Silurian 2012 by University of South Wales

For all former students, staff and friends of the University of Wales, Newport

Issue 31 • Autumn 2012

On top of the world

Adventurer Richard Parks and our 2012 Honorary Fellows

Also inside: Working for ‘The Agency’ Painting criminal mugshots How to draw Elvis Shooting the World ...and much more

www.newpor t.ac.uk

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From the Vice Chancellor

t is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first edition of Silurian since my appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor. Many of you will know me from my previous role as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at Newport, but in the last few months I have been leading the institution following the retirement of Dr Peter Noyes. Over the course of many months, the University has been facing the prospect of significant change within the Higher Education sector in Wales while seeking to build on 170 years of history. This summer, we formally began negotiations with the University of Glamorgan to create a new University for South Wales. It is a credit to Newport’s position that we have won wide-spread support for our proposals for a new entrepreneurial university, and as I write this, discussions are continuing in a very positive manner. This is a fast moving situation and as discussions continue, we will keep you updated via the University website. Looking at the work of our staff, students and graduates during my first few months in role, I can’t help but be impressed with the excellent activity that goes on across the University. Our links with our alumni and stakeholders is the backbone to much of our work, and I am determined that a new university would continue these excellent relationships and our high level of engagement with business and the community.

As well as the ongoing discussions around our future, it has been an incredibly busy period at Newport. I am particularly pleased that we were

able to host an important part of the Cultural Olympiad, and welcomed the “Busk on the Usk” event to City Campus in June. We have also finalised our application for Research Degree Awarding Powers, something that is the culmination of many years of hard work by our research staff. Another tremendously exciting development has been the development of a proposal to bring Land Based Studies back to South East Wales. Working with our partners at Coleg Gwent, we are developing a curriculum in this area that will meet a demand for agricultural training in Usk and further develop our geographical presence. The year-long celebration of photography at Newport, which has achieved its centenary this year, has attracted interest from across the world. These celebrations continue into the autumn so I hope that if you have not yet had a chance to visit one of our exhibitions, you are able to do so before the end of the year. There have been moments of sadness recently as well. The death of Victor Spinetti, who was awarded an Honorary Fellowship in 2005, was felt very deeply amongst staff and students, and we were equally saddened by the loss of the celebrated Film Director, Ken Russell, who was a Visiting Professor of the University. On a happier note, I am delighted that we have recognised another distinguished group of Honorary Fellows at the 2012 Degree Congregation, for their contributions to the University, to South Wales and the world beyond. Once again, may I thank you for your continuing support for the University and its work. Amidst the climate of change, we shall continue to strive for excellence and stay true to our educational values, while never forgetting the importance of our mission to the region. That is a commitment that will continue whatever the future holds. Professor Stephen Hagen Acting Vice Chancellor

...and your Alumni Office

Contents

Welcome

The Agency How a new project will help Newport students’ employability skills.

Farewell Peter Noyes Former Vice Chancellor bids goodbye to Newport University.

Shooting the World Newport’s diverse photography alumni on display this autumn.

Welsh Athletics How Newport’s alumni are helping to transform sport in Wales.

elcome and congratulations to the class of 2012 who now join our Association.

In this issue we look back with fondness as our Vice Chancellor retires and find out about some of the fantastic work being done across the University. We have information on a pioneering new service from our Counselling team, a STEM residential course and The Agency. You will also find stories from Alumni as far away as Bahrain, and some of our published authors tell us about their new books. The 100 Years of Photography celebrations are underway with the Alumni exhibition of photography, while the latest crop of graduates held their shows in the spring.

Community Counselling Half a million pounds to transform counselling services in Newport.

Mugshots Behind the haunting images of criminals from days gone by.

Gradfest 2012 Celebrating the best student work of the year.

Alumni Noticeboard Catching up with your news and messages.

This special calendar will be filled with 12 beautiful pictures of Newport, helping to celebrate our 100 years of Photography. We’re sure there will be views you remember from your time here.

Please log on to newport.ac.uk/alumni and click on ‘Welcome New Graduates’, to help ensure we never lose touch.

T: 01633 432148 E: carolyn.jenkins@newport.ac.uk

From pen to page Three Newport alumni publish new books.

Honorary Fellows 2012 The University recognises the achievements of local people.

The Newport 2013 Calendar

I hope you will enjoy reading this magazine and please remember I would love to hear from you with all your stories. This is your university magazine so help to fill it up with all your news.

Carolyn Jenkins Alumni Officer University of Wales, Newport Caerleon Campus Caerleon, Newport NP18 3QT

Members of the public have sent in their photographs of what Newport means to them. The winning entries will be included in the Calendar and all profits from sales will go to local children’s charity Sparkle. You can pre order your 2013 Newport Calendar at our online shop and we will ensure you receive one as soon as they become available. Overall Winning Image: David Jones - Newport Wetlands Sunset

http://shop.newport.ac.uk 3

y c n e g A The s d in m l ia r u e n e r p e tr n A mission for e

he University has set up The Agency, an innovative project designed to provide students with valuable entrepreneurial skills. Alongside their studies, students will be able to work on live briefs, delivering creative projects for local businesses and organisations. Project Manager Mike Caluan tells us more: “The idea of The Agency is studentfocused ‘live briefs’ set by external organisations. It has the flexibility to work with the current curriculum and to be part of it. It supports and runs alongside projects such as Bright Ideas and Go Wales, which also seek to fill in the gaps between university and entering the world of work. It’s all about providing students with essential employability skills that will help kick start their chosen career. We are inviting local companies to come up with a live business brief that our undergraduates and postgraduates can work on. I will assess the brief and determine which students would be most suitable by looking at their portfolios and asking them what they would look to achieve within the timeframe. It will be very similar to a job interview for the students, helping to hone their presentation and communication skills to start preparing them for the workplace. The live brief could take the form of a contractual agreement between the student, the University and the

client, or it could be between the student and the client and then managed by The Agency. The Agency’s first project has seen film students commissioned to create a promotional film for this autumn’s Newport Food Festival. We would like students from every school across the institution to get involved. It could be that a particular business brief would require the skills of a graphic design or film student, but also of a marketing postgraduate with the business know-how to help hone the project to its target audience. The students would be working together as they would be expected to in the workplace. But despite its links with local business, The Agency’s prime focus is not income generation – its focus is on helping and supporting students to gain the confidence and experience needed for their next step. It also supports industry from an academic perspective; companies are playing their part in developing useful skills in our students, while benefiting from work of a high calibre. The project is based on European and US models of entrepreneurial schemes, and I believe it has the flexibility to be very successful.” For more information on The Agency, contact Mike Caluan on 01633 435189 or email michael.caluan@newport.ac.uk

“We are inviting local companies to come up with live business briefs”

STEM subjects prove to be a hit with South Wales teenagers

BAFTA-winning Newport game set to go global A computer game by five recent graduates of the University has hit the Windows Phone marketplace. Mush was designed by Angry Mango, a team made up of three programming and two design students who met while studying courses in Computer Games Design and Games Development and Artificial Intelligence. They have been working on the game for two years.

upils from schools across South Wales visited the University of Wales, Newport for an exciting course designed to inspire their future careers in engineering.

