The Independent UNIVERSITY OF ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Autumn 2019

Welcome Sir , Vice-

1 Also in this issue: Welcome to our New Deans

4 The New Advancement Team at Buckingham 1st 1stst TOP 18 FOR STUDENT ININ1 UKUK FOFOR 4 SATISFACTION: TEACHINGTEACHING FOR STUDENT- 2017, 2018, 2019 EEXXCELLENCECELLENCE STAFF RATIO

The Times and The Sunday The Complete TEF:Times Tim Higheres High Educater Educaionti on Times - Good University University Guide mmetretriicscs raanking,nking, 2201017 Guide, 2019 Welcome Contents Since I joined as your Vice-Chancellor in 2015, it has been my privilege to meet many members of our alumni community. I never fail to be inspired Welcome Graduate Profile Updates from Schools Sir Anthony Seldon 3 Lauren Zavala 8 16 by them, and within this issue of The Independent we have three shining examples; Lauren, Chris and Chanuki. Professor Barnaby Lenon Graduate Interview Sports Update Dean of Education Chris Jagger Kate Mulrey 4 10 15 All have taken different paths and all are Our graduates continue to make us proud, successful in their chosen fields. I recognise and as we head towards our Fiftieth Birthday Sandra Clarke Graduate Interview The Advancement in them our outstanding University values - a in 2026 your support will be even more vital. Dean of Law Dr Chanuki Seresinhe 11 Team 18 sense of curiosity, an ability to challenge ideas, Our aim to double the student population, 6 Beverley Kelly a respect for beliefs and thinking of others, build new facilities and offer new and exciting The Vinson Centre and a strong work ethic. courses will only be possible with your help. Estates Update Let’s make that future a reality and give us Colin Stoker Professor Matthias Klaes 7 12 every reason to celebrate in 2026.

With best wishes, Anthony

The Independent | Autumn 2019 3 I believe there is nothing more important for society than the production of good teachers.

WHAT DO I BELIEVE?

1. School teaching can be the most fulfilling 9. Many children do not reach their full 16. Both teachers and pupils need to believe job – creative, autonomous and a major potential at school. As a country we do that ability is not fixed but can be influence for good on people’s lives. particularly badly with the bottom third developed by effort. Some people are 2. Good teachers are what matters most in a of pupils, who learn little in secondary more naturally gifted than others but the school system. They are more significant school. less able can compensate if they work Professor Barnaby Lenon than the way schools are organised. 10. All children need to be able to read well hard. 3. Good teacher training focuses on the before they leave primary school. Phonics 17. Reducing gaps in achievement between practice of classroom management and is the best way to do this. sub-groups (based on gender, ethnicity, Dean of Education understanding what good research and 11. Little can be achieved, especially in social class, special needs) is worth doing experience tells us works best. secondary schools, without good but is less important than getting all sub- groups up to a good level. 4. Most so-called professional development discipline. Discipline, rigour and hard work matter more than making lessons 18. Technology should be used where Barnaby taught at Eton for 12 years, Education at the . does not work. What does work is relevant or fun. there is good evidence it is better than Barnaby Lenon was was Deputy Head of Highgate School, I opted to apply for the position because deliberate practice. Focussing on doing direct instruction by a teacher alone. Headmaster of Trinity School Buckingham is one of the largest teacher things the teacher cannot yet do well 12. Engagement with and the training of Good textbooks can be as important as educated at and head of Harrow for 12 years. He is training centres in Britain, with 1300 trainees enough, ideally with feedback. This parents is important. computers. currently a trustee of the nine independent in a typical year. I believe there is nothing is why we believe in classroom-based 13. All children but especially disadvantaged College, at The and state schools in the King Edward’s more important for society than the teacher training. Teachers can improve children need a body of knowledge to 19. Pupils need to develop strong spoken Birmingham Foundation. Barnaby is production of good teachers. throughout their working lives by build on if they are to make a success of skills in the context of every school experimenting with methods they have subject. chairman of governors and joint founder The School of Education was set up by Sir school. You cannot think deeply about a not used before. and he won The of the London Academy of Excellence, a and Professor Anthony subject unless you have knowledge. 20. School is not only about exam results. top state school which opened in 2012 in O’Hear based on two main ideas – that other 5. Good subject knowledge is a principal 14. Disadvantaged children need access to Good mental and physical health, soft Newham, east London. He is also chairman university teacher training departments were characteristic of the best teachers. the knowledge known as cultural capital, skills, worthwhile habits, academic of the Independent Schools’ Council, a often teaching completely false concepts, 6. School subjects are different and need including vocabulary, if they are to motivation, and the discovery of new trustee of the Yellow Submarine charity and and that the most effective teacher training specific teaching methods. compete. interests such as art, music and drama are prize for Education. a consultant to the Robertson Foundation also important. takes place in school classrooms. Today 7. We believe in the value of some learning 15. Repeated testing is essential if pupils are which sponsors schools in New York and much of our training happens by using being hands-on, including science to retain knowledge and understanding. These are the ideas we will be promoting at South Africa. Barnaby has recently published trained tutors and mentors to guide teachers practicals and geography fieldwork. Education is in part about placing the School of Education. It is great to be a part two books and is one of the most widely by observing them in the classroom. The of a small but liberal and dynamic university 8. There is no one teaching style but some knowledge securely in the long-term quoted educationalists. This year he was main courses we offer are the Post-Graduate and it is terrific that Buckingham supports methods are more effective than others. memory. awarded a CBE for services to education. Certificate in Education, Masters Degrees teach training in the way it does. Direct instruction works well. In January this year I became Dean of and a .

