Winter 2008 NTU alumni... you’re part of it All aboard for our travel special Welcome to our Alumnus of the Year Thanks for your first Chancellor races to top award Alumni Fund gifts network welcome Welcome to Ne twork Welcome to the (page 14). It also highlights some of the latest issue of work undertaken by the University and our Contents Network , your alumni to protect the environment. alumni We’ve taken this opportunity to remind magazine. you about the exclusive benefits you can page 05 Alumnus of the Year Our special enjoy as Alumni Association members and greetings go to we bring you news of the latest addition - around 5,000 20% discount on admission to two of new graduates Nottingham’s top attractions when who have presenting your ve ntu re card, which was joined the distributed with the last issue of Network . Alumni As ever, we love to report on your success Association stories and we are delighted to feature the following this year’s awards ceremonies. recipient of this year’s Alumnus of the Year We have also welcomed a new member of Award, Louise Holland (Sport Administration page 06 News from Nottingham staff to our Alumni Relations team - alumna and Science 1988). Find out more about Hannah Marmion (Human Services 2007). Louise and how she has helped raise over page 10 The sporting life We are here to answer your queries, keep £300 million for cancer research on page 5. page 12 Our online community you in touch with the University and help We hope you enjoy reading your latest you play a part in the NTU community. magazine. We are always happy to hear page 13 Alumni tell of their travels As usual, the magazine is packed with from you, so please keep sending in your news from Nottingham, your University and updates, news and stories. your fellow alumni. This issue recounts the experiences of alumni who have broadened Clare Oswin and Hannah Marmion their horizons through travel - from a daring Development and Alumni Relations Office expedition to Everest (see page 18) to close Tel: +44 (0)115 848 8777 encounters with a volcano in Montserrat Email: [email protected] page 22 Environmental action Message from the Vice-Chancellor page 27 Weddings It’s always a shaping up. The interest will undoubtedly page 28 Reunions pleasure to grow next year as we unveil the stunning page 30 How your gifts help welcome our results of what has been the largest campus alumni back to regeneration scheme in NTU’s history. the University - And, for those of you who can’t return to and never more Nottingham, do take time to explore our so than on a new online community so you can keep in historic occasion touch with our news no matter what part of such as the the world you happen to be in. recent Finally, I’d like to express my gratitude to installation those of you who have taken your ceremony for our first Chancellor. We’re enthusiasm for the University one step delighted that Sir Michael Parkinson CBE is further. Read on to discover how alumni are page 34 Past and present set to play a key role in the life of NTU and providing invaluable support to enhance the we appreciate the fact that former students learning experience of our current and chose to share in our celebrations too. future students. Whether you’ve provided Front cover: Cold comfort - the life of a As this edition of Network shows, there career mentoring, assisted at an open day or snowboard photographer. Photo by Rick are countless ways in which alumni can donated to the Alumni Fund, your generous Caughey. See page 13 for the full story. refresh and strengthen their relationship contribution is truly making a difference. with the University. Some of you, for Thank you. © Nottingham Trent University and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole instance, have already taken the opportunity or in part without the prior written consent of to see at first hand how the transformation Professor Neil T Gorman Nottingham Trent University. of our Newton and Arkwright buildings is Vice-Chancellor 02 get involved at www.ntualumni.org.uk • Kevin Cahill CBE, the creative and persuasive force behind the success of Comic Relief and Sport Relief in raising funds to combat poverty, disadvantage and injustice. • Inspirational academic leader Professor Ray Cowell CBE DL, well known to many alumni through his role as Vice- Chancellor of the University for 16 years until his retirement in 2003. • Celebrated journalist and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, whose career has spanned PR for the music industry, literary criticism, current affairs and her own chat show. • Bill Kenwright CBE, the man behind the world’s most prolific theatre production company with shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Blood Brothers . • England’s most successful Test cricket captain Michael Vaughan OBE, one of the sport’s great ambassadors who won 26 Above: Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Gorman and Sir Michael at the official ceremony of the 51 Tests during his reign. It was also announced that honorary degrees would be awarded to three of the UK’s best-known celebrities - supremely gifted actress Dame Judi Dench CH DBE; unique comedy performer Billy Connolly CBE; and acclaimed broadcaster and Top A great occasion Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Going forward, Sir Michael’s role as Chancellor will include conferring degrees at Nottingham Trent University celebrated a major awards ceremonies and representing the University on other special occasions. milestone in its history when Sir Michael Parkinson Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Gorman CBE was installed as its first Chancellor. commented: “I can think of no-one better than Sir Michael to fulfil this important role as the figurehead of our University. He is a distinguished broadcaster and journalist Nearly 1,500 VIP guests, staff, students, “I am very much looking forward to revered for his integrity and charisma. alumni and other friends of the University starting this new chapter in my life and to I know he will be a wonderful advocate for attended the star-studded ceremony to hear being involved in a University where us and will provide genuine inspiration to Sir Michael confirm his commitment to - and nurturing talent and helping people realise our University community.” enthusiasm for - his new role as NTU’s most their full potential is seen as a priority.” senior public face. The hour-long event at the Royal Concert Sir Michael, the journalist and broadcaster Hall in Nottingham also saw a series of Share in the University’s big day. best known for his TV chat show which was famous names added to the University’s roll A special video capturing highlights essential Saturday night viewing for millions, call of honour. Honorary degrees were of the installation ceremony can now commented: “2008 has certainly been a presented to: be viewed online, together with year to remember. It started with a • Champion of farming and rural photographs and the full transcript knighthood and ends with my installation as communities Baroness Hazel Byford of of Sir Michael’s acceptance speech. Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University - Rothley DBE, until last year the Shadow Just follow the links from our website both accolades I am deeply honoured to Minister in the House of Lords for Food at: www.ntualumni.org.uk have received. and Rural Affairs. Champion of rural Comic and Sport NTU’s former Vice- Prolific journalist Theatre production Acclaimed cricket communities Baroness Relief supremo Chancellor Professor and broadcaster pioneer Bill star Michael Byford of Rothley DBE Kevin Cahill CBE Ray Cowell CBE DL Mariella Frostrup Kenwright CBE Vaughan OBE get involved at www.ntualumni.org.uk 03 network benefits Treat you rself Our travel-themed issue of Network wouldn’t be complete without a look at some of the great discounts and offers available to help NTU alumni get out and about. Going underground...you never know who you’ll meet on your discounted trip to the City of Caves Whether you’re looking for an entertaining www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk for opening self-guided and group walking tours as well day trip back to Nottingham - or planning a times and more information. You will have as holidays which combine walking with holiday further afield - we could have a received your ve ntu re card with the last cookery, painting or pottery. special deal that’s right up your street. issue of Network - email: [email protected] Among new attractions are holidays if you need a new one. along the beautiful route which inspired Venturing out in Nottingham? Robert Louis Stevenson to write the classic NTU alumni now enjoy 20% off entry to From cottages to castles Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes . two of the city’s best-loved attractions. Just Turn your holiday dreams into reality - with Another is an inn-to-inn trekking tour on the present your ve ntu re card at the Galleries of a fantastic 10% discount on holidays Regordane Way, once one of Christendom’s Justice and the City of Caves to benefit. booked through Cottages4You. most important pilgrimage routes. Dare to take an atmospheric trip through The company offers intriguing properties Interested? Your journey of discovery three centuries of crime and punishment at throughout the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, should start at www.enlightened- the Galleries of Justice, a historic former Portugal and Italy, perfect for a short break traveller.co.uk When booking, just quote court and prison in the Lace Market.