Bangoriad Autumn 2011 - English version

www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 Bangor University’s Alumni and Friends’ Magazine

• NEWS

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

Welcome Welcome to the autumn 2011 edition of Bangoriad. In this issue we bring you news on our Cancer Research Institute as well as looking back on the Coleg Normal. As usual we also bring you up to date with the biggest news from the University, plus articles on some of your fellow alumni.

We love to hear your stories, either from your time at Bangor or since you’ve left the University, so please get in touch if you have any to share and we can include them in the next Bangoriad.

Don’t forget to let us know if your details change by updating them on our website: www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/update You can also let us know your email address there so we can send you all the latest news from the University via our quarterly e-newsletter.

Best wishes, Bethan Perkins, Editor Development and Alumni Relations Office, Gartherwen, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG UK Phone: + 44 (0) 1248 388332 / 382020 Fax: +44 (0) 1248 383268 e-mail: alumni@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni Bangor University: + 44 (0) 1248 351151

BANGORIAD ONLINE Help us save costs and the environment by opting-in to receive Bangoriad online only. If you’re happy to receive future editions of Bangoriad via email only, please visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/update to note your interest or email: alumni@bangor.ac.uk

Update your contact details at:

www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/update Keep in touch online: Bangor University Alumni Prifysgol Bangor BangorAlumni Bangor University ALUMNI

2 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

COLEG CyMRAEG CENEDLAEthOL INvEstMENt Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, the new national institution for the development of Welsh medium education and scholarship at universities in Wales, has awarded nine academic posts and five PhD scholarships to Bangor University for the new academic year.

Through this new investment, students at Bangor and other institutions can now look forward to a number of new modules and Welsh medium developments in subjects as varied as French, Chemistry, Popular Music, Music for Film, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Work, Nursing and Environmental Studies.

Welcoming the awards, Professor John G. Hughes, Vice-Chancellor said: “Putting this good news alongside the University’s decision to appoint a Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Welsh medium matters and its significant investment in the Welsh Hall of Residence, there has never been a better time for students to come to Bangor to study through the medium of Welsh, and to have a rich experience in doing so.”

DIABEtEs UK FUNDING Health charity Diabetes UK has awarded a £14,500 grant to Dr John Mulley of Bangor’s School of Biological Sciences, to fund research into the Pdx2 gene and its role in insulin production in human cells. Greater understanding of this gene will hopefully shed light on new ways to develop treatments for people suffering with diabetes.

Acknowledgements: This publication is for former students, staff and friends of Bangor University. The articles printed here, to the best of our knowledge, were correct at the time of going to press. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Bangor University or the Editor. For permission to reproduce any article please contact the Editor.

Data Protection: Alumni data is held securely and confidentially on the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office database for the purposes of promoting closer links between Bangor University and its former students. The data is available to the University's academic and administrative departments for the purpose of promoting closer links with alumni, as well as to recognised University societies. For full details visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni © Bangor University 2011

www.bangor.ac.uk/news • NEWS

BANGORIAD NEWs Prof. John G. hughes and Luna Wu, Director of the Beijing office

BANGOR IN BEIJING In March, Bangor University officially opened an office in Beijing, China. Professor John G. hughes, Vice-Chancellor, said "Bangor is well established as a destination of choice for Chinese students and China forms a key part of Bangor's strategy to recruit 20% of its students from overseas."

During the same visit, agreements were signed with Shanghai University, China

University of Political Science and Law and the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. Dr Xinyu Wu, Bangor’s Director of International Development said, “These agreements are a tangible measure of Bangor’s increasingly international outlook and we hope that they are the first of many in the coming years.”

INtERNAtIONAL RECOGNItION FOR FOOD DUDEs Professor Fergus Lowe and Dr Pauline horne of Bangor University’s School of Psychology are to receive the Scientific Translation Award (Technology Transfer) from the Society for the Advancement of Behavioural Analysis at their Annual Convention in May 2012.

The Food Dudes scheme, which is designed for primary schools, uses four healthy eating cartoon characters and a range of other behaviour change procedures to help children develop a liking for fruit and vegetables, encourage them to eat them at home and be proud that they are healthy eaters.

“The Food Dudes project is gaining global recognition for the very successful way that it can improve eating habits. This is a project from Bangor University that can make a real impact on the health of people in those societies worldwide that are now faced with such a major obesity challenge” said Professor John G. Hughes, Vice-Chancellor.

GRADUAtE CONtRIBUtION In a move to maintain and enhance its reputation for a top-quality student experience, Bangor University has proposed tuition fees of £9,000 for new Home/EU undergraduate and PGCE students from September 2012. In accordance with the Welsh Government’s policy, students domiciled in Wales will pay only the current fee level of approximately £3,400 p.a.

Professor John G. hughes, Vice-Chancellor, said “Bangor has always prided itself on offering a high-quality learning experience for students, and despite the challenging financial climate we are absolutely determined to maintain and improve what we offer. We plan to increase the number of bursaries to students from low income backgrounds, to invest in the learning infrastructure, and to enhance our provision for student sport and recreation. We are already investing heavily in the ambitious, multi-million pound Pontio development, which will include new teaching facilities as well as a theatre, cinema space and new Students’ Union, and these further initiatives will build on this exciting project.”

In the context of the significant reduction in government support to Universities as a result of the changing fee regime, Bangor University reluctantly came to the conclusion that this level of fee is necessary in order to ensure that the experience of its students remains a top priority.

£3.2 MILLION PROJECt sEt tO BOOst ECONOMIC GROWth Small businesses and charities in Wales and Ireland will be in a stronger position to compete for public sector contracts thanks to a £3.2 million project launched

by Bangor’s School of Law. The project builds on research work undertaken by the Law School, which has had a major influence on public procurement reforms taking place in the United Kingdom.

