INTOUCH Alumni Magazine Issue 8 by Swansea Met

SWANSEA INSTITUTE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

INTOUCH ISSUE 8 I DECEMBER 2007

Swansea Institute is set to become the UK’s newest university.

A NEW UNIVERSITY FOR SWANSEA

Swansea’s Metropolitan University Prifysgol Fetropolitan Abertawe

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TEACHERS PAST AND PRESENT GATHER FOR ANNIVERSARY Swansea Institute’s Townhill campus hosted a very special reunion. 17 past students of the School of Education returned to the Townhill campus exactly 50 years ago to the day on which they began their teacher training courses. They recalled that when they began their studies in 1957, it was the first year that men were allowed to enrol on what was originally an all female course. The 50th anniversary also coincided

with the start of term for many new students studying on the BA Primary Education course. 17 new students joined the 17 past students for their anniversary visit, to hear how things have changed 50 years on. The Swansea School of Education at the Institute was established in September 2004, creating one of the biggest providers of teacher training courses in Wales. However, the Institute’s predecessor colleges have provided high quality teacher training since before 1900. Rhoda Murphy and Stella Taylor studied on the teacher training course in 1957; they said: “We loved everyday of our course; it was a breath of fresh air. We have

all enjoyed long and successful careers in teaching and still meet up regularly to recall on our experiences of training to teach and teaching in Swansea. “We were delighted to come back to the Townhill campus on this special day and it is a joy to see so many students still enjoying the course, it has certainly grown and prospered since we were last here.” Ken Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities commented: “It was a true pleasure to welcome the ladies back to the Institute. We now consider ourselves as the home of teacher training in Wales and it’s great to see how our success has stretched back over all these years.” Vicki Onions, a mature student who is just starting out on the BA Primary Education course, mixed with the past students during their visit; she added: “Although I was apprehensive at first about returning to education, it has been great to meet and chat with everyone and to listen to their wonderful memories. It is very reassuring to hear how much they loved the course and their careers that followed.”

A NEW UNIVERSITY FOR SWANSEA Swansea Institute is set to become the UK’s newest university. The Institute is seeking permission to change its name after completing the required consultation exercise. The Institute, which has been serving the people of Swansea and the surrounding region for more than 150 years, submitted its application for University Title following the recommendation for the award of Taught Degree Awarding Powers. “After a year-long and rigorous inspection from the Quality Assurance Agency we are now able to apply for university title,” said Principal Professor David Warner. “We now wish to include ‘University’ in our title to better

reflect the status we have held for many years now. We are delighted to be able to apply to become the UK’s newest university and Swansea’s second but in fact we have a long tradition of academic excellence stretching back more than 150 years. Our School of Art was established in 1853 and teacher education in 1872.” “There has been unanimous support for ‘Swansea Metropolitan University’. This is an exciting development not only for the Institute, but for Swansea and the community at large,” added Professor Warner.

INSTITUTE POPULAR WITH OLDER STUDENTS Swansea Institute is proving to be popular with older students. Records show that for the 2006/7 academic year, the Institute had over 4,000 students over the age of twenty-one. Twelve hundred of these students were also over the age of thirty-five. The Institute prides itself on attracting students of all ages and offers a wide ranging portfolio of courses encompassing full-time and part-time study. From HNDs and degrees to postgraduate, professional and research qualifications, Swansea Institute boasts an eclectic mix of students. The figures show that higher education is not ageist.

There are students of all ages studying for qualifications; some of them studying for enjoyment, some retraining and others studying to enhance their careers. Last year, Swansea Institute awarded three septuagenarians at its annual graduation ceremonies. Avery Stevens, Arthur Warden and Austin Leend, with a combined age of 222, graduated with honours degrees after spending 6 years studying part-time for their

EXCITING NEW COURSE ON OFFER AT THE NEW CENTRE FOR PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING qualifications. Mrs Stevens aged 71 graduated with a degree in Ceramics. Mr Warden aged 77 and Mr Leend aged 74 graduated with degrees in Architectural Stained Glass.

Counselling and Psychotherapy is emerging as one of the cutting edge Social Sciences of the 21st century. The newly established Centre for Psychology and Counselling will be adding to the substantial range of Counselling modules already being offered to include for the first time a Certificate in Counselling skills. The Centre will be moving forward with its aim of providing a wide and diverse range of courses by

offering this practice based training within the Centre. The Certificate in Counselling Skills will be available to current students within the Centre and also will be offered to students who wish to study for the Certificate on a stand alone basis. The course will be offered for the first time in September 2008 and take two years part time. The course will be suitable for anyone who is currently working or who intends to work within the field of supportive

communication and helping, which could be a health care setting, voluntary agencies, and personnel departments. The Certificate in Counselling Skills course will also provide students with the necessary criteria to undertake a Professional Counselling Diploma qualification. It is the Centre’s aim to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling in due course.

