian Friel Theatre own collection and touring I Sonic Arts Research Centre The Brian Friel Theatre, a 120 exhibitions by local and The Sonic Arts Research Centre seat studio theatre located in international artists. (SARC), located in Cloreen QFT on University Square is Park off the Malone Road, open to the public! Telephone: 028 9097 3580 houses the Sonic Laboratory, a [email protected] unique space for cutting-edge Reservation line: 028 9097 1382 www.naughtongallery.org/ initiatives in the creation and Enquiries: 028 9097 5299 Admission Free delivery of music and audio. [email protected] Frequent performances and www.brianfrieltheatre.co.uk G Queen’s Sport lectures are hosted throughout Queen’s Sport is still for you! the year and the venue is open D Welcome Centre Over £10 million has been to all – and attendance is free! Located in the heart of the invested in the Physical University in the Lanyon Education Centre to ensure [email protected] Building, the Centre is a NI the facilities at Queen’s are Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 21

B C

F E D Lanyon Building

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G I

Queen’s Film Theatre A

Welcome Centre Queen’s Sport Sonic Arts Research Centre 22 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast Riddel Hall Building for the Future By Keith Baker

In the early years of the last century, two Belfast women had a vision. They dreamed of establishing something of lasting value that would benefit generations to come. Their vision was about empowerment and opportunity, about helping young people to reach personal goals. It was about education.

students at Queen’s University. to create a Graduate and Executive Even in those days, Queen’s was Education Centre. This will house blazing a trail as one of the first a Management School, a unique UK universities to accept women. Graduate School and a Leadership It continues to break new ground Institute to meet the needs of local today and Riddel Hall, almost and global business. a century on, is at the heart of a programme of ambition and QUMS, Queen’s University innovation such as the sisters could Management School, is already never have imagined. acknowledged as the leading research establishment of its kind “We need to tap into that on the island of Ireland, with 95 per cent of its work assessed as generosity of spirit that we world-leading. The Riddel Hall liza and Isabella Riddel had not know is out there among project will further enhance the Ehad the chance to go university. University’s international reach and In those days, higher education for our alumni.” reputation. women was almost a revolutionary idea. But they believed passionately Thanks to their generosity, more Work is well under way with the that other young women should than 1,000 women passed aim of being open for business not be deprived of the experience through the doors of Riddel Hall as by autumn 2011. The total cost which had eluded them. residents until it closed in 1975 to is £14 million. The University become the headquarters of the and the Government have Their father, John Riddel, had been Arts Council and later of the Ulster committed £9 million and the a prosperous Belfast hardware Orchestra and Opera Northern Queen’s Foundation aims to merchant. Thus they had the Ireland. Now the listed building, raise the remaining £5 million means to fulfil their dream. And one of Belfast’s most elegant yet from donations. So far £1.5 so in 1915, the original Riddel Hall least known, set in 11 acres of million has been secured. opened on the Stranmillis Road, parkland, is being given new life. Norma Sinte, Director of founded and endowed by the At Riddel Hall, Queen’s will become Development and Alumni sisters, as a residence for female the first university in these islands Relations, says: “It was a Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 23

combination of philanthropy and managers and emerging leaders Vice-Chancellor Peter Gregson family success in business that led in all sectors of the economy and comments: “Our annual impact on to the building’s existence. We help them develop the knowledge the Northern Ireland economy is need to tap into that generosity and skills which they and their estimated to be about £700 million of spirit that we know is out organisations need.” but our impact on society can’t be there among our alumni. This is measured in financial terms alone. a Northern Ireland landmark and “In their time, the Riddel Graduates of Queen’s play a central we’re creating a facility of truly role in every walk of life. international significance. But it’s sisters created something about much more than bricks and unique and enlightened.” What’s happening at Riddel mortar. It’s about personal growth Hall is enormously exciting. In and the growth of our society.” their time, the Riddel sisters He added: “The Department for created something unique and Two years ago, in the first Employment and Learning has enlightened. The current project is Programme for Government, the estimated that there’ll be a shortfall part of a vision which we believe is Office of the First Minister and of up to 20,000 postgraduates in equally so – to help make Northern Deputy First Minister declared Northern Ireland by 2030, relative Ireland a world class society with Queen’s to be the powerhouse to the needs of the economy. The world class services, businesses and of the Northern Ireland economy. developments at Riddel Hall are institutions. That’s a vision which Its aspiration to be one of the designed to help meet this we hope you share.” top 100 universities in the world shortfall, ensuring that QUMS is closely linked to Northern continues to make a significant Ireland’s ambition to become an contribution to industry, commerce internationally competitive region. and the various professions. If you would like make an online As well, we’re committed to donation to Riddel Hall go to As Professor Richard Harrison, increasing the postgraduate www.qub.ac.uk/alumni and Director of QUMS, sees it: “We’re population across the University follow the links via Support creating something from which to 4,000, which is 30 per cent of Queen’s and Ways of Giving the whole community can benefit. the student community. This will The new Leadership Institute have a positive effect on the local in particular will support senior economy and further afield.” 24 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Cover story:

WhyThe Queen’s E-Factor has become the enterprise leader

ntrepreneurship is embedded Ein the fabric of Queen’s Profile University Belfast. Given the number of entrepreneurial students and staff winning big part of setting up any major prizes, the award- business. winning student societies, a top ranking UK knowledge transfer Having spotted a gap in the unit, and excellent local and market I wasn’t able to sleep till international links, it is not Niall Haughey I did something about it. It was surprising that Times Higher BSc Psychology, 2003 the first time I considered myself Education awarded Queen’s MSc Finance, 2004 an ‘entrepreneur’; until then, I was the prestigious ‘Entrepreneurial Founding Director, certain I would become a banker! University of the Year’ title last Blue FX Markets, autumn. www.bluefxmarkets.com What issues have you faced? Indeed, the Sunday Times Good This foreign exchange (FX) business My biggest achievements so University Guide said that “no for private and corporate clients far were getting regulatory other university in the UK has had launched in 2009. Based in Dublin approval in both the UK and such a direct influence on the and employing three staff members Ireland. Approaching the financial region it serves” and described it saves clients money by dealing regulators with a new business Queen’s as “a casebook study of directly in the London wholesale plan in the middle of 2008 was how a university can help drive the market. Turnover in year one was tricky as they had other things to regeneration of the region in which deal with. it is located.” €15.5 million. What made you decide to set up What advice would you give “Enterprise is the process of your own business? someone else wanting to launch thinking of something and then a business? making it happen,” says Queen’s My Queen’s education prepared academic David Gibson who me well. I studied FX markets Make use of the strong alumni was named by the United States extensively in my Masters course network at Queen’s, take Association of Business Educators and Psychology is useful when advantage of the support available as one of the top three enterprise dealing with people and this is a and just go for it! educators in the world. David is the first person in Europe to receive

“Entrepreneurial University of the Year” Times Higher Education Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 25

this honour which recognises his work introducing entrepreneurship education (or the ‘E-Factor’ as he Profile calls it) into all courses at Queen’s. Hilary Oliver Queen’s has embedded the BA Spanish & Russian Studies, ‘E-Factor’ in every degree pathway, 1972 What issues have you faced? reaching 11,000 students across Managing Director, the University. This includes those Cameo Productions Ltd, Time is the biggest challenge, on the expected business type www.cameopro.com. balancing the demands of a courses through to subjects often burgeoning business with single unconnected with enterprise like Launched in 1990, Hilary’s parenthood and a separate history, nursing and accountancy. Mayfair studios is one of only broadcasting career as an arts Now all undergraduate students two UK companies producing reviewer. But it didn’t stop me arriving at Queen’s this autumn bespoke radio promotions for achieving one of my biggest will collect not only their the latest films from arthouse to successes, creating a 70th degree certificate when they blockbusters. Viewed as the market birthday radio feature for a major graduate, but also a Certificate in leader with 65-70% market share Hollywood studio which was Entrepreneurship Studies. she employs seven permanent subsequently sent to publicists staff and a bank of freelance globally as an example of best The Queen’s model of enterprise contributors. practice. teaching has led to over 500 students becoming directly What made you decide to set up What advice would you give engaged in business activity and is your own business? someone else wanting to launch intended to give Queen’s students a business? an advantage in the highly As Features Editor at a top competitive job market. A measure commercial station in the 1980s, I Do it in a recession. When times of its success is its adoption by the received syndicated packages and are tough people look for fresh and European Training Foundation. PR material. With a couple of radio innovative ways of doing things. awards under my belt, I realised Back your vision with a sound Vincent Murray (MEng that I could create quality material business plan. Prepare to work Mechanical and Manufacturing more relevant and better suited to 24/7, neglect family and friends, Engineering, 2010), Queen’s radio needs. Redundancy further forego holidays. Treat your biggest Student of the Year 2010, concentrated my mind and Cameo and smallest clients equally. enthused: “The Queen’s approach was born!

“Queen’s...... supporting the enterprise agenda” 26 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Cover story: The E-Factor

to enterprise is inspiring, it makes you want to get active and do Profile something. I have benefitted from the schemes, the teaching and the valuable networks that exist. possible as well as contribute I launched my own business and to the household income. My gained a strong mentor. I also time at Queen’s taught me the chaired Students in Free Enterprise self-motivation to complete my (SIFE) which is recognised locally work on time. It is the same with and nationally for its excellence. owning your own business – no Linda Buchanan It is one of several student run one else is going to do it for you! BA English and Drama, 2003 enterprise groups and last year we Owner, Wee Wonders, launched a unique and innovative What issues have you faced? www.weewondersni.co.uk cross-community music social enterprise as well as offering It is not easy to find enough time Wee Wonders has just launched marketing consultancy to local to spend on the business while I and provides baby/toddler activity community based groups amongst am also a full-time carer for my classes with singing, drama, a range of other projects.” movement, books, games and arts two children (3 years old and 10 months). However the positivity and crafts. Linda also teaches Baby The Students’ Union at Queen’s from the parents who have Sign, a phenomenon sweeping is committed to supporting the attended my classes keeps me on the UK. You can start signing with enterprise agenda. Enterprise SU is track. your baby from birth and they will a dedicated space in the Students’ quickly learn to understand and Union building which regularly What advice would you give from as young as seven months hosts CV workshops, interview someone else wanting to launch old, babies can sign More, Milk, skills sessions and social enterprise a business? Eat, Drink, Bath and Bed! events. It also hosts talks from entrepreneurs and business leaders Have confidence in your own What made you decide to set (many of whom are themselves abilities but don’t be afraid to seek up your own business? Queen’s alumni) and links to other advice from others. local or national initiatives such as As a mum, I wanted to spend as the Head Start programme or ‘The much time with my children as Wok Rules!’

