Forward - Issue 24

Page 1

Alumni Magazine January 2015 Issue 24

2015: ten years as a university

New building update page 6

Alumni interview page 18

10 years at Glastonbury page 22


Welcome

Welcome Hello and welcome to the twentyfourth edition of Southampton Solent University’s alumni magazine. As the tenth anniversary of Southampton Solent attaining University status is coming up, we’ve refreshed the magazine with a new design, new content and a new name, Forward – we hope you like it. Inside this edition you’ll find some fantastic stories from across the University and Southampton, as well as just a few of our brilliant alumni successes. Since graduation 2013, Southampton Solent University alumni have gone on to great things. We have graduates working with five premiership football teams; working as officers for five of the leading cruise lines, plus plenty of smaller cruise liners; and producing and broadcasting shows on top television channels. It’s great to see where our graduates go! But we’re sure there are more successes out there, and we want to hear about yours. Whether you’ve just graduated into a great new job or your career is hitting new highs, we hope you’ll keep in touch – we’re proud of our alumni and love to hear how you are getting on. 2015 is a new year, bringing a fresh start and new resolutions – and our resolution to you is to stay in touch. We’ll keep you informed about what’s going on at Southampton Solent, and about alumni benefits like discounts on postgraduate study and gym membership. Take a look at page 26 for more, and drop us a line at alumni@solent.ac.uk if you have any ideas about what you’d like to see from Southampton Solent’s alumni association. Have a great year, and keep in touch! All the best, The Alumni Office Keep in touch: alumni@solent.ac.uk

2 Southampton Solent University

Forward

4 Vice-Chancellor’s welcome

20 Southampton news – 50 years of city status

5 Interview with our new Vice-Chancellor

22 University news – 10 years of Southampton Solent students at Glastonbury

6 University news – Building the buzz around the University

26 Membership news 28 Alumni yearbook focus

8 University news – Whisper makes waves

30 Faculty feature – Celebrating the latest cadets starting their maritime careers

10 News in brief Editor: Amy Scott Design: Wildcat Creative Marketing Special thanks to our contributors Contact us: Alumni Office, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire SO14 0YN Email: alumni@solent.ac.uk Website: solent.ac.uk/alumni Facebook: facebook.com/solentgraduatenetwork Twitter: @SolentUniAlumni LinkedIn: Southampton Solent University Graduate Network Group

12 Faculty feature – Birdman documentary soars to national success 14 Faculty feature – Well positioned for success 16 Graduation 2014 celebration 18 Alumnus interview – Shoot for your dream job

32 Alumni events – Art students win the chance to shine 34 Sport – Good year at Southampton Solent 36 Tribute – Camille Lepage 1988-2014 38 Quiz time 39 Merchandise and Events

3


Vice-Chancellor’s welcome

I’m delighted to be introducing you to our new Alumni magazine ‘Forward’ as the university begins the celebrations of its tenth anniversary. It is an exciting time to be joining Southampton Solent University, as our brand new teaching building is beginning to take shape. The design concepts are sensational as you can see from page 6, and if you visit the Southampton Solent website you can enjoy a virtual ‘flythrough’ of the new building to whet your appetite for what it will look like when it is due for completion by the end of this year.

Introducing Southampton Solent University’s new Vice-Chancellor

I attended my first graduation ceremonies as Vice-Chancellor in November and you can see on page 16 what a wonderful occasion it was for everyone who took part. It is the highlight of the calendar for me as excited graduates, their families and friends all come together to celebrate individuals’ success that results from several years of hard work, energy and enthusiasm. The pictures tell the story! As well as celebrating ten years as a university, in this issue we have been able to mark ten years of delivery of sound, vision and technical expertise at the Glastonbury Festival on page 22. It is a credit to the students who have worked on this and other music festivals as well as to the academic staff who lead and guide them, that Solent is invited back every year to deliver at this prestigious event which commands huge audiences worldwide.

Tell us about your first impressions of Southampton? Southampton appears to be a well-known, exciting city. It has a Premiership football team, which generates great local loyalty and also plays an important part in overseas recognition. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the city as they board cruise ships, giving the city further recognition and – in my view – status. There is much development taking place; I think Southampton has a very bright future.

4 Southampton Solent University

It provides yet another example of how our courses provide real world learning with exciting work experience opportunities. I hope you will enjoy reading about how well your fellow Alumni are doing in the world of work and that reading news of our progress here as well as their achievements will encourage you to stay in touch with us to update us on your news too. I hope you will come and visit us at some point during our tenth anniversary celebrations. We look forward to seeing you and to welcoming you back to Solent this year. Best wishes

Professor Graham Baldwin Vice-Chancellor

Forward

Professor Graham Baldwin joined Southampton Solent University as ViceChancellor in August 2014, following Professor Van Gore’s retirement this summer. Professor Baldwin was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) prior to his appointment, and was very excited to join Southampton Solent: “I was appointed last January so I had a lot of time to think about the role so it was good to finally arrive. I am looking forward to the future.” The alumni office caught up with Professor Baldwin as he was settling in to his role.

What attracted you to Southampton Solent? I am committed to making sure that people get a good start in life and ultimately have career opportunities. I have always worked within universities that encourage all those who can benefit to take up a place at university, no matter what their background. I feel this university has a strong track record based on the same approach, and also ensures that everyone is as well prepared as possible to get a good job at the end of it. Southampton Solent also delivers courses that are both close to my interests and very relevant to the 21st century. What makes a successful university? A successful university is clear about both what it does and what it is going to do, and then delivers it very well. I will be looking to prepare a clear strategy to build on the University’s existing strengths. Teamwork is

essential, and I am very clear that students need to be put at the heart of everything we do. What are your main priorities for the University? Two of my key objectives are raising the profile of the University on the national and international stage, and securing its reputation as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning. I am keen to forge new international partnerships, as experience has shown that students who have a diversified and multicultural awareness are considered to have better developed skills and abilities. I have already had the chance to travel to the far east in my new role and I look forward to building our global relationships further. What are you most looking forward to within the role? Southampton Solent has made great progress since becoming a university. It has some unique capabilities and distinctive offerings, and I am intrigued by its development potential. I am looking forward to working with colleagues, students and our partners to build Southampton Solent into a strong university for the future. If you could offer any advice to our alumni what would it be? As much as possible, do things which you like and enjoy, because in my experience you will do better and be happier as a consequence. Be confident – you are well prepared for the future. Be ambitious – you are as good as everyone else. Be proud of your achievements, and be proud of your university. What is your fondest memory of university? I loved every minute of my time at university, both as an undergraduate and as a postgraduate student. I made lasting friendships and therefore think the camaraderie and sense of community, along with the endless opportunity, are my significant memories.

5


University news

Building the buzz around the University There will be an exciting buzz around Southampton Solent towards the end of 2015, when the first phase of the University’s £30million new teaching and learning block is due for completion. Anyone who has seen the architectural animation of the stunning new development, with its vast light atrium and futuristic pod that seems to float above the wide concourse below, can’t fail to be impressed.

Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the new building features a full-height atrium, which will sit alongside the Sir John Everett Millais building. The atrium will also link to the rest of the East Park Terrace site, making it easier for staff and students to move around the campus.

As well as creating a beautiful, dramatic focal point for the University, the atrium will play an essential role in circulation, ventilation and temperature control for the new building. The new facilities will include centrally located lecture, conference and seminar facilities; social and flexible space for exhibitions, shows and events; as well as state-ofthe-art acoustics, lighting and equipment. The ultra-modern, multifunctional suspended pod in the centre of the atrium will have a viewing platform and a full size lecture space. Fivestoreys of lecture and seminar rooms will be located around it, linked to the new and existing building via a number of bridge walkways. Also designed by Scott Brownrigg, the pod is intended to reflect Southampton’s nautical heritage and the University’s forward-looking ethos. Beneath the pod, a lower atrium will lead to subterranean lecture theatres as well as lower-level classrooms, kitchens and offices. Part of a grand plan for the redevelopment of Southampton City Centre, the new building will be a central, semi-public, social learning area as well as a space where people can meet. With its light

Watch the stunning fly through video at: bit.ly/solentunifuture

and open design, it will enable staff and students to see and share information and learning experiences. Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin said “Our new building will help us to further enrich the student experience here at Southampton Solent, providing more interactive space for study as well as state-ofthe-art teaching and learning facilities. The new atrium will also enable us to open our doors in even more ways to local and regional business and community organisations for exhibitions, conferences and other functions.”

The Alumni Office caught up with Alumnus William Goddard, Site Manager of the new build, and one of twelve University Alumni, employed by Interserve, the construction company leading the project. William graduated in 2007 with a BSc (Hons) in Construction. What has been your biggest achievement in your career so far? Achieving completion of the Sea City Museum on time and to a fantastic standard in 2012 for the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Being a key member of the delivery team on this and achieving the goal gave me a great sense of satisfaction. What are the big challenges you are facing in the construction industry? Tighter and tighter timescales for project delivery meaning that there is less time to plan. This means as Site Manager I have to analyse a lot of information quickly, get it into a plan and then implement things on site in a very short space of time. This is challenging, but means that I certainly do not ever get bored!

What was your favourite Southampton Solent memory? Feeling very proud to graduate with a First Class honours degree. I worked very hard for this and it was a great feeling to achieve a top degree. How do you see the construction industry developing in the future? Ever increasing uses of technology to improve efficiency, from the planning stage to production in terms of off-site manufacture (3D printing could be an exciting development if that takes off into commercial construction use) health and safety on site is always improving with the advent of new equipment driven by innovation using technology and increased use of IT to reduce the amount paperwork.

“We are truly building an excellent university for future generations of students and staff.” Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin

6 Southampton Solent University

Forward

7


University news

Alumnus Ron Price was overwhelmed by the response to his new racing catamaran, the Solent Whisper, when it was unveiled at the PSP Southampton Boat Show in September. Ron was inundated with requests for information and for media interviews. The launch appeared on BBC South Today TV news and in numerous publications worldwide. “It was surreal,” said Ron, a Southampton Solent University yacht and powercraft design graduate who is now Senior Lecturer in Naval Architecture at the University’s Warsash Maritime Academy. “We had so many people interested in the boat and wanting to build it or get involved in the University’s work. We had interest from high-profile sailing teams, manufacturers and potential buyers. The reaction was tremendous.” The Whisper uses revolutionary new hydrofoil technology which makes it fast, safe and affordable. It has the potential to offer America’s-Cup-style racing to the masses, and could also be accessible for disabled sailors. “T-foils have been around for a while,” said Ron, a keen sailor since the age of five. “But this application of T-foils has not been done before. We use this technology to make the two hulls fly at exactly the same height all the time, which makes it safe and controllable.” Sea trials have shown that the cat does indeed fly, hence the response to the launch. It was unveiled at the Boat Show by Solent graduate Geoff Holt, the first quadriplegic sailor to sail solo across the Atlantic.

Solent Whisper made her international debut at the Paris International Boat Show in December. Orders are already coming in for the retail production version, which will be showcased at the London Boat Show in January 2015. “The Whisper is already a decade ahead of anything that’s out there. My plan is to build something that no-one has built before, that looks different and that is designed differently, so that people will say ‘wow’ when they see it.” But that’s not all. Ron is already working on a new racing boat for disabled sailors. “It will be like a Formula 1 racing car that flies on the water, without engines,” he said. “It will be green and fast and exciting.”

Whisper makes waves Ron Price Course: BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design Graduation year: 1996 Current role: Senior Lecturer in Naval Architecture at the University’s Warsash Maritime Academy

Find out more about the revolutionary Whisper catamaran: bit.ly/whisperyacht

8 Southampton Solent University

Forward

9


News in brief

Southampton Solent BA Photography student James Robinson and his ‘Fifty’ wall at Southampton Airport

University teams up with Mary Rose Museum

Student’s project arrives at Southampton Airport

Sport scientists put footballers to the test

A Saints player undergoes the VO2 max test to monitor oxygen use

The University’s accredited sports science facilities have become a regular fixture for the region’s football clubs. This year, Southampton Solent has worked with Southampton Football Club to build on their performance in the Premier League and with Reading Football Club for the Sky Bet Championship.

1

Business School gets gold Southampton Solent University has been awarded ‘Gold approval’ by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The prestigious award is only granted to high-quality tuition providers. Professor Georgina Andrews, Director of Southampton Solent Business School, said she was delighted the School’s high quality support for students had been externally recognised. “Working with professional bodies to meet industry needs is at the heart of the Southampton Solent Business School mission.” 10 Southampton Solent University

Staff and students worked alongside the clubs’ experts to put the squads through their paces, carrying out a series of physiological tests to create individual fitness profiles for each player. Full stories: bit.ly/saints_vo2max and bit.ly/ssu_reading

University works with BBC to showcase new technologies Visitors to the New Forest and Hampshire County Show had the chance to experience the latest multi-media technology this summer

The University sets up stall with the BBC at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show

Forward

thanks to the University and the BBC. Staff and students worked alongside BBC professionals to help visitors read the news, present the weather and experience the Adaptive Immersive Multimedia Experience, created especially for the show. It featured three video screens, 12 loudspeakers replaying 3D ambisonic surround-sound, and a state-of-theart LED light show.