The ‘Winning in Tendering’ project will focus on improving the tendering skills of charities and Small to Medium Size Enterprises and removing unnecessary barriers they face.

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 3

NEWS • www.bangor.ac.uk/news

ocal student sara Lois Roberts from Llanbedrog celebrated achieving a First Class Honours degree in Product Design this summer as well as being awarded the Lloyd Jones prize. The Award was established by Mr Lloyd Jones, a successful businessman from North America, and aims to promote and support entrepreneurship among Bangor University students.

For her final project, Sara designed and manufactured jewellery items that explore concealment and emotions. Sara will now expand on her experiences within the industry by developing her own jewellery range to sell and she hopes to either secure a job designing and producing jewellery or set up her own company.

Another student who received the Lloyd Jones prize was shem ap Geraint from Machynlleth. He designed a modern version of the life ring, that can be thrown a far greater distance than current designs. Shem came up with his Rocket Life Ring following stints working in harbours and with the RNLI. Shem also presented his idea in a national competition run by Santander held at the University. Students studying a wide range of subjects were tasked by the B-Enterprising

L

PRODUCt DEsIGN stUDENts ExCEL team in the Careers and Employability Service to come up with an innovative business idea to pitch to a panel of judges. Shem beat off stiff

sEACAMs ROUND WALEs BUsINEss EvENt Sustainable Expansion of the Applied Coastal and Marine Sectors (SEACAMS), an ambitious project to support a whole range of coastal and marine related industries, sailed around Wales to promote its services to businesses in June.

The SEACAMS project, jointly run by Bangor, Swansea and Aberystwyth Universities, is designed to support Welsh coastal and marine business through collaboration between academics, individuals and enterprises by assisting research pilots and feasibility studies.

The ‘Round Wales Business Event’ raised the profile of the exciting and ambitious SEACAMS project and the importance of sustainable marine businesses to the economic future of Wales.

CONsUMER PsyChOLOGy IN thE WORKPLACE A recent Bangor graduate has played a key role in earning his new employer two national business awards.

Paul Dazeley heard about a job opening at Ella’s Kitchen, an organic baby food company, as he was finishing his MSc degree in Consumer Psychology and Business at Bangor. Dr. James Intriligator, head of the MSc programme, suggested that Paul design some original research just for Ella’s Kitchen, to demonstrate his unique new skills. The company were so impressed with Paul’s study of consumer perspectives on baby food manufacturers’ websites, they offered him a job straightaway.

Paul helped the company present their pitch for the IGD Food Industry Awards which resulted in the company winning the General Mills award for Consumer Understanding. Ella’s Kitchen also won the Blackberry Customer Focus award for small

4 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

businesses at the National Business Awards.

Bangor’s Dr. Intriligator celebrates Paul’s achievement: “Companies are starting to see how consumer psychology can deepen their understanding and benefit their bottom line. As a result, graduates of our programme are in great demand.”

(L-R) sara Lois Roberts, shem ap Geraint and Dewi Rowlands

competition to become the overall undergraduate winner and won £200.

ALUMNUs COMPLEtEs EPIC ChARIty JOURNEy Bangor University graduate Carl James from Buckinghamshire, has just completed a 30,000 mile drive to South Africa and back in a bid to raise £10,000 for two charities, Link Ethiopia and Alzheimer’s Research Trust.

Carl, who graduated from Bangor with a First Class Honours in Sport Science in 2009, decided to embark on the journey, that saw him visit 40 countries in 11 months, with a school friend as he wanted a new challenge after graduating.

To read all about their adventure, for more information and to donate money to the charities, visit: www.tohelandback.org.uk

FIRst CLAss ENvIRONMENt

Paul Dazeley

Following an intensive and independent audit of its policies and procedures, the University successfully attained Level 4 of the prestigious Green Dragon Environmental Standard.

This builds on the Level 3 award held for the last two years. As well as achieving this accolade, the University also retained its “First Class Honours” degree in the annual People and Planet University Green League.

www.bangor.ac.uk/news • NEWS

hONOURING WALEs’ AND BANGOR’s BEst Over 2,000 students graduated from Bangor University in July this year and they were joined at some of the ceremonies by individuals who were awarded Honorary Fellowships.

2011’s Honorary Fellows are: 1 Paul Feeney For services to the financial services industry: Bangor graduate and leading international investment strategist with BNY Mellon Asset Management.

1

2 Julian Lewis Jones For services to drama: Anglesey-born film and TV actor who starred in the 2009 Clint Eastwood film Invictus and in numerous TV dramas, including The Bill, Casualty, Holby City and Spooks.

3 John herbert, Earl of Powis For services to scholarship and literary studies: A former university teacher and researcher, he has collaborated with academics in the

2

4

3

5

6

ALUMNI OF thE yEAR AWARD The University is introducing an Alumni of the Year Award to a Bangor graduate who is judged to have achievements of particular merit or distinction in either the public or private sectors, in Wales, other parts of the UK or internationally.

The Selection Panel will consider nominations on behalf of alumni who can demonstrate: 1 Professional success of particular merit 2 voluntary work or philanthropy of significant merit

University’s School of English.

4 Professor Laura McAllister For services to Sport in Higher Education: Professor of Governance at Liverpool University and a leading authority on Welsh politics, Laura is also a former Wales football international and Chair of the Sports Council for Wales.

5 Professor Gwyn thomas For services to Welsh literature: Bangor graduate, former Professor of Welsh at the University, poet and literary critic and National Poet of Wales in 2006-2007.

