Autumn 2007

Message from the Vice-

League Tables National Student survey (see The Stop Press. I am writing this on Higher Education Supplement day that Senate agreed to the The University's greatest weakness for 25 August 2006) and that owed creation of our Postgraduate Medical over the last decade has been our nothing to the newspapers as it was a School. This is a marvellous step for absence from the league tables. direct survey of our students. us, which is being led by Professor When we were Nonetheless we have had our league (who will become the last in the table successes. The Times Higher new Dean) Professor Rajat Mathur Times league Education Supplement for May 4 and Professor Jayantha Arnold. I shall table in 1996, 2007 reported that 's dedicate my article in the next issue we came 30th staff:student ratio was one of the best of the Independent to describing that out of around in the UK at 1:11 (it will be development 120 significantly better next year) and universities, soon afterwards Dr but we fell out newspaper’s universities league table Vice-Chancellor of the league placed our Law School at 20th out of tables when 90 Law UK schools. Mr Irving the Stevens’s article inside this issue of Contents Government’s the Independent expands on the 2 Editors News Higher result. Education Funding Council took over The Law School was our only School 3 - 7 Alumni at work the collection of data from the My life in PR newspapers. to enter the Guardian league tables this year, because it was the only Buckingham Alumni wins Queens But a university is only as strong as School big enough to trigger the award for Excellence its brand, so we decided in 2001 to thresholds of the HERO and HESA Buckingham in the News re-enter the league tables. This has data systems. Moreover, because of Laundry, Italian style! been a long haul. First, we had to re- those systems, it achieved an Matt Harper & Bluefin Solutions submit to the inspections of the inappropriately low ranking. But we Patricia’s story continued Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) but hope next year that the whole Buckingham’s Second Generation News from Clare that was something we wanted to do University and all its Schools will be because the QAA is not a Ermin’s Call to Bar recognised, and we anticipate that the Lost Alumni Government agency but, rather, a Law School’s entry will be higher too. voluntary agency analogous to, say, Visit to Sri Lanka Now that we increasingly engage in Transition from Buckingham the Association of British Travel these nationwide databases, we get to Cambridge Agencies (ABTA) namely a market some interesting postings. In October Pictures from the Alumni mechanism designed to reinforce trust 2006 for example - when the British summer party and confidence. university sector as a whole saw a As everyone knows, under the 3.5% fall in student admissions – the 8 - 9 Engagements, Marriages and Births leadership of Professor Len Evans Universities and Colleges Admissions and Mrs Anne Miller we achieved Service (UCAS) reported a 38% 10 Alumni at work continues… 'broad confidence' (the top mark) in increase in our total intake and a 55% Advertisement 2004, and we are about to have rise in our UK intake Cancer-relay for life another inspection. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6 070300.stm). 11 - 14 University News With QAA under our belt, we started Reunion to submit our data to the Higher And we are increasingly posting our News from the Foundation Office Education Research Organisation and own data. Our Annual and Financial National Negotiation Competition the Higher Education Statistics Reports, for example, are now The League Table ….an “Old Agency, which are the bodies from available on our website timer’s View which the newspapers construct their (www.buckingham.ac.uk/facts/official/ Marketing Department league tables. accounts/). Alumni Office Concerts and Lectures Series We found last year that presenting We have for too long been ‘Britain’s best-kept secret’. Engaging in these QAA Office our data for the newspapers was a English Eccentrics! challenge because the HERO and data and Web activities costs us disproportionately more than it does HESA data systems are attuned to 15 Obituaries large universities, not small sweet the big universities, but we owe it to boutiques like Buckingham. you, our alumni, to advertise our 16 Denning Law Journal Consequently our first league table present excellence, so that you can success was coming top of the be ever-prouder of your alma mater. Editor’sxxx News

I need your advice? Recruiting in Japan is not as easy as it even had time to meet with some alumni Having visited the once used to be and competition is stiff. in Tokyo and see a tiny bit of the city and Royal Overseas So we decided to do it differently this time. the countryside ... and talk to a trainee League (based on the Professor Edwards, our expert on geisha! edge of Green Park, a domestic violence, sex and gender, very few doors away from kindly agreed to give a talk to the Bar I have to make a quick mention of a quote the Ritz) in London, Association in Osaka on the subject of in Medinah Huthman's piece in the last the University is domestic violence. A subject that has only issue of the Independent that said "Page considering taking out recently been open to discussion in Japan Hill was Page Hill, understand it no longer a group membership in and one that a small group of academics exists .... pity!!!" Fear not Medinah - it the hope that this will be of benefit to you, and lawyers are fighting for support for. does still exist - although not with as many our alumni. Even though we take out The Bar Association were thrilled that she students as in the early years. membership, there is still a small annual could speak to them and following the fee to be paid if you wish to use this publicity for this event, she was asked to I must finish on a rather sad note - Lauren facility, but the benefits are the access to speak at three universities in Tokyo Hardy, who has been working with us in very reasonable accommodation in the (Waseda, Kokugakuin and Ochanomizu). the PR/Alumni Department (dealing with heart of London, a venue for events and, As well as meeting two high profile all things, publicity) since the end of 2004, perhaps most importantly, a long list of Professors in the field to share their will be leaving us in mid-July. We shall reciprocal links with clubs around the experiences, she was also asked to speak miss her tremendously, as I know many of world, all of which can be used by our to two representatives from the Gender you will. But, she was always destined for alumni. Hopefully places that can be Equality Group in the Prime Minister's greater things and, however much I wish useful to those on marketing trips as well. Office. All in all a very interesting and she wasn't going, I know that she will do Do have a look at www.roi.org.uk and let useful trip. incredibly well, and wish her the very best me know what you think? If I get enough of luck in the next phase of her career. positive responses, by the next issue we Negotiations for the translation of Our very best wishes to her from us all in will have set up a group membership, and Professor Edwards book "Policing the attic and the whole University! I can give you more details. Domestic Violence" are now underway and we are sure that she will be invited Anne Matsuoka I also wanted to let you know of a recent back to follow up her advice on how her PR\Alumni Relations Officer trip I made to Japan, with Professor colleagues in Japan can begin to progress Tel: +44 (0) 1280 820 338 Susan Edwards from the Law School. their cause on how to deal with DV. She Email: [email protected]

Ayo’s News

https://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet Also I will be more than happy if you could /news-alumni07.aspx ask any alumni you know who have not registered on AlumNet kindly to do so. I have been thinking about what to write for this issue of the Independent and I Ayomiku Babalola-Elewa thought …AlumNet. I am sure a lot of (BA InternationalStudies ’07), people registered on AlumNet do make Student Sabbatical Officer good use of the services. Tel:+44 (0) 1280 820 230 (2230) Email: [email protected] However, just to refresh the memories of those who know about this service or to It’s another edition of the Independent. I inform those who do not know about the am happy to say I have finally got a grip benefits of being registered on AlumNet, Alumni Weekend in on the job - well I must confess with the Alumnet provides all sorts of services Geneva 2008 help of my colleagues in the attic. such as announcing information about forthcoming events; helping you keep in The summer is finally here and I wish the touch with old students; making business A London alumni party in rain would allow us to enjoy it. However, it contacts; special offers such as discounts Geneva for a change? If did not stop the summer party from taking on the Denning law journal and other place on the 22 June. It was the magazines, a career mentoring scheme this appeals to you, email loveliest evening with people who had and all the past editions of the us NOW and it will be graduated in different years Independent are on the AlumNet website. arranged. meeting in the Pitcher and Piano To view these services please click: conservatory area. I am very glad https://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/alumnet How about September /servicesAlumni.aspx. that the summer party was a success. To 2008 if we get plenty of see pictures of the party please flip to If you have any suggestions about how page 7 and to view more pictures please AlumNet could be improved kindly send interest? click on this Web link us an email.

