THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER

EDITION 37 (AUTUMN 2014)

THE ULSTER GRADUATE

Inside PLAYING THE GAME OF THRONES Meet The man who caught a star The woman at the Stadium of Light Plus What your money can do Stay in touch, reap the benefits

Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 100166 02 WELCOME

IN Hello & THIS welcome ISSUE

e are at an exciting point in the story of your University, UG NEWS which this year celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the News in brief 4 incorporation of our four campuses under the University of News on campus 6 Ulster banner. There’s quite a buzz in the air and you will Capital developments 8 fi nd out why throughout these pages. Hume O’Neill Chair hits funding target 10 Coming up in 2014/15 11 The man who caught a star 12 Over the last eight years, under the the University, including much needed Santander Universities 13 stewardship of our Vice-Chancellor, scholarships and bursaries. Professor Richard Barnett, Ulster’s Inside you can read how your donations are UG FEATURES contribution to the economic, social and driving strong academic achievement and Ulster creatives play the Game of Thrones 14 cultural development of Northern Ireland how they are giving people the chance to Alumni worldwide 16 has been tremendously signifi cant. study, to strive and to succeed. What your money can do 18 As Professor Barnett prepares to step down Always remember the many benefi ts Alumni making an impact 20 as Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of all the you can enjoy through the power of our graduates, students and staff who have 160,000-strong alumni community – from Switched on at the Stadium of Light 22 passed through under his watch I would like invaluable contacts to career support, Spotlight on Ulster in America 24 to thank him for his unswerving leadership staying connected and engaged with your High achievers 26 and his steadfast commitment to the goals University is very much worth it. of true academic excellence and genuinely accessible university education. In today’s world of 24-hour social media it’s KEEPING IN CONTACT easy to stay in touch with each other and with Alumni benefi ts and services 28 He has set in motion the biggest ever capital the University. Please see below for how you Stay connected 29 investment in our infrastructure and the can contact us and make sure we have Obituaries 30 University’s standing as an educational your up-to-date details so we can keep institution of excellence has never been you informed and you can tell us what Movers and shakers 32 stronger. Thanks to Professor Barnett the you’re doing. The Rockstar returning the rewards 33 future is bright for Ulster, though, as ever, not without challenges. I’d like to wish my predecessor Kate Bond, Giving back 34 who moved on to the Australian National In this Ulster Graduate we feature some of University, good luck in her new role. the many graduates who are making an impact at home and abroad in business, Finally, I trust you will fi nd this issue of your Published by the arts, sport, politics and humanitarian The Development and Alumni Relations Offi ce magazine informative and enjoyable. University of Ulster activities. In achieving excellence in Belfast campus, York Street, Belfast, BT15 1ED their fi elds, they bring great credit to the Tel: +44 (0) 28 9536 7486 University and to our family of alumni. Eddie Friel Email: [email protected] Many more students will follow in their DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND The Ulster Graduate is available online at: ALUMNI RELATIONS www.ulster.ac.uk/developmentandalumni footsteps, but as fi nancial constraints continue to bite, there is always a pressing The Ulster Graduate Tel: +44 28 9536 7486 Edited by the Development and Alumni need for today’s graduates to support Email: [email protected] Relations Offi ce tomorrow’s students. Through our various Editorial: Editorial Solutions (Ireland) Ltd. fundraising activities we are able to support Search for University of Ulster alumni on Design: RLA Ireland people, places and programmes across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Print: Sterling Press Ltd.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 03

Vice-Chancellor’s reflections

his edition of the Ulster Graduate It has been my privilege to lead the comes at an exciting time of change University of Ulster. When I retire next and opportunity for the University of spring, I will be leaving a multi-campus Ulster, and for Northern Ireland. university, poised to further cement its position as one of the UK and Ireland’s The enhanced Belfast development is now most progressive higher education rapidly changing the city’s landscape, institutions. An institution with roots fi rmly bringing the promise of a modern, in pioneering research, collaboration and dynamic teaching environment which has teaching excellence. Professor Richard Barnett the potential to reshape the city centre, delivering thousands of jobs and wider I am genuinely proud of Ulster’s VICE-CHANCELLOR, economic benefi ts to the local construction achievements and will remain a vocal UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER sector. advocate of our vision for the future, and the core values that defi ne our actions and Our wider commitment to development ambitions. across all campuses was refl ected in the planning approval for a new teaching block But, most importantly, alongside the at Magee and major refurbishment works University staff that supported our at Coleraine and Jordanstown. students on their academic journey, I am exceptionally proud of the 30,000 highly In March, we reinforced and celebrated talented graduates that have emerged what makes the University of Ulster truly from Ulster during my tenure as Vice- unique as we hosted former US president, Chancellor. and Ulster honorary graduate Bill Clinton at the Guildhall in Derry~Londonderry. These graduates have joined the Ulster With the eyes of the world upon us, network of local and international alumni, Views expressed Ulster’s groundbreaking work in peace greatly increasing its infl uence in shaping are those of the and confl ict resolution was fi rmly in the and defi ning the world we live in. contributors not necessarily of the University. spotlight, culminating in the announcement As the University’s true ambassadors, I am The University of Ulster cannot that we had raised the £3 million required confi dent the alumni body will continue accept responsibility for any to establish the John Hume and Thomas to make a profound impact on business, claim whatsoever which may P O’Neill Chair in Peace as a permanent arise out of materials carried health, public service, sport, the arts and in good faith. endowed professorship. well beyond. Cover image Summer graduation brought inspiration, I wish you all continued success, wherever By Helen Sloan HBO: Ulster not just from honorary graduates, but your careers may take you. 3D design graduate Don signifi cantly, from our graduating students Sturgeon who helped make who spoke with passion and integrity the iconic Iron Throne in the Game of Thrones TV series about their Ulster experience and aspirations.

Stay connected... 04 NEWS IN BRIEF KILL SPILL TECHNOLOGY Ulster researchers are leading a project to develop new environmentally friendly methods of cleaning up oil spills. The researchers from the Biomedical Sciences Research Institute have secured £300,000 for their work, part of the Kill Spill project which is co-ordinated from Greece and has 32 partners and total funding of around €9 million behind it. Professor Ibrahim Banat and Emeritus Professor Roger Marchant are spearheading the research. The Kill Spill technology being developed by the University has already delivered impressive BRAIN IMAGING FIRST results using enhanced forms of marine micro- The first functional brain mapping organisms that are naturally present in the facility on the island of Ireland has been environment to achieve complete clean-up. established at the Magee campus. The specialist equipment, located at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC), will enable researchers to use magnetoencephalography to measure brain activity and advance research into neurological disorders. The £5.3 million multidisciplinary brain imaging research project will be carried out by the ISRC in conjunction with the SPIN-OUT SUCCESSES Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster’s ongoing support for the the Institute of Nursing and Health commercialisation of leading-edge Research and the Clinical Translational SILVER CELEBRATION technologies and innovative business Research and Innovation Centre (C-TRIC). The Science Shop collaboration between ideas emerging from the University as ISRC director Professor Liam Maguire said: Ulster and Queen’s University Belfast is well as other Northern Ireland research “Our vision is to exploit the capabilities celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014. organisations continues to yield exciting of functional brain mapping to perform projects. Over the past 25 years it has delivered excellent neurological research and Ulster spin-out company, HidInImage Ltd, commercialisation.” almost 2,500 projects and worked with more than 650 community groups across led by CEO Dr Joan Condell, has secured Northern Ireland including sports clubs, significant funding to commercialise its research into digital watermarking. NURTURING NEW youth groups and recycling centres. ENTERPRISES Part of the wider European network of A team of Ulster academics, based at the science shops, the Northern Ireland Intelligent Systems Research Centre at A growing number of Ulster students are collaboration has seen students investigate the Magee campus, developed the digital setting up their own business and, to support everything from anti-sectarianism to how watermarking technology to ensure the them, Ulster has introduced a ‘new venture to restore a quarry in an environmentally security of transmitted data through hidden creation’ module in its business courses. friendly way. software messages. The University is also one of three institutions Professor Richard Millar, Pro-Vice- Meanwhile, Get Invited, the next generation that have completed Invest Northern Ireland’s Chancellor said: “The Science Shop is of online ticketing and event registration Business LaunchPad programme, which a 25-year partnership between both software, has secured funding to bring the helps students get the skills, knowledge, universities which continues to contribute product to market. advice and support needed to commercialise solidly to valuable research expertise and The company was developed by graduates their business ideas. to enable knowledge transfer into the Kyle Gawley and David Turner and senior Fifty students took part in the programme, out community and voluntary sectors.” lecturer Christopher Murphy based on of which one company has started trading the Belfast campus, as part of a masters IMAGE: Dr Brian Murphy, Director of Access & Distributed and three others are preparing to launch. Learning, Dr Shane Crothers, Head of Widening Access & project. In a short space of time the spin- Participation, Mrs Claire Mulrone, Administrative Manager out has gained significant traction in both (Science Shop) and University of Ulster student winner the UK and international markets. Aine McCreesh at the silver celebrations Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 05 WIND ENERGY RESEARCH A major multi-million pound research project to examine how wind energy is stored and managed is being led by Ulster’s Centre for Sustainable Technologies in association with the Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The £3.7 million SPIRE energy project, which secured £2.9 million of EU support, will contribute to the development of the renewable energy sector. TOP PEACE INFLUENCER RECOGNISED Professor Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brandon Hamber, director of He was chosen by Action on Armed said: “The University is renowned for Ulster’s International Confl ict Research Violence, a body which works locally, its research excellence and has been at Institute (INCORE), has been selected as nationally and globally to reduce, and the forefront of sustainable, renewable one of the top 100 most infl uential people ultimately prevent, armed violence. technology development for many years.” in armed violence reduction.

LAW CLINIC AWARD Amy Foster

In April, the Ulster Law Clinic won a national Award for its work offering free advice and representation on employment and social security issues to people who often have nowhere else to turn. The Clinic scooped the Best New Student Pro Bono Activity Award at the LawWorks and Attorney General Student Awards. Staffed by postgraduate law students on the LLM Clinical Legal Education course who ULSTER STRONG AT work under the supervision of School of COMMONWEALTH GAMES Law staff, the Clinic is unique on the island Twelve Ulster graduates along with Outside the medals, alumna Aileen Reid of Ireland. six current students were part of the shone when she claimed sixth spot in the Dr Gráinne McKeever, School of Law, said: 117-strong Team NI at this year’s triathlon on the fi rst day of competition. “Ulster is leading the way in postgraduate Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Also, recent graduate and Northern law provision and is one of the only law Accompanying the team were 14 coaches Ireland 100 metres record holder, Amy schools across Britain and Ireland to offer and offi cials who are either graduates or Foster, made the semi-fi nals. hands-on training in social security law.” current or former members of staff. Sinead Chambers, who graduated with IMAGE: Ulster Law Clinic staff with Attorney General The team won 12 medals, nine in boxing fi rst-class honours this summer, and her Dominic Grieve QC MP (left) at the House of Commons receiving the LawWorks & Attorney General Award for – two gold, two silver and fi ve bronze brother and current Ulster student Ciaran, best new Student pro bono activity in the UK – plus silver and bronze in bowls and also put up a spirited display in badminton. bronze in judo.