Full story: bit.ly/bbc_techshowcase

A stunning photo wall of Southampton’s people and iconic landmarks now greets passengers arriving at Southampton Airport. The work of Southampton Solent University photography student James Robinson, the wall was commissioned by Southampton Airport earlier this year as part of the city’s

50th anniversary celebrations. ‘Fifty’ features photographs of famous locations around Southampton such as the Mayflower Theatre, St Mary’s Stadium, Tudor House and the port, showcasing the city to visitors. Full story bit.ly/cityimages Fullat: story: bit.ly/cityimages

African documentary wins film award A Southampton Solent University lecturer’s film about water contamination in Africa is reaching a wide audience. Tony Steyger, Associate Professor, teamed up with film graduate Greg Michael and students from the Multimedia University College in Nairobi to produce The Last Taboo, first screened in 2012.

The film, which won the General In-house Production category at the British Universities Film and Video Council’s Learning on Screen Awards 2014, has had 90,000 views on YouTube and has been selected for the 2014 Ethnografilm Festival in Paris. Full story: bit.ly/nairobidoc

Lecturer Associate Professor Tony Steyger filming in Nairobi with Greg Michael

Staff and students can now benefit from an exciting partnership with the new, £27 million, world-class Mary Rose Museum, based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The University and the museum will profit from professional development opportunities and joint events. Two students, Tiffe Harris and Stacey Court, have already carried out internships at the museum, with more likely in future. Stacey also accepted a full-time position as Friends Administrator for the Museum and is now working in her new role. The University has partnerships with other organisations including Business South, B&Q, The Ageas Bowl and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. Full story: bit.ly/ssu_maryrose Pictured top: BA (Hons) Business Management with Entrepreneurship graduate Tiffe Harris and BA (Hons) English and Professional Writing and MA Creative Writing, Industry and Practice graduate Stacey Court

11


Faculty feature

s s e c c u s l a n o i t a n o t s r a o s

y r a t n e m u c o d n a Birdm

d Matt Both Sam an ing build nt have been Matt Farra d nce careers n la a ee e fr r k r ei th la C m Sa ing their me for a n since finish a g in k t has are ma studies. Mat as a nishing fi e c in g s in s been work themselve at Southampton mera ca ce s freelan ie d u t s sistant . r ir d ea y the t ator an as d s er p la o y it s iver films an on several Solent Un ir mes, e m th ra g in ro TV p ss honours a cl s e trs re as g fi h e a d d while Sam Both gaine and Video Production ort g as in sh V , filming rk T a o , been w orate video anies and BA (Hons) , Birdman rp lm co fi . r r n a fo io e it y an p gn nala cameram r multi-national com n and their fi has won national reco , s fo and Europea es , cl ce ry al n n n ta u re n io ’s e fe at n m N am co S cu e f th o do r ry fo o st st e ca ad ate lls th outside bro n is passion but Birdman te d Terry. Ala . re, an ls fi n it ia p la adaptation Tr S A e s a rs er o ild H broth on the BBC ts to bu y ed rr an rk w Te o d stein w at an th as g h ct Matt the fa lm Franken about flyin t years the story is Lucia, the fi mes McAvoy, and d en to sp an in p n as h ap ve o M of d Ja interw nload l Radcliffe an on dialysis. with Danie or film The Friday Dow g a es in rr o ak donat h m n ’s n la to A re child return t to me. lo to Terry, he wants to a t ey t u n B n d a e. ki e vi o m s M re. the and ries in futu “ The award challenging to make, cementing documenta ant to gain experience n s a , n y w ll ee a lm w e n w fi et o I th b ti d w d o n o n The a n o m r b s, e o ie “F lly and a ng ical abilit ic n vi n gi ch h he said. d c te ,” an y n e te o k m them both to ma de later develop t si n a . ve ti w a I e . cr ff the orale boost Terry a new but it paid o entaries in future as move into was a big m ed in this s rd a e. aw lif e f o m gnis lease “Winning th more docu ssion.” ur work reco and Matt t to have o am a a S p re g y ’s m It s on that’ oth industry.” is working picked up b way by the nce jobs, Sam es, hoping to la e al ee rk n fr la o n C gi ee re Sam the entari In betw wn docum circuit. y (RTS) ber of his o n on the film festival et m ci u o n S a n o si vi io le it n Te t g l es co ya b o re the al R gain more and nation sion Awards 2013 for vi hey received le T e. Te t m en m d ra g tu S pro f ate factual audience o Birdman undergradu front of an e amazing itute in st d In ar lm aw n watch th meo.com /96334351 Fi al ca n sh u io ti Yo ri at B n the the ry at vi documenta fessionals at also selected industry pro ay, and the film was in rk Yo M in in London in ica Short Film Festival thet es A e th r fo 2014. November

12 Southampton Solent University

Forward

13


Faculty feature

W

Well positioned for success The Alumni Office caught up with Southampton Solent University graduate Trevor Pegrum, who is a shining example of how a solid understanding of a technical field can lead to a successful career in non-technical roles.

S

E

Trevor Pegrum Course: BSc (Hons) Computer Network Communications Graduation year: 2003 Current role: Europe and the Middle East Aviation Sales and Marketing Manager, Garmin Europe

What does your job involve? I am currently heading up sales and marketing for (GPS manufacturer) Garmin’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Aviation Division. My education at Southampton Solent University allowed me to walk into a junior field engineering position. I’ve moved through various different departments within Garmin, and am now heading up EMEA strategic sales and marketing efforts for our aviation and avionics product lines. What has been your biggest achievement in your career so far? Being promoted to my current position was a huge achievement for me. I had never expected to be in sales and marketing and my background is on the engineering and technical side. However technology companies like to have sales and marketing professionals with strong technical backgrounds, so this was a great bonus for me when applying for this position. What do you love about your career? The aviation industry is a small community, but heavily relevant on technology – I love how fast-paced and innovative companies are. I love the technology, I love the travel, and I get to fly aircraft, which is great. It’s really a dream job for me. What are the big challenges you are facing in your industry? Aircraft and avionics in particular are heavily reliant on the global economy and requirements for people to travel internationally. Aviation must find a way to reduce our overall footprint on the environment.

14 Southampton Solent University

Forward

What is the most important advice or knowledge you received at Southampton Solent, which prepared you for the world of work? My course was positioned to provide a broad level of technical knowledge, and this has been a huge help to starting my career, but it’s everything else that goes with the university experience that I feel is invaluable. I was extensively involved with the rowing club at university, which taught me leadership skills; and I had a large social circle, which taught me social skills. All of these life experiences prepared me to start my career at Garmin, and I found myself well positioned against my peers with my broad technical knowledge and leadership skills. How do you see your industry developing in the future? Aviation is heavily reliant on computer systems and electronics technology. We are starting to leverage the increased processing power of integrated circuits, as well as lighter, more robust electronic design. I expect this trend to continue to allow application of new, safer, more reliable aircraft systems in the future. What are your future career plans? I’ve relocated to Switzerland with Garmin, to staff our corporate headquarters. I see my career further expanding into a senior leadership position with Garmin in the next three to five years – and I also want to finish my pilot’s licence, which I started last year. For more Alumni interviews visit the Southampton Solent University Official blog: official.blog.solent.ac.uk

15


Graduation 2014

Congratulations to the class of 2014! Over 2,700 graduates attended graduation this year, and despite the occasional rain shower it was a wonderful week! We hope you got your graduation congratulations card and gift – and if you managed to get a photo in the roaming ‘Class of 2014’ photo frame, you’ll find your pic

on the Southampton Solent alumni facebook page. Get tagging! As you embark upon the exciting career ahead of you, please let us know how you get on. Remember: while graduation may seem the end of your University memories, it is the beginning of a great new future.