2 Alumni at Work

My life in PR This is a job that is always varied and 2006 saw growth in emerging markets I’m sure fellow always challenging; I’ve never had a dull with additional offices opening in China, alumni would day yet, and I don’t think I ever will. India and the CIS (Russia and Ukraine). agree with me For further information, call Helen on Inspecs will continue to build a global that by far the 07768 165 340 or email business - with a strong focus on biggest [email protected], emerging markets - over the next 2-3 challenge facing [email protected], years. The focus will be on world brands any of us is that www.davincipr.com and worldwide distribution. Current daunting period eyewear licences include Terence after we Helen Komatsu Conran's Vision By Conran, Caterpillar / graduate when (BSc Business Studies ‘92 ) Cat, Speedo, Nascar, French Connection, we have to think fcuk, Manish Arora, Austin Reed and about what Nicole Farhi. A large portion of the profession to Buckingham Alumni win company's sales are provided through so- pursue. called private label products. These are Queen’s Award of house brands owned by large optical Even if we put off the decision by taking chains or retailers. another course or perhaps going Excellence travelling, the fact is that the day will come Inspecs has offices in the UK, Hong Kong, when the decision has to be confronted: Inspecs, the company run by two USA, Scandinavia, France, Ukraine, India What on earth am I going to do for a Buckingham alumni which was featured in and Japan. Technical product design is profession? the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of the split between the UK and Hong Kong as When I graduated from Buckingham in Independent, received the Queen's Award well as production bases in China, Korea 1992 I was adamant that I would find a for International Business in the Birthday and Taiwan. Inspecs’ UK head office is profession that used the skills I most Honours List published on 21 April 2007. based in an historic castle in the unusual valued: my deep interest in people, my Christopher Smith (European Studies ’84) and beautiful surroundings of an ancient love of communication, my great passion and Robin Totterman (Politics, Economics 150-acre estate near Bath. for writing and of course my BA from the and Law ’85) met at Buckingham and University of Buckingham in Business have been running the company together It was a weekend of awards, Inspecs also Studies. since 1988. won the Optician Award for the 'Optical Product of the Year' in 2007 in April. After graduating from Buckingham, I lived in Madrid for a year teaching English. I The University would like to offer its then decided to move into marketing and congratulations to Chris and Robin and publicity, where I worked in London and wish them every success in the future. We then in the Middle East. In 1996 I decided look forward to following their progress I’d gained enough experience to return to with interest and pride. the UK and run my own company, Da Vinci Public Relations. Eleven years on, we’re a thriving business serving a wide BUCKINGHAM IN THE NEWS range of clients around the globe. Drink to Your Success: Entrepreneurs So what do I do? Basically, my company at Work. Hubert Stoehr and Stefan Here is the Inspecs press release helps organisations communicate with Stockinger, students on the Business following after the receipt of the Queen's their customers, clients and with people Enterprise degree at Buckingham are Award: “British eyewear firm Inspecs is to they want to be their customers. mentioned in this article. The business receive the prestigious Queen's Award for I think of myself as a sort of marriage they have set up as part of their studies international business. Announced on the broker between an organisation and the is the promotion and selling of Eggenberg Queen's birthday, the award comes as a media who want to write about that Beer at events. huge accolade to the firm established in organisation. I love making marriages Courses and Careers magazine, May- 1988 and recognises a rapid growth of between my clients and the media, and I September 500% in international business in the past really love seeing coverage in print and 3 years. The award is to be presented to Letters: two-year degrees really can TV about my clients. Inspecs' two founders, CEO Robin work My job at Da Vinci PR has also given me Totterman and COO Chris Smith at In this letter, Professor John Clarke the opportunity to travel all over the world Buckingham Palace in July. To win the responds to a comment made by a and meet interesting and successful award the company fought off stiff columnist that "two-year degrees make a people from every walk of life. competition from IT, retail, management mockery of universities." Professor Clarke As well as writing news stories and full- consulting, real estate and biotechnology explains how Buckingham has been length articles, the job has given me the companies. offering these for over 30 years and that they work incredibly well. The opportunity to write many books. I The Queen's Award was achieved by a Independent, 30 May sometimes ghost-write books for my highly talented and focused team carving clients, and I’ve also authored and co- out a niche applying new perspectives The ex-factor: what former leaders did authored many business books under my with a modern twist in what is a next. In the lead up to the standing down own name. These include The Seven fundamentally traditional industry. Earlier of Tony Blair, this article looks at former Deadly Skills of Competing (Thomson this year Inspecs was also ranked for the Prime Ministers and what they did after Learning International), Internet Trust & second consecutive year in the top 500 their term/s in the role. Baroness Security (Pearson Education), IT in Selling European Hot Growth Companies by 's period as Retail Financial Services (Financial Business Week magazine, achieving 39th Chancellor of Buckingham is mentioned. Times), and Devising Successful position. Guardian Unlimited, 26 June Strategies in Food and Drink (Reuters).

3 Alumni at Work

Laundry, Italian style! The real job of cleaning and laundering is London (with a ‘North-West office’ in done by established professionals under Chester), and as we approach our 5th agreement. The activity for Lavanet birthday this summer, our headcount has consists in receiving orders online and just hit 80. With new starters almost every co-ordinating pickup and delivery by a week, we are looking forward to having dedicated driver. 100+ employees soon. My role provides me with a lot of variety, and I am rarely in Having realised that there is continuous the same office two days running. My growth, and nothing yet by way of activities include selling to new customers, competition, I am now working on the farming existing clients, consulting, project franchising of the website. The program managing, mentoring, and ultimately being has already been modified and the responsible for anything that we are website can be reproduced and partially involved in, with any of my clients. adapted to the affiliates’ requests. I came back to the University at the end of Following the franchising start-up, the plan May 2007 to speak to the IT department, consists of adding services and products existing students and the careers office to the website. If an affiliate wants to about Bluefin, and to see whether we change the list, they may do so if could offer any students or Alumni any After reading Economics at Buckingham in authorised by the base. opportunities. We are always looking to 1983, I worked as an accountant, then in recruit bright and enthusiastic IT people, a business involved in shipping and tuna- When I began I was told “your project will and we begin a graduate programme from canning. This gave me a great learning never work”. Today, a success story, I can August for five of the best graduates we experience. say the project is working and it has great can find from a selection of Universities; potential based on facts. As a student Buckingham being one. If this process is reading this, you may take it as an successful then we will repeat it in In 2003, having some free time, I wanted inspirational story, or as an opportunity to February & September each year. We to set up something new. I used my take up a franchise licence in a offer very competitive packages and focus passion for the Internet and its growing town/country of your choice. on continually developing our consultants potential but did not know where to start. to enable them to achieve more, which Emanuele Palau (BSc Econs helps us to retain the best consultants. My trepidation was caused not by lack of Economics ’84) imagination but because some friends If you are interested in finding out more, who had just done something visit www.bluefinsolutions.com or e-mail entrepreneurial on the Net had come out me at [email protected]. losing money. Matt Harper & Bluefin

