NOTE Worthy
AUTUMN 2016
Alumni Newsletter
Inside This Issue
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ith our students now settling into the 2016/17 academic year, we are delighted to share the latest news from our campuses and association. We were proud to announce in September that a project helping refugees run by our School of Law has been nominated for a Times Higher Education Award. Our campuses also saw further development, with the Bedford and Luton Student Unions’ undergoing a £420,000 transformation in time for the new academic year In October we were delighted to welcome the Steel Charitable Trust again to our Luton campus to present 25 undergraduate students £1,000 bursaries each to support their final year. The Luton campus also continued to be active when award-winning writer and alumnus, Stephen Kelman, came back to help officially launch our new library. With the Autumn marking World Teachers Day on 5 October and International Education week on 14-18 November, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and recognise our teaching alumni who are helping to develop inquisitive minds and a love for learning. We are delighted to feature alumna Irene Wooldridge in this edition’s ‘Alumni Spotlight’, who shares her career spanning from primary school teacher to University of Bedfordshire academic. We hope you enjoy catching up with the latest from the University and the Alumni community. We always love to hear from you, so please do get in touch with any news, stories or ideas you have.
TALENTED FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS REWARDED WITH £1,000 BURSARIES ON THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER, TWENTY-FIVE FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS GATHERED WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND UNIVERSITY STAFF AT CAFÉ NEO, LUTON TO BE PRESENTED WITH THE STEEL CHARITABLE TRUST UNDERGRADUATE BURSARY.
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he bursaries are awarded each year to 25 of the University’s final-year students who live locally and who despite facing incredibly challenging personal circumstance have continued to work hard and achieve outstanding academic excellence. As well as celebrating the achievements of our current students, guests also had the chance to hear from previous recipients of the bursary. Anna McGough who received her award in 2014 now co-owns a catering business and helps teach children with English as an additional language; whilst 2015 recipient Nicola Hemmings is back on campus as Vice President for Education at Bedfordshire Students’ Union. Both speakers shared how funding gave them a financial and morale boost in their final year. The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said at the presentation of the bursaries: “You have been awarded this bursary because we believe in your potential, and we believe you are capable of achieving great things.” The Steel Charitable Trust has been associated with the University for over 20 years. During that time the Trust has provided an Endowment to finance the Powdrill Chair in English Language Acquisition at the University until 2020; as well as sponsoring a PhD studentship currently held by Rebecca Garcia, and the bursaries for 25 undergraduate students. Nicholas Wright, the Chairman of the Trustees of The Steel Charitable Trust, speaking at the presentation ceremony said: “The Trust is very pleased to continue Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell speaking at the Awards
Refugee family reunion project shortlisted for national award
to be associated with the University in support of such bursaries and is delighted that the students continue with their studies and achieve such high standards.” Recipients this year included Kimberley Brown an outstanding student who as well as being a single parent has had to cope with a nervous system and muscle weakening condition. She said: “This bursary makes me feel that the University are aware of student’s hard work and are connected and caring enough to help towards educational attainment of students who work hard.”
A UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE PROJECT THAT HELPS REUNITE REFUGEES WITH THEIR FAMILIES HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR A NATIONAL AWARD
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he Refugee Legal Aid Project (RLAP), run by the University’s School of Law, is in the running for the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category in this year’s Times Higher Education Awards. The RLAP, a collaboration between Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS) and the University’s Centre for Research in Law (CRiL), launched in 2013 in response to the cuts to legal aid that excluded family reunion cases from publicly funded legal assistance, making it extremely hard for refugees to be reunited with their families. The student and graduate volunteers involved in the RLAP support refugees with their applications to UK Visas & Immigration that allow close family members (spouses, children and siblings) to leave war-torn countries and join their loved ones in the UK. Dr Silvia Borelli, who heads up the project, said: “All of us in the RLAP team are delighted that the project has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. This is yet further recognition of the commitment of our student volunteers, and the vital importance of their work in assisting refugees to be reunited with their loved ones. “Given the unavailability of legal aid for family reunion applications, and the pressure that the current situation is placing on charities all over the country, there is an ever increasing need for volunteer pro bono projects of this type. We hope that RLAP can serve as the model for the successful establishment of similar projects at other institutions.” So far, nearly 100 individuals, many of them young children, have received clearance to come to the UK and have been reunited with refugees assisted by the project. One of the clients assisted by the RLAP team said: “The project helped me to be reunited with my family again. I was feeling so lonely without my family – I was crying every day. But now I can laugh, there are no tears on my face and I have found happiness again.” The work of the RLAP was also recognised in 2015 when it was awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Community Engagement Award
Sarah Jane Holden who’s aiming for a Masters in Social Justice all while battling various mental health conditions and looking after her two boys on her own said on receiving her award: “I feel exceptionally proud and thankful and can’t quite believe I have been selected. The money will help to relieve stress for me and my children and enable me to focus better on my studies and strive for a first class degree. Thank you again.” William White looks after three young children while on a low income and pursuing a university education; he has ambitions to work in role that promotes social justice. He’s particularly interested in social inequalities in education. He intends to use his bursary towards a new laptop, printer, paper and ink. William said: “It has really given me not only a financial boost but a big moral one too. I shall hopefully take advantage of the opportunity the bursary affords me to equip myself with the necessary IT to complete my degree and support my studies going forward.”