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SWANSEA STAR LAUNCHED NEW CENTRE! Staff and students at Swansea Institute welcomed successful Welsh TV Star, Richard Mylan, to the Townhill Campus, as he formally launched a new centre of learning. Richard Mylan is best known as Oliver in the hit BBC Comedy, sitcom, “Coupling”. He has also starred in popular dramas such as Where the Heart is, Bad Girls, The Bill and My Family to name but a few. Richard opened the new Centre for Performance and Literature (incorporating Film Studies) in September. The Centre is one of two new Centres at the Institute to be established this September, to accommodate growing numbers of students seeking to study in these popular areas. As well as formally launching and opening the Centre, the afternoon included show reels of short video clips from the work of former and current students, many of whom were also present at the event. This landmark event gave students of past and present a chance to meet up

and share stories and experiences, as many graduates have gone on to gain employment as teachers, actors, technicians and arts and media practitioners in organisations including Real Radio, the Sherman Theatre Cardiff, the Taliesin Arts Centre and the Pontardawe arts centre.

Dr Richard Knapp pictured with Richard Mylan

poems about memory, the changing seasons, the ephemerality of love - the need to struggle on despite the frailty and vulnerability of the human frame ... to create a more complex and emotionally truthful world of honesty and depth.” (Alan Perry) Perry also comments on individual which gained him a BBC Wales Writer of the Year nomination), three collections poems, for instance: “The title-poem is a whimsical attempt to measure the of verse and a play (performed during constituents of life - the journeys made, the UK Year of Literature). His last the miles travelled, houses lived in, collection, Mangoes on the Moon, was praised for its intelligence, clarity, verbal cigarettes smoked, movies seen, cars owned, novels read, children fathered dexterity, humour and imaginative the impossible aim to measure life and vision. These were poems of pain and yearning, the hopes and fears of daily life with it, the worth of things” He decides that it is overall an impressive, expressed in a style totally devoid of emotionally powerful book which pretence, yet wry, subtle, rich in poetic demonstrates Lloyd Rees’s “exceptional force. Now, with Simple Arithmetic he versatility as a poet.” revisits some of his former themes with

INSTITUTE POET PUBLISHES FOURTH VOLUME Lloyd Rees, of the Faculty of Humanities has a new volume of poetry being published in the Spring. It’s entitled “Simple Arithmetic”, published by Cinnamon and the launch date is 23 April 2008. It is his fourth volume of poetry and contains poems written over the past six years or so. Lloyd said “I think it is my best work, but let me quote a pre-publication reviewer:” “Lloyd Rees has earned a considerable reputation over the past 15 years with the publication of two novels (one of

Dr Richard Knapp, Head of the Centre for Performance and Literature (incorporating Film) said, “We are all thrilled Richard Mylan was able to open our new Centre, the day was a momentous occasion.”

WARM WELCOME FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Swansea Institute welcomed a large number of international students this year with a specially arranged induction programme. Principal Professor David Warner spoke to over 100 international students at the Institute’s Mount Pleasant campus before the students were given a full programme of events. An eclectic mix of students have enrolled on a wide range of courses for the new term and some have come from as far away as China, India, Germany and Scandinavia. The induction programme included guest speakers who gave advice about living in Swansea and the UK; the studying difference between here and abroad and the different methods of study. After a buffet lunch, the students were shown around some of Swansea’s highlights such as Mumbles, Caswell, Langland and Rhossili. Coordinating the welcome programme was the Institute’s Phillipa Davies, she commented: “The students enjoyed the programme of events, especially the trip to the Gower. They also received lots of helpful

Principal, Professor David Warner greeting our International Students

information from the Police, local banks, and other guest speakers.” Professor David Warner told the students: “We hope you have an enjoyable time in Swansea, finding new friends and networks. Many of you will be studying in your second or even third language which is difficult and we salute you. The city will be indebted to you for

your contribution. Welsh students will learn from you as you bring the world to Swansea, and with it, different cultures and different ways of life.” In conclusion, Professor Warner said: “It is wonderful to see more and more students opting to study in Swansea. We have students studying at the Institute from all corners of the world.”