As well as ‘design and make’ sessions with industry professionals, the pupils benefited from careers talks with Jaguar Land Rover, the Royal Navy and engineering support services Babcock International.

The four-day residential course, at the University’s Caerleon campus, saw 89 Year 9 students take part in team building activities, gain valuable careers advice and boost their design and manufacturing skills.

By working in teams, the teenagers tackled real-life challenges on projects such as designing and building a watertight caisson, a 4 x 4 transporter, a crash-proof vehicle and a warship.

Run in partnership with the Smallpeice Trust, an educational charity that provide engineering and science education in schools, Newport’s First Campus team hosted the Experience Engineering course for the students from Gwent and further afield.

Paul Griffiths, First Campus coordinator at the University of Wales, Newport, said: “The Experience Engineering course was a great opportunity for pupils to visit the campus and to experience university life, but also to develop their interests in STEM subjects.”

Since Kate Killick, Henry Hoffman, Ahmed Zaman, Matthew Dennis and Greg O’Brien won Dare to be Digital, an international game development competition held by the University of Abertay in Dundee, they have completed their degrees, and the game – which won a BAFTA Cymru award last year – has been showcased around the world. It has already featured in national publications such as The Guardian and Edge magazine.

Computer Games graduates’ creation is a huge success Three Computer Games Design graduates have told how creating a revolutionary game in their final year has launched their successful careers in the industry. Jonathan Savery, Daniel Da Rocha, and Dave Hall, who all graduated from the Computer Games Design course in 2010, have since formed Toxic Games. For their final year project they created QUBE which went on to receive a boost from the Indie Fund, and with over £270,000 worth of sales, they quickly paid back their funding. Toxic Games are now working on a new game, while also launching QUBE for Playstation and Iphone, as well as in other languages.

Ivor Prickett - Tahrir Square, Cairo, 2011

sitting on the fence Mubarak turned to his thugs and last few supporters to try and end the party in Tahrir Square. If it wasn’t for those who put their bodies on the line the revolution in Egypt may not have gone the way it did. It is a special image for me as it takes me right back to being in that house and watching these young men fight with each other in the midst of downtown Cairo. It was a very surreal moment during a very critical point in the revolution. If these young men had not defended the square the way they had things would have turned out very differently, so in a way I have a lot of respect for them and feel they played a pivotal role in the revolution.”

David Olds Helen Rimell - Nageen Lake, Indian Kashmir, 2009

Shooting the world

This autumn, as part of the year long celebrations marking one hundred years of photography teaching in Newport, photography alumni based across the world will gather at City Campus to display their work. Silurian looks at a few examples of the work of our award winning photographers.

Helen Rimell

Graduated from Newport in 2004 “The chairman of the Houseboat Association Mr Azim Tuman looks out across Nageen lake from his boat. The Indian government have been making it impossible for the houseboat owners to obtain permits to repair their boats. Azim Tuman’s portrait was the last I had to shoot on this particular trip. I arrived on his Houseboat at around 5.30am and we only had about 10 minutes to make the picture before I had to leave for the airport. I asked Mr Tuman to sit and look out of the window across the lake, the light was beautiful, and the view magnificent. His expression is as though he is looking back over his history, as well as towards his future and everything that could be lost. As I began shooting, the kingfisher landed briefly, as though joining Azim for a moment, sitting with him and sharing in his thoughts. As soon as I had taken this photograph I knew it was the image of the entire project. It was one of those rare and perfect moments when nature, subject, and photographer all come together to make an image you really love.”

David Olds - Michigan State University, 1992

Jack Latham

Graduating in the 100th year of Photography at Newport

Documentary Photography, 1975-1976 “I made this photo (left), of U.S. President George Bush and then Governor Bill Clinton shaking hands before their third and final Presidential debate on October 19, 1992 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. As the president was introduced, Clinton unexpectedly rushed over to greet him on the edge of the stage. From my location, it made for a nice motif of an American flag.“

Roger Tiley Mark Pepper - River Thames, London, 2000

Ivor Prickett

Jack Latham - Fort Collins, Colorado, 2012 “I met Luke on my last day at Fort Collins. He told me that he was involved in a car crash earlier in the week and had nearly died. I wasn’t going to photograph him with his top off originally but he wanted to show off his tattoos which read “Live Life, Love Life”. There is also a tattoo of the pearly gates on his right arm.”

Newport Alumni Exhibition opens on the 29th October and runs until January, for more information, please visit the hundred years of photography at Newport website 100yearsofphotography.newport.ac.uk

Graduated from Newport’s Documentary Photography course in 2006 “In this picture (top) anti-government protesters throw stones at Mubarak supporters from the roof of an abandoned house on the edge of Tahrir Square. This was the second day of clashes, which had broken out when Mubarak’s supposed followers were somehow allowed to march on Tahrir Square. It was an important moment not just for the revolution in Egypt but also the other countries that were starting to revolt. The protesters managed to hold off a coordinated attack from the Mubarak thugs who were intent on terrifying people into fleeing Tahrir Square. It was a final attempt by the regime to bully their people into submission. Stripped of their feared security forces and with the army clearly

Studied Documentary Photography at Newport between 1982 and 1984 “I had been commissioned to produce a photographic project in the coal camps of the southern Appalachian Mountains. I had been photographing in a coal mining community all day and was driving back to West Virginia to find a motel for the night. Whilst passing through the town of

Roger Tiley - Hazard, Kentucky, 1997

Hazard, I saw a family walking on the railway line. Although it was a very hot day and I was tired, with a long drive in front of me, it was a golden moment. The image (below) has been published in a number of magazines and exhibited world wide. The family were lovely and my wife and I were invited back to their home for tea. On my return to Wales, I sent them a copy of the image. The mother was so impressed, that she saved up to buy a camera and learn to take photographs. I still keep in touch and every time the image is published I send a copy to them.”

Mark Pepper

Documentary Photography, 1981 - 1983 “I was commissioned by British Telecom to cover the two round the world yacht races that they sponsored, firstly in 1996/97 and again in 2000. The fleet were based in London for a week of PR and corporate events and this image (left) comes from a photo shoot, commissioned by BT, of the fleet sailing past the old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. The rather serene image belies the extensive logistics involved. I first had to photograph each of the fleet sailing under Tower Bridge from my chase boat, then get myself upriver at 40 knots, to Battersea heliport in time to do the aerials over Greenwich. I was coordinating and choreographing the fleet from the helicopter with help from a team of assistants in chase boats on the river. Each of the yachts was sponsored by a major corporate and what I remember most was the pressure to give each of them an image of the fleet which showed their respective boat at its best.”

