Issue 26 SPRING 2007 The magazine for alumni and friends of the University of Ulster Tim Fogg takes part in BBC’s Expedition Borneo University News

Events and Reunions People Arts Sport

Supported by

http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk

ISSUE 26 | SPRING 2007

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR contents

Welcome to the 26th issue of The Ulster Graduate university news – this means that the University has been producing this magazine for its graduates for some 13 years. During that University News 02 time the University has grown substantially in terms of Honorary Graduates 09 its student and staff numbers, its physical estate and the number of graduates it produces. innovation and enterprise All these factors make the University a significant provider Support for Business 12 of expertise, and in this issue Eddie Friel, Manager of the Knowledge Club Workshops - InvestNI START Programme 12 Business Liaison Office, talks on page 12 about how that Science in Society Seminars 13 expertise can be harnessed by businesses in the region.

On a lighter note, you can read about the Ulster graduates development and alumni news who used their expertise in the Imbak Canyon in Borneo, broadcast by the BBC in January (page 26). Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library Project 14 Boston Fundraiser 14 These and other features aim to keep you in touch with Academic Excellence Awards 15 what UU has to offer and the directions followed by some of our graduates. We hope you enjoy reading them alumni reunions and events and that you will write to us to let us know what you are doing. Many Voices Festival 16 Magee Reunion 17 Finally, we are delighted to continue our relationship with Golf Challenge 17 Ulster Bank, who sponsor The Ulster Graduate. Northern Ireland Bureau Washington DC 18 Coleraine Reunion 18 Best wishes Parents Advice Evenings 18 Dublin Wine Tasting 19 Jordanstown Wine Tasting 19 Sports Studies Reunion 19 Alumni Relations Manager people Published by The Alumni Relations Office, The University of Ulster, Class Notes 20 Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT37 0QB. New Year Honours 22 First Trust Bank Distinguished Graduate - Brian Irvine 23 Tel: 08 700 400 700 (Switchboard), or Humanitarian Worker Hannele Haggman 24 028 9036 8350 (Direct Line), Fax: 028 9036 6085, Football Marketeer Geoff Wilson 25 Email: [email protected] Expedition Borneo 26 Web: http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk Professor Tom Fraser 27

Editor: Sue Rees, Alumni Relations Manager Design: Lairdesign arts Print: Graham and Heslip Creativity Zone 29 Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily UU Dance Performance Provides Seasonal Sparkle 29 of the University. The University of Ulster regrets that it cannot Creative Image Making Workshop 30 accept responsibility for any claim whatsoever North West Academy of the Arts 30 which may arise out of advertisements carried in good faith. Arts & Business Commission Programme 30

Cover Story sport UU Graduate Tim Fogg was one of four UU graduates who took part in a BBC Sports Scholarships 31 expedition to Borneo last year. See page 26 World Congress of Science and Football 32 for the full story. Harlem Globetrotters team up with UU 32

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 1 university news

Marketing Person Sports Academy Launch of the Year The University’s Sports Academy structure to allow everyone who is – a giant step towards realising the interested in sport and physical activity UU graduate and leading academic University’s vision to be the leading to take part at the level that suits them Dr Mark Durkin (MA Marketing 1993) University for sport on the island of - from those who want to increase has been named Marketing Person Ireland – was launched in November their activity right through to the high of the Year 2006 by the Chartered with Ulster and Ireland rugby star performance athlete preparing for Institute of Marketing. David Humphreys as guest international competition. The idea of honour. is to bring all the areas of provision together to create synergies for sport. The UU Sports Academy is the only one Our goal is that everyone will have the of its kind in any third level education highest quality of experience through facility in Ireland and brings together all the facilities programmes and support aspects of sport in the University from services we offer.” world-class athletes to those who take part for recreation. The University has a long history of sporting achievement, with world-class Bringing together the five existing athletes such as sprinter Anna Boyle, facilities in the University – Sport rugby’s Tommy Bowe and Tyrone and Recreation Services, the Sports All-Ireland football winner Sean Development Unit, the Sports Union, Cavanagh having benefited from the the School of Sports Studies and the University’s support. Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute – the new Sports Academy The creation of the Sports Institute Jordanstown-based Dr Durkin, who will coordinate their actions to enhance Northern Ireland - a joint partnership is Head of the School of Marketing, sporting excellence and participation. with Sports Council Northern Ireland Entrepreneurship and Strategy, received - has been a catalyst for sport at the prestigious ‘Frank Galbraith’ award, Co-Directors of the UU Sports Academy the University. named in honour of the first recipient are Dr Nigel Dobson and Dr Marie Murphy. and former CIM Regional Director, at the Welcoming the launch of the Sports CIM Gala Awards ceremony in Belfast in Nigel said: “Our new vision is based on Academy, Professor Jim Allen, Pro- October 2006. shared ownership of sport throughout Vice-Chancellor (Communication and the University encompassing student Institutional Development) said: sport, services and facilities, administrative departments, teaching and research of “We are placing sport at the heart of sport and related subjects.” the University. The development of the Calling 2003 UU Sports Academy allows us to build Co-Director, and UU graduate, Marie on the tradition of sport established on Graduates Murphy said: “We now have the our campuses for more than 20 years.” The Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey is a follow-up of people who graduated from higher education three years ago to obtain a picture of their early career paths. Although UU graduates were initially contacted six months post graduation this later survey gives a more robust overview of employment outcomes and is invaluable in informing the career choices of current students. The survey’s website, www.graduat edestinationsurvey.co.uk provides further information.

If you have been asked to participate and have not yet responded please do so as it will help to further investigate graduate activity and improve the opportunities and support available to graduates in the future. Dr Nigel Dobson, Dr Marie Murphy and Dr David Humphreys.

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WORLD LEADING BIO-IMAGING CENTRE

The mysteries of how viruses invade cells, how drugs work at the molecular level, and how nanoparticles affect our bodies are being revealed at a new world- leading research facility at the Coleraine campus.

The £1.3m FEI Centre for Advanced Imaging is bristling with pioneering microscope technology available nowhere else in the world. The technology has been developed in association with the FEI Company, the US-based supplier of electron microscopy tools for nanoscale research, development and commercialisation.

Global companies like Unilever Research are already benefiting from the uniquely Dr George McKerr with the world’s first cryo-dualbeam nanolab microscope, housed at the University’s new Centre for Advanced Imaging. powerful analytical and technological expertise that has been assembled at the new Centre, funded by a grant from Dr George McKerr, Director of the new temperature microscope which is the UK Science Research Investment Centre for Advanced Imaging, said: essentially a small scale workshop where Fund (SRIF). cells, virus particles and large molecules “This is the full realisation of four years can be machined and manipulated, has At the heart of the Centre’s research work. I am delighted to have the support attracted a lot of interest. arsenal are two specially constructed of FEI who are an imaginative company microscopes, the world’s first cryo- as well as being world leaders in this “The Centre at Coleraine will become dualbeam microscope – combining instrumentation. a reference lab for this type of work a focused ion beam microscope throughout Europe and we intend to do with a scanning electron microscope “Four years ago I brought FEI an idea something rather special to help local and a unique atomic force/confocal and they very quickly turned that into industry and start-up companies. Watch Calling 2003 microscope hybrid. a prototype. This idea for an ultra-low this space.” Graduates “This will be the first wide-ranging, its growth, and how the UK should be UU Researcher contemporary study to look at the role of globally represented on financial and the Treasury and will focus on the period economic policies in the European Union, to Investigate from the election of New Labour in 1997. International Monetary Fund, and the G8.” “The research will deal with the Treasury In his research Professor Thain will be under one of its longest serving and most asking a number of important questions: the Treasury influential Chancellors of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown. New Labour has ● how has the Treasury changed since under New attempted to change how government 1997? operates and to reform the public ● why has it changed? sector. At the heart of this process is Her Labour Majesty’s Treasury. ● has it done a good job?

Professor Colin Thain, from the School “The Treasury is one of the oldest, “This is an exciting opportunity to of Economics and Politics, is set to most powerful and most controversial investigate the Treasury’s relationships carry out the first contemporary study departments in British government. It with other departments, other important into the role of the Treasury under is responsible for deciding how much organisations (such as the Bank of New Labour. of taxpayers’ money should be spent England), and the devolved administrations on public services (such as health and in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. I will Professor Thain has secured funding of education), how much money is devolved be interviewing officials, politicians, over £400,000 from the Economic and to Northern Ireland, how the money ministers, and academics to broaden Social Research Council to carry out the should be raised in taxes, how the our understanding of a very important research. Professor Thain said: economy should be managed to improve department.” Professor Thain added.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 3 university news

President McAleese Visits Magee

Irish President Mary McAleese delivered a powerful and inspiring message at the Magee campus in December 2006 as she gave the latest in the Tip O’Neill Peace lecture series.

Taking as her theme “All Peace is Local”, the President said: “Northern Ireland is within a whisper of devolution and a new dawn. Other parts of the world where there was only fear, hatred and no end in sight to the violence were looking on, to see if the politics of partnership and peace would make it across the line. President McAleese said Northern Ireland had a strong “But this is the most liberated and the best educated generation entrepreneurial tradition, a rich multifaceted culture drawing on ever to inhabit the island. It has the brain-power to know the the deep wells of Irish, British and Scottish tradition. past as a mess and the skill to clean the mess up effectively. But just at the point where its most educated generation ever “It has the heart power to recognise the loss and waste that appeared, it slid into the troubles and never had, until now, the come out of conflict and the passion to heal and reconcile.” chance to reveal its fullest potential and harness all its talent in a unified, civic society. Welcoming President McAleese to the campus, Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said: “We are continuing the tradition Even though access to free second level education in the south of the Tip O’Neill lecture series which has brought international came 25 years later than in the north, there was no mystery as distinction and recognition to the University, this campus at to what that education revolution unleashed into Irish society. Magee, this city of Derry and the region that we serve.” The Ireland built as a result was the success story par excellence of the European Union. He praised the tireless work Professor Hume has carried out on behalf of peace and the University, and the support provided to President McAleese’s speech is available for download at the Chair by the Ireland Funds. www.publicaffairs.ulster.ac.uk/podcasts/TipO’Neill.doc MSc IN AGRI-FOOD DEVELOPMENT

Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector must raise its game Strong support from the new programme is coming from if it is to survive in an increasingly competitive national leading players in the sector, including Trefor Campbell, MD and international business environment. of Moy Park, who said the new programme was a shining example of what was needed by the sector: That was the message from UU marketing and entrepreneurship academics and private sector business leaders “It is absolutely brilliant, and Moy Park is very proud to be who came together at the Jordanstown campus in November able to support it with sponsorship for the next three years”. 2006 to launch Northern Ireland’s first MSc degree in Agri-Food Business Development. Dr Mark Durkin, Head of the School of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy advises that demand for this Agri-Food is a key commercial sector for Northern Ireland, said programme is expected to be high so anyone interested MSc Programme Director, Dr Gillian Armstrong of the School of should contact the School directly. He said: Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy: “That Babson College, the world’s no.1 entrepreneurship “The agri-food industry is the largest element of Northern educator is partnering with us on this initiative, will only Ireland’s private sector, and is a huge employer right through add to the demand for places. By integrating the best in the food chain – from producers to processors, distributors and retailers. It is immensely valuable to the economy and is deeply marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship thinking this rooted in the region’s culture. programme will really help companies develop their agri-food businesses and enhance profitability.” “But increasingly – and especially with European policy reforms, we have come to a point where a transformation strategy for Further details about the programme and an application change within the industry is vital – or the sector will shrink as form can be found at www.ulster.ac.uk/foodforthought leaner, hungrier competitors capture our markets.” PODCAST: Dr Gillian Armstrong, Trefor Campbell and Dan This new level of business development education now being Flinter on the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s delivered by the University focuses on the key and interdependent Agri-food sector: www.publicaffairs.ulster.ac.uk/ areas of marketing, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. podcasts/AgriFood2.mp3

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UU Professor to Chair NI Coastal Inaugural Chancellor’s Lecture Leading UK human rights She has used many public platforms and Marine Forum lawyer Baroness Helena – including the House of Lords, to which Kennedy delivered the inaugural she was elevated in 1997 – to argue Professor Andrew Cooper, Chancellor’s Lecture at the Belfast with passion, wit and humanity for Co-Director of the Centre for Coastal campus in January 2007. The social justice. She has also written and and Marine Research in the School theme of her address was ‘Law and broadcast on a wide range of issues, of Environmental Sciences, has been Democracy in a Changing World.’ from medical negligence to the rights of appointed Chair of Northern Ireland’s women and children. first Coastal and Marine Forum. Helena Kennedy QC is one of Britain’s most prominent lawyers. She has The annual Chancellor’s Lecture has been The Forum, launched by the Department spent her professional life giving voice established by the University in order of the Environment in November 2006, to those who have least power within to offer a platform for distinguished will assist government in the delivery of an the system, championing civil liberties contributors to public life to offer their integrated programme of coastal and promoting human rights. views on issues of major public importance. zone management.

