PLYMOUTH'S PROGRESS - Plymouth University

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 1NOVEMBER 2010PLYMOUTH’SPROGRESSTHE MAGAZINE FOR PLYMOUTH’S ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

CONTENTSDevelopment and alumni relations team,clockwise from left, Sam Davis, Karen Teague,Paola Simoneschi, Clare Anderson,Fern Cargill, Amanda Pléven.3 Interview with Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Purcell4-5 UoP on TV6-7 Enterprising alumni8-9 Encouraging student enterprise10-11 Positively Plymouth12-13 Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry14-15 Peninsula Arts16-17 Marine Institute18-20 Deans’ update21 Students’ Union report22-23 Graduation 201024-25 Making a difference If you require this publicationin an alternative format,26-27 Employabilityplease contact the28-29 Alumni focusDevelopment office30-31 Alumni programme on +44 (0) 1752 588020.PLYMOUTH’S ALUMNI COMMUNITY -BUILDING LINKS FROM THE PAST INTO THE FUTUREWelcome to the second edition ofPlymouth’s Progress. Since last year’smagazine, the alumni programmehas been growing with moreevents, sector-specific groups andinternational representatives fromChina to Brazil. And we’ve beenmeeting more of you - which, I haveto say, has been a real pleasure.In this edition, Professor WendyPurcell, Vice-Chancellor andChief Executive, talks about theUniversity’s internationalisationstrategy and the importance ofproviding our students with amulticultural learning experienceto prepare them for employmentin a world where teams of peoplefrom different nations and culturesneed to work effectively alongsideeach other.Like internationalisation, enterpriseis another of the University’score principles, and this editionhighlights students who havebeen rewarded for showing theirenterprising spirit by finding waysto broaden their own experiencewhile helping others. Also featuredare two graduates who have beenenjoying the limelight due to theirown business enterprises, includingChannel Four’s ‘Secret Millionaire’.The University continues toplay a pivotal role in the region,benefiting the wider communitybeyond education. Students fromthe Peninsula College of Medicineand Dentistry are making animpact at a local level by bringinghigh-quality dental care toresidents in Truro, Devonport andExeter, where the college’s newteaching centres are based.I hope you enjoy readingabout your fellow alumni anddevelopments at Plymouth. Wewant to help you continue yourbond with Plymouth, whether that’sarranging your reunions, giving youopportunities to link with currentstudents, or shouting about yoursuccesses in our publications.Continue to be part of lifeat Plymouth!Karen Teague, EditorPS If you want to receive moreregular news from Plymouth,including about events, sign up forEvolve our regular e-newsletter, bysending us your email address toalumni@plymouth.ac.uk.Thanks to Plymouth graduate, Jamie Ball, whoprovided this year’s front cover illustration.Jamie is currently working in the creativeindustry in Berlin. Read more about him onpage 28.

6 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSTOP OF THE LISTDominic List, founder of IT and telecoms provider Comtact,which has seen exceptional growth since it was established in2005, is a Plymouth graduate with an inspiring story to tell.The Business Entrepreneur of the Year finalist (2008) and subject of ChannelFour’s Secret Millionaire (2009) studied engineering at the University, attractedby several recommendations, the balance of engineering and business in thecourse and the many opportunities for outdoor pursuits.Now based in London, he remembers his student days fondly. “I met some greatpeople and there was a real sense of camaraderie,” he said. “On graduation daywe felt this amazing sense of achievement, but it was tinged with sadness thatthree of the best years of our lives had come to an end - and no more CaptainJaspers’ giant hot dogs, simply the best I’ve ever tasted!”As a child, Dominic suffered severe asthma and worked extra hard on hiseducation, determined not to let the illness beat him. This same tenacityshowed itself as he went about setting up his own business. “I wanted towholly own my company so, instead of getting someone to back me, I sold mycar, re-mortgaged my house and took out a loan,” he explained.Having received valuable guidance from mentors both at University and since,Dominic knows firsthand the positive impact this can have.“If I can pass on one bit of wisdom it would be to seizethe opportunity to have a mentor - they can make ahuge difference to your life and career.“Determined to keep driving Comtact forward, Dominic is exploring newavenues: “Currently we are one of the fastest-growing IT and telecoms providersin the UK. We saw 600 per cent growth even during the recession, and we areon target for a profitable £10-million turnover this year. By creating our ownunique intellectual property, I hope to bring our technology and services to newmarkets and take the company overseas, continuing our expansion.“But it’s not just the thrill of landing a new deal or the financial rewards. I getreal satisfaction from leading a company Britain can be proud of, creatingnew jobs, promoting existing staff and making sure the team has a greatworkplace.”As a successful entrepreneur, Dominic has been able to fuel his passion to helpothers less fortunate than himself. He supports many charities, including TheFredericks Foundation, and mentors would-be entrepreneurs. A keen sportsenthusiast, Dominic also sponsors up-and-coming F2 driver, Jolyon Palmer. Heattends most of Jolyon’s races, bringing with him 50 or so enthusiasts from amotor project for underprivileged young people that he also supports.Who better to comment on the importance of an enterprising spirit than oneof our own highly successful graduates? “It’s all about developing life skillsthat are useful in the workplace, chasing your goals and never giving in,” hesaid. “Most importantly, it’s believing in yourself and having the confidence toreach the top of the ladder.”To read more about Dominic, visit www.dominiclist.co.ukDominic