Stay connected... 06 NEWS ON CAMPUS

Professor Paul Seawright, Head of Belfast School of Art said: “The End of Year Show is the highlight of the year, a culmination of three years of teaching and learning and the moment when it all comes to life. “The people graduating from these courses are the next generation of creative thinkers who are starting to export their products around the world. Our graduates are a beacon for Northern Ireland, and now Ulster is starting to be seen internationally alongside places like New York and San Francisco.” COLERAINE Number 1 for pharmacy BELFAST and pharmacology One Ulster has been named in The Guardian International creativity 2015 league table as the top university in the UK for studying pharmacy and David Bowie’s acclaimed album designer, collective pharmacology. Johnathan Barnbrook, and Sandra Scott, Harry Potter’s special effects producer, It claimed the number one spot ahead impact were among the top-class line-up at the of 27 other universities, scoring an 2014 Ulster Festival of Art and Design at the impressive 100 per cent in both student across four Belfast campus in March. satisfaction and satisfaction with teaching. Also featuring technical designer for Nike, The state-of-the-art learning facilities, Jane McCann; Chanel’s fashion forecaster, combined with fi rst-rate teaching and unique Beryl Gibson; Paul Smith’s shop designers, excellent links with the pharmaceutical 6a, and acclaimed photographer Martin industry and health and social care trusts campuses Parr, the festival presented nearly 40 across Northern Ireland, allow Ulster to separate events bringing the very best of provide the best learning experience Our work across all four international creativity and innovation from possible to pharmacists of the future. campuses generates the fi lm, fashion, music and business worlds The School of Biomedical Sciences at to local audiences. Coleraine also consistently achieves hundreds of success Ulster’s very own Professor Greg Maguire, the highest possible RAE rating of 5*, stories every day; who worked on Oscar-winning fi lms, Avatar demonstrating international excellence and collectively they make and Harry Potter, hosted an animation placing the University as a leader in the UK. a unifi ed, dynamic and workshop for young people while Kano, the DIY computer kit company, demonstrated Confucius initiative infl uential University how design turned their concept into an increases China links international business success. having a major impact The University has boosted the educational Festival director Tim Kerr said: “Ulster’s locally and globally. and cultural links between China and Northern 2014 festival gave the public, and our Ireland through the opening of eight Confucius students, access to some of the most Classroom Hubs to promote Chinese infl uential and creative minds in the world.” IMAGE: Niall Press at Music End of Year Show language and culture to young people. The next generation of It is part of ongoing activity by the creative thinkers Confucius Institute at Ulster to develop academic, cultural, economic and social Home-grown creativity was again in the ties between the two countries. spotlight in June when the End of Year Show by students from the Belfast School of Art and The eight classroom hubs are located in the Belfast School of Architecture took place schools around Northern Ireland and will over four fl oors of the York Street building. work with a network of 111 other schools. Exhibitions included sculpture, print, fi ne art, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard high-trend fashion, jewellery, photography, Barnett, said: and communication solutions.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 07

“The Confucius Classroom million Connected Health Innovation Centre Extending engineering programme offers an excellent (CHIC) at Jordanstown in September 2013. excellence opportunity for our young Connected health is an emerging model for Ulster has opened a new Centre for people to become familiar with healthcare delivery that uses technology to Engineering and Renewable Energy at the the language and culture of provide healthcare remotely. Magee campus. one of the world’s foremost “Connected health research will be the The new Centre, opened in July 2013, is driver for high tech economic growth fitted out with over £1 million worth of countries.” in Northern Ireland. It has enormous sophisticated engineering equipment and possibilities for job creation, inward extends existing engineering excellence at investment and research and development. Magee, home to the University’s Intelligent The Centre will be an ideal platform for Systems Research Centre. showcasing the University’s pioneering Fifty students have completed the connected health research,” said CHIC first year of their engineering degree Manager, Stephen McComb. programme at the Centre, which will The Centre brings together leading eventually accommodate 200 students academic and industry researchers to on four courses: BEng Hons and MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing carry out multi-disciplinary research. It is Engineering, and BEng Hons and MEng in part of the Nanotechnology and Integrated Renewable Energy Engineering. Bio-Engineering Centre (NIBEC) based within the Engineering Research Institute. Ulster at the cutting edge of stratified medicine MAGEE In August, Ulster received the New Star Gifted graduates of the Year award from the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Hanban, one of just 22 out of 473 institutes worldwide to receive the award as an overseas Chinese test centre.

IMAGE: At the launch of the Confucius Classroon Hubs initiative were Coleraine schoolchildren Rafferty McKay, Anna McHenry and Adam Black, with Professor Richard The University has opened the Northern Barnett, Vice-Chancellor and Mr Li Ruiyou, Chinese Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine – the Consul General in Edinburgh only one of its kind on the island of Ireland. Stratified, or personalised, medicine is an emerging practice of medicine that involves Gifted graduates have performed their the use of genetic testing to ensure that degree works and more at the first End of the right treatment, for the right person, at Year Show for music courses at Magee – the right time is provided rather than the with famed Irish singer-songwriter Paul traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach. Brady as the special guest. The centre will focus on cutting-edge Held at Cultúrlann Uí Chánainn in research into personalised medicine Derry~Londonderry, the event included approaches to managing chronic diseases. It is also offering the first ever Gary Lutton (a masters level student undergraduate degree course in stratified and recent runner up at a prestigious medicine in the UK and Ireland. international guitar competition held in Los Angeles) and Linley Hamilton, jazz Funding for the £11.5 million facility, based trumpeter, BBC radio personality and at the Clinical Translational Research and University of Ulster PhD student. Innovation Centre (C-TRIC) at Altnagelvin IMAGE: Professor Jim McLaughlin, Director of the Area Hospital, came from Invest NI (£5.6 Engineering Research Institute with Enterprise Minister Dr Cormac Newark of the School of million), Health and Social Care Research Arlene Foster MLA Creative Arts and Technologies, said: “Our & Development ( £1.5 million) and £4.4 BMus, MMus and PhD programmes are million from Ulster’s Biomedical Sciences JORDANSTOWN continually producing gifted graduates, Research Institute. many of whom go on to rise through Driving high tech IMAGE: Professor Tony Bjourson, Director, Northern the ranks in the music business. This Ireland Centre for Stratified Health (centre) pictured with economic growth year’s crop magnificently exemplified the Health Minister Edwin Poots and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster at the launch of the Northern Ireland Ulster’s focus on research and innovation diversity of what we offer here at Magee.” Centre for Stratified Medicine was strengthened with the opening of a £7 IMAGE: Paul Brady and Frank Gallagher with University staff at the End of Year Show

Stay connected... 08 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENTS

The new building is designed to be an RISING GIRDERS open and accessible space without AT BELFAST gates or surrounding walls so that the entire community will view it as their The skeleton of the University’s new Belfast building and not just the preserve of city campus is taking shape and with the academics and students. The campus rising girders comes rising excitement about will form the focus of a lively student what the new facilities will mean for the community, which will boost the local University and the city itself. economy, complete the transformation In the past year The first phase of the £250 million of the Cathedral Quarter and create the renewal and campus development, designed by opportunities for development in retail, entertainment, food, culture and tourism. innovation across internationally acclaimed architects FeildenCleggBradley Studios, is well To see images and animated fly throughs the University’s four underway, with work ongoing on both of the new Belfast campus visit: www. campuses continued sides of York Street beside the existing ulster.ac.uk/greaterbelfastdevelopment/ apace as construction campus buildings. designs-plans.html#fly began on site, future This phase is due for completion in 2015, when staff and students will move “The University believes plans were unveiled out of the Orpheus building allowing for education is critical to the and the vision for the construction of the main phase of the new campus. economy of the city and the biggest investment in region as a whole. By coming our history began to In February, Ulster secured a £150 million into the city centre, we want loan from the European Investment Bank be realised… to support the new campus development. to bring education closer to the business community by The artist’s impression of the new providing a resource on their building shows that it will be a landmark doorstep where we can explore structure for the city. The aim is to create and develop innovative ideas an innovative educational environment that will stimulate and inspire students and exploit global connections.” and staff. It will further underpin Ulster’s Vice-Chancellor reputation as a modern, forward-looking Professor Richard Barnett and inclusive university. Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 09 The Dalriada Student Village, Dalriada Belfast city campus House, the Institute of Fire Safety, Engineering Research and Technology, 2 • Will have a 75,000m footprint – and the University’s extensive range equivalent to the size of Terminal 2 in of sports pitches and indoor training Dublin Airport. facilities will all remain. • There will be four interlinked buildings Beyond this, a masterplan for the at York Street, Frederick Street and site has been developed, focusing Donegall Street. on creating an urban-village-style • There will be public access to the new residential area including mixed use building on the basement, ground community facilities. This will become a and first floors, with the University lasting link between the University and reopening York Lane and facilitating the Jordanstown area. public access to the library, eateries on the Frederick Street side of the NEW FACILITIES building, exhibition space and meeting AT COLERAINE rooms. Work has begun on an ambitious £18 • The new campus will boast two million investment programme to landmark lantern buildings – one at upgrade and renew facilities at the the corner of York Street and Dunbar Coleraine campus. Link and one at the corner of Donegall Street and York Street. Earlier this year, construction of a new £5.1 million teaching block on the campus MAGEE • On one side of the campus, the got underway. The new block will be a building will be red brick and glass and three-storey building, linked to the existing DEVELOPMENTS on the other, white brick and glass, central buildings via a glazed walkway on to reflect the pattern of surrounding the first and second floor levels adjacent to buildings in Royal Avenue. the existing lecture theatres. • 12,450 students (6,600 full-time This new teaching block will provide a undergraduates and 5,850 part-time) 250-seat lecture theatre as well as a and 1,300 staff will relocate from variety of teaching rooms with the capacity Jordanstown. to hold 20, 40 and 60 people. There will also be student hubs on each floor beside RELOCATION OF the teaching rooms. TEACHING AND The construction of new academic accommodation and specialist teaching In July, the University welcomed the RESEARCH facilities is due to begin in autumn 2014. approval of planning permission for the construction of a new learning The relocation of teaching and research and teaching building on the Magee activity from Jordanstown into Belfast city campus. Located between the centre by 2018 means the campus will be existing library and Aberfoyle House, reborn as a centre of sports excellence and the new building will provide two an exciting urban-village. additional lecture theatres – one with The vision for the future of the suburban a capacity of 340 and the other with campus includes a £6.2 million second a capacity of 120, as well as 20 new sports hall beside the existing £13 million teaching rooms and a number of High Performance Centre, which houses informal student learning spaces. It is the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland. anticipated that the project will cost in the region of £11 million. In 2013 the refurbishment of Magee’s Minor Hall and the adjacent lecture theatre was completed and a new videoconferencing suite was opened. Magee also became home to University’s Centre for Engineering and Renewable Energy, bringing a new range of engineering programmes to the campus. IMAGE: An artist’s impression of the upgraded Coleraine campus external view; above and top right: internal views Stay connected... 10 NEWS Hume O’Neill Peace Chair achieves funding goal