During that same period a friend had Solutions started up a business of coin laundries. As he thought it would be a success he When graduating from Buckingham with a opened a chain of coin laundries before Business Studies degree in 1994, I was realizing they where all losing money. He then not sure what to do with the rest of asked me for advice and I told him to go my life. I joined Cable & Wireless get the customers instead of waiting for Communications, which gave me sound IT them. In that same moment I combined experience, specifically with software the two things into an idea: Internet and called SAP. In 1998 I joined an IT laundry. consultancy called Axon Solutions which provided me with a consulting role in a variety of blue-chip organisations around After a check on existing websites in the Europe. These were the days of the laundry world I discovered there were a lot dot.com boom and Axon could do little of websites in the USA and the UK , but wrong, so it was a fun time to be involved none allowed online ordering in a simple with them, and the industry. I then joined way. I discovered laundering is a huge Here is a picture of my son and me on Bluefin Solutions in 2003, where my role and growing market. The same goes for holiday in Malta. is currently that of Client Partner. the Net. The same goes for pickup and delivery services. So I continued. Bluefin was founded by four of my Axon Aside from work, I’ve been married to colleagues in 2002, so I was very keen to Andrea since April 2005, and we have a 1 A friend who produces websites loved the join and help build Bluefin as we all year old boy called Thomas, with another idea. So this is how I started shared the same views about what baby due on 24 October. We ‘did’ London www.lavanet.it in Milan, Italy. constituted an ideal consultancy. Bluefin is for nearly 4 years, but escaped back a UK based SAP consultancy and a full closer to home 5 years ago, now living in Today www.lavanet.it is an online shop SAP Services Partner. We work with a village called Stratton Audley (about 12 where customers select garments to be organisations to make them more miles from Buckingham, towards the sent to the cleaners, book pickup and successful through the use of SAP M40). Time is certainly flying by so I delivery date and time, and pay. technologies. Bluefin uses innovative reckon I must be having fun! Everything online is growing every month. delivery methods, built on a culture of Our website is extremely clear and teamwork and knowledge sharing, in the Matthew Harper (BSc Business Studies ’94) functional, otherwise nobody would ever pursuit of 100% customer satisfaction. use it for ordering. Bluefin’s HQ is next to Kew Bridge,

4 Alumni at Work

Patricia’s Story…. Professional Practice' programmes for Having completed my BSc in Economics Economics and International Studies in 1983, I joined Banque Indosuez in Continued students are now open to all those who London and after a short training and the wish to stay and pursue a Postgraduate lucky incidence of a vacancy, I was degree at Buckingham. appointed Account Officer for high networth individuals, a post I held As you see there is a lot happening and I successfully while I was attending a am lucky enough to be still part of it all. I Master Degree course at Reading mentioned in my previous article all the University, as a part-time student. After wonderful things that had happened since work I was also attending a Banking Law I arrived here and I now wanted to tell you course at London Polytechnic, a very about so many more. I hope you have valuable course for a banking career. enjoyed it. As Greece was not a full EU member at What does the future have in store for me the time, I had problems with my now? Who knows...this is already far residence and decided to work in and get better than I had ever expected so I do to know Greece. I was immediately not dare ask for more...yet! employed by Citibank in Athens in Investment Banking and was straight away Patricia C. Prada Jimenez sent to New York to be trained as a Here I am again to tell you more about all BA (Hons) International Studies with stockbroker. Working and studying in New those extraordinary things that have French ‘06, MPhil History. York was an amazing experience in itself. happened to me in these last four Co-ordinator Study Abroad & As a qualified stockbroker and bonds years...yes, it has been four years Internships expert, I returned to the Athens offices already! Remember? were I set up a new banking service which It was not just the completion of my Buckingham’s Second was a breakthrough at the time. undergraduate degree, working with the At the age of 25 I got married and had 3 fantastic Alumni Office, or co-ordinating the Generation children. I decided to withdraw from the Study Abroad and Internship programmes, business world and dedicate myself to my there was still so much more to come.... The University is proud to see another children. For the following 5 years I was a Did you know that there are extraordinary generation of Buckingham students. full-time mother, a hard period more people worldwide who support the Below is the story of Ekaterina stressful than trading in NYSE, but a very University of Buckingham? Yes, thanks to Kalogeropoulous and her son, a current important period for me and the children. student, Kyriakos Armenakis the generosity of Sir Christopher In 1993 I was appointed to be the Ondaatje, among others, and the support Ethiopian Government’s Honorary Consul of the University’ students like myself are General of Ethiopia in Athens. As there able to continue further with their studies. was no Embassy at the time and there I became an Ondaatje scholar in July was a large Ethiopian community residing 2006. My brilliant supervisors, Professor in Athens, I was extremely busy with the John Clarke and Dr Jane Ridley, agreed consular services, bilateral agreements, to my working towards an MPhil in visits of officials and business delegations History: Argentina and Britain in the early as well as cultural events promoting and Nineteenth Century. A theory of 'Informal strengthening the ties of the two countries. Empire'? So...I became a student yet I feel I owe a lot to Buckingham and more again. Is this not extraordinary too? specifically the drive and professionalism of my tutors has always been motivating While I pursue my research study I will me. continue to work at Buckingham. However sad I was to leave the Alumni Office -one Having my son in Buckingham and visiting cannot do it all!- I was happy to be him is such an emotional experience for coordinator in the Study Abroad Office Ekaterina tells her story...... me as I relive all the lovely student moments. I almost feel like studying and support the Department of Economics At the age of 18 I joined Buckingham again. and International Studies. There was a lot University, which was at that time the going on here as well. University College of Buckingham, as an I wish to thank the professors and the In September 2006 we launched the new undergraduate of Economics. administrative staff for keeping the high standard of the University, which makes MA in Global Affairs, a comprehensive Buckingham was a second home to me, a all alumni proud of the University and I programme with a focus on international small and friendly community, with a very wish continued success to the generations issues, which has attracted new and old professional environment and high to come, as I hope to see my students from all corners of the world. standard of education. The grandchildren attending Buckingham. We have now also emphasised our professionalism of all, starting from the professors, tutors and administration staff. marketing efforts towards Latin America. If Ekaterina Kalogeropoulous I appreciated all this; that is why I advised you are willing to help with the BSc (Hons) Economics ’83 development of exchange programmes my son to have Buckingham as his first and other links with institutions in Latin choice and I am delighted that he is American countries please do get in presently studying Law at Buckingham. I touch. believe that Buckingham offers the young teenage students a smooth transition from There has been progress towards the secure family environment to the Internship opportunities for all students at tough business world. Buckingham. Our 'Undergraduate