“Enterprise is the process of thinking of something... Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 27

Profile

The Head Start programme Simon Grattan encourages student teams to BSc Physics with Materials compete to develop business ideas Science, 2000 through a series of seminars and PhD Civil Engineering, 2009 business visits. Students also fought Managing Director, for the chance to run a Belfast Sengenia Ltd, What issues have you faced? restaurant (Oodles loves Noodles) www.sengenia.com for a day in the Belfast City Council Like any young company the initiative ‘The Wok Rules!’ and put Sengenia draws on the expertise challenges are always resources their presentation skills to use in and experience of renowned and time but we have worked hard Dragon’s Den scenarios on campus. academics in the field of fibre to minimise our costs and the long optics to offer consultancy and a hours seem more worthwhile when To tap into the commercial value complete range of the latest sensor people recognise your dedication. of the research and development reading equipment and sensors. My proudest moment was winning activities undertaken at Queen’s, Launched in 2007, award-winning the ‘Shell Young Entrepreneur of the University launched QUBIS to Sengenia has been providing novel the Year – All Ireland Award for assist staff with the formation of solutions to customer needs in the Innovation’ in 2008 against stiff ‘spin-out’ businesses. A significant civil and structural engineering competition. proportion of new high technology fields and achieved a turnover of companies in Northern Ireland over £130K in their second year. What advice would you give have been created as a result and someone else wanting to launch more than 90% of the spin-outs’ What made you decide to set up a business? products are exported globally. your own business? Make sure you’ve done your Internationalisation at Queen’s I was part way through my PhD market research and that there has been equally successful. The at Queen’s when the market are willing customers with money University secured an RCUK opportunity was identified in my ready to spend. Don’t fall into the Science Bridges award with China work. I think there is tremendous trap of inventing something you and this is complemented by two credibility to be gained from think is amazing and starting a Employability and Entrepreneurship association with the University business. There just might not be grants as part of the Strategic from those you come across as the market. Also get good legal Alliances and Partnerships strand customers. So with QUBIS there and financial people from the start, of the Prime Minister’s Initiative for to help and support me, this idea they will save you massive amounts International partnerships. to make my work a commercial of time, effort and stress in the success excited and challenged me. long run.

...and then making it happen” 28 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Cover story: The E-Factor Profile

chemical engineering. Having Enterprise is not restricted to participated in the European industry. Queen’s graduate Maebh Technology Entrepreneurs Cormacain (BSc Geography, 1999) Programme in 1987 while studying is Development Manager at UnLtd at Queen’s, I had gained a good – The Belfast-based foundation grounding in the principles of for Social Entrepreneurs. She starting my own company. commented, “We support people with the drive to change society What issues have you faced? for the better and I am delighted to see so many are Queen’s Most companies go under within graduates,” said Maebh. three years of launch and finding Fred Wilson clients was a worry until I realised “For example, Joan Henderson BEng Chemical Engineering,1986 that it is a bit like looking for a job. founded the charity Sólás this Diploma in Industrial Once I understood you just have year to offer schools throughout Engineering, 1988 to go and sell yourself, it became a Ireland ICT podcasting products MSc Chemical Engineering, 1990 lot easier. We have now had repeat and training to help children with Principal Consultant & Director, business from many regular clients additional needs and teenage Safety Choice H&S Consultancy including private companies and a dropouts, utilising the skills of Ltd, large government department, so retired teachers in the community,” www.safetychoice.co.uk we must be doing something right! she added.

For over 10 years this Health, What advice would you give The University embraces its Safety and Environmental someone else wanting to launch leadership role in Northern Ireland consultancy has assisted in the a business? and encourages business growth implementation of HS&E legislation in the region. Since its inception, and in the improvement of HS&E Get experience in large The Knowledge Transfer Centre performance building a strong organisations and take advantage at Queen’s has helped over 200 regular client base of over 50 of training opportunities - it is more small and medium sized regional SMEs. difficult to do this when you have enterprises (SMEs) by acting as to pay for the training yourself. a focal point and by promoting What made you decide to set up technology transfer activities by your own business? Make sure you have a market linking the SMEs and the University before you set off on your own in collaborative projects. Redundancy in May 2000 from and once you ‘set your hand to the a large chemical manufacturer plough’, don’t look back, in other left me reluctant to continue in words, perseverance is key. Only HS&E Management within large the brave survive. organisations or to go back into

“Turn opportunity...... into reality” Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 29

Profile

The Chief Executives’ Club at Emma Courtney Queen’s is another prestigious BA Philosophy, 2000 outreach project. It offers a forum Director, Courtney Consulting Ltd, for high level business networking www.courtneyconsulting.co.uk and knowledge transfer between Queen’s and industry. Emma has achieved much in a highly competitive market Members of the Club also benefit place since launch in 2007. from the Innovation Lecture Her consultancy specialises in Series which brings to Queen’s organisational development, many amazing people doing such internationally renowned scholars brand, marketing and audience to disseminate global best practice. amazing work in the cultural and development for the cultural and third sectors. I inevitably end up third sectors. So far, having worked giving them half a day’s pro-bono Many people think of Sir Richard with over 50 clients, she has Branson, Bill Gates or Lord consultancy over copious amounts helped leverage more than £50m of tea and chocolate. It’s humbling Sugar when they hear the word of funding. entrepreneur but these are only the how spending just a little time can high profile tip of the iceberg. make such a big difference but What made you decide to set up there are only so many hours in a your own business? “Being entrepreneurial is not day. necessarily about making millions: The thought-leadership, debates What advice would you give instead it is about having a mindset and discussions I had at Queen’s which is geared towards making a someone else wanting to launch gave me the confidence to think a business? contribution, and the skills to turn differently and to articulate those opportunity into reality,” said David thoughts in a constructive and Gibson. If you are passionate about it then creative way. I knew I could just do it. Because one of the offer something better than the ”Queen’s University is committed scariest and most glorious things traditional consultancy model for about life is you are the only one to driving forward development by my sector and I decided I had to providing people with the skills and who can. But you will be working put my money where my mouth 24/7 so you will need that passion the mindsets to make a difference was! in whatever way they can,” he to carry you through and inspire concluded. others. And just because you are a What issues have you faced? minnow don’t forget to think big. I’m proof you can outswim the Saying no! It can be hard to big fish! step away from the business at the end of the day. There are so

Get involved! If you have also started your own business, get in touch and we will publish your story on our website. For further details and useful web links go to www.qub.ac.uk/Alumni/Reconnecting 30 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast Class Notes 2000s Mevlude Akay Christopher Stalford BA Modern LLB 2008, took History 2004, was sworn in as the first prize in youngest ever High Sheriff of Belfast in February in January. Councillor Stalford, 27, is the prestigious the 110th High Sheriff of the County Inter-Varsity of Belfast. 2010 mooting competition. Councillor Stalford was elected to Held by the represent the Laganbank area of south mooting society Belfast in May 2005, when he became of the Inner Temple, it is one of the the youngest ever person to be elected Chris Lyttle MLA, BA English 2003, four Inns of Court and among the to Belfast City Council. has been appointed to succeed fellow country’s oldest legal institutions. Queen’s graduate Naomi Long MP A graduate of Queen’s and a past (MEng, 1994) as Alliance Party MLA The 22-year-old triumphed over 19 member of the Senate, Councillor for East Belfast. Under assembly rules other teams from universities and legal Stalford takes a keen interest in if a member stands down their party education providers across the UK educational issues, and serves on the nominates a replacement. alongside her teammate, fellow College boards of the Somme Association and of Law student, Thomas Evans. the Ulster Orchestra. Chris, who is a UEFA B Licence soccer coach and a 2002 alumnus of the Mevlude is currently studying the Councillor Washington-Ireland Programme, was Bar Vocational Course (BVC) at the Gareth Elliott born and raised in east Belfast. While College’s London Bloomsbury centre. BA Modern he was at Queen’s he received a Helen History 2003, Ramsey Turtle Travel Scholarship for Toni Maguire was elected on 6 exchange study at the University of BSc Archaeology May 2010 to the California. Chris has also attended & Palaeoecology London Borough Harvard University where he was 2007, is of Richmond awarded a Frank Knox Fellowship in currently Council for Public Policy & Administration. conducting Whitton ward, post-graduate where he lives with his wife and fellow The former NI Assembly Constituency study on the Queen’s graduate, Louise Elliott. & Research Assistant to the Alliance Ethnographic Party Deputy Leader Naomi Long, he is Project with a Elected for the Conservative Party, currently Vice-Chair of the East Belfast focus on the Milltown Cemetery Project. Gareth will sit on the local audit and sub-group of Belfast District Policing finance scrutiny committees. Partnership. Toni was asked by the Catholic Church in December 2008 to use her previous Patrick Chris, pictured (left) with Alliance Party knowledge and expertise in identifying McFadden leader, David Ford (BSc Econ, 1972) Cilliní and areas of Poor Ground burial BSc Architecture and Naomi Long, can be contacted at: across Co Antrim, to help with the 2003, married [email protected] identification of unmarked mass graves Geraldine located on land sold by the church to McKeever BSc Keelan Downton PhD Theology 2003, the Ulster Wildlife Trust in 2000. After Management & was recently hired as Communications an archaeological spot survey in 2009 French 2003, on and Public Relations Specialist for the an area covering 6.2 acres is due to be 25 July 2009. Woodstock Theological Center at returned sometime in the future, to the They now live Georgetown University and appointed joy of the relatives involved. outside Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. as Research Professor of Theology in the Micah Institute at New York Theological Toni has been involved in a BBC Patrick runs his own architectural Seminary. documentary ‘Limbo Babies’ exploring services company called PRO-design the issues of Limbo which will cover (N.I.) Limited and can be contacted on Downton currently serves as a member some of the aspects of infant burial at [email protected]. Geraldine of the World Council of Churches Milltown Cemetery. The programme is is a teacher and can be contacted on Faith and Order Plenary Commission due to be screened later this year. [email protected] and is the author of ‘Authority in the Church: An Ecumenical Reflection on Jennifer Foster MA International Hermeneutic Boundaries and Their Politics 2004, married Alston (Tony) Implications for Inter-Church Relations’ Dayton Feaster on 27 March 2010. To view Class Notes Extra go to the (University Press of America, 2006). Jennifer works for Booz Allen Hamilton alumni website (www.qub.ac.uk/alumni) [email protected] and her husband for the Defence and follow the links via Keep in Touch. Intelligence Agency. They live in Washington, DC. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 31