The University has hit its £3 million ($4.8 million) funding target for the prestigious John Hume and Thomas P O’Neill Chair in Peace Studies, to be based at the Magee campus.

he fi nal elements of the funding for Magee, and crossed the Peace Bridge with the endowed Chair were secured John and Pat Hume. It will build on the success of the original following a signifi cant gift from the Tip O’Neill Chair, supported by the Ireland Addressing the general public at Guildhall International Fund for Ireland as well as Funds, which, under John Hume’s tenure, Square, President Clinton said he was donations from the American Ireland Fund attracted an unparalleled group of thrilled at the work INCORE has done and a number of other benefactors. The international fi gures to the Magee campus. over the years and that the new Chair will Chair will now be established in perpetuity. symbolise the commitment of a whole new They included President Bill Clinton, US Recruitment has already begun for the generation of peacemaking leaders. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, United Chair, the most senior of academic Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, President Clinton is an honorary graduate positions, which will steer a wider peace European Commission President Romano of the University and has a long history initiative, building on the internationally Prodi and current US Secretary of State, of engagement with Ulster. He played a renowned work of INCORE, the John Kerry. pivotal role in the peace process in Northern International Confl ict Research Institute at Ireland, and has a deep friendship with the Magee campus. IMAGE: President Clinton, Thomas P O’Neill, III and John both John and Pat Hume, with whom the Hume launch Peacemaking in the twenty-fi rst century CLINTON VISIT University works very closely. John Hume held the Tip O’Neill Chair in GLOBAL PROGRAMME Peace Studies at the University of Ulster from 2002 to 2009. The funding will provide the Chair with the scope and tools to develop the The Nobel Laureate’s outstanding INCORE Peace Initiative, a dynamic global contribution to peace in Northern Ireland programme which will effect change in a were also honoured by the former US tangible and practical way. President during his visit. The University’s centre of excellence for The late Thomas ‘Tip’ O’Neill was one of peace and confl ict work applies lessons the foremost Irish-American Democratic from Northern Ireland’s peace process to Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett politicians of his generation, who rose confl ict zones around the world and has announced the attainment of the funding to become Speaker of the House of also pioneered practice-based learning target in March during a University- Representatives. His deep interest in on confl ict, developed a global network of organised visit by former US President Bill Northern Ireland led to a partnership with peace builders and built a proud heritage Clinton to Derry~Londonderry. John Hume in the drive for peace and he of active involvement in peace making. During his stay President Clinton helped was instrumental in the creation of the It is now moving onto the next phase of a launch Peacemaking in the twenty-fi rst International Fund for Ireland. £2.5 million fundraising effort to support century, a new book celebrating the Tip Set up in honour of both politicians, the new the Peace Initiative, which includes O’Neill series of peace lectures given at Chair will be a full-time academic position MSc and PhD scholarships, as well as a in peace and confl ict resolution studies Distinguished Global Peace Fellow and a IMAGE: Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett welcomes President Clinton and will help train the next generation of Lesson Learning Programme. peacemakers from around the world.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 11 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES ON STREAM Thanks to the fantastic generosity of many individuals, companies and organisations, a range of exciting new scholarships and bursary schemes will come on stream to benefit Ulster students in 2014/15.

SSE AIRTRICITY ROTARY CLUB OF CHAMPIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP LONDONDERRY PEACE PHILANTHROPY Pioneering renewable energy company SCHOLARSHIPS An organisation that aims to stimulate SSE Airtricity is generously funding 12 The Rotary Club of Londonderry, and support a culture of giving in Northern half-fee scholarships per year for Ulster whose members work tirelessly Ireland has announced that a postgraduate students for the next 25 years. to serve community projects at student from the University of Ulster, one from the Open University and one from Funded by the SSE Airtricity Education home and abroad, has provided Queen’s University Belfast are each to Fund, the scholarships will be available its support for scholarships for receive a £4,000 bursary to conduct a for a mixture of undergraduate and students on the world-renowned MSc in piece of original academic work in the postgraduate students undertaking a range Applied Peace and Conflict Studies course area of philanthropy. of STEM and business-related courses at Magee. across three faculties. The scholarship will be allocated to a The bursary scheme is one of many Sarah Hoolahan, Community Development number of international and home students, initiatives set up by Giving Northern Manager at SSE Airtricity, said: “We are and will include the possibility of a full-fees Ireland (GNI) to champion and support delighted to be working with the University scholarship for one international student. philanthropic activity in Northern Ireland. of Ulster to provide support for their Sandara Kelso-Robb, Strategic Advisor to students as part of our commitment to SUBWAY IRELAND GNI said: “These bursaries will encourage the community. We feel confident the MANAGEMENT people with fresh and innovative ideas to scholarships will significantly enhance both look at philanthropy through new eyes.” the academic and professional careers of SCHOLARSHIP the recipients.” One of GNI’s research reports revealed Established through the that most people in Northern Ireland generosity of Subway prefer to keep their giving private, and COONEEN GROUP Ireland, this scholarship identifies this culture as a barrier to SCHOLARSHIP IN TEXTILE, will provide financial support of £5,000 for giving. It highlighted the need for role ART, DESIGN AND a student on the MSc Management course models or champions to talk publicly FASHION within the Ulster Business School. about their experience of giving. The Cooneen In addition to financial support, the Group, based in scholarship includes a 12-week internship Fivemiletown in County Tyrone, is supporting at Subway Ireland, the largest specialist sandwich chain in the UK and Ireland, where IMAGE: Launching the Giving Northern Ireland a scholarship for a student on the BA Textile, postgraduate bursary scheme are (left to right): Professor Art, Design and Fashion course. mentoring support from its leadership team Donal McKillop, Professor of Financial Services in the will be provided. Management School of Queen’s University Belfast; Alison Featuring £2,000 a year for three years, Snookes, Development Services Manager, University of Ulster; Janet Leckey, Giving Northern Ireland Board the scholarship was awarded for the first The first Subway Ireland Management member and head of the selection panel; Gary Mills, time in September 2014. Scholarship will be awarded at the start of Chair of Giving Northern Ireland and John D’Arcy, National the 2014/15 academic year and one student Director of the Open University The Cooneen Group operates in a range will benefit each year for the next 10 years. of clothing markets globally and its parent company Cooneen By Design has been in operation since the mid-1960s. Stay connected... 12 NEWS

The man who caught a star Internationally successful Ulster alumnus Oliver Jeffers made a trip back to Northern Ireland in March to headline a children’s book festival in Derry~Londonderry.

en years after the publication of his Award, the Irish Children’s Book of the sector based at the University of Ulster, first book,How to Catch a Star, Oliver Year, and the Smarties Award. about his career path to date. is now one of the world’s most celebrated He won a NY Emmy in 2010 for his picture book artists. “Oliver told us that at collaborative work with the artist and During his homecoming Oliver inspired director Mac Premo and was recently school he knew that he was audiences at the Humdinger Children’s awarded the first ever Hay Festival Medal destined for art college but Book Festival by reading from his books, for Illustration. drawing, explaining how he creates his was torn between doing a One of Oliver’s children’s books, characters and revealing the diversity The (written by Drew fine arts degree or visual of commercial opportunities that exist Day the Crayons Quit Daywalt), has been on the New York communication,” for creative talent in Northern Ireland to Times best-seller list for over a year. achieve international success. says Fiona McElroy, Honeycomb – Creative Now working out of Brooklyn, New York, Works programme manager. “Fortunately The painter, illustrator and story teller’s Oliver is busy working on a range of for children all over the world, it turned out first venture into books grew out of a few projects including a collaboration with to be a first class honours in Illustration drawings made in his sketch book during Irish author Eoin Colfer on a children’s and Visual Communication. his final year in the Belfast School of Art, picture book set to launch in late 2015 which then began to take shape as a story called . “Many Ulster graduates are making an in Oliver’s head. Imaginary Fred impact both locally and globally, but Oliver Last year he designed the vinyl sleeve From that serendipitous start has come is an amazing home-grown talent who artwork for U2’s Ordinary Love, a song more than a dozen children’s books that has achieved outstanding international written for the movie Mandela: Long Walk have sold almost a million copies in 30 success by employing business acumen to to Freedom, as well as collaborating on a languages, and a portfolio of paintings that commercialise creative talent. He inspires related video. have been exhibited around the world. anyone aspiring to a career in the creative While in Derry~Londonderry Oliver gave industries, to exploit the diverse range of A measure of Oliver’s phenomenal an interview to Honeycomb – Creative opportunities that exist.” success is his raft of awards. They include Works, a trans-national Ulster initiative the Nestle Children’s Book Prize Gold for the creative industries digital content Award, the Blue Peter Book of the Year

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 13

UNLOCKING OUR ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL The University and the Bank believe in boosting entrepreneurship at every level, supporting new enterprise, getting new products to market, adopting new technologies and exporting innovative products and services.

Budding entrepreneurs at Ulster are supported through business awards, start- up funding and other initiatives.

SANTANDER UNIVERSITIES’ SUPPORT NURTURING FELT ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY NEW ENTERPRISE Ulster’s ongoing partnership with Santander, through its Three more young businesses Santander Universities Global Division, continues to provide that have come through the life-changing funding across the University. Business LaunchPad Ulster incubation project run by the Since we signed an agreement in 2011, The University is extremely grateful for University’s Office of Innovation Santander Universities has invested in the generous support from Santander are being supported by a wide range of philanthropic support, Universities. The impact has been felt on including funding for student and staff all four campuses, with many outstanding Santander Universities. study, travel and development, as well projects and individuals benefitting from With a generous start-up fund, the as international student recruitment and this excellent partnership. Santander Universities Business Incubator retention, internships and entrepreneurship. supports marketing, and technical, IMAGE: Andrew Fraser and Laura McDonald from Santander (centre), with Head of Investment and Enterprise at Ulster, prototype or IP development in the Caroline McGoran (left), and recipients of Santander Universities awards businesses, as well as providing the assistance of a Santander manager in introducing companies to SMEs in similar PRIZE WIN ORDERS UP MORE fields and support through workshops. Some of the companies that have SUCCESS FOR LITTLE DELI benefitted from this support are: After winning a £500 Santander represented Ulster as a postgraduate • Pingster – marketing student Patrick Universities Entrepreneurship Award in entrant in Santander’s UK-wide Catterall and animation design student an internal competition organised by entrepreneurship competition in 2013. Fiona McLaughlin are creating a new the University of Ulster in 2013, multi- concept app designed to bring like- The awards – with a prize fund of £44,000 disciplinary design student Alexandra minded people together. in 2013 – encourage innovative business Milne went on to grab the £8,000 top prize ideas and concepts from undergraduate, • Geardrop Games – a games development and title of College Entrepreneur of the postgraduate and research students and start-up set up by Noel Watters, Ryan Year 2014 in this year’s Enterprise Ireland alumni across the UK. Wilson and Niall Kinghan who are Student Entrepreneur Awards. currently studying Interactive Media Arts. Laura McDonald, University Relationship Alexandra won both prizes for her Branch Manager at the Santander • One Square – the first collection of innovative project Little Deli, an app branches at the Belfast and Jordanstown innovative fashion accessories by MFA that lets customers easily and efficiently campuses said: “We were delighted to hear Multi-Disciplinary Design graduate pre-order and pre-pay for their lunch from about Alexandra’s success - a fantastic Karishma Kusurkar, founder and local delis and cafes. result for entrepreneurship, for Alexandra designer for the project. Karishma is Together with undergraduates Matthew and Little Deli. It clearly demonstrates how planning on taking the product range Kyle and Richard Miller who entered RMK the cash boost of a Santander Universities worldwide due to inquiries and interest Security, a company specialising in the Entrepreneurship Award can help students from several major fashion retailers. field of security products, Alexandra also to develop their business ventures.”