NEW INTERNATIONAL HEAD FOR INSTITUTE Swansea Institute Senior Lecturer, Brian Griffiths has recently been appointed as the Head of the Institute’s International Office. Brian joined the Institute in 1992 as a lecturer on the Leisure and Tourism courses; since then he has progressed considerably and was Acting Head of the Centre of Leisure, Tourism and Sport for the last academic year. Brian brings to his new position a wealth of experience and is hoping to meet the demands of the international student market, as he explains: “There is a big demand at the moment, especially from far eastern countries, for students who want degrees and masters degrees from a British University. “I can hopefully help to satisfy that customer need by extending our links in these regions. As a smaller institution, Swansea Institute is able to offer the support that overseas students can require. We purposely run smaller class sizes in order to improve interaction between lecturers and students. This can be a great benefit to students who struggle with the language barrier,” said Brian.

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INSTITUTE HONOURS FIVE OF THE BEST

An honorary fellowship was awarded to novelist and playwright Professor Bernard Knight. Bernard’s first crime novel was published in 1963. Since then, he has written more than thirty books. These include contemporary crime

Swansea Institute awarded five honorary fellowships at this year’s graduation ceremony.

fiction, historical novels about Wales, biography,

Joining the long list of current Institute fellows is Wales football coach John Toshack, BBC

non-fiction popular works on forensic medicine

Newsreader Huw Edwards, S4C Chef Ena Thomas, Chief Executive of the Welding Institute

and twelve medico-legal text books. He is the

(TWI) Dr Robert John and playwright and novelist Professor Bernard Knight.

acclaimed author of the Crowner John Mysteries; a series of 12th Century historical mysteries for Simon and Schuster.

Wales football coach John Toshack joined the students on the Brangwyn Two of Wales’s most endearing TV personalities were

Hall stage to receive his fellowship.

also awarded fellowships. BBC Newsreader Huw

Toshack will be forever remembered

Edwards and S4C’s Ena Thomas. Since January 2003,

in Swansea as the man who took Swansea City from the fourth

Huw as been known to millions of viewers as the

division to the first division in four

presenter of the BBC’s Ten O’Clock News. Huw’s

successive seasons. During this time

contributions to broadcasting have not only gained him

he was awarded the OBE for services

an avid army of admirers but also led to him receiving a

to football. His successes in football

number of academic distinctions from a wide range of

both on and off the pitch are rivaled

HE institutions.

by few and envied by many.

Chief Executive of TWI, Dr Robert John, received a fellowship. Robert is one of the leading world experts on the development of welding consumables and welding processes and their commercial exploitation. He has established new technology centres in South Yorkshire and in South Wales.

Ena Thomas, known as the Delia Smith of Wales, was born in Felindre, Swansea. After gaining an enviable reputation in Welsh cuisine circles, Ena was asked to be S4C’s resident television chef. In this role she travelled all over Wales with rides in army tanks, motorbike sidecars and hot air balloons amongst her most famous roles. She has also written several books on cookery which depict her Welsh heritage. Ena Thomas’s son received the award on her behalf.

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CANADIAN COUPLE A PICTURE OF SUCCESS A husband and wife who left their life in Canada to study at Swansea Institute celebrated their graduation success. David and Meredith White, from Ontario Canada, donned their caps and gowns to receive a Masters Degree in Photography from the Faculty of Art and Design at Swansea Institute, after two years of study. Their affinity with Wales comes from David’s maternal family who, for generations, lived in the seaside town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire. David and Meredith, along with their six year old daughter, have a residence in Tenby which they regularly visit. It was during one of their visits to Wales that they heard of Swansea Institute’s reputation in the arts and decided to leave good jobs in Canada to study in Wales. “This was an excellent and fascinating course and we are sad it’s over,” said David. Meredith added: “We would compare our experience at Swansea

SWANSEA INSTITUTE SUPPORTING ENTERPRISE Are you considering setting up your own business? Lots of our graduates do, especially once they have had a year or twos’ experience. If you would like some help and advice we’d be pleased to hear from you. We may even be able to point you in the direction of grants and other forms of assistance, to help you get your idea off the ground. Alumni of the Institute can still take advantage of funding to help start their own business. The Entrepreneurship Scholarship is available to alumni who have graduated within the last three years. It offers a grant of £144 per week payable for up to 36 weeks. Since the

Institute to a great Indie film. Unlike a mainstream blockbuster, Indie films are interesting and intimate.” Both David and Meredith now have lecturing positions in the Sheridan Institute, one of Canada’s premier higher education institutions, but will continue to visit Wales on a regular basis. Dean of Faculty of Art and Design at Swansea Institute, Professor Andrea Liggins said: “Both David and Meredith have done really well. Meredith is making a big name for herself in the world of art.” During the summer, Meredith had an exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery,

London which included the likes of world famous harpist, Catrin Finch. Some of the portraits could also be seen at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. It is through my experiences at Swansea Institute that I have had the opportunity to exhibit in such revered galleries. My Masters project has been received really well and I am currently looking at possibilities with other galleries,” said Meredith.