4 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 5 Sandra Clarke, MA (Oxon), Barrister, SFHEA Estate Update Dean of Law Colin Stocker - Estates Bursar

I joined The University of Buckingham in 1983 also directed plays for the Old Gaolers town The Estates Team continues as a lecturer in law, intending to stay here for drama group, and within the University. to play an important role three years before returning to practise at Some nine years later, having married in the Bar. Instead, I stayed for nine years! I have Buckingham Parish Church and now a parent, in the development and fond memories of my little room in Prebend I returned to my roots in Dartford, Kent. I growth of the University. Cottage and of my first work computer – worked at the , at an Amstrad PCW shared between me and first on a very part-time basis, much later With investment in the another lecturer, and wheeled between full time, and for the last four years I was the two rooms on a tea trolley. The IT has Head of the Department of Law. I had not existing estate continuing definitely improved since then. really considered leaving, but this wonderful and many areas of If I am honest, it would be difficult to say why opportunity at Buckingham came up, and I initially decided to study law. Like many I jumped at the chance to return. This is a academic, administrative people, I had no experience of studying it very special place, with its calm and beautiful at school, and initially thought of studying surroundings and its focus on students as and accommodation space English because I loved reading. It was a individuals. undergoing significant Proposed new Lew School, Tingewick Road teacher who suggested that I might enjoy I have enjoyed my first year here, and am law, as it involves a lot of reading, and looking forward to taking the Law School improvement to provide much because I was very argumentative. I therefore forward into the future. So much has changed applied for a place to read Jurisprudence in both teaching and practising law. The enhanced facilities to study at St Catherine’s College Oxford, and was lovely leather bound law reports are now here at Buckingham. delighted to be awarded a place. mainly museum pieces, with online databases From there I went on to study for Bar Finals providing reports of legal cases direct to the I have had the privilege On the capital development front, the biggest and was a pupil in two sets of chancery desktop. Artificial Intelligence is creating building to be built on the Hunter Street of being Dean of Law chambers. In those days, pupillage was the need for new forms of legal regulation, campus for over 30 years was officially opened unremunerated. My parents were very and there are now many different ways of in November last year. supportive in feeding and housing me free of organising legal practices. Future lawyers at the University of The £8.5m, 2200sqm Vinson Building is right charge and a bursary from Lincoln’s Inn paid are going to need to be entrepreneurial and in the centre of the Hunter Street Campus my train fares to London, but there was very conversant with emerging technology. Buckingham for just and is home for the University’s Enterprise little left over for any fun. I decided it might Finally, this year we received a significant and Innovation Unit, the Vinson Centre over a year now and be better to take a paid job for a year or two benefaction of £5 million from Hong Kong for Economics & Entrepreneurship, as well to raise some money, which is how I became a Philanthropist, Dr Hon Dak Chung. This as a 190 seat lecture theatre, large social am feeling very happy law lecturer at the University of Buckingham. gift has allowed us to forge ahead with learning area, Coffee Shop, The University I have to confess that I had a very hazy idea the building of a new home for law at the Bookshop, seminar and teaching facilities, plus and settled in my role. of where Buckingham was located, and was University. I am looking forward to us being administrative space. The Vinson Building somewhat surprised when I first travelled here able to educate the lawyers of the future The building has quickly become the central It has been a strange to find myself near . I bought in this new building, based on the best of focus for the campus and has been acclaimed And so, not resting on our laurels, we are project to include a new footbridge link across a flat here and was paying a mortgage from Buckingham’s traditions but with all the by students and staff alike, as well as by the moving on to the next exciting expansion the River Great Ouse to the Hunter Street my very first months’ salary. I became a real benefits of a modern business environment. local community with whom we readily project at the University, the redevelopment campus, the creation of a public riverside path experience in some Buckingham native, appearing in the first ever I do hope that you will be involved in helping share the building. This acclaim also extends of the Tingewick Road site. within the site and a formal Chinese Garden Buckingham Community Pantomime, staged us to build this future. to local, district and national bodies and This site, across the river on the east side as per the wishes of a major benefactor to the ways, as my first ever in the then new community centre in 1985. I groups who have praised and applauded the of the Hunter Street campus, (formally project, Dr Chung. building’s design and quality, with many new Hartridges/Innov8), will be developed The Design Team are already in place to take academic post was here visitors to campus not realising the building to provide a new 4,500sqm building with this forward with construction work scheduled isn’t of a certain age! A testament to both purpose built facilities for both our Schools of to start in early 2020 and the building/site in at Buckingham. the Architects and those involved with the Law and Computing, as well as Social Learning, use by the end of 2021. construction and a building that the Estates Conference, Banqueting and Seminar space. These are exciting times at the University and Team are extremely proud of being a major Named after our Chancellor, the Tessa Keswick the Estates Team are proud to be part of the part of. Building is the major development on the site developments. that will be rejuvenated as part of the £17m