£500k lottery funding boost for community counselling service

he University has been awarded a Big Lottery grant of almost £500,000 to provide a free community counselling service to the most vulnerable people in the city. The funding will enable the Newport University Community Counselling Service (NUCCS) to provide high quality therapy, including counselling and arts therapies, at venues across Newport and beyond. NUCCS, part of the School of Sport, Health & Applied Social Sciences, aims to raise awareness of counselling as a key factor in emotional wellbeing, and extend its availability to people in all communities. It will be officially launched in September.

Counsellors will use a range of psychological therapies including integrative counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy, and clients will be able to choose which they prefer before they start their sessions. The service will offer mid to long term counselling, depending on the client’s needs. Blanka Hubena, Service Manager for the project, said: “The work that the service will be doing in the diverse Newport communities in terms of providing extra capacity and a type of provision that may otherwise be unavailable is incredibly important. “We will be supporting the wellbeing of people in Newport and thus investing in the future of South East Wales. We

are all very proud of the work already done and the success of a pilot scheme at the Caerleon Campus over the last year.” Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen Hagen, added: “The University is delighted to have been successful in its bid for this substantial grant from the Big Lottery People and Places funding programme. “The grant will provide the University with opportunities to learn from and engage more closely with communities in Newport and beyond on a longer term basis, and pave the way for further research projects to develop knowledge about the needs and preferences of those communities.”

CORNERSTONE

The laying of the stone in 1912

David Norris Thomas and his wife Vera at the cornerstone, 100 years on Photo courtesy of David Norris Thomas

aerleon Campus is 100 years old this year. While the centenary of the building’s opening won’t take place until 2014, when celebrations will take place, 2012 marks a century since building work began and July saw the anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the main building. The cornerstone is still visible by the building’s main entrance and remains in relatively good condition. The stone was originally laid by the then Home Secretary and local MP, Reginald McKenna, on 18th July 2012. A copy of a photograph of the event was kindly passed to the University by David Norris Thomas, whose grandfather, Mr Charles Lock, was Clerk of the Works and features in the photograph.

David and his wife Vera, and Mr Lock’s great-grandson Pete and wife Alison visited the University to celebrate the anniversary. There they met historian and visiting lecturer Peter Brown, who wrote the book ‘No More Worlds to Conquer: The Story of Newport’s University’, which features the original photograph of the laying of the foundation stone. David Norris Thomas said: “We’re very proud of my grandfather and all he achieved as he and his team did a marvellous job of building the college at Caerleon. It’s incredible to think that it has been 100 years since that momentous day. Let’s hope this building will look just as magnificent after another century.”

Artist turns Historic mugshots into compelling portraits Sarah Ball, who lives near Abergavenny, created a collection of more than 30 portraits of some of the most dangerous and compelling criminals from history. The ‘Accused’ exhibition was on show at the Millennium Gallery in St Ives, Cornwall, during May and June, and features paintings of mugshots stretching from Victorian times to the 1960s. Based on material from books and archives from police forces around the world, and in particular Australia, the paintings offer a haunting glimpse into the minds and souls of the condemned. Among the accused that Sarah captured in the oil paintings were an eye-patched traitor, vagrants, thieves, conspirators, an anarchist, prostitutes and gang members. She said the exhibition was intended to showcase the “connection between an individual’s outward appearance and their inner character” – the impression that good people looked good, and bad people looked bad. “It is the nature of the photographs – it’s one person looking straight at you, into your eyes,” said Sarah, who lived in London for 14 years after studying at Newport. “It’s the quality of the photographs that really made me want to paint them. There’s a story there and you hint at that story by the crime those people are accused of – whether they are

found guilty or not, they are accused of that crime. It defines who they are. “I began to research it a bit more and discovered this thinking, that came about in the middle of the 19th century, where they literally thought there could be classifications that could be made of all of us. “Through measuring your nose length, or forehead width or the way that your chin jutted out, they could tell there were defining characteristics of whether you were a good person or a bad person. And they really believed this for a very long time.” Among her portraits is a woman who was still wearing the fur coat she was accused of stealing, a “proper Italian gangster” nicknamed “The Chin”, a “sly grogger” who distilled illegal booze, as well as a woman that convinced her “wife” for three years that she was a man. Sarah said she was keen to retain the “human story” behind each of her subjects. She said: “The idea of the mugshot is that it is informational – it is not a sentimental keepsake. It is purely something to record a person’s face.” She said that often, it was the story that accompanied the photographs that caught her imagination, even if they did not feature in the end exhibition. “Sometimes it is the story. For example, there was one of the

photographs, that didn’t end up in the exhibition, and she was called a ‘poisoner’, who was accused of killing both her parents,” she said. “But she had been very badly treated all of her life by them. So although she appeared to have committed a horrific crime, there is a story there. “I had also looked at a couple of mugshots of mass murderers, and I was just not able to do it.” After living in London following her Graphics degree, Sarah relocated to Wales to study an MFA at Bath Spa University in 2005. She has since exhibited widely, including at the Eisteddfod, and has been shortlisted for prizes including Welsh Artist of the Year 2007 and 2009, and the Threadneedle Prize in 2009. Her work is also exhibited at the Martin Tinney Gallery based in Cathays, Cardiff. The gallery primarily shows the work of contemporary Welsh artists. But while she spent a year on this project, she didn’t want to “pigeonhole” herself into this area of work and is keen to work on older photographs generally. “I use a lot of photographs in my work but it is just one aspect of what I do,” she said. “It is more to do with the story behind the photographs than the actual photographs themselves.”

Goodbye Dr Peter Noyes I

Dr Peter Noyes, retired as Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport this summer after five years in charge. His time as Vice Chancellor saw him win praise for his passionate support for the region in which the university is based and willingness to stand firm when he felt that either the University or South East Wales was not receiving a fair deal. Following his departure, Dominic Hannigan caught up with him over a couple of pints while he reflected on his time in charge.

’ve worked closely with Peter over the last couple of years. In that time, I’ve seen him deal with hundreds of decisions, from responding to crises to writing jokes for speeches – in every one of these, his friendliness and humour made him a genuine pleasure to work with. Therefore, when I caught up with him in The Hanbury, Caerleon, to reflect on his time at Newport, I knew that it would be a fun couple of hours and there would be plenty of interesting thoughts to relay to The Silurian’s readers.

its inception back in the nineteenth century that the University in whatever form it was in has always made things work against the odds. We’ve had so much to balance and we’ve received national recognition for our work despite the situations that we face rather than because of them.”