Helga Sneddon specialisation in the area of micro- PhD Psychology machining. 2002, worked 1990s as a Senior Catherine Collins BSc Psychology CDAMC has just been successful in Research Fellow 1999, is married to Eoin Coleman and securing European FP7 funding for a at the Institute can be contacted at project looking at a micro-machining of Child Care [email protected] process, together with partners from Research, across Europe. Queen’s, for 12 Shona Heron Diploma in Adult years. Nursing 1999, BSc Health Studies 2006, The manufacturing consultants are unfortunately fractured a bone in her also a partner in another European Dr Sneddon left the University in foot two days before graduation, was FP7 project being co-ordinated by the September to take up a Senior Fellow in plaster from toe to knee and had to Fraunhoffer institute in Germany. position in Research and Evidence accept her certificate from a borrowed CDAMC is currently helping other with the Centre for Effective Services wheelchair pushed by her husband! SMEs and research institutes prepare (CES). CES is an independent, not-for- proposals for the year’s FP7 round of profit organisation funded jointly by Afterwards, Sharon could only manage calls. [email protected] philanthropy and government in Ireland, a couple of photos in front of Queen’s with offices in Dublin and Belfast before going home to rest! No nice Chris Cairns BSc Zoology 1996, (www.centreforeffectiveservices.org). meal or celebratory drinks! took a ‘year out’ after graduation before enrolling at University of Ulster Helga hopes to continue to have strong Annie MacManus BA English 1999, Jordanstown for a Post Graduate links with Queen’s in the future to born in Dundrum, Co Dublin left Dublin Diploma in Accounting. make best use of available knowledge to study in Queen’s where she got and evidence and to make a real seriously bitten by the clubbing bug. He became a Chartered Accountant difference to children and families. Her Last October she took over the controls after obtaining his professional new contact details are: The Centre of BBC Radio 1’s flagship dance show qualification and worked in Belfast for for Effective Services, 65-67 Chichester from clubbing legend Pete Tong. She two different private firms. Chris left Street, Belfast, BT1 4JD. Telephone: released her first compilation CD in Belfast for Australia in 2007 where he +44 (0)2890 438 433; Email: October 2009, with another due within currently resides. [email protected] weeks. Kerry Anthony BA History 1996, was Caroline Connor BMus 2001, has Initially, Annie intended doing Drama awarded an MBE in the 2009 New Year worked in administration, marketing Studies in Trinity. “I figured the two Honours for her services to homeless and management roles within the things I liked most in life were music people. Kerry is the youngest person arts sector since graduating. She has and socialising, so I thought talking on in Northern Ireland ever to receive such recently been appointed Business radio would be an extension of that. an accolade. Development Manager with Culture I wanted to do something practical Northern Ireland, a role which will rather than writing essays, so I did a After leaving Queen’s Kerry moved to see her leading the commercial course in a funny little town called London to work in a semi-voluntary role development of the organisation’s Farnborough…it got me to England and with men experiencing homelessness. website, maximising current commercial my brother was in London at the time. revenues, developing new income I’ve been here for nearly 10 years, so She holds two Masters degrees, one in streams and meeting key e-marketing I do consider it home now. Obviously, Social Work from Glasgow University targets. [email protected] Dublin is still home!” and the other in Voluntary Sector Management from Cass Business School Dermot Annie tries to return to Dublin as often in London. She worked in a variety of O’Hanlon BSSc as possible and is always Dublin-bound roles in both the voluntary and statutory Information for Christmas and birthdays. She has sector working with homeless people in Management ‘deejayed’ at Oxegen, Electric Picnic, London, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin. 2000, and Twisted Pepper and Wax, which she Gavin McEvoy fondly recalls as one of her best ever Kerry joined Depaul Ireland in 2005, BSSc Economics gigs. “Whoop! Whoop!” initially as its Director of Services and, 2001, have been since 2007, as Chief Executive. celebrating the David Porter BEng Architectural first year of Engineering 1998, has recently been The charity is a leading provider of their joint business venture, Quicklet, promoted to Director of Development in accommodation, outreach and training with the opening of a second branch in DARD Rivers Agency, the flood defence services to homeless and disadvantaged Stranmillis, in Belfast. and drainage authority for Northern people and is the only cross-border Ireland. homeless charity in Ireland. As CEO, The Lurgan-based company now Kerry is responsible for a staff of 200 employs an experienced team of David is responsible for implementing and an organisational turnover eight and is fast becoming one of the EU Floods Directive within Northern of £7 million a year. Northern Ireland’s foremost property Ireland as well as directing the Agency’s letting agencies. And as the market mapping and modelling requirements Born in Craigavon, Co Armagh, Kerry grows stronger the potential exists for and planning advisory function. grew up in Waringstown and went further expansion, with the company [email protected] to school in Lurgan Girls’ Junior High forecasting the opening of three and Lurgan College. She now lives in additional offices and the creation of an Carl Diver BEng Mechanical Belfast and splits her time additional 20 positions. Engineering 1997, established CDAMC between the charity’s bases in January 2008 which provides in Belfast and Dublin. For further information please go to research and development services www.quickletni.co.uk to the manufacturing sector with a 32 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Gail Millar BSSc Politics 1996, MA of the JISC Advance Board and an Fishburn Hedges currently ranks among Scholastic Philosophy 1999 and her Independent Governor at Tyne Met FE the UK’s leading PR consultancies, husband Walt became parents on College. He enjoys travel, music, sport specialising in providing public 24 January 2009 to their first child, a and spending time with his family. relations, public affairs and internal daughter, Malin Rose Christina. Gail communications consultancy to now practises law in Edinburgh. Tony Hamilton BSc Physics with organisations in the private and public Geology 1994, works as Executive sectors. Craig Mahoney Director and Chief Meteorologist for PhD Psychology JP Morgan. His role is to produce Mark McCadden BSSc Economics 1995, joined proprietary weather and climate 1990, having worked as a School the Higher forecasts for Energy Traders and Improvement Adviser for 240 primary Education Investors. schools in West Sussex for six years, Academy as is now working for the school Chief Executive Tony finds his job extremely dynamic improvement arm of the Department on 1 July 2010. and often stressful, but also highly for Children, Schools and Families. Born and rewarding. “The meteorologist will brought up on often be placed right in the middle of As a National Strategies Regional a farm in Tasmania, Professor Mahoney the trade floor shouting out changes Adviser for primary mathematics in the is an Australian who has lived in the UK in hurricane forecast tracks or major South East of England, Mark works with for the past 24 years. changes in the latest run of atmospheric a variety of senior educationalists in 20 models as they happen,” he told The local authorities to help raise standards He is a graduate in Chemistry and Graduate. “Changes in the weather of education, as well as helping to write Maths from the Tasmanian College of and weather forecasts will move billions national materials and train a field force Advanced Education (now the University of dollars in the Global Energy markets of consultants who support schools in of Tasmania) and he also holds a every hour of every day - so a lot is at their local authorities. Masters degree from Birmingham stake!” [email protected] University. Jonathan White BMedSc 1991, Craig has had a distinguished career in MB BCh BAO 1993, PhD Surgery academia and sport. He has published 2001, FRCSI trained as a surgeon 1980s widely in the areas of children’s fitness, in Northern Ireland before moving Rowan Parks MB BCh BAO 1989, health, sport, exercise, performance and to Calgary in 2004. He married his MD 1997, has been promoted by the education. Before joining the Academy teenage sweetheart Paula 12 years University of Edinburgh with a personal he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at ago. Jonathan moved to Edmonton chair entitled Professor of Surgical Northumbria University where he in summer 2006 and is currently Sciences. He currently works as a was responsible for all learning and a consultant surgeon at the Royal consultant HPB surgeon at the Royal teaching activity, prior to which he was Alexandra Hospital. Infirmary of Edinburgh. the founding Dean of the School of [email protected] Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure at As the Director of Undergraduate Wolverhampton University. Surgical Education at the University of Peng Seah MB BCh BAO 1987, is a Alberta since 2007, he is responsible consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in A former semi-professional squash for the provision of surgical education Newcastle, Australia. Peng works at the player, Craig has coached and managed in all four years of the undergraduate John Hunter Hospital, Calvary Mater squash teams in Australia, Sweden curriculum within the Faculty of Newcastle, Newcastle Private Hospital and Ireland, and is also a qualified Medicine and Dentistry. and Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. squash referee. With an international Married to Michele with three children, reputation as a sports psychologist, and Jonathan recently completed a Masters Anne (16), Elizabeth (14) and Nicholas the first person in the UK to hold dual of Medical Education, with a research (10), he has been in Australia since accreditation from BASES, for Exercise project using qualitative methods to graduation but hopes to visit Northern Physiology and Sport Psychology, study the medical school admissions Ireland in the next few years. Professor Mahoney has worked with an process. [email protected] extensive range of performers at World, Olympic and Commonwealth level In 2009, he was awarded the John Philip Matthews BSc 1986, PhD and is an adviser to UEFA and FIFA on Provan Outstanding Canadian Surgical Zoology 1986, has been appointed as psychology in officiating. Educator Award. He has also received president at the National College of awards for Excellence in Small Group Ireland (NCI), based in Dublin’s Financial Amongst his professional achievements Teaching (Discovery Learning) in 2008 Services Centre. Dr Matthews joins the as a sport psychologist he lists the 1993 and 2009, and was named as a Top Ten College from the UCD Michael Smurfit All-Ireland Gaelic Football title won by Teacher in the Department of Surgery School of Business, where he was Derry, two third place finishes for the from 2007-10. director of executive education. England Netball team in World and Commonwealth Championships, and Dermot Finch MA Irish Studies A former rugby star, Philip was a several top 10 finishes achieved by Irish 1991, has recently taken up a new member of the Ireland Triple Crown- sailors in the last four Olympiads. appointment as Head of Public Affairs winning team in 1985 and still Craig makes regular TV and radio at Fishburn Hedges. commentates for the BBC. appearances for the BBC, ITV and Sky and is frequently called upon to Dermot had been Chief Executive at He succeeds Dr Paul Mooney who is make contributions to newspapers and the independent research and policy returning to a management consulting magazine articles on topics ranging institute Centre for Cities since it was role. across education, performance and set up in 2005. Before that, he was a undercover reporting. Professor policy adviser at HM Treasury for 11 Mahoney is Deputy Chair of the years, advising both Conservative and South Tyneside NHS Trust, a member Labour Chancellors. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 33

Melanie Shanks BSc Computer Science Paul Murray BSc Physics & Applied dilemmas when the physician is also the 1985, has been working at Astellas Maths 1985, PhD Physics 1989, has researcher’. Pharmaceuticals US HQ near Chicago worked in the Aerospace Industry since Illinois, since October 2008. She was graduating. Initially Paul worked as an Dr Russell, who works in the Ovarian recently promoted to Assistant Director Aerodynamicist for BAE Systems and Cancer Research Lab at Queen’s, has of Business Intelligence in their Sales since 1994 as an Aircraft Acoustics over 25 years’ experience in biomedical and Marketing Division. Engineer/Consultant, working for research and is currently Chair of [email protected] Bombardier Shorts, Boeing, Alenia the Northern Ireland Research Ethics Aermacchi and, since 2007, for Committee and a member of the Eamonn O’Hare BSc Aeronautical Rolls Royce (part-time) through their University Research Ethics Committee. Engineering 1985, has been appointed University Technology Centre at chief financial officer by Virgin Media. Southampton. Eamonn has been Tesco’s UK finance director for the past four years and will Paul started up his own Acoustic 1970s take up his Virgin responsibilities in Consultancy (Morrisbrand Ltd) in 2007, Margaret Ritchie BA 1979, is only November. to expand his activities into building the fourth leader of the SDLP, the first acoustics. woman to lead it and the first to be Prior to joining Tesco, Eamonn played elected directly by delegates to the a key role in the turnaround of He can be contacted by email at party conference. now-defunct Energis, a technology [email protected] company that was acquired by Born in Downpatrick, Co Down in Cable and Wireless in 2005 for Margaret March 1958, she joined the SDLP in £594 million. Following its debt Rosemary 1980 when she was 22. Margaret restructuring in 2002, he joined the Clarke (née worked previously for the Open telecommunications network operator Alexander) University at its offices in Belfast. as chief financial officer and was part MA Education of the management team that guided 1984, retired She was elected to the then SDLP- the company to its first operating profit. from teaching in dominated Down District Council in Before joining Energis, Eamonn spent Clounagh Junior 1985, became its vice-chair in 1992 and 10 years with PepsiCo in a series of High School, its chair in 1993. She then stood down senior international finance and general Portadown from the Council in 2009. management positions. after 38 years. For nearly 26 of those she held the post of Head of Religious Margaret was elected to the Northern John Larkin QC LLB 1985, was sworn Education in the School. Margaret Ireland Assembly in 2003 and following in on 9 June 2010 as the first Attorney has been married for over 10 years to this, became deputy chair of the SDLP General in Northern Ireland for 37 Robert Stephen Clarke, a graduate of Assembly group. years. Mr Larkin was born in Belfast London University. and educated at St Mary’s Christian She was one of the SDLP’s two Brothers’ Grammar School in Belfast Nigel Butterwick Master of Library representatives on the Assembly’s before coming up to Queen’s to read Service 1983, MSc Computer Science Programme for Government Committee Law. He was subsequently called to the & Applications 1986, MBA 2001, which prepared for the restoration of Bar of Northern Ireland. completed his studies at Queen’s in devolution in 2007. She had also been 2003 and took up position as Associate a member of the party’s negotiating In 1989, aged 25, he was appointed Director of Libraries for User Services at team at Leeds Castle in Kent in 2004, Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and also at St Andrews in October 2006 and Penal Law at Trinity College Dublin. USA. when the Stormont Assembly was in He returned to Northern Ireland in the suspension. 1990s to work at the Bar, specialising In 2007 Nigel became Director of in administrative law, civil liberties Libraries at Franklin College Switzerland, Margaret took the post of social and human rights, competition and Lugano, and in January 2009, he took development minister and, thanks to constitutional law, defamation and up his current post as Associate Dean, the Assembly mechanism for sharing judicial review. Student Support & Information Services. out ministerial positions, is currently the only member of her party with an He is the first person to hold the office Domenico Camplisson BA Modern Executive seat. separately since its functions were History 1982, is currently teaching assumed by the Attorney General for (adjunct faculty) at Coleman University Paul Fleming BEd 1977, former England and Wales in 1972 following in San Diego and serving on the Board Associate Dean, Faculty of Life and the resignation of Northern Ireland’s of House of Ireland, a 75-year old Health Sciences, University of Ulster, government. He is also the first holder cultural association in Balboa Park, San has recently taken up post as Pro- of the office not to be a politician Diego. Vice-Chancellor (Science) at sitting either at Stormont or the UK the University of Canterbury in Parliament. Sarah Elizabeth Christchurch, New Zealand. Hilary Russell As Attorney General, John Larkin is BSc Microbiology the chief legal adviser to the Northern 1980, was Ireland Executive for those civil and recently awarded criminal matters that fall within the an MA in jurisdiction of the Northern Ireland Research Ethics Assembly. He is also the chief public from the Centre prosecutor for Northern Ireland and for Professional will be responsible for appointing the Ethics, Faculty director and deputy director of public of Law at Keele University. The title prosecutions. of her dissertation was ‘The moral