“There is huge pressure on our coastal resources but they are finite and if we don’t manage them in an integrated way we may lose much that is of value,” said Professor Cooper.

“We also have to consider future generations and ensure that we don’t leave the coast in a worse state than we found it”.

A recently published European Environment Agency report on the state of Europe’s coasts showed major changes in the patterns of land-use over the past ten years. Most dramatic was the increase in areas of development at the expense of agricultural and semi-natural areas.

“When we deal with the coast on a sector by sector basis we often don’t get the LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS best value from our limited resources – only by considering all the options and selecting the best one can we achieve OF THE FUTURE CHOOSE UU a sustainable future for the coast,” said Professor Cooper. The University has developed a “The RPA will have a significant impact. new leadership programme for Organisations will be larger, have more “The forum offers a means of achieving high-flying executives in Northern powers and bigger budgets but with integration in coastal management and Ireland’s emerging local government no less accountability. Councils will thereby ensuring we get the most from bodies, including the seven more than ever have to work across our coast - that is our ultimate goal.” proposed new super-councils. boundaries and sectors and this will require new leadership approaches.” The Business Institute at the University has teamed up with the Local The programme leads to the award of Government Staff Commission, the highly acclaimed MSc in Executive Deloitte and Boston College to Leadership, which private sector develop the programme to help senior organisations such as Microsoft, Diageo managers in local government meet and AIB (UK) are using to support their the challenges which will flow from senior executive development agendas. the Government’s Review of Public Administration (RPA). For further details on the programme please contact: Richard O’Rawe, Adrian Kerr, Chief Executive of the Local Business Institute, Tel: 028 9036 8601 Government Staff Commission said: or email [email protected]

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 5 university news

Marine Irish Digital Atlas (MIDA) Mental Health

UU and University College Cork have worked together to launch a new online resource containing everything you ever wanted to know about the Conference coastline of Ireland. The University hosted a conference in October 2006 which The Marine Irish Digital Atlas (MIDA) offers access to a wealth of information on focused on young people with the marine and coastal environment, of interest to everyone from tourists to coastal mental health problems. managers, including over 115 maps, displaying the locations of features such as shipwrecks, marinas, ports and conservation areas using state-of-the-art open The event, organised by the source software. University’s Student Support Department and sponsored by Bank The interactive atlas also contains an information resource, MIDA InfoPort, which of Ireland, took place at the Hilton provides an insight into topics such as water-based tourism, natural coastal features, Hotel, Templepatrick. special habitats and a range of species, including seals, whales and dolphins. Guest speakers included Dr Dan Fisher, Developed over four years by the University of Cork’s Coastal and Marine Resources Executive Director of the National Centre and supported by the Republic’s Higher Education Authority, MIDA has Empowerment Centre, Massachusetts attracted researchers from across Europe and the United States to work on the project. and member of the White House The Atlas can be accessed online at http://mida.ucc.ie Commission on Mental Health, and Lord John Alderdice, Consultant This collaboration is supported by the Environment and Heritage Service, Psychiatrist in psychotherapy. Northern Ireland. Dr Fisher described the types of changes in mental health practices which implement the principles WINTER GRADUATION CEREMONIES BUGGED of recovery while Lord Alderdice focused on the internal and external There was no cause for alarm as the bugs in question were not of the electronic variety challenges to the mental health of but a fun means of raising awareness of the role of the University’s Convocation in young people. representing the views of its graduates. Over the three days of graduation several hundred bugs, bearing Convocation’s website address, were distributed along with cards Sue Steging, Head of Student Support inviting feedback on any aspect of the University’s life and work. Subsequently these were said: “University support staff share entered into a draw with an iPod as the prize and Elayne Wingham, PG Dip Health and the concern about the high risk of Social Care, was the lucky winner. All in all this was a most successful way of engaging self-harm and suicide among some with graduates and the majority of comments received were very complementary. groups of young people. As the student population becomes larger However Convocation can act as a formal channel of communication only with the and more diverse it follows that participation of you its members. Ensure that your voice is heard by attending the AGM universities need to take a more active on 26 April and consider standing for election to the Executive Committee. Your input is role in support. Mental health issues important to the current and future well being of the University. can often provoke anxiety and as a result be presented in a negative light, For further information and an agenda for the AGM please contact: Sarah Stewart, this conference focuses very much on Development and Alumni Relations Office at Coleraine. Tel: 028 7032 4390 positive interventions.” or email [email protected] New Oaks for Arboretum Twenty new oak trees were planted in the University arboretum in December thanks to the generosity of Professor Peter Roebuck and Professor Lester Lamon.

Professor Peter Roebuck, former Provost of the Coleraine campus, donated his recent retirement gift from his fellow Senior Officers for the purchase of nineteen trees for the University.

Professor Roebuck spearheaded the Millennium Arboretum project during his time as Provost of the Coleraine campus. Officially opened in 2002, the six-site arboretum is the only one of its kind in the UK or Ireland and the first in Northern Beth Lamon, Brett Campbell, Estates Officer, Ireland for over half a century. Professor Lester Lamon, Professor Peter Roebuck.

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Professor of Architecture Ruth Morrow very special sort of wall,” says Trish Belford Girli Concrete and textile designer Trish Belford from the School of Art and Design have employed a “We’ve also thought about using our variety of innovative techniques to create lava-lace designs (a combination of An exciting and innovative new the new material. concrete and lace), as a reference to product developed by the University’s Georgian architraves, it is very delicate Professor of Architecture and a Professor Ruth Morrow said: and quite sculptural. It’s as if the lace is textile designer were revealed in growing out of the concrete.” December 2006. “We are seeking to bring the technologies of concrete and textiles together in one Professor Morrow added: product in an integrated format. This is not simply about printing or imprinting on “This project is also about challenging the to the surface of concrete, but working production of concrete elements which are with the structure of the substance to mostly done to a technical specification create a tactile end product.” but our challenge is to introduce a human performance spec into the production of The team have created a variety of concrete elements so that there is also a samples that include concrete mixed with kind of physical response and an aesthetic lace, velvet, pearls and a variety of other response to the material rather than just textiles. The reaction from industry leaders whether or not it actually functions. has been positive. “We mix two industries which are at the “The applications for this material could heart of Northern Ireland, textiles and Professor Ruth Morrow and Trish Belford. be for walls or tiles. It’s a process that construction. This project looks at two Girli Concrete is a unique material that could be used right across any building industries and brings that knowledge transforms concrete into an exciting and product line. We think it is prime process and skill together in a way that’s really tactile material, by combining it with delicate for bespoke one-off elements, it could unique, it roots the University within that materials such as lace, velvet and pearls. be used for a bar area or in foyer or for a local tradition.”

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 7 university news

BE OUTSTANDING

For anyone thinking about career advancement, Glenn Campbell, PhD in Intelligent Multimedia a career change, or just further study in an area of interest, UU offers a range of postgraduate “I would strongly encourage fellow graduates to consider study opportunities. Programmes offered range pursing the path of postgraduate study. In addition to the from Accounting to Science via Forensic Medicine, obvious advantages, such as improved career prospects, the Psychology, Fire Safety Management, Journalism, PhD programme offers many hidden bonuses to the student. Palliative Care and Cancer Healthcare. See the full list I have found that the ability to organise, plan my work and offered at www.ulster.ac.uk/postgraduate meet deadlines has greatly improved. Through my research I have been able to gain advanced knowledge of an area of The University offers a flexible approach to study, enabling interest to me. A PhD will open doors to employment and students to select the mode of study that best suits their open minds to knowledge.” work, family and other commitments. Courses are available to study on a full time or part time basis. We are also at the Sharon John, PGD/MA TESOL Programme forefront of developments in e-learning programmes, and if “My time at UU has been really rewarding in every aspect. I this suits your study needs, you can visit Campus One, our have gained training in teaching English as a second language virtual campus, at [email protected] followed by a teaching practice in Hungary - an experience I will remember for years to come. Ireland has to be one of By adding a postgraduate qualification to your existing the most beautiful countries in the world - a perfect setting undergraduate degree, you could secure promotion, or make for learning. Having met many people from across the world a complete career change. I would have to say, without a doubt, that the Irish are one of the most welcoming and friendliest people I have known.” This is what some of our recent postgraduate students say: Zhang Dong, Masters in Business Administration Dr Ian Ryans, Doctor of Medicine (MD) Haowing Financial Bureau “I decided to undertake a full research degree programme “During my time at UU I have gained valuable insight into at UU which has resulted in me being better informed on European and Western ways of doing business which will the treatment of patients, both in my work as a GP and in help me contribute to the future development of the Chinese the hospital.” economy. I have gained much knowledge and made many good friends and I will remember my time in Ulster with great Linsey McKitterick, MSc Management and Corporate affection for the rest of my life.” Governance/Grad ICSA “I enrolled for this programme as it has allowed me to study Sue Ward, MSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship a diverse range of subjects equipping me with the relevant Director of Marketing, Northern Ireland Tourist Board knowledge and skills required and a world wide recognised “I found great renewed energy for learning during my time qualification to enable me to pursue a career in the public studying for my Masters in Marketing at UU. We were sector, charitable and voluntary organisations. I have challenged to be active learners and encouraged to debate received tremendous support from my colleagues and and question the issues around theory and practice. I still lecturers, met a wide range of new people and have had keep in touch with several of my tutors and we still debate, a really enjoyable experience.” argue and pick each others’ brains.”

Postgraduate Programme – Part Time and Full Time Courses:

www.ulster.ac.uk/postgraduate Online Study opportunities: campusone.ulster.ac.uk Research/PhD Study: www.ulster.ac.uk/research

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Charabanc until 1990 when she left and anything less than their full commitment Honorary co-founded the DubbelJoint theatre group. to any venture and strive to achieve their goals. Perhaps her most widely-known, and performed, work is Stones in His Pockets, a “There are many people I see, Graduates play based on the idea of a Hollywood film particularly in sport, who are afraid to company filming a movie in a small Irish give 100% in what they do in case they Marie Jones, one of Northern Ireland’s village and the resulting impact on that find out that they are not as good as most acclaimed contemporary community. It won the 1999 Irish Times/ they seem. But you should not set any playwrights, and Former Olympic ESB Theatre Award for Best Production and limits in your head,” he said. triple jumper Jonathan Edwards were was nominated for three Tony Awards. awarded with honorary degrees “Every day is a constant shock. A shock during the winter graduations. Marie has also received the John Hewitt that I can’t believe I have achieved Award for outstanding contribution to what I have achieved. I feel the need to Marie Jones, awarded a Doctor of Letters, cultural traditions in the arts in Northern pinch myself sometimes. I always think, was born into a working class Protestant Ireland and in 2002 was awarded an OBE like I’m sure some of the academic family in 1955. Marie was an aspiring in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. personnel sitting behind me do, that actress for several years before turning her some day someone is going to catch hand to writing. PODCAST: listen to Dr Jones’s acceptance me out and realise that I am not as speech: www.publicaffairs.ulster.ac.uk/ good, or as smart, as I appear to be; podcasts/MarieJones.mp3 and everything will come crashing down around me.”

Jonathan Edwards was awarded an honorary Doctorate of the University. In thanking the University for the award, Dr Edwards offered a humorous apology to his fellow graduates saying: “You have all worked so very hard for three or four years to get here today and all I have done is hop, skip and jump.”