Author Alumnus helps launch new Luton Library ON THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER, ALUMNUS AND AWARD WINNING AUTHOR STEPHEN KELMAN RETURNED TO OUR LUTON CAMPUS TO HELP OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEW SEVEN FLOOR LIBRARY.
S New look for Bedfordshire Students’ Union THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE STUDENTS’ UNION, BEDS SU, HAVE BEEN BUSY OVER THE SUMMER REFURBISHING THE STUDENT LOUNGES AND BARS READY FOR THE START OF THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
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he £420,000 refurbishment programme at the Luton and Bedford campuses is due to be completed when students return at the end of September. Students at the Luton campus will be able to enjoy up-to-date urban décor, funky new furniture and the brand new Metro Bar & Kitchen space , as well as a new Starbucks coffee outlet. The Hub at the Bedford campus being refurbished into a sports bar. Dedicated seating arrangements will surround a new games area, entertainment stage and bottle and food bar, and the exciting new addition of Neo Pizza.
The new library forms part of a five year investment to re-generate the University’s estates totalling £180m. This includes its Postgraduate and CPD centre on the Luton campus, the stunning teaching and learning Gateway building at its Bedford campus, and a new building in Luton devoted to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which is expected to break ground later this year. Lutonian Stephen studied Marketing at the University and graduated in 1999. Pigeon English, his first novel, was shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize, the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Guardian First Book Award. He was also shortlisted for the New Writer of the Year Award at the 2011 Galaxy National Book Awards. Speaking at the event, Stephen said: “The students who are going to use this place are in a real advantaged position because everything is going to be at their fingertips”
Beds SU Vice President for Activities & Engagement Ashley BeckmanWhelan, said: “We are incredibly excited about the refurbishment. I can’t wait to see the new food options that will be available, and the addition of Starbucks to my day is a blessing. A place for student to call their own is exactly what they need to feel welcome at this University.” As well as the refurbishment, Beds SU also have a bright new look and logo, with each colour corresponding to one of the four new department structures for Beds SU; Be Involved, Be Entertained, Be Supported and Be Heard. The new look is reflected in the new website that can be found at www. bedssu.co.uk, which has been designed to be more accessible and easier to use.
“It brings the best out of a student; somebody who’s really interested and devoted to the idea of learning can only have their chances improved by having this sort of facility at their disposal”.
Alumna's Art Success GILL AYRE, A UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE ALUMNA, HAS BEEN SELECTED FROM INTERNATIONAL SUBMISSIONS AS ONE OF LANGLEY END STUDIO ARTISTS, TO EXHIBIT IN ART FAIR EAST, ONE OF THE MAJOR REGIONAL ART FAIRS IN THE UK.
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ill Ayre said “We are thrilled to have been selected from international submissions for Art Fair East 2016. This will be a chance to reach new audiences with our work. We plan on displaying artworks which explore the concepts of personal landscapes, both internal and external, and personal narrative. I am really looking forward to being there this year with my fellow artists from Langley End Studio “
Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor University of Bedfordshire said at the opening: “These new buildings have transformed our campuses, bringing our learning environments up to date and creating new spaces for our students and staff to interact and learn in.
Gill works primarily with oils on canvas, finding inspiration in the curves and shapes of the natural world, as well as Turner, Kurt Jackson, Lewis Noble and Maggie Hamblin amongst others.
“They have also generated significant investment and created jobs in Luton and Bedford.” The University’s students have been fully involved the design of their new learning environment. “We wanted to ensure,” said the Vice Chancellor “that it was fit for purpose for their real learning, not how we think they ought to learn.” The new library has exceeded all expectations; designed by mosescameronwilliams architects and built by Willmott Dixon it is set out over seven floors and has:
• 7400 meters square of library space • 154,000 books on 6km of shelves • Open 24/7 • Laptops for loan • 530 PCs • 916 study spaces • Café • Study Hub – where students can go for advice and guidance on academic and study skills
All alumni are able to gain access to this exciting new facility. For more information please contact alumni@beds.ac.uk
Reach Out My name is Rachel Phelan. I enrolled as a RMN student at Bedford School of Nursing in 1992 in the set 92b to train as a RMN. I qualified in 1995. Anyone remember me? Love for you to get in touch at my email address on phelanre@tcd.ie
Want to get in touch with your old classmates? Please email alumni@ beds.ac.uk to ‘reach out’ to your old friends.
