The official magazine for University of graduates and alumni.

Hitting all the right notes A graduate’s journey into the world of music PR

ACH1EVEIssue 2 | 2020 Contents Design a life

Page 4 Page 20 you love Hitting all the right notes Putting the University Page 6 on the map Page 6 Design a life you love Page 22 Graduate Outcomes Page 8 survey Lights, camera, action! Page 24 Page 10 Representing the Saving the planet one University globally t-shirt at a time Page 25 Cover art Page 12 Department spotlight Life in the fast lane by Stuart Williams (2014) Page 26 Page 14 Alumni snapshots New beginnings Page 27 Page 16 Friends remembered On the front line of research

Page 18 Inspiring Saudi women Life in the for the future fast lane Contact Page 12

The Development and Alumni Relations O ce [email protected] 01244 511 091 www.chester.ac.uk/alumni

Inspiring Saudi women for the future Page 18 Saving the planet one t-shirt at a time Page 10

2 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 Contributors Editor’s note

Stuart Williams (2014) Welcome to the second issue of ACH1EVE - the o cial Stuart studied Graphic Design at the magazine for University of Chester graduates and alumni. University and now resides in Finland, where he works remotely as a UI/UX This year we are proud to have not one, but two front freelance designer. He’s currently getting used to living in the land of Moomins covers! Our rst exclusively digital front cover has been and saunas. Stuart also designed this designed by Stuart Williams, a 2014 Graphic Design issue’s digital front cover. graduate. If you are a digital subscriber or viewing the magazine online, you will be seeing this cover. Holly Royle (2019) Holly studied both English Language If you have received this issue by post, or picked up a copy at an event, you and Literature at the University, recently will see our beautifully illustrated front cover by current Graphic Design completing her Master’s in Nineteenth- student, Mei Wen Kuang. You can see more of Mei’s illustrations on page Century Literature and Culture. Holly is now a music journalist and runs Deviate ve and on the back cover. PR. She plays an eight-string guitar in a metal band. Both of these covers highlight the creative talent that the University nurtures in its students. In this issue, we look at how this creativity across the Arts, Humanities and Business has helped our graduates pursue Austen Lowe (2019) exciting careers and achieve their goals. Austen studied Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish) at the As my own Chester Story continues, I am discovering more about our University. He is now a Diversity inspirational alumni and their success in the work place, community Consultant at the Audi production site in Brussels, where he is broadening his and beyond. I am therefore pleased to be able to introduce another four understanding of global cultures and fantastic contributors to this issue of the magazine. I do hope that you putting his language skills to good use. enjoy reading about their journeys and achievements as much as I have.

Lauren Du y (2019) If you would like to contribute to the magazine - whether it is artwork or Lauren studied Broadcast Production and an article, or if you have a particular subject you would like us to cover, Presenting at the University’s please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you! Campus. She is excited to see where her career in broadcasting takes her in the future and can’t wait to get started on Hayley Naldrett new opportunities in 2020. Editor, ACH1EVE A message from the Vice- As the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, it is my Our alumni are great ambassadors for the University. With this in pleasure to welcome you to the second issue of ACH1EVE magazine. mind, I have been listening very carefully to what the current students are saying about their experience here at the University. I I would like to begin by saying how much I have appreciated the would urge any alumni who have warm welcome from the staff, students and alumni that I have met something that they would be so far. Many of you have substantial history with the University, and I interested in giving back to our look forward to gaining further insight about the institution from students - whether it is their time, you as time progresses. talent or treasure - to contact our Development and Alumni The University has great potential, with a number of interesting Relations Office. campuses and excellent opportunities for students in local businesses. Not only this, but the way in which the University’s I look forward to engaging further alumni are drawn back to the place they studied is truly unique. I with the wonderful alumni had the pleasure of attending the Alumni Honorary Degree community that we have here at the ceremonies, which took place last September, where a number of University, and thank you for your Chester College alumni were awarded honorary degrees in continued support and participation Education. It was fantastic to see so many alumni back on Campus, in University activities. and I do hope that you continue to join us for the Annual Alumni Reunion, taking place slightly earlier this year on the August Bank Professor Eunice Simmons Holiday weekend. Vice-Chancellor and Principal WORDS BY HOLLY ROYLE 2019

WORKING in the music industry is financial side, was lacking to say the achievement in itself. Despite not something I have aspired to for least! My business idea had been winning, I gained some useful advice many years. I began keyboard and growing throughout the year, as my from the judges and the experience guitar lessons at a young age and confidence in myself and the idea was invaluable. Later in 2019, I took the grew up listening to my dad’s wide developed. The unique selling point of plunge and entered the Venture Pitch. collection of rock music. Throughout my company is that I have experience My previous experience pitching as high school and college, I performed both as a musician and in music part of the Enterprise Challenge helped with bands and as a solo musician. journalism. I understand first-hand all me to prepare for this event. I Today I am currently involved with a the hours, blood, sweat and tears that successfully pitched my business idea metal band, a darkwave act and goes into song writing, recording, and secured funding, a website number of side projects. mixing and mastering original music. package and business advice. All of There are music PR companies which which have been instrumental in the Throughout my studies at the University are run by musicians or journalists, but I early stages of my business. of Chester, I became more involved in am yet to discover a company run by writing articles for projects both inside someone with experience in both. I completed my Master’s degree in and outside of the University. I also October 2019 and went straight into began to gain experience in marketing Continuing with my strengths and launching Deviate PR. The early stages through the work experience module in experience, I decided to specialise in of any business are uncertain, and I’m the second year of my undergraduate alternative, rock and metal genres. still in that period of questioning my course and through part-time jobs. My Having been involved in them, I ideas. However, I have had a good love of music and writing converged as understand the fan base, the subculture start. The local music scene in Chester I became involved in music journalism. and the publications which specialise in has been gradually growing. I gained Outside of University, I began writing for this area of the music industry. From some early work through a record a music review website, The late 2018 into early 2019, I assisted label and event organiser based in Soundboard Reviews, which I continue Liverpudlian alt rock band, Vulture Cult, Chester. I have also been working with to write for today. I have also recently with the release of their second single, local hard rock/punk trio Pint + Blister. started writing for American music Reborn, and London based darkwave It’s wonderful to be able to help smaller, website, Madness to Creation. Through quintet, Witches of London, with their local bands in their early careers. journalism, I discovered the music PR debut album, Camden Gothic. I also industry and thoughts of a career in this gained experience assisting with the PR My company has also ventured out area began to develop. and social media management of the internationally, as I have been assisting 2018 Louder Than Words Festival, held German alternative rockers, Andy The University’s Careers and in Manchester. Rocks, with their latest single, Time Employability Department has been Flies. Further to this, I was part of a helpful throughout my undergraduate In March 2019, I entered the Enterprise small panel for music and art students studies. As I began my Master’s degree, I Challenge held at Chester Business at the University’s Kingsway Campus. decided to take part in the Venture School. I’m so proud that I reached the Having gained so much from my time Programme with thoughts of working final selection and managed to pitch to at Chester, I want to help other for myself in the field of music PR. The the daunting board of judges. The fact students in their business ventures. sessions were incredibly helpful as my that I was the only entrant who didn’t Future plans for my company include knowledge of business, particularly the study a business-related degree was an teaming up with a good friend of