GRADUATE HAS DESIGNS ON AN INCH PERFECT CAREER A Surface Pattern Design student from Swansea Institute has enjoyed multiple successes recently, graduating from her degree, scooping two awards and gaining employment with a prominent Welsh company. The work of Adele Richardson, originally from Bath, was recently recognized in a competition run by the Institute’s Creative Industries Research and Innovation Centre (CIRIC) and baby accessory company, Inch Blue Ltd. Students were asked to design motifs for a new range of baby shoes and create concept sketches for a children’s book.

Adele won both competitions and has since been offered a job with the company. Successful completion of the Surface Pattern Design degree at Swansea Institute and the competition success has seen her join Inch Blue, carrying out design and illustration work for baby shoes and clothing. Institute lecturer Beate Gegenwart said: “We are delighted for Adele. She was a deserving winner of the CIRIC and Inch Blue competition and she has been rewarded with a fantastic job at a successful Welsh company.”

GRADUATES LAND TOP JOBS

TEACHER TRAINING TOPS UK POLL fund was launched in 2000 over 50 Entrepreneurship Scholarships have been awarded to students from Swansea Institute. Help is also available under the Wales Spinout Programme which offers successful applicants an interest free loan of up to £25K. To be eligible for the Spinout Programme there must be a link between the new company and the HE institution. So if you’ve graduated in the last three years and are thinking of setting up a business in Wales, contact us to see how we may be able to help you. For further information contact: Kathryn Penaluna Enterprise Manager, Swansea Institute Mount Pleasant, Swansea SA1 6ED Tel: 01792 481199 Email: Kathryn.penaluna@sihe.ac.uk

Teacher training at Swansea Institute has come top of a poll surveying student satisfaction across the UK. The National Student Survey, undertaken by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, showed that Swansea Institute has the most satisfied teacher training students in the UK. The poll surveyed 148 higher education providers who offer teacher education courses. Head of the Swansea School of Education, John Parkinson, commented: “We are delighted to have come top of this poll especially as it covers the whole of the UK.” The Swansea School of Education at Swansea Institute is one of the largest providers of teacher education in the UK offering a wide range of degrees, postgraduate and professional qualifications. Swansea Institute Deputy Principal, Professor Ken Reid said: “Teacher education programmes at Swansea Institute and Swansea University merged in 2004 to create the Swansea School of Education at Swansea Institute. The Institute has since invested millions of pounds into the refurbishment of teacher education at the Townhill Campus. We are very pleased with the result of this poll.”

Every final year student on Swansea Institute’s BSc 3D Computer Animation course has been snapped by VFX giant, Moving Picture Company (MPC). MPC are one of the worlds leading VFX companies, whose film credits include the Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter. They have also worked on commercials for Audi and 3 mobile phones, whilst producing music videos for Razorlight, Basement Jaxx and the Killers. The students are Ashley Bernes from Surrey, Adam Davis from Nottinghamshire, Ahmed Gharraph from Hampshire, Heather Goodenough

from Wiltshire, Liam Griffin from Worthing and Robert Tovell from Somerset. For his final year project, Ashley was the Lead Technical Director on the recent Sony Bravia TV advert, which picked up Best Commercial of the Year 2006 at the Campaign Magazine Awards. He will join MPC’s Commercials Section. Liam and Ahmed will start their careers on the next instalment of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Following the 2005 success of the The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian is due for release in 2008.

Adam and Robert are to become Crown Technical Directors on another 2008 release, 10,000B.C. It is a prehistoric epic that follows a young mammoth hunter’s journey through uncharted territory to secure the future of his tribe. Heather will take up the prominent position of Associate Producer working on both commercials and film. At the recent opening of the School of Digital Media showcase, MPC Head of Recruitment, Matthew Sagar said: “MPC has built up a good relationship with Swansea Institute and we now have many graduates on our books. “We are confident of their abilities to throw them in at the deep end. Last year we took on a Swansea Institute graduate whose first job was working with acclaimed director Tim Burton, on a music video for The Killers!” If you are interested in studying Digital Media at Swansea Institute, please contact Martin Capey on 01792 481117, email enquiry@sihe.ac.uk or visit www.sihe.ac.uk

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QUEEN SERVES GREEN TEA Former Swansea Institute student Mo Green enjoyed afternoon tea with the Queen after being invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Mo, from Port Talbot, received the invitation in recognition of her community work in the region through the MOre Green Re-use Re-cycle Project. MOre Green is an initiative that takes unwanted items such as furniture, restores them and distributes them to people in need. In addition, the project carries out a variety of eco based services and environmental workshops. Environmental Conservation graduate Mo explains: “The main aim of the project is to divert perfectly good items away from the increasingly overflowing land fill sites and give them to those less fortunate in the area.”