Jonathan Edwards won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, and at the European Cup in 1995 he set a world record in the Triple Jump of 18.29 metres, which has never been beaten. At the age of 15 she wrote to a local director asking for a part in his play and At one point in 2002, he held all the gold for several years she tried to make the medals for the four major championships break-through as an actress. But she – Olympic Games, World Championships, and her friends became increasingly Commonwealth Games and the European Following his retirement from disillusioned at the lack of challenging Championships. competition in 2003, he has had a roles for local actresses in the Northern successful broadcasting career as a Ireland theatre and in 1983 they founded Jonathan said that the graduates’ test now sports commentator and host of BBC’s the Charabanc Theatre Company, an all was not to let their achievements define Songs of Praise. women touring group. their character but to face new challenges and overcome these. PODCAST: listen to Jonathan Edwards’ The group’s first play, Lay Up Your Ends, based on a strike by mill girls in the The Olympic gold medallist went on to acceptance speech at: early part of the 20th Century, was an offer words of encouragement to the class www.publicaffairs.ulster.ac. immediate hit. Marie remained with of 2006 and said they should never give uk/podcasts/JonathanEdwards.mp3

Seawright Appointed To UU Photography Chair

Professor Paul Seawright, former Professor of Photography and Dean of Art, Media and Design at the University of Wales, Newport, has been appointed to a newly established Professorship in Photography at the University. Professor Seawright holds a Diploma in Art and Design from UU.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 9 university news Marketing Excellence Awards Ulster-India “Any forward-thinking company “It was a lot of hard work – but it was would see the University of Ulster something I was really interested in – and I as a repository of amazing got great results from driving the project Research marketing talent.” forward and working on my own initiative.” Collaboration That was the message from web Head of School Dr Mark Durkin said: entrepreneur and UU graduate Professor Conor MacCarrick of Propertynews.com “These awards are designed to reward Scientific collaboration between to invited guests as he addressed the excellence in the programmes of study UU and the Indian Institute of inaugural Marketing Excellence Awards the students have undertaken. We Technology Bombay on research hosted by the University’s School of hope that this will be the first of many which could revolutionise the Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy. events celebrating outstanding student testing of patients for heart attacks achievement on these programmes.” has been recognised through a Held at the Jordanstown campus, the national UK research award. event brought staff, students, parents Award winners were: and business partners together The award was made under the to celebrate exceptional student Millward Brown Ulster Award for UK-India Education and Research achievement on the BSc Marketing and Excellence (BSc Hons Marketing): Initiative which supports joint MSc in Marketing and Entrepreneurship Shakheera-Lee Wright research by academics from both programmes – and to recognise the value countries and is part of the biggest of close relations between the University Millward Brown Ulster Award for ever education initiative between the UK and India. and the business community. Excellence (MSc Marketing and Entrepreneurship): Jonathan Gallagher Researchers from the University’s Six students from all over Northern Northern Ireland Tourist Board Award for Nanotechnology and Integrated Ireland received awards. The prizes were Excellence (BSc Hons Marketing): Bio-Engineering Centre (NIBEC), sponsored by some of Northern Ireland’s Orla Finnegan led by Professor Jim McLaughlin, leading enterprises including WrightBus, and the Centre for Research in Propertynews.com, Millward Brown, RW Pierce Award for Excellence (BSc Hons Nanotechnology and Science at IIT Pierce Ltd and the NI Tourist Board. Marketing): Jennifer Sharp Bombay will work together on the development of low-volume whole- BSc student Shakheera Lee-Wright Property News Award for Excellence (BSc blood sensors. received an award for Best Dissertation. Hons Marketing): Claire Waters Working with Bryson House, her project The sensors will monitor cardiac focused on the marketing of charities Wrightbus Award for Excellence (MSc enzymes to aid in the diagnosis of a using marketing savoir-faire to increase the Marketing and Entrepreneurship): cardiac attack, determine its severity yield from gift giving and donations. Clare Oliver and Jonathan Gallagher and monitor recovery afterwards. Eventually such sensors could be used to test for a range of possible diseases or clinical conditions.

The collaboration will also involve the exchange of staff and students and follows on from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions in April last year. The two institutions agreed to research co-operation in nanotechnology, wireless technology, network communications and modelling of micro-fluidics.

The UKERI standard award was one of 25 awarded and was chosen from 250 proposals throughout the UK and India.

UU and IIT Bombay first came together in October 2004 during an InvestNI Trade Mission to India.

From Left: Conor MacCarrick, Proprtynews.com; Best e-marketing student Claire Waters and Mark Durkin.

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Your Sofa, Your Online Campus... You can study for a Masters degree at the University of Ulster without ever attending campus. Online study allows you to balance your study commitments with other important areas of your life and can be more cost effective than traditional study because you don’t need time away from work. Students from over 45 countries have already decided that Campus One has the course for them, have a look at what we can offer you.

Postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas & Masters programmes: • Arts & Culture • Engineering • Earth & Environmental Sciences • Healthcare & Medicine • Education & Lifelong Learning • Research

For more information e-mail: [email protected] or go to our website:

www.campusone.ulster.ac.uk/graduate

UU top for eLearning in Europe

Established in 2001 Campus One is the online campus ● Students are not limited by geography and of the University of Ulster. With an established track can study subjects where UU has an record in providing online postgraduate education, international reputation for research.

Campus One has 24 fully online programmes available ● Students do not have to leave their home or to students throughout the world. Our flexible approach workplace to study. enables students to decide when to study, allowing them ● Students have greater flexibility regarding study. to fit it around their career, family and other personal commitments. Campus One is regarded as one of the most ● The electronic medium brings students into innovative and well developed online education providers contact with other people whose experience and insights are valuable. in the UK and Europe (InnoUni Learning Project www.spi. pt/innounilearning). The Open University was the only ● No time is wasted in travelling and often other UK institution to be recognised by the project, which courses can be combined with employment. was supported by the European Commission to encourage innovative eLearning strategies in higher education. If you are interested in online study take a look at our website: www.campusone.ulster.ac.uk/graduate Online education at Campus One has a number of advantages over traditional campus-based education.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 11 innovation and enterprise

Support for Business Knowledge Club

Underpinning its vision “to be a What kind of feedback have you had Workshops - university with a national and from businesses that have used your international reputation for excellence, services to date? InvestNI START innovation and regional engagement”, We have a proven track record in the University of Ulster aims to delivering results to businesses and other Programme promote and support productive organisations. Feedback has been excellent interaction and partnerships with and many of the businesses that we have The Knowledge Club hosted a business, industry and the community. worked with have gone on to use our series of lunchtime workshops for services again. academics and industry wishing Driving this interaction is UU’s Business to collaborate to develop new Liaison Office. Eddie Friel, Manager of the Don’t take my word for it.... products and services, improve team spoke to The Ulster Graduate about the team’s role. “The Business Liaison team has provided business processes and to us with access to excellent support increase productivity. across a number of faculties at UU that has encompassed architecture, property The first workshop in this series in management, marketing and fine art. This January 2007 focused on Invest NI’s has made a tangible beneficial impact on our START Programme. work. It has also introduced us to a wider expert network that transcends multiple Eddie Friel, Manager of the Business disciplines. This support is unique and has Liaison Office said: “The University is proved to be extremely valuable to us”. keen to work in partnership with Gerry Cappa, Cloona Oasis Economic local companies in the research Units Ltd., Poleglass. and development of new products and services.” “As a direct result of KTP, the company has been transformed into a world-player “InvestNI’s START programme is an in the market sector. New processes important vehicle for supporting and materials were also developed and the transfer of new knowledge now the company is exporting to the and technologies from academia to US, Europe and Japan. Sales have almost business.” What the Business Liaison Office offers. doubled in these new markets. Eventually The team, which was formerly known export sales are predicted to amount to Dr. Abdul Al-Jibouri from Invest NI as Regional Services, is the first point twice the volume of sales in the UK.” explained how the START Programme of contact for businesses and other James Leckey Designs Ltd, Dunmurry, aims to increase the amount of organisations, including social enterprises, Belfast. KTP with the School of Electrical industrial research undertaken by who are interested in accessing University and Mechanical Engineering, UU. Northern Ireland based companies expertise and resources. At UU, we are either on their own, or in partnership committed to sharing the vast knowledge with Northern Ireland universities. gained through world-class research activity Where is the team located? The team has a base at each of UU’s four and excellence in teaching with business, A START project is a planned period of industry and the community. campuses, allowing us to offer a Northern Ireland wide service. research that aims to:

How does this work in practice? ● Gain new knowledge which will The team manages an organisation’s Who should UU graduates contact be used in the development of new interaction with the University bringing if they are interested in finding out products, processes or services together highly skilled individuals and more about how the University could teams at UU which understand your benefit their business? ● Bring about a significant business needs and who will work with improvement in existing products, you to find the best solutions. It’s a two For further information on how we can processes or services. way process and the University learns from help your business, contact the Business the interaction too. Liaison Office, tel: 028 9036 8019, or email: [email protected] or log onto A podcast of the event is available at What kind of help is available? http://oie.ulster.ac.uk the following link www.publicaffairs. There is a wide range of opportunities to ulster.ac.uk/podcasts work with us through Knowledge Transfer To request a copy of the latest edition of Programmes (KTPs), networking through U2B, the Business Liaison team’s newsletter To join the Knowledge Club or register the Knowledge Club, student placements, for and about the business community or for an upcoming event go to http:// consultancy, training and development and to view the copy online go to oie.ulster.ac.uk/knowledgeclub research opportunities. www.ulster.ac.uk/u2b

12 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 innovation and enterprise

SCIENCE IN SOCIETY SEMINARS

24 April 2007 8 May 2007 19 June 2007 Dr Angus Dawson Dr Richard Ashcroft Dr Mark Sheehan Centre for Professional Ethics, Professor of Biomedical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, Oxford Keele University University of London University

Children’s Vaccinations: Best Is Biomedical Research Over- Unnatural Choices: Designer Children Interests and Parental Disagreement Regulated? Many scientific researchers Modern biotechnology offers the Parents generally have the greatest feel that biomedical research is excessively possibility for significant changes influence over decisions that affect their tied up in red tape, out of all proportion to the various reproductive options children’s welfare. However, in some to the real risks posed by most research. available to humans, including the cases, where the parents have disagreed In this seminar, Dr Ashcroft discusses potential for ‘designer children’. about whether or not to vaccinate whether we can get an objective grip on A common response to these their children, a court of law has “how much is too much” in the light of a technological developments is to claim ordered vaccinations to occur, justifying review of regulation he has conducted for that they are ‘wrong’ because they their decision as being in the ‘best the Medical Research Council. He discusses constitute interferences with nature. interests’ of the children. In this seminar different approaches to regulating a In this seminar, Dr Sheehan discusses Dr Dawson discusses the various range of risky activities and emphasises these claims in relation to designer arguments in these cases and reflects the relationship between regulation and children and asks if the concept of upon their wider impact on public policy ethical principles as an alternative way of designing children is acceptable under in relation to vaccinations. producing “good” outcomes. any circumstances.

The above seminars will take place at 7.30pm on the Coleraine campus. For more information contact Sinead Cassley on 028 7032 3276 or see www.ulster.ac.uk/scienceinsociety Sponsored by Bank of Ireland.

INNOVATIVE THINKING, BETTER BUSINESS IN LISBURN The Innovation Promoters Programme Alderman Edwin Poots, Chairman of the innovation and knowledge transfer, and is a dynamic new initiative designed Economic Development Committee at overall local economic growth.” to place innovation and research at Lisburn City Council says: the core of business development by To find out more please contact helping businesses in the Lisburn City “This project will strengthen linkages Elaine Lackermeier, Council area to innovate in order to between the Council, the University and Business Liaison Officer on maximise growth. local businesses with a view to improving 028 9036 8402 or email local business growth, opportunities for [email protected] The Innovation Promoters programme, developed in partnership by UU and Lisburn City Council, assists businesses to identify appropriate new technologies, processes, systems or products which will add value, and improve overall business competitiveness and profitability.