6 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 7 a vision of exactly what design they’d like, while the idea of being able to ‘use’ or wear a piece What started others let me get a bit more creative and let of art. I believe that art is capable of being me go in whichever direction I am feeling. All appreciated in many forms, and for me, that as a gift idea, in all, each piece is a complete collaboration just happens to be wearing it. Lauren Zavala between myself and the client. I then draw up I am lucky to have had the opportunity to paint designs for each client, and after they give me for a celebrity clientele as well as be featured in soon became the go ahead, I get started painting on their magazines like Forbes. I am currently starting MA Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors, 2018 piece. Each painting is created to last and is up the application process for PhD programs, a business . . . professionally sealed onto the surface. As I use but have no plans to stop painting anytime a paint meant for leather, it is able to bend and soon. My team and I will continue painting After finishing my MA in The University of school, but my initial idea to paint on luxury stretch without cracking, ensuring its longevity. from wherever my PhD program takes me, To work in the fashion Buckingham’s Decorative Arts and Historic goods came to me during a trip to London I feel as though I see a lot of similarities which I hope will be back in London. Interiors program, I came back to my home in when I saw an artist using a professional grade industry is many people’s between my art and the decorative art that the United States and promptly started asking shoe paint to paint on leather. I thought it was Long term, I hope to teach at University level I studied at Buckingham; the biggest being myself, ‘What’s next?’ Now, nearly two years a lovely idea and bought some of the paint whilst also maintaining Zavala Bespoke. I love dream. Below, recent alumna functionality. Whether it’s a porcelain ink later, I am the lead artist and owner at Zavala to make personalised Christmas presents. academia as much as I love painting, so I can’t stand or a piece of furniture, my studies at Bespoke. What started as a gift idea soon became a seem to let go of either. It looks like I’ll be Lauren tells us how she Buckingham largely encompassed the function business when people continuously asked my keeping myself quite busy in the long term. I At Zavala Bespoke we paint on luxury goods as well as the artistic qualities of each piece. We boyfriend where his leather jacket was from. can thank Buckingham for that. transformed her hobby of for clients around the world in a pop art were able to appreciate the art as well as the and impressionistic style. Ironically, I started Thus Zavala Bespoke was born. usage and material, giving us a well-rounded painting and love of fashion painting as a passion project during the stress I am currently based in Colorado, US and understanding of each. Similarly, my paintings Lauren Zavala of writing my dissertation at Buckingham. I paint full time. Our clients ship in products are meant for use and travel. Previous clients Lead Designer and Artist | Zavala Bespoke into a successful global career. have always painted in various mediums when for us to paint on, including bags, clothing, have shared photos with me of them wearing zavalabespoke.com I’ve been stressed or during exam time in suitcases, and much more. Some clients have my custom pieces all over the world. I love [email protected]