During her visit to the Palace, Mo and colleague John Fry were singled out by the Queen for an extended chat. After, a delighted Mo said: “She was really interested in what we were doing. It was marvelous that one individual can make a positive difference to the environment and her community, and gain recognition from the Queen.” The MOre Green Re-use Recycle Project has received a series of awards in recent years including two prestigious Green Apple Awards and a BTCV Special Achievement Award. Elizabeth May, Swansea Institute

STUDENT’S RETURN PROVIDES INSPIRATION

Environment Manager and one of Mo’s former lecturers, said: “We’re all really proud of Mo. She started off recycling cans and bottles in our refectory and now is involved in community environmental projects in Swansea which have gained Swansea and UKwide recognition. She still visits the Institute and is part of our waste committee.”

A former student of Swansea Institute has shot to success since graduating in 2002 and is now working as European Sales Manager for the FDI Magazine, part of the Financial Times Group in London. Oliver Wheatley, 26, recently returned to Swansea Business School where he studied for four years, to give a

presentation to current students about his role at the Financial Times. Originally from Surrey, Oliver came to Swansea Institute in 1998 to study a business degree and to join his older brother who was also studying at the Institute. He took a year out as part of his course to gain some valuable work experience before returning to complete his third year. Oliver worked at

WALES BLOOMS IN AN EXCITING EXHIBITION © Copyright: Helen Simons 2007

After a not so good summer this year, Wales was however Bloomin’ in the Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. “Bloomin’ Wales” art exhibition saw an exciting and colourful display which brought the summer back to Wales with hand painted canvases and printed textiles of flowers in bloom. The exhibition ran from the 9th October 2007 to 5th November 2007. The artist behind the work was Helen Simons; an up and coming Welsh artist with her sights set on interior accessories for the home, which are both fashionable and affordable. This was Helen’s first solo exhibition and took inspiration from nature with specific

interest in flowers. Helen explored a new modern style of painting and created a range of canvases that are both striking and contemporary. Helen had previously exhibited at The Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, London and at Swansea’s Grand Theatre. Helen has a firm background within the art sector, previously studying at Swansea College and then at Swansea Institute of Higher Education within the contemporary applied arts sector. She has now come full circle and is employed by Swansea Institute within the CIRIC department, which supports artists and designers. Helen said “I have had an interest in all

aspects of art since a young age and was very flattered that the theatre approached me after seeing some examples of my work”. “As an artist, I am constantly developing my style and experimenting with colour.” Cathey Morgan the Education & Outreach Officer Theatr Brycheiniog says “Helen’s designs are fresh and lively, ideal for complementing the light of summertime and for transforming a dull wintry day into a warm mellow one. Each of the canvases are hand painted with care and attention and creates an interesting focal point in any room.”

Marsh Inc in London, the worlds leading insurance service and risk consulting company. Oliver stated: “I value my degree from Swansea Institute very highly; it has helped me considerably in establishing an excellent career.” Oliver was head hunted by the Financial Times whilst working in London and has been there for the past 14 months. Oliver talked to Swansea Business School students about his role at the Financial Times Group and some of the new projects he is currently on including his new creation, the FDI Atlas. The event was organized by Swansea Business School Marketing Lecturer, Vic Saunders, he said: “The presentation was fantastic and gave students a taste of what’s to come with their careers!" Oliver commented on his return to Swansea: “Working for a foreign investment journal at the Financial Times, I instantly recognized a huge development to the city. Swansea has changed dramatically in these five short years. I am delighted to be back and I won’t be leaving it 5 years before my next visit.”

BATMAN CALLS FOR SWANSEA ANIMATOR A Swansea Institute animation graduate has landed a key special effects role in Hollywood’s next big budget instalment of Batman. On graduating, Jenni Eynon from Swansea will join fellow Swansea Institute graduates who work for leading VFX company, Double Negative. Over the past six months alone the company has worked on films such as Hot Fuzz, Casino Royale and World Trade Center, while currently working on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Jenni said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Double Negative team, where I will be animating, modeling and texturing. My first project will be the next Batman film, The Dark Night, due for release next year.” The Dark Night sees the return of Welsh actor Christian Bale in the lead role with Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Michael Caine also starring.