Jonathan Wallace, Director of Knowledge and Technology Transfer for the Faculty of Engineering comments:

“Typically the University will undertake initial scoping projects with the business to test feasibility of a new business concept, test the physical prototyping of a new product or service, or identify a new process or service before applying Dennis McKeag, Professor of Product Development, UU; Alderman Edwin Poots, Lisburn City Council; Andrew for support or funding for further Robinson, Boomer Industries; Hazel King, Lisburn City Council; and Jonathan Wallace, Director of Knowledge and development.” Technology Transfer.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 13 development and alumni relations

DERRY AND RAPHOE DIOCESAN LIBRARY PROJECT Over £17,000 has been raised by 2004 and the books were relocated to available to view online. All Society the Adopt A Book campaign, which the purpose-built Rare Books Room at the members will also receive regular was launched at a special event at Magee Learning Resource Centre. newsletters on the Library. the Magee campus in November The Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Library to rescue the Derry and Raphoe project will simultaneously restore books For further information on the Derry Diocesan Library. in the collection and train a team of book and Raphoe Diocesan Library project, conservators whilst facilitating a range visit www.derryraphoelibrary.org. The fundraising evening, which was of outreach activities to bring the books To make a donation to the project hosted by BBC personality and UU to a wide audience. It is hoped that once and for other fundraising enquiries, alumnus Gerry Anderson, is part of a the project is complete, the books will be please contact Veronica Farrell on 028 joint project between the University and accessible for research and learning and 7032 4204 or email va.farrell@ulster. the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe to the paper conservation skills developed ac.uk For enquiries regarding access secure funds for the project. by the project will redress a specialist skills to the collection, please contact Joe shortage in the region. McLaughlin on 028 7032 4671 or email There are over 5,600 pamphlets and [email protected] books in the collection, which range The project will cost around £736,000. in date from around 1480 to 1900. The Heritage Lottery Fund will award the In addition to specialist material on project £500,500 (subject to a successful theology (Church of Ireland, Catholic, stage 2 funding bid) and although there Jewish and other religions) the Library has been significant investment by the comprises works on the classics, University and donations received from geography, gardening, agriculture, various foundations, trusts and individual medicine and languages. Most are in a donors, a shortfall of approximately poor state of repair due to the ravages £61,000 remains. The bid team is actively of time and a previous lack of resources tackling this fundraising target. All donors to manage the library in a conservation- will enjoy membership of the Derry and led way. Raphoe Diocesan Library Society. Society members’ names will feature on book 14 the ulster graduate l autumn 2006 The management of this unique conservation boxes and on the Project’s collection was officially handed over Roll of Honour, which will be positioned Gerry Anderson with members of the historical re- by the Diocese to the University in at the Magee campus and is currently enactment group War of the Three Kingdoms Society. $10,000 Raised at Boston Fundraiser

A special fundraising event, organised by the University of Ulster New England Alumni Association, (UUNEAA) was held on 13 September 2006 at the British Consulate in Boston to raise money for the Boston Step-Up to the University of Ulster Scholarships.

Hosted by British Consul-General John Rankin, the event attracted a number of dignitaries and invited guests. The University was represented by Professor Bill Clarke (Provost of Jordanstown and Belfast) and Veronica Farrell, Development Services Manager. A related Gala Dinner was held the following evening by the Irish Chambers of Commerce USA and approximately $10,000 was raised through both events.

The Boston Step-Up to the University of Ulster Scholarships are merit based and provide funds to support a student who has progressed successfully through the Step-Up programme and has secured a place at the University of Ulster.

For more information on the Step-Up Programme please contact Dr Damien O’Kane, Head of Access and Educational Partnerships on 028 7137 5475 or email to [email protected]; L-R John Rankin – British Consul General; Paul Dwyer – UUNEAA; www.ulster.ac.uk/aep/stepup/index.html Professor Bill Clarke – Provost, UU

14 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 development and alumni relations

DERRY AND RAPHOE DIOCESAN LIBRARY PROJECT ALUMNI Ulster Bank Supporting EXCELLENCE Your Alma Mater

Ulster Bank have pledged their support of the University of Ulster through AWARDS the sponsorship of The Ulster Graduate and a range of other activities at the University. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, and representatives from Five students were presented Ulster Bank met in January 2007 to sign the partnership agreement which will be with Alumni Fund Academic in place for the next three years. Excellence Awards at a ceremony on the Jordantown campus in January 2007. The awards are made to the undergraduate student with the highest average mark in each Faculty at the end of their first year.

The Awards are for £500 (half of which is in the form of book tokens).

The students who received the awards are: Carly Dalrymple, BSc Hons Management, Coleraine David McMillan, BSc Hons Biomedical Science with Diploma in Professional Practice, Coleraine Professor Richard Barnett and Stephen Cruise, Regional Manager – Personal, Ulster Bank Jonathan Synnott, BSc Hons Computing Science, Jordanstown Deborah Magill, LLB Hons Law with Accounting, Magee By credit card - donations can be made using Gift Aid, your gift will be increased Colm Duffin, over the telephone by calling the Alumni by the Inland Revenue by 28p for every BA Hons Irish Language and Literature, Office on 028 9036 8350 or through our £1 you give. If you are a higher rate Coleraine web pages at http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk/ taxpayer you can claim back 18p in every alumnifund.html £1. This means that a donation of £100 These awards are funded by the from you is worth £128 to us, and if you Alumni Fund, which is supported By Standing Order – we can send you a are a higher rate tax payer only costs you by alumni, staff and friends of the form or you can download one from http: £76.92. All you need to do is tick the Gift University. The Alumni Fund supports //alumni.ulster.ac.uk/alumnifund.html Aid box. Further details of Gift Aid are on scholarships and grants in the areas our website. (USA Donors – Donations to of Travel, Financial Hardship, Sport, Gift Aid - Just £10 a month for three years, the American Friends are tax-deductible Academic Excellence and students with with Gift Aid, is worth £460.80 to us. By to the extent allowed by law). a disability.

We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the fund so far.

If you would like to learn more about the Alumni Fund, our Campaign leaflet is available at http://alumni.ulster. ac.uk/alumnifund.html

You can donate by the following methods: By cheque - made payable to the ‘University of Ulster Foundation’. (USA Donors - cheques should be made payable to ‘The American Friends of the University of Ulster’). Colm Duffin, Jonathan Synnott, Professor Jim Allen, Deborah Magill, Carly Dalrymple and David McMillan

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 15 alumni events and reunions

Many Voices Festival Irish Alumni of Literature New Year Party The Alumni Association again supported the Many The Sugar Reef in Great Windmill Street, London was Voices Festival of Literature, held at the Coleraine the setting for the third Irish Alumni New Year Party in campus in February 2007. February 2007.

The Festival, now in its fourth year, is run in partnership by Around 160 graduates from Irish universities and ITs came the Cultural Development Department and the School of together to enjoy a relaxed evening and meet friends old Languages and Literature. The Alumni Association sponsored and new. two events on Saturday 24 February, a poetry writing workshop and a poetry reading with music. A raffle was held to raise money for the London Irish Centre in London, and £190 was raised. Our thanks to the The creative writing workshop ‘Filling the White Page’ was participating institutions who all donated prizes, and to Bank of Ireland who sponsored the event. taken by UU alumna Kate Newmann (MA Modern Literature and Drama 1991, Coleraine) who is also a graduate of King’s Further events are planned for London later this year, so if College, Cambridge. The event was a sell-out, and proved to you are interested in hearing about them please contact the be a very successful session. Alumni Relations Office with your email address.

Kate has published the Dictionary of Ulster Biography, a collection of poetry, The Blind Woman in the Blue House and a CD, How Well Did You Love?.

This was followed by a Lunchtime Reading by Kate with a musical accompaniment by another UU graduate, Bill Campbell. Bill (BA Hons Music 1987, MPhil Music 1996, Jordanstown) performed his settings to some of the poems as well as solo guitar pieces. The combination of Kate’s voice and words and Bill’s music was hauntingly beautiful.

Bill has produced a CD, Reed Bed, with the poet Dermot Healy and Concorde. He is a lecturer in music at the Belfast Institute and is a member of the Brian Irvine Ensemble.

For information on events organised by the Cultural Development Department see www.culture.ulster.ac.uk/events.pthml It’s not what you do..... Image is everything! Despite gale force winds and driving rain there was a large audience for Billy Dixon’s Dress for Success event. As a master of the psychology of social situations Billy offered advice as to how to escape the party bore, appear confident when faced with a room of strangers and be aware of the body language that signals someone is attracted to you. The male equivalent of Trinny and Susannah he suggested ‘what not to wear’ and gave tips on how attention can be focused away from problem areas. On a more serious note he also emphasised the importance of positive reinforcement in developing self esteem in both adults and children. This was an excellent event, both thought provoking and fun and the Alumni Association would like to thank Ulster Bank for their sponsorship which made it possible.

16 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 alumni events and reunions

The Thirty Year Ad Break Magee 6.30pmIn November, 26 April advertising 2007 guru Billy currentlythe look, Creativesmell and Director taste of of three Leo Burnettwhite Mawhinney gave a fascinating talk Ltdand in three London, red wines part of and the there world’s will fourth be Anabout exclusive the Winehighs Tastingand lows for of UU his alumni 30 largest communications company. Reunion, willyears be held working on Thursday in the advertising 26 April 2007 at Berryindustry. Brothers Illustrated & Rudd withat 4 Harry30 television Street, Classes of Dublinadvertisements 2. which reflected his career, Billy gave a real insight into what Thefactors tasting influence will take the place advertising in the glorious we see 1987 and 1997 oldand wine how cellar it has of thechanged Berry overBrothers time. & Would you like to revisit the Rudd Building, just off Grafton Street. A Magee campus and see your wineBilly connoisseur graduated willfrom tutor UU withthe group a BA on former classmates? Hons Graphic Design and has since held senior posts at a number of creative Former students of Magee who agencies, including J Walter Thompson graduated in 1987 and 1997 are and Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Billy is warmly invited to a reunion to take place on Saturday 14 April 2007 at the Magee campus. Alumni Association Table Quiz The programme is: 3.00pm Tea/Coffee in Minor Hall Seven teams took part in a battle of wits We will be organising another quiz later 3.30pm Presentation about recent at the second Alumni Association Table this year, check the website for details. and future developments Quiz, held at the Wellington Park Hotel at Magee in November. Questions ranged across 4.30pm Campus tour subjects including sport, music, geography, 7.00pm Pre-dinner drinks film and TV and general knowledge. The 7.30pm 3 Course Dinner in eventual winners were the incorrectly Great Hall named ‘The Dunnos’ who scored 70 points out of a possible 100. Tickets are £30 per person (including wine). The evening proved to be very enjoyable. We would like to thank everyone who This is a great opportunity to revisit old participated. Thanks also to everyone who memories and create new ones. provided prizes, helping us raise £135 for the Alumni Fund. For further information and to book please contact the Alumni Relations Many thanks to: The Wellington Park Office on 028 9036 8350 or email Hotel, Lord Diljit Rana, the Europa Hotel, Alumni Relations Manager, Sue Rees with the winning [email protected] BT UU’s Sports Centre and Ovation NI. team ‘The Dunnos’.

FOURTH UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER GOLF CHALLENGE

Thursday 14 June 2007, Galgorm Castle Golf and Country Club

The fourth University of Ulster Golf Challenge will be held on Thursday 14 June 2007 at Galgorm Castle Golf and Country Club. This popular event is being organised by the University of Ulster Alumni Association, supported by the University’s Golf Bursars. The event is open to graduates, students, staff and friends of the University.

A BBQ will be provided on the 9th green, as well as a two course meal and prize presentation in the club-house in the evening.

The entry fee is a very reasonable £35 (with a reduced rate of £30 for students). The competition is an individual and a team event (Stableford format), in which both males and females will compete for the magnificent Tyrone Crystal trophy. There will also be a number of other prizes.

Booking forms are available at http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk/eventsandreunions.html or from the Alumni Relations Office on 028 9036 8350 or email [email protected]

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 17 alumni events and reunions

Information on all our events Alumni Event Northern Ireland and reunions, both past and present, in Northern Bureau Washington DC Ireland or elsewhere, are listed on our website at 29 June 2007 DC on Friday 29 June 2007 from http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk/ 5.30pm-7.30pm. The University is organising an informal eventsandreunions.html event in Washington DC for all former We look forward to welcoming alumni students of the University living in North from across the USA who are taking America. Alumni Relations Manager, the opportunity to ‘Rediscover Northern Sue Rees, will be joined by a number of Ireland’ at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. other staff from the University to share PARENTS memories of UU and enjoy a little bit of For further information, and to book Northern Ireland in Washington DC. a place contact the Alumni Relations The event will take place at the Office, email [email protected] ADVICE Northern Ireland Bureau, 601 Thirteenth fax 01144 28 9036 6085 or Street NW, Suite 570 South, Washington, tel 01144 28 9036 8350 EVENINGS

Do you have a son or daughter 1970s Reunion – Coleraine Campus intending to go to University? Are you puzzled about tuition fees and 23 - 24 August 2007 student loans? Would you like to know more about the application A reunion is being organised for alumni procedure? who graduated from the Coleraine campus in the 1970s. The reunion will include a If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of the tour of the campus, lunch and a reunion above then we can help. Our Parents dinner. There will also be optional activities Advice Evenings, specially arranged during the Saturday afternoon including for UU alumni, will give you the a tour of the Arboretum and a boat trip. opportunity to hear from a panel of Invitations will be sent out to all relevant experts about tuition fees, student alumni for whom we have an address, but loans, bursaries and scholarships, please put the date in your diary now. University accommodation and other aspects of student life. Why not contact your classmates and arrange to come as a group. The first advice evenings will be held at the Coleraine campus on 15 May 2007and the Jordanstown campus on 17 May 2007.