4 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 mine, who is a graphic designer, also ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEI WEN KUANG 2020 based in Chester, to offer band logos and artwork. Photography services Mei Wen Kuang is currently studying Graphic Design at providing bands with professional the University and will graduate this November. Her photos for press packages is also inspiration for the illustrations were a combination of her something I am intending to launch in research into rock music, and her passion for watercolour the near future. and ink illustrations.

I am discovering a lot about myself and the world of business already. There are occasions where it feels difficult balancing all the aspects of running a business, especially during the early stages when the work is not bringing in the best wage. However, I’m enjoying being involved the music industry and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Deviate PR.

deviatepr.co.uk [email protected] @DeviatePR @Deviate_PR @Deviate_PR

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 5 Design a life

you WORDS BY STUART WILLIAMS love 2014

6 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 THERE were two reasons to celebrate when November 2014 came around: I received the degree which I’d worked tirelessly for, and I got my break into design employment. By the time graduation had come around, I had completed a short digital design internship with a Central London agency, and started full-time with another. I’d landed myself a drab Old Street at, which was a bit worse for wear, but I was in the epicentre of what I thought would be my long-term career.

I had a one-hour commute to the job in Victoria, a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace. Not only this, but I was working alongside my good friend from the degree course, who’d moved down to the big smoke as well. Together we joined a team of conversion rate optimisation specialists, project managers, web developers and user experience consultants. Clients we worked with included MusicMagpie, Wilko, Co-op and Radley to name a few. This design opportunity allowed me to branch into user interface design and user experience design, something I’d briefly touched upon during my degree.

But what intrigued me most was the user research around the design decision making. My time studying at the University’s Kingsway Campus had taught me to find the ‘whys’ in the work, and to consider the audience above all else. This put me in good stead to serve our design clients, and helped launch my fascination with user experience design. To help fuel this fascination, I attended industry talks and events, read around the subject and networked as much as I could.

Outside of work, I had started writing for music journals and websites, which fed my continued passion for live music and writing. By 2017, I had interviewed the likes of Linkin Park, Tom Walker, Texas, White Lies and others; promoting their recent work through writing. By this time, I had left the full-time agency world, completed another internship and took the dive into freelance. Being a new freelancer and having to pay London rent rates was an uphill struggle, but it only encouraged me to work harder.

I bounced from café to café, and had slowly built up a client base which ultimately led to working for my friend’s remote digital design agency. By working anywhere in the world, it allowed me to travel with the company to the likes of Romania, Barcelona and Lanzarote. Since then, I have progressed into leading the European-spread design team and completing full scale websites and applications for the likes of Smiley Movement, Travis Perkins and Truckk.

A year ago, I took the huge leap and moved to Finland, where my partner resides. This also meant I could continue to work remotely for design clients and write for music journals. I’ve also started a blog called Soft Office, which aims to become a written outlet for design, culture and mental health topics. This year I’m hoping to launch a podcast on the subject of magazines and printed matter, a passion of mine from a young age.

You can follow Stuart’s work online: stuartjohnwilliams.com/ stuartjohnwilliams.com/the-soft-office/

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 7 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

As a woman working in the media industry in 2020, I believe it is harder than ever before to achieve your big break full time.

8 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 I AM a media freelancer, aspiring TV placements at CBBC’s Newsround and there for emerging female talent, all of presenter and recent graduate from ITV’s Granada Reports, as well as these factors won’t help. It’s what they the University of Chester. interviewing some of the biggest say about being ‘in the right place at stars in music at Fusion Festival and the right time’ or ‘who you know rather I studied Broadcast Production and Neighbourhood Weekender. than what you know.’ Presenting at the University’s Warrington Campus. I’m still in the Since graduating in November 2019, This is a cut-throat industry where a lot early stages of my career, but I have life as a freelancer has involved of opportunities and positions are already created and been given some networking across the country for earmarked internally and you might amazing opportunities. While I was a upcoming opportunities, maintaining not be what certain companies are student, I began hosting my own the contacts I’ve made, auditioning looking for in certain roles. Like most radio show on The Cat Radio, the for presenting roles and keeping my freelance creatives, I have a secondary University’s radio station based on portfolio of work fresh. job to support myself until I am in the Warrington Campus. secure full-time work in industry. I’ve always loved challenging myself, I have also travelled to Scotland to and I’ll admit that breaking into the However, it is also an exciting, creative work in the STV North newsroom in media industry full time is possibly one and ever-changing industry, you just Aberdeen and worked with Lorraine of my biggest challenges yet. As a have to accept this type or work brings Kelly at STV in Glasgow. I’ve presented woman working in the media industry a lot of uncertainty and rejection for Liverpool TV and gained in 2020, I believe it is harder than ever along the way until your ‘big break.’ If experience in Liverpool’s Radio City before to achieve your big break full you can’t imagine yourself being in newsroom which led to some time. You could have a first-class any other role or industry, you must freelance work for the FIFA World degree, a fantastic portfolio of work, a never give up and always keep going Cup. Some of my favourite career wealth of talent and experience; but if for those opportunities! highlights include my work there aren’t any opportunities out My dream in the future is to work towards presenting and creating content for live magazine programmes like ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine. I would also love to present documentaries covering real issues that affect young people in the UK.