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POLE POSITION FOR INSTITUTE FORMULA STUDENT TEAM

AMY SET HER SIGHTS HIGH Swansea Institute business student Amy Cornelius jetted off to the Big Apple of New York for a unique work experience opportunity at the New York Stock Exchange. The Institute’s Swansea Business School had been in major talks with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in order to secure a unique placement for one of its students. After much deliberation, Amy was selected by NYSE for the experience, an honour that no other UK university has been afforded. 25 Swansea Business School students applied for the position and Amy was chosen because of the quality of her CV and statement. Amy stated: “I would like to thank Swansea Institute for this fantastic opportunity along with John and Debbie Ball and Owen Lewis who made this possible.” Amy had been to New York twice before as part of Swansea Business School’s

annual December trip, so had no problems finding her way around. During her time in New York she stayed near New York University within the financial district, which ensured that she experienced the New York student lifestyle. During her time at the NYSE Amy learnt about the workings of the world’s busiest and most liquid stock market and she was placed in different departments to gain as much experience as possible. She worked with specialists and brokers and took part in the day to day excitement of the stock exchange. The NYSE is the world’s busiest and most liquid stock market and trades $1.6 billion shares a day with a turnover of £33 trillion.

While in New York Amy got engaged, her boyfriend flew out and proposed to her, which she readily accepted.

BUSINESS RINGS BELLS IN THE U.S.A.

Senior Lecturer Dr John Ball has developed close links with NYSE in recent years through annual trips with his students to New York’s business and financial district. Dr Ball also attended a summer school at NYSE last year and was given the rare opportunity of ringing the bell in order for the NYSE to start trading. “We are privileged in the fact that no other university in the United Kingdom has received such an invitation,” he said.

Dr John Ball of Swansea Business School is pictured ringing the bell at NYSE last year to start trade

In a performance even Lewis Hamilton would have been proud of, Swansea Institute’s Formula Student Team have confirmed themselves as best in Wales and top sixteen in the world after the 2007 Formula Student competition at Silverstone. Formula Student promotes careers and excellence in engineering, by challenging students to design, build, develop, market and compete as a team with a small single seater racing car. It blends academic work and learning with the development of practical engineering skills. This year’s international competition saw over 70 university teams from across the world converge onto the famous Silverstone circuit, one week after the British Grand Prix. Each competition car was rigorously tested in areas such as endurance, speed and business viability. Swansea Institute saw off stiff competition to be announced the best design team in the

competition, maintain its position as the top Welsh University, secure a place in the UK top five and become sixteenth in the world rankings. Motorsport management student and team member, Nick Michell from Swansea said: “We were twenty-fifth in the world last year so to break into the top twenty is great.”

The event is the biggest of its kind in the world and is sponsored by big names in the automotive field such as Honda F1, Shell, National Instruments and the IET.

LIBRARIAN RETIRES TO QUIETER TIMES

Swansea Institute has said a fond farewell to one of its long serving and much loved members of staff Tony Lamb, Head of Library and Learning Resources has retired after nearly 27 years at the Institute.

Tony, who has always had a passion and excitement for books, joined the Institute back in 1980 as the Head of Library and Learning Resources, which as he explained, was quite a different job back then. When Tony started at the Institute the Townhill campus only offered two degrees and the Mount Pleasant campus was a much smaller establishment and the Dynevor campus didn’t exist. With the help of his supportive staff Tony was able to help the Library and Learning Resources grow as Swansea Institute grew and prospered.

Tony said: “I have certainly seen some changes over the years, mostly in the growth of my Department and indeed the whole Institute. I’m sure there are many more great changes ahead as the Institute seeks to change its name to Swansea Metropolitan University. I’m sorry I won’t be here to experience that change and I will miss the Institute and the people greatly, but I am looking forward to being shy and retiring as most librarians are.” A specially arranged farewell gave members of staff the chance to wish Tony well in his retirement, including Principal Professor David Warner who describes Tony as: “An oasis of calm and good judgment who will be sadly missed.”

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ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

ALUMNI PILOT PROJECT Alumni-in-Business The Alumni-in-Business Project is a pilot project seeking to develop knowledge transfer activities with our alumni communities. It is a collaborative venture between Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, and Swansea Institute of Higher Education. We’re aiming to identify the best ways of engaging alumni in knowledge transfer activities and share that know-how. Each institution is hoping to build up networks to enable students, alumni, and academics to interact with each other. We are particularly hoping to identify alumni who have set up their own businesses, and can share their experiences and expertise with students who may be interested in going into business themselves. Other schemes may

include enabling alumni to access cutting-edge technology being developed by the universities and find ways of exploiting it commercially for their mutual benefit. We could also tap into the knowledge and experiences of our alumni to help inform the research and development agendas of research groups. Another aim of the project is to identify mentors from the alumni bodies who would be willing to help students, either to advise them on following a particular career path, or on practical issues of going into business. Some may be willing to offer one-to-one mentoring over a length of time, or come in once and give a talk to a larger group of students. We are interested in our

alumni whether they graduated last year, or as long as thirty years ago. We hope to build up a culture in our institutions where our alumni are recognised as a valuable resource for enterprise and knowledge transfer, and their contribution valued and appreciated. This project is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Social Fund. For further information please visit the website:

lost touch with an old friend ‘KEEP IN TOUCH’ IffromyouthehaveInstitute we may be able to reunite you. We will try our best to Letter Box Service help put you in touch with other graduates

with whom you have lost contact. Just forward your request to the Alumni Office with as many details as possible (eg name, (maiden name if appropriate) subject studied, graduation year) Alternatively you can email us with your message asking for it to be forwarded. All information held is in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and therefore personal information cannot be released without consent.