Peter arrived at Newport as Dean of Education in 1996 from his previous role as Dean of Business at Cheltenham. “I came to Newport as a sideways move. I had decided that I really wanted to come back to my roots – which was Teacher Education and so Newport was a great opportunity” Peter explained: “I came in as one of the four Deans and by the end of the first year, I was the Senior Dean. The other three had all either left or been elected to Parliament. We were in a time of crisis within a year, facing a major reorganisation and I became heavily involved in that. Afterwards I was made Assistant Principal and it was a roller coaster from then on.”

“It was a difficult time, as James had been ill periodically for quite a while,” he explained: “We had to work hard to make sure that we had systems in place to keep the show on the road. But as always, we were blessed by having very good teams and everyone ensured things kept going. During every difficulty faced by the region and the university over the years, they’ve always been overcome by the people of Newport and the University and what they achieve.”

The difficulties of those early years are familiar for many at Newport and Peter clearly feels that the University, as well as the region in which it sits has flourished despite challenging external factors. “I think it has been characterised since

Peter became Vice Chancellor following the retirement of his predecessor, Professor James Lusty through ill health. Peter’s latter months as Deputy saw him spend significant time acting up.

Reflecting on his early days as Vice Chancellor, it’s clear that he was determined to continue in the direction the University was already taking: “We had huge ambitions, the seeds of which were created by two or three Vice Chancellors and accelerated by both James and myself which was to create a University that was linked to the community much more through the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Newport and Gwent. The University shouldn’t exist unless we’re reflecting

that local drive and spirit and that’s existed in this area since Roman times. It’s been reflected through things like the Chartist Movement, right through the industrial revolution and the technological revolution. There is no point us trying to become a Russell Group institution or one that’s led by research or esoteric Academic subjects, it has to be founded in the spirit of entrepreneurialism” Relations with staff during time spent as a senior member of staff in a University can often be challenging, but Peter’s praise of those who work at Newport is warm and genuine. “I can honestly say that I’ve never found the level of flair and fun amongst a body of staff anywhere else.” he says enthusiastically: “I’ve worked in Russell Group institutions and much bigger institutions and I’ve never found that sense of dedication and fun amongst the staff in any of them. That has meant that even when we fell out, they have always been great fun to work with. One of my earliest jobs when I came to work here was to chair a disciplinary panel where a technician was charged with driving a car through the middle of the inside of Rathmell Building. It was very difficult to keep a straight face during his interrogation.” “Was he guilty?” I asked. “Definitely” he laughs. All who worked with Peter know his love of the work of Newport’s students, choosing to decorate his office and the corridors of Caerleon’s traditional style Main Building with their work. His praise for the tens of thousands of students who have come and gone in his time at Newport is great. “Despite all the shenanigans that go on from time to time in London or in Cardiff Bay, the best way I found to deal with that was to come back to Newport and see the students in action” he says: “There is something very unique about Newport students. They are fantastic in terms of both their creativity and their fun. That notion of risk taking and enjoying themselves while they are learning exemplifies Newport and whatever happens that has to be maintained here in the future.” While it was always clear that he preferred time spent engaging with

students and staff than dealing with politics, Peter was well known and hugely respected within the sector and beyond for being willing to speak out when he felt the University or the region were getting a raw deal. I asked him whether he felt that this unwillingness to keep his head down may have limited his chances of gaining the wider spoils of public life. “It’s not something that ever really interested me.” He says characteristically: “The only thing that ever interested me was doing a good job for the community in Newport and South East Wales and that wouldn’t have been served by me following that particular line. I think my ambitions therefore had to be limited by that. The people of Newport and its environs need others to support them more than a lot of the rest of Wales. The people in the rest of Wales are much better looked after by politics but the people here need others to support them. All it would have done would have sucked me in rather than keeping my focus on Newport where it belonged.” Peter’s considered and creative reaction to the challenging situation that Higher Education in Wales currently finds itself in has lead to Newport approaching this situation from a position of strength despite the odds. To finish, I ask him what he says he hopes the future holds for Newport in a changed sector. “I hope education here retains the best qualities that exist at Newport,” he says: “Creativity, entrepreneurialism and individuality of its staff and its students, but I hope that in addition to that it gets a stronger voice in Wales and beyond because that’s what Gwent deserves. It is the site of a huge proportion of the population of Wales and one of its greatest economic successes and the University needs to be involved far more in that economic activity than it has in the past. If that can be achieved then it will have been a job well done and all of the progress that we have made will have been put to good use.” Peter’s dedication to the University’s region characterised his time in charge. As Newport faces the future it does so from a position of strength which would have seemed unachievable during the challenges of decades gone by. That is a fitting legacy to his time in charge.

The banned word

During my time working with Peter, I’d often have to draft statements and articles on his behalf. In one of my early meetings with him, he told me that he didn’t mind what I wrote, as long as I avoided the words ‘proud’ or ‘pride’ from anything issued in his name. He rightly felt that they were overused and often hyperbole. Of course, that meant that despite my best attempts, I inevitably ended up using the banned word in nearly every piece of work that I sent to him for his approval. In the end, beginning to fear that he would think I was doing it on purpose and his patience may eventually run out, I posted a sheet of paper on my wall with the words written in large letters and a thick black cross through them.

The VC’s tips

A keen lover of horse racing, Peter was always generous in providing tips for colleagues and visitors. Those attending the annual Awards Congregation lunches, became used to receiving excellent tips for races taking place that afternoon. Over recent years, several visitors to the ceremonies made themselves a handy profit based on the selections he made and passed on in his post lunch speech. Based on his recent reputation for success, several members of University staff followed Peter’s advice to lump on the aptly name According to Pete at this year’s Grand National. Whether or not he has agreed to repay them all after According to Pete fell at the first is not yet known.