Stay connected... 14 FEATURE

ULSTER CREATIVES PLAY THE GAME OF THRONES

Throwing the spotlight on the University’s support for Northern Ireland’s burgeoning creative industries, our graduates are taking a starring role in the HBO blockbuster Game of Thrones…

n the fi ve Highlighting years since SHAPING CREATIVE the growing Game of EDUCATION importance of Thrones began the creative fi lming in The TV series has been a boon to industries to Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland. It has generated over the economy, it has become £80 million for the economy, numerous Queen the biggest TV jobs, has encouraged tourism and has Elizabeth II production in increased exposure around the world for visited the Europe and the Northern Ireland’s burgeoning creative production set of the series in Belfast most-watched show in HBO’s four-decade industries sector. during her visit to Northern Ireland in history, even beating . June 2014. The Sopranos The development of that sector is Ulster’s association with the series is being strongly shaped by the creative Joined by Prince Philip, the Queen toured strong, with a considerable number of education available at Ulster. Our the Paint Hall Studios at Titanic Quarter young graduates, current students on graduates not only have the talent and met with many of the show’s cast placement, academics and technicians all and enthusiasm to make a positive and crew, including Ulster alumni who contributing to the production. contribution to society and the are playing their part in ensuring that economy, but the creativity and skill to Northern Ireland’s creative industries HBO has confi rmed that a Series 6 will be help drive high-end productions like lead the way on the world stage. made, and with Series 5 currently in the Game of Thrones – and many others – making, ‘Thrones’ looks set to continue to to global success. enthral and to provide a creative career opportunity for Ulster alumni for a good while to come.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 15

Don Sturgeon, who graduated in 2009 YOUNG “Two of our research centres are regarded from a 3D design course at the Belfast INNOVATORS as being in the top fi ve in the UK as regards campus, was selected by HBO as one of the creative industries, for instance, while last team showing the royal couple a range of September we were a major partner in the props, designed in the Belfast studios and Ulster’s young innovators are CultureTECH initiative in Derry~Londonderry handmade by a small team of local people, and also became the lead institute in including Don. also involved in other areas in the Honeycomb – Creative Works, a £3.5 million The modeller majored in product design. fantasy epic. EU Union trans-national three-year support With his high level of problem-solving and programme within the sector with the aim technical skill – sculpting, casting, painting, Hazel Bruce, of making Northern Ireland one of the new welding and computer-aided design can Course Director creative hubs of the world.” Textile, Art, all be involved – and minutely focused on In January 2014 Ulster also began a new detail, he has worked on every series of Design and Fashion at Belfast School MBA Creative Technologies programme at Game of Thrones and several big TV and the Magee campus aimed at developing fi lm productions. of Art, says: “A number of recent graduates are the management and leadership skills of Don began his Game of Thrones career in working in key roles professionals in the creative industries. the green department for the pilot show, in the costume and art Professor Montgomery adds: “We are and later was invited to become part of the departments, and member of staff Mo proud that Ulster is developing outstanding prop team for Series 1. He helped to make Morrow has been contributing to the series international-level talent. This is feeding the iconic Iron Throne, a central feature of for several years, currently printing fabric for a fast-growing creative economy, which, the show. He now runs his own business, key cast members. We also had a number emerging as an important employment Propskills, in Belfast, making all kinds of of current students working on Series 5 over sector, continues to be very signifi cant hero and action props. the summer and last year we had students to Northern Ireland. That so many of our in the chainmail department.” graduates are now advancing their careers Says Don: “Game of Thrones is Ulster’s role in Game of Thrones goes in what is a global success story within probably the biggest job beyond young graduates and students. the industry strengthens our international in the Northern Ireland Alumni Bill and Christina Steenson, reputation for excellence.” founders of the well-known Steensons fi lm-making industry Jewellers, have been something of right now, so spending a Northern Irish design institution for GAME ON more than 30 years. fi ve years working on One of the it has been a The Glenarm workshop they set latest Ulster privilege and up, now directed by their Ulster graduates to graduate daughter Bronagh join the Game is certainly a and her husband Dan of Thrones great calling Spencer, a fellow graduate, is Holly as well as other Ulster alumni Nedeljkovic, card for my in the team, oversees the who Propskills crafting of the show’s eye- graduated business. catching jewellery. The likes with first of Joffrey Baratheon’s crown, class honours in Textile Art, Design and “My degree gave Margaery Tyell’s wedding tiara, Fashion in July and immediately began Daenerys’ dragon brooches and working on the series as a Trainee me a wide range Lanister lion pendants have all Breakdown Artist at the Titanic Studios. of skills and graced the screen. experiences “While playing a major role in Says Holly: “I am delighted with that have educating Northern Ireland’s my fi rst class honours degree; creative talent, the University the hard work has paid off and stood me in is also striving to maximise good stead as the economic potential of I’m very excited to be moving the creative industries sector onto the exciting land of Game the creative through a range of courses, industries programmes and initiatives,” of Thrones.” says Professor Ian Montgomery, here begin to Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design fl ourish.” and the Built Environment.

Stay connected... 16 ALUMNI WORLDWIDE

Europe Sean McGuire BA Hons, European Business Studies As director of the CBI’s Brussels Offi ce, at EDUCATED LOCALLY, the very heart of the EU’s headquarters, Sean’s work impacts on more than 240,000 UK companies of every size, including many in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 350, mid-caps, IMPACTING GLOBALLY SMEs, micro businesses, private and family owned businesses, start-ups, and trade associations. He is in regular contact with European Commissioners and their cabinets, MEPs, EU offi cials at all levels as well as sister federations from across EU, promoting the interests of British business. 130,000 370 17,000 UK Canada Ireland 1,900 North America USA 4,000 Europe Lee Munroe BSc Hons, Interactive Multimedia Design; MA, Multi-Disciplinary Design 30 Mexico Based in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley, Lee is the lead UX designer at Mailgun, a large web fi rm providing an email automation 10 Brazil service and owned by global IT leader Rackspace. Lee has made an impact in several start-ups and vibrant young 40 companies in the Valley, and a number of Rest of C&S his web and mobile products have been America featured in Wired magazine and have been on the front page of Mashable, The Next Web and Huffi ngton Post among others.

South America Stephen Cleary BSc Hons, Interactive Multimedia Design; MSc in Sport Management s an Ulster graduate you are part of a 160,000-strong network making a massive On his masters course in 2011 Stephen was required to secure work experience. He impact around the globe. made an impact with a global search to fi nd Our alumni are leaders and role models, people an internship, which stimulated the creation who make a real contribution and a material of an innovative self-marketing social media campaign he called #StevesJob. The difference in a wide range of disciplines, companies award-winning campaign turned heads and societies around the world. in The Netherlands where he was offered Wherever you are in the world, you are always part work as an intern, before getting a job in the adidas global brand headquarters in of this network. Herzogenaurach, Germany. Stephen spent the summer working in Brazil at the World Cup in his new role as global social media community manager for the sports giant.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 17

UAE Kyle Wright BSc Hons, Quantity Surveying EDUCATED LOCALLY, Having worked on mega projects up to the value of US$46 billion, Kyle is making an impact in an exceptional career. He is now senior contracts advisor managing the IMPACTING GLOBALLY Eastern hemisphere for Ensco, the world’s second largest oil drilling company. Kyle has used his skills as a quantity surveyor to catapult himself into the top level of his industry. In addition, Kyle spends time volunteering in Africa, providing homes and 10 educating young children. Russia

330 1,175 Japan Australia 380 China & Middle East 235 Hong Kong Francis Loughran India BA Catering Administration 110 Francis is making an impact in the world Malaysia of food and beverage as the managing 55 director of Future Food, based in Melbourne. Singapore 220 The international food, restaurant and Africa hospitality consultancy operates throughout Australia, the Middle East and Asia. Francis 250 has been involved in the planning and Australia development of major food destinations such as restaurants, cafés, food courts, fresh 65 food markets, waterfront precincts, mixed New use developments, airports and numerous Zealand leisure and entertainment precincts.

Africa Francine Woods Ulster today BSc Hons, Geography • Our 160,000 alumni come from 121 countries. Francine is one of a number of alumni and • Nearly 90% of our graduates are in work or further study six months current students who have made an impact after graduation. in African education through teaching citizenship in two secondary schools in • We are one of the top universities for work placement and were the Malawi city of Zomba. It’s part of the highlighted in the 2012 Wilson Review. Lessons Today for Change Tomorrow project, • We currently have more than 26,000 students, including 2,000 led by Professor Linda Clarke in the School international students from over 80 countries. of Education. Patrick Scullion of Time Bar and Venue, Cookstown, recently provided • 86% of our research is rated as being of international quality, with 21 new sponsorship of £3,500 for the project, of our 25 research areas assessed as world leading. previously funded by the Garfi eld Weston Trust. Like her colleagues, Francine funded • We are in the top 10 of UK universities in providing access to students her own accommodation in Malawi and from all economic backgrounds. raised money for the Zomba schools.