I believe in myself and trust that I can make my dreams come true - I am so proud of what I have already achieved in just three years. Watch this space!

WORDS BY LAUREN DUFFY (2019)

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 9 Saving the planet one t-shirt at a time

To nd out more, please visit: https://www.amcustomclothing.co.uk

10 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 WHEN it comes to sustainability, the Alex, who studied Graphic Design at the pioneering Qwick-Dri™ technology focus is often on large retailers and University, said: “Statistics like these are combined with a super-flyweight well-known fashion brands, with very alarming. Despite the world composition, they’ve been able to create many already making use of recycled turning its back on single use plastics, what has been regarded as the UK’s plastic in a big way. However, two the use of plastic in clothing continues highest standard of recycled sportswear. University of Chester graduates are to grow faster than any other material. The range being launched includes striving to make a dierence through While we endeavour to educate our technical t-shirts, running vests and cycle their ethically sourced clothing customers that polyester isn’t the best jerseys, all of which can be custom company, A.M. Custom Clothing. choice, we’ve become acutely aware branded to their clients requirements. that in some circumstances, it can be Alex Franklin (2012) and Michael the only option for them.” Alex said: “Michael and I spent some time Williams (2014) founded A.M. Custom giving advice to young people pitching Clothing in 2012 as a small startup With this in mind, the brand has worked their business ideas in line with the looking to make waves in the textiles to launch a range of sportswear made United Nations Sustainable industry. It has quickly become one of from recycled plastic bottles. Michael, Development Goals at the Houses of the fastest-growing wholesale who studied Business Management and Parliament. Talking to a room full of providers of custom printed and Entrepreneurship at the University, inspiring and energetic young people embroidered clothing, with added: “If polyester is an essential for any from every continent, we have been able organisations and brands worldwide of our customers, we want to ensure to help encourage others to be now using A.M. Custom Clothing as we’re offering the most innovative ambassadors of positive change across a their trusted supplier. They produce options, alongside diverting plastic from whole breadth of industries. thousands of printed and embroidered landfill. We understand that this is in no products for clients every week. way a silver bullet, but want to provide “Whilst what we do is fantastic for those options that are more sustainable than within our supply chain, that’s just the Millions of branded clothing the traditional alternatives. We aim to be start! We can only ensure real change products are produced every year for as open and transparent as possible, globally when business leaders and workwear, uniforms, sporting events alongside offering organic cotton young change makers are all on the and promotions. 35.8 million plastic alternatives where possible.” same page.” bottles are consumed in the UK alone every day. Additionally, It takes five to six plastic bottles to make Alex and Michael are continuing to polyester is one of the fastest one of their recycled t-shirts or running expand their business and are looking growing fashion categories, with vests. As a result of this innovation, their at more innovative ways in which they synthetic fibres currently making up fabric suppliers have recycled 14.2 billion can decrease their business’s carbon about 60% of the material used in plastic bottles so far, alongside avoiding footprint. clothing worldwide. 385 million kilograms of CO. Through

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 11 LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

SINCE graduating, alumnus Austen Lowe (2019) has accelerated his career and is now employed as a Diversity Consultant at the Audi production site in Brussels. In his role, Austen supports and develops strategic and operational policy on equal opportunities and diversity. His driving ambition is to make use of his language skills and apply what he learnt during his four-year Modern Languages degree to the ‘real world.’

12 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 During his time at the University, Austen went full throttle and took every opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities and engage with the University. The Emma Galton Memorial Valedictory prize, for students supportive of their peers, was received by Austen as a result of his endeavours whilst at the University.

With no plans to put on the brakes anytime soon, we caught up with Austen to ask him a few questions…

How did you get your current role? I completed an internship at Audi Brussels and remained in close contact with the factory. I really wanted to go back as I had the time of my life there! doing so, we cannot make fair and Dutch lessons, meaning I have been As I was nishing my studies, I noticed objective judgements. able to learn another language! that the position of Diversity Consultant was advertised on their website. Not I do a lot of travelling with the job too, knowing if I would be shortlisted, I which I think is fantastic. This shows applied for the job. Before I knew it, I use four languages that Audi views diversity as a global I was attending an interview and an topic as part of social sustainability. I assessment centre. every day and it gives have travelled to Ingolstadt to meet the central Diversity team; I have Without my language skills, it is fair to me such a buzz. also attended our Volkswagen Group say that I would not be able to do the Diversity Conference and the One job. Two Belgian languages and English Young World Summit 2019. Following are essential for the role. My degree on from the event, I have become a prepared me beyond a purely linguistic I am so proud to work for a company One Young World Ambassador, actively basis however; it oered a global which takes these topics seriously. This working to implement actions at scope and you learn to understand diversity of thought, competencies, Audi Brussels towards the sustainable the cultures of where languages and experiences fosters creativity, development goals. are spoken. This gave me so much innovation, and dynamics. It is inspiration and motivation to set solid what makes employers attractive to What are you plans for the future? goals and always aim higher. graduates. It is also what makes Audi a Continue to drive change. That is what great place to work. motivates me. I can really develop What has been your proudest myself at Audi and I am learning new moment so far? How did you nd making the move to things every day. I absolutely adore Working to promote cultural change a dierent country? my job. Living in the heart of Europe at Audi Brussels is truly rewarding. I am Although I am not really a city person, I provides excellent opportunities to so passionate about our brand, our love the multi-lingual nature of Brussels. use my language skills every day and products and what we value. We are I already had many friends here, so it apply what I learnt during my degree in currently rolling out diversity training was not a problem to come back. It did the real world. The entire Volkswagen for all the management at the Brussels not really feel like a relocation abroad. Group is committed to cultural change, site. In our management training, we I use four languages every day and it diversity and inclusion, and I am very discuss why diversity and inclusion gives me such a buzz - I am constantly proud to be a champion of this at the are important for the future success of learning. I work with such energetic Brussels site. I hope to continue this Audi Brussels. We do this by tackling colleagues and I feel totally included work and empower colleagues and our unconscious biases. All human and integrated. I moved to Flanders managers to embrace inclusion and beings have them, but we need to to actively improve my Dutch and my innovation through empowering become more aware of them. By not employer oered me personalized diversity training.