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER To register please contact the Alumni Relations Office on 028 9036 8350, CONVOCATION email [email protected] Please feel free to invite a guest/guests (who need not be UU alumni). ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and REUNION OF MEMBERS West Coast USA Thursday April 26, 7.15pm The British Consul-General to Los Boardroom Jordanstown campus Angeles has kindly agreed to host a reception for UU alumni living on the Guest speaker Professor Clive Mulholland on West Coast of the USA in the spring. ‘Developments in the University’s Virtual School’ If you are living on the West Coast, or know of alumni who are, please let the Alumni All Graduates, Diplomates, and members of the University’s Relations Office have the correct contact academic and academic related staff are invited to attend. details so that we can ensure that invitations are sent out to all the alumni in the region.

18 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 alumni events and reunions

DUBLIN TASTING OF AUSTRALIAN WINES AND BUFFET SUPPER WINE 6.30pm on 3 May 2007, Jordanstown campus TASTING Wine experts Agnes Murray and Gary Elliott will present an illustrated tour of 6.30pm 26 April 2007 Australian vineyards, featuring six wines, including information on Australian An exclusive Wine Tasting for UU viticulture and vinification. This is a alumni will be held on Thursday 26 great opportunity to learn more about April 2007 at Berry Brothers & Rudd Australian wines with two experts from at 4 Harry Street, Dublin 2. the University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The tasting will be The tasting will take place in the followed by a buffet supper. glorious old wine cellar of the Berry Brothers & Rudd Building, just off Tickets cost £15 and must be booked in Grafton Street. A wine connoisseur advance. Contact the Alumni Relations will tutor the group on the look, Office on 028 9036 8350 or email smell and taste of three white and [email protected] to book. A vineyard in Eden Valley, Australia. three red wines and there will be an opportunity to purchase from the comprehensive selection of wines.

We hope that this will be the first Working with Eastern Europe of a series of wine tasting sessions, with the second one to be held in 6.30pm 10 May 2007 at the presentation, which will be followed by September 2007. Jordanstown campus a panel question and answer session.

Berry Bros & Rudd Organised by the UU Alumni Speakers will include: Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd Association, in partnership with the opened its Dublin wine shop in 1999. University’s Knowledge Club. ● Suzanne Hill, Director - Handel Export Located in the former Weights and This seminar is aimed at those in ● Alison McCann - Commercial Lawyer, Measures Office, built in 1880, it has organisations and businesses who are Parker Green International been fully restored and now houses interested in joint ventures with, and ● Maurice Mulvenna - University over 800 wines within its historic walls. exporting to, Eastern Europe. It will of Ulster A fascinating display in the shop of cover cultural and legal issues, and some of the original Standard Weights sources of help and information as For more information contact the & Measures, on loan from Dublin Civic well as examples from the personal Alumni Relations Office on 028 9036 Museum, is reminiscent of the giant experiences of businessmen or 8350 email [email protected] or scales which dominated Berrys’ original women who have lived and worked go to http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk/ store in St. James’s Street, London. in the region. Each speaker will give a eventsandreunions.html Beneath the shop, atmospheric cellars contain an unbeatable selection of fine and rare wines. Sports Studies Golden Jubilee Reunion Costs (Subsidised by the Alumni Association) UU alumni €18.00 per person 13 October 2007, of photographs and memorabilia and a UU guest €25.00 per person Jordanstown campus reunion dinner in the evening. There will Maximum of 30 participants. also be the opportunity to play sport in the Bookings will be taken on a first To mark 50 years of the study of sport at afternoon for those who wish. come, first served basis. UU (including UCPE and Ulster Polytechnic) Please put the date in your diary now and we are organising a Golden Jubilee Contact tell all your classmates about this unique Reunion, to be held on the Jordanstown For further information and to chance to celebrate sports studies at UU. book contact: the Alumni Relations campus on Saturday 13 October 2007. Office on 028 9036 8350 or email For more information and a booking [email protected] Highlights will include a preview of the form see http://alumni.ulster.ac.uk/ new High Performance Centre, a display eventsandreunions.html

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 19 people - class notes

Margaret Conway, BSc scientific forum for the comparative evaluation of search engine technology. At Honours Construction the event in Maryland, USA, Jianhan took Engineering and part in the Enterprise Track Expert Search Management 2006, Task section. Jordanstown Unlike generic web search, which retrieves links to websites or documents, this search UUJ Graduate Margaret Conway was task was designed to return names of presented with the Chartered Institute individuals deemed by the search engine to of Building (CIOB) Annual Prize for Best be ‘experts’ in particular tasks. Overall Performance in the final year of her BSc Honours in Construction Engineering Jianhan’s work was judged the most and Management at the CIOB 2007 effective of 23 groups, including other Annual Lecture in January. Margaret is now internationally renowned research labs. working for Farrans Healthcare, a division of Farrans (Construction) Limited as Design Jianhan’s enterprise search engine – like Co-ordinator on the £33m Altnagelvin all others in his category – was tasked The breakthrough, set to revolutionise the South Block Phase 3 PRP project in with searching through more than five medical world, uses stem cells taken from Londonderry. gigabytes of data in more than 330,000 umbilical cords. documents. The goal was to run a search query to find experts on each of 55 topics Having worked with NASA scientists in from among a set of 1,082 people. Houston, Texas, the team were able to create the miniature livers which may Jianhan’s homepage is: now be used for drug and pharmaceutical http://kmi.open.ac.uk/people/jianhan testing, eradicating the need to test on animals and humans.

Colin, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Newcastle, said the transplant of a section of liver - grown from cord blood - could be possible within the next ten to 15 years.

Margaret Conway receiving the CIOB Annual Prize “A full transplant using a liver grown in a for Best Overall Final Year Performance from Noel McKee, Chairman CIOB Northern Centre (centre left). laboratory is decades away” he said. He Looking on are John Clarke (left), Director and Mark said the use of mini-livers could prevent Lowry (right), Joint Managing Director of Farrans another Northwick Park Hospital disaster, (Construction) Ltd. where six human guinea pigs almost died after taking an experimental drug.

Dr Jianhan Zhu, DPhil “We take the stem cells from the umbilical Informatics 2004, cord blood and make small mini-livers. We then give them to pharmaceutical Jordanstown companies and they can use them to test new drugs on. It could prevent the Dr Jianhan Zhu has beaten a strong field situation that happened earlier this year of international competitors in an annual when those six patients had a massive comparison of expert search engine reaction to the drugs they were testing.” technologies at a worldwide conference. Jianhan, originally from Beijing, was Professor Colin McGuckin, Colin and his colleague Dr Nico Forraz awarded a DPhil in 2004 for his dissertation have now co-founded a company called Mining Web site link structures for adaptive BSc Combined Science ConoStem and have teamed up with the Web site navigation and search. He is 1988, Jordanstown and Tyneside-based Centre of Excellence for currently a research fellow in the Open Life Sciences (CELS) to look at marketing University’s Knowledge Media Institute DPhil Biological and their work. and his research interests are information Biomedical Sciences 1992, retrieval, enterprise search, expert search, Colin has also been in the news recently in information extraction, named entity Coleraine his role as scientific advisor to Sir Richard recognition, association network discovery Branson for the newly announced Virgin from text, and web link structure mining. A tiny artificial liver has been grown from stem-cell bank. This will allow families to stem cells by UU graduate Professor store stem cells from their child’s umbilical His achievement came at the annual Text Colin McGuckin and a team of Newcastle cord to enable future use of the cells Retrieval Conference (TREC), the premier University scientists. for treatment.

20 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 people - class notes

Professor Paul Kennedy, Dawn Harbinson, BSc Hons and work. Put simply, facilitation means ‘the act of making easier’ and in my role BSc Hons Psychology 1982, Applied Psychology 2000, as facilitator, I help clients to explore DPhil 1995, Jordanstown Jordanstown and identify solutions to their problems and assist them in overcoming barriers, UU graduate Paul Kennedy, a Consultant Writing this, I find it difficult to believe that so that life becomes less stressful, more in Clinical Psychology at the world it’s almost eight years since I graduated. manageable and enjoyable. The emphasis renowned National Spinal Injuries Centre For the most part I really enjoyed the is very much on positive progression and has been made a Professor in recognition course, but still remember the sense of looking forward, rather than back. of his ground-breaking work in the field. dread I felt prior to the statistics and computing lectures. What I really detested Although Upturn Consultancy is still very Paul was conferred with the title Professor however, was giving presentations and much in its infancy, I believe that I made by the Distinctions Committee at Oxford undergoing training in interpersonal skills. the right decision in taking the plunge University from October 2006. He has a Sitting in front of a video camera and then into self-employment. Of course, the joint appointment between the Centre having to watch the playback to see how years spent studying psychology and my and Oxford University, where he is you presented in front of your peers can experiences thereafter have set me in the Academic Director of the Clinical be very daunting. good stead. I’m just looking forward with Psychology doctoral programme. interest to see what happens next .... After leaving Jordanstown I studied for a masters in psychology with the University For more information see: of Leicester and then headed to Cork to www.upturnconsultancy.com take up a research post. If I thought having to give presentations as an undergraduate was unnerving, I was petrified when at Dr Ronald W Bresland, BA very short notice, I was asked to give a lecture at the local cinema in Cork - yes Hons English 1992, MA - the cinema. Given that I am probably Anglo Irish Literature 1994, a few inches short of being five foot tall DPhil 2003, Coleraine He has contributed widely to the and the platform was some distance from the mass of students, armed with their understanding of the psychological Dr Ronald Bresland is one of the leading popcorn, I must have looked like a dot on adjustment of patients, publishing more authorities on CS Lewis’ Irish life and the horizon! However, experiences such than 70 peer reviewed scientific papers background. He was formerly a Cultural as this must have provided me with some and established the Needs Assessment Traditions Fellow of the Institute of much needed courage as I have since and Goal Planning Programme - (a multi- Irish Studies, at The Queen’s University presented in a number of countries and in disciplinary system of support that has won of Belfast (1997-98) and his book The front of very diverse audiences. healthcare awards and has been adopted Backward Glance: CS Lewis and Ireland by spinal injuries centres worldwide). (1999) explored the many connections From Cork I went to Durham to take up a between CS Lewis and Ireland. His Paul was also the first ever Clinical post as a psychologist with the Civil Service. doctoral thesis CS Lewis and the Irish Psychologist to work in the spinal Durham is a beautiful city and the people Imagination considers CS Lewis within injuries field in the UK, was awarded are fantastic and to this end I was happy, the wider tradition of Irish Literature. He the Distinguished Service Award by the but over time I started to think more and has lectured and contributed to radio and American Association of Spinal Cord Injury more about self-employment and I also television documentaries on CS Lewis in Psychologists and Social Workers in 2002 knew that I wanted to go home to Belfast. Ireland, the UK and US. and was the New South Wales Inaugural Spinal Fellow in 2005. On my return, I began to work on some Ronald has written the text of the ideas and these have recently come to Northern Ireland Tourist Board brochure “Thinking of the thousands of people fruition in the form of Upturn Consultancy. Northern Ireland: The CS Lewis Story I have interviewed, from a clinical or This is a professional service that offers (2005) and his illustrated book Travel with research perspective, the thing that strikes facilitation and training for individuals CS Lewis takes the reader on a tour of me most are the majestic achievements of and small groups, with the aim of helping the key sites associated with CS Lewis in ordinary people in getting on with their clients to achieve optimal well-being in life lives,” he said. Ireland and England and was published in 2006. Dr Bresland is currently working on “It is important that newly injured people CS Lewis: An Irish Companion. have access to factual information on coping and adjustment – we have also To download a copy of the brochure developed innovative treatments for Northern Ireland: The CS Lewis Story visit: anxiety and depression.” www.discovernorthernireland.com/ downloads/CSLewis.pdf Paul also says, “It is critical for practitioners to contribute to science and for those who For further information on Ronald visit: teach to also do.” www.cslewisinireland.com