6 Duffy For services to Music: Singer who was born and brought up in Nefyn in Gwynedd. Her 2008 debut album Rockferry entered the UK album chart at No 1 and went on to sell 1.7million copies.

7 Rhys Jones, MBE For services to Music and the Community: Teacher, conductor, accompanist, compere and broadcaster.

3 Commendable heroism 4 Work which is unique or especially distinctive 5 Achievements of national or international significance 6 Work which makes a significant contribution to the lives of others Nominations should be submitted with a supporting statement by 31st March 2012 to Bethan Perkins at: alumni@bangor.ac.uk or call: +44 (0) 1248 388332

LANDROvER DREAM ROLE A Bangor graduate who is a Landrover enthusiast started a position with the firm this summer.

Masters of Electronic Engineering graduate Robin Boyd said, “My degree has helped me to think like an engineer, which means that I now think about and tackle problems in a totally different way to when I began my degree. Studying Engineering at Bangor is more than a degree… it is also a state of mind!” Robin added, “My graduate position as a Product Development Engineer means I will be involved with research, development and testing of the latest vehicles. I not only get to use my degree but to also indulge my passion for Landrovers!”

Whilst at Bangor, Robin was also involved in the Enterprise by Design competition, where he was part of a team of students who were tasked with designing, marketing and pitching a new product. Robin’s team eventually won the competition.

7

BANGOR ACADEMICs hONOURED Four individuals connected with Bangor University featured in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Professor R. Merfyn Jones was awarded the CBE for services to Higher Education in Wales after serving as Bangor University’s sixth Vice-Chancellor and Professor Judy hutchings of the School of Psychology and the Incredible Years Wales Centre received an OBE for her services to children and families.

Professor Robert Edwards FRs, who graduated with a degree in Zoology from Bangor University in 1951 and went on to pioneer in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), was Knighted for services to Human Reproductive Biology. Dr Dewi Wyn Roberts, who serves on the University’s Council, is also to be congratulated. He received an MBE for his services to the community in North Wales in his role as Chairman of Community Justice Interventions Wales.

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 5

FEATURES A watercolour of hen Goleg c.1945

BACK tO NORMAL If you studied at the Bangor Normal College, the newly published book Bywyd Normal, compiled by Dr. tudor Ellis (also an alumnus of Bangor University), is sure to strike a chord. n his preface to the volume, Dr. Gareth Roberts, the last Principal of the Normal, outlines the history of establishing the College in 1858 through its development to 1996 when it integrated with the University College of North Wales. The significant milestones in that history are set out, as well as the sometimes turbulent relationships between the Normal and the University College.

In the main body of the book, Dr. tudor Ellis draws on a wealth of sources, including autobiographies and an extensive collection of letters and photographs sent in by past students that describe their recollections of college life. The College magazine, The Normalite, published continuously by students from 1896 to 1972, proved to be another important source. The author also gleaned further information by interviewing a number of past students.

The book captures the nature of the student experience at the College at different periods of its history. Before 1910, only men were admitted as students. From 1910 onwards women were also enrolled, but, until the late 1950s, the female students and the male students were kept strictly apart, in theory at least! In the initial years English was the sole medium of instruction, but, from the mid-1950s onwards, significant advances were made to provide parallel courses through the medium of Welsh. In this later period new buildings were erected and the number and nature of the courses expanded, including the development of degrees in vocational subjects alongside the more traditional teacher-training courses.

I

Neuadd seiriol students May 1986

6 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

Tracing a number of specific themes, the book describes the student experience of: lectures and ‘school practice’; life in the halls of residence; cultural and religious activities; and skirmishes on the playing fields. Do you remember ‘souvenir nights’, blind dates, serenading, dancing in Jimmy's, the College Eisteddfod, the Noson Lawen, the Woolie Cup and the Hymphs Cup? The book also covers periods of student unrest and conflict with College authorities, including the 1890 strike, the struggle for more lenient rules and regulations championed by Sheila Davies in 1953 and the saga of the Open Rooms in the 1960s.

A verse from the 1920s Normal College Initiation Hymn (for women only!) expresses the warmth felt by generations of past Normalites for their alma mater: Tho’ the fleeting years will lead us, From her dear grey walls away, Fine traditions we shall cherish, Of that radiant yesterday, From our College, Normal College, Gaining courage for our way.

Madrigal Choir 1957-59 with Ryan Davies at the helm

the Women’s Choir on stage at the 1995 Urdd Eisteddfod under the baton of Delyth Rees

Bywyd Normal is printed by Gwasg y Bwthyn, Caernarfon.

It can be purchased through bookshops for £12.99, ISBN: 978-1-907424-18-2.

Plans are in hand to publish an English version, the working title of which is Back to Normal. he Coleg Normal Archive contains a variety of items contributed mainly by past students and staff – documents, photographs, reminiscences and assorted memorabilia.

Additions to the archive are welcome, either as items to be kept or as material on loan to be copied and scanned before being returned.

Over a hundred and fifty contributions to the archive have already been received. For further information, please contact the archive coordinator, Gareth Roberts, c/o School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Bangor University, Normal Site, Holyhead Road, Bangor LL57 2PZ; or email: h.g.f.roberts@bangor.ac.uk

T

FEATURES

CANCER REsEARCh IN BANGOR: The North West Cancer Research Fund Institute

he North West Cancer Research Fund Institute was founded in 2004, with support from the North West Cancer Research Fund (NWCRF), Bangor University and the Welsh Assembly Government. The Institute is housed in recently refurbished laboratories at the School of Biological Sciences in the Brambell Building.