Flying the Flag for Newport in N

ewport has alumni all over the world, but one recent graduate is literally flying the University’s flag in Bahrain. International Officer Glyn James recently caught up with Civil Engineering graduate Abdallah Faoury to talk about the Welsh language and rugby, his love of fish and chips and what he’s done with the old flag from Caerleon’s clocktower. After enrolling on the Foundation degree, Abdallah went on to study the BSc in Civil Engineering and graduated with a 2:1 in July 2010. He now works as a Civil Engineering consultant for the Bahrain Defence Force, and following a trip back to Newport in October last year he revisited the campus in 2012, where he spoke to prospective international students about university life and the benefits of studying at Newport. “I told the students about my time at Newport and how the course helped me get to where I am today,” said Abdallah, who is originally from Jordan. “I originally chose the University for my Foundation degree because of the flexibility and cost, as well as the surrounding area. Then when I discovered some of the professionally accredited Engineering courses on offer, I was convinced. “I thoroughly enjoyed the Foundation course. It was a small group of students from China, Japan, Pakistan and Dubai as well as myself, so it was very mixed,

and we made friends with a lot of UK students. “Being such a focused group, we had more individual attention from the tutors and they were able to answer our questions about life in the UK and Welsh culture. “I especially liked rugby, and played for the University team for two years. Watching Wales beat England at the Millennium Stadium was definitely a highlight! “One of our tutors was always bringing food in, and we all enjoyed eating Welsh delicacies such as lava bread and Welsh cakes, as well as fish and chips. “I even took extra classes in Welsh to learn the language, which was fascinating and gave an added dimension to my time here. “I love the Welsh countryside and Newport was in the best position to visit it all, from Cardiff Bay to Abergavenny and Swansea. There is much more of a sense of belonging and community in Wales.

and it seemed perfect for me with the accreditation of professional bodies, plus the supportive environment of the campus and the active sports and social life. “I know I made the right choice, especially when friends who chose other universities told me they were jealous of the support we received in Newport, as they felt ‘lost in the system’ at the bigger institutions. “The course and the University as a whole equipped me with the skills I needed to start my working life immediately after graduation. Newport was like a home for me and my friends and the University staff were my family. “I have many happy memories of Newport and I have been back several times to catch up with old friends. I even took the old Welsh flag that was flying on the flagpole at graduation because it was being replaced – it was slightly weather-beaten but I got all my classmates to sign it and it is now proudly on display at my home.”

A league of their own Three of Newport’s alumni from the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences are now making waves in the Welsh athletics world after enjoying successful sporting careers. Honorary Fellow Lynette Harries tells us more... “As Chair of Welsh Athletics and former Principal Lecturer in the School of Education at the University, I am extremely proud of three past students who are all doing a fantastic job at the official governing body for athletics in Wales. Steve Brace, Director of Athletics, Dave Goodger, Coaching Development Manager and Ryan Spencer-Jones, Club Network Officer for East Wales, are leaders in their field after studying at Newport. In an Olympic year, it is fantastic to see such inspirational people giving something back to the next generation of athletes.”

Steve Brace

Steve studied 3D Design at Newport between 1984 and 1987, before going on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Design & Technology. A marathon runner, he represented Wales and Great Britain in the 1990 and 1998 Commonwealth Games and the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games respectively. He said: “I believe that having a grounding in teaching helped me to be far more practical in my approach to things. Newport was a great place to study as it helped me carve out my ideal career in athletics.”

Dave Goodger

Dave studied Primary Education at Newport between 1997 and 2000, and came back to do his MSc in Sports Coaching in 2010/11. He has represented Wales in 400m hurdles and coaches a group of athletes on a voluntary basis alongside his work. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Masters – it was good for me to challenge my thinking about coaching and understand the subject in more depth. “Studying at Newport provided me with a wealth of opportunities.”

Ryan Spencer-Jones

Ryan came to Newport to study a PGCE in Further Education between 2009 and 2010. He was able to combine the two-year, part time course with his athletics career, and competed in the 2010 Commonwealth Games where he represented Wales in the shot put.

“When the time came to move on to a Bachelor’s degree, I was already strongly considering Newport but I took the opportunity to visit other UK universities. However, none of them had the same friendly atmosphere as Newport.

He has been Welsh champion for six years running, and is now working towards next year’s World Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“I met some of the Engineering tutors who explained the course in detail,

He said: “The flexibility of my course at Newport allowed me to carry on competing and to gain a professional qualification.”

Alumni Authors Three of Newport’s Alumni are finding success as published writers. Silurian looks at three very different books.

How a school daydreamer became a sci-fi author Interactive Media graduate Joseph Evans has seen his musings become a reality after selfpublishing his first E-book. Despite being a reluctant reader at school, the 26-year-old has always had an active imagination and used to think up stories all day long. “Growing up, I was always in a world of my own. I was a daydreamer all through my childhood, always drawing and making up crazy creatures,” said Joseph, who lives in Cardiff.

But after receiving lot of rejections, his confidence in his work helped him make the decision to self-pubish.

“I’ve always been told that I have a massive imagination – my mum always said I was away with the fairies!” It was while he was at high school, where his mother was the school librarian, that Joseph started to channel his creativity into his schoolwork. “I really enjoyed school, and I had great friends, but I was quite a reluctant reader throughout most of high school. “But I had a fantastic Year 10 English teacher, Emma Coombes, who really helped me. She was strict but she was very encouraging and influential.” English classes and a series of science fiction books for teens called Broken Sky by Chris Wooding helped Joseph, a video game fan, get into reading. When he left school, he came to Newport and did a degree in Interactive Media, but when he came out of university he decided to try writing his first title.

“As soon as I had finished it, I sent it to family and friends like anyone, but I also gave a few copies to Willows High School through my mum and she handed it round to the children,” he said. “I had amazing feedback from them, so that really spurred me on to go for it.” Joseph decided to take the next step, and uploaded City of the Falling Sky onto Amazon. As an E-book, it is downloadable to the Kindle, an Amazon E-book reader, for a fee – but he wasn’t entirely prepared for the reaction. “I had my first sale within the first hour that it was on there. It just grew and grew. At the high point, I was number four in the children’s fiction chart on Amazon.com, that felt amazing,” he said. With a current total of over 26,000 downloads, Joseph’s second book is now well under way, as he’s buoyed by reader reaction to his book.

Former film and creative writing student Bill Bird has seen his book documenting his trips to America published after two decades in the making. After spending 20 years making 15 visits to the USA with his wife Heulwen, Bill’s book, called Only in America, is now available all over the UK on Amazon.

Joseph not only started writing one book, but planned the synopses for a series of five, called The Seckry Sequence. The first novel, City of the Falling Sky, was a labour of love for him and he began to send the teenage science fiction manuscript off to publishers and agents in the hope of getting a deal.

Bill’s American dream - from The Everglades to Alcatraz

Cwmbran based Bill has been to 33 different states, seeing places like San Francisco and the Grand Canyon on his travels. He made his first journey across the Atlantic in 1989 and quickly fell in love with the country – so much so that he decided to keep memories of his experiences in a diary.