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 13 ew N beginnings

PROFESSOR Eunice Simmons has in landuse and environmental habitats, As a member of Southwell Cathedral been appointed as the new ranging from the Malaysian rainforest Council, she strengthened links Vice-Chancellor of the University to Kent downland. between the Minster and NTU’s of Chester. students through ceremonial events, Professor Simmons has worked across heritage projects and the sharing of Professor Simmons was previously the five diverse institutions including: expertise. She is committed to Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham ’s Wye and broadening access to university and Trent University (NTU), where she led Imperial Colleges; UCLan; University of the types of courses on offer, the Academic and Student Affairs Cumbria and at Nottingham Trent since championing the development of directorate, encompassing the student 2010. During this time, she has had a online and degree apprenticeship journey from primary school through number of academic leadership roles portfolios, working with hundreds of to university and graduate including Course Leader, MSc Director, companies. employment. Her leadership has been Head of School, Dean and Pro Vice- instrumental in creating outstanding Chancellor. Professor Simmons has also Outside of work, Professor Simmons is student experience. managed many professional service married with two sons at university. teams supporting the student She is also a keen gardener, ecologist Professor Simmons gained an Honours experience - several of which have and enjoys walking in her spare time. degree in Biology at the University of been recognised with national awards. Manchester and a PGCE at Speaking about her new role, she said: Roehampton Institute. She taught As the recipient of a ‘Green Gown’ “I am thrilled to have taken up the role secondary school science, before award for leadership, Professor of Vice-Chancellor of the University of obtaining a scholarship to the Simmons has led many community Chester and I am enjoying visiting all for an MSc. This was and environmental projects, including the University sites, meeting students, followed by a research post with the chairing the North West’s regional staff and partner organisations. University of London and the Forestry forestry framework steering group. Chester’s values and its educational Commission, surveying sites Professor Simmons is also a trustee and heritage and ambition resonate throughout England and Wales, board member of Advance HE, the strongly with me. I am eager to help leading to a PhD in forest ecology and Environmental Association of the University grow its offer to conservation in 1992. Her Professorship Universities and Colleges (EAUC), and students and increase its impact in the in Sustainable Environments was then the new Transforming Access and region and beyond.” awarded for her research and teaching Student Outcomes Centre (TASO-HE).

14 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 Chester’s values and its educational heritage and ambition resonate strongly with me. I am eager to help the University grow its oer to students and increase its impact in the region and beyond.

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 15 On the front line of research

DID YOU know that the the current projects the team is working Second World War, Chester College acted University of Chester is home on include: tackling serious stress in as a temporary school for Army Chaplains, to the Westminster Centre veterans, carers and their family; nding and was later used as accommodation for for Research in Veterans? The the forgotten and the Aged Veterans Fund. those working at Western Command HQ Westminster Centre is led Thanks to the work of the Westminster at Queen’s Park (now home to our Business by Director, Professor Alan Centre, the University has been awarded School). Our Warrington Campus sits on Finnegan, who retired from the the bronze award in the Ministry of the site of the former College, military in 2015 after 30 years Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. founded in 1946 on what had previously of service. been a military camp. The College was We have a long history of connections initially designed to train up demobbed Alan and his team carry out research, with the armed forces community here servicemen as teachers. educational provision and community at the University - our founding College engagement at the University, supporting saw two World Wars, with many of its sta the armed forces community. Some of and students leaving to serve. During the

Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans

16 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 Alumna Lauren West is an Administrative Assistant and PA to Jen Donald is the Campaigns and Professor Finnegan in the Westminster Centre. She graduated from Events Officer in the Development the University in 2018 with a degree in Business Studies. and Alumni Relations Office (DARO). She is working on establishing an Lauren is working with the Development and Alumni Relations Office alumni armed forces network at (DARO) as part of our ongoing partnership with the Westminster Centre, the University. which is supporting us in building our alumni armed forces community. “Here in the DARO, we are taking “Upon graduating, I knew I wanted to continue to work for the University, inspiration from our colleagues in the and particularly at Riverside Campus. I attended my graduation ceremony Westminster Centre and working to in November 2018 and applied for a job as an Administrative Assistant establish an alumni armed forces network within the Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans. I applied for this at the University. As alumni, you will job in particular as I have a passion for this area of research, due to my always be a part of our University grandfather being a veteran himself. Working for Professor Finnegan has community. Let us know of your vastly increased my knowledge in this area, and provided me with connections to the forces, so that we can experiences that I hadn’t even considered when applying for the job. highlight the important part you play in our armed forces community. Whether “The team were awarded the ‘External Relations Team of the Year’ at the you’re a veteran, a serving member of the Educate North Awards earlier this year, and we were also shortlisted as armed forces, or connected by family or finalists for the ‘Military and Civilian Health Partnership Award’ at the work, please do get in touch. prestigious HSJ Awards. Myself and four colleagues travelled down to the Battersea Evolution Centre in London for the Awards Ceremony last “As someone from a family full of November. serving and retired members of the forces, and with a background in “Within my role, I am Secretary for the Armed Forces Covenant military charities, I am passionate about Partnership Committee that meets quarterly to discuss veteran initiatives supporting the armed forces within Cheshire. Councils, charities, and various organisations come community. If you are too, or you’d like together to discuss what initiatives are out there within the Cheshire area to let us know about your military to help veterans. In September last year, we hosted a Cheshire Armed connections, I’d love to hear from you.” Forces Covenant Partnership Symposium to showcase local initiatives, which was well-attended and had positive feedback. We are currently If you would like to get in touch, planning and arranging the International Armed Forces, Veterans and please email Jen at their Families Research Conference, that will take place at Queen’s Park [email protected]. Campus on September 17, 2020.”

University of Cambridge Engineering graduate, Dr Mark Baldwin, is delivering a lecture about The Enigma Machine on April 8. The lecture will take place on the University of Chester’s Parkgate Road Campus. All interested alumni are invited to attend to listen to one of the Second World War’s most fascinating stories. To reserve your free ticket, please visit: https://bcscnw080420.eventbrite.co.uk.