Members of the Institute use a range of model systems and state of the art technologies to research various aspects of carcinogenesis, cancer diagnostics and treatment. The research groups of Dr. Jane Wakeman and Dr. Ramsay McFarlane use human cell lines to investigate tumour invasion and metastasis, and to identify novel cancer markers that can be used in diagnostics and treatments. The group of Dr. Edgar hartsuiker identifies and characterises novel mechanisms that provide

T

resistance against DNA damaging cancer drugs. Dr. David Pryce is interested in developing new technologies for cancer research and diagnostics. One of the aims of the researchers is to translate their research findings into the clinic to improve the treatment of cancer patients. For this purpose, they are increasingly collaborating with Prof.

Nick stuart (Consultant Oncologist/ Professor of Cancer Studies) and other NHS cancer specialists in North Wales.

Over the years the Institute has been very successful in publishing in high profile scientific journals and attracting funding from various sources. The chairman of the Institute, Dr. Hartsuiker, explains: "We continue to be successful in attracting research funding. In recent years, members of our Institute have successfully applied for funding from the NHS, the Welsh Assembly Government, the NWCRF

and various other cancer research charities.

Supported by a successful application to the Welsh Assembly Government and the NWCRF, we have recently appointed another research group leader. Despite the increasingly difficult funding situation, we have thus been able to expand our ability to perform cutting-edge cancer research at Bangor University."

o further advance our research we continually need to invest in the latest equipment, technologies and expertise. Should you wish to support our research with a donation or fundraising activity, or wish to explore other options to support us, please contact Dr. Edgar Hartsuiker: e.hartsuiker@bangor.ac.uk

T

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 7

FEATURES

ALUMNI PROFILEs When Nasera hamdan left Baghdad to study her Masters at Bangor University in 1977, little did she know how it would shape and influence the rest of her life.

“We feel that Bangor University has been a big and influential part of our lives”

treborth Orchid house

Nasera and Kareem

asera remembers arriving at Bangor for the first time and living in her residence at Bryn Kynallt on Lon Pobty. “I was very nervous, but once I arrived at Bangor I loved everything about it. I loved the sea, the mountains, the pier, and of course I loved the academic atmosphere that Bangor has.

Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I made many great friends here.”

Kareem Majid Al-Zubaidi was an Iraqi student at Bangor University, who was studying for his PhD in Biochemistry. He originally wanted to study his PhD in the US, but decided against it when he was offered to study a PhD at Bangor by Dr J. Islwyn Davies; a decision that undoubtedly changed his life, “Had I not gone to Bangor, my life would be very different now. Because of Bangor, I met my wife and had three beautiful daughters. It also enabled me to have the career that I have had, and I cannot thank the University enough.”

They married and Nasera got her degree in 1980. A few years later after Kareem had finished his PhD, they travelled back to their native country where they raised three daughters, Noor, Thuraya and Hanaan. For over twenty years both Nasera and Kareem worked at Baghdad University, where Nasera lectured in Banking, Management and Insurance, and Kareem worked as a senior

N

8 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

lecturer in Biochemistry.

Bangor University came into their lives once more in 2004, when Professor Deri Tomos from the University’s School of Biological Sciences offered Kareem a sabbatical research visitor post for a year. Due to the increasing troubles in Iraq, and the couple’s affinity with the University, the family

Noor

hanaan

decided to move back to Bangor - and they have never left! It was a new beginning that the couple will forever be grateful for, “I cannot thank the University enough. On the day that Kareem arrived at Heathrow airport, Dr Davies and his wife drove all the way to get him and drove him back to Bangor. And when the rest of us arrived at Manchester, they

kindly met us there and brought us back to Bangor. I would like to offer them my sincere gratitude for what they did for us. It is something I will never forget, and demonstrates the generosity and friendliness of Bangor University.”

The ties between their family and the University are even more deeply set, now that all three of their daughters have graduated from the University with degrees in Biomedical Science (Hanaan and Thuraya) and MSc in Computer Science (Noor). All three still live in Bangor, with Noor maintaining the family’s connection with the University, by working in the Academic Registry.

Kareem is now retired and Nasera has time to concentrate on her art, using acrylics and mixed media and is “inspired by the unique and beautiful setting of Bangor and its

thuraya

surrounding area”. They both feel that Alumni Relations is important and have attended several reunions where they have kept in touch with friends and fellow alumni from all over the world.

“We feel that Bangor University has been a big and influential part of our lives,” says Nasera - and who could argue with that?

FEATURES

Phil Nelson

GO Wales help students and graduates make the best start to their careers in Wales through quality work experience and other practical support and development services.

Phil Nelson first came to Bangor in 1991 to study Sports Science and has maintained a relationship with the University ever since. came to Bangor simply because of its proximity to the mountains and coast.

Nowhere in the UK can you be in such short travelling distance from such a varied and stunning environment.

I never really engaged with education at school and had left with a few O levels but no A levels. I had started a career in the outdoors as an instructor but decided after a conversation with a friend that a degree might be a good thing to do in the long run. At the time, Bangor had a reputation for taking quite a few mature students and I was accepted onto the Sports Science course after an interview and luckily proving I could string a coherent sentence together.

The Sports Science department was a great environment in which to learn and I soon found that I had a far more questioning mind than I had ever realised. After graduating in 1994 I decided to stay in the area and worked at Plas Menai, the National Watersports Centre, for a couple of years. This led to an opportunity to work as a management training consultant running ‘cultural change programmes’ for companies around the world. I chose however to keep my base in North Wales so that weekends and time off could be spent in the environment that I loved.

In 2000, my Undergraduate degree inspired me to set up a non-residential activities centre

“I

in Llanberis with a fellow ex S.H.A.P.E student.

A few years into the business and we were approached by our old department to deliver the Watersports Modules of their new Sports Science with Outdoor Activities degree, which we are still delivering today.