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 21 people

The following awards were made at the Winter New Year Honours

Graduation ceremonies Staff member Cheryl Cunningham are as sharp as ever. The establishment in December 2006: and graduate and UU Council member of a new university from scratch was an Rosemary Peters-Gallagher received extremely exciting time, filled with energy Distinguished Learning Support awards in the New Year Honours list. and anticipation as we awaited the first Fellowships (Team Award) students in September 1968. Cheryl Cunningham Personal Development Planning “One of the most rewarding things is Cheryl Cunningham, who is Provost’s to welcome back past students to the Team Members secretary at the Coleraine campus, received campus. The earlier students arrived to a Mr Damian McGivern an MBE in recognition of almost forty windswept, exposed site and to listen to Dr Gordon Crawford years of dedicated professional service to their enthusiasm as they discover Professor Richard Millar the University. She was appointed to NUU how beautiful the grounds now are is Dr Peter Nichol on 4 December 1967 and for some years very fulfilling. Dr Colin Turner now has been the longest-serving full-time Dr Greg Kelly member of staff on the Coleraine campus. “Some of them actually make it up to my Mrs Roisin Curran office and look at me with disbelief that Dr Sarah Maguire Most of her early service was in the I am still here! It is so good to hear their School of Biological and Environmental news, what they have done with their DETI Broadband Flagship Project Sciences, with Professor Amyan lives and to talk nostalgically about their Team Members MacFadyen and then with Professor time here and all the changes that have Professor Martin McGinnity Palmer Newbould. She followed the latter taken place. Mr Michael Callaghan when he became Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Jim Harkin before the foundation of the University “To have been given this award was Mr Derek Woods of Ulster in October 1984, and then beyond my wildest dreams and I feel Mrs Maeve Paris continued as his Personal Assistant when immensely privileged and honoured to he subsequently became the first Provost receive it. Unbelievably I still have a few Distinguished Teaching of the Coleraine campus. more years to go so if there are any alumni Fellowship Award out there who remember me I would love Cheryl has continued in the Provost’s to hear from you and also to see you again Tim McLernon Office since then, working successively should you visit the Coleraine campus with Professors Findlay Swinton, Aidan sometime in the future.” Senior Distinguished Research O’Reilly, Peter Roebuck and the current Provost, Professor Alan Sharp. Rosemary Peters-Gallagher Fellowship Awards Cheryl said: Rosemary Peters-Gallagher was Professor Mairéad Nic Craith awarded the OBE for services to business Professor Michael McTear “I feel very privileged to have worked and the community in Northern Ireland. Professor Peter Flatt in this establishment for so long. What Rosemary graduated from the Coleraine Professor Owen Hargie started off as a job to earn me some campus in 1980 with a BSc Hons money before I went to America to work Economics with Accounting, and serves as Distinguished Research turned out to be a life-time commitment, a member of the University Court, Fellowship Awards and I don’t regret a minute of it. The Council and Audit Committee. She is a opportunity to meet so many people from partner in Moore Stephens Chartered Dr David Hassan all over the world, to mix with students Accountants and Registered Auditors and Dr Brenda O’Neill and staff from all different cultures and to Business Advisors. work with so many wonderful people has Distinguished Business been immensely stimulating and fulfilling. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Fellowship Awards Chartered Accountants in Ireland and “When I was appointed in 1967 my first a member of the Institute of Directors, Dr George McKerr job was to type a second draft of the New serving on the Professional Development Dr Neville McClenaghan University of Ulster’s charter on a manual Committee of the latter. typewriter, with carbon copies, in the Distinguished Community kitchen of the first administrative building. Rosemary is also a panel member of the Fellowship Awards This was a house called Fortview which Appropriate Authority, which deals with was situated in what is now the Daffodil the administration of criminal legal aid Professor Roy McConkey Garden and which eventually became the in Northern Ireland. She is also a Non- Professor Christine Liddell Student Health Centre. The house has Executive Director Northern Health and long gone but my memories of those days Social Services Board.

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First Trust Bank/University of Ulster Distinguished Graduate Award 2006/07

The First Trust Bank/University performed as part of the Orchestra’s 40th Graduate. This year’s trophy has of Ulster Distinguished Graduate birthday celebrations in the Waterfront Hall been designed and crafted by Angela Award 2006/07 has been awarded on 22 September 2006. Cathers, who graduated in July to composer Dr Brian Irvine. 2006 with a BA Hons in Fine and Brian is a passionate believer in the Applied Arts. Born in Belfast, composer Brian Irvine wider values involved in the creation is now widely regarded as one of the of new music and has conducted over Nominations are now being sought most innovative and successful young 500 workshops with nursery, primary, for the First Trust Bank/University of composers working in Ireland and the secondary, and third level students, Ulster Distinguished Graduate award UK today. His music, which reflects an amateurs, professionals, orchestras, for 2007/08. The award is made each interest in various and opposing musical disability groups, blind, unemployed, music year to an alumnus/alumna of the genres, has been performed throughout teachers, choirs, improvisers, teenager University ‘in recognition of outstanding Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA. offenders, rock bands, young, retired, achievement in their chosen field’. He has written instrumental, ensemble musical, not so musical ...the list goes on. Nominees may have graduated in and orchestral works and has composed He was instrumental in establishing the any year and from any course, from music for five film soundtracks. music department at the North Down and the University of Ulster or any of it’s Ards College ten years ago and has also predecessor institutions. Brian was awarded a DPhil in the area of been the music director for the Prince’s composition at the Jordanstown campus Trust NI for the last seven years. Nominations should be made on the in 2002. official nomination form and must be Each year, on the basis of a selection received no later than 1 September On 24 November 2006 Brian was from the final year show in the School 2007. presented with the British Composers of Art and Design, a work of art is Award for his Children’s Opera commissioned from a final year student. Forms are available from the Alumni The Tailor’s Daughter. The opera, This is then designed and created specially Relations Office or at http://alumni. commissioned by Welsh National Opera, for presentation to the Distinguished ulster.ac.uk/distingushed.html received its world premiere last April in the Wales Millennium Centre and is the first youth opera ever to have won the overall stage category. The awards are made by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, in association with Radio 3, the PRS Foundation and Making Music.

In 2003 he became the first Irish composer to be awarded the prestigious BBC Radio 3 Jazz Award for Best New Work. He has also been awarded the Major Individual Artist Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Bass Ireland Award, PRS Foundation Music Award, Belfast Millennium Arts Award and the MCPS Joyce Dixey Award for composition. In 2003 he was appointed as the first New Music Fellow for Scotland based at the Tolbooth in Stirling.

Earlier this year Brian took up an appointment as Associate Composer with the Ulster Orchestra and his Ciara Mallon, First Trust Bank; Angela Cathers, Dr Brian Irvine, Maureen Muldoon; First Trust Bank and work A Pocket Full of Kryptonite was Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 23 people

Humanitarian Worker Hannele Haggman

Hannele Haggman has recently been appointed as Health Officer for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva. Here she tells us a little about her current role and her past experience working around the world.

What will your role as Health Officer entail? The Health Officer is a part of the Human Resource department. The purpose of this position is to provide a professional service of health management for all staff in the field. So I’m giving health briefings with country specific information to all delegates prior to them going into the field. I also follow up on any illness contracted during missions, ensuring full and appropriate action is taken including medical evacuation. I am on-call all the Giving Seasonal Human Influenza vaccinations as a part of our Avian Influenza preparedness as recommended by time in case of any emergency. WHO for the local staff building new boats for fishermen in Banda Aceh, Indonesia in 2005.

I also participate in the development of You have worked in a number of in the Middle East and elsewhere what policies and guidelines on health issues difficult situations. Could you tell do you consider the key role of the including vaccinations and evacuation us something about your past IFRC to be in these situations? procedures. One of the key tasks is to be experiences? The mandate of the IFRC has a role in the a part of the psychosocial support team. My first mission was in Gujarat, India, after Red Cross Movement to help people in I participate in workshops and provide the devastating earthquake in Bhuj in 2001, the aftermath of natural disasters. We training on health issues and provide with the Emergency Response Unit (ERU). are active in the Middle East but the input for the health insurance plan. I also During four weeks we erected the field International Committee of the Red Cross maintain confidential statistics on field hospital tents and kept the 310 bed hospital (ICRC) has the lead role as this is a conflict staff health. open day and night. In 2003 I worked area. Obviously our presence and activities in Palestine as a programme manager are very much needed in the rebuilding You graduated with an MSc in Disaster “Securing regular primary health care service process of the country. Relief Nursing. What made you to selected populations in isolated and remote areas in the West Bank, Palestinian choose to study on this programme? How important do you think it is autonomous and Occupied Territories.” After graduating from nursing school I for the IFRC to have highly trained This ECHO (European Commission, did my Red Cross Basic Training Course specialists such as yourself on their to become an International delegate. Humanitarian Aid) funded task, including financial responsibility and a new reporting teams? The Disaster Relief Nursing programme Professional humanitarian workers are, was a way to obtain a masters degree style, was a new challenge for me. together with our Red Cross and Red in an area that really interested me. The Crescent volunteers, the most important unique approach with theory and practice On 27 December 2004, just one day tool we have. Training for all is something of humanitarian work including research after the devastating tsunami, I received we very much emphasise and thousands and three month placement in a disaster a request to join the ERU Basic Health of workshops are organised each year to setting felt just right. Being a part of a pilot Care team to go with them to Sri Lanka. improve skills. Career planning is discussed programme was both challenging I worked there for four weeks being and that requires more highly educated and rewarding responsible for the Out Patient Department. people in humanitarian aid work. Do you believe that the programme In September 2005, I went to Indonesia to has helped you in your career? work as a health delegate taking care of What advice would you give to others Yes I do, as my masters degree has been more than 300 expatriate delegates and interested in this area of nursing? always recognised and appreciated when 1,000 local staff. During eight months If you are interested in humanitarian aid applying for a position. It also helped me in I travelled to all 12 locations where the work and doing research in it, this is just networking as we met many experienced Red Cross is currently active with health, the right course for you. This gives the people in the field of humanitarian reconstruction and livelihood programmes. opportunity to meet a lot of professionals work during the Field Expert days and and learn about the challenges and International Conferences arranged as a The work of the IFRC is obviously very solutions in this work that is very much part of the course. important. Given the current situation needed today and in the future.

24 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 people

FOOTBALL MARKETEER GEOFF WILSON

Geoff Wilson is the Head of on. We also have a junior supporters’ 12,000 people. These ezines include Marketing and Communications at scheme and members get the chance to be interviews, features and news from the the Irish Football Association and in a mascot at international matches. Association. 2004 he graduated with a Masters in Marketing. “The IFA then launched a new website, “We’ve also conducted a fashion show, which is getting over 60,000 unique numerous launches – from grassroots After graduating from Queen’s he visitors each month with over a million and women’s football, to refereeing began a market research graduate page impressions every month and an and DVDs and have arranged various placement with BT and from here he online shop. But before the launch of the PR initiatives involving people such as had a number of different roles within shop the range of goods was expanded. the Northern Ireland Manager, Lawrie their marketing department, spanning Sanchez, and all these things have a period of nine years. “We never had things such as mugs or helped us to get positive stories into baby bibs or baby grows, so I decided the newspapers. And we have monthly During this time he gained experience to go to a manufacturer to produce and columns in 10 local newspapers.” across all aspects of marketing including expand the range of goods and then put market research, e-Marketing, campaign them online. The IFA recently appointed an official development and TV production. travel partner – Selective Travel – so if “The next stage happened last March when you’re preparing to head across Europe “While at BT I studied for my Masters at we opened the shop at Windsor Avenue to support Northern Ireland in the rest UUJ (over three years) and was able to – this has been a phenomenal success in of their Euro 2008 campaign they can combine the theory with the practice. terms of generating revenue - and when organise all your travel arrangements. I then decided to move to the IFA and supporters buy directly from us, money I think an awful lot of it was down to is going back in the Association which is Meanwhile January marked the official making a bigger impact but on a small then reinvested in grassroots football. launch of IFA Telecom. The new service, business,“ said Geoff. which is provided by Clarity Telecom, “We also launched a new strap line – ‘The offers both residential and business His current role at the Irish Football IFA – Bringing Communities Together’ packages and will benefit both the Irish Association involves building the IFA – because that’s vital, through football FA and the people of Northern Ireland. brand, merchandising, sponsorship and communities can be brought together.” It will also help generate savings public relations. and money for football/social clubs Getting the message out to supporters throughout the province. When he joined the Association in about all the good work that goes on August 2005 he spent two months within the Association is a key part of the Outside his work commitments Geoff doing total research, taking in the views Department’s strategy and “this is why we has spent time working with charities of fans, sponsors, staff and people who communicate with them on a regular basis in Nepal, Honduras and Romania. He are involved in football, such as players through a variety of ways including a enjoys playing football on a weekly and managers. bi-monthly marketing forum”, said Geoff. basis and in 1988 and 2001 became world champion at the Scottish Pipe He then set about developing a “Made up of IFA staff and Northern Ireland Band Championship. He is married to marketing strategy, with one of the fans the marketing forum allows us to Christine and they have a 15-month-old main aims being to market the brand find out what the fans think about what daughter Katie. in order to generate money for the we’re doing and in turn find out what they Association which could then be would like us to do. reinvested into football projects in Northern Ireland. “A number of PR, marketing and merchandising ideas have come about “We started to implement the strategy through the forum – including a in November 2005 when we launched merchandising roadshow, travel club for our Official Supporters’ Scheme supporters and members’ nights featuring – something which is very much key to legends of the past. the success of what we are trying to do,” said Geoff. “Last year we launched an IFA magazine – this is part of the membership scheme “And for £20 a year members get a but it can also be bought in newsagents in number of exclusive benefits, including Northern Ireland. The magazine gives us Geoff (Right) at the launch of the IFA Flybe/ 10% off IFA branded goods. The a printed way of getting our stories out to George Best Centres of Excellence which was held at UUJ. Geoff is pictured with Andrea Hayes, scheme also brings us closer to the fans, the fans – both current and potential fans. Flybe’s General Manager Market Development and and keeps them aware of what’s going In addition we send monthly ezines to over Fulham Manager, Chris Coleman.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 25 people Expedition Borneo