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 17 Inspiring Saudi women for the future

ALUMNA and Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, Lisa Conway (2016) and Afshan Baksh, Managing Director of Evolve Global Solutions and MSc student at Chester Business School, are playing a key role in a project to promote women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Lisa and Afshan spent a week at King Saud University’s female-only campus, helping more than 100 students by Afshan Baksh leading workshops on many topics,

18 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 Lisa Conway

including communication, public Lisa said: “Women’s participation in most prestigious universities in Saudi speaking and negotiation. They employment in Saudi Arabia is currently Arabia and many of the Saudi royal supported undergraduate and at just 22%, compared to 72% in the family were educated there. There is a postgraduate students in developing a . The My Skills Create My long way to go before women achieve wide range of soft skills that will help Future project forms part of the true parity, it’s a global issue. This them to succeed in employment as part ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, a high- group of females are future leaders of the My Skills Create My Future project. level strategy launched by the ruling and will be in key positions one day. The project is a collaboration between royal family, to transform the Saudi We designed this programme to not the British Embassy and British Council, economy by 2030, including raising only equip this group of young hosted by King Saud University in female participation in the economy. It women with the skills and tools Riyadh, forming part of the Saudi Vision is a privilege to be a part of this needed to succeed, but also with the 2030 - an initiative designed to realise transformation and to play a part in skills they will need to empower other the full potential of the Kingdom’s unlocking the potential of these women in Saudi society.” younger generation. intelligent young women to achieve their career aspirations. We were Lisa was invited to take part in the delighted to work with such wonderful project by Afshan, whose company, ladies. They inspired us as much as we Evolve Global Solutions, supports the did them. There was so much passion development of women worldwide. and inspiration in that one week, it’s Women’s participation Afshan has worked in many countries phenomenal to think of what they will in employment in Saudi around the world to help empower and achieve in the future.” educate women. The workshops Arabia is currently at covered a variety of soft skills, ranging Afshan, who is currently studying an just 22%, compared from decision making, problem solving MSc in Learning, Development and to 72% in the United and networking, to professional Change through the University’s communication skills, conflict Centre for Work Related Studies, said: Kingdom. management and negotiation. “King Saud University is one of the

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 19 Putting the University on the map

QUEEN’S PARK Campus was the Amie, who graduated with a first-class of Chester. It was a fantastic opportunity destination for delegates of the 2019 Honours degree in Tourism and Events to be asked by my former lecturer to Tourism Management Institute (TMI) Management, said: “I was thrilled to hear attend the 2019 convention as a speaker Convention, when the annual event that Chester would be hosting the TMI in the panel discussion, and reflect on my was co-hosted by the University and Annual Convention 2019, and even more experience after working in the industry Marketing Cheshire. so when I was asked to take part in the since graduation. I would encourage panel discussion. I spoke about my current students to participate in these Graduates, students and professors from journey from university into the world of opportunities whilst studying at Chester. the University shared the spotlight with destination marketing - my experiences They provide a great opportunity to meet industry professionals and students from and the challenges. I also delivered a potential future employers.” other institutions at the internationally walking tour of Chester for the Tourism recognised conference. TMI is the UK’s Management students that were in Current students, Monica Escobedo national professional body for attendance. I thought this was a great and Paris Flint, were involved in destination management. The way to give students a chance to get that planning the convention and helping organisation supports its members first-hand insight from someone they to secure guest speakers. Monica and throughout their careers by providing could relate to.” Paris, who both study International opportunities for sharing knowledge and Tourism Management and are TMI expertise in destination management. Hannah, who also graduated from the National Tourism Council Student University with a first-class Honours Representatives, also presented at the Two graduates, Amie Piper (2016), now degree in International Business and convention. Their in-depth Digital Content Manager at Country Tourism Management, works in a presentation explained the importance House Wedding Venues, and Hannah Business Tourism role at Visit Greenwich, of ‘Keeping up with the Followers’ in Phoenix (2017), Business Tourism to promote Greenwich as a business regards to travelling, FOMO (fear of Executive at Visit Greenwich, took part events destination. She said: “I attended missing out) and social media. It was in a case study panel entitled the TMI Annual Convention in 2014, voted the most highly rated of all the Empowering the Future Workforce. during my second year at the University talks on the day and they have since

20 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 delivered it to students across the Dr Maeve Marmion (2005), a University of his research has developed with a focus Business School. Chester alumna who is now Head of on developing sustainable tourism Department for the Experience Economy destinations. In his presentation at the Monica said: “I was delighted to be at Chester Business School, engaged convention, Dr Lyon tackled the topic of given the opportunity to help organise delegates with a talk on heritage as part meeting the tourism needs of older the TMI Annual Convention 2019 at the of the everyday lives of visitors. This people. He added: “With an aging University. While planning the event, included looking at how heritage sites, population, it is becoming increasingly Paris and I made suggestions about attractions and destinations can be best important that all organisations in the possible topics to be discussed during interpreted and presented to visitors, visitor economy understand and meet the convention. This eventually led to us while complementing their historical or the needs of this group. Tourism and creating a presentation, discussing how cultural roots. leisure have a real effect on healthy social media and FOMO influence aging, so encouraging the elderly to Millennials and Generation Z when Alumnus Dean Paton (2011), who studied participate in the visitor economy with making travel purchases and how to Archaeology at the University, was appropriate products and services is vital.” market to that demographic.” invited to share his thoughts on this topic as part of a case study panel. Dean is the He added: “Our students benefited Paris added: “The convention was an founder and Managing Director of Big hugely from their exposure to incredible opportunity to go behind the Heritage - a multi-award winning practitioners and current thinking in scenes in event management and speak Archaeology and Heritage Agency that destination management, which will at a national tourism conference. Getting brings people and the shared past help them to develop successful my name out into the real world at such together to improve communities. He is careers in the tourism industry. It was an early stage of my career is invaluable. also a visiting Research Associate at the great to see some of our graduates at The presentation that we delivered was a University and guest lectures in social various stages of their careers at the huge success, and we scored highest in entrepreneurship. event. It shows the opportunities our all categories out of all speakers at the students have as a result of studying event. As a result of our performance, Dr Andy Lyon, Associate Professor of with Chester Business School.” Monica and I were designated TMI Tourism Education and Head of National Tourism Council Student Commercial Income Projects at the Representatives, speaking on behalf of University, has been teaching in the students throughout the country and at sector for 25 years, and national events. This is a real honour and a great addition to our CVs!”

This was a great way to give students a chance to get that rst-hand insight from someone they could relate to.