Whilst my business partner has now moved on, the relationship with the University continues to grow. We have regularly taken on students through the Go Wales programme, which has led to full-time employment (75% of staff are Bangor alumni). I have just graduated from a part-time Executive MBA at the University’s Management Centre, and one employee is about to start a Masters in Marketing and Business. We also continue to work with the Sport Science department and this year we are sponsoring a PhD student through the KESS project looking at ‘emotion regulation in high-risk sports’.

Once again my studies have led to further business development as I’m turning the dissertation from my Masters into a new venture. We recently launched the ‘Adventure Gym @ Surf-Lines’, which is a new and exciting way to experience, enjoy and gain the health benefits from being outside. The environment is why I came and continue to live in North Wales, and I want to get as many people as possible to enjoy this stunning location as much as I do.”

They do this in a number of ways: • Work Placements which are Wales’ flagship work experience scheme. They offer students and graduates the chance to gain quality project-based work experience in Wales in an area related to their degree.

• Work tasters are short periods of unpaid work experience designed to help students and graduates decide what career is best for them. Tasters are completely flexible, ranging from one day shadowing to ten days handson experience with an organisation.

• the Graduate training & Development Fund is available to graduates working in small businesses in Wales. The fund (up to £1,500 per person) helps graduates to further develop their skills and knowledge and at the same time help employers fill skills gaps in their organisation.

If your organisation is looking to recruit a student or graduate, GO Wales can offer a subsidy of up to £95 a week towards the cost of a placement as well as supporting your organisation with free recruitment, screening of applicants and support for the candidate whilst on Placement. They can also help you to raise your organisation’s profile within Bangor University.

For further information on any of these services, contact the GO Wales office in Bangor on +44 (0) 1248 383586 or email: gowales@bangor.ac.uk ‘GO Wales Bangor’

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 9

EVENTS • www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/reunionevents

ALUMNI EvENts PONtIO PROGREssEs Enabling works are progressing well on the Pontio site with a main contractor to be announced in December and building work to start in the New Year. In the meantime, Pontio’s autumn Stepping Stones programme features a vibrant line-up of arts events in and around Bangor in the run up to the opening of the new Arts and Innovation Centre in 2013. As well as eclectic cabaret nights and community-programmed cinema, we’ll be bringing you exciting drama from renowned theatre companies, a Capoeira spectacular and a fantastic Christmas pantomime.

If you'd like to join the Pontio mailing list to receive updates, please email: info@pontio.co.uk with the word 'subscribe' in the subject field. www.pontio.co.uk

EIstEDDFOD 2011 Over 150 alumni and staff visited the University’s stand for a reunion at this year’s National Eisteddfod of Wales in Wrexham. The reunion included the launch of Bywyd Normal (see page 6) and alumni were treated to some musical entertainment by Cyffred, a singing group of former Coleg Normal students. During the week, the stand also hosted lectures, book launches and a day of activities by the School of Music.

Cyffred

INtERNAtIONAL LEAvERs’ RECEPtION

1980s REUNION Last month, Bangor University welcomed back alumni from the 1980s and their guests for their decade reunion. Alumni enjoyed a reunion dinner, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, followed by an Eighties disco, and learned about the latest developments at the University from our Academic staff – many of them 80s alums themselves.

150 International postgraduate students and their guests attended an International Leavers’ Reception last month to mark the completion of their course. Students were thanked by Professor Colin Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning and Dr Xinyu Wu, Director of International Development, and were entertained with an Indian dance performance by student Shanti Shanker. to see more photos from the reunion visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/reunionevents

10 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/reunionevents • EVENTS

BANGOR IN thE UsA Bangor University held events across the US in 2011. Professor John G. Hughes, Vice-Chancellor, hosted a dinner for alumni and friends in New York in March and members of the Development and Alumni Relations Office met alumni in Vancouver, Boston, Seattle, Victoria, San Francisco and Los Angeles during the summer.

MUsIC At BANGOR Bangor University’s concert series, Music at Bangor, is north-west Wales’ foremost concert series. The School of Music’s new Head of Performance, Xenia Pestova, presented her first concert in the Music at Bangor series last month. Xenia, originally from Russia, performed French piano masterworks by Ravel and Messiaen, alongside new music for piano and electronics during the recital held in Powis Hall.

To see the new season’s concert listings, visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/concerts or email: concerts@bangor.ac.uk

DAtEs tO REMEMBER 2012: • Bangor science Festival 9-18 March For further details visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/bangorscience festival • Bangor University at the National Eisteddfod of Wales Vale of Glamorgan 4 – 11 August.

An informal reunion for alumni will be held on 8 August from 2.30-4pm at the University stand.

• Late 60s/early 70s sports Reunion Bangor 31 August - 1 Sept Contact Foster Edwards: boyersorchard35@btinternet.com or Barry Evans: barry.evans47@ntlworld.com • Old students’ Association Contact: ella.owens@btinternet.com

BANGOR OLD BOys he first Bank Holiday weekend in May has long been established as Bangor’s Old Boys’ weekend, where alumni return to Bangor for a weekend of catching up with each other and seeing if they can still cut it on the sports field!

2012’s Old Boys’ weekend is the 5-6th May and the Development and Alumni Relations Office would like to expand the weekend’s activities, so let us know if you have any suggestions on how we can make the Old Boys’ weekend even bigger. Let us know about any events you’re planning too so we can help you get the most out of your weekend.

Here, two of our alumni tell us why they keep coming back.

T

“I met my wife Laura at Bangor and the ties are as strong as ever.