5 Alumni News

Kyriakos Comments...... Ermin’s Call to Bar In September 2006 at the age of 17 I joined Buckingham’s LLB course. The university is happy to announce the recent achievement of the its Alumni. I believe that after all these months I left Ermin Moise (LLB Law with Business my family for another ‘family’, and I say Finance ’05 ) says “I was called on the that because here in Buckingham I found 25 June by Justice Cottle of the Eastern a friendly and quiet environment for study Caribbean Supreme Court.” and the most important feeling is that I am The petition that I be admitted to practise part of an international community. was made by attorney Andie George in whose chambers I work. I am attached to Here I found what I was looking for: a Andie George and Co. Chambers.” tranquil environment, experienced staff and excellent student support from the University. Clare explained that while there are plenty of online courses claiming to be I believe that Buckingham as a University ‘interactive’, they actually only include motivates students to gain work video-clips, sometimes with questions set experience and I believe that has to do for students to answer and written tutorials mostly with tutors’ professionalism and - improving speech, pronunciation and many work experience opportunities that accent by using DVDs, CDs and audio can be found here. tapes and solitary repetition. This is inadequate and demotivating. One the most important things that I’ve learned here is how to live with students Nothing can replace face-to-face from all around the globe (according to interaction between teacher and student University statistics 83 other nationalities) and BELTLive makes this possible without and this is an ‘educative challenge’ for me the two actually being in the same room. because every day I learn more and more BELTLive connects tutors in England with about people, countries and nationalities. students around the world via webcams Lost Alumni Personally I believe it is hard to find this in for customised one-to-one lessons any other University. focussed on the individual needs of each client. The clients choose the time of As we like to remain in touch with our In Buckingham students never lose the each lesson and it can be at any time – alumni, below is a list of people that we momentum because of the 2 year degree day or night! This saves clients money as have lost, if anyone is in contact with them and there are so many things to do and to they can continue to work and stay at kindly let them know the university would see around here that you will never home. The alternative is to take time off like to stay in touch with them. believe how fast time goes by. work, visit England and stay in a hotel, in Roberts A Stalder I would like to mention something that has addition to paying for the intensive course. not changed for many years, since the Courses are carefully tailored for (Business Studies, ’87) time my mother joined this university, and individual clients, who range from that something is Buckingham itself: a Business School students to top business Christina (Tam) Fong friendly university and a family to all people seeking to improve their fluency. (Law, ’92) students who leave their home to study Lessons range from giving a course abroad. based on a chosen book to very specific Natasha Aaron help for a client with a presentation to (Psychology with English Literature, ’01) Kyriakos Armenakis prepare and perfect. All include help with Current Student (LLB Law) pronunciation, grammar and idioms. Abdulrauf Ahmed Abba (Law, ’98) BELTLive really provides what it promises - Business English Language Teaching Samir Odeh Helal Abbadi Live. Any client with good broadband (Transformation Management, ’04) News from Clare internet access needs only an ordinary webcam with earphones and microphone, Yousif M A Abbas Clare Greenhalgh (BA English because BELTLive has developed a (Accounting and Financial Literature ’03), an English Literature powerful system which ensures the proper Management, ’85) graduate is teaching Business English synchronisation of lips and speech and online in a way she believes is a “world the smooth movement of picture usually Tara Abbott first”. “It was Buckingham’s marvellous lacking in skype and ordinary webcam (Pshycology, ’96) internationalism that first sparked me off”, communication. said Clare. After graduating, she trained in Natalia Abboud This revolutionary teaching method has London to teach English as a Second (English with European Law Language and was surprised that there already been picked up by the influential with French, ’91) are no organisations basing their ESL periodical Business India, which featured teaching on modern webcam technology BELTLive in an article on 6 May this year. Zehimkhan Abdoulkady to provide the benefits of face-to-face live Interested readers can find out more (Business and Economics, ’01) tutorials online. This was the genesis of about the latest example of the her BELTLive company, which went live Buckingham entrepreneurial spirit in this year. action on www.beltlive.com.

6 Alumni at Work

Visit to Sri Lanka travelling in the region. The three of us time, seeing old friends as well as making being Buckingham graduates of different new ones. Although we did miss some It gives me great pleasure to write a few disciplines added value to our purpose. It alumni, it gave me great joy to reminisce words about representing the University of was such a delight being received so well and socialise with everyone who was Buckingham in my home country, Sri in all the schools we visited. Being a there. After the dinner the night ended Lanka. native and recommending the University with a warm feeling of meeting friends and of Buckingham for Higher Studies among with promises of keeping in touch and As I went through my academic adventure fellow Sri Lankans and seeing their keeping the alumni bonds strengthened. and had the pleasure of going to other enthusiasm was a great feeling. I Everyone sends their warm regards and alumni presentations the one thing I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to be praised the University for organising the dreamt of was representing the University actively involved in the promotion of the Alumni night. one day! When I was asked to do so I university. was delighted to know that I would be I would like to take this opportunity to able to go back to Sri Lanka to inspire and thank all the alumni who came to meet us enhance the enthusiasm of prospective at the British Council and a big thank you students. This was definitely one of the to alumna Swasha Perera (BSc [Econs] highlights of my life. Accounting and Financial Management ‘03) for organising such a great alumni My visit started off by meeting a good night with dinner. Finally I would like to friend, Abdul Aziz, who is an alumnus thank the University for giving me this himself, in Dubai on my way to Sri Lanka. tremendous opportunity. It was a It was great to see him and to learn that marvellous experience. I am truly he is doing so well in life. After arriving in honoured. Hopefully it has enhanced the Sri Lanka on a hot Sunday morning, I enthusiasm of more students in Sri Lanka spent a few hours with my family before to come and join the excellent community meeting Lucinda (Roberts-Holmes (Law at the University of Buckingham. I take ’06) – International Manager) that evening. great pride in all that the University has We had planned many visits to schools in But what fun would a trip like this be if it offered me. Colombo during our short stay. We also was all work and no play? Hence on gave a presentation at the British Council Friday the 18th June 2007, we had an Harin Sellahewa and conducted interviews for prospective Alumni night. It was a huge success as DPhil Information Services ’07 students. Stuart Andrews (another even more alumni than we thought came alumnus) also joined us while he was for the gathering. Everyone had a great

Transition from Pictures from the Alumni Summer Party Buckingham to Cambridge.