Honorary graduates 2014 Honorary degrees are presented by University outside the usual academic requirements. The 2014 honorary degrees were awarded to: Paul Smith – Doctor of Media Francesca Berriman – Doctor of Technology Paul Hawkins – Doctor of Technology Ian Murray – Doctor of Media Kenneth Robinson – Doctor of Business Barry Laden – Doctor of Design Sir Peter Blake – Doctor of Arts Captain Nigel Palmer – Doctor of Maritime Operations Pete and Pip Tyler – Doctor of Business Daniel Feist – MBA Find out more about Southampton Solent’s new honoraries at bit.ly/2014gowningup

Keep in touch facebook.com/solentgraduatenetwork twitter.com/SolentUniAlumni linkedin.com/edu/school?id=12644 alumni@solent.ac.uk

16 Southampton Solent University

Forward

17


Alumnus interview

Shoot for your

Dan Tyler Course: BA (Hons) Sports Journalism Graduation year: 2012 What do you feel are the biggest changes in the industry so far? Shoot is an online-only magazine and I’ve seen other publications go down that track. The number of newspapers that are now investing more in their online content, rather than their printed daily, shows that the way we want our football news has changed over the past five to ten years.

For football fans growing up in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Shoot provided essential weekly updates and features from the world of British football. The magazine offered a behind-thescenes window into football – a side of the game that was rarely seen in TV and radio coverage at the time. The magazine re-launched with a new format in 2008, running regularly every month. Southampton Solent sports journalism graduate Dan Tyler joined in summer 2012, and has been one of the driving forces behind its renewed popularity. What has been your biggest achievement in your career so far? Being the deputy editor of the 2015 Shoot Annual. I was the assistant editor of the 2013 and 2014 editions before I was promoted last year. This meant I was doing the majority of the writing and

overseeing the production of this year’s annual – it’s pretty cool working for a brand and producing products that I, and many generations, have grown up with.

This is challenging, but chasing down a top flight player for every monthly edition is exciting too. We are lucky in the sense that we have a strong brand name, which makes it easier to stave off the competition.

What do you love about your career? I love being able to constantly talk, read and write about football all day without anyone telling me to shut up! Meeting players and personalities within the game – all of which I’ve had good experiences with to date – is also a thrill.

What is the most important advice or knowledge you received at Southampton Solent, which prepared you for the world of work? If you prepare well then everything will be fine. In the early days it can be quite daunting talking to big names and personalities, but as long as you’re prepared and know your facts then your organisation and knowledge will carry you through.

What are the big challenges you are facing in your industry? Getting interviews is a constant battle. With the ever-increasing cash invested in the Premier League by BT and Sky, companies like Shoot are left to fight it out for interview time.

How do you see your industry developing in the future? The quality of journalism at the top has always been brilliant but the increased interest in (and routes into) journalism as a career means there should be a greater depth of quality available to consumers.

What advice would you give to current students? It’s great if you get a first, but it’s not attractive to employers without any work experience. A 2:1 or 2:2 plus work experience is worth double.

“Chasing down a top flight player for every monthly edition is exciting”

Left: Dan with Chelsea legend, Gianfranco Zola. Right: Dan and England international, Andros Townsend

For more Alumni interviews visit the Southampton Solent University Official blog: official.blog.solent.ac.uk

19


Southampton news

As well as working to make the city a hub of graduate opportunity, Southampton is pressing ahead with an ambitious programme of improvements. Plans include further development of the Cultural Quarter, expansion of the West Quay complex to include exciting new leisure facilities, restaurants and public spaces, and extensive redevelopment of the Itchen riverside, Royal Pier and the station quarter.

2014 has been a year of celebration in Southampton, as the city marked its golden jubilee with a series of fun and high-profile events. Southampton first applied to be a city in 1929, but the Second World War and postwar austerity meant that it wasn’t awarded city status until February 1964. Since then, Southampton has come a long way. It’s now a thriving maritime and economic hub, with the busiest cruise terminal and the second largest container port in the UK. Marking the jubilee The celebrations began in February when the Mayor and Mayoress invited schoolchildren to their parlour see the extensive collection of gifts donated to the city from all over the world. A wide range of individuals and organisations have also taken part in the ‘50 Pledges’ campaign, an idea which grew out of Southampton Solent University’s Vision for 2020 20 Southampton Solent University

event last year. Campaign volunteers promised to do something to benefit the city and its people – with pledges including a summer picnic for young people with disabilities, the brewing of a commemorative ale, free theatre tickets, publicity for free events, a park bench, organising Solent Sustainability Summit, and free mentoring for businesses. Southampton Airport marked the occasion by commissioning 50 iconic images of the city for display to incoming visitors in the airport arrivals hall. Southampton Solent University photography student James Robinson produced the display, which was unveiled by the Mayor back in June. Another Solent graduate, Tiffany Bryant of the Rose Road Association, hosted a special summer picnic for local Forward

young people with disabilities and their families. There have been numerous other events, including a commemorative service at St Mary’s church in February; the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Guildhall Square in March; the St George’s Day Festival in April; and the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay, Southampton Sky Ride and Vintage Family Festival in June. July saw a 60s Let’s Rock music event and the city’s Golden Anniversary Concert, while August featured the Art at the Heart Festival and the Southampton Maritime Festival. The future of Southampton Southampton Solent University hosted another Vision for 2020 event in June, to create new opportunities for graduates and help the city’s economy to thrive; we also launched the Solent Retail Network back in March in order to help boost sales, productivity and training opportunities for the city’s retail businesses.

Top left: Launching Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile at the Guildhall Top right: Southampton Airport photo wall Below: From left to right – Jack Cork, Calum Chambers, Rickie Lambert, Morgan Schneiderlin, Guly Do Prado, James Ward Prowse and Victor Wanyama

50 years of city status Southampton Solent University’s exciting additions to the East Park Terrace campus (see p.6) forms part of the city’s ‘Master Plan’. You can find out more at discoversouthampton.co.uk

Below: Aaron Phipps, Team GB Paralympian speaks at Vision 2020 Bottom right: St George’s Day festival

21


University history

10 years of Southampton Solent students at Glastonbury This year the University celebrated the tenth year of staff and students’ involvement with the Glastonbury festival. The relationship with the festival stemmed from University technician Dave Poulton, who for many years took a small group of students to run a food kitchen on a voluntary basis. Southampton Solent’s students first got involved in 2003, since then student involvement has gone from strength to strength – providing extensive experience in tangible work situations. Let’s have a look back…

Paul McCartney Oasis muse

2004 Journalism students reported for the festival’s radio station. Others were responsible for all camera work at the Avalon stage, filming the acts for projection onto massive 20 foothigh stage screens. Student films were shown at the Avalon Café, the biggest café on site. Films produced by students were screened across three stages whilst a number of artists performed. Urban Flava winner Wayne Mayers, who studied at the University, won the competition to find the freshest new MCing, rapping and singing talent in the region.

