Alma Matters / Winter 2015

The US Friends of Newcastle University Graduate Newsletter | Issue 8 | Winter 2015

Alma

Matters

Welcome to Alma Matters Welcome to this edition of Alma Matters, produced exclusively for graduates and friends of Newcastle University based in North America.

One thing that all Newcastle University graduates have in common is the fond memories of their student days. In this edition of Alma Matters, two of the University’s US scholars give us an insight into life on campus today and legendary record producer Terry Ellis reminisces about his time at Newcastle too.

Of course, being part of Newcastle University’s graduate community is not only about looking to the past, but also to the future. In this edition you can read about a project to refurbish the Armstrong Building, America’s first self-organised learning environment (SOLE lab) and find out how you can support both of these exciting projects.

As ever, I would certainly encourage you to update your details with NU Advancement. It only takes a couple of minutes and you can do it online at: www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/intouch. The team can then keep you up to date with the latest news from campus, forthcoming events in the US and ways in which you can help support your University.

With best wishes Anthony Hutchings German BA 1965 President, US Friends of Newcastle University

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US News Round-Up

Farming successes In spring this year, Newcastle University hosted the 2015 Cornell University Agri-business tour, a faculty-led student trip which included lectures from academics at the University. The trip also included trips to Nafferton and Cockle Park Farm, the University’s two viable farming businesses that provide land-based research facilities for teaching purposes.

Boston Graduate Dinner The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Brink, visited North America in September for a programme of graduate activities and meetings. Our special thanks to Professor Tessa Hedley-Whyte (MBBS 1960, MD with Commendation 1976) and her husband Professor John Hedley-Whyte, for co-hosting a graduate dinner in the historic setting of the Somerset Club, Boston. The dinner provided an opportunity for graduates to comment on recent successes and future plans for the University.

Guests also enjoyed watching footage of Dr Martin Luther King Jnr receiving his Honorary Doctor of Civil Law from Newcastle University on 13 November 1967.

Global river research impact The University’s high impact Rivers of Anthropocene project with Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis is bringing together scientists, humanists, social scientists, artists, policymakers and community organisers to begin a new type of discussion about humans and their river environments.

Student Exchanges and Scholarships Newcastle University has signed new institution-wide Student Exchange Agreements with The State University of New York University at Buffalo and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The University is also looking to re-establish two important graduatesponsored scholarships to give Newcastle University students access to US institutions. A new postgraduate music scholarship in memory of Ewan MacColl, one of folk music’s best-known figures, was also awarded in October to a student from Connecticut.

Find out more at: rivers.iupui.edu/cms.

Transatlantic fracking research Anthony Zito, Professor of European Public Policy, will be visiting the University of Pittsburgh in November.

He will explore long-term research with their Policy School and Public Health School, particularly in the area of fracking. The University also has joint research activities in Business, Education and Latin American Studies with the University of Pittsburgh.

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Alma Matters chats to Terry Ellis As co-founder of Chrysalis Records, a former record producer and manager, Terry Ellis’s contribution to music on both sides of the Atlantic – and around the world – is huge. On a busy day during Freshers’ Week, Terry went back to the Students’ Union where it all began. Amid the bustle of new and returning students, Alma Matters caught up with the music mogul to find out about his time here…

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‘My first very strong recollection is

Making music

standing outside the Students’ Union,

The experience of working with up-and-

just like today,’ Terry smiles.‘It brings

coming acts was just the start for Terry.

back so many memories.’

Throughout his career, he guided the

In 1963, Terry was responsible for kickstarting the Students’ Union’s reputation for having its finger on the pulse when it comes to booking exciting and upcoming bands. That reputation continues today as students up and down King’s Walk hand out flyers for upcoming gigs.

‘I wanted to make the most of being here,’ he explains, ‘I wanted the full student experience.

‘I went to the Students’ Union and asked for a job. The one job available was Social Secretary, so I gave it a crack.

Usually they’d book the college jazz band and a local dance band for the entire year. It was the first year of BeatleMania,

career paths of the likes of Jethro Tull, Blondie, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Roxy Music, King Crimson and many more. The résumé of bands he has worked with reads like a dream playlist for any music fan.

In spite of all his achievements though, he remembers those first steps into the music business during his student days.