I completed the LLB at Buckingham in 2005 and was admitted to the LLM at Cambridge in 2006. Once the novelty has worn-off, Cambridge has its pros and cons like any other university although, there is less negativity surrounding the name. To strip away the technicality, I can honestly say from my experience that the level of teaching at Buckingham adequately reflects the level of teaching at Cambridge. I believe the student-teacher ratio and the mere availability of the lecturers has a fundamental role to play. It is important to take full advantage of this fact.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Buckingham and wish everyone the best of luck for the future. A special thank you goes to Professor Susan Edwards. Who do you recognise? Jayesh Soni (LLB ’06).

7 Engagements... Marriages...

Congratulations to all Marriages these alumni who have recently married, become engaged or added to their families:

Engagements

On December 23 2006 Helen Wylie (Business Studies ’92) married her good friend Anthony Komatsu. The wedding took place in the twelfth-century church of St Nicholas in the old farming village of Ash, in Kent where they now live. The reception was held at the bride’s family home in Deal, on the East Kent coast.

With great joy and happiness, Haifa Ahmed (LLB Law ’00) is announcing her marriage to Ahmad Al Omani. The wedding took place on the 14 March 2007.

Helene Abdon (LLB ’01, LLM ’02) is happy to announce her engagement to Richard F. Jones Jr. The engagement took place on March 17, 2007 at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building in Chicago. Helene says “We are looking forward to our upcoming wedding in October 2007.”

Olabode Longe (BSc [Econs] Economics ’06) and Shavanthi Griffin (LLB Law with Economics ’06) are happy to announce their traditional wedding which took place on 11 June 2007 in Lagos, Nigeria. Shavanthi says 'It was a pleasure marrying my best friend. I had to fight to hold back tears of joy. I am really looking forward to our 'white wedding' in The Bahamas.' Olabode says 'Shavanthi is simply special, more than anyone could ask for. I consider myself Jennifer Enwerem (BA English one of the luckiest to have her for the rest Atinuke Osibogun (LLM Law ’05) is Literature’95, LLB Law ’97) announces of my life'. happy to announce her engagement to she has tied the knot with her heartthrob Adegoke Adeleke. The couple are Ifeanyi Nwankwo. The marriage took pleased that their relationship, started as place on the 10 April 2007. The happy Yu Xiaojing (MSc IHM ’05) and James the result of a need for painkillers, will be couple now live in Canada. Baker (LLB’06, LLM ’07) are happy to taken to a new level. They will be married announce their marriage. The couple on 18 August 2007 in Nigeria. registered on 18 December 2006 at the Marriage Registration Office, Civil Administration Bureau of Beijing, China. Their blessing will be held on 21 July 2007 in Bradford Abbas, Dorset, where James’ parents live.

8 ...and Births

Births

Aya Goda James (BA Literature ’06) and Steve would like you to meet their son Rhys Ryu Goda James. Rhys was born on 11 December 2006.This adorable and happy little boy is filling everyone's heart with joy! Very excited, Lenny Zahari (LLB Law Thomas Harper was one year old on 28 ’04) says “I’m the proud mother of Mikael April 2007. His parents Matt Harper (BSc Zahriz.” He is such an adorable baby. I Business Studies ’94) and his wife can’t wait for him to grow up so that I can Andrea say “having one is never enough, take him to see Mummy’s University)” We so we have another baby due on October are certainly waiting to meet him too. 24. Another busy year in prospect”. Who says there is no joy in parenthood!

Clemens Toepfer (BSc Business Studies ’95) is happy to announce the Nicola Courtenay (nee Bradwell, ex-staff birth of his daughter, Philippa. She was English Department) and Feargal are born on 7 April 2007 in Hamburg. Julian A. Bostwick (LLB Law ’99) happy to announce the birth of Luke. He Clemens says, “She is a healthy, and so announces the birth of his daughter was born on the 22 February 2007, far, easy going little girl”. Bailey Rebecca Suzanne. She was born weighing 8lbs 8oz. at 11am Monday morning, 19 March 2007 weighing 10lbs 11oz. Both mother (Candace) and daughter are doing well.

9 Alumni at Work

Cancer Relay For Life also from Singapore. and rest. It was heart wrenching to see families with young Cancer children One of our Malaysian alumni writes about There was endless entertainment, dance survivors spending time together all night the success of the “Relay For Life” she and shows, group dance and exercises, under the stars. The Relay continued with organised in early June. fashion show (by survivors), Ms Relay at least one member of each team Beauty Pageant (performed by real men remaining on track walking, jogging at all “We successfully completed our 16-hour as drag queens!), through the night whilst times. The Battle of the Bands (the Finals) Relay For Life non-stop from Saturday the Relay was on. People continued to screamed away rock music and caused evening (6pm) until Sunday morning walk, or run, or jog in their outfits, jogging the Police to arrive at 1am! (10am). It began with heavy rain and attire or fancy dress. We had a Toga party It was fun closing as everybody made the thunderstorms; by the time I gave my team, clowns, University and School effort to do the final lap. Talking about Opening Speech folks were restless and teams. charity, companies like Giordano and raring to go! They were undeterred by the others were selling their t-shirts dirt-cheap drizzle. I was more frightened of the At 8.30pm, the Luminaria Ceremony was with proceeds all for our cancer cause. It lightning, since I was holding the held, where we lit candles in special was incredible. microphone! luminaria small white bags, handwritten with markers, words and thoughts in The cancer survivors' groups and There were a few thousand (last memory of those who died of cancer and participants from all over took turns to estimates around 3-5 thousand) people. placed them around the stadium’s inside take photos on stage. It was endless and Reason being hundreds of volunteers and track. A few moments of silence were people didn't want to leave! Overall Relay food vendors and families and friends (the observed. Some said their prayers in For Life was an opportunity for cancer Asian culture) don't register as they are accordance with their denomination. The survivors to get-together, exchange info part of the extended Organising stadium went dark except those candles on their state of health, cancer treatment, Committee but they joined in the crowd. in the bag. It was a moving moment. We exercises, network together; with support then continued the Relay until 10am in the of caregivers, volunteers and the The Relay For Life began with the Cancer morning. community. It was a joyous event”. Survivors Lap, where 500 of them from ALL over Malaysia (even from far away We had 100 tents pitched around the Zuraidah Atan (LLB Law ’84) Sarawak in East Malaysia!) turned up, stadium, for those who'd booked to stay Volunteer and Organising Chairperson