Whether you are returning from travelling, planning a career change, considering further study or seeking a new job later in life all alumni are welcomed back by the SIHE Careers Service to use its facilities and expertise. We have a range of services and information sources to help. Visit www.sihe.ac.uk Services for Students/Careers Service for contact details and further information

Congratulations to the Student Services Department at the Institute on achieving the Matrix Quality Standard. The ‘Matrix Standard’ is the unique quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work and was awarded to the whole of Student Services which covers careers, counselling, dyslexia / dyscalculia / English language / study support and health care.

“This award recognises the high level of support provided by the team in Student Services at a time when the widening participation Careers Centre staff will be pleased to answer any programme creates new and demanding challenges” said Caralinda Jefferies, Head of the Student Services Department. of your queries. Enquiries to careers@sihe.ac.uk

Where are you now?

www.bangor.ac.uk/alumni/KnowledgeExchange

ALUMNI ON THE WEB REUNIONS As part of the Alumni-in-Business Project Swansea Institute’s Alumni Organisation is to launch a new vibrant and dynamic website The website will enable its former students to have even more opportunity to stay in touch, access links to organizations and businesses and gain up to the minute news and information. Numbers have grown over the past few years since the organisation was established with many graduates from afar such as India, Australia, Malaysia, Greece, Finland to name but a few. To add to the success of the Alumni organisation, through its mailings and discounted offers, many of our former students have returned for a second visit to further their studies in postgraduate and professional courses at the Institute. New members can sign up to the Alumni Organisation or update their details at www.sihe.ac.uk/alumni

AT YOUR SERVICE... Matrix Accreditation

Alan Breacher, Texas

Hayley Acreman, Newport

Tony Barber, Carmarthenshire

(BA Combined Studies - Graduated 1987)

(General Illustration - Graduated 2006)

(Technical Illustration - Graduated 1998)

“I am currently working as a cost engineer at ExxonMobil Development in Houston, Texas. My work consists of analyzing project schedules and creating reports for management. I also create new project schedules and develop cost reports. I started this work earlier in 2007 after working for 18 years as a technical writer in the oil and gas industry, so this is a career change position for me. I moved to Texas in 1989 but am still interested in developments at SIHE. Being a student there opened up a lot of opportunities for me!”

“Working for myself as a freelance Illustrator. My first book due to be published September/October 2007”

“Running Commercial Management Consultancy and Interior Design and Manufacturing Company”

Michael Jones, Cheshire

“Regional Construction Director Persimmon Homes and Charles Church Homes (Wales). Responsible for construction of approximately 1400 new homes per year throughout South Wales.”

(BSc Computing and Information Systems Graduated 1995)

The Alumni Office is happy to help with arrangements for Reunions. We can assist with the mailings of any lost contacts, help with the venue, catering etc. Out of term overnight accommodation can also be arranged at discount prices. If you are planning a reunion get in touch and we will give you all the support we can. We hope that all Swansea Institute graduates will remain interested and involved in the long term development of the College. We welcome members’ suggestions for new services and activities. We would also like to hear from you with your news, achievements and reminiscences. If you have a ‘good story’ to tell please let us know.

“Currently the Change, Configuration and Release (CCR) Manager within the IT Services department of Cheshire Constabulary, studying for the ITIL Manager’s Certificate in IT Service Management” Helena Ross, Berkshire (BA Architectural Glass - Graduated 2004)

George Henry, Arkansas Eleri Richards, Neath

(Transport Management - Graduated 2005)

(PGCE - Graduated 2006)

“Operations Manager for Transplace, out of Dallas Texas. Budget of approximately $100 million per annum”

“Currently employed as Fractional Lecturer at Bridgend College. Also Supply Consultancy Services to Awarding Body as External Verifier”

Philip Jones, Pontypridd Gareth Powell, Swansea

(M A Education - Graduated 2003)

(BSc Construction, Project Management Graduated 1999)

“Headteacher at Heolddu Comprehensive School, Bargoed.”