In 29 years I have only missed one Old Boys’ weekend and many of the alumni I go back with were already Old Boys when I was a mere student. Lifelong friendships have now developed between our kids too and most of them come along for what is one of the highlight weekends of the year. This year I met a group of girls who left about 6 or 7 years ago who have been back every year since and who fully intend to carry on coming back. I also met final year students who are intent on keeping up the tradition.

What is common was a sense that Bangor “does something to you”. It is a combination of the location, the people, the common bond, the growing up, the memories, the laughs…. I could go on.

What is for sure is that there is very little that could keep me away. I can’t say that at the age of 51 I will continue to run out on to the rugby pitch, but so long as I can run I will be there with my kit!

If there are contemporaries out there, why not give it a try?” tim Clay BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography, 1979-1982

“A mixture of healing pilgrimage (a bit like Lourdes, but the water comes in a pint glass), spiritual regeneration and survival weekend, Bangor Old Boys’ is fixed in my New Year diary every January. I think I've missed about three since I left... but will acknowledge in writing that 'Cookie' hasn't missed a single one! What a great place to spend a weekend! Anglesey, the view down the straits from the bridge, the mountains, but why go back every year? Simple really, I had great fun whilst I was there and Old Boys’ Weekend is exactly that, great fun.

The memories that come back (a bonus at my age): the wicked humour, drink, food, more drink, but also, the chance to reflect on what we've all become since then. Most of all, my old friends who remind me age is just a number... although my body takes a different view when trying to run round a rugby field, but the question "have you brought your kit?" is still a challenge and long may it be so.”

Ged Bailes BA (Hons) Psychology and PGCE, 1974-1978

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 11

GIVING TO BANGOR • www.bangor.ac.uk/giving

GIvING tO BANGOR thE BANGOR FUND he Bangor Fund, previously known as The Annual Fund, has seen a wonderful response by the University’s Alumni, Staff, Council Members and Honorary Fellows to its appeals for donations. During the course of the year £155,000 has been pledged, mainly through our bi-annual telethon campaign.

Thank you to all our kind donors.

The four initiatives that the Bangor Fund supports are as follows:

T

stUDENt sUPPORt Gifts to this fund make possible a wide range of student awards, including scholarships, bursaries and hardship grants, for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Thanks to generous donations to this fund, seven Bangor Fund Internships were successfully completed over the summer by students who had various difficulties. The internships offered these students a chance to work and gain valuable experience and training in various departments including Corporate Communications and Marketing, the University library, the IT department, and the Academic Registry.

The student interns were all considered to be individuals who have faced barriers, be it a disability or financial hardship. The Head of Disability Service from Student Services, Carolyn Donaldson-hughes, welcomed the internships, “Disabled people often meet with barriers in securing employment. Furthermore, finding part-time work whilst studying can be problematic for disabled students who often find they need to give additional time to their studies. Having this invaluable opportunity to gain relevant experience and learn new skills is consequently a positive step towards their future and something the department welcomes. We’re grateful to the Bangor Fund for providing this opportunity.”

Here in the Development and Alumni Relations Office, Gareth harrison, a second year Marine Biology with Zoology student, completed the Bangor Fund Assistant Events Co-ordinator Internship over a six week period. Gareth worked closely with the team and was heavily involved in the 80s reunion which took place in September, from which he feels he has developed many of his skills: “One of the most important skills I developed was my communication skills through working with staff, alumni and the public.”

Gareth feels that without donations to the Bangor Fund, he would not have gained this invaluable experience that has helped with his career development, “Without generous

12 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

some of our spring telethon team take a break from calling our alumni!

donors supporting students, and in turn creating these internships, I would not be in as good a place in my education as I am now.

I now have a greater understanding as to where I can go with my degree and the skills that I have learnt. I would like to personally thank all donors who have made this experience possible, and I hope to be able to give back to the University, in the same way that they have given back.”

CAMPUs IMPROvEMENt This fund supports the University’s efforts both to preserve its architectural legacy and to ensure that students study and live in buildings that are conducive to learning of the highest quality.

The most recent grant made by this fund was to upgrade and renovate the collaborative study/social learning space known as ‘the basement stack’ in the Main Arts Library.

WELsh MEDIUM PROvIsION sUPPORt Donations to this fund support a wide range of Welsh language and cultural activities throughout the University.

In June, thanks to the financial contribution from the Bangor Fund, the University launched ‘Cymorth Cymraeg’ (‘Welsh Support’) on its website. The objective of Cymorth Cymraeg is to offer practical support to enable more students and Bangor University staff to use Welsh in their work.

For many, a lack of confidence prevents them from using Welsh at work, as well as a lack of awareness of the support and the aids which are available to them. With writing and speaking resources, Cymorth Cymraeg is a unique ‘one-stop-shop’ for Welsh on the University’s website and a key resource for encouraging and facilitating students and staff’s use of Welsh at work. thE GREAtEst NEEDs FUND provides unrestricted income for Bangor to meet the challenges of providing top quality education.

Grants from this fund are allocated to the most pressing priorities at the time.

Gareth helps at the 80s reunion

For further details on the Bangor Fund, please contact Emma Marshall on: +44 (0) 1248 382594 or email: e.marshall@bangor.ac.uk

www.bangor.ac.uk/giving • GIVING TO BANGOR

BANGOR UNIvERsIty DONORs WEAR thEIR PINs WIth PRIDE s part of recognising and thanking those who generously donate to Bangor University, gift giving societies have been established. Members of these societies now receive a Donor Pin to wear with pride and to show their support for Bangor University.

Bangor alumnus Andrew Ray Thomas (1967, English and Biblical Studies) is a donor and feels very strongly about giving to Bangor University: “I wear my badge with pride! It’s good to see that the contributions you make will benefit current students, especially those who may have financial problems.”