“There are reviews from New York, Australia, South America, South Africa, the Philippines – it’s mindblowing to think that people from that far across the world are reading it and understanding it. Knowing that it’s a story that’s accessible from all over the world and not just in the UK is great,” he said. Following the success, Joseph is continuing to submit the book to publishers and agents, although the signs are that he doesn’t need their help to get his book into the hands of the masses. “The ebook allows authors to make their own destiny, because there’s a barrier with agencies and publishers, where they determine whether or not kids will like your book. Now, removing that barrier to a degree, the authors can upload it straight to the kids.” For more information about Joseph Evans, go to www.theseckrysequence.com

“From years of seeing images of the country on TV and in movies, we just wanted to see it for ourselves,” said Bill, a retired steel industry official who has studied modules in film, writing and

psychology at Newport. Two years after their first visit, Bill and Heulwen returned, visiting Florida, the Everglades and New Orleans and have since spent time all over the country, exploring the history of the civil war, the legend of Billy the Kid, General Custer, Elvis’ former home Graceland and the Mormons. Bill has kept journals and scrapbooks from every trip and his 80-page book centres mainly on a 2009 visit. It depicts visiting ‘old friends’, places they had been before – San Diego, a barbecue in the mountains at Flagstaff, the excitement and friendliness of strangers on July 4th in San Francisco and combining his thoughts with the history of former prison Alcatraz. After approaching a number of publishers, Connecticut-based AEG agreed to sell copies in the USA online. He has decided to wait and see how successful it is before deciding whether to try and publish his other journals.

The 70-year-old grandfather has no plans to visit again this year, and is instead considering the USA’s North American neighbour, Canada. He added: “Each of the states are different, it’s like 50 different countries, like moving round Europe. I’m trying to find new places to visit.” Only in America is available on www.amazon.co.uk for £6.25. For more details, go to www.sbpra.com/billbird

Children’s book highlights plight of the giant panda Former Education lecturer David Morgan Williams has written an enchanting storybook for children about the fight for survival of one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Wu-Ling’s Tears, published by Welsh company Y Lolfa, highlights the plight of the giant panda which faces extinction. Set in a bamboo forest in China, the original story is aimed at six to nine year olds and inspired by traditional Chinese folk tales. Intricately-painted illustrations by Sian Hanlon add to the oriental feel of the

32-page book, which is David’s third published title. Wu-Ling’s Tears is a charming story of friendship as young girl, Wu-Ling befriends a giant panda. An exciting and magical adventure ensues as Wu-Ling has to rescue the panda from the mountains where it has become trapped by a forest fire. David, who lives in Cwmbran, was also a tutor for the Open University and Visiting Professor at California State University. Y Lolfa is one of Wales’ best known publishers, commissioning a variety of titles including the recent book

celebrating grassroots Welsh rugby, produced by Newport students and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Honorary Fellows

Putting Newport on the map with major

Judo Championships I

n the most exciting year for sport in the UK for decades, the University has been chosen to host the 2012 Welsh Closed Judo Championships. It will be the first time the major competition will have been held outside of the Welsh Institute of Sport, and will take place on November 3rd at the Sports Centre on Caerleon Campus. The best judo competitors from clubs across Wales will fight it out in the oneday event, with people of all ages and levels of ability taking part. Alun Davies, Director of Sport, Health and Wellbeing at the University, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Welsh Closed Judo

10 things you never knew about judo

he University has rewarded the hard work, commitment and dedication of seven individuals with this year’s Honorary Fellowships, awarded at the annual Awards Congregation. Wales international rugby player turned explorer and fundraiser, Richard Parks, Broadway and West End musical star, Caroline Sheen and film-maker Colin Thomas are joined by former University Governor, Hazel Taylor OBE, locally based fashion designers, Charles and Patricia Lester and the University’s former chaplain, Father Mark Soady. Honorary Fellowships were introduced by the University to mark its commitment to the people and communities of South East Wales. Each year, individuals who have promoted the development of the University or South East Wales, or local people who have become known for their work on a national or international level are recognised. Following his retirement from rugby through injury in 2009, Richard Parks

set himself a breathtaking challenge to visit the seven highest continental peaks, together with the north and south poles in just seven months. For his achievements and his spectacular fundraising effort for Marie Curie Cancer Care, Richard becomes one of the University’s highest profile Honorary Fellowships of recent years. Speaking ahead of his award, Richard Parks said: “I am very proud of my connection with Newport and it is a real honour and privilege to have been recognised by the University of Wales, Newport”. He added; “I am really proud to be receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the University and I know that it will be special day for both me and my family. This recognition is not just for me but for everyone who has worked so hard and supported my challenge.” Charles and Patricia Lester, working from their studio in Abergavenny have developed an international reputation for their couture fashion while Caroline Sheen joins her cousin Michael on the University’s roll of honour. Caroline’s success on stage,

screen and through song and her ongoing commitment to South East Wales made her a worthy recipient. Honorary Fellowships also honour people who have shown work and dedication to the University itself. Longstanding Governor Hazel Taylor OBE worked on the University’s Board for 13 years. She is also honoured for her commitment to wider public life in South East Wales after many years in the NHS. Father Mark Soady is recognised for his time as University Chaplain, before he became Vicar of the Abergavenny group of parishes at the beginning of the year. Father Mark said: “I am very honoured to have been put forward for an Honorary Fellowship. This award is for all the people in the University’s Student Services team, and all the other staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our students healthy, happy and fulfilled. I am delighted to dedicate this honour to them, and of course to come back to the University, which continues to feel like home.”

• There is no age limit for judo, and it can be practised by almost anyone, including people with disabilities. • It was developed in the 1880s by Professor Jigoro Kano, a Japanese educationalist. • There are seven belts to aim for – white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black.

Championships here at Newport. “It’s a huge coup for the University to hold such an important event in the judo sporting calendar, and reflects the fantastic facilities here as well as the hard work of our staff. “For many local clubs, including Newport University Judo Kwai who train at the Sports Centre, it will be fantastic for them to have the championships on their doorstep, and will provide a muchneeded boost for the area. “We want our Sports Centre to be multi-purpose and available for many different uses, so this will be a superb way to show it off.” • Judo means ‘gentle way’ in Japanese. The meaning comes from the sport’s reliance on technique rather than strength. • It was recognised as an Olympic sport in 1964, when men were allowed to compete. Women weren’t allowed to participate until 1992. • Judo is the most widely practiced martial art in the world.

Tracey Rees A Newport lecturer has been helping local people to discover and nurture their talents for drawing. Art Foundation Life drawing tutor, Tracey Rees recently held a series of Life Drawing sessions for people in Newport and the South Wales area. Sessions have taken place at Rodney Parade as well as a series of community venues. As well as life drawing, Tracey also organised a series of “Draw the Musician/performer” events, including “Draw a

Members of the Newport University Judo Kwai, Jade Beynon, aged 11, and Jack Beynon, aged eight, both in blue suits; Daniel Rabbit, aged 12, and Joseph Povell, aged 10, both in white suits, with their instructor Stephen Abberley and Alun Davies, Director of Sport, Health and Wellbeing at Newport. • There are hundreds of variations on the sport’s throwing techniques. • The contest area for judo is a square, 8m long on each side. • The ultimate objective is to score ‘Ippon’, which is equivalent to a knockout in boxing. • A judo fight features in the Bond movie Goldfinger, showing off the black belt skills of Honor Blackman, who played Pussy Galore.

harpist” “Draw an Elvis” and more recently “Recreate a Masterpiece’ , enabling people to practise drawing and sketching in ‘open’ spaces where the public will be walking by, without feeling uncomfortable that they are being observed too closely. Tracey said: “As a former student of Newport, I am really keen that people of all abilities have opportunities to try life drawing. I am also conscious of how essential it is for art students, professional designers and illustrators to draw the human form in safe, well lit, professional venues, and create innovative sessions where the models and their settings change session to session.”