Stay connected... 18 FEATURE What your money can

do... AN EDUCATION THAT better myself and make CAN’T BE TAKEN AWAY a difference. It was the When Lisa-Marie Sweeney enabler I needed and it’s turned 30, her mum, an given me something that active, loving lone parent can never be taken away – Your donations and who worked hard to raise support mean we her fi ve children, was an education.” diagnosed with a major can continue to depressive disorder. deliver a range of The family 3D PRINTING TRAINING eventually found help from OPENS UP WORLD OF awards, bursaries their community mental health team who OPPORTUNITY understood completely and helped manage and scholarships that the illness. But for Lisa-Marie, the experience A Broadening Horizons award to fund a trip not only enhance the rekindled an interest, triggering a decision to to the Guldagergaard International Ceramic go back to college to study psychology. Research Centre in Denmark has been student experience, “life-changing” for Multi-Disciplinary Design After gaining maths and English GCSE, she masters student Wendy Ward. but target need and progressed to an access course and then secured a place on a part-time honours Guldagergaard is the only place in Europe stimulate academic degree course. Lisa-Marie loves every offering a two-day 3D printing workshop, minute of it, is heading for her goal of fi rst and there Wendy learnt to create and distinction. class honours, and plans to go for a Masters print ceramic designs using digital design degree in Applied Psychology. software. She also had the opportunity to network and share ideas with 15 ceramic It has all meant considerable sacrifi ce and artists from places as far afi eld as Lithuania Here is a taste of hard work, managing caring responsibilities and the USA. at home and switching to a low paid job as a what your money care worker for people with dementia to gain “I would never have been has done and can experience of working with vulnerable people. able to go to Denmark When Lisa-Marie heard about the University do for Ulster… of Ulster Fund’s Gateway Scholarships without the award,” she providing support for students on low says. “The trip took me incomes, she jumped at the chance to way outside my comfort apply. She sees winning the scholarship as zone and made me realise “transformational”. that the world’s my She says: “It’s given me a oyster.” chance to continue at third level education to

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 19 Says Maya: “I am incredibly thankful and lighting company, Boatswain Lighting. The humbled for being chosen for the Barnett experience will be invaluable in the future Scholarship Pharmaceutical Sciences Scholarship. It development of the range. has been essential in helping me realise Through the tireless fundraising activities my goals.” giving of Dr Linda Beard, Chair of the Degenhardt Scholarship, up to three of these awards have been given out annually since 2001 makes a real to Ulster students who have excelled in the difference fields of Ceramics and Celtic Studies. The late Richard Kennedy Degenhardt was Scholarship gifts add immense value to instrumental in establishing the Belleek the Ulster student experience, as well Collectors’ International Society and the as raising aspirations and unlocking the scholarships pay tribute to his definitive potential of talented people from all kinds knowledge of Belleek Parian China, of backgrounds, and from anywhere in renowned among collectors worldwide. the world. FEEDING SOCIAL JUSTICE IMAGE: Wendy Ward and Dr Linda Beard, Chair of We thank all of the alumni and friends the Richard K Degenhardt Scholarship pictured with who are supporting a wide variety of During 2013/14 law graduate Conor Wendy’s prototype lighting design scholarships across our campuses. McCormick was the first recipient of an Postgraduate scholarships are prized and Access to Justice Scholarship of £5,000 STUDYING UNDER NEW your giving in this area is making a real provided by Northern Ireland’s Department of YORK MASTERS difference.... Justice for the LLM Clinical Legal Education, an internationally recognised Master of Laws Artist Julie Douglas was the first recipient postgraduate programme. of the Beard Scholar Award, inaugurated in 2013 through the generosity of “My legal background made me ambitious husband and wife team Dr Linda and to follow a career where social justice Professor Larry Beard. would underpin my work,” says Conor. “But with all the will in the world, I could The scholarship offers £1,500 to a not have taken part in this fascinating and postgraduate student who is about to enter fulfilling programme without being made the final (second) year of a Master of Fine Art the recipient of the Access to Justice programme at the Belfast School of Art. Scholarship. I am sincerely grateful for the The award gave Julie, a classical realist direction this award has given my career.” painter and drawing tutor from Bangor, IMAGE: Conor McCormick (centre) with Mr Mark County Down, the chance to fulfil an REALISING GOALS McGuicken, Department of Justice and Professor ambition to study under two Master Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor Painters at the Grand Central Academy in A major scholarship gift has allowed mature New York and the opportunity to expand student Maya Frost to complete the first her painting skills. year of masters’ research focused on a non- invasive way to detect electrolytes in blood A delighted Julie says: “I was honoured to with a sensor device – research which could be the first Beard Scholar. I loved learning be very useful for emergency services and new skills and meeting the tutors at the front-line medical staff in hospitals. Grand Central Academy in New York. I feel very blessed.” Maya’s work is as a result of leading Northern Ireland pharmaceuticals firm Norbrook Laboratories donating £100,000 AN OPPORTUNITY TO to the University to fund a scholarship of LIGHTING UP CERAMICS £10,000 each year for 10 years. GIVE BACK An MFA Multi-Disciplinary Design student Please consider investing Available to students taking the MSc in is developing an exclusive ceramic interior Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Barnett lighting range for high end commercial and in our talent. Your gift to Pharmaceutical Sciences Scholarship was domestic users thanks to the international the University will create named in honour of the Vice-Chancellor, scholarships awarded annually in memory of opportunities for the students Professor Richard Barnett, at the personal the late Richard Kennedy Degenhardt. request of the late Norbrook Chairman of today and tomorrow. You’ll and University of Ulster honorary graduate Wendy Ward is developing her range using be stimulating academic Lord Ballyedmond. laser cutting processes, and with the help of the Richard K Degenhardt Belleek Collectors’ excellence and helping to form IMAGE: Maya Frost (centre) pictured with Professor Scholarship has secured a placement with the next generation of leaders. Richard Barnett, Vice-Chancellor and Christine Crawford, Norbrook Laboratories the internationally recognised porcelain

Stay connected... 20 ALUMNI MAKING AN IMPACT

OUR ALUMNI ARE LEADING THE FIELD ACROSS ALL WALKS OF LIFE. FROM ARTS AND SPORTS, TO BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY, WE’RE PROUD TO SAY THE GRADUATE IN FRONT IS FROM ULSTER.

Another alumna who is quite literally on the crest of a wave in her sporting career is Easkey Britton, Ireland’s top female surfer. Easkey managed to combine years of study with her passion IMPACTING IN SPORT for surfi ng and in 2013 received a PhD in The Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s great Environment and Society as well as co- professional cycle races, descended on founding Waves of Freedom, which helps Northern Ireland in May and was embraced empower vulnerable people through by a celebration of pink, the offi cial colour surfi ng. Easkey has a number of ‘fi rsts’ nother graduate making her mark of the race. It couldn’t have been organised to her name including being the fi rst Irish is Alyson Hogg who set up self- tanning company Vita Liberata in 2003. From without an army of over 1,000 volunteers person to surf the infamous hell-wave its Ballyclare base, the company now exports – among them many staff Teahupoo in Tahiti, and the fi rst woman to 20 countries worldwide and its products and students. They were to pioneer surfi ng in Iran. She’s also an have been used by celebrities including all recruited and trained Oxfam Hero, a motivational speaker, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ellie Goulding. This by Volunteer Now, whose writer and researcher. year Vita Liberata won the Queen’s Award CEO is Ulster alumna, for Enterprise in International Trade, the UK’s Wendy Osborne OBE. BUILDING highest accolade for business success. One of our graduates BRILLIANT Building his business and helping others fl ies down the wing BUSINESSES build theirs is , an MBA for the Ulster, Ireland Colin Walsh Hundreds of Ulster graduates go on graduate of the Ulster Business School and and the British and to establish or head up successful founder of Crescent Capital, one of Northern Irish Lions teams and businesses that are making a signifi cant Ireland’s leading venture capital companies. is one of Ireland’s top contribution to the local economy. Among Colin’s extensive business and venture rugby players. Tommy Bowe these is Patricia O’Hagan, who this capital experience is being put to good certainly makes an impact on year is celebrating the 20th anniversary use not only in his own company but also the fi eld as well as off. Tommy of her software development company, through a number of directorships he holds graduated from Ulster with Core Systems, the UK’s leading expert in local companies. In January 2014 Colin a Construction Engineering in identity management solutions for was appointed chairman of the CBI Northern degree, but it’s his inspirational high security facilities. The company’s Ireland, which provides a voice for business achievements on the rugby innovative biometric solutions play a vital role people and their businesses on a national pitch that have earned him in maintaining control within the highest and international level. a raft of awards. To ‘cap’ it all security establishments in Europe. Tommy received the honorary Patricia, an Engineering graduate, degree of doctor of science (DSc) won the Women in Business NI for his contribution to sport at Ulster’s 2013 Outstanding Businesswoman 2014 summer graduations. of the Year Award.

Get involved... IMAGE: Tommy Bowe THE ULSTER GRADUATE 21

IMAGE: Top surfer Easkey Britton © Laurence J Photography

SHAPING PUBLIC Death series. Some of his award-winning SERVICES portrait photos have been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London. With Northern Ireland moving towards Another man with his eyes on the prize is a completely new local government Belfast School of Art graduate, landscape, it’s good to know that several Duncan , who is in the running for this of the nine ‘super councils’ are being led Campbell year’s prestigious Turner Prize for his by Ulster graduates. Among the new local work, It For Others. The piece features government leaders are Roger Wilson, his response to a 1953 fi lm, who takes up a chief executive role in the produced fi ve children’s shows, working Statues Also , and examines the commercialisation new Armagh-Banbridge-Craigavon Council. across live action, puppetry and animation, Die of African art. Now based in Glasgow, the Roger holds both a BA and an MBA from with a further six shows in development. 41-year-old video artist uses a unique Ulster, so is doubly prepared for the role. Pictures of a different kind have brought blend of archive footage and original In the new Lisburn City and Castlereagh photographer Kenneth O Halloran imagery in his work, which includes Make District Council, Dr Theresa Donaldson international acclaim. Kenneth, who It New John, about John De Lorean’s (BA Hons Social Work) has been named holds a masters in Fine Art Photography, famous car. Duncan is not the fi rst person as the chief executive designate. Alumna is in demand by many of the world’s top from Ulster to be nominated for the Jacqui Dixon will head up the new Antrim picture editors. The multi-award-winning Turner Prize . Previous nominees include and Newtownabbey District Council, while photographer is a regular contributor to the Professor Willie Doherty (nominated Belfast City Council is to be led by Suzanne New York Times Magazine, and his work twice), Professor Declan McGonagle, Wylie. The Environmental Health graduate has also appeared in Time, Stern, GEO, Le , and will be the fi rst ever female chief executive Cathy Wilkes Phil Collins Christine Monde, Bloomberg Business Week, The . Duncan will be hoping to follow of Belfast City Council. Borland Financial Times Magazine and The Sunday in the footsteps of Ulster graduate Susan Times Magazine. Kenneth’s work often Philipsz, who won the 2010 Turner Prize UNLEASHING consists of a number of photographs for her sound installation, Lowlands. CREATIVITY on a theme, such as his Life After In countries across the world, children are glued to their TVs enthralled by Lily’s Driftwood Bay, Pajanimals and Sesame Tree, just three of the highly successful kids programmes made by Belfast company Sixteen South. At the helm of the television production company is Colin Williams, an Ulster graduate in graphic design. Colin set up Sixteen South ‘to make children’s television worth watching’. The award-winning company has already

IMAGE: Pajanimals characters created by Colin Williams’ company Sixteen South 22 FEATURE SHINING BRIGHT AT THE STADIUM OF LIGHT INNOVATIVE APPROACH Margaret tells Ulster Graduate she got started at Sunderland AFC in 2007 by responding to a job advertisement in the Sunday Times. As company secretary and in- house lawyer she initially worked alongside then manager and chairman Roy Keane and Niall Quinn and was instrumental in building up a strong in-house legal team at the club. The approach was innovative in football. It led the way for other teams and saw Margaret shortlisted for the UK In-house Lawyer of the Year in 2010. e always believe our alumni Another major are in the premier league, and achievement Following her degree in Consumer Studies in the case of Margaret Byrne soon followed, when later that year Margaret took a conversion course in law that’s quite literal. she was voted on to the Council of the in London. She trained at eminent London Football Association as the fi rst woman solicitors fi rm Galbraith Branley and The Consumer Studies graduate Premier League representative. The after specialising in criminal law, divorce catapulted through the ranks of FA Council is a prestigious and hugely cases and fi nancial settlements, moved to English Premier League team important position; it decides the Goodman Ray, one of the UK’s top family law Sunderland Association Football Club major policies of the governing body of solicitors. – nicknamed the ‘Black Cats’ – to English football. become chief executive at the age of Her training, experiences and background, just 31 in July 2011. she believes, have equipped her well for making an indelible mark on one of the Her appointment as the ‘Top Cat’ at oldest football clubs in England and the high Sunderland’s Stadium of Light made her pressure world of the Premier League. one of the youngest ever chief executives of a Premier League club.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 23