Bangor University invites its donors to events which are organized at and by the University and regularly keeps donors updated on developments at the University.

Andrew says: “It’s clear that Bangor University values the contributions received from its alumni. It keeps them informed of its activities and achievements, thus making you a participating member of the University.” He feels his contribution makes a real difference:

A

“I like to give something back to Bangor University every month, a relatively painless exercise. After all, I was fortunate to receive a free university education in the 1960s. Now I can watch the university go on from strength to strength, knowing that I have made a small contribution to its success”.

For more information on Gift Giving Societies please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office on +44 (0) 1248 382020 or email: development@bangor.ac.uk

DRAPERs’ COMPANy he Drapers’ Company have announced that they will kindly donate two medals in each academic year, to be awarded to a postgraduate student (taught or research) who has made an outstanding academic, cultural or social contribution to the University.

Such a contribution may be in terms of excellence in scholarship, impact of research, pastoral support and mentoring, assistance with recruitment, helping the University increase its reputation or gaining excellent publicity for us.

The formal presentation of the medals will be made by the Master of the Drapers’ Company in April or May of each year.

T

Andrew Ray thomas

UNIvERsIty LAUNChEs ONLINE ROLL OF DONORs 2009/10 angor University is proud to present the latest edition of the University’s Roll of Donors. This year, as part of the University’s commitment to managing our environmental responsibilities, an online version of the Roll of Donors has been produced which can now be found on the University’s Giving pages. The online publication celebrates Bangor University’s generous support from alumni, staff, friends, businesses, trusts and foundations. It highlights the significant

B

increase in philanthropic support that Bangor received in the 2009/10 academic year and acknowledges and thanks all of our charitable donors.

To view the 2009/10 Roll of Donors, visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/ebrochures/donors/2010

BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 13

Frances Barber

Because of Bangor...

BECAUsE OF

BANGOR o you feel that you wouldn’t be where you are today without your time at Bangor? Do you have a particular memory of a location or event at the University that has always stuck with you?

Did you make friends for life, establish traditions or meet your future partner here? We’d like to hear about it!

D

We would like your help to discover what makes Bangor University special and to find out why it’s close to our alumni’s hearts. Help us demonstrate why our former students are proud to be Bangor alumni by contributing to a collection of stories from our alumni through the decades.

To be part of our ‘Because of Bangor…’ campaign to promote pride and tradition in Bangor and the University, send your story to us at: alumni@bangor.ac.uk, remembering to include your contact details, the course you studied and year of graduation. Send a photo of yourself too so it can be included in the gallery of alumni quotes and stories on our website. We might then contact you for further information.

Here, some of your fellow alumni tell us why Bangor holds a special place in their heart...

Eric hepburn

BECAUsE OF BANGOR… BECAUsE OF BANGOR…

BECAUsE OF BANGOR…

I discovered a sense of adventure

I’ve gone on to work across the world

I attended Bangor University from 1975 through to 1978 and graduated in Mathematics and Physical Oceanography; the School of Ocean Sciences with its worldwide reputation was the standout reason for me choosing Bangor above all other universities.

But education aside I had a wonderful time at Bangor, with its small town feel, unique history and the magnificent Welsh countryside as a backdrop it was an inspiring place to live and learn.

As an 18 year old city kid (from Liverpool) to have Snowdonia on our doorstep, (I lived in Gerlan just outside Bethesda and was "snowed in" our rural cottage for 4 days!!!) was a terrific advantage and adventure, without a doubt Bangor helped me to grow up and gave me a lot of confidence for the future.

It also clearly helped me gain and develop a promising career, including roles as Managing Director of Castlemaine Perkins (XXXX) Australia and Chief Executive Officer of Tyrrells Potato Chips.

I now run my own consultancy, helping small businesses come to the marketplace and develop into thriving, profitable, going concerns. I often look back and wonder how I got to where I am and reflect on the enormous help the staff and students gave me when I was at Bangor.

Les sayers, KingsfordSmith Consultancy (1978, Mathematics and Physical Oceanography)

Bangor certainly widened my career opportunities and provided me with a strong financial background. Apart from being a Professor, my consulting and advisory roles in many European and US institutions (including the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago) highlight the high reputation that Bangor has. santiago Carbo valverde, Professor of Economics at the Universidad de Granada, Spain (1993, Economics)

14 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

I work for the Prime Minister I graduated in Banking and Finance from Bangor in 1983 and have since enjoyed a varied career in finance and general management.

My latest role, as Chief Operating Officer at No.10 Downing Street, demonstrates that Bangor has a reputation that is widely respected both in the City (where early in my career I worked in Banking) and in the Civil Service who value highly people with a broad financial background.

Eric hepburn, Chief Operating Officer, No.10 Downing Street (1983, Banking and Finance)

Because of Bangor...

“I learned about life, love and literature all at the same time.”

BECAUsE OF BANGOR… I learned about life, love and literature all at the same time I was at Bangor University from 1975 to 1978. I read English Literature and Drama… in those days there were only about eight universities in the country that were specialists in this type of joint degree, so even then Bangor was on the cutting edge.

Bangor appealed to me as it was a small town with lots of students in a beautiful part of the British Isles. I immediately felt at home there. I was lucky enough to be part of a generation of students on my course that

included Oscar winner Danny Boyle, but also many other big personalities that have gone on to work very successfully in the TV and Film industry in various forms.

The course itself was exemplary... the tutorials, lectures, the academic staff were second to none… most had had literary work already published, others went on to do so, and one went on to advise as a Shakespearean expert in film, specialising in the work of Kenneth Branagh.