10 University News

Reunion News from the Visit to Sarajevo School of Science and Technology Earlier this year Mike and Wendy Foundation Office I visited SSST at the end of May 2007. As McCrostie visited the United States. They always, I was struck by the enthusiasm of started off in Philadelphia where they Donations the professors and students. Emir Ganic caught up with Ram Mudambi (Ex-staff A successful beginning to 2007 for the (MBA ’07) has returned to Sarajevo to member) and family. Ram is now a Foundation; donations have already take care of IT and marketing for SSST; it Professor at the Fox Business School, reached £402,000 and alumni donations was good to meet with him. Temple University. Then, after enjoying continue to flow in. New York, they ventured north to stay with Two new programmes, Economics and Dave Hines (Occasional Student ’82) and Graduation International Studies, begin in October his family: wife, Debra and children, The Foundation is responsible for 2007, when SSST will have 240 students Natalie (8) and Garrett (6). honorary graduates. We arrange a dinner and when its first set of students will enter for them on the eve of Graduation. This their final year. year, the honorary graduates included two alumni, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who Lord and Lady Wolfson of Marylebone is currently Governor of Osun State in The Chancellor, Sir Martin Jacomb, and Nigeria, who came with his family and the Dr Terence Kealey hosted lunch at senior advocate Otuna Kunle Kalejaiye, Willowbank on 3 June . The Wolfson and Mark Lancaster, Buckingham’s first Foundation, chaired by Lord Wolfson with UK Member of Parliament. Other honorary Lady Wolfson as a trustee, has given graduates were Robert Pearce, Acting generously to the University. Lord and Vice-Chancellor from 2000 to 2001. His Lady Wolfson toured the University to look wife Chris, who also worked here, came at projects funded by them. with him; Sir Gordon Jewkes, a member of Council from 1996 to 2001 and Mr Faccenda Governor of the Falkland Islands and High Sir Martin Jacomb and Dr Terence Kealey Commissioner for the British Antarctic hosted a lunch at the University on 18 Territory from 1985-1988, and Charles Dave was first at Buckingham as a visiting June for Mr Robin Faccenda, a local Moore, an eminent journalist who is businessman. student from Lehigh University in 1982 writing the authorised biography of and then returned in 1985 to work in the Baroness Thatcher, a former Chancellor of Alumni office for a while. Buckingham, and now Chancellor Patrons’ Lunch He recalled many members of staff from Emeritus (1993 to 1998). A lunch will be held at the Athenaeum in those days including Martin Ricketts, It was a happy occasion and the November 2007 for patrons and other Linda Waterman, Alan Peacock and David transformed examination rooms glowed in special guests to thank them for their Greenaway. He also asked about several the candlelight. Sally Kealey, the Vice- support. students from his days at Buckingham; Chancellor’s wife’ is always a wonderful amongst them were, Isabelle DuBois, help on these occasions as is Sarah Annual Dinner Josie Mazzawi, and Zuaidah Atan and Rush. The Palamountain dinner in January 2007 would like to hear from them. He keeps in was such a success that a similar event touch with Chang Heah, Mark Deal, John Sir Christopher Ondaatje will be held annually. Donors, honorary Henson and Virginia Blackwell (nee graduates, alumni and others will be Hasleden). Sir Martin Jacomb, Terence Kealey and I met with Sir Christopher to update him on invited. The date will be given in the next issue of the Independent. Dave now runs a successful business in University activities. Sir Christopher Massachusetts helping firms with medical Ondaatje showed an enthusiastic interest claims and employs around 40 people. He in the University and his scholars. This Visits also has a condominium in New year’s scholars are Alifa Chowdhury, Clive Visitors are welcome; if you know of Hampshire where Mike and Wendy spent Kozah and Patricia Prada. anyone who would like to visit the a few days. It is in Bretton Woods, which University, do let me know. probably won’t mean much unless you The Bulgarian Ambassador studied Macroeconomics! The Bulgarian flag flew from the flagpole for the Bulgarian Ambassador’s visit on 30 Dave and his family hope to visit England May 2007. Mrs Alison Phillips OBE, who again in the next couple of years and are has enjoyed a fascinating career with the sure to include Buckingham in the Foreign Office, and who is a member of itinerary. He sends his regards to all. Council, formally welcomed him. It was a wet day and a large University umbrella Wendy McCrostie was required throughout the Secretary to Director of Finance Ambassador’s tour. He met with Bulgarian and other students over lunch. He was a delightful guest. I would like to thank Alison Phillips for helping me to host this Dr Mary Welstead visit. We are planning more visits by Director of the University of Buckingham Ambassadors and High Commissioners Foundation from countries whose students are at Direct Line: +44 (0) 1280 820263 Buckingham. Email: [email protected]

11 University News

LAW SCHOOL The League Tables - an “Old Timer’s” pleasure of getting to know so many of View! you personally, I know that we can count National Negotiation Competition on your help and support in doing so. As the longest serving member of the Law After the glory of 2006, the University was School (now that the redoubtable Andrew I fervently believe that, in the University of honoured to host the National Negotiation Durand has finally retired) I am delighted Buckingham, you have a Law School of Competition in 2007. Chandos Road was to have been invited to write a few words which, like me, you can be proud - it is set as the venue and after a day of hard for this issue of the Independent about the probably the reason I am still here! negotiation Michael Weinstein and Steve Law School’s success in the national Nevertheless, like you, I am always Meltzer of the were University league tables, compiled and especially pleased when that pride can be awarded the winning certificates. As we published recently by the Guardian shown to be objectively justified. In the did, they will go forward to represent newspaper. case of these latest league tables, it England in the International Negotiation demonstrably can be, and in our success, Competition except this time, it is to be It has been many years since the we all have something to share and held in Singapore in July 2007. University featured in any of the league celebrate now, as well as something to tables (despite regularly receiving build on in the future. favourable comments in the annual In the final, pairs representing twelve University Guides published in some of Together, let’s do it! universities participated in a series of the same newspapers) and when we did Irving Stevens rounds negotiating dispute-related and (if memory serves me well), we were deal-making scenarios before panels of ranked overall at around thirtieth. Given judges drawn from the Buckingham Law that the University was a very young School staff, alumni, visiting professors institution in those days - not to mention and distinguished guests of the University. the undoubted strength of the opposition - Marketing Deparment We were honoured to have Sir James that seemed to be an altogether Nursaw, an Honourary Professor, Michael reasonable result. Crean QC, and Sir John Brigstocke, our Chairman of Council as distinguished We are all thrilled, therefore, by our judges, all of whom gave words of wisdom rankings in the Guardian University league which were taken to heart by the students tables 2008, in which the Law School is placed twentieth overall out of a total of A great team of Law students ensured the ninety institutions - behind such event ran smoothly, all dressed in special behemoths as Cambridge, the LSE and University of Buckingham polo shirts, Oxford, admittedly, but ahead of many whilst outside caterers provided much other prestigious university Law Schools needed and well deserved sustinence for such as Nottingham, Leeds, Leicester everyone. In the evening, all involved and Reading. converged on the Villiers Hotel where a fine supper was served and tension rose What is really exciting (and, for me, in preparation for the reading of the particularly gratifying to report) is the fact results. Some fine words from Graham that our scores in a number of key areas - Seven years ago I told The Independent Massey on the effectivness of the UN arguably the most important ones - place that Buckingham had been described as were complimented by the witty rhetoric of us in the top three university Law Schools ‘the best kept secret in higher education’. Mark Saunders, the events director. It was in the country. For Teaching, for instance, Well in 2007 the secret is well and truly a fantastic event, much enjoyed by all. we are placed equal first (along with out! King’s and University College, London) with the maximum score of 10/10. Our Coming No 1 in the National Student Janice Denoncourt, Buckingham's Faculty score on Feedback was bettered only by Survey has given our recruitment effort a Advisor, said of the winners: King’s (10 to our 9) and that for Job real boost, and the more recent news of “The standard of this year's competition Prospects puts us at equal third - again on the Law School’s league table success was again very high, and it's encouraging 9 - with only Cambridge and Aberdeen has been another reminder of the to see that the number of Law Schools beating us with the maximum score of 10. excellence of Buckingham. We are participating is on the increase”. working hard to maximise the impact of Negotiating is a key life skill as well as a It was slightly disappointing that, for both these well-deserved results. professional requirement for lawyers and technical reasons, we were not given a has always been a practical component of score for student/staff ratio, since, as you The decision to remove regional discounts Buckingham's Law programme. all know, that is something of which we in and offer a competitive fee for home Buckingham can be rightly proud, and for students has certainly been a success. which we should be right up there (with We are seeing more applications from UK one lecturer for every nine students, as students, and teachers and careers against a national average closer to advisors are being forced to re-think their twenty). However, it would be wrong to cry perceptions about ‘that ’! “foul”. Suffice it to say that we have a Local promotions this year include radio thing or two to learn about presenting the advertising and having our name relevant data, such that we in the Law emblazoned on the back of all Milton School are hopeful (and in my own case, Keynes’ buses! We continue to take part optimistic) that, those lessons having been in the UCAS recruitment fairs around the learned, we will make it into the top ten UK and are embarking on more visits and next year. Certainly, that is what we are lectures to schools and colleges. Tom Durbin working towards - and, having had the