2003

R.E.M. Radiohead moby

The White Stripes

Arctic Monkeys

Coldplay

The Killers

Basement Jaxx

The Who

2005

2007

A theatrical Mad Hatter’s tea tent was run by performance students in the Green Fields. This was also the first year a full crew took a prominent role using outside broadcast equipment acquired from ITV Meridian. Jason Broomfield Course: BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies Graduation year: 2006 Worked at Glastonbury: 2005 Current role: Broadcast Engineer and Vision Mixer Favourite memory: It’s a hard split between being given unobstructed access to areas and staff before the event started and filming at the stone circle at sunrise on the final night. To experience such extremes was overwhelming. Experience gained: Working at the event gave me the confidence to approach people and the understanding that we all start somewhere – progression often starts with a question of interest or understanding. I’ve carried this through jobs for football clubs, international broadcasters and news publications, and I’m still progressing throughout the broadcast industry.

Alex Redfern Course: BSc (Hons) Media Technology Graduation year: 2006 Worked at Glastonbury: 2005 Current role: Solution Architect at EVS Broadcast Equipment Favourite memory: Standing on stage with a camera in front of thousands of people with some top bands! Experience gained: I was one of three engineers on the event. We were given whatever equipment was available with which to make the whole thing work: old, new, analogue and digital. A lot of creative thinking was needed to achieve the results we did. I learnt there’s always a way to make something work, and that the production values always come first. This has formed the basis for my current job. At Glastonbury I learnt that there’s never a “no”, just a creative way of achieving “yes”.

Performance students dressed as ‘camp morris dancers’ whilst film and television students filmed the East and West dance stages, projecting live output onto huge screens supplied by media technology students, who set up and ran outside broadcast units. Students made video interviews of some top names – including Zoe Ball and her husband Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and Lily Allen’s producer Mark Ronson. Ruth Oates Couse: BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies Graduation year: 2008 Worked at Glastonbury: 2007 Current role: Freelance production manager working in corporate and advertising Favourite memory: Climbing up the lighting rig at the back of the stage we were working on to watch Fatboy Slim perform – whilst we weren’t working obviously! And working with the team, I was at the festival last year and seeing the Southampton Solent OB van generated fond memories!

Have we mentioned a festival you worked at? What are your memories of it? Are you now working in music festivals and events full time? Let us know your news at alumni@solent.ac.uk

22 Southampton Solent University

Forward

23


Kings Of Leon

Neil Young

Gorillaz (replaced U2)

u2

Arctic Monkeys

Jay-Z

Bruce Springsteen

Muse

Coldplay

The Rolling Stones

The Verve

Blur

Stevie Wonder

Beyoncé

Mumford & Sons

2008

2009

This was the first outing for Southampton Solent’s outside broadcast vehicle, and a team from the University also produced a series of short films on commission for Glastonbury TV. David Rowett

Jordan Laughlin

Course: BA (Hons) Popular Music and Record Production Graduation year: 2008 Worked on Glastonbury: 2008 and 2007 Current role: National Concert Promoter and Band Manager Favourite memory: Working with a great bunch of people really made the event for me – without them I never would have been able to work on the things I do now. Interviews were also a fond memory, we interviewed Suggs (Madness), Fatboy Slim and Zoe Ball in 2007, the first time they were interviewed together. No other festival compares to the incredible place Glastonbury is. Experience gained: The festival was a turning point in my career and sparked my confidence to move into the field. Having given up a part-time job to go to Glastonbury I was rewarded with an even better job in an iconic music venue in the city.

Course: BSc (Hons) Music Studio Technology Graduation year: 2009 Worked at Glastonbury: 2008 Current role: Dubbing Mix Assistant at Jumbuck Film and TV

Favourite memory: After interviewing various bands backstage across several stages at the festival, on the Sunday we made three short documentaries. At around midnight the cinema field showed all three documentaries for us to relax and watch what we had made on the big screen. That was the first time I had heard my work playing back at me and to the public. Watching the end product of several days’ hard work gave me a great sense of enjoyment. From there I knew I wanted to be involved in the media industry to create and work with like-minded people.

Students used the University’s HD multi-camera rig, recording equipment and digital network to film and edit commissioned documentaries about eco issues and the setting up of Glastonbury – as well as live camera coverage of the UK’s top music acts. Andy Wilkin Course: BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies Graduation year: 2008 Worked at Glastonbury: 2007, 2008, 2009 Current role: Part-time filmmaker and freelance cameraman Favourite memory: There are so many but I think it has to be the overall level of production and professionalism by the end of the week. The amount we learnt in such a short space of time was invaluable and we wouldn’t have got that anywhere else. Experience gained: Without that week’s work experience I wouldn’t have worked on some seriously cool projects over the past few years. It was a gateway into the industry, but one which you have to work hard at. Dave Poulton showed great belief in me and others. Without his energy and enthusiasm, Solent at Glastonbury would never have happened. He taught me how to do things in the right way.

2010

2011

As the festival celebrated its 40th birthday, Southampton Solent music performance students played live every day in the Glade Field. Technical students produced four daily update films, documenting main events and the notorious ‘festival oddities’ for the festival website. This footage was transmitted in the BBC Two feature Glastonbury Grime, and also featured on a Channel 4 documentary about the band N-Dubz. Joel James Course: BSc (Hons) Audio Technology Graduation year: 2011 Worked at Glastonbury: 2010 Current role: Digital Media Engineer, Formula One Management. Favourite memory: Meeting Michael Eavis. Experience gained: Working at Glastonbury provided insight to working in a fast paced, time-limited outside broadcast environment. Anton Ostrovsky

2013

Students pitched, shot, edited and uploaded videos highlighting the festival’s green message: ‘Love the Farm, Leave No Trace.’ Southampton Solent’s outside broadcast vehicle and team produced a series of short films commissioned by Glastonbury TV, and provided live visual projections for the Dance Village East stage. Andy Tippetts Course: BSc (Hons) Media Technology Graduation year: 2012 Worked at Glastonbury: 2011 Current role: Broadcast Support Engineer Favourite memory: Probably sharing a stage with Fatboy Slim and Carl Cox, amongst others. Experience gained: Real-world experience as well as a qualification really helped when interviewing for my first grad job.