‘I booked Jimmy Powell and the 5 Dimensions, whose harmonica player was Rod Stewart,’ he recalls. ‘Then I booked The Graham Bond Organisation, which included Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, who formed Cream with Eric Clapton.

so I knew the students wanted pop

‘I looked for what I thought were quality

groups.

bands within budget. Agents would call

‘I did my research and I booked The Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo, a popular local band, for my first two nights in charge – they played for two and a half hours for just £25. That was just before they changed their name to The Animals and became world famous!’

and try to sell you what they had, but I always listened to the radio, looked at what records were out and tried to book groups who would go on to be successful – but always at a good price.

I had exposure to some really great musicians while at Newcastle!’

You can read our full interview with Terry Ellis on the website. Find out how he almost didn’t attend university, the challenges he faced during his career and thoughts on the music industry today: www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/r/terryellis

Alma Matters | The US Friends of Newcastle University Graduate Newsletter

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A building fit for a King The day the inspirational campaigner was made an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law remains one of the most important moments in the University’s history. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of this event, one of the University’s most iconic and prestigious buildings is undergoing a major refurbishment.

The Armstrong Building, which is home to King’s Hall, is intrinsically linked to the formation of the University and sits right at the heart of the campus. King’s Hall itself will be familiar to many graduates and friends of the University

On 13 November 1967, Newcastle University gave Dr Martin Luther King Jnr an honorary degree – the only UK university to do so during his lifetime. At the ceremony, held in King’s Hall, Dr King held the audience spellbound as he spoke of his struggle for racial justice.

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as it has hosted numerous events and graduation ceremonies.

The building is Grade II listed and is the oldest on campus. Originally home to the College of Physical Science, Lord William Armstrong, the eminent engineer and philanthropist, and benefactor of the University, had founded it in 1871. In 1904, four years after his death, the College changed its name as a tribute to him.

It was then officially opened by His Majesty

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King Edward VII on 11 July 1906 and

glory. Changes to the interior will

during the First World War was called

allow the creation of new and brighter

into service as a military hospital, part

teaching and research spaces, as well

of the 1st Northern General Hospital.

as spaces for public engagement and

The refurbishment

ceremonial functions.

The Armstrong is currently being restored,

The refurbishment provides you with a

while ensuring that it provides students

unique opportunity to make a lasting

with facilities appropriate for twenty-first-

mark on the building by supporting this

century teaching, learning and research.

exciting project. Our graduates and

It is a significant undertaking which involves

friends have always been integral to the

careful planning and attention to detail.

University’s development, supporting our

During the course of the work, the redevelopment team has been rediscovering some of the building’s

innovative research, shaping the student experience and enabling the restoration of our landmark buildings.

past, uncovering fascinating features and

If you would like to be a part of the

original décor that had become hidden

University’s legacy by pledging to the

over decades of alterations.

Armstrong’s future, please contact us

Where possible, the team are reinstating

at: advancement@ncl.ac.uk.

original features and bringing the building back to its former Victorian

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From Maryland to Monument Every September, thousands of students from around the world arrive on Tyneside to begin their new academic year. Among them this year are two American scholars who are spending a semester studying and living in Newcastle, thanks to a scholarship they were both awarded.

Andrea Castillo and Julia Carey, both aged 20, are attending Newcastle University for a three-month term. Both students, who are from Loyola University Maryland, are excited to be here and are making the most of their time in the UK. Their scholarships cover living expenses, which allows them to focus on their studies and use any spare time for their own explorations and learning.

Andrea, a biology and chemistry student, is currently studying in the School of Biomedical Sciences. ‘Taking a science course at such a renowned research institution is an incredible opportunity,’ she

said. ‘Over the summer I was a research assistant and observership student, so I was able to shadow doctors and explore my interest in trauma and critical care surgery.’

Julia, from New Jersey, is an accounting student undertaking Combined Honours modules at the University. ‘Newcastle provides students with more academic freedom and encourages students to take more direct charge of their academic experience,’ she said. ‘After graduation, I intend to earn my CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license and practice public accounting, specifically in the audit field.’

Julia Carey

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Andrea Castillo

Julia Carey

Q How are you finding life in Newcastle?

A I felt at home within days of arriving here. The people are incredibly nice, the city itself is welcoming and I’m constantly amazed by the beauty of North East England.

Q How are you finding life in Newcastle?

A It’s been an adjustment getting used to the unpredictable weather here, but I love the city! It’s great how easily accessible everything is and everyone I have met has been very friendly.

Q If you could take one thing back home from Newcastle, what would it be?

A I would definitely take home the friends I have made here! I never thought I’d be able to say I have friends from so many different parts of the world and from so many different backgrounds. I’m really going to miss Quilliam Brothers’ Teahouse too!

Q If you could take one thing back home from Newcastle, what would it be?