AN ULSTER EDUCATION HAS PREPARED MARGARET BYRNE FOR GETTING RESULTS IN THE HIGHEST ECHELONS OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL…

CATCHING ATTENTION My job is to oversee the running Still in her early 30s, the Ulster alumna’s That’s something I am really proud of,” of the club as a whole on a strategic stellar career trajectory has caught attention says Margaret, “it makes a big difference on level, across all of its divisions. We are not just within the beautiful game. In 2013 Wearside.” effectively a number of businesses rolled Margaret was voted in Management Today’s Sunderland AFC also has strong links with into one – with marketing, ticketing, retail, line-up of “brilliant young women under 35” the African continent and is one of the most communications, hospitality, events and and earlier this year The Guardian listed her recognised and respected Premier League of course football and it is my job to grow as one of the 50 most infl uential Women in clubs across Africa. While leading a club and develop the club across all of these Sport in England. delegation in Tanzania last year, the Ulster areas to make us stronger and better Apart from the ‘day job’ the Sunderland alumna was one of only 30 people invited to equipped to compete with teams at the CEO holds a number of prominent positions attend an audience with President Barack highest level,” says Margaret. across the sport’s governing bodies. She’s Obama, who was in the country to launch “It’s a very busy job, as you would expect. a member of the Premier League Legal an initiative to double access to electricity in Of course I can’t control what happens Advisory Board, the Professional Football sub-Saharan Africa. on the pitch but the team’s performance Negotiating and Consultation Committee, the “Meeting Obama was an incredible impacts on every area of the club and as Football Regulatory Authority and the FA’s experience and certainly not something I such it can be stressful and frustrating International Committee. She is also a non- ever expected to be part of my role as a when performances and results don’t go executive director of the Amateur Boxing football CEO,” says Margaret. “But it was a well, but it’s a part of the job you learn to Association of England. fantastic highlight of my career. He told me deal with. And the Ulster graduate’s infl uence also to keep up the good work in Africa. goes well beyond the cauldron of the Stadium of Light and the heights of the English game. The club’s registered charity, As the twenty-third Premier League season the Foundation of Light, of which Margaret is begins to hot up, the Sunderland players will company secretary, delivers a wide range of be trying their utmost to make a big impact activities and programmes to address social on the fi eld of play. issues in the Sunderland region. Perhaps they can feel the example of their It runs everything from a little determined “proud Ulster graduate” and dribbler’s club for three year-olds right up to boss. She is certainly playing a blinder. adult education and health programmes and is widely recognised as the best community scheme in British football.

Stay connected... 24 FEATURE

In Boston Ulster’s alumni community in the greater Spotlight Boston area is one of our most active and growing branches. Founded in 1995, the University of Ulster New England Alumni Association (UUNEAA) organises a number of events each year to on Ulster give great opportunities for Ulster alumni to come together. One of its key philanthropic actions in supporting the alma mater is fundraising for the Boston Step-Up Scholarship, which gives a grant to a student who has progressed in America through Ulster’s school-based Step-Up programme to undertake a science-based degree at the University. To date the UUNEAA has supported fi ve Our alumni and friends have built a wide range Boston Step-Up Scholarships for people who of highly successful careers and are making have come through the programme. their mark in America. Many are deeply committed to making meaningful contributions to the University through Boston Step-Up donations, mentoring, fundraising, attending social and business events and reaching out to inspire and recruit new Scholarship nurses a participants in their networks. dream The latest Boston Step-Up Scholarship Here’s just a taste of what is happening with alumni stateside... winner had wanted to be a nurse for as long as she can remember, an ambition that blossomed when, as a 17 year-old, Sarah Ward took part in the Step-Up Science programme at St Mary’s College in Derry~Londonderry. Life became complicated for Sarah when, in Reinforcing connections her last year at school, she discovered she was pregnant. Still determined to fulfi l her In the past year the Development and Alumni “Our alumni lifetime ambition, she worked hard for her Relations Offi ce has been working hard to are telling A-levels and was thrilled to win an offer for reinvigorate the US network and strengthen the Magee campus nursing degree course. us that they have a strong alumni ties even further – and it’s working. In August 2012 Sarah gave birth to a son, A whistle-stop tour of the US in May affi nity to the University and Callam. The next month she began her bolstered older relationships and made that they want to engage, degree – she is the fi rst in her family to go many new connections with graduates give back and make an to university. living and working stateside. The focus impact. So this is just Winning the Boston Step-Up Scholarship was on launching local activities, makes a massive difference to Sarah. The supporting current students, fundraising the start of our plans to $1,500 annual grant has eased her fi nancial and encouraging US students to consider develop and strengthen our burdens, especially in travelling to childcare, Ulster as a place to study. connections in the States.” books and replacing an ancient laptop. Vitally, it’s helping Sarah to balance her Roisin McNamara, Alumni Relations responsibilities as a mother with academic Manager, says: “It was great to catch study without having to take a part-time job. up with our connections in the US and to bring alumni and friends up to date “I am extremely grateful for this on the exciting developments within the scholarship,” she tells the Boston University, and to network. fundraisers. “Thank you! It has helped me put all my energies into becoming a competent and caring nurse.”

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 25 In Washington DC John J Sweeney event raises $230,000

A major event in DC honouring the life and work of Irish American labour leader John J Sweeney raised $230,000 towards supporting a scholarship at our world- renowned International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE) at the Magee campus. The July event was organised by the AFL- CIO, the largest federation of labour unions in the United States, representing 12.5 million working people, and took place in the organisation’s headquarters opposite the In New York White House.

IMAGE: Development and Alumni Relations Office The John J Sweeney Scholarship will enable New York-based staff and alumni catch up in New York American students with a personal or family alumnus pledges connection to a union to study the MSc in support for Applied Peace and Conflict Studies at INCORE. AFL-CIO President Emeritus John J Fermanagh students American Sweeney, the son of Irish immigrants, has An Ulster graduate who co-founded a Ireland Fund dedicated his life to advancing the wellbeing of working people. successful construction business in New York Several alumni and University staff were is now founding a scholarship for students among the 1,200-strong gathering at At the DC event the University recognised back in his home county of Fermanagh. the American Ireland Fund 39th Annual his commitment and contributions to the Derrygonnelly man Marty Meehan and his Dinner Gala in New York in May – including wellbeing of working people worldwide, and wife Mary Ellen have pledged £1,000 per members of our New York Advisory Group. to the cause of peace in Northern Ireland, year of study to an Ulster student throughout with the distinction of the inaugural INCORE The American Ireland Fund represents Global Peace and Social Justice Award. their degree programme, beginning in the some of the most significant philanthropic current academic year. leadership in the US and the University James Boland, President of the Bricklayers Their Meehan Family Scholarship will be continues to work closely with its New York and Allied Crafts Union, Thomas P O’Neill, open to first year students undertaking and Boston offices in particular to galvanise III, former Lieutenant Governor of the specific science and engineering support for the INCORE Peace Initiative Commonwealth of Massachusetts and son programmes across the University. which will be steered by the John Hume and of the late Speaker Tip O’Neill, and Stephen Thomas P O’Neill Chair in Peace. Coyle, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL-CIO Marty graduated from Ulster in 2002 in Housing Investment Trust, served as members Building Surveying and, still in his 30s, The annual dinner, held at the Hyatt on 42nd of a coordinating committee for the event. is now managing director of Stratus Street, raised $2.75 million for Irish causes. Construction Group, which works in and The O’Neill Family has been working very around New York City and New Jersey. closely with the University over the past three years to support our successful efforts Says Marty: “My degree and experience at to raise the £3 million to establish the John the University of Ulster have been invaluable Hume and Thomas P O’Neill Chair in Peace. in my career to date. By providing this support IMAGE: Professor Hugh McKenna (second left) presents to students from my home county, we want to the INCORE Global Peace and Social Justice Award ensure that financial need is no barrier to their to AFL-CIO President Emeritus John J Sweeney in Washington DC; also pictured are Professor Brandon academic and career aspirations.” Hamber (left) and Eddie Friel Stay connected... 26 HIGH ACHIEVERS ULSTER CELEBRATES HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS Outstanding man of law Our honorary degree recipients embody Lord Kerr, who was Northern Ireland’s most the qualities that inspire our students to senior judge for five years, was elevated to aim high and realise the power they have the House of Lords on 29 June 2009. to make a positive difference in their future He was appointed a High Court Judge in lives and careers. Northern Ireland in 1993, the same year he These are people who embody Ulster’s core was knighted, and in 2004 he was appointed values of excellence, innovation and regional Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland. engagement and who contribute to our Lord Kerr is a former pupil of St Colman’s reputation as a world-class institution. College in Newry. He later studied law at Among them was former Lord Chief Justice of Queen’s University Belfast before being called IMAGE: Sir Brian Kerr, former Lord Chief Justice Northern Ireland, Sir Brian Kerr, who received to the bar. He is married with two sons. of Northern Ireland a Doctor of Laws (LLD) for his outstanding contribution to the legal profession. Honorary graduates 2014

Sir Alex Ferguson: former Mr Nick Hewer: business Ms Nicky Kinnaird: prominent Manchester United manager analyst and media commentator businesswoman and founder and sporting legend, awarded awarded Doctor of Science (DSc) of the Space:NK chain awarded Doctor of Science (DSc) for his for his outstanding contribution to Doctor of Science (DSc) for her outstanding contribution to sport. business development. outstanding contribution to entrepreneurship.