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 21 CouldCould your your higherhigher educationeducation journeyjourney inspireinspire studentsstudents today? today? We think your journey will be inspiring, whatever route you take! That’s Wewhy think the your Graduate journey Outcomes will be inspiring, survey aimswhatever to capture route youthe take!perspectives That’s why and the Graduatecurrent Outcomes status of oversurvey 700,000 aims to recent capture graduates. the perspectives We’re proud and current to say thatstatus it of overis the 700,000 biggest recent annual graduates. social surveyWe’re proud in the to UK! say that it is the biggest annual social The biggest UK survey in the UK! annual social survey The survey aims to help current and future students gain an insight into Thecareer survey destinations aims to help current and development and future students – based gain on an yours! insight into career destinations and development – based on yours!

TheThe Graduate Graduate Outcomes Outcomes survey…survey… Contacts graduates 15 months after graduation By email or phone To hear about your views Contacts graduates 15 months after graduation You may be in your final year or have The survey is sent to you 15 months When the time is right, we will email Are you in employment, continuing with Yourecently may be graduated in your andnal may year not or have have a afterThe surveyyou complete is sent yourto you studies. 15 months For you a unique secure survey link which further study, or doing something else recentlyplan or graduateda destination and in mindmay yet.not That’s have example,after you if youcomplete completed your your studies. course For you can use to complete the online and did your qualification play a part? a whyplan attendingor a destination events likein mindGradJobs yet. inexample, May 2019, if you you’ll completed be contacted your about course survey on any device – it’ll only take We are also keen to understand the That’sLive whyis essential, you can as still it opensuse Careers your eyesand thein May survey 2019, in September you’ll be contacted 2020. about 10 minutes. You’ll also receive text non-traditional routes that graduates Employabilityto the many and options CareerHub ahead for of two you! years the survey in September 2020. messages and calls from us so you can might take. Employment isn’t the only complete the survey over the phone. successful outcome: we want to know after the end of your course. Get in touch what you do and understand what you to see how you can be supported with the see as fulfilling. next chapter of your Chester story. The best rst step is to book a career chat or career guidance appointment. Phone and Find out more about the survey at Skype appointmentsKeep are your also available. contact details up to date! www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk Phone: 01244To 513066 ensure • Email:we can [email protected] contact you about the • CareerHub: survey, we careers.chester.ac.uk would be very grateful if you could now review and update the personal contact The rst timedetails you access your CareerHub university as or a collegegraduate, currently click the holds ‘graduate’ for you. button and follow Follow us... the link to reset your password.

The Graduate Outcomes survey is delivered by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). Keep your contact details up to date! The UK funding and regulatory bodies require HESA and higher education providers to work together to deliver the survey. To ensure we can contact you about the survey, we would be very grateful if you could update the contact details the University holds for you. Graduates: www.chester.ac.uk/alumni • Students: eVision via Portal Could your higher education journey inspire students today? We think your journey will be inspiring, whatever route you take! That’s why the Graduate Outcomes survey aims to capture the perspectives and current status of over 700,000 recent graduates. We’re proud to say that it is the biggestThe annual biggest social survey in UK the UK! The biggest UK annual social survey The surveyannual aims to help socialcurrent and futuresurvey students gain an insight into Could your higher education career destinations and development – based on yours! journey inspire students today? We think your journey will be inspiring, whatever route you take!The That’s Graduate Outcomes survey… why the Graduate Outcomes survey aims to capture the perspectives and current status of over 700,000 recent graduates. We’re proud to sayContacts that it graduates 15 months after graduation By email or phone To hear about your views is the biggest annual social survey in the UK! The biggest UK By email or phone annual socialTo hear survey about your views The survey aims to help current and future students gain an insight into You may be in your final year or have The survey is sent to you 15 months When the time is right, we will email Are you in employment, continuing with career destinations and development – based on yours! Whenrecently the timegraduated is right, and we may will notemail have you a afterAre you you in complete employment, your continuing studies. For with you a unique secure survey link which further study, or doing something else plan or a destination in mind yet. That’s example, if you completed your course you can use to complete the online and did your qualification play a part? The Graduate Outcomes survey… a unique secure survey link which you further study, or doing something else canwhy use attending to complete events the online like GradJobssurvey on inand May did 2019, your you’ll qualication be contacted play about a part? survey on any device – it’ll only take We are also keen to understand the anyLive device is essential, – it’ll only as take it opens a few your minutes. eyes theWe surveyare also in keen September to understand 2020. the non- 10 minutes. You’ll also receive text non-traditional routes that graduates Contacts graduates 15 months after graduation By email or phone To hear about your views You’llto the also many receive options text ahead messages of you! and traditional routes that graduates might messages and calls from us so you can might take. Employment isn’t the only complete the survey over the phone. successful outcome: we want to know calls from us so you can complete the take. Employment isn’t the only successful what you do and understand what you You may be in your final year or have The survey is sent to you survey15 months over the phone.When But the it’s time quicker is right, we willoutcome: email weAre youwant in employment, to know what continuing you withdo recently graduated and may not have a after you complete your studies. For you a unique secure survey link which further study, or doing something else see as fulfilling. plan or a destination in mind yet. That’s example, if you completed yourand course easy to do it youonline can usewhen to complete the the andonline understand and did what your qualificationyou see as fullling. play a part? why attending events like GradJobs in May 2019, you’ll be contactedemail about arrives. survey on any device – it’ll only take We are also keen to understand the Live is essential, as it opens your eyes the survey in September 2020. 10 minutes. You’ll also receive text non-traditional routes that graduates to the many options ahead of you! Keep messagesyour andcontact calls from us sodetails you can upmight to take. date! Employment isn’t the only Find out more about the survey at complete the survey over the phone. successful outcome: we want to know www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk To ensure we can contact you about the survey,what you we do andwould understand be very what you see as fulfilling. gratefulFind ifout you couldmore now about review andthe update survey the personalat contact details your university or college currently holds for you. Follow us... www.graduateoutcomes.ac.ukFind out more about the survey at Keep your contact details up to date! www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk To ensure we can contact you about the survey, we would be very grateful if you could now review and update the personal contact The Graduate Outcomes survey is delivered by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). details your university or college currently holds for you. Follow us... The UK funding and regulatory bodies require HESA and higher education providers to work together to deliver the survey. The Graduate Outcomes survey is delivered by HESA