In April 2006 a team of scientists and the camp, filmed gibbons from a platform explorers accompanied by cameramen, in the highest treetops, heard orangutans producers and directors headed call from the dense foliage and came face into the heart of Borneo on a BBC to face with forest elephants. On night expedition to document the walks we saw tarsiers, tree frogs, forest bio-diversity of a forgotten canyon. geckos and mouse deer. George McGavin, Tara Shine (BSc Hons Environmental the expedition entomologist found insects Science 1994) reports: everywhere he went – even to the point of finding a huge Scorpion in the loo. The The aim was to collect as much expedition wasn’t without snakes either information as possible in four weeks – from cobras to pythons we came across on the wildlife living in Imbak canyon (a them all. remote area in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo). We hoped this would help to raise the Living in the jungle was a great experience. conservation status of the area and save We slept on raised beds or in hammocks it from becoming just another palm oil through the deafening noise of insects that Johnny Rodgers plantation. seemed to get louder and louder as the night went on. We washed ourselves and Four UU graduates took part in the our clothes in streams and under waterfalls expedition. Pam and Tim Fogg, (BSc in an attempt to keep the rotting sweaty Hons Geography 1976 and BSc Hons smell at bay. And we ate rice, rice and Environmental Science 1973), are cavers, more rice! climbers and specialists in working on ropes. They were there to keep us all safe After four weeks in Imbak the expedition while climbing trees and mountains and split in two and Pam, Tim and Johnny exploring caves. Johnny Rodgers, (BA Hons headed for Mulu National Park in Sarawak Media Studies, 2001) is a cameraman and to explore a huge sink hole, while I undertook some of the most gruelling headed to the Indonesian part of Borneo, filming on steep, muddy mountains and at Kalimantan, to explore ancient caves and the bottom of one of the biggest sinkholes the Segah river. in the world, while I took part as one of the expedition scientists, focusing on In Mulu the team clambered through the human threats facing the rainforest dense forest to the mouth of a huge ecosystem. sinkhole. Their aim was to descend to the bottom of the hole and try and find a The four-week period in Imbak canyon was way out through a lower cave system. This successful in documenting a wide range involved a seriously scary 160m descent Sangkulirang of species. We found evidence of the down a rope into a huge abyss for both elusive clouded leopard just metres from explorers and the cameraman. At the bottom they found a unique forest habitat adapted to the micro-climate of the deep hole. They were the first people to explore the caves leading off the sinkhole in their search for a way out. They squeezed through tiny gaps and found stunning caverns but no way out – but as Tim said – it was true exploration!

Meanwhile in Kalimantan, I was heading up the Bungalung River past numerous illegal loggers floating huge trees down river to sell on the black market. The forest in this area had been burned in forest fires in 1997 and since then there was a logging free-for-all. Up river we came to our destination, caves perched high up steep limestone cliffs housing ancient cave paintings. The paintings are over 20,000 years old, probably left by hunters passing Tara Shine - waiting for elephants. through the area. Today the caves are still

26 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 people important to swift nest collectors who sell the nests made purely of spit to China to make a speciality soup. It is not supposed to taste great!

The last leg of the trip took me, with fellow scientists George McGavin and Tyrone Hayes, up the Segah River. Although unprotected this area hadn’t fallen foul to loggers and forest fires and the further upriver we travelled the more pristine the forest became. The trees towered overhead and the water was as clear as crystal. We journeyed through rapids and over rocks in small wooden boats until the water was so shallow we had to walk. Travelling with local Punan tribesman the team had ideal guides to the forest and found freshwater turtles, long tailed macaques, bearded pig and Pam Fogg samba deer. George found a huge diversity of insects, a great sign of the bio-diversity The expedition’s findings will be shared expedition report from Imbak will be sent value of the area – which made up for the with a huge audience in Europe, North to the government of Sabah, to support the elusiveness of some of the mammals! America and Asia via television and the efforts to have it declared a protected area.

that it will continue to do so. Magee has been developed into a major university Professor Tom Fraser campus of around 4,000 students and 500 staff and with some of the best Professor Tom Fraser retired from spent his entire career at the University. In university buildings you could hope for” the post of Provost of the Magee demand as an external university examiner he said. campus in July 2006, but will and guest lecturer, he was made an MBE continue his long association with in 2006 for his work as Chairman of the The Provostship gave him an invaluable UU in his new role as a Professor Northern Ireland Museums Council. understanding of the work and Emeritus with INCORE, our aspirations of colleagues across the full Magee-based peace and conflict range of disciplines. Professor Fraser research centre. says Magee and the University exercise a valued role in sharing peace process Arriving in Coleraine as a history strategies with people in other lands lecturer in 1969, he quickly identified and in spreading civic, economic and the research niche which became his academic benefits which may help hallmark – the evaluation of modern peace-building here. Applying his history with specific reference to areas historian’s analytical training, he where cultures and loyalties clash displays a profound awareness of the around disputed land borders. Jointly impact abroad of the Northern Ireland with Professor Seamus Dunn of the peace process. University’s Centre for the Study of Conflict, he conducted an extensive A Middle East expert, Indian investigation of Northern Ireland’s subcontinent authority, commentator marching tradition and he has carried on US foreign policy and Northern out many other research projects. A Ireland peace process analyst, he prolific author, he has written or edited refuses to draw false parallels or

eleven books. With J O Springhall, he Receiving a gift from the Vice-Chancellor on his prescribe easy remedies. He is adamant, edits Studies in Contemporary History retirement. however, that Northern Ireland’s path for Palgrave MacMillan and has also from violence offers hope to other published articles in a range of Professor Fraser has been Provost since conflict zones. In his role with INCORE academic journals. 2002. he will continue to assist in its vital work of bringing academics and activists Apart from spending 1983-84 at Indiana “As Provost I felt it important to emphasise together to share, learn and spread University South Bend as a Fulbright the extent to which the University has the word about ways of building and scholar-in-residence, Professor Fraser has delivered for the people of the city – and sustaining peace processes.

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 27 people

Farewell to: Professor Ian Rowland left the university at the end of January 2007 to take up a professorship at the University of Reading. Ian has held a chair in Human Nutrition (Diet and Health) and has been the Director of NICHE at UUC since 1997. He has been a highly esteemed colleague and leader in the nutrition area within Biomedical Sciences.

Dr Diarmaid Ó Doibhlin retired at the end of July 2006 having served as a member of staff in Irish for more than thirty years.

Dr Joan McQuoid retired from her post in Student Support at the end of September 2006. During her years at the University she made a significant contribution to the support of students with dyslexia. She also played a part in developments across the HE sector in Northern Ireland through her work in setting up the Register of Support Providers.

Professor Robert McBride retired at the end of September 2006 after 41 years as a university teacher. Robert began his academic career at QUB in 1965 in the Department of Mediaeval and Modern Languages and joined the New University of Ulster as Professor of French in January 1982. Since then he has had a distinguished record of service to the University as a teacher of French, Subject Director for French and as a researcher of international reputation in Seventeenth Century French Studies, especially the playwright Moliere.

Professor Richard York retired at the end of September 2006 after 37 years as a university teacher. Richard was appointed to the New University of Ulster in 1969 and has a distinguished record of service to the University - teaching French, European Studies and English, as a member of French and then the English RUAs, as Chair of the Faculty’s Research Committee from 1984-88, as Head of Department/School of Languages and Literature from 1988-1999 and as Head of European Studies from 1999-2006.

Professor Terry O’Keeffe retired at the end of September 2006 after 38 years as a university teacher. Since 1968, when Terry was first appointed to the New University of Ulster as Lecturer in Philosophy, he has served the university community in a number of capacities, as a teacher of philosophy, as Head of the Department of Philosophy and Politics, and three times as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities/Arts.

Faculty of Business If so one of these could be for you and Management Postgraduate Study Opportunities

School of ● MSc in International Tourism Development* Hospitality ● MSc in International Hotel & Tourism Management* and Tourism ● MSc in Cultural Management** Management (* Full Time & Part Time) (** Online delivery)

Do you want to enhance For more information visit

your career prospects? www.business.ulster.ac.uk/hospitalitytour or www.ulster.ac.uk/prospective email: [email protected] or Do you want a career tel: +442870323999 or with challenge, change, fax: +442870323995 University of Ulster, Ballywillan Road, diversity, opportunity? Portrush, Co Antrim BT56 8JL

28 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 arts

afternoon and flying to Australia the THE CREATIVITY ZONE following morning! Over its short lifespan, the Creativity Zone The Creativity Zone was a programme has worked with local arts and community of cultural activities and initiatives in the organisations such as the Golden Thread Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, designed and Gallery, Belfast Exposed, the Ashton Centre, managed by the University of Ulster. It took Children’s Express, the Community Arts place over the winter months between Forum and Arts for All, to name but a few. October and December 2006 and was intended to stimulate and enhance the arts It has managed to bring artists of and creative industries of the area. It also internationally recognised quality together set out to generate new opportunities for with organisations and individuals from encouraging participation by all sorts of the area. It has delivered a unique training people in cultural activity. programme of the highest calibre and has Jan Sanger reached the surrounding communities with The initiative had three elements: A box office hit. Jan’s work with UU all aspects of its programme. This in turn programme of training for artists and arts students, pupils from local schools, and a has helped establish the Cathedral Quarter managers, an outreach programme aimed full-to-capacity public lecture proved to be as Belfast’s cultural hub, and the University at local communities and a schedule of hugely successful. as a key player in this increasingly visiting artists. important area within Belfast’s regeneration. Wayne Hemingway, the charismatic The packed itinerary of over 30 events founder of the fashion label Red or Dead has proven to be successful in fulfilling its was another popular success. Wayne aim to reinforce the development of the spoke to a packed house about design Cathedral Quarter as Belfast’s Cultural hub. topics ranging from his early days selling Just two of the many highlights included the contents of his attic at Camden a three day visit by Jan Sanger, the art Market, through to his latest passion for director for Aardman Animations whose affordable, well designed housing. He latest Wallace and Gromit feature, The squeezed his second visit to the campus Work by Deirdre Nelson, Textile Artist, Creativity Zone Curse of the Were Rabbit was a spectacular in between receiving his OBE the previous Visiting Practitioner. UU Dance Performance Provides Seasonal Sparkle! In December, the dance division of The show was performed to packed students from St Cecilia’s College, Derry, the School of Creative Arts teamed houses at the Old Museum Arts Centre in St Louise’s College, Belfast and the up with the Cultural Development Belfast and the Waterside Theatre in Derry University of Ulster. The professional Department to present The Fairy’s in the week leading up to Christmas. The dancers spent a week in each of the Tale – a quirky alternative to performances also featured work created schools working intensively with dance traditional Christmas panto created during an outreach programme with dance students to create a new piece of by the UU Dance Artist-in-Residence, dance-theatre, inspired, in some way, Sandie Fisher. by The Fairy’s Tale seasonal theme. This work in schools is part of an ongoing The Fairy’s Tale, an enchanting, comical programme of dance outreach activities dance theatre entertainment, tells the supported by Bank of Ireland. story of a bad tempered dad who has the face the consequences of crossing Eugene Kearney, Senior Manager at the toughest Christmas Fairy of them Bank of Ireland said: “Bank of Ireland all. The new work was specifically has a long history of supporting created with family audiences in mind. education and the arts. Through Sandie said: our support of the University’s dance outreach programme we are playing a “The challenge for us was to create part in developing young creative talent an original piece of dance theatre which we hope will be of long-term that would appeal to all age groups. benefit to local communities.” Our hope was that children and their parents, including those who’ve For further information on dance never been to a contemporary dance activities at the University, please performance before, would enjoy contact the Cultural Development the freshness of this entertaining and Office on 028 7137 5658 or magical seasonal story.” [email protected]