34 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Patrick Steele BSc Econ 1976, has Senior Director of Public Works and The ESP KTN is one of 16 KTNs funded recently retired having spent 23 years Government Services. by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board. in local government service in Greater KTNs have the objective of improving Manchester (GM). He was the only staff Desmond is married to Rosemary Knes, the UK’s innovation performance by member at GM Research to be present a journalist from Ottawa and they have increasing the breadth and depth of the at both its inception and closure. two children, Genie, 17 and Cullen, 13. knowledge transfer of technology into He now hopes to complete a thesis for UK-based businesses. His great uncle, Marshall Swan, an MSc in Environment and Science at founded the dental school at Queen’s the Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC. Alastair was a member of Professor and Patrick remembers staying in Dan Bradley’s laser group at Queen’s Queen’s Houses in his final year, one Desmond travels back and forth to in the early 70s and has worked in of which coincidentally used to be the Europe and would ideally like to find a photonics, both in industry and in premises of Marshall Swan’s dental nice place in the south of France! economic development organisations. practice. [email protected] He has also been appointed to the Board of Stakeholders of Photonics 21, To relax, Patrick loves reading and Peter Tonkin BA English 1973, MA the European Technology Platform for travelling. He can be reached at English 1974, was born in 1950 in photonics. [email protected] [email protected] Limavady, Co Londonderry. His father was a senior engineering officer in the Neil Nicholls BA Dr Aine McCoy MB BCh BAO 1975, RAF and during his childhood, Peter Geography 1972, has been appointed President of the lived in many different countries left Northern New Zealand Medical Association for including Northern Ireland, Germany Ireland for Papua 2010/11. She is only the second woman and Bahrain. New Guinea to head the organisation in 125 years. (PNG) in 1980 Educated at Gloucester House, Portora after working in Aine was brought up in Ballycastle, Royal School, Enniskillen and at Palmer’s county libraries. Co Antrim, and after her medical School in Essex, he won the Jan Palac He helped to degree worked as a house surgeon at Memorial prize for poetry and sang establish the Musgrave Park and Belfast City hospitals with the Essex Youth Choir. country’s National Library and was and later trained and worked in general National Librarian from 1992 to 1995, practice in Ballymoney. Peter was a leading undergraduate representing PNG at many international actor and director, involved in fora and attending the UNESCO In 1982 Dr McCoy emmigrated to productions as diverse as Pinter’s General Assembly as part of the PNG New Zealand where she is a GP in ‘A Slight Ache’, and Shakespeare’s delegation. the Wellington suburb of Miramar. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. She has maintained contact with After consultancy work, Neil joined Northern Ireland - and Queen’s - and He directed ‘Everyman’ for the 1972 the Delegation of the European in September 2010 attended a 35th Belfast Festival as well as the First Commission in Papua New Guinea in anniversary class reunion in Enniskillen. Quarto ‘Hamlet’ with (as he remembers 2000 as Education Adviser, and was it) a young Ciaran Hinds as Hamlet and responsible for education projects in Dr McCoy was awarded the he received special mention from John PNG, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Distinguished Service Medal of the Arden in the Galway Festival 1973. In 2005, he became Education Attaché Royal New Zealand College of General in the Delegation, completing his Practitioners in 2009. She is married Peter was Literary and Critical Editor diplomatic assignment in late 2008. to Alan Meek and they have two sons, of ‘The Gown’, producing the ‘Literary For his services to education, Neil was Arthur, a well-known playwright and Supplement’ with poetry by Paul awarded PNG’s Independence Medal. actor, and Sebastian, who works in the Muldoon and short stories by Bernard film industry. MacLaverty. Since October 2009, Neil has been working in PNG with Divine Word Neil Bennet BSc Aeronautical Peter’s first international best-seller, University as Team Leader for a Global Engineering 1974, worked in the RAF ‘Killer’ was published in 1978. In the Fund-funded national competency for 17 years before moving to the years since then, he has published 30 training programme for health workers, Brecon Beacons National Park where he more novels, 22 in the best-selling which will enable the national roll- and his wife run a horse-riding tourism ‘Mariner’ series. out of a new drug to fight malaria, business. and improve diagnostic testing for Peter is married to Charmaine and the disease. Neil may be contacted at Neil is also heavily involved with the together they have two sons - Guy, [email protected] National Park Authority on advising and and Mark - and and live in Royal developing sustainable tourism. To get a Tunbridge Wells. His Excellency William Boyd McCleary, real flavour of what they do visit www. BA German 1972, who was awarded a breconbeaconsandradnorloop.co.uk Alastair Wilson CMG in the 2010 New Year Honours, BSc Physics was sworn in as the 15th Governor of Desmond Gray BSc Physics 1973, 1972, Msc the British Virgin Islands at a ceremony returned to Canada following first year Opto-Electronics held at the House of Assembly Law and completed a BA (Hons) at & Optical Chambers on 20 August. Carleton University in Ottawa before Information studying for an MA in English at the Processing 1974, The former British High Commissioner University of Toronto. was appointed in Malaysia, who is married to wife Director of Jenny and has three children, has held He spent a year in France studying Photonics with previous consular positions in Turkey, at the Université de Pau before the Electronics, Sensors, Photonics Seoul and Germany. beginning his 25-year career in the Knowledge Transfer Network (ESP KTN) Federal Government of Canada as in July 2010.

Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 35

He started his career in the early 1970s as the Citizens Network for Foreign I taught in Cross and Passion for 41 in the Department of Agriculture for Affairs), a non-profit organisation years - mostly History but also English Northern Ireland. focused on empowering people and and French. I enhanced my command enterprises in the developing world. of French by attending summer schools John Copelton MSc Pure & Applied at the University of Poitiers and at the Physics 1971, PhD Psychology 2005, Allen Hill BSc University of the Sorbonne in Paris. Back is current Chair of the Northern Ireland 1959, PhD 1962, then my monthly wages were £16 13s Association of Churchill Fellows (NIACF), DSC 1996, has 4d except for every third month when it and recently hosted a Welcome been awarded was £14 13s 4d – the £2 was to pay for Reception for new Churchill Fellows in the Royal Medal my pension. Belfast. by the Royal Society for his When I wasn’t teaching I played golf Since its inception there have been over pioneering at Ballycastle Golf Club where I once 120 Fellows from Northern Ireland, work on protein managed a hole-in-one at the 17th! many of them Queen’s graduates. electrochemistry. I stopped working in 1973 and am Dr Copelton is keen to publicise the very lucky to have enjoyed 37 years of travel fellowships available through the The Royal Society was founded in 1660 retirement.” scheme to other Queen’s alumni and as an independent academy promoting students. the natural and applied sciences. Is Kathleen Dallat Queen’s oldest living graduate? If you know The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Professor Hill was Tutor in Chemistry at otherwise, please get in touch with was set up in 1965 as a living memorial Queen’s College Oxford (of which he the Editor at: [email protected] to Sir Winston Churchill. The Trust is now an Honorary Fellow) from 1965 provides Travel Fellowships to British until 2004. citizens to enable them to travel abroad for four to twelve weeks to widen The Royal Medals, known also as The their experience in such a way that Queen’s Medals, are awarded annually they grow in confidence, knowledge, for the most important contributions to authority and ambition. the advancement of natural knowledge Class Notes and for distinguished contributions in interdisciplinary or applied sciences. “Thank you for sending us Kathleen Dallat your class notes. BA History and If you would French 1932, like to submit will celebrate her your news for 100th birthday in inclusion in a Among those present at the Welcome November 2010. future edition or Reception were (from left to right), for publication Major General Jamie Balfour, Director Still enjoying online in Class General, Winston Churchill Memorial good health, and Notes Extra please send your details to Trust; Patricia MacBride, LLB (Queen’s) excellent recall, me, Sophia McNeill, at: Churchill Fellow (2003); Dr John Kathleen looks back over a long and [email protected] Copelton (2007), Chairman NIACF, interesting life. Dame Mary Peters, Churchill Fellow We welcome stories and photographs (1972) and Viscount Brookeborough, “With a Co Antrim Education relating to promotions, weddings President NIACF. Committee scholarship I entered or births - in fact any item of news Queen’s in 1928. For the four years I (including obituaries) you would like to Margaret McAllister BA French 1960, attended University I lived in a nearby share with your fellow alumni. MEd 1965, has been made an Honorary boarding house. Every Saturday Life Member of the British Psychological morning I visited my grand uncle in Graduates wishing to make contact Society. She is only the third woman to York Street for tea and sandwiches. I with former classmates can use Class ever be given this prestigious status. only returned home at holiday times Notes or our Find a Friend service (Data - when I took the train to Ballymoney Protection guidelines apply) to get in Henry McNeilly BSc 1960, travelled to before changing to the narrow gauge touch.” the Republic of Georgia in the autumn for the final leg to Ballycastle. of 2009 under the United States Agency for International Development Just before my graduation a lady asked (USAID)-funded Farmer-to-Farmer me where my white gloves were – they Programme. were all the fashion at the time. Seeing that I was in something of a fix, she The scheme provides voluntary technical kindly lent me a pair! Later, I joined assistance to farmers, farm groups, my mother and my uncle, Fr Charley and agribusinesses in developing and O’Neill, for lunch in the Royal Hotel on transitional countries to promote Royal Avenue to celebrate. sustainable improvements in food processing, production, and marketing. When I left Queen’s the Sisters in Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle offered Henry, who lives in Alberta, Canada, me a job and I started teaching in assisted Georgia Business Zone (GBZ), September ’32. I had no formal training Ltd., with strategic marketing elements but had a real passion for History; and new product advertising, as part of looking back I can’t think of anything a project with CNFA (founded in 1985 else I would rather have done! 36 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Emeritus Professor of Child Health Geof has been working as an Psychology, Kings College London. organisation and management Books [email protected] development consultant for over 25 Wei Sha DSc Planning, Architecture years, initially as an internal consultant and Civil Engineering 2009, has Christina with Esso Petroleum, then as the published two books, ‘Titanium Alloys Mitchell BDS principal of his own international and Maraging Steels’, in 2009, with 1985, has consulting practice. a third one, ‘Electroless Copper and published a Nickel-phosphorus Plating’, due out in dental textbook He has written a number of books December 2010. entitled ‘Dental and articles on management subjects Materials in and has been the editor of a number In 2004 Professor Sha, together with Operative of professional journals. Geof is a Dr Malinov and their Metals Research Dentistry’, Member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Group including Dr Kim Ghee Keong part of the CMI, a Member of the AMED, a partner 2003 and Dr Zhanli Guo 2000, were the QuintEssentials range published by in Learning Consortium and was a winners of the Engineering Employers’ Quintessence. The book aims to update founding partner of Castle Consultants Federation Trophy. dental students and general dental International. He lives in Bristol, England practitioners on the wide range of and the Isle of Arran, Scotland. Raymond O’Regan BA 1997, writer restorative materials available for use in Geof can be contacted at New of ‘Hidden Belfast’ (due out October operative dentistry. Directions Ltd via email: geofcox@ 2010), which is the third in a trilogy and newdirections.uk.com follows on from ‘Hidden Dublin’ and Dr Mitchell is a Senior Lecturer and ‘Hidden Cork’ by two other writers. Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Alan R Acheson BA Modern History It covers aspects of Belfast’s history the School of Medicine, Dentistry and 1959, PhD Theology 1967, published from earliest times up to 1912 and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s. his memoirs ‘Why the Whistle Went’ includes pieces relating to shipbuilding (Columba Press) in 2009. and the controversial sinking of the She was appointed as an Adjunct RMS Titanic! Professor at the School of Dentistry, The former British Army Officer, rugby University of Minnesota in 1999 and referee, and later Headmaster in ‘Hidden Belfast’ contains 67 short was awarded an FFD from the Royal Northern Ireland and Australia, now stories and as the sub-title suggests, College of Surgeons of Ireland in 2008. lives in Ontario, Canada. He is also the addresses Belfast in relation to author of ‘A History of the Church of ‘Benevolence, blackguards and balloon Bernard Ireland, 1691-2001’ (Columba Press, heads’[email protected] O’Kane LLB Dublin 2002). 1971, is currently Patrick Hicks Professor of Over the past summer Alan was MA 1995, is Islamic Art and invited to deliver a paper at the the Writer-in- Architecture at William Carleton Summer School, one Residence the American of Ireland’s most significant literary at Augustana University in festivals, in Clogher, Co Tyrone. College in the Cairo, where United States he has been Audrey Weir and the author teaching since 1980. Previously he was BSc Physics of several poetry Assistant Director of the British Institute 1963, MSc collections, of Persian Studies in Tehran from Applied including ‘Finding the Gossamer’ 1976-79. Mathematics (Salmon 2008). 1964, was born He is the author of a number of books in Moneymore in His work has appeared in scores of including ‘The Appearance of Persian Mid Ulster. She journals such as ‘Ploughshares’, ‘Tar on Islamic Art’ (Persian Heritage was educated at River Poetry’, Indiana Review, Foundation, New York, 2009) and is Rainey Endowed and others. Aside from being the editor of ‘Creswell Photographs School, Magherafelt and Queen’s. a Visiting Fellow at Oxford, he has Re-examined: New Perspectives on been nominated several times for the Islamic Architecture’ (2009) which Audrey is married with three grown-up Pushcart Prize and is the recipient of highlights the value of over 12,000 children and two grandchildren and a number of grants, including one from printed images of Islamic architecture lives in Edinburgh with her husband. the Bush Foundation to support his first held by the University. She has published a book entitled ‘My novel, which is about Auschwitz. Granny’, a true story, set 60 years ago Professor O’Kane has held visiting which tells of seven year old Audrey After living in Europe for many years, he professorships at Harvard University and and her Granny and the fun they had now enjoys thunderstorms rolling across at the University of California, Berkeley. together. The story is presented as a Midwest America. picture book with full page illustrations Geof Cox BSSc Political Science 1970, by Sally J Collins. Orders and enquiries Sharon Dempsey BA Politics 1991, has recently published ‘Getting Results to [email protected] has had a book on ‘Extreme Parenting: Without Authority: The new rules of Parenting your chronically ill child’ organisational influence’. The book Ian McNeill BSc Physics 1959, had a published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers is aimed at helping managers secure book published in May 2010 entitled and recently sold to a Chinese and maintain the agreement and ‘The Flora of County Tyrone’. He has publisher. cooperation of multiple stakeholders been the wild flower recorder for whilst simultaneously building, or at Tyrone for 30 years and this book is It has been described as a “valuable least maintaining, a positive working the culmination of his study of the addition to the literature on chronic environment. distribution of wild flowers in his native paediatric illness” by Hilton Davis Tyrone. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 37

His son, David McNeill, who is a lecturer Garth Heron in the electronics faculty at Queen’s BA History 1971, follows in his father’s footsteps and is Obituaries died on 28 the wild flower recorder for Co Antrim. The University has learned, with August 2008, sadness, of the deaths of the aged 59. For further details please contact Ian at: following alumni, members of staff 86 Fair Hill, Cookstown, BT80 8DE and honorary graduates. Garth was born and raised Harry Grindle Obituaries and appreciations can be in Northern BA French 1957, found at www.qub.ac.uk/alumni by Ireland, the MA Music 1980, following the links via Benefits and youngest of six children. His parents held the post Services. were both members of the Royal Ulster of Organist Constabulary; his father was head and Master of Laura Steenson constable and his mother the first WPC the Choristers LLB Law and in the force. at Belfast French 2002, Cathedral 1964- died on 22 April Garth was educated at Friends’ School, 1976 and was 2010. Lisburn and graduated in History and subsequently a lecturer and later Head Politics at Queen’s before moving to of the Music Department at Stranmillis Following her Scotland to take a postgraduate degree University College. graduation, in Human Resources Management at Laura took her Strathclyde University. It was there that In 2005 he was conferred with a LPC in Sheffield, he met Louise, his future wife; they Lambeth Doctorate of Music by the before setting up home with friends in were married in 1977. Archbishop of Canterbury and is London. She worked for Freshfields as thought to the first Irish musician ever a Paralegal before gaining her Training After an early career in banking and to be so honoured. He was awarded Contract with Orricks. manufacturing, Garth was appointed an MBE in 2009. Compensation Manager for Honeywell’s Laura then worked in London for factories in Scotland. He later became His latest book, ‘Reprise...An Irish another year before returning home to Personnel Director of Honeywell UK Ltd, church musician looks back’ was Brussels in 2008 to go travelling and overseeing continuing changes as the published last October. The watercolour work for a charity. She was a fun-loving company reacted to increasing global of Bangor Abbey on the cover (above) is person with a great personality who competition. After a short spell at by Harry’s wife, Heather (née Loane) loved to spend time with her many United Distillers he set up Garth Heron BSc (Econ), 1963. This book is available friends, travel and experience different Search and Consultancy in 1995 and online at www.amazon.ac.uk cultures and spend time with her family. quickly became one of Scotland and the UK’s leading head-hunters. Leonard Lavery BA 1956, published She had just started work full-time a book of poems called ‘Sitting on Till again for a large firm in Brussels when Garth held several external positions Spring’ in 2009. she was taken ill at Easter this year. including Chairman of the National Training Awards in Scotland, the Born in 1935 in Lisburn, Leo was for a James Cassley Recognition Panel of Investors in People short while a teacher before travelling BSc Geology in Scotland and SI Associates. He was a abroad, living in Italy, Germany, 2000, died on member of the Association of Executive Spain, France and Algeria with spells 19 June 2010, Search Consultants, a Fellow of the in London. His poems have appeared aged 30. CIPD and a Governor of Merchiston in various British and Irish magazines. Castle School. He is also a widely anthologised writer Born in of Haiku - a short, naturalistic form of Ballymena, James His interests included sport (Tottenham Japanese poetry, which emphasises a grew up in Hotspur and Wigan Rugby League), sense of immediacy and connection Quin, Co Clare days at the races, family cinema trips, with nature. before relocating to London. He was golfing and gardening. killed after the plane in which he was Leo is currently awaiting the publication travelling crashed in the Congo, West Garth died suddenly at work; he is a book of Haikus after having Africa. He worked for the European arm survived by his wife Louise, daughter consecutively won the Hiroshima prize of a Canadian investment bank and was Tanya and son Garth. A full obituary is for Haikus and poems to commemorate in Africa on business. available via the alumni website. the 1945 atomic bombing of the city. He is married with one daughter. Dr Alastair Ruffell, the lecturer at Frederick Queen’s who taught James geology, (Derick) J recalls him as someone who performed Bingham BA If you have recently published a book well in his class and acknowledged 1968, died on please let us know and we will include his “gift for sedimentology and March 6 2010, it in Class Notes. Send your details to: palaeontology”. Others recall his aged 63. He [email protected] enthusiasm and the breadth and depth passed away just of his general knowledge. over a year after being diagnosed Mr Cassley, who was a member of with cancer. the Queen’s association in London, was shortly due to celebrate his third When, in February of last year, he was wedding anniversary with Chinese wife diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia Hong. - a diagnosis that fell on him “like a meteor out of the sky” - he received 38 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

letters pledging prayerful support from partial facial paralysis on one side but it the company of his wife Helena at their Catholic bishops, Protestant pastors, did not slow him up in any way. Strangford home. leaders from other faith groups, and admirers with no faith at all. As well as his medical practice he was Before embarking on an illustrious extremely active in the Drumheller career in journalism Ian qualified as a Mr Bingham pastored at the Crescent community and indeed in Alberta. He dentist at Queen’s where he was also Church, University Road, Belfast, and, was a school trustee in Drumheller and editor of The Gown newspaper. In over for upwards of 20 years during the later a member of the Senate of the 50 years as an art critic, writer and Troubles, he ran a Tuesday night service University of Calgary. Lowen was deeply columnist he also worked for the News at the church, attended mostly by involved in the Banff Men’s Conference Letter and Irish Times. students from neighbouring Queen’s of the United Church and was a lifelong University and colleges. member of the Masonic Lodge in Ian was a former director of the Drumheller. Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Derek was a frequent broadcaster a contributor to many travel books and contributed regularly to the BBC Lowen treasured his loving relationship about the island of Ireland. He was on ‘Thought for the Day’ slot. From with his wife, Bertha, whom he the board of the Cathedral Quarter Newcastle in Co Down, the former married in 1960 as well as the pride Arts Festival and the Ulster Theatre English teacher authored more than 20 and accomplishments of his son and Company. books, including several on the works daughter and his grandchildren. He of CS Lewis. took great pride in his Ulster roots and Michael Desmond P Donovan BSc especially his years at Queen’s and his Economics 1959, died in July 2002. He was an English and Literature early upbringing was exemplified by his Desmond Donovan immigrated to teacher at Lurgan College, a teaching integrity, dedication to his patients and Nigeria where he devoted his life pastor at the CS Lewis Foundation a good dose of Ulster common sense. to teaching mathematics in schools based in Redlands, California, and throughout the country. He earned Adjunct Professor of English Literature Robert Ferguson MB BCh BAO 1959, a high reputation as a teacher and at John Brown University in Siloam died on 10 February 2010 at Wellesley, is remembered with appreciation by Springs, Arkansas. Massachusetts, USA. countless Nigerian students.