Mr A P McCoy: champion Dr Margaret Ward: former Sir Brian Kerr: awarded jockey awarded Doctor of director of the Women’s Resource Doctor of Laws (LLD) for his Science (DSc) for his outstanding and Development Agency outstanding contribution to the contribution to sport. awarded Doctor of Laws (LLD) legal profession. for her outstanding contribution to advancing women’s equality. Mr Brendan Rodgers: Ms Roma Downey: actress Northern Irish football coach, and film producer awarded former player and the current Mrs Evelyn Collins: chief Doctor of Fine Art (DFA) for her manager of Premier League club executive of the Equality outstanding contribution to acting Liverpool awarded Doctor of Science (DSc) Commission awarded Doctor of and philanthropy. for his outstanding contribution to sport. Laws (LLD), for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of equality and good relations. Mr Fergal Keane: award- Mr Gary Anderson: motorsport winning journalist awarded commentator awarded Doctor of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) in Science (DSc) for his outstanding Mr Christopher Moran: recognition of his distinguished contribution to motorsport. chairman of Co-Operation work as a writer and broadcaster. Ireland awarded Doctor of Laws (LLD) for his outstanding Mr Tommy Bowe: Ulster and contribution to civic leadership. Mr Frank Cottrell-Boyce: Irish international rugby player – screenwriter and novelist and Ulster alumnus – awarded awarded Doctor of Letters (DLitt) Doctor of Science (DSc) for his Mr Peter McNaney: former for his outstanding contribution outstanding contribution to sport. chief executive, Belfast City to writing. Council, awarded Doctor of Laws (LLD) for his outstanding contribution to civic leadership.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 27 ULSTER CELEBRATES HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS First Trust Bank awards distinguish the best

A STUDENT WITH A GRADUATE REAL PUNCH FLYING HIGH Mark O’Hara packs quite a punch, he prestigious First Trust Bank/ Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the academically and in his amateur boxing University of Ulster Distinguished Irish Academy of Engineering. career. In recognition of his excellent Graduate Award recipient for 2013 Mark McKeown from First Trust Bank said: academic achievements while balancing a was Gavin Campbell – director of design successful sports career, Mark was awarded engineering and technology development at “The contribution that Ulster the First Trust Bank Convocation Student of Bombardier Aerospace Belfast. students and graduates make to the Year Award for 2014. the lives of others and to society The award recognises his outstanding as a whole is quite remarkable, Mark received the Dean’s List Award in his achievements in his field. Since graduating first year of study and graduated with a first so we are delighted to be able to from Ulster, Gavin has held a string of class honours degree in Business Studies. mark these achievements through high-profile roles in the aerospace industry our ongoing sponsorship.” As an amateur boxer he represented and is a Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Northern Ireland, Ireland and the University Computing and Engineering at the University. IMAGE: Gavin Campbell (centre) receives the First Trust Bank/University of Ulster Distinguished Graduate Award from at various boxing championships. He has He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett (left) and Mr Jeff been awarded half and full colours by the Webb, Relationship Manager, First Trust Bank University for his sporting achievements.

OBE Queen’s Birthday • Professor Carol Curran: for services to • Rev Campbell Dixon: for services to the nursing and education in Northern Ireland community in Northern Ireland Honours 2014 • Dr Howard Hastings: for services to • Florence Graham: for services to young tourism and hospitality people in Northern Ireland Every year many graduates, staff, • Professor Sean Strain: for services to • Dr Elaine Madden: for services to associates and people connected nutrition research and higher education maternity care in Northern Ireland to the University are honoured • Nisha Tandon: for services to minority • Bernadette McCrory: for services to for their achievements. Here is ethnic communities in Northern Ireland healthcare in Northern Ireland a selection of those honoured in • Dr Bill Wolsey: for services to business and • Irene Megaw: for services to further the most recent Queen’s the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland education in Northern Ireland Birthday Honours. • William Osborne: for services to the MBE community and voluntary sector in

CBE • Ann Marie Blanking: for services to Northern Ireland • Professor Alastair Adair: for services to education and the community in Northern • Patricia Pepper: for voluntary services to higher education in Northern Ireland Ireland the community in Northern Ireland • William Cayton: for services to • Jenny Bristow: for services to • John Rainey: for services to economic healthcare and regulatory reform broadcasting and the food Industry in development in Northern Ireland • Judith Gillespie: for services to policing Northern Ireland • Kenneth Vennard: for services to young and the community in Northern Ireland • Dr John Devaney: for services to social people in Northern Ireland • Dr Glynis Henry: for services to work in Northern Ireland healthcare in Northern Ireland Stay connected... 28 KEEPINGALUMNI BENEFITS IN TOUCH AND SERVICES GET INVOLVED, REAP THE BENEFITS The benefits of a University of Ulster education don’t end when you walk across that graduation stage. Connect with the power of our alumni CONTACTS community and it could pay lifelong dividends, more than you ever knew. THAT WORK Our Development and Alumni Relations Office is committed to supporting your FOR YOU personal and professional development well after your studies are complete. Being part of the Ulster The Chair of the branch committee, Ulster graduate and director at a community means you have commercial real estate company, Larry ENDURING BENEFITS 160,000 contacts standing Carroll, got on the case. AND SERVICES by you 24-7 – just ask Larry used his connections, set up a Just some of the benefits of keeping Martha Campbell. meeting, and within a day Martha had in touch with Ulster secured an internship with Murphy and The Ulster Law graduate was in New York Associates New York. Result! • Reconnect with classmates / fellow in February urgently seeking an internship graduates opportunity with a legal firm in the city. • Share your expertise by getting involved • Develop your skills through further study The University’s School of Law contacted • Network through our events the Alumni Relations Office, which swung • Career support into action and put a request out to the • Access student / graduate talent New York alumni branch. • Access University services • Receive discounts • Support for reunions • Give something back CONNECTIONS TO THE INSIDE Our alumni networking events Attended by almost 60 guests, it connected provide great opportunities to fellow graduates and current and former academic staff to hear about some of the meet high-profile people and exciting developments within the University. honorary graduates. Followed by a Life Stories event – Sir Gerry Watch out too for the chance to meet Robinson in Conversation with Paul Moore – high-profile speakers and guests, They also give you the chance to strike up it gave alumni, staff and friends the chance including sporting figures. There was a collaborations, pursue new jobs and share to build valuable contacts and relationships. phenomenal demand from alumni, some information, introductions and services with from as far away as America to see The Alumni Relations Office runs various other individuals, companies, academics, Sir Alex Ferguson receive his honorary types of networking events throughout volunteers and more. degree at the Chancellor’s Lecture and the year, some of general interest, some hear him speak. Nearly 600 entered the That’s why the Alumni Relations Office arts and culture, some educational and competition for tickets. kicked off its new engagement strategy last informational and others just pure fun. October with a business networking event IMAGE: Sir Alex Ferguson with Dr James Nesbitt, at the Belfast campus. Chancellor of the University of Ulster

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 29 STAY CONNECTED You got a great education, met great people and had fun while at the University of Ulster – let’s keep it going! The Alumni Relations Office is here to help you maintain and strengthen your relationships with one another and with your alma mater. KEEPING ULSTER Your involvement at every level helps to IN THE FAMILY ensure Ulster’s success both now and for the future. Celebrations and get- togethers are a regular feature of our worldwide alumni family, but the Says Douglas Walker: “We all found our time at the University of Ulster to be very Walkers from Coleraine hold worthwhile, the courses were relevant their own mini Ulster reunion to our future employment. Indeed the on a more frequent basis. whole environment was one of nurturing, combined with a high standard of Douglas and Ann Walker and their three teaching.” sons have all been educated at Ulster over a period of 40 years. Huge congratulations from the Alumni Relations Office to the Walkers for keeping Ann Walker (née Thom) graduated from Ulster in the family. REGISTER YOUR Coleraine in Geography in 1976. Douglas ULSTER CONNECTION graduated from Magee 15 years ago with Now, is this the record for most family It’s easy to keep in touch with your alma an Advanced Diploma in Education (FE). The members to graduate from Ulster? We want mater and reap the benefits – all you need couple’s eldest son Peter then graduated to know. Ask your friends, ask your family to do is register online. from Jordanstown in 2005 in Electronics and please get in touch to let us know… Registering will give you the key with Software, and the youngest son, into a 160,000-strong network and Stephen, from Coleraine in Business Studies communications such as our bi-monthly in 2010, followed by a masters in Software newsletter, one-off email announcements or at Jordanstown in 2011. this annual magazine. To complete the family tradition middle If you’re not already registered, go online son Mark graduated in July 2014 from and update your details. Jordanstown in Environmental Health. CONNECT ON LISTENING OUT SOCIAL MEDIA We’re harnessing the power of social media FOR YOUR IDEAS to continuously build our alumni connections. As an Ulster graduate you are part of our past, but In the past year we’ve increased our we want you to be part of our future. Facebook likes by 30%, our LinkedIn We have exciting plans for the future and we also want to give you Group membership by 60%. reasons to get involved by providing a range of activities to suit both If you use social media and are a member you and us. of our alumni community it’s time to get The Alumni Relations Office would like to hear from our graduates, staff and friends on in on the action – join us on Facebook, how we can best serve your needs and expectations. It could be career or business events, LinkedIn and Twitter. dinners, guest speakers. You name it. We’re listening.

GET IN TOUCH Tel: +44 28 9536 7486 Email: [email protected] HERE’S HOW Web: www.ulster.ac.uk/alumni Stay connected... 30 OBITUARIES Lord Ballyedmond Lord Ballyedmond OBE, owner and founder, in 1968, of Norbrook Laboratories Limited, now one of the largest privately owned veterinary pharmaceutical companies in the world, died tragically on 13 March 2014.

e was an entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist, and was also variously reported to be either the first or second person ever to have sat in the upper houses of both the Irish Republic and the United Kingdom. Born Edward Enda Haughey on 5 January signing of the 1998 Belfast Agreement and of Chemistry and of the Royal Veterinary 1944, his father having died weeks earlier, in 2004 the Ulster Unionists under David College, University of London. In the same he grew up on the family smallholding in Trimble nominated him to the House of year the University of Ulster made him an Kilcurry, north of Dundalk. He emigrated Lords. He took the title of Baron Ballyedmond Honorary Doctor of Science, in recognition immediately after leaving school to New of Mourne in the County of Down and was of his contribution to the development of the York where he became a salesman with a subsequently appointed to several notable international pharmaceutical industry. pharmaceutical company. committees and boards. His company made a £1 million pledge In the late 1960s, correctly reckoning that Through the international elements of his to the University of Ulster in 2011 to fund Britain and the EEC were about to follow business, Lord Ballyedmond developed a the Norbrook Chair in Pharmaceutical American practice and introduce tougher close relationship with Chile, and in 1995 Science and in 2013 the commitment rules on veterinary pharmaceuticals, he was awarded the highest honour available in increased with the funding of an annual returned to Ireland to begin an operation the country, namely Gran Oficial of the Order scholarship of £10,000 for the following 10 based on these new American norms. of Bernardo O’Higgins. He also held two years. It was named after the University’s Over the next 40 years Norbrook honorary consulships to Chile. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett. Lord Ballyedmond’s son, Professor The Hon. Laboratories Ltd prospered, building a range A proactive supporter of education, Lord James Haughey, a director of Norbrook, is of products which, he always explained, Ballyedmond recognised the need for a Visiting Professor to the University. His covered “everything from ladies’ poodles Northern Ireland and Norbrook to retain the eldest son, The Hon. Edward Haughey to the lion”. The company won the Queen’s brightest minds. He also delighted in the LLB BL, is a director and chief executive Award for Export Achievement four times heritage of Ireland and Northern Ireland, of the GB business, and also works for the and the Queen’s Award for Enterprise supporting initiatives not only in veterinary company, having practised for a number of twice. The largest employer in Newry and science and associated areas, but across the years as a barrister in London. South Down, it is one of the few veterinary arts. His interests were as varied as could companies worldwide to have FDA be imagined. He became involved in aviation The recipient of numerous other manufacturing approval outside the US. and brewing businesses, and other interests academic awards and appointments, Lord Lord Ballyedmond was awarded the OBE in included the refurbishment of historic Ballyedmond was granted the Freemanship 1987, and in 2008 an honorary Fellowship houses. He was also a noted collector of of the City of London shortly before his of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. antiquities. death. The late Albert Reynolds appointed him the Lord Ballyedmond obtained an Honorary Lord Ballyedmond will be remembered as first chairman of the Irish Aviation Authority in Doctorate of Law from the National a pioneer, a renaissance man, a man ahead 1993. The following year he was appointed University of Ireland in 1997. The following of his time, a man who helped put Northern to the Seanad where he was a front bench year he became an Honorary Fellow of the Ireland on the global stage, and as an spokesman on Northern Ireland. He remained Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He employer who both espoused and rewarded a member of the House until 2002. was also an Honorary Fellow of the Irish hard work and diligence. In the late 1990s he played an important Management Institute. In 2008 he was made He is succeeded by his wife, daughter and behind-the-scenes role in the run-up to the an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society two sons.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 31