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 29 arts

CREATIVE IMAGE-MAKING Arts & WORKSHOPS AND EXHIBITION Business Cultural Development, in partnership and Journalism, who specialises in digital with NEELB Creative Youth image-making processes, also offered Partnerships, provided media and arts artistic input. Commission students from Coleraine High School, North Coast Integrated College, Introducing the students to basic skills Coleraine and St Paul’s College, Kilrea in Photoshop, the workshops aimed to Programme with an opportunity to access skills stimulate creative thinking in relation to training in an emerging art form in digital photography as well as support The University’s Cultural a series of Creative Image-Making skills development. Each participant Development department is proud Workshops. used the skills they learned to create their to be the managing agent for the personal interpretation of the theme of design and delivery of the training The workshops took place in the state of personal identity by transforming historical element of the Arts & Business the art Media Training Suite in Flowerfield images, family photographs and magazine Commission Programme. Arts Centre in Portstewart. They were shots into a montage of manipulated led by Steve Lowry, a Research Fellow at digital images that visually explored the This is the fourth year of this the University, who is also well known as theme of personal history and identity. a photographer and arts tutor and has successful programme which is extensive experience working with photo ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ an designed to encourage individual agencies and the advertising industry. exhibition of the participants’ final work artists to establish and manage Helen Jackson, a media arts lecturer in was exhibited in Flowerfield Arts Centre relationships with business, and to the University’s School of Media, Film in January. actively encourage business to engage with local artists.

The artists undertake workshop based business training and mentoring, North West Academy of the Arts and the programme culminates in eight participating artists (all UU The Magee campus will be one of in the region of £1,500 per student. The graduates) producing commissioned the host venues for this summer’s course will run from 1st July to 15th July artwork for a local business. Some of North West Academy of the Arts. The and activities will be split between the the participating businesses include Academy will bring together talented UU Magee campus and NWIFHE. All Cunningham Coates Stock Brokers, young people, aged 16-18, from the 200 students and staff will stay in the Autoline Insurance Group and the border counties of the North West of University’s Duncreggan Student Village. Robinson Patterson Partnership. Ireland to develop and enhance their artistic and creative talents through The main areas of study will be Music, The artists receive a bursary of an intensive residential training and Drama, Dance, Art and Design and £1,500 to complete this programme coaching programme in July 2007. A Media. While each student will choose to and to pay for the resources required partnership between the North West specialise in one art form, all participants to complete the commissions. Institute of Further and Higher Education will be encouraged to participate in Heather Wilson, an MA graduate (NWIFHE), the University of Ulster, structured, cross-disciplinary activities from UU in 2006 is currently the Western Education and Library to open up their minds to new avenues participating in this year’s programme. Board and Donegal VEC, this year’s of exploration and enjoyment. The Academy is funded under the Peace and students will receive expert tuition and Heather commented that “The Reconciliation Programme, measure 5.2, guidance from a team of professional arts programme has provided a realistic and follows on the success of previous practitioners. insight to the world of business programmes in 2004 and 2005. and starting my own business as a The North West Academy of the Arts practising artist. The programme The two-week residential programme will be holding auditions for the summer has exposed me to a variety of is offered to 200 young people from programme throughout the spring period professionals who have provided the North West with a passionate in a range of locations. The course is only invaluable support and information.” interest in the visual and performing open to young people aged 16 – 18 from arts. Applicants will be auditioned and the Western Education and Library Board For further information on the Arts interviewed to determine their suitability area and Co. Donegal. To find out more & Business Commission programme, for the programme and those lucky about the programme and how to apply, please contact Fiona McElroy, Business enough to be selected will each receive please contact the Cultural Development Liaison Officer, Creative Industries. a full scholarship to cover all fees and Office at Magee campus on Tel: 028 9026 7240 or email residential costs, estimated to be worth 028 7137 5658. [email protected]

30 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 sport

Lough Erne Golf Sports Scholarships Resort...Ireland’s The University has awarded 27 we expect that the students will give Lough Lomond? students with Sports Scholarships, back to sport in whatever way they can.” Golf Bursaries and its first ever For the first time this year the University Coaching Scholarships. awarded Coaching Scholarships. Richard Lee and Michael McKeever were the More than 60 students applied for the two recipients. Richard, a final year scholarships and on 13 November 2006 Marketing student at Jordanstown, said: the students were the star attractions at the awards ceremony, at which women’s top ten Squash player Madeline Perry was the guest speaker. The Alumni Fund Sports Scholarship was awarded to 400m athlete Elaine McCaffrey. The University is delighted to Dr Nigel Dobson, Director (Sports announce a new sponsorship Development and Services) said that the partnership with Lough Erne Golf awards were of the highest importance Resort in Enniskillen. to the development of the students’ sporting excellence, and it is not all just Lough Erne have agreed to sponsor the about the finance. University’s Golf Team for the next three years, providing much needed funds to “What we have been doing for some expand its activities and take golf at the time is recognising that athletes need University to a new level. support. The scholarships and the bursary programme are designed to UU Coaching Scholars Ricky Lee (Hockey) and Dr Nigel Dobson, Director (Sports give them support in terms of services Michael McKeever (Rugby) Development and Services) said: and financial support to allow them to achieve the highest level that they can,” “The main thing about the award is “We are looking forward to developing our Dr Dobson said. the recognition of the work that you relationship with Lough Erne Golf Resort are doing. and are pleased to welcome them as our “It is recognition that sport is important. official Golf Partner. Their support will allow The students are participating at such “It is very hard when you are a young us to increase activities relating to this key a high level that the University and coach to get any sort of recognition of sport and develop additional programmes its partners are willing to support a your coaching and the scholarships will to deliver our golfing strategy”. programme to make sure that those be very beneficial and maybe open a scholars get the most out of the services few more doors for the students.” Lough Erne Golf Resort is the brainchild that are here.” of proprietor Jim Treacy and is a highly Richard recently coached and captained impressive project offering a high spec golf The Scholarship scheme also provides the UU Men’s Hockey team to the course, designed by golf legend Nick Faldo, students with a mentor, who will help Intervarsity final in Limerick, where they constructed between two lakes (namely them balance their sporting and academic were narrowly defeated by reigning Castlehume and lower Lough Erne) on an careers and assist them in any problems champions Trinity College Dublin. He island, as well as an international hotel. they may encounter along the way. also coached the UU Women’s squad at the same competition and they were The hotel, which officially opens in “They (the students) would meet defeated in the final of the plate. July 2007, will overlook the tranquil regularly with the mentor to ensure that Castlehume Lough. The Golf Course will the services that are in place are sports Richard also hopes that the financial open in 2008, in the meantime there are specific and if they are having problem assistance he will receive will go a long golfing facilities available at the nearby balancing their sport and their academic way to benefiting the team and assisting Castlehume Golf Course. studies then that is taken care of. him in coaching the squads. To find out more please contact:The Sales “The final part of the scholarships, as “I will hope to maybe buy a digital Office, Lough Erne Golf Resort, Belleek required, is the students give something video camera that I can use to record Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 7ED back to university sport, and they have the games so that I can use video been in charge of helping a coach or technology as a coaching tool to analyse Telephone: +44(0)28 6632 0613 helping develop a club structure of the the matches, monitor performance and Facsimile: +44 (0) 28 6632 0613 intervarsity. It is not just a one-way thing, then improve our results,” Richard said. Email: [email protected] Website: www.loughernegolfresort.com

the ulster graduate l spring 2007 31 sport World Congress of Science and Football

Sport scientist Dr Jonny Bloomfield looked at a time-motion analysis of the means little unless it is put into practice. attended the 6th World Congress of movement of English premier league “Science - particularly if you are working Science and Football in Turkey footballers. Prior research had only broken in sport - has to have an application and in January. down the movements of soccer players to has to have practical implications to every seven movement characteristics and Jonny study. Sports science has to be used to The University of Ulster, Sports Institute of broke this down further into 15 different make a difference to the performance of Northern Ireland (SINI) and the Irish Football movements the players carry out. the athletes,” he said. Association teamed up to send the UU Sport and Exercise graduate to the four-day Presenting on the specific aspects of conference at the Kervansaray Lara Resort, deceleration and turning movements Antalya, which included talks from some of Jonny told the 200-strong audience that the top names in world football. the findings show that to improve fitness it might be better to play small sided games. The conference, which takes place every Jonny also said: “It is my belief that you have four years, brings together scientists who to take training speed and agility outside of perform research in soccer, American a match routine, coach them on their own football, Gaelic football, rugby and and then put them back into the game.” Australian rules. Prior to Jonny’s talk, which was translated “It’s a bit like the World Cup of sport into seven different languages, Jens science,” Jonny said. Bangsbo, now a foremost scientist in soccer research commented in his address This year featured talks from Italian football that scientists need to look in more depth manager Marcello Lippi and former in to time-motion analysis of soccer, “So it assistant coach at Juventus Jens Bangsbo. was very timely that his comments came as SINI scientist Jonny, gave presentations I was presenting this research,” Jonny said. on aspects of his PhD research which However for Jonny the scientific research

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TEAM UP WITH UU

May of this year will see the world to the masses. The brunt of this promotion and will play a significant role when the renowned Harlem Globetrotters embark will be facilitated through the University Globetrotters arrive in the country. on their ‘Nothing Like It’ tour of the Sports Outreach Programme (USOP) UK. The Belfast leg of the tour will be co-ordinated this year by Sports Studies The participants in the Belfast Bus showcased in the Odyssey Arena, where placement student Stephen Crothers, and Company primary school league will the Globetrotters are no strangers, directed by UU Senior Lecturer in Sports get the opportunity to meet some of having made two previous stops here in Studies Dr Deirdre Brennan. the Globetrotter players at their Finals the past. Since their first game in 1927, days in the Jordanstown campus on 19 the Harlem Globetrotters have grown A range of events will take place in and 20 April and the top eight teams into one of the most recognisable sports the coming months leading up to the will get to truly become part of the teams in history. They put on a unique basketball extravaganza on 15 May Globetrotters experience by replaying show which combines high degrees of including Harlem Globetrotters Hot Shots their finals game on the court both athleticism, unparalleled basketball skills competitions which will have tickets for before the event and at half-time. and unbelievable flair and charisma. the show up for grabs. These will be This package is guaranteed to amaze staged at a variety of locations throughout The Globetrotters message will be a full anyone who watches, whether a fan of the province. Another major event will part of all the preliminary events being the game or not. be the USOP organised primary schools staged by the University. If you have league, sponsored this year by Belfast Bus never seen the performance you can The main event in Belfast will take place Company. This will involve more than 100 bet your bottom dollar that you will be on 15 May in the Odyssey Arena, but the primary schools across the province and enthralled from start to finish, and will hype will be in full flow long before the puts USOP’s six full-time staff through their be left wanting more... crowds arrive. As a major partner in the paces. Belfast Bus Company has become Globetrotters tour, and the main partner a key partner to the University this year Further information on the event can in Northern Ireland, UU have been by signing a sponsorship deal with the be obtained by contacting Stephen on: charged with promoting the Belfast event Men’s National League Basketball Team [email protected]

32 the ulster graduate l spring 2007 The University of Ulster Conference Facilities The University can offer conference facilities on three of its four campuses: Jordanstown, set in a leafy suburb just 6 miles from central Belfast, Coleraine, on the beautiful North Coast, Magee, in the historic city of Londonderry.

We can offer ■ State of the art meeting rooms ■ Auditorium for up to 1200 delegates ■ 700 en-suite rooms (mid June-mid September) ■ 600 standard rooms (mid June-mid September) ■ Excellent catering services ■ Conference administration services ■ Organisation of your social programme

For further details visit our web-site http://conference.ulster.ac.uk or contact on Frank Halpin on 028 7032 4412 [email protected]