12 University News

Good news travels fast and our of your unwavering support and generous anonymous. programme of international visits, donations to the annual fund that we have If you feel you would like to make a especially those where we include alumni been able to set about making changes to donation to the fund then an online gatherings, is always appreciated. So far improve your University. To date we have donation form is available at: this year we have visited Poland, China, raised just over £8,000 which will enable www.buckingham.ac.uk/ubfoundation/ Argentina, Cyprus, Austria, Kazakhstan, us to make many changes around howtodonate/. Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. campus. I would like to take this Any and all donations will be gratefully We plan to return to a number of these opportunity to tell you some of the many received. Your support is vital to our countries in the autumn, as well as ways in which we will be putting your continuing success! encompassing Japan, Nigeria, India, donations to use. Bahamas and Pakistan. We are now Bethany Carter concentrating on independently arranged Our AAF wish list identifies the following Alumni Annual Fund and Country Groups visits, using alumni contacts and agents, future projects: Co-ordinator rather than on big education fairs. This Tel: +44 (0) 1280 820 210 more personal approach ensures that we Memorial Garden Email: [email protected] build up relationships with key personnel We are currently having plans drawn up in schools, and our agents are well briefed for a memorial garden. The garden will be and fired with enthusiasm to promote situated next to the Tanlaw Mill – an area Concerts and Lectures Buckingham. which sees students from all schools come together during their time here at Series But there is no doubt that the best Buckingham. marketing of all is personal As some of you may know, the recommendation and we continue to University runs a termly Concerts Cost towards updating the SU Bar - reward alumni who refer students to Estimated cost = £1,400 and Lectures series. The series Buckingham. The token payment of £250 sees a range of speakers and is paid to you once the student you Creation of a cyber café in the performers visiting Buckingham to referred has registered. If you would like give talks and recitals to members more details about this scheme, do please Franciscan Coffee Bar - Estimated cost contact me. = £3,000 of the University as well as the general public. Debbie Millns An interactive whiteboard for the Marketing Manager library study area - Estimated cost = The Summer Term is home to the Tel: +44 (0) 1280 820220 £5,000 annual Art History series of lectures. Email: [email protected] These lectures are given by Dr Student scholarships and updating of Nicola Smith, Dr Joachim Strupp student accommodation and a guest speaker. The series this year is on the theme of Venice Further investment in sports and Alumni Office equipment Tuesday 24 July Renovation of the entrance to the Dr Nicola Smith Ruskin - Venice Franciscan Building and England

Funding for Business Enterprise Tuesday 31 July student companies Dr Joachim Strupp - If it's Tuesday, it must be Venice Provision of an SU mini-bus and driver training Tuesday 7 August Lady Clarke CBE - Venice in Peril : If you have any other suggestions of items to add to the AAF wish list please contact 40 Years On the Alumni Office: [email protected] To book your place, contact the I hope that the success of the fund will Publicity Office on +44 (0)1280 continue and help towards securing a 820213 or email publicity@ In the five months since I started my job great future for the University and its buckingham.ac.uk. All lectures here at the University, things have really students. begin at 6:30pm and take place in taken shape and I have settled into my the Ian Fairbairn Lecture Hall, role well. I am familiarising myself with all From all of us here at the University of the different country groups and building Buckingham we would like to say a huge Chandos Road Building. up good relationships with the many thank you to all our donors: alumni and students. Mohamed Berjawi, E Georges, Frederic There are no concerts this term Moraillon, Iban Ortuzar, Cenzig Firat, because of the Buckingham As alumni you are exceptionally important Omolara Kayode, Jaspreet Gill, Kingsley Summer Festival. Details of all to us and as you know our relationship Francis, John Price, Nicolo Zanotto, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Clemens forthcoming events can always be with you continues long after you found on: graduate. So many of you have played a Toepfer, Frank Lefley, John Embiricos, fundamental role in the continued success Huda Al-Rasheed, Walter Pauly and all http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/news/ of Buckingham University. It is as a result our other donors who wished to remain events.html

13 University News

QAA Institutional Audit, National Student Survey and League Tables

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is a national organisation that inspects universities across the UK to assess the quality of teaching and confirm academic standards. In 2003, QAA inspected the University of Buckingham and their report published in 2004 confirmed that standards here are amongst the highest in the UK.

A spin-off from the Audit was that the University became eligible to take part in the National Student Survey (NSS) – an independent survey of students across the UK. In 2006, the University’s students voted Buckingham into top place and we are currently awaiting the results of the 2007 survey. The participation rate was high again and all students who took part were automatically entered into a prize draw to win a Special Edition UB Ipod or a cash prize. As you have read in other articles in this issue, the QAA Audit and NSS have raised the University’s profile nationally and internationally. Following its successful Audit, the University joined the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and started making statistical returns to it in 2005. This has directly resulted in Buckingham reappearing in University League Tables in 2007, with our flagship Law School achieving 20th position amongst all Law Schools in the UK.

The University is small which is one of our strengths. However, the methodology of some League Tables (which include student number thresholds) can make it more difficult for us to be included in the overall The photograph shows the lucky winners, Katherine Waite (Psychology) and Masiur University rankings. Nevertheless, we Ghaani from the Law School receiving their prizes from the Vice Chancellor with Dr Alan are redoubling our efforts to get into Martin (newly-appointed Head of Psychology) and Mrs Charlotte Walsh (Dean of Law). them in future and this year’s inclusion of the Law School represents a major step towards this goal.