And the social life!… In a smaller university it is up to the students to make their own amusement… and we did. A Lot…

I think that at 18 years old I felt much more secure in a smaller environment. We all knew each other, and helped one another with our first foray away from home. I had three of the most wonderful years of my life there.

I still belong to a large retinue of “Old Bangors” who remain my very best friends to this day… What more could I have hoped for?

Bangor University will always have a place in my heart as I learned about life, love and literature all at the same time…

Long may it continue to inspire.

Frances Barber, Actress (1978, English and Drama)

BECAUsE OF BANGOR…

BECAUsE OF BANGOR…

BECAUsE OF BANGOR…

I have friends for life

I have some fantastic memories

I have confidence in my abilities

It was a really, really happy time of my life! I fell in love with Bangor when I first came for my interview, and whilst on the train home that night, I felt - I want to go there! I loved Bangor and had a fantastic 3 years I'm still best friends with the guys who lived on the same corridor as me in the Ffriddoedd site in my first year! timothy Jones (2002, History)

I graduated with an English degree in 1999 and have fantastic memories of my time at Bangor. It’s a beautiful place with stunning scenery and an incredibly supportive student community – I can’t think of anywhere better to study! samantha Davies (1999, English)

Bangor University has given me so much. I’ve got great memories of my time at University and I’m still in contact with some super friends that I made whilst studying at Bangor.

Importantly, throughout my career I’ve found that having a degree has opened up doors for me, and it has certainly given me an inner confidence in the workplace.

John Jones, Landseer Partners (1980, Maths)

BECAUsE OF

BANGOR BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011 15

IN MEMORIAM • www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/Obituaries

COMMEMORAtING stAFF We remember the following who were current or former members of University staff. Full obituaries for staff and alumni can be found at: www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/Obituaries Professor Gareth Edwards-Jones 1962 - 2011 Gareth Edwards-Jones grew up on a farm in the Vale of Clwyd. After gaining a First Class Honours degree in Biology from the University of Manchester (1984) and a PhD from the University of London (1988), he took up a position at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) in Edinburgh as a bio-economist. Five years later, in 1995, he became Head of the Rural Resource Management Department at SAC. Gareth was appointed Professor of Agriculture and Land Use Studies in the School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences at Bangor in 1998. Over the next 13 years he led the development of agriculture at Bangor, setting up the Centre for Hill and Upland Management (CHUM) and obtaining substantial external funding for capital, research and knowledge transfer projects at Henfaes, the School's lowland farm site.

Eric huggard Jones 1919 - 2011 Born in Ballina, Co. Mayo, his family moved to Dublin in the early 1920s. His teenage years were spent at Kilkenny College, and he then moved on to study Civil Engineering at Trinity College Dublin. He graduated in 1942, joined the RAF, landed on Juno Beach and served as a Flight Lieutenant in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Returning to the UK, he joined the Forestry Commission and worked in Brechfa Forest, Carmarthenshire, amongst other places. In 1954 he joined the Forestry

Gareth's research interests were wideranging, covering agriculture-related topics from the agronomy of hemp and flax to the reduction of risk from E. coli in rural communities. He was highly regarded as an expert on the environmental impacts of food production and had recently developed an interest in the global challenge of food security.

Despite his research and other commitments Gareth remained an active and respected teacher, inspiring both the undergraduate students who attended his lectures and the many PhD students who worked with him on his research projects.

In late 2010, Gareth was diagnosed with cancer and he died all too soon afterwards, on 14 August 2011. He is survived by his wife Emma and his children Gethin and Eleanor.

He will be missed by his colleagues, but remembered for his energy, enthusiasm and achievements during a career that was sadly shorter than it should have been.

Department at UCNW as a Lecturer and remained with the Department, retiring as a Senior Lecturer in 1982. While at UCNW he authored one book, and co-authored two others, on forestry.

He remarried after the death of his first wife and moved to live in Larne, Co. Antrim.

He retained his love of sports, his sense of humour, daily crosswords and sudoku, and enjoyed gardening and driving his car right up to the last day of his life. He died on March 23, aged 91. He is sadly missed by his daughter Brenda and his two granddaughters, Jennifer and Victoria.

Dafydd Ap thomas 1912 - 2011 Dafydd Ap Thomas came to the College after completing his education at Friars School, Beaumaris, in 1930 and graduated in Hebrew in 1934. He returned to the Department as a lecturer in 1938, having spent a period at Mansfield College, Oxford and a year at the University of Berlin. The dark clouds of war were gathering thickly over Germany at that period and Dafydd decided to return home. He remained at the Department at Bangor from 1938 until his retirement in 1977.

He was a particularly good teacher in teaching the Semitic languages – Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic and Syriac; he had the ability to simplify complex and unfamiliar languages to his students and convey them in a lucid and intelligible manner.

He was a member of the panel which supervised a new translation of the Old Testament into Welsh (1988) and served as its Chair for a time. From 1961 to 1972 he was secretary to the Society for Old Testament Study and was President of the Society in 1973-74.

He played tennis at College and enjoyed skiing and motoring on the continent. He even drove as far as Jerusalem where he was involved in archaeological work, and he often mended and serviced his car himself.

He died on 19 May, 2011, just short of his 99th birthday.

AN APOLOGy During a routine data cleansing exercise, some of our alumni were noted incorrectly as deceased on our database and were therefore included in Bangoriad Spring 2011’s deceased alumni list in error.

The Development and Alumni Relations Office would like to sincerely apologise to the following alumni and their family and

16 BANGORIAD AUTUMN 2011

friends for the upset caused in this error: Joanna German 1996 English Robert Chidley-Williams 2005 Physical Education David Parham 1995 Hist.W.Naut.Arc Erica Jones 2002 Bus & Soc Admin stephen Oultram 1964 History