A If I could take one thing home, it would be the walking lifestyle. I love that people don’t rely on cars as much to get around the city!

Q How has the scholarship helped?

A It has been so helpful and given me the opportunity to travel to different parts of Europe and visit some incredible landmarks. I plan to explore other areas of the UK and enjoy seeing other amazing parts of Newcastle, as part of this academic and cultural journey. The award has given me an endless amount of opportunities to explore, learn and engage.

Q How has the scholarship helped?

A The scholarship has helped me fund my living expenses at Newcastle. With the money I save, I have been able to plan some great trips throughout the UK and Europe during the semester. I am deeply touched and truly honoured by the award and it has made such a difference to my life.

If you would like to support students studying at Newcastle University, you can contribute to the US Friends Scholarship Fund. More information about how to donate can be found at: www.ncl.ac.uk/giving/people/usa

Andrea Castillo

Alma Matters | The US Friends of Newcastle University Graduate Newsletter

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Professor Sugata Mitra opens first SOLE lab in America A school in Harlem has created the first American research lab dedicated to exploring selforganised learning environments (SOLEs).

SOLE NYC is based at John B. Russwurm PS 197M, which teaches from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade (four- to 13-year-olds).

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The school has embraced this new approach to learning and SOLE NYC has now officially become the eighth ‘School in the Cloud’ lab.

Professor Sugata Mitra developed the concept of self-taught learning following his ‘Hole in the Wall’ experiments, in which he placed a computer in a wall of

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an Indian slum and observed as children taught each other subjects from English to programming. His early work inspired the novel and hit movie Slumdog Millionaire.

The work brought him global recognition in the form of the $1 million TED Prize in 2013. As a result, Professor Mitra expanded his research into SOLEs and has since created seven ‘Schools in the Cloud’ – learning labs in India and the UK testing the extent to which children in small groups, with access to a computer, and when prompted by the right questions, can learn on their own.

‘My wish has always been to support children around the world by tapping into their innate sense of wonder and ability to teach themselves,’ said Prof Mitra.‘While there are already SOLE labs in India and the UK, I’ve dreamed of it expanding to America. It is truly wonderful that this SOLE lab will be in New York – TED’s backyard – where there is so much innovation in learning.’

The Harlem Lab is funded by Newcastle University, where Professor Mitra is director of SOLE Central, the global hub for research and practice into SOLEs.

Supporting Schools in the Cloud A project is now underway to raise $50,000 to continue the vital work that is happening in India beyond 2016, to establish real impact on the community and collect vital information to inform the research and development of these incredible learning environments for children in the US and elsewhere.

Professor Mitra has received support of $50,000 from an anonymous donor in the US, and Newcastle University has matched this donation.

The matched funding from our US graduates and friends and the University mean that every dollar raised is, in effect, triple matched.

Graduates can give a gift right now at www.bit.ly/soleappeal (choose ‘School in the Cloud’ from the dropdown menu).

Around Thanksgiving our team of student callers will be calling graduates in the US from the heart of our Newcastle campus to ask if they can give a gift to help us reach our goal and give more children this unique learning opportunity.

*If you would prefer not to be called about our SOLE appeal, please contact NU Advancement at: advancement@ncl.ac.uk to let us know. You can also tailor your communications preferences and opt out of unwanted communications at any time by contacting us.

Alma Matters | The US Friends of Newcastle University Graduate Newsletter

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US Friends The University benefits from the support of an independent organisation, ‘The US Friends of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne’.

The Board of Directors of this organisation meets twice each year to review philanthropic priorities for the organisation, and approves a number of projects which will benefit the University.

Our US Friends Board Members are:

Anthony Hutchings

Professor Terry Davies Dr Antony Jones

German BA, 1965

MBBS 1971 MD 1978

President

Sallie Locke

Microbiology PhD 1999

Ancient History MA 1995

Honorary President

Ian Mashiter

Andy McDonald

Tara Owen-Smith

Dr Cinthi Pillai

Combined Arts BA Hons 1979

Applied Sciences MSc 1973

Classical Civilisation BA 1992

MBBS 2006

Treasurer

For more information about the US Friends, please e-mail Tracey Readshaw, Advancement Manager (Operations) at: tracey.readshaw@ncl.ac.uk You can also read more about the US Friends at: www.ncl.ac.uk/giving/people/usa NU Advancement, Newcastle University, King’s Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU United Kingdom | Tel: +44 (0)191 208 7250 | E-mail: advancement@ncl.ac.uk Designed by: GDA, Northumberland. Printed by: Statex Colour Print, Newcastle upon Tyne.