Richard Alan York Robinson Richard York, who died in March 2013, Alan was a valued colleague. had a 37- year career in the University Not just a lecturer, he was an of Ulster, from his appointment to teach “educator” and one, furthermore, French in 1969 until his retirement as with values and principles. His Professor of European Literature in 2006. career covered a broad time He was educated at Kettering Grammar span from 1963 when he began School, Emmanuel College Cambridge and teaching at Harrogate High School, University College London. to 2006 when he retired from the University of Ulster. Richard’s standards, both personal and academic, were of the very highest, a fact reflected in his In Derry, he was a major force in the teaching and research. Acutely aware of the danger Foundation Studies for Mature Students. He of being narrowed by a lifetime of research into was also a pioneer in distance education, one topic, he published books and articles on a especially video-conferencing. He became wide range of subjects, moving from research in Director of the Schools Cultural Studies French literature to publishing on both English and Project and worked on Education for Mutual American fiction. Understanding. In the latter stages of his Following his retirement Richard, a very private career, he shifted emphasis away from social man, made a brief contribution to part-time sciences and towards research methods for teaching, then gave his attention to establishing the PGD/MA in TESOL. His final ‘bequest’ a rose garden at our farmhouse in Liswatty, to the University was the promotion of a regularly reading in seven languages and studying PG programme in Library Management, mathematics. which now has a full-time lecturer and has developed up to PhD level. During almost 40 years of marriage, I had the privilege of benefitting more than any of his Alan combined gentleness with strength. He students or colleagues from Richard’s great was not just a gentle man but a gentleman, erudition. a scholar and a consummate professional. Dr Rosemary York Professor Rosalind Pritchard

Stay connected... 32 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Transforming children’s healthcare Eilish Patricia Corbett Damien Coyle Hardiman POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BENG COMPUTING AND ELECTRONICS MANAGEMENT PhD INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS BSc NURSING MSc BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ENGINEERING STUDIES; POSTGRADUATE ADVANCED Damien is now a NURSING Reader at the School DIPLOMA of Computing and s the CEO of the new Children’s Intelligent Systems Hospital Group in Dublin, Eilísh and a member of the is leading a project that will ensure that children and young people get the best Intelligent Systems possible healthcare in the best possible Research Centre at Ulster. environment. Patricia has been He is developing brain-computer interface The project involves the merger of three appointed as Head of technology to enable movement-free children’s hospitals in Dublin into one Hillsborough Castle by communication for the physically impaired. new children’s hospital on the site of Historic Royal Palaces. Since graduating, Damien has won a raft of St James’s Hospital. It’s the largest, awards and distinctions including the 2008 most complex and significant change Previously she enjoyed a long and varied IEEE Computational Intelligence Society management and capital investment career in the Northern Ireland Civil Service Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, project ever undertaken in healthcare in most recently serving as HR Director in the 2011 International Neural Network Ireland. The hospital group includes Our the Department of Health, Social Services Society’s Young Investigator of the Year Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Temple and Public Safety. In 2012 Patricia was Award and a Royal Academy of Engineering/ Street Children’s University Hospital and seconded to the Northern Ireland Office as The Leverhulme Trust Senior Research paediatric services at Tallaght Hospital, in Hillsborough Castle Project Director. The Fellowship in 2013. partnership with several of the academic objective of the project was to transfer the institutions on the island. responsibility for the care, conservation Eilísh now has over 25 years’ experience and presentation of the Castle from in acute hospital healthcare. She won the government to a charity. Sunday Times MBA Scholarship in 2005 and in 2007 was awarded an executive MBA at the Smurfit School of Business.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 33 THE ROCKSTAR RETURNING THE REWARDS Ulster Graduate meets alumna Gillian McColgan, the CTO of Rockstar Consortium Inc., and active philanthropic supporter of the University…

ngineering graduate Gillian McColgan to analyse, how to deal with stress, and influential factor for employers” and is is the Chief Technology Officer of set me on the path to where I am now,” hugely grateful for the experience of taking Rockstar, a patent holding company she says. “So I feel very connected to the part in the award. owned by some of the biggest names University and to Northern Ireland and I in technology today, including Apple, fondly remember my days there.” “There is always an Microsoft and Sony. The company holds Gillian began giving back to her alma example in giving,” and manages a portfolio of more than mater some 10 years ago, initially through 4,000 patents developed by the former says Gillian, “and with the Boston alumni network and the Boston Canadian telecoms pioneer Nortel Step-Up programme and later through education costs mounting Networks. supporting the John Hume and Thomas P. it is very meaningful As an international business leader in O’Neill Chair in Peace. to give a helping hand, Europe and North America for over 20 What she elucidates as a “developing years with Nortel, Gillian was CTO of its especially to those who relationship” with Ulster has now resulted IP Business when its patents sold for in the establishment of the McColgan face challenges.” $4.5 billion in 2011 in New York. Gillian Engineering Fund. Gillian has been keen then joined the winning bidders Rockstar to assess where her support can make the Gillian realises that an initial commitment Consortium Inc., with responsibility for all greatest impact on students. of five years will allow the time required technology matters. to fully understand the impact of her “Over time,” she says, “I reached the Describing her role as “interesting and support: “I have been at the forefront conclusion that my goals were to support challenging,” Gillian manages a team of of innovation most of my life, and five to innovation, technology and excellence, and senior technologists, spending a lot of time seven years is a timescale I am well used that’s why I’ve set up my fund.” flying between Rockstar’s offices in Texas to for getting results. It will take time to and Ottawa, with regular ventures back The Fund has so far supported a fully judge the outcomes but I am content home to Northern Ireland. biomedical engineering innovation to let it evolve.” competition and the McColgan Engineering The Methody old girl’s impetus to succeed Gillian’s support offers a thorough and Scholarship. Both promote innovation and came from her upbringing and education- dynamic model for how alumni can make encourage students to excel in their field. aware family, particularly the wise and a real difference to Ulster students. We will travelled influence of her late father, and The winner of the innovation award, Ciara watch and admire as her star continues what she remembers as her University of Haren, graduated this year with a first to rise. Ulster “door to the future” education. class honours degree and has accepted an excellent job with Boston Scientific. “It has stood me in good stead for my She cites the innovation award as “an working life, taught me discipline, how Stay connected... 34 GIVING BACK

Now’s the time to give something back

What did you get from your time at Ulster? It’s never too soon to think about giving back. You don’t have to wait Was it a great education and a new way of seeing the until you make lots of money before you make a contribution to the next world? A job? The chance to study overseas? A partner generation of Ulster students. or best friend? The chance to help others? You can make a difference with your Now, what can you give for your time at Ulster? own philanthropy right now. Don’t wait until you’ve reached the height of your career. Gifts of all sizes add up – 30 people giving £25 can fund a scholarship. How you can give A few alumni giving regularly can back to Ulster support a student in hardship. Last year, your gifts supported students across all the University’s • One-off donation faculties. But this is only the tip of GIVE THE • Regular giving the iceberg – further gifts will ensure • Make a corporate gift that even more students who need • Leave a legacy support will benefit. • Give shares and assets • Mentor a current student • Provide placements • Support a spin out company GIVE FOR FREE – and there’s an app for that... GIVING Liverpool-based alumnus And now there’s a Give as You Live SOMETHING Christopher Johnston app for people who increasingly live their lives through portable, connected donates to Ulster through devices. Download for mobiles and BACK Give as You Live without it tablets from the App Store for IOS or the costing him a penny. Play Store for Android devices. There’s a special place in your heart for the University of Ulster. You know you With the Give as You Live online giving “My affinity with Ulster is still strong so are part of something much bigger than platform every time you buy from this is a very easy way to give back,” yourself. What better way to honour the thousands of top retailers they donate says Christopher, a History graduate and place you used to call home than to a percentage of your spend to your teacher. “It’s a breeze. All you do is sign make a donation to support current and nominated charity – that’s the University up, shop and the University gets a cut. future students? please – at no extra cost to you. You get Why wouldn’t you do it, it’s so simple.” emails to confirm what you’ve raised.

Get involved... THE ULSTER GRADUATE 35

I GAVE BACK IT ALL BECAUSE… ADDS Martin Meehan I support students from my home UP county who might not otherwise be able to GIVING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER’S afford to go to University. PEOPLE, PLACES AND PROGRAMMES… As a graduate from a world-class People – give to people and invest in Geraldine university, your degree becomes and empower current students. They Scott-Heyes stronger and you benefi t all the more will be the leaders, role models, artists, as Ulster succeeds in leading the way scientists, entrepreneurs and decision- As an alumna who through teaching, learning, research, makers of tomorrow. greatly benefi tted business connectivity and international Places – give to places, campuses and from my time at development. buildings; named lecture halls and rooms Ulster, I want to make sure that So your stock rises as the University’s will carry your mark and enhance the others have the opportunity to stock rises; together we can build a future status of the University. have the same experience. where everyone benefi ts. Programmes – give to new programmes Not just that. When you give you and you can be associated with life- encourage others to do the same. Every saving, innovative and ground-breaking Peter Hope gift to Ulster has impact and every gift is initiatives. You will be ensuring that Ulster I want to ensure important. Please consider making a gift continues to compete at the highest level that our students today. The future of the University and the internationally. educational experiences of our students have immediate rely on your generosity. access to the best electronic and printed resources possible. Target your support WAYS You may be interested Just some of the ways your donation can help: TO GIVE • The INCORE Peace Initiative – training a in a cutting-edge new generation of peace builders • Online research project. • Credit card • Biomedical sciences – providing support for cutting-edge and life-saving • Direct debit You might want to assist fi nancially with research the latest building fund to ensure students • Cheque can learn in a state-of-the-art facility. • Scholarships – initiatives to support • Anonymously students You might want to support academic To fi nd out more about supporting our excellence in students. • Student hardship – fi nancial help for work call the Development and Alumni You can. Target your support any way you students when they hit a barrier to Relations Offi ce for a donation form on: wish to and join us as we shape the future progress +44 (0)28 7012 3208 or email: of your University. • Sport – getting behind talented students [email protected] Make a gift today by going online: daro.ulster.ac.uk/donateonline

Stay connected... Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 100166 6628 DB Ulst Graduate A4 AD PRINT.indd 1 22/07/2014 12:39