(Higher Education Statistics TheAgency Graduate Ltd). Outcomes The surveyUK is delivered by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency Ltd). funding and regulatory bodiesThe UKrequire funding HESA and regulatory and bodies require HESACareers and higher and education providers to work higher education providers togetherto work to delivertogether the survey. to Employability deliver the survey. Representing the University globally

THE University of Chester is proud to “I learnt so much from the diverse set of Kiran Appana is the have a number of representatives people I met at university - my Country Liaison around the world to assist housemates, cohort and colleagues. This Officer in India and international students throughout helped to enhance my people skills Sri Lanka. He also their journey at the University. These immensely, something that I am using a studied an MBA, Country Liaison Officers are former lot in my current role as Country Liaison graduating in 2015. students with first-hand experience Officer. My role involves helping potential at the University, who can guide students with the application process and “My experience at the University of other students from the application making their transition to a new country Chester was unforgettable. University process, right through to settling in as smooth and as easy as possible.” brought changes in both my academic the UK and making Chester their and social life, helping me to develop a new home. Zulashraf Bin Abd broader view of everything. The University Rahman is the provides a diverse classroom environment, Tasmina Chowdhury Regional Liaison with talented and experienced students is the Country Officer in South East from around the globe. Liaison Officer in Asia. He studied an Bangladesh. She MBA, graduating in 2019. “The MBA course was well-structured, studied an MSc in flexible and easy to understand. It Management with International “After working in the media and touched on several aspects of business Business, graduating in 2016. advertising industry in my home and management, developing core country of Malaysia, I joined the MBA skills like leadership, people “My journey with the University started programme at Chester Business School. management, relationship building and in 2015. I still vividly remember my first I also had the pleasure of volunteering communicating with a diverse set of day in Chester, struggling to find my at the International Centre during my people. Lecturers helped us to learn way to the International Centre (where I studies for nine months, which has about subjects by exposing us to issues later went on to work part-time during helped me in a professional sense with and challenges in today’s business my studies). I had been working for understanding the work ethics and world, and encouraged us to find ways over three years prior to this, and culture of the British people. of solving them. looked at this break as a way to not only further my education, but also to “Since graduating, I have continued my “University life developed me as a broaden my horizons internationally. journey with the University, as a person and changed my approach to Regional Liaison Officer. Working life - it helped me to learn new skills and “I took advantage of every opportunity thousands of miles away from the rest develop the confidence to succeed in that the University offered to of the team is a unique experience. I am my current role as Country Liaison international students - taking part in the key and sole contact person in the Officer in India and Sri Lanka. My own events, joining numerous clubs and region for students, agents and personal experiences at the University attending various seminars. As well as institutions. Representing the good help me to promote it and encourage working in the International Centre, I name of the University of Chester future students to choose Chester as also worked part-time with Careers and everywhere in the industry is a heavy their next study destination.” Employability and in the Academic yet satisfying role. Using my work Quality and Standards Department. This experience, alongside the MBA as a gave me an excellent opportunity to theoretical foundation, I believe has apply what I learnt during my degree to helped me to transition quickly to the my working life. new independent role.” 

24 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 Department spotlight

WORDS BY DIANE APPLETON, HEAD OF CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Student Futures - Careers and Employability

DEPENDING on when you graduated, Most careers are not defined by degree stage in the application process, you may have had a very different discipline and more employers than technology has been shaping the way experience of Careers and ever are not interested in the degree employers recruit. Video interviews, Employability at the University of subject, but more the skills and avatar based situational judgement tests Chester, compared to the services and experiences a graduate can bring to and game-based assessments mean activities we offer today. The way we their role. While this is a great that we have to provide the opportunity have developed reflects what is endorsement of degree level study, it for students and graduates to prepare happening at a wider level in the world can be more difficult for students to and practice for these online processes. of work, the Higher Education sector navigate their way through the and in government policies. thousands of roles open to them. The Another development that has opportunity to spend time with a Career changed the way in which we deliver Changes in the graduate job market Consultant discussing their next steps is our services is the huge increase in today require a different approach to a crucial part of what we offer. graduates staying in their university supporting students and graduates in region after graduation. Over half of their employability development. In As graduate recruiters expect students graduates now remain in the area fact, the very word ‘employability’ is a to be offering skills and experiences where they studied. We have to build good demonstration of the shift in gained through their time at university, strong relationships with employers in emphasis from ‘career’ and ‘job’, to a we offer plenty of opportunities to the local region, so that we can offer more nuanced preparation for a lifelong develop these. UniJob offers paid more focused advice to our graduates ability to adapt to the changing world part-time positions at the University for who are looking to remain close to of work. It is often said that universities students; our internship programme where they have studied. need to prepare students for jobs that offers students and graduates a paid don’t yet exist! placement with an employer; and the Despite the changes in policy and the Venture Programme supports students graduate job market, Careers and Career guidance is in more demand and graduates with developing their Employability’s aim really remains the than ever by our students and entrepreneurship and enterprise skills. same. We are here to help students graduates, but ironically, we now spend Students are able to gain points towards make the most of their time at the less time discussing careers, and more The Chester Difference Award for taking University, support students and time talking about their next steps. Most part in these extra-curricular activities, graduates in exploring their options, graduates have changed jobs within the demonstrating to prospective planning their next steps and inspiring first three years after graduation and a employers that they have gone the them to reach their full potential. career for life is no longer the norm. I’m extra mile. sure many of you reading this will know University of Chester graduates can first-hand that career paths are no Graduate selection processes have use the Careers and Employability longer linear and can take many changed too, and while CVs and services for up to two years after graduating. different directions. application forms are still often the first

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 25 in a smaller city, but I was pleasantly organised by students like the Winter surprised by all that Chester has to oer. Ball, which took place at the Crowne Plaza in Chester and raised over £500 It’s a challenge to describe a ‘typical’ for The Joshua Tree charity. I’m halfway

EVE evening in Chester because there are a through my second year of studying

1 variety of ways I spend my time. Just the International Tourism Management other night, I went to Storyhouse to see and even after living in Chester for a a production put on by the University’s year and a half, I’m still nding new Drama Society about the history of places to go or things to try. There are