Course: BSc (Hons) Sound for Film, TV and Games Graduation year: 2011 Worked at Glastonbury: 2010 Current role: Technical Support Engineer Favourite memory: Getting into the mosh pit for the Crystal Castles performance with a miniature RF camera, and escaping crowd-surfing style to get to my camera position in time for the next gig. Southampton Solent staff and students worked with the BBC to shoot Fatboy Slim’s set, filmed and produced documentary films about both Glastonbury first-timers Circus Katmandu and The Park, an area of the festival organised by Emily Eavis (daughter of Glastonbury’s founder), and got involved in a host of other roles.

24 Southampton Solent University

Forward

Southampton Solent helped Glastonbury go digital, through coordinating BBC news clips of bands and footage of the festival, making it accessible to the world’s media via the internet.

James Williams Course: BSc (Hons) Media Technology Graduation year: 2014 Worked at Glastonbury: 2013 and 2014 Current role: Systems Developer at Arqiva and freelance sound engineer Favourite memory: Everything, the whole atmosphere! Experience gained: Glastonbury was the best thing about my university experience. Going as a sound operative, and again as unit manager, was a brilliant work experience opportunity. The skills I gained play an important part in my day job, and definitely helped me in interview situations. I plan to return for as long as possible as crew, and hope to take up an employment offer I received onsite in 2014, ready for the 2015 festival.

Arcade Fire Metallica Kasabian

2014

25


Membership news

Welcome to the Solent Graduate Network

Get help with your career Calling all alumni and new graduates! Did you know that there’s plenty of support and careers advice available from the University, for up to two years after you graduate?

Solent Graduate Network is the alumni association for Southampton Solent University. You’re automatically a member, which means you’re entitled to some exciting benefits: The Mountbatten Library

Discount on postgraduate courses

Graduates and members are entitled to subscriber membership of the library, with annual subscription free for the first year. See the library website for more details. Employability and enterprise Looking to find a job, start your own business or obtain advice? The University’s employability and enterprise team offer advice and support for up to two years after you graduate. Phone 023 8201 3883 Email careers@solent.ac.uk or businesscommunity.graduates@solent.ac.uk Sports Enjoy discounted gym membership, including gold, silver and bronze memberships, as well as 20% discount on all Solent watersports courses. Email sport.solent@solent.ac.uk Visit solent.ac.uk/watersports

26 Southampton Solent University

Forward

As a Southampton Solent graduate, you’re entitled to 10% off the first year’s tuition fees for any postgraduate course. Accommodation Enjoy the use of low-cost accommodation in student residences over the summer. Phone 023 8031 9274 Email hospitality.services@solent.ac.uk Conference centre hire Benefit from concessionary rates on conference facilities and room hire. Phone 023 8201 5757 Email conference.centre@solent.ac.uk These details are correct at the time of going to print, but please check the University website for the most up-to-date information.

Whether you want to start a new business, take on an intern, find a job, get business or mentoring support or become a mentor yourself, Southampton Solent’s employability and enterprise team can help. Our commitment to real-world learning means we’re always keen to hear from recent graduates, as well as from Southampton Solent alumni who are further on in their careers. If you’re a graduate looking for work, there are lots of opportunities available via the specialist graduate careers site, graduatejobsouth.co.uk. You can also benefit from a range of e-resources on the employability section of the Southampton Solent portal – offering some useful advice and tips on how to market yourself and find a job. If you already run a business or want to promote business opportunities such as internships, mentoring, live briefs or work experience placements for Southampton Solent students and graduates, we’d also be very pleased to hear from you.

For new graduates, take a look over our case studies at bit.ly/beinspiredssu to find out more about what we can offer

Contact the employability and enterprise service to find out more: Phone 023 8201 3883 Email careers@solent.ac.uk or businesscommunity.graduates@solent.ac.uk Visit solent.ac.uk/careers

27


Alumni focus

Alumni f Kelly Friend Course: BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication Graduation year: 2008 “Since graduating I’ve worked in both agency and in-house positions. I spent my first four years in technology, science and healthcare PR agencies before moving in-house to Sonardyne International, a sub-sea technology company. I’m now back agency side with 80:20 Communications in Guildford, specialising in aviation, travel and transport PR.”

Emma ElliottCannon Course: BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication Graduation year: 2008 “After graduating from university I continued studying, alongside working full time, for my Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Professional Diploma in Marketing. This enabled me to gain professional qualifications which are sought after in my field at the same time as building up my ‘hands-on’ experience. Specialising in marine and logistics marketing, I currently work for DP World Southampton (the city’s container terminal) as their marketing and communications officer. It’s a fast-moving and varied role. I manage the company’s internal communication channels, social media, corporate social responsibility agenda, filming requests, PR enquiries, corporate events and exhibitions, as well as implementing the subsidiary company’s marketing and communication strategy.”

Let everyone know what you’ve achieved since graduating. Fill in the Alumni Update Form on our website at solent.ac.uk or email alumni@solent.ac.uk

28 Southampton Solent University

Forward

cus Mark Castree Course: BA (Hons) Fine Art Media Graduation year: 2008 “I worked as a learning support assistant in a further education college with young people with a range of disabilities in London, later studying for my PGCE at the Institute of Education whilst working full time in a teaching role. I now teach pottery and art, and tutor an employment course for young people with learning disabilities.” Amy Ellis (formerly Sable) Course: BA (Hons) Writing Fashion and Culture Graduation year: 2007 “I am now communications executive at Denplan, using my degree and knowledge gained during my CIM Professional Marketing qualification, which I also did at Solent. I am solely responsible for the marketing for the largest growing part of the Denplan business including campaigns, events, literature design and digital and social media.” Amy Barke Course: BA (Hons) Journalism Graduation year: 2008 “I completed an MSc at Southampton University in Global Politics, before working as an event coordinator at RBS. Since then I have performed events, PR, marketing and communications roles at Direct Line Group, and I’m currently a communications manager for Grant Thornton, managing a team that works internationally across 160 countries.”

Lee Goodenough Course: BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication Graduation year: 2008 “I work for a network test and measurement company called Spirent Communications. I am working in the marketing, demand-generation and business development function within Europe, the Middle East and Africa, using every aspect of my PR and communication degree. I have an 18-month-old son called Max and am due to get married in May 2015.” Siobhan Colette Heaney Course: BA (Hons) Advertising and Public Relations (Top-up) Graduation year: 2014 “I’m a junior account executive at Custard Communications. Based in Woking, they are a boutique public relations and communications agency specialising in the hospitality, events, tourism and leisure industries. My role involves everything from writing press releases, articles and blogs to devising social media plans, monitoring coverage in the press and social media, and assisting with designing e-shots.” Samantha Baker Course: BA (Hons) Business Management Graduation year: 2013 “I am working at Southampton Solent University in a graduate development role in human resources. During my two years here I have had two placements – one with the NHS for six months and one coming up next year with Occupational Health. This has been a fantastic stepping stone for my new career in HR, and the team here at Solent have provided the best support and development for my future.” Simon Matthews Course: BA (Hons) Public Relations and Communication Graduation year: 2008 “Since leaving university I have mainly worked in a sales and marketing capacity. At the tail end of 2012 I decided to start my own business on the back of my current role within the packaging industry. Sarcina.co.uk has had incredible growth, and we have customers all over the south.”