BBC NI religious affairs broadcaster, Bob left the family farm in Fermanagh Major Thomas Bleakley McDowell William Crawley, said his first to join the Royal Navy in 1943. As soon LLB Emergency Law 1950, died on 9 experience of the preacher had been a as he was old enough he applied to join September 2009, aged 86. ‘revelation’. the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot. He trained in Canada and spent the last few Major McDowell was chief executive “A thousand people sitting in the pews months of the war flying fighter aircraft and chairman of The Irish Times for of the Crescent Church in south Belfast from carriers in the Pacific. After the almost 40 years. He became chief hung on his every word, or fell about in war he took a degree in geology at executive of The Irish Times Ltd in 1962 their pews as he launched into one of Trinity College, Dublin and worked for and worked with four editors before he his stories,” the presenter recalled. several years in the copper mines of stepped down as chairman of the trust Northern Rhodesia. in 2001. Derick is greatly mourned by his wife Margaret and family, and by his wide Bob then became interested in a career Born in Belfast in 1923 and educated in circle of friends and admirers in many in medicine and saved enough money the Royal Belfast Academical Institution parts of the world. to put himself through medical school. and Queen’s, TB McDowell joined the After graduation he worked at Belfast British army in 1942 and became a George Sidney Lowen Wilson MB City Hospital and at South Tyrone regular officer in the Royal Ulster Rifles BCh BAO MRCS LRCP 1959, died on 21 Hospital, Dungannon. He then moved in 1946. After the Second World War, February 2010. to Boston, USA where he served on the while still in the army, he returned to staff of the Veterans Administration Queen’s and received an LLB before Lowen was born in Portadown and Hospital and later at Northeastern being called to the Bar in London in attended Coleraine Academical Institute University Student Health Service. 1951. prior to university. He graduated from Queen’s in 1959 subsequently Members of the class of 1959 will After a period in the army’s law being a House Officer at Ards Hospital, have fond memories of Bob’s lively department, he retired in 1955 to join Newtownards as well as working at the participation in all student activities an industrial company, James North Ltd, Quoyle Hospital in Downpatrick. at Queen’s. His extra maturity and as its legal adviser in London. Seeking experience enriched the lives of his experience of the company’s activities, Having entered family practice in fellow students and his unwavering he went to Dublin temporarily to run its Lisburn, he later moved to Belfast principles set an example for others to Irish operation but stayed on to become before emigrating to Canada in 1966. follow. involved in the city’s business life. Lowen worked in rural Alberta in a small town called Drumheller for 24 years and subsequently opened his Ian Hill BSc Major McDowell’s leadership of the own practice in Calgary in 1990. He Anatomy 1959, Irish Times was most associated with was extremely well liked by his patients BDS 1963, died the editorship of Douglas Gageby, to and his colleagues and enjoyed medical on 15 July 2010, whom he attributed the editorial and practice. His involvement with patients aged 73. circulation success of the paper. He continued up to a few months before was also chief executive during the his death from prostate cancer. Lowen The former editorships of Alan Montgomery, Fergus had survived other separate cancers Belfast Telegraph Pyle and Conor Brady, with whom including a removal of one kidney as ‘Man About he worked successfully for 15 years. well as a unilateral accoustic neuroma. Town’ died Widely known as ‘The Major’, he kept The latter left him with deafness and suddenly of a suspected heart attack in clear of involvement in editorial content, Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 39 insisting that that was the domain of Elaine, his daughter-in-law Patti and his retirement in 1971. His most acclaimed the editor. grandsons Stewart and Adam. He is also work while there was the production, survived by cousins Lyla Robinson and with Dr Jerrard of ‘A Dictionary of He stepped down as chairman of The Gordon Douglas in Northern Ireland. Scientific Terms’ that, between 1962 Irish Times in 1999 and as a director of He is predeceased by his parents, his and 1992, ran to six editions in four the company in 2001. In recognition of brother Sidney and his son Brian. languages and is still cited as the his contribution, Major McDowell was authority in this field by the Oxford awarded the title honorary president Dorothy Eagleson BA English 1946, English Dictionary. for life. MA 1948, PhD 1958, died in August 2010, aged 87. Like many of his contemporaries, DB Tom McDowell, whose wife Margaret joined up on the outbreak of the predeceased him, is survived by Dr Eagleson was a staunch advocate Second World War, and saw service in daughters Penelope and Karen, of Adult Education and was heavily Europe. It will, however, be as a rowing grandchildren Rupert, Antonia, Myles, involved in the Educational Guidance coach that DB will be most vividly Jeremy and Charles and sons-in-law Tim Service of Northern Ireland. She was remembered at Queen’s. and John. also Chair of the National Year of Reading, Literacy Campaigns and the An appreciation is available on the Ruadhán Mac Cormaic Charles Forum for Community Education. Queen’s University Boat Club website Joseph (Charlie) Keenan BSc Civil (http://qub.webbelief.com). A full Engineering 1950, died on 12 July As a member of Queen’s Women obituary can also be found on the 2010. Graduates’ (QWG) she pinpointed the Queen’s alumni website. need for a helping hand to be given to Taken from us shortly after a great women endeavouring to enter Queen’s Ivo John Carré, Professor of Child game of golf, Charlie Keenan lived “a after leaving work with little or no Health at Queen’s (1963-1984) and life worth living”. Born in Londonderry, education. The first QWG scholarships subsequently Emeritus Professor, died Charlie spent his 88 years experiencing which she helped to set up were on 16 December 2007, aged 87. everything life could offer him. He awarded in 1996, since which time they lived and worked in Northern Ireland, have continued to be offered. Ivo John Carré was born in Guernsey Australia, Zanzibar and New Zealand in the Channel Islands and received before finally settling in British Dorothy worked tirelessly to improve his primary and secondary schooling Columbia in 1957. the lot of those who had lost out on on the island. He studied medicine at formal education in their early years and Emmanuel College, Cambridge and Charlie had an insatiable love for endeavoured to give them a second received his early training in paediatrics sailing ships and the sea stemming chance. She took to heart the familiar in London and Birmingham. from his early childhood in his father’s motto of the City of Belfast - pro tanto boat building business in Ireland. He quid retribuamus - and gave back so After graduation in 1944, he spent completed an apprenticeship in Harland much in return for her own education. several years in junior posts in and & Wolff’s shipyard and owned 14 around London, before settling on a boats over his life that he always made Tribute by Oonagh Johnston, former career in paediatrics when he took up a his own. After his degree, he became Convenor of QWG Scholarship post as junior registrar at the Children’s a Registered Professional Engineer Sub-committee & President of the Hospital, Birmingham, in 1950. Four in 1956. He enjoyed a rewarding Association in 1996. years later he went to Melbourne, career in Public Health Engineering Australia, with a clinical research holding various senior technical and Donald Burgess fellowship. administrative positions with the McNeill PhD Government of British Columbia and in Physics 1937, He returned to Birmingham in 1956, private consulting. died on 8 and in September of that year was August 2010, appointed as senior lecturer in child He retired with the publishing of his aged 99. health and consultant paediatrician book ‘Environmental Anarchy’ in 1984. at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick ‘DB’, as he was Children, succeeding to the Nuffield From soccer to badminton to golf, known, came up chair of child health at Queen’s in 1963. competition was held in high regard. to Queen’s from At the still tender age of 78 he was Portora to study engineering in the Professor Carré had a distinguished able to add his name to three more golf 1930s, prior to which he taught himself career in paediatrics, and was known trophies, and remained active right to physics since it was not then a subject internationally for his pioneering the end. His athletic legacy continues offered at advanced level at his school. clinical studies in the 1950s and ’60s of to thrive in the form of his two beloved children with hiatus hernia and gastro- grandsons, Stewart and Adam who He was one of a small group of oesophageal reflux. have both “done him proud”. He enthusiasts who founded the Queen’s was affectionately known throughout University Boat Club in 1931. A keen During his time in Belfast, he regularly their sport community as Grandad - a rower all his life (both as a competitor spent family holidays in the west of reference that made him beam! and a coach), DB had a long association Ireland, fishing and painting. After with the Club over many years, retiring he returned to Guernsey He had two sons Brian and Ralph and including serving as its President. to maintain his 15th century family a daughter Elaine who he took great farmhouse and to research the Carré pleasure in preparing for and guiding While at Queen’s in 1936, he was family history. their way in this world. He always had the representative of the University at a word or two of advice and more the tercentenary celebrations at the He is survived by his wife, Pamela; often than not, he was right. University of Harvard in the USA. his son and daughter, Philip and Claire; Dr McNeill joined the staff of University and four grandchildren. He leaves behind his brother Harold, College Southampton (as it was then) his son Ralph (Ellen), his daughter in 1938 where he remained until his 40 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

We continue your recollections of student days at Queen’s and have included below a selection of some of the many wonderful memories received earlier this year.