8 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 9 Chris Jagger Dr Chanuki MA Security Seresinhe and Intelligence Business Studies, 2012 Economics, 2012

Chris Jagger with HRH The Duke of Kent

Chris Jagger studied MA After graduating from Buckingham, what Would you say that your degree from Dr Chanuki Seresinhe graduated completely new. So, I was very much attracted The School of Computing at Buckingham path has your career taken you on? Buckingham was helpful in achieving your by the Undergraduate Business Economics is doing a lot of work to get more women Security and Intelligence Since completing my MA in Security and career goals? with a degree in Business programme which offered a three year degree involved in AI. What would you say to Studies at The University of Intelligence Studies I have written a book The MA - and engagement with Professor Economics from The University in just two years. encourage women into a career in AI? ‘Escorting the Monarch’, contributed Anthony Glees, gave me a big confidence I fondly remember my Economics classes. There are so many interesting careers in AI Buckingham, graduating in (chapters) to two books on training boost in my own intellect, especially of Buckingham in 2012. She I liked how the classes were small and that I would really encourage anyone who 2012. Since completing his the intelligence community, written my ability to write (which is still a work is currently the Lead Data discussions were encouraged. I also really is passionate about the subject to pursue. many articles in journals, magazines and in progress!). It provided me with an enjoyed how enthusiastic and passionate the With an AI career you are very likely to degree, Chris has had a very newspapers, formed my own consultancy opportunity to consider my career within Scientist at Popsa (a company Professors and Lecturers were. find something fascinating to do while company (with many projects around the security and intelligence community also earning really well as there is so much successful career. We spoke to using AI to automatically curate Can you tell us a little more about your the world), and am now the EU’s Security from a broader perspective. Professor Glees’ demand right now. We particularly really current position as Lead Data Scientist? him about his new position Reform Advisor to the President of The helped me develop an approach to thinking photo content) and a visiting need more women in AI as to date AI still very as the EU’s Security Sector Gambia. more laterally about the context in which Data Science Researcher at the At Popsa, I am here to lead, manage and much lacks diversity. One of the greatest my career takes place and I am very grateful grow the Data Science Team. Some of the challenges in designing machine learning Reform Advisor for the Office Congratulations on your new position, for that. Alan Turing Institute (the UK’s data science tasks we do include using and AI algorithms is to ensure they don’t Chris. Can you tell us a little more about machine learning, including artificial inherit our own human biases. If we have of the President in Gambia what your job entails? Any advice for other alumni considering national institute for data science intelligence, to curate our users’ unorganised more diverse teams then our AI algorithms and how his degree enabled him My current job is fascinating. The Gambia the MA in Security and Intelligence? and artificial intelligence). photos into photo book suggestions. We may be more unlikely to be as biased as we suffered a 22 year military dictatorship The MA helped me gain more from my create intelligent algorithms that make Popsa might notice while testing that something to reach his goals. until 2017. They now have a democratically experience and plant strong foundations, With such an interesting career a pleasure to use. might be off. Diverse teams also allow for elected president who has rejoined from which I have been able to further diverse thinking, which is also very much in an upcoming industry, we You studied Business Economics at the Commonwealth, signed up to the develop myself. I would thoroughly needed if we are to create algorithms that fit Buckingham, how did your degree with us International Criminal Court, and is recommend it. Thank you Buckingham! asked Chanuki a little about her everyone and don’t discriminate. lead to you where you are today? generally a very positive leader for the To find out more about our fascinating position and what led her to it. country. My job is to help the sector reform, It was the start of my new career so As you will see on page 18, the University courses in Security and Intelligence, please to move it towards an entity for good - in What inspired you to study at The the degree helped me transition out of is currently fundraising for a new home for see: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/ service of the people. University of Buckingham and what are digital design to a career I find a lot more The School of Computing and AI. For more research/bucsis your most vivid memories of your intellectually satisfying. After studying information on how to get involved, please time here? Business Economics, I was able to first pursue see: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/ alumni-giving/giving/ I decided to return to University after I has a Masters in Behavioural Economic Science already led a successful career in digital at the , and then go on design. If I were to study again, it was to do a PhD in Data Science – using online important for me to balance the time I would data and artificial intelligence to quantify the be taking off work with learning something connection between human wellbeing and beautiful places.