Owen Cheshire Course: BA (Hons) Advertising Graduation year: 2014 “I have been supporting Southampton Solent’s Research and Enterprise Service to enhance the promotion of research across the University. In this capacity I produced high-quality content to promote the specific applied research environment to both internal and external audiences, supporting the University’s goal of gaining research degree awarding powers in 2017.” Svetlomir Tsvetanov Course: BA (Hons) Media Culture and Production Graduation year: 2013 “I am working as a marketing assistant for Novella magazine. I am trying to make my portfolio bigger and better with new shoots, and by collaborating with other established and new creative thinkers. My goal is to travel as much as I can, get a master’s degree and probably a PhD, and work in visual production and publicity.”

Benjamin Guy Course: BA (Hons) Sports Studies with Business, MA Management and International Business Graduation year: 2004 and 2008 “I spent six years living in Dubai, UAE where I ended up advising the Abu Dhabi Government on HR policies and processes, cost-reduction techniques and organisational change implementation. Upon returning to the UK I am in the process of setting up a social media company called Lasso IM, a smartphone application, which advertises to students what is going on in their city and how to get there safely.”

29


Faculty feature

Celebrating the latest cadets starting their maritime careers Warsash Maritime Academy’s newest officers celebrated their achievement at the winter 2013 and summer 2014 passing out ceremonies. The special ceremonies mark the completion of a three-year merchant navy training and education programme for navigation and engineering officer cadets. Academy Director Andrew Hair says: “The cadets have every reason to be proud, not only of what they have achieved during the last three years, but also of the importance of the work they have been trained to do. “Their skills and expertise,

and those of other professional mariners like them, will sustain the world’s shipping trades and support the global economy. I wish them every success as they embark upon their professional careers,” he added. A quick look at Warsash Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) is the commercial maritime arm of Southampton Solent. For almost 70 years, it has provided first-class education, training, consultancy and research to the international shipping, commercial yacht, offshore oil and gas, and renewables industries. It provides internationally

recognised certification programmes for both deck and engineer officers, running from cadet level all the way to Master (Captain) and Chief Engineer. The academy also offers short safety courses to develop skills such as firefighting and sea survival, and continuous professional development modules for more experienced officers. Its training facilities are among the best in the world, including state-of-the-art bridge and engine room simulators, engineering workshops, a 20-acre ship handling centre and extensive safety training facilities.

Warsash

facts Maritime training started on the Warsash site in

Graduating Marine Engineering Officer cadets from September 2011 Foundation Degree cohort

1946 The academy pioneered the use of training simulators, the first being installed in 1947

Graduating Deck Officer cadets from January 2011 Foundation Degree cohort and 2010 HND cohort on 30 November 2013

Over the past ten years, 2,296 merchant navy officer cadets have enrolled at WMA

Warsash cadets outside the Guildhall

The ship-handling centre at Timsbury is the only centre of its kind in the UK, and one of only five in 2296 the world

30 Southampton Solent University

Forward

31


Alumni events

Art students win the chance to shine Recent arts graduate Emily Taylor has had a successful 2014. As well as being chosen for the Platform Graduate Awards 2014, a showcase of emerging graduate talent at the Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth, Emily was one of five high-flying Solent arts graduates selected for the coveted Solent Showcase Graduate Artists in Residence programme, facing tough competition in the process. This is the third year of the artists in residence scheme, which gives talented young graduates the chance to develop and exhibit their work and make the transition from student to professional. Previous winners have gone on to set up their own businesses, to exhibit in places as far apart as Southampton and Amsterdam, and to further study.

“The residency was a brilliant opportunity for me to develop my photographic practice, as well as giving me the chance to exhibit my work on a much larger scale,” said Rebecca.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the scheme, and in the future I plan to continue documenting WW2 ruins and structures.”

The five artists in residence at Solent Showcase – Emily, Greta Staron, Rebecca Sharplin-Hughes, Joe Rose and Alix de Courcy – studied either photography, illustration or fine art and all obtained a first-class or upper second degree. Each artist received a £500 award and a three-month residency at the Solent Showcase gallery over the summer, where they had access to work space and the expertise of gallery staff. The residency included an exhibition of the artists’ work from August to October, with a grand launch event in late August.

See more of our resident artists’ work at: bit.ly/ssuartists

Greta Staron, who studied illustration, based her work for the residency on a poem. Emily, who studied fine art, created feminised images of famous male geniuses, to highlight how few women are given the label ‘genius’; while Alix, who also studied illustration, created collaborative observational drawings on the theme of characters found in pubs. Joe’s

This page: Images from Fine Art Graduate, Emily Taylor Opposite page: Images from Photography Graduate Rebecca Sharplin-Hughes

32 Southampton Solent University

Rebecca Sharplin-Hughes, a photography graduate, used the residency to delve deeper into her degree work on the war ruins of the Basingstoke Canal.

Forward

photographic work looked at the cross-over between urban and rural landscapes. “The residency allowed me to develop my practice and maintain the momentum gained at university,” said Joe. “It also gave me invaluable insight to working within a professional artistic environment, along with great support from the gallery’s curators.”

33


Sport

Zoe Lewis has a lot to live up to. As the new Club Captain for Team Solent Ladies football team, which won a record five trophies last season. But Zoe, in the third year of her BA (Hons) Sports Studies degree, is looking forward to the challenge. Zoe has taken over as Club Captain from Chelsea Law, who finished her studies in the last academic year. Chelsea saw her team win the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Western League, the BUCS Conference Cup, Hampshire County Women’s Football League Invitation Cup, the Hampshire Intermediate Cup and Hampshire County Division 2 – an impressive performance for 2013/14. The women footballers were also crowned team of the year at the Team Solent Annual Sports Awards, and player Suzie Werner was named sportswoman of the year – topping an outstanding season. Along with new Pitch Captain Emma Pinner, Zoe is hoping to build on that success and take the team even further. “We are still on a high from last season,” said Zoe. “But we are aware that we have now moved up a league and games are going to be a lot tougher. We are looking forward to the season ahead with our new roles and a new team and are excited to recruit some new players. Both Emma and I are working really

Good year for sport at Southampton Solent

hard to create as much success as possible with sufficient support for the girls. “Team Solent Ladies Football is a great team with a family-like ethos. We spend a lot of time together in and out of football. I have met some of my best friends in the team.” Among other successes for Sport Solent was Gold for Team Solent Windsurf. Milly Joseph took first place in the freestyle heat of the BUCS National Championships at the Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth in May, while Fi Allen was second. Team Solent Women’s “Team Solent Ladies Volleyball also won the Football is a great team South East Volleyball Association league in with a family-like ethos. June, making them We spend a lot of time South East champions. together in and out The University’s commitment to of football.” supporting young Zoe Lewis talented athletes through the High Performance Academy and Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme has also been recognised by Sport England and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Southampton Solent University is one of only 24 institutions in the country to be awarded TASS Accredited Centre status.