Queen’s Elms in the 1960s

Margaret Baguley BA 1960, while the old red brick library of young women on the premises! BA (German) 1976, MA 2005. my first acquaintance remained, Doors slammed, high heels clicked I appeared first at Queen’s at alongside it was placed an ugly on linoleum, hems of skirts could the age of 17 and felt that I had tower block which housed the be seen vanishing into the night. taken an instantaneous leap into majority of books. There was chaos on the 4th floor. adulthood. Music and History were my principal subjects along with In 1997 I took early retirement A fellow student, convinced that French and Psychology. The Music from the BBC and found myself for his paramour would be intercepted and History syllabus I had little a third time applying to Queen’s to if she used the stairway, persuaded difficulty with but Psychology had study for an MA in Irish Women’s her to take an alternative exit. The to be re-sat and French too. History. For three years I grappled fire escape was not a fixed iron The highlight of the year was the with the emergence of womankind staircase but a cunningly rigged Christmas concert in the Whitla of previous centuries into modern canvas sling attached by a rope Hall. Just as the student choir woman with her very different to a friction pulley to lower the was augmented by the relations challenges and trials. escapee gently to the ground. of staff and acquaintances, so The sling fitted. Protesting too the orchestra was stiffened Patrick Taylor MB 1964, MD only mildly the young woman by a number of carefully selected 1985. clambered out. The rope unwound professionals. My most vivid memory of my six gently as billed, but stopped undergraduate years concerned leaving her dangling one storey up! In 1972, I enrolled as a student of what came to be known as The The contractors had installed the German. I managed to combine Night of the Queen’s Elms’ Spider. escapes designed for the 3rd floor study with full-time work as a A very big spider! on the 4th. It took a good half BBC television floor manager, its hour to find a ladder long enough irregular hours being perfectly The Elms was a row of ‘men only’ to rescue her. suited to morning attendance at Victorian houses, remodelled lectures. inside into interconnected corridors I still think she might have forgiven with bedrooms, bathrooms and my friend if he hadn’t told her Queen’s seemed to have doubled a communal dining room. Lady that while she was dangling she’d in size and much of its formality guests were not permitted but looked like a massive spider! had gone. I no longer remember some were there on the arachnoid the billowing gowns of academics night when the warden made his as they swept into lectures and rounds specifically to apprehend Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 41

Yvonne Naylor BA Geography I was very happy at Queen’s and Queen’s by Peter O’Rourke 1975. remained in Belfast following (MA, Irish Theatre and Culture, 2009) I was a Geography student and my studies, until 1984. My two loved the Geog Soc field trips; a children have undertaken study Looking back at that year memorable one in spring 1974 at Queen’s; one has completed Not too long ago took us to Majorca and Ibiza (see his BSc in Physics and another E’er I feel a sense of cheer photo below). All our teachers is currently in his third year That pretty place I know were great but I especially Psychology. My time fostered a remember Doc Common (regional longstanding association with the The flowers changing geography) who passed onto me University and Belfast. Season to season his great love for the subject and Within the campus grounds also for people, introducing us Kate Reid BSSc Politics, 1995. As students rhyme and reason to all sorts of local customs and The old cliché “best days of my O’er new ideas they’ve found encouraging us to extend our life” comes to mind and it’s true. knowledge and experiences of the My days at Queen’s were carefree The green, green grass world in the ‘university of life’. and full of fun - with the odd bit A complement of education thrown in for good To Lanyon’s symmetry Carmel Breaden MSc Psychology measure! The Botanic Gardens’ trees 1979. A nearby canopy It was unusual in the late 70s for Now I live and work in New York people from the south to attend and am lucky to share my To shade from summer sun Queen’s, at a time when ‘The workplace with another Queen’s And protect the milky Troubles’ were at their height. For alum. We have a tendency to Freckled limbs and chests me, it involved travel from south reminisce about the good old Of students who, in the rays, to north (145 miles one way), days and always end up in fits of Bathe without their vests over the border, through army laughing. checkpoints and customs. I stayed The old library a gothic treat in postgraduate accommodation One memory comes to mind of A chilly one at that in University Street, where a great me and a mate at Christmas time. Wherein one’s mind could flee character (I think Pat was her We bought a Santa-shaped helium To faraway places, science, name) looked after the house and balloon as a decoration for our digs Law and philosophy all of us. It was a big, full, lively and on the way home stopped off house, to say the least! in the pub for a Guinness. We got A seat of learning a lot of attention! Santa did make An international source Photo from Belfast Telegraph, it home but some eejit had sucked Of research respected and vast March 1974; Yvonne Naylor is the helium out of the balloon! I thank my lucky stars pictured centre front. I’ve been to good old Queen’s Belfast

The Development Office would like to thank all those who submitted contributions to this feature. Please keep sending your memories of your time at Queen’s to: [email protected]

Further graduate recollections can also be read online at www.qub.ac.uk/alumni/reconnecting 42 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Student Scene Students’ Union officers 2010

Message from the President with general budget cuts affecting Quid) and other madcap RAG all sectors of public life, higher fundraising activities down through As President of the Students’ education will have to deliver the years, is probably the best Union I represent the views of the the same standard with fewer known student activity outside student body to the University, resources. campus. RAG has had to overcome the government and third party its own challenges in recent years organisations. Nowadays employers are looking but since 2007, and with some for a lot more than someone with very hard work and dedication, The past decade has witnessed just a degree. The Students’ Union it has brought in just over £35,000 the most radical changes in higher offers a range of opportunities and is aiming to raise £45,000 for education and the Students’ Union from volunteering and enterprise good causes in the year to come. has had to change to meet these to clubs and societies, to help needs. Whilst continuing to provide individual students stand out from PTQ, the notorious RAG joke high quality support, advice and the crowd. magazine, has been running since representation, we also 1927 and can be found on sale in remain at the centre We need the student body - and the Students’ Union Shop and the of student social and the alumni of Queen’s - to get Welcome Centre at Queen’s. You cultural life. Our behind us to make sure that the can follow matters on Facebook support is wide- student voice, both past and at QUB RAG or find out more ranging – catering for present, is heard. If you would by contacting the committee at financial, academic like to know more, please do [email protected]. or indeed personal not hesitate to contact me at difficulties. [email protected] Fashion’s night out

This year will be Rag time Queen’s Medicine and Dentistry one of the most students took to the catwalk in challenging Every year hundreds of Queen’s February to raise funds for third- ever for higher students get involved in activities world medical care. education that really make a difference throughout but often go unnoticed and Former Radio 1 presenter Dr Mark the UK and unrecognised. Among them are the Hamilton and television presenter Ireland; unsung heroes of RAG. Emma-Louise Johnston were on-hand to host the ever popular RAG (Raise and Give), is one of the show, while students modelled longest running facets of student the latest ranges from high-street Gareth McGreevy life and, thanks to PTQ (Pro Tanto stores and designer boutiques. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 43

SWOT Fashion Show

The annual fashion show is A further accolade was received achievements at a special event the biggest fundraising event when the Union was recognised in the Sir William Whitla Hall in of student charity society, the for its hard work towards a June. Making the presentations at Students Working Overseas Trust sustainable green policy with the annual Blues Awards Dinner, (SWOT). Last year, the event raised the allocation of a bronze Sound sponsored by Powerade, was £45,000, which students brought Impact Environmental Award. former Northern Ireland soccer with them directly to hospitals and international Jim Magilton. medical centres in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, Peru, and India. Among those teams singled out for special attention were men’s rugby Late Love and ladies hockey which won league promotions during the year The officers of the Students’ Union Energy Scholarships and the Senior Men’s Eights rowers have been actively engaged with which became the fastest university the local community, facilitating Three Queen’s engineering men’s boat crew in the UK and meetings between long-term and students have been named the Ireland. The snooker players who student residents. Various initiatives inaugural recipients of energy were crowned British University including ‘meet your neighbour supplier ESB Independent Energy Champions, the trampoline team minute’, ‘Holylands Cleanups’ (ESBIE) Scholarship awards. victorious as Irish Intervarsity and ‘Late Love’ (where student Champions and the Taekwondo volunteers hand out tea and The partnership sees ESBIE side that took two gold and biscuits at night and encourage providing scholarships to students three silver medals at the British people to get home safely) all aim from the MEng Electrical and National Championships were also to improve conditions for residents Electronic Engineering programme mentioned in dispatches. and students in accommodation at Queen’s on an annual basis. ‘hot spots’ near the campus. There were also successes for The package includes financial netball, camogie, orienteering, Bronze awards support, ongoing mentoring badminton, swimming and and practical experience through shooting in tournaments across the The Students’ Union recently summer and corporate placements UK and Ireland. received a bronze award in the at ESB’s sites throughout Europe. prestigious ‘Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative’ - only the Digging the Blues ninth Students’ Union in the UK to receive any level of award. For more student news visit: Around 120 students were www.qubsu.org recognised for their sporting 44 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Events A round up of events organised for graduates, by Adele McMahon. Family fun at the Planetarium

Family Fun Days the fun and interactive session Guest speaker, US Consul General demonstrated how students should for Northern Ireland, Kamala wo exciting fun days for present themselves confidently Lakhdhir (pictured being TQueen’s graduates and their in interviews. Participants were interviewed by the BBC’s William families were held at Armagh also given several tips on how to Crawley) warmly toasted the Planetarium in 2009 and 2010. dress to impress. Feedback was so University, and William, a Queen’s Over 120 people attended as part positive that we will run this event graduate three times over, raised a of a series of family-orientated again next year. glass to the Association. events hosted by the Development Office. Charter Day Dinner Ruby Reunion

The action-packed visits featured The Charter Day Dinner marks the A Ruby Jubilee Reunion for the a variety of activities to inspire founding of Queen’s as a College Classes of 1967-70 took place child and adult alike, including a in 1845 and as a full university with in October 2009. Graduates and fascinating insight into the work its own Royal Charter in 1908. guests from all over the world were of the University’s Astrophysics welcomed back to Queen’s by Sir Research Centre (ARC). The 2009 Dinner last November David Fell, Pro-Chancellor and was a sell out! Marcella Walsh, Chairman of Senate. Professor Alan Fitzsimmons former Queen’s Student of the shared some of the exciting Year and one of the best young Celebrations commenced with Queen’s research and described sopranos of her generation, a ‘Return to a Literific’ debate in how the sun works and why stars wowed guests with her singing the Great Hall expertly chaired by explode. Rocket making, quizzes performance. Ted Graham and Peter Cush. and face painting were included to ensure there was something for every age!

Motivation and Professionalism

Earlier this year around 30 alumni from the graduating classes of 2008 and 2009 were invited to a Projecting Professionalism workshop at Queen’s.

Facilitated by the renowned motivational speaker Billy Dixon, Workshop - Projecting professionalism Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 45

At the debate - Don Anderson and Denis Tuohy

The motion “This House believes highly regarded former Permanent the speakers and the offerings that the next 40 years couldn’t Secretary of the Students’ Union, from the floor. The motion was possibly be as good as the last was formally handed over to the valiantly proposed by Reverend 40” was colourfully proposed by University. George Cassidy joined by Derrick Bingham and Barney Margaret McAllister (née Ogle) Turkington, and opposed in style Golden Reunion and opposed by media moguls by newspaper men Brendan Don Anderson and Denis Tuohy. Keenan and Ed Curran. The A Golden Jubilee for the classes of debate, and a number of 1954-64 took place in March. The event culminated with a interruptions from the floor, made Reunion Supper in the Canada for lively conversation over supper Walking down memory lane Room where guests relaxed to where several points were thrashed became an all-singing, all-dancing jazz music. By the end of the day out and friendships renewed. spectacle when one of the most everyone agreed that many new popular films of the last 100 years, memories of Queen’s had been The following morning guests were Singing in the Rain was screened created! treated to a tour of the campus. in the QFT. Guests later enjoyed Memories evoked by the old student led musical and drama We are grateful to all our Students’ Union (now the School entertainment in the Brian Friel graduates for making our of Music) and the Drill Hall raised Theatre. events calendar so the biggest smiles! successful. Arguably the highlight of the day The event culminated was the debate - “This house with a Reunion believes that things just ain’t as Dinner in the Great good as it used to be.” Expertly Hall when a Ross chaired by Brian Garrett, the Wilson portrait of motion proved to be an ideal Hugh Bevan, the opportunity for nostalgia for both

If you would like to learn more about our forthcoming events or reunions please call Adele McMahon, Events & Reunions Officer, on 028 9097 5289 or visit www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni/ EventsReunions/ or complete and return the Reply Slip on p47.