Art Fair East takes place at St Andrews Hall, Norwich, and is open to the public from 2nd-4th December 2016. More details of the event can be found at www.artfaireast.com
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND WORK OF OUR ALUMNI In light of World Teachers Day and International Education Week, we catch up with primary school and alumnus Irene Woolridge and talk about her experiences in education
What inspired you to pursue a career in education. I think I grew up wanting to be a primary teacher. I am part of a big family and my brothers and sisters and I used to play 'schools' and in out play I was usually the teacher. It was either teaching or social work. What were the most memorable parts of your time as a primary school teacher? I have many memorable parts of my time as a primary school teacher. I enjoyed time with every class of children I taught and worked with many inspiring colleagues - some of whom have stayed very good friends. Teacher- children relationships are multi-faceted I found it very rewarding when children were excited about their learning and interested in what was going on around them but I also enjoyed the challenges and surprises that are part of teaching. The memorable bits also include times with children outside the classroom re assemblies, plays, dance events, clubs, outings, residential school trips. You were also a member of the Association for the Teaching of Mathematics-What similarities did you find you and other members shared? The similarities 'boil down' to a passion for learning and teaching mathematics... a deep care for children to enjoy mathematics and to develop problem solving and reasoning skills. Your career progressed into academia at UoB. What interested you in taking this route? When invited to become part of the Bedfordshire Mathematics Team, I had the privilege to work with primary teachers in the classroom and be involved with continuing professional development. This stimulated interest in Teacher Education and then a friend who was working at the university suggested I might apply for a post that was going.
(TALULAR) in a very very poor area of Malawi where people have very very little ...but... the children who get to school - and some may walk more than 5 miles to do so- have a real desire to learn. This desire to learn is a crucial factor.
You also partook in a research project about mentoring students in primary schools. Tell us a bit about this and the findings.
Your career has developed from student to academic at UoB. What are the biggest changes you have seen on our campuses?
This mentoring project provided a worthwhile opportunity to research the range of roles, and processes involved in mentoring. The findings are difficult to summarise in a few sentences but the relationships involved play a big part.
These are too many to list!!!
You were also involved with the DELPHE project working with teachers in Malawi- Tell us a bit about this. What did you take away from this experience as an Education professional? Involvement in the DELPHE project was one of the highlights of my career. The experience heightened my awareness and understanding of what impacts on learning, some of my assumptions and what I have taken for granted re what is available to me in my teaching . It was a challenge to work to the principal of Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources
To finish off, you lasting piece of advice for current and future teachers Enjoy the role, care about what impacts on learning, keep asking questions and learn from errors made and the children you teach. I particularly like this quote from Einstein: I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. If you'd like to feature as one of our case studies for ‘Alumni Spotlight’, please email alumni@beds.ac.uk
Introducing Block Delivery THIS YEAR THE BUSINESS SCHOOL HAS INTRODUCED BLOCK DELIVERY, A NEW AND CONVENIENT WAY TO STUDY FOR A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE THAT CAN FIT AROUND YOU. Block delivery provides a flexible approach that can fit around your individual needs and existing commitments, whether this be work, your family life, or any other existing engagements. You can choose to study full-time, part-time, or even focus on just a single unit at a time. Each unit takes place over six weeks, split into two three-week sections. During the first week of each section you will undertake two and a half days of faceto-face contact time with your tutors. This enables you to engage with a considerable amount of learning material with your tutors. There is then a combination of contact time with your tutors, and work undertaken using online resources; the balance of which varies from unit to unit. Our courses include a combination of individual and group work, encouraging peer-network development, as well as developing many transferable skills. Work placements, internships and live projects can also be integrated into your course, to enhance your practical experience, gain industry knowledge and help you to network with professionals in your desired industry. There are six intakes per year onto courses within the Business School, ensuring you can begin your course at a time that’s convenient for you; and if you do miss a start date you can start at the next intake just six weeks later. Intakes take place in the following months: November, January, March, June, July and September. With the introduction of postgraduate loans this year, studying for a postgraduate degree has never been easier. To find out more about block delivery visit: www.beds.ac.uk/blockdelivery
Your Alumni Keeping in touch and staying connected THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS MADE UP OF OVER 75,000 MEMBERS STRETCHING OVER 140 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE. Being part of the Alumni community, you can extend your professional and social network to others who have graduated as well as remain part of the life and future of your University. What we can offer All members of our Alumni Association have access to a range of services: eZInes: Our “Noteworthy” eZine keeps you updated with news, events and opportunities. Free library membership: Access to the library facilities and books are available to you in your post-University life for free. For more details please contact us. Careers and Employability Services: The services available to you as a student are still available to you for life as an alumnus including, job vacancies, employability workshops and individual career support.
How you can help There are also plenty of opportunities for you to give back and support the University of Bedfordshire. Volunteering Come back on campus to help with events, share your expertise and mentor current students. Fundraising By taking party in fundraising events and challenges, you are able to secure and support the future of your University. For all enquires about what we can do for you and how you can help, please get in touch.
Contact details Development and Alumni Relations Office Innovation & Enterprise Service Room H011 University Square Luton Bedfordshire LU1 3JU alumni@beds.ac.uk www.beds.ac.uk/alumni LinkedIn- University of Bedfordshire Alumni Office