CH Broadway. Other evenings, I nd myself always events popping up all over working on assessments at Storyhouse town, as well as new restaurants and A because they oer free tea and coee to cafes. Chester may be a historic city, but MONICA ESCOBEDO currently studies students, which can be so helpful when it is alive with choices of how to spend International Tourism Management trying to meet deadlines. I also enjoy your time. with Spanish at the University. We doing work at one of the many locally asked her to describe a typical CH1 owned coee shops in town - there are One of the things I enjoy most about evening… so many to choose from! studying at the University of Chester is knowing that no matter what type As an American student studying at the Volunteering has played a large part of night I’m looking for, whether it’s a University of Chester, I am constantly in my experience at the University. As night out dancing with friends, getting in awe of the beautiful city of Chester part of the Event Society, I often nd involved in the community, or just a and all the history it possesses. Moving myself volunteering for local events low-key study night, there is always here from Los Angeles, I was nervous in the afternoon or evenings, such as somewhere to go or something going that there wouldn’t be much to do the Winter Watch Parade, or events on in Chester.

Alumni snapshots

after her partner took his own life 15 death in amphibians and can lead to years ago. The documentary was seen by population decline. a worldwide audience of over ve million viewers. Angela has also worked with Timothy used images obtained by Channel 4, Channel 5 and advised on Froglife (a national amphibian and reptile storylines for Hollyoaks. conservation charity) from custom- made, time-lapse camera traps placed Angela is an Ambassador of Survivors of within under-road culverts. Images the Bereaved by Suicide, a nationwide recorded movement within a culvert charity oering a unique and distinct adjacent to a Scottish loch by common free service across the UK and is co- toads, common frogs, smooth newts author of the NHS70 Parliamentary and palmate newts during the autumn Award winning #SeeSaySignpost migration. Movement behaviour was Angela Samata (1998), an arts training, which has been accessed by compared to recent rainfall data from a professional for over a decade, has led over 500,000 people globally. local weather station. the John Moores Painting Prize at the Walker Art Gallery and continues to work Timothy Gleeson (2017), a BSc Animal freelance with individual artists and Behaviour graduate, has had his research arts organisations, while also speaking published in Bioscience Horizons journal. publicly about mental health issues. Timothy’s research suggests that under- road tunnels, designed to help frogs, Angela presented the BBC1 BAFTA toads and newts pass safely across a nominated Life After Suicide, that won highway, would benet from retaining the Mind Media Award for Best Factual water, to help reverse the worrying TV documentary. In it, she described her population declines of some amphibians. own experience and that of her children Road mortalities are a major source of

26 ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 The research was carried out in collaboration with Froglife and Dr Silviu Friends remembered Petrovan, a Research Associate in the Department of Zoology at the University Professor Derek K Alsop of Cambridge. Staff 2001-2017

Professor Derek Alsop has sadly died after a short illness.

Professor Alsop obtained a first-class with Honours Bachelor’s Degree from Queen Mary College, University of London, in 1981 and was awarded his PhD (on Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy) by Westfield College, University of London, three years later. awarded one of the first University Teaching Fellowships. He was appointed He then took up the post of Senior Lecturer as a Senior University Teaching Fellow on Suzanne St Clare (2018) graduated in English Literature and Language August 1, 2010 and thereafter became a from the University with a degree in at St. Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill, Professor on August 1, 2014. Photography and now runs her own Twickenham. While employed there, business, transforming the lives of others he became an External Examiner in After announcing his intention to take through creative arts. While studying, the Department of English at the then early retirement in 2017, Professor Suzanne developed a Community University College Chester from 1997. Alsop was awarded the title of Professor Interest Company (CIC), VidA Creative Conversely, at Chester in 2009-10, he was Emeritus and became a Visiting Fellow. Learning. As hands-on director of the an External Examiner for St. Mary’s. His research interests included music and CIC, Suzanne provides visual arts and literature, eighteenth-century literature, photography workshops for all age He also worked for the BBC from 1993 and modernism, particularly the work of groups and abilities - with the aim of to 2000 as a presenter, script-writer, Samuel Beckett. His first poetry collection, empowering lives, building resilience interviewer and interviewee for BBC Radio More Bagpipe Music, was published in 2012. and increasing self-esteem through the 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Manchester, He was also fluent in French. creative arts. winning a number of awards. Professor Alsop made a distinguished Suzanne has also exhibited her Professor Alsop was appointed as Deputy contribution to the University and was photography at galleries across Head of the Department of English in exceptionally highly regarded. He will be Merseyside. Suzanne’s exhibitions 2001 and Head of English in 2004, being sadly missed by his colleagues and students. include Tabula Rasa, a collaborative portrait project and celebration of strength, resilience and beauty that We extend our condolences to the family and friends of those members of our alumni community who have died. We will be paying further tribute to these aimed to reach vulnerable young alumni in the autumn edition of the The Cestrian magazine. If you wish to inform us women with complex needs. of a death, or submit an obituary, please email [email protected].

The Emma Galton offers an opportunity to understand about their life and culture, as well as Award Update sustainable tourism, the role of faith and improving his spoken Spanish. peace-making in the history and culture The Emma Galton Award was established of the country. Jack also visited Seville and Puertollano, in in 2019 through the generous support Spain; Romania, where he teaches English of the Bible Study Fellowship U.S.A. and The first recipient of this Award is Jack every year and Rome, where he learnt the Galton family. This Award supports Brady, who studies French, Portuguese more about the Italian culture and the a current Modern Languages student and Spanish at the University. Jack was Roman empire. who wishes to travel overseas to Costa eager to be able to put his language skills Rica, like Emma did during her time as to the test and visited Costa Rica, where Jack is currently studying at the University a student at the University. The Award he spent time with a local family, learning of Vigo as part of his degree.

ACH1EVE SPRING 2020 27 ACH1EVE /ə'tʃi:v/ verb

1. Successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill or courage. @UoChesterAlumni We believe that being a graduate of the University of Chester is a @ChesterAlumni significant achievement, and we know that our alumni continue to @ChesterAlumni achieve long after leaving the University. We also recognise that our University of Chester Alumni current students and staff are achieving more than ever before. www.chesteralumni.wordpress.com

Whether your story started in CH1, Warrington, or beyond, and wherever your story has taken you since, at the heart of what you ACH1EVE, is Chester.