Teppo Kettula, Finland

“I work as General Country Manager for a European-wide printing concern, Finnish Branch in Helsinki, Finland” Kelly O’Mahony, Sydney

“Program Manager at Technology Centre Consulting Company”

(BA Tourism Management - Graduated 2003)

Roger Moody, West Yorkshire

Hannah Edwards, Wiltshire

Ceri-Ann Davies, Aberdare

“I am now the Marketing Executive for Dolby. I travel internationally and manage all events, literature, partner relations for Europe”

(BA General Illustration - Graduated 2005)

(MBA - Graduated 2006)

“I am in the process of setting up my own business in Glass. I have been making jewellery that I have found sells well at the craft fairs I go to and also through wholesalers. I am also making leaded glass window panels and undertook my first commission earlier this year” (HND Business and Marketing Graduated 1998)

Tuomas Petelius, Finland

(Photography in the Arts - Graduated 1996)

“I have been working and living in Australia since April 2005, working as an account manager for an events and promotional agency in Sydney”

“Press Photographer since leaving Swansea in 2005 - now freelance based in Yorkshire. Work includes Press, PR, Arts and Events If you would like to be included in Photography”

Where are you now?

(BA Primary Education - Graduated 2002)

“Teaching Year 4/5 in SS Gabriel and Raphael R C Primary School, Tonypandy. Loving the Job.”

the next issue of Intouch please provide details about what you are doing now via the Website www.sihe.ac.uk/alumni under Update your Details or email direct to alumni@sihe.ac.uk

DID YOU GRADUATE IN 2007?

PART-TIME FEES - SPECIAL OFFERS NO FEES FOR THE UNWAGED Part-time students who do not receive a wage or salary will have their tuition fees waived. It is this group who need most help to enter the job market with recognised qualifications behind them and this initiative is aimed at taking some of the worry away from students who just don’t have the money to spare. You will however, be liable to pay registration fees or charges for facilities, equipment and materials, residential courses and weekend elements, where these are requirements of the programme.

OTHER HELP WITH FEES There are some other ways in which you can get help with the costs of your course.

SPONSORED BY YOUR EMPLOYER A letter of authorisation is required, if a student is being sponsored by their employer. The letter should state that the company is liable for payment of tuition fees for the academic period with the correct company address and department, contact name and telephone number for invoice purposes. If a sponsor letter is not presented on enrolment, then the student will be liable for payment of fees.

HE GRANT The Government will pay a contribution towards your fees and also provide students with a grant towards course costs. This grant is means tested. Contact your Local Education Authority for application forms. Part-time students have to be studying for a set number of credits per year to be eligible.

FREE TUITION Part-time courses are free for students who are also registered on full-time courses at the Institute.

HELP WITH SPREADING THE COST For those who have to pay we give as much help spreading the cost as possible, including: Some fees may be paid by instalments please ask for details.

FINANCIAL CONTINGENCY FUNDING AVAILABLE Some funding is available from the Institute for those who may not be able to continue with their full or part-time course because they are facing some form of financial hardship. Application forms are available from the Reception areas in the Institute. Part-time students have to be studying for a set number of credits per year to be eligible for funding.

The annual graduate destination survey (DLHE) is an anonymised survey undertaken by SIHE Career Service on behalf of the Higher Education Statistical Agency (HESA) which is a government agency. HESA collects information from HEIs in the UK at the request of organisations such as Government Departments and Research Councils (RCs). The DLHE survey asks graduates about their current activity six months after graduation, whether it be employment (and what type of employment), further study, looking for work, travelling or unemployment. The information you provide helps inform researchers, teachers or advisers with responsibility for careers guidance, young people considering higher education as an option or parents concerned about their child’s future prospects. The questionnaire should only take a few minutes to complete. Please help us by returning it as soon as possible. N.B. Further information can be found in ‘What Do Graduates Do? online at: www.prospects.ac.uk/links/wdgd

DON’T FORGET THE ALUMNI GOODIES As a member of the alumni organisation you will be able to use the following facilities and services free of charge: ● Use the Institute Libraries for reference purposes. ● Use the Townhill Fitness Centre - so long as we have space! ● Have continuing Careers counselling, find out about job opportunities throughout Wales and the rest of the UK, and use the Careers ICT Service. ● Get the latest information about Institute Bursaries and Scholarships ● Use our student accommodation, when available at low, low rates. ● Use the Institute’s conference, catering and other facilities for your events at reduced rates. ● Gain the latest information about business incentives in South West Wales ● Intellectual Property Rights Advisory Service

INTOUCH ISSUE 8 I DECEMBER 2007

Contact: Julie Reed, Alumni Co-ordinator, Telephone/Fax: 01792 481217 E-mail: j.reed@sihe.ac.uk

Swansea’s Metropolitan University Prifysgol Fetropolitan Abertawe