Charter Day dinner 2009 46 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Reunions 1960 Medical Reunion Class of 1969 Medical Graduates 1985 Electrical Engineering

Medical graduates of 1960 held a A splendid 40th anniversary In June, 13 members of the 1985 reunion at the Slieve Donard Hotel, reunion was held in September Electrical Engineering class (plus Newcastle in May to celebrate 2009 with the Radisson Hotel on 3 spouses) attended a Silver 50 years since their graduation. the old Belfast Gas Works site Reunion in the Canada Room. Paul Over 30 graduates attended from as the centre of operations. The Flanagan organised activities which Australia, USA, Canada, England reunion was attended by 67 alumni gave classmates a chance to “catch and Northern Ireland. Inexorably, and 41 accompanying friends and up on all the news”. time had produced the usual partners who changes but the spirit, goodwill travelled from near and camaraderie were much in and far for the evidence and very quickly the occasion. years rolled away.

Forthcoming Events Among the many events being considered for 2011 (and beyond) by the Development and Alumni Relations team is a day out to the zoo, a visit to Exploris and a Reunion Weekend in 2013. All events are open to graduates and family members.

If you would like further details on any of the proposed events please complete and return the Reply Slip on p47.

Association events: 26 Nov 2010 QGA Charter Day Dinner Dublin Association (QUAD) Annual Dinner 22 Jan 2011 QWG Visit to Ulster Museum, Lunch and AGM 18 Feb 2011 Scotland Association (QUAS) Annual Dinner 22 Feb 2011 Graduation Ceremony and alumni dinner in Kuala Lumpur 28 Apr 2011 Scotland Association visit to Speyside Whisky Festival

If you would like to learn more about association events please check www.qub.ac.uk/alumni or call Gerry Power, Alumni Officer, on 028 9097 5321

Editor: Contributors: Editorial Office: Gerry Power Keith Baker, Kerry Bryson, Shauna Development and Alumni Relations Office Hughes, Jacqui McCormick, Adele Design: Queen’s University Belfast McMahon, Sophia McNeill, Ian Moore, www.darraghneely.com Belfast, BT7 1NN Norma Sinte. Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3100 Advertising: Conor O’Kane Fax: +44 (0)28 9097 5188 © Development and Alumni [email protected] Please Relations Office 2010 www.qub.ac.uk/alumni Printers: Corporate Document Services

replace The Graduate is an informal magazine published by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, for alumni and friends of Queen’s University Belfast. Extracts from The Graduate should not be published without the approval of the Editors. While every effort is made to ensure the with new accuracy of printed information, readers should be aware that this is an alumni magazine and not an official publication. Any views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of Cert o.n XXX-XXX-XXXX the University or the editorial team. Advertisements are carefully vetted, but the University can FSC logo take no responsibility for their content. Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 47

Events Reply Slip Please send me information on organising a class reunion

I would be interested in hearing more about:

Music Symposium for 11-15 year olds Creative writing workshop Visit to Belfast Zoo Young Archaeologists Club (for older primary school children and above) Drama Workshops Visit to Exploris/Marine Biology Centre, Portaferry Lifesaving techniques workshop (for parents and children) 2013 Reunion Weekend

Name Year of Graduation/Degree Email Address Postcode Telephone Name(s) & age(s) of children

If you have other ideas for similar events please let us know Return this slip to - Adele McMahon, Events and Reunions Officer, Queen’s University, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern# Ireland Exciting Career opportunities in GlobalExciting Storage Career Companyopportunities – Belfast in Based Global Storage Company – Belfast Based

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Convocation is as much part of the and strengthen ties between the but also taking an active part in fabric of Queen’s as the red bricks University and Convocation. The Convocation to ensure that the of the Lanyon Building. It is as old award is now open to all graduates voice of former students is heard. as the University itself, yet very of Queen’s who are eligible to few graduates would be able to be members of Convocation Events explain its role, which is actually an and who are already accepted to important one. study for a postgraduate research Convocation holds a number of qualification. events every year to engage The affairs of the members of with graduates and to link with Convocation are managed by a University stakeholders. A Standing Committee, which is Did you know that Convocation... ‘Queen’s Question Time’ at the authorised to act on its behalf by • Comes from the Latin Annual Meeting in 2009 provided the Annual Meeting, usually held in convocare meaning ‘calling members with the opportunity to November. Notice of this Meeting, together’. question local politicians on the the focal point for Convocation’s • Includes all graduates, the subject of the transfer procedure. activities, is circulated to graduates Chancellor, Pro-Chancellors and by mail and email and is also Vice-Chancellor and members In June 2010 Convocation hosted advertised in the local press, as of Senate. a lecture by Colonel Tim Collins are procedures for the elections • Is involved in the election of OBE BSc MA PSC and, in and submission of motions. Chancellor. collaboration with Queen’s Elections to Standing Committee • Returns two members to the Graduates’ Association and the are held at the Annual Meeting Senate. Students’ Union, Convocation and nominations from interested • Has the right to ‘discuss and co-hosts a fun University Challenge graduates are always welcome. pronounce’ on any matter quiz each year. relating to the University. A lecture by Professor Keith Jeffery “It is not only for the was the highpoint of the 2010 politically involved but also Convocation is the formal vehicle Annual Meeting, when the Queen’s by which the often ‘silent majority’ academic addressed members for those who care about of graduates get an opportunity on his highly praised and incisive their Alma Mater...” to voice their concerns. It is not history of MI6. only for the politically involved but also for those who care about Get involved! Studentship their Alma Mater, so the strength of Convocation clearly depends on While the word ‘convocation’ In recent years motions debated the participation of its members. might mean different things in at the Annual Meeting have different universities around the covered a diverse range of Convocation plays a significant world, the main functions of topics including tuition fees, role in the life and structures Queen’s Convocation remain the conservation of architectural of Queen’s, maintains a good representation of graduate views heritage, recycling policy and, working relationship with the to the University administration last year, the introduction of a University authorities and keeps and the fostering of co-operation Convocation Studentship. This itself informed of current issues among alumni and the student and latest initiative will promote a and developments on campus. All graduate bodies. If you’d like more closer involvement of Convocation graduates should consider not only involvement with Convocation, in the day-to-day life of Queen’s attending the Annual Meeting, now is the time to get in touch!

For further information on the role and activities of Convocation, please contact the Clerk of Convocation Dr Heather Anderson, telephone 028 9097 2308, email [email protected] or write to: School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL.

www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni/Associations/Convocation Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 49 Convocation – Opinions count his summer a cross-section of local graduates attended discussion workshops on how they would the voice of the silent majority Tlike to be treated as members of Queen’s alumni network. Regular research and feedback is important so that your ongoing experience as a graduate of Queen’s is a worthwhile and beneficial one. You said Our response You remember fondly: ‘My time at Queen’s’ is included to bring back some more of those special campus memories. • hectic student social lives • Students’ Union societies and clubs • The fulfilment of Graduation Day You see the University as a traditional and staid Queen’s innovative approach to enterprise is featured institution with a great academic reputation. (on pp24-29) highlighting how forward thinking this ‘traditional’ institution is. You value your Queen’s degree - it helped you in Come back and visit: pp19-21 highlight some of the your career. You commented favourably on the excellent campus facilities. campus with its wonderful architecture. You liked the magazine but suggested Pp12-15 feature some of the high level research improvements: currently being undertaken at Queen’s.

• More high level articles of an We have a ‘new look’ magazine - we feature more academic nature graduates than ever before. The more people we • A striking cover image include the better the chance you know someone! • Feature graduates you know You like class reunions but you enjoy them more if We will try to promote future reunions with a longer you know people attending. lead time but it is up to you to encourage your friends to join in. You enjoy online social networking. Check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. You would be interested in managing your own We are working on a new online portal to allow you personal information online. to do this. You would like to know more about the range of We have included details on p19 of services available benefits available to Queen’s alumni. to you online and on p51 you can see the benefits of the Perks directory. You like to be addressed by your first name when we We will send all communication using your preferred mail/email you. (first name) – please let us know if you do not want to be addressed in this way.

“Academic” • “Challenge” • “Research” In the discussion groups these were Your feedback will make sure that In the meantime, send any the three most popular words used what we offer is what you want. comments by post to the address to describe Queen’s. below or by email to: Once you log on to this website [email protected] Do you agree with the workshop you will be asked for your personal participants? ID number which you can find on The Editor, The Graduate, the carrier sheet enclosed with this c/o Development & Alumni Do you like the smaller magazine magazine. Complete the survey by Relations Office, Queen’s format? 12 noon on Friday 10 December University Belfast, Belfast, for a chance to win the latest Wi-Fi BT7 INN, Northern Ireland We want to hear your views on enabled 32GB iPad or one of 5 these and other issues so please iPod Shuffles! complete the online survey at www.eaisurveys.com/qub. 50 The Graduate 2010 Queen’s University Belfast

Competitions . . .your chance to win! Sudoku To solve the Sudoku puzzle, all the rows and all the columns must contain the numbers 1-9, with no repeats or 4 1 2 6 omissions. There is only one correct solution. To enter just send (in the correct order) the numbers in the shaded row at 2 8 4 3 7 the bottom. 8 4 1 9 Teaser Which number should appear in the empty triangle? 3 2 7 2 6 1 5 6 8 9 3 9 2 8 7

Quiz Who is the 2010 Queen’s Student of the Year? ______

The first two correct entries drawn for each of the Sudoku, teaser and quiz at 12 noon on Friday 10 December 2010 will receive £50 (1st prize) and £30 (2nd prize). And the winner is… Watch out for more reader competitions in the eGraduate (sign up today at [email protected] if you wish to be added to the emailing list). In the July issue we asked you to unravel the following anagram YOU GRIN AT A DAD to reveal a special event. The answer was, of course, ‘GRADUATION DAY’.

Hundreds of entries were received and the lucky winner, drawn at random, was Patricia Coulter from Belfast (pictured below with Malachy Toner) who wins a weekend BnB break for 2 people at the Wellington Park Hotel.

PLEASE RETURN YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY/ENTRIES, ALONG WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, TO – THE EDITOR, THE GRADUATE, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST BT7 1NN OR EMAIL - [email protected] Queen’s University Belfast The Graduate 2010 51

The Perks of being a Queens Graduate ou love it, you hate it. You know very well that you’re going to be paying for Christmas right Ythrough January, and maybe after that too, but what can you do? Well actually, you can do something, and it doesn’t involve ignoring your family and friends!

Every paid-up member of a Queen’s graduate association receives the exclusive Perks Directory - every year. Crammed full of discounts and offers across Ireland and the UK, it could be your financial saviour this Christmas.

For information on how to get your Perks directory today please email: [email protected] Christmas Shopping List Vouchers from Halfords - 10% discount A shirt from DV8 - 10% discount Jewellery from Argento - 10% discount Weekend break at Hotel Westport, Co Mayo - 20% off rack rate Christmas dinner with the girls at the Barking Dog, Belfast - 25% discount A legacy to Queen’s helps us to change lives; funding medical research, endowing fellowships and scholarships, building library resources, supporting capital projects and promoting student welfare. Even the most modest legacy can make a difference, ensuring Queen’s has the resources to maintain its world-class standing and meet the challenges ahead. Leaving a bequest to Queen’s, after providing for family and friends, is the highest honour the University can receive. For many who have done so, it was their way of thanking Queen’s for giving them so many opportunities. Your gift can create opportunities too.

If you are thinking about making a will and would like more information, please contact Kerry Bryson, Head of Alumni Relations, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN on 028 9097 3162 or [email protected]