Newport Grad Fest 2012 This year’s graduation showcase topped off another successful 12 months for our students and staff, which has seen awards and accolades across the board.

In the annual celebration of the success and achievements of Newport’s undergraduate students, their graduating work was proudly displayed in a series of live shows, exhibitions and screenings held at City Campus, Caerleon Campus, The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre and at a range of venues across the locality. The spectacular array of work was seen by prospective students and their families at Open Day, and by schools and the general public during an Access All Areas afternoon at City Campus where they gained an exclusive insight into the courses on offer. During the past academic year, Film students enjoyed unprecedented success winning 12 of the 19 awards won at the Ffresh Student Film Festival, including Best Fiction (Undergraduate) and Best Fiction (Postgraduate), as well as 1st and

2nd prizes for the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards. Documentary Film and Television students were awarded ‘Best UK Student Documentary’ at the 2011 Sheffield International Documentary Festival, while films were also selected for Encounters and the Small Film Festival, and nominated for ‘Best Student Documentary’ at the 2011 Grierson Awards in London. In Fashion, final year student Beth Jones landed a prestigious job at fashion house Karen Millen after showing off her 12-piece collection at Graduate Fashion Week in London, where designers such as John Rocha, Barbara Hulanicki, Colin McDowell, Hilary Alexander, Henry Holland and Julien Macdonald were all impressed by the stunning work on offer at the Newport stand.

Computer Games Design graduates Toxic Games, was released on high profile online distribution site Steam and has already sold thousands of units.

Megan Morris, who studied Advertising Design, created a colourful collection for her final project

This year also saw the opening of The Wall Gallery at our City Campus; an exhibition space in the heart of the city which presents a vibrant and stimulating programme of free exhibitions and events aimed at the general public, students and staff. Other highlights in 2012 include the celebration of 100 Years of Photography at Newport. This landmark year for photographic education at the University will be marked with a series of celebratory events culminating in an Alumni Photography Exhibition (see pages 6 and 7) at the end of this year.

James White, who achieved a First Class honours in Advertising Design, with his project

The award-winning game QUBE (see page 5), developed by Newport

Amy Frampton’s work, called A Labour of Love, was exhibited at Grad Fest 2012

Charlotte Winter created this striking display as part of her Photographic Art work

Katie Deacon, who studied Advertising Design, shows off her graduating work

Beth Jones’ collection, The Tranquil Nightmare, landed her a prestigious job at Karen Millen

Maria Juelisch’s Graphic Design work was on display

Alumni Notice Board Notice Board

Steven Keen Master of Fine Arts in Film 2012

Alexander Niakaris BA in Film and Video 2004

Lynda Ann Barnes Cert Ed 1995-1997 My husband and I decided to take early retirement from our jobs in Newport and we moved to Pembrokeshire in December 2011. I’m currently trying my hand at teaching Handicrafts and loving every moment.

Alexander is now working as a current affairs/documentaries producer with the BBC in London, he is keen to get in touch with anyone from the course as he remembers a very diverse range of talents within the group and thinks it would be interesting to find out what everyone is up to now.

I use Facebook to keep in touch with past friends and colleagues. My Facebook name is Lynd Barnes and it would be lovely to hear from anyone who was on the Cert Ed course with me (Thursday Evenings 1995 - 1997)

Lavinia Drake Photographic Art 2010

PS. I really enjoy reading the magazine - keep up the good work - thanks New Graduate and former Student Ambassador Steven has already hit the headlines as an ambitious director. He has directed several short films and his most recent, Dream India, has been nominated for the Young European Film Forum 2012 and The National Student Film Festival. Lavinia Drake Photo Art Alumni 2010 with The Jubilee Postcards book. Lavinia published a book entitled The Jubilee Postcards. To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, she organised a project which asked artists to create a stamp design exploring the theme “Best of Britain”, illustrated on a postcard. Hundreds of entries arrived from around the world and just 63 artists were selected to be published. Amongst the pages you’ll find Lavinia and three other University alumni, Dai Howell - Photographic Art, Louise Gibbs Photographic Art and Brendan David Hill - Computer Games Design. Lavinia was involved in publishing Present, the Photo Art graduate book in 2010, and her experience at the University gave her the confidence to pursue this project. www.bestofbritainsubmissions. tumblr.com

After hearing of the story of James Kofi Annan, who following a childhood spent in slavery in Ghana, went on to rescue thousands of Ghanaian children, Steven was determined to explore it as a filmmaker and undertake a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. He went to Africa at the end of May to begin shooting a fiction film based on the true story of James Kofi Annan. Fisher of Kids is due for release in the Winter of 2012. He received £1,000 Travel Scholarship from the Welsh Livery Guild working in collaboration with the University Development Team. Diane Jarman Newport Art School, Clarence Place 1964 Diane who is now living in Bristol has recently got back in touch with the Alumni Association; she says ‘Hi’ to anyone who remembers her.

Claire Statton BA Education 2008 I would like to send a message of encouragement to anyone who doubts what they are studying or doing. I completed a BA in Education Studies in 2008, and have since moved to Barcelona to work for a teacher training company. If any of my former classmates would like to get in touch (or even come visit) I’d love to show you around the city. Jasdip Sethi MBA 2008

William Cross and Monty Dart Creative Writing 2009

Obituaries

Alumni Members Monty Dart and Will Cross formed a writing partnership after going to the pub after a Creative Writing class in 2005. They discovered they worked well together, and took advantage of the University’s research facilities. Along the way they graduated in 2009. Ever since they enrolled they haven’t had a dull moment – travelling across Britain in the search of ideas and stories for talks and books. Their latest offering, ‘A Beautiful Nuisance’, is the true story of a Society coverup from the era of the Bright Young Things. They also write individually. Monty’s latest is a true life murder mystery, from Pontypool in 1939, ‘Who Killed Dripping Lewis?’ due out in September. Will (author of a biography of Almina, Countess of Caernarvon, of Downton Abbey fame) is hard at work on a book called “Lordy!” about the childhood of Almina’s husband, the man who financed the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Norman Harris Teacher Training 1969

Hilary Thomas Lecturer 1990s

Norman remained very active in education until his death, being on the governing body of local schools and involved in both youth and adult choirs. He passed away on the 7th January 2012.