Solent Ladies football team 2013-2014

34 Southampton Solent University

Forward

35


Tribute

Camille Lepage 1988-2014 By Andy Chatfield, Senior Lecturer in Journalism

Southampton Solent graduate Camille Lepage was tragically killed in 2014, while reporting on the conflict in the Central African Republic. Andy Chatfield pays tribute to an outstanding young photojournalist. .Camille Lepage stood out from the first day I met her, among a group of journalism freshers in a Mac suite in the Andrews IT Centre nervously awaiting their first reporting skills class. Yes, her accent piqued the interest of this Francophile lecturer, whose earnest attempts to drop in the odd bon mot en francais to make her feel at home were met with a burst of her twinkling smile, politely indulging me. She alone didn’t seem nervous. But it wasn’t just the disarming grin which most struck me. Even in those early weeks, Camille was curious, sceptical, direct. We could teach her to tidy her English phrasing and conquer our daftest idioms. But those three precious qualities for a journalist take longer to teach, and she had them from day one. Through her three years at Solent, and one on a sandwich year in the Netherlands, she revealed a fourth attribute which would come to define her as a true journalist: a passion for telling the stories of the powerless and dispossessed, in words and increasingly in outstanding photographs. It was clear to me, as well as the group of committed friends drawn to this sweet but determined force of nature, she would make her mark. She graduated in 2012. By the time she made the fateful decision to ride into the wilderness with a militia group in the strifetorn Central African Republic in May this year, doubtless seeking to bear witness through her lens to more innocents caught up in the slaughter, she’d already made that mark. Her haunting photographs of life in South Sudan and the CAR had been published by the world’s

36 Southampton Solent University

Forward

leading media companies, including the BBC, the Guardian, and the New York Times. Just quite what a mark she had made didn’t hit home until after I received an alert on social media that this journey had been her last. She was shot in an apparent ambush by rival militia, presumably failing to register in the heat of civil war that the 26-year-old woman on the back of a bike armed with no more than a camera was not part of their sectarian quarrel. Her funeral in her home town of Angers was not in some tiny parish church, but an almost full cathedral. The web overflowed with tributes to her from journalists around the world – and with pictures of that goddamn life-enhancing smile. There was even a brief online row after a Wikipedia page about her was created, wiki-purists demanding its closure since it was merely there ‘because she died young’. It wasn’t – and it’s still there. Numerous exhibitions and journalism events in her name have followed. In the way of the web, you can still see her pictures all over the place. They include some remarkable images of war and suffering – painterly portraits of boy soldiers and bodylined hallways, fleeing families and refugee camps at dawn. But there are also many pictures bursting with the laughter and life that somehow endures even at the toughest times and in the toughest places. A third-year journalism student interviewed Camille for a profile just last year. Her advice for students was characteristically idealistic and blunt: “Figure out what you really care about and put all the cards on your side to make it happen. No one will do it for you.” Southampton Solent University extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Camille Lepage. As of November 2014, conflict in the Central African Republic continues.

“Figure out what you really care about and put all the cards on your side to make it happen. No one will do it for you.” Camille Lepage

Top four photos by Camille Lepage Top left: victims of a militia attack in Boali, Central African Republic Top right: Kauda, Sudan after Sudanese government bombings Above: Chadian child soldier Far right middle: Police leave as the militia might arrive, Central African Republic Bottom right: A photo of Camille with local children

37


Quiz time

Quiz time

Merchandise promo

1

2

3

4

8

10

6

7

9

11

12

13

15

16

19

20

Across

Events 14

22

1 A tunnel, often secret. But no minotaur inside, only a donkey. (7) 5 Aquatic mammals close the deal. (5) 8 Like old-fashioned, only classier. (9) 9 Plague-bringing, binraiding vermin. (3) 10 Master these if you want to get fit. (5) 12 Without purpose. (7)

5

17

18

21

Forward

Get your branded graduation merchandise via our website, at solent.ac.uk/alumni

1. Graduation bear

Class of ’05

1 Chooses. (5) 2 Body of water between B and D. (3) 3 If Al hadn’t gone for a barbie, this would be a sehr different country. (7) 4 Get some courage in you. You can do it! (13) 5 To Sherlock (verb). (5) 6 Deal. (9) 7 Make happy. (7) 11 Your objective: entry. (9)

13 Passes over, but not in a religious sense. (7) 14 Mario, Luigi, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michaelangelo – all some kind of good fella. (7) 16 The cries of a lion. (5) 18 Dark Knight does it; Cobra’s done it. The sun, also. (5) 21 Impressive rowing implement. (3)

Answers Across: 1 Passage. 5 Seals. 8 Classical. 9 Rat. 10 Stair. 12 Useless. 13 Comparatively. 15 Observe. 17 Actor. 19 Ski. 20 Americans. 22 Sends. 23 Tunnels. Down: 1 Picks. 2 Sea. 3 Austria. 4 Encouragement. 5 Solve. 6 Agreement. 7 Satisfy. 11 Admission. 13 Crosses. 14 Italian. 16 Roars. 18 Rises. 21 Awe.

38 Southampton Solent University

Official Southampton Solent University merchandise.

23

Down 13 Malory, Cleopatra, Voltaire – they’re all relatively mixed up in this. (13) 15 Watch. (7) 17 Oscar’s a professional pretender, dahling. (5) 19 One’s no good; two will get you down, unless you’re piste. (3) 20 Brave free natives, lit by rockets’ red glare. (9) 22 Dispatches. (5) 23 Underground routes. (7)

In 2015, Southampton Solent University will be celebrating its tenth birthday as a university! Keep an eye out on the solent.ac.uk webpage for our exciting programme of events celebrating the anniversary, plus other events too!

Something to remember us by?

Time for an alumni re-union? Are you organising an alumni reunion? Let us know what your plans are, and we might be able to help you share the news right here in Forward.

2. Bear without robes

3. Skinny tie

4. Wide blade tie

5. Golf umbrella

6. Ladies’ tassel scarf

7. Rollerball Parker pen in case

8. Pin badge

9. University scroll holder

10. Ladies’ square scarf

39


THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN Take your career further with postgraduate study Open up a new world of career opportunities with a Southampton Solent postgraduate degree.

As a Southampton Solent University graduate, you’ll receive a 10% discount on your first year’s tuition fees – making it even easier to boost your career prospects.

Take your knowledge and skills even higher, and give your career a lift.

Visit www.solent.ac.uk/postgraduate


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.