The University has another QAA Audit in November 2007. Students play a major part in the process and throughout the coming months we will be working closely with them (and, of course, our staff) to try to repeat the success of 2003. Anne Miller Quality Assurance Manager. The English Eccentrics! Customarily an alumni event, this year current students and local teachers joined the crowd who were entertained by madrigals (Gerry Loftus), recitations (Dr John Drew), and the soothing strumming of Dr Mike Lucas, whose day job is Head of Department of Accounting in the Business School. The sun shone, and the birds sang, and the Millpond had never looked more idyllic, as we sampled excellent canapés and welcomed in the summer season. The tradition of ‘doing a turn’ added a nice touch of humour to the event and a melodramatic rendition by Dr The English Department at UB makes a John Drew, in kimono and solar topi, was point of keeping in touch with alumni, and the highlight of the evening. now hosts an annual get-together for those able to return to their home university. This years’ gathering took the Acting and lecturing are kindred abilities, form of a summer launch party complete and Dr Drew’s theatrical talents are no with hats, bunting, and music on the lawn. secret to those lucky enough to have The May Day traditions of English village enjoyed his excellent lectures. life were honoured, and in true It was a delight to see our alumni happily Buckingham style guests lingered at the relaxing with members of staff and the prettiest part of our riverside campus event once again illustrated that a Setara A.L. Pracha (BA English quaffing iced drinks, and engaging in pre- university truly is its students - past and Literature ’04) summer silliness. present. English Tutor and Researcher

14 University News

Obituaries

Christian Codrai (LLB ’79) Professor Harold Edey Buckingham from Lehigh University from 4 August 1955 - 2 February 2006 23 February 1913 – 12 March 2007 where he obtained a B.S. in 1987. He obtained his MBA from Carnegie-Mellon The University is sad to learn that University in 1991, and had previously Professor Harold Edey, a Patron of the worked at DuPont, Bankers Trust, Hull University, died on Monday 12 March Trading, and Goldman Sachs. He 2007 at the age of ninety four. worked and lived in London on two Harold Edey joined the staff of the London occasions, in 1999, and again in 2006. School of Economics in 1949 and was a Phil is survived by his wife Elissa Perry, Professor of Accounting from 1962 until their two sons Maxwell (5) and Benjamin his retirement in 1980. He was the LSE's (2), his parents, six brothers and sisters, first Pro-Director, was responsible for numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews developing the first Master’s courses in and devoted friends all over the world. Accounting in Britain and has taught a A memorial service for Phil was held on large proportion of British Professors of It is with deep sadness that we announce June 4, 2007 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania Accounting, including Buckingham's Peter USA. Fellow UB occasional student David the death of Christian Codrai after a short Watson and David Pendrill. illness in Italy. Greene (1987) attended. His major academic interest was in During his two terms at Buckingham, Phil His brother, Justin Codrai said “he studied financial accounting and reporting on wholeheartedly immersed himself in Law in the University's first intake and he which he published several books and campus life. He was an enthusiastic subsequently went on to qualify as a seminal papers. He provided an important member of the basketball club, and well- Barrister in the Inner Temple. link between the academic world and the known for organizing American football practical world of accountants by serving Following a stint in Brussels where he games in front of Beloff House. Those as the first academic member of the who knew Phil are invited to post obtained his Masters degree and another Council of the Institute of Chartered short period at the Bar in the UK, he took comments at Accountants in England and Wales from http://rememberingphilcardi.blogspot.com. up a post in the legal department of the 1969-1980 and by playing an important UN Agency, IFAD (International Fund for role in the early setting of accounting A fund is being established for Phil's sons. Agricultural Development). He rose to standards. Information about the fund will be posted become IFAD's General Counsel and on the blog when it is available. Director in charge of the legal department. Professor Edey held important positions with many prestigious institutions: He was Any alumni wishing to contact Justin can David Greene a Governor of what is now the London Occasional Student – Lehigh ’86 do so at [email protected]” Business School, a Member of the Council of the CNAA and an Academic Adviser and Patron of the University of Buckingham. He provided us with his Christopher Okolie (LLB ’84) Mr John Wheeler usual sound advice and was involved in 6 July 1947 – 4 March 2007 8 November 1931 – 29 May 2007 making critical staff appointments in the It is with sadness that the University has early years of the University's development.

Professor David Pendrill (Emeritus Professor of Accounting & Financial Management)

Philip Cardi (occasional student Lehigh It is with great sorrow I announce the ’86) death of Christopher Okolie. Chris Okolie 18 June 1965 – 30 May 2007 graduated from the university with an LLB Law ‘84. He pioneered editorial magazine journalism in Nigeria. As a charismatic journalist he played his role by fighting relentlessly, using his magazine for the heard of the death of Mr John Wheeler on stability of democracy in Nigeria. 29 May after a long battle against cancer. Olusegun Obansanjo in his own words An Honorary Graduate, Donor and described him as a man who maintained a member of Council and F & GP, John was lively interest in public affairs throughout one of Buckingham's strongest his existence: his periodic interventions in supporters. It is with a heavy heart that I report the political affairs and contributions to death of my dear friend Philip Cardi on national debate marked him out as an His funeral was held at the Parish Church May 30, 2007. Phil died suddenly after essayist, editorialist and analyst motivated of St. Peter and St. Paul, Great falling ill at work. At the time of his death, by patriotism and idealism. Missenden on Thursday, 7 June. Chris Phil was a partner and the lead Wilkes represented the University at the technologist at Volant Trading LLC in New Daniel Bakpa funeral. York City. Phil was a visiting student at Current Student

15 Comments and Buckingham in the News

The Denning Law Journal Annual Conference 27th September 2007 Howling at Liberty’s door “What if the Church and the State Are the mob that howls at the door” W.B. Yeats

President Venue Lord Slynn of Hadley The Law Society, Chancery Lane 9.30 to 5.30 Chairman Professor Susan Edwards Fee Speakers Full £265 + VAT Academic £175 + VAT Professor Conor Gearty Denning Society £225 +VAT Edward Fitzgerald QC

Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC CPD Keir Starmer QC 6 Hours Bar Council (accredited) Mark Muller QC 6 Hours Law Society Dr Jocelynne Scutt (non accredited) Desmond Fernandes

The conference will

x Explore the assault on Liberty by the state x Interrogate the way in which the terrorist threat is both real and imagined in popular and legal discourse x Discuss legislation as a result of the recent acts of terrorism

Buckingham Law School, The University of Buckingham Book online now at: www.denninglawjournal.com/index_files/Page794.htm tel +44 (0)1280 828338 [email protected] To All Alumni This publication is for you and if you would like input into the next issue, please send comments and ideas to Anne Matsuoka. Copy for the next issue required by Friday 12 October www.buckingham.ac.uk

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