Former Head of Geography Hilary Thomas sadly passed away on 1st June 2012.

Eleanor was one of the first female lecturers at Caerleon Teacher training college in the early 1960s when it first opened to female students. She was also the first warden of the women’s halls of residence. She later married Bill Jenkins who was also a lecturer at the college and following their retirement they made their home in the village of Caerleon. Following the death of her husband, Eleanor Jenkins returned to her native Aberaeron, West Wales, where she lived with her sister, until her death in April 2012. Several former students and lecturers have kept in touch with Eleanor over the years and she will be greatly missed. Malcolm Thomas Teacher Training 1950s

The new book ‘A Beautiful Nuisance’ (above left) by William Cross and Monty Dart (above right).

I have recently moved to Shanghai with my company Solutia, but on my first day in the office, a previously announced deal for Eastman Chemical Co. to acquire Solutia was successfully closed, so I now work for Eastman.

John Dawkins Teacher Training 1960 – 1963

I’m simply doing the same job, but instead of from a broom cupboard looking out on to a Newport chemical works, I’ve got a broom cupboard on the 45th floor of a skyscraper in downtown Shanghai. I’m here for 3 years with my wife and two year old son.

Hanging on my wall through the nearly fifty years since I left college has been an oil painting by Alan (Vodka) Davies.

Jas

Eleanor Glenda Jenkins nee Davies Lecturer 1960s

I wonder if you can help me trace a fellow student from the days of Caerleon Training College 1960-1963.

I would love to know what has happened to him - and doubtless he would be amused to hear that his painting has been on view all these years.

Hilary will be greatly missed having been in the School of Education throughout the 1990s, retiring to a village she loved in Cornwall. She kept in touch with many former colleagues in Caerleon until her death. Adrian Jones Information Technology 2001 Adrian Jones passed away suddenly in June 2012 aged 41 having been diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes 20 years ago. Adrian’s wife and former University of Wales, Newport staff member Cath said, “He always had time for people and nothing was ever too much trouble. He was the most caring, loving and funny character you could ever wish to meet and would talk to anyone.” “He would visit schools as part of his job and all the children and staff loved him, he was a friend not just a colleague to many,” she added.

Malcolm Thomas, the man who scored the 1950 try that ended the 39 year wait for Wales’ fourth Grand Slam, sadly passed away in April 2012 at the age of 82. He trained as a teacher at Caerleon Training College before joining the Royal Navy as an InstructorLieutenant on HMS Raleigh. First capped as a teenager against France in 1949, his first moment of glory with Wales came in the Triple Crown clash with Ireland in Belfast on 11 March, 1950. David James Teacher Training 1950s David passed away in Spring 2012.

Silurian would like to thank Nick Murray Photography for the use of the picture of Rob Jenkins in issue 30.

Help and support for graduates entering the world of work

Newport Graduate School receives official launch

Alumni Merchandise and Benefits

Select the perfect gift or reminder of your University days at our online shop

Mini Mouse £5.00

Book Mark £1.00

Meeting Folder £12.50

Pen & Pencil set £11.50

A new facility that encourages and promotes research has been opened at the University’s Caerleon Campus. Newport Graduate School aims to provide opportunities for research development and support for graduate students, university staff and visiting professors for collaboration and reflection.

dedicated Graduate Employability Adviser has been appointed at the University. Emily Travis, who is based in the Careers Service offices at both Caerleon and City Campuses, is on hand to help graduates explore their options and gain valuable experience in their chosen field. Taking up a new role in the Careers Service team, Emily can offer support to recent graduates who are unemployed, or under-employed, to consider their future options and find suitable work placements and internships, both within the University and with external employers. “The Careers team are the first port of call for any students who are graduating that want to explore all of their future career options,” said Emily. “Supporting graduates in the first steps to their chosen career is so important, and the more degreerelated and therefore career-related experience they have, the better.” “I’m here to help bridge the gap

between graduating and entering the world of work. It’s an important transition point in their lives, and more often than not, relevant work experience is key to making them a lot more employable and helping them to progress in their chosen career.” Emily is also seeking to create more placement and internship opportunities with local employers, and provide tailored opportunities for the graduates she works with. “If any graduates feel a little lost about where to go next, the Careers team can help and support them,” she added.

The School is located in the recently refurbished top floor of the library, and offers flexible space for tutorials, meetings and seminars, as well as hot-desking and café facilities. Professor Stephen Hagen officially opened Newport Graduate School and said: “This facility is the embodiment of Newport’s vision of being a university that welcomes and encourages research.

Ladies T-Shirt £5.00

Mens T- Shirt £5.00

Hoodie £12.00

http://shop.newport.ac.uk Find out how you can save with our ever growing range of Alumni benefits and services Visit the Alumni membership pages of the website

“We already have a very good and strong track record for research, and the Graduate School will enable us to carry out further collaborative work by becoming the forum for future research proposals.

“They may feel that further study would best help them, and we can support them in those choices too.”

“Its opening is an important milestone in allowing people to tap into the knowledge and expertise available at Newport.”

To contact the Graduate Employability Adviser, email emily.travis@newport.ac.uk, call 01633 435290 or visit www.newport.ac.uk/careers

The Graduate School is set to become the home of Newport’s research community, which includes postgraduate research (PGR) and postgraduate taught (PGT) students.

The Careers team are based in the Library at the Caerleon Campus, or you can contact them on 01633 435290 or careers@newport.ac.uk

For more information on Newport Graduate School and its forthcoming events, or to book any of the facilities on offer, email ngs@newport.ac.uk

http://www.newport.ac.uk/alumni/membership/Pages/default.aspx 23

Key dates

Visit www.newport.ac.uk/events for up to date information and more events Digital Marketing Seminar Workshop & Networking Date: Tuesday 4th September 2012, 6pm - 7.30pm Venue: City Campus

Documentary Film & TV 10 year anniversary celebration Date: Saturday 22nd September 2012 Venue: City Campus

MA/MFA Documentary Photography Exhibition Date: 12th – 14th October 2012 Venue: Turner House, Penarth

MFA Contemporary Photographic Practice - Celebration Event Date: 26th October 2012 Venue: TBC

Photography Alumni Exhibition Date: 29th October 2012 – 11th Jan 2013 Venue: City Campus The Alumni of Newport’s photography programmes include some of the key figures in photography. This exhibition aims to show the significant influence Newport has had on the world of photography.

Newport Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Annual Conference 2012: Counselling and Psychotherapy - Exploring the Potential Date: 17th November 2012 Venue: TBC

Want to further your studies with our postgraduate and part-time opportunities?

Enrolment for part-time courses: 10-14 September Enrolment for full-time courses: 17-21 September

01633 432432 www.newport.ac.uk