10 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 11 Professor Matthias Klaes Director, The Vinson Centre for Economics and Entrepreneurship

2019 has been an important year for the University in many respects. Ranking high was the moment when staff and students were able to begin making full use of the Vinson Building. The new £8.5M building was realised as part of the University’s Campaign for Free Thinking, an ambitious expansion plan to secure its position as one of the world’s best, small, innovative, independent universities within the next decade. Lecture in the Vinson Building

Funded through a generous donation by The new building also houses the • We challenge received wisdom and Current departments in the Vinson Centre Please follow us on Twitter via @VinsonCentre, or join our mailing list by sending a entrepreneur Lord Vinson and including Vinson Centre for Economics and rethink economics and entrepreneurship include the Max Beloff Institute for the message to [email protected] a business hub made possible through Entrepreneurship. The primary purpose as a single subject furthering our Study of the Constitution of Liberty, and a £3M grant via Local of the new Centre is to make enterprise understanding and pursuit of trade and the Buckingham Enterprise and Innovation Vinson Centre contacts: Enterprise Partnership, the Vinson Building and the University’s offerings in economic enterprise in a free society; Unit (BEIU), made possible by a generous Professor Nigel Adams, BEIU Director, [email protected] has become centre piece to the University’s studies a defining feature of its academic start-up fund donated by University of • We are the home of visionary approaches Dr Juan Castaneda, Review Editor Economic Affairs, [email protected] overall signature in Buckingham and the reputation and the student experience. Buckingham alumna Susanne Klatten. to teaching and scholarship at all Katie Jones, Executive Administrator, [email protected] region. It provides a new lecture theatre, a We are developing the Vinson Centre as a levels, breaking free from the confines suite of state-of-the-art seminar rooms, a space for research and knowledge exchange We are in the process of setting up an Dean Jones, Outreach and Partnerships, [email protected] of traditional ways of working in the Café within a large social learning area and where individuals and teams come together academic hub for interdisciplinary doctoral Kristian Mackie, Project Manager, [email protected] academy; study to provide focus for the development student skills hub. to pursue exciting projects in novel ways: Professor Martin Ricketts, Chair of the Beloff Institute, [email protected] of a core enterprise curriculum, offer a • We value collaborative learning that physical and intellectual space for the Professor Len Shackleton, Editor Economic Affairs, [email protected] brings us together as researchers, engagement of external stakeholders, and Professor , Beloff Institute Director, [email protected] students, entrepreneurs, influencers and work with public and private authorities to policy makers to test our ideas through enable the University to play a central role open engagement and honest debate. in the industrial strategy for the region. As an incubator for joined-up projects across the University, we are always interested in hearing of new ideas and initiatives that align with the Centre’s core mission.

12 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 13 Update from the Schools Medicine

Psychology and Wellbeing In the past year we have completed our second phase of growth and now have thirteen full time staff in the School of Psychology. Combined with our administrative and visiting lecturer colleagues we now have over 20 staff delivering our Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes to over 150 psychology students. MSc Health Psychology Programme New Research Programmes We are delighted to announce that our MSc Health Psychology We’re excited to be offering two new MSc programmes from programme is now accredited by the BPS. This means that students this Autumn; MSc (Research) Cyberpsychology (http://bit.ly/ who successfully complete this qualification gain their Stage 1 UB_cyber) studying the effects of technology on our online and training on route to registering as a Health Psychologist, as well as offline behaviour, and MSc (Research) Psychology of Creativity appealing to Clinical Psychology training programmes. Ours is one & Performance Expertise (http://bit.ly/UB_create) looking at all of the only MScs in this field to have an 18-week placement where aspects of expertise development and creative excellence in fields students can gain core skills relevant to working in applied settings. such as dance, music and board games. Find out more and apply here http://bit.ly/UB_MSc_healthpsyc Accreditation of the Course by the Inaugural Medics Ball, hosted in the gardens of the National In May this year the Medical School was added to the Medical Act Trust Stowe. (1983) and is now a recognised awarding body of primary medical Major Incident Training qualifications. In September the Medical School coordinated one of the most The GMC commended the Medical School for the ‘excellent realistic Major Incident Training opportunities at Harleyford Marina Humanities professional, academic and pastoral support that extends in Marlow. throughout the university and clinical learning environments’ and The School of Humanities is now home to the departments of English, History and History of The simulated water based major incident exercise allowed the ‘the robust systems that ensure the quality of all aspects of the University of Buckingham Medical Students to work alongside Art, Modern Foreign Languages and Economics and International Studies, as well as BUCSIS MB ChB programme including teaching and assessment’. Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service, (Security and Intelligence Studies), the Humanities Research Institute and the associated London Electives Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue in order to experience the role postgraduate programmes. of inter-professional interactions and communication in the health The final year Medical Students travelled throughout the world on system. their 6 week self-organised electives. Between them the students Over the past year the School has experienced a number of exciting • The Department of Modern Foreign Languages has developed visited 27 countries and gained experience in 23 different specialities. Dr Tom Evans, Clinical Competency and Patient Safety Lead at developments: new partnerships with ICES in La Roche-sur-Yon, France and CJCU the University of Buckingham Medical School, said: “This unique • We welcomed the first cohort of students onto the new MA in in Madrid, Spain, and have sent students there for the first time Graduation activity allowed our students to learn the importance of multiagency Sports Leadership under the direction of Professor Ed Smith this summer on internships. The Medical School was delighted to celebrate the Graduation of our working in order to improve patient safety and deliver the best (former Cricket Captain, academic and current England • The Department of English, working in conjunction with the first cohort of students on the 29 June. The ceremony was followed patient care possible during a large-scale, or mass-casualty incident”. Cricket Selector). Oxford Centre for International Studies, has been co-hosting • Dr Juan Castaneda (IIMR) organised a student trip to the a number of visiting Chinese students from Taizhou University European Parliament in October, where he also made a special (Zhejiang province) and Jianghan University (Hubei province). presentation on his research at a one-day conference. Finally, the School is pleased to announce that the University bestowed • In September, Dr Steve Wilkinson led a field trip to Cuba, which upon Professors Martin Ricketts, and Anthony Law allowed students to engage with policymakers and learn about Glees the title of Emeritus Professor to mark their contribution to 2019 has been another exciting year for the Law School here at The together to celebrate their achievements. The part time LLB is the economy and political system of the country. academic scholarship and the University over many years. University of Buckingham. We have received a substantial donation something that the Law School is incredibly proud of and seeing all • The Department of History and History of Art has re-established towards a new Law and AI building, which is now in the advanced our alumni together made for a truly special evening. its link with the Wallace Collection for students on the MA in stages of planning. This will provide state of the art facilities for At the end of May current LLB undergraduate Charley-Anne Decorative Arts. our future students and our staff. Plans include a moot court Gordon was named ‘Future Legal Mind’ by National Accident and a purpose-built Law Clinic, so that students can get valuable Helpline in a national competition. Charley-Anne was one of practical experience of the legal skills they will need to succeed. hundreds of students who entered the competition (which is now In March we celebrated 25 years of offering part time students in its fifth year). Charley-Anne’s aim is to become a legal academic the opportunity to study here at Buckingham. We held a black as she loves to inspire others to have an interest in law. The Law tie dinner in the OTM with a three course meal, speakers and live School is very proud of Charley-Anne and wish her every success in music. Around 80 past and present students along with staff came her future career.

14 The Independent | Summer 2017 The Independent | Summer 2017 15 Update from the Schools Continued Sports Update Kate Mulrey - Sports Coordinator

of the more competitive players recently placed second in the Aylesbury Badminton District Men’s B Tournament. After a soar in membership numbers, the rugby club have a new coach from Northampton Saints and have played numerous matches, including a University 7s tournament in . They look forward to competing against more teams next season. The basketball family continues to blossom with the men and women supporting each other at matches. The men’s basketball team finished in second place in the Northants Basketball League with an epic string of final matches against MK Knights and the ladies team have also been competitive, playing a couple of friendly fixtures. Following a convincing win for the netball club in a local league, they were put into a higher division The Humanities Chancellor’s Cup Team and continue to play a good standard of netball. Cheerleading branched out at their most recent competition, competing in The sports included tag rugby, ultimate the poms section of nationals as well as The Summer Term frisbee, ladies & men’s basketball, volleyball stunt. They have been very active within and the tug of war. We had a great turn out offered many opportunities the University, helping out at open days and at all events and in the end, Humanities & taking part in a staff vs student quidditch Our summer students from Soka University with staff and host families for sport and this year Foundation were the winners. match as part of our Harry Potter week. The Chancellor’s Cup wasn’t the only saw the revival of the The annual sports awards ceremony took competition that ran this summer. The Foundation place recently with all clubs coming together Eliminator Challenge returned to the fitness Chancellor’s Cup, a multi- to celebrate each other’s success. We The Foundation Department continues to go from strength to The new ASK (Academic Skills Know-how) Team support all students centre, seeing competitors complete look forward to introducing student led strength. We have recently welcomed a cohort of over 50 new across the whole University with their underpinning academic skills sports competition. The a workout of the week for 6 weeks. volleyball, indoor football and table tennis to students. We look forward to receiving at least another two new such as essay writing, referencing etc. The Team offers a variety of The competition started with 12 strong competition took place over our sports programme next term. groups in January. one-to-one sessions, skills workshops and drop-in sessions across participants and was whittled down to 4 for In addition to our 3 year integrated foundation degree programmes the campus. This service is having a positive impact on student one week with five teams; the final, with Rhys Martin (MA Security and in Business, Computing, Humanities and Law, we now have a success and therefore on the wider student experience. Business, Computing & Intelligence Studies) taking the crown. Psychology programme. One in International Studies is due to be We have recently embarked on an international collaboration with The Buckingham Sport Union (BSU) approved by 2020. In addition to our regular Foundation students, in the University of St George, Tbilisi, Georgia, to run the Foundation Psychology, Humanities welcomed a new club to the family this year; August we also welcomed a group from Soka University who came elements of Buckingham degrees in Political Science & Business women’s hockey. The women have been for an intensive English & Cultural Studies course whilst staying with Management. & Foundation, Law and having weekly training sessions and most local host families. We expect a new group in February and another For further information on any of these projects, Medicine, all competing recently opened up their sessions to become next August. please contact: Bryony Norburn 01280 820297 or email: a mixed club. The badminton club is thriving [email protected] against each other every with consistently busy sessions and a few evening to win that all important cup.

16 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 17 Advancement at Buckingham Beverley Kelly - Head of Advancement Services

On 1 September, the Alumni and Development Teams combined to become the Advancement Team; a new team who will continue to engage and interact with a range of University of Buckingham stakeholders, including our much-valued Alumni community.

The team will continue to build on the warm relationships and fundraising successes of past years, including the £7m raised in 2019. Advancement involves many people and every part of the community; from the talents of academic and professional services staff to the passion of the alumni for their alma mater. That involvement is essential to our future. Our pride in the opening of the Vinson Building shines from the pages of this magazine. The generous philanthropy of Lord With thanks to the Development and Vinson of Roddam Dene, the £3m from the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the £1.5m gifted from Susanne Klatten, a Innovation Advisory Board members: Buckingham Graduate who studied Business Studies (1986), ensures world class Economics, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship will be taught at the University for years to come. Abhi Bandhari (LLB 2002, Delhi, India) We are also pleased to announce another public grant of £2m Sophia Bergqvist (Former Council Member at UoB) towards a new home for Computing and Artificial Intelligence, and L-R: Rory Tapner, Dr Hon Dak Chung, Lady Tessa Keswick, Rt Hon , Sir Anthony Seldon, Malebogo Modise, Richard Harrington Keith Bothongo (LLB 2014, LLM 2015, South Africa) a gift of £5m from the Hon Dak Chung Foundation towards the new Law Building. This very generous gift was signed in the splendid Prof Susan Edwards (Director of External Affairs) strangers. These gifts change lives. The third pillar is for a surroundings of Speaker’s House, Westminster, in the presence of Sarah Farrington (LLB 1994, Bahamas) state-of-the-art Law School and a centre for Computing and AI on Dr. Hon Dak Chung, The Honourable Lady Keswick and the Right Tingewick Road, an impressive new gateway to our scenic campus. Dominic Johnson (CEO & Founding Partner at Somerset Capital Management) Honourable John Bercow, MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. All three campaign goals will produce outstanding graduates to Mark Labovitch (CEO Acumen Education) This donation recognised the outstanding education received by make Buckingham proud. Josephine Chung (Law, 2014) at the University of Buckingham. Ronel Lehmann (Business Studies 1986) On a personal note, we were sorry to say farewell to Alistair Lomax, Of course we never rest on our laurels and a new major campaign Federico Marescotti (Economics, 1980) who has been Director of Development for the past six years. is forming. In 2026 your university will be fifty years old. Our aim Prof John McIntosh CBE (Vice-Chair of Council) We thank him for his contribution to our fundraising success and is to raise fifty million pounds between now and the birthday year: wish him the very best in his new role as Director of the Oxford to Dr Mario Peters (Chair, Oxford International College) The Fifty for Fifty Campaign. This sounds ambitious, but with the Cambridge Arc Universities Group. Alison Phillips OBE, DL support of our Alumni community, and all those people who value this special, independent, not-for-profit university, we can meet We also want to recognise members of our newly formed Emma Potts (Chief Operating Officer) that challenge. Development and Innovation Advisory Board (DIAB), photographed Sir Anthony Seldon (Vice-Chancellor) to the right, many of whom are graduates of the University. Their There are three pillars to the campaign. The first is to enhance Dr Philip Smith, MBE (Independent Non-Executive Director at Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership) connections, generosity and enthusiasm will help deliver our the student experience with new sports and social centres where fundraising goals, and we thank them for their time and effort. Mohammed Syed (Chair, Finance, Estates & Resources Committee) students can improve their mental and physical health, develop However, no one person or group can do it all. We rely on our Rory Tapner (Chair of Council, Chair of DIAB) life-long friendships and enjoy time away from studying. Pillar two alumni community to add strength and promise to our vision, and Becky Walsh (Educational Consultant) aims to support students with scholarships and bursaries. These are we look forward to working with you. often a lifeline for disadvantaged students and for those who would Laurence Wee (LLB 1981, Singapore) not have the opportunity to study if it were not for the generosity of Douglass Welch (Portfolio Manager at Pemberton Asset Management Group) Prof Nairn Wilson CBE (Dentistry) Chloe Woodhead (Sports & Student Experience)

18 The Independent | Autumn 2019 The Independent | Autumn 2019 19 Open Days 2019 – 2020

Open Evening Thursday 7 November 2019 16:00 – 19:30 Open Day Saturday 25 April 2020 10:00 – 15:00 Open Day Saturday 11 July 2020 10:00 – 15:00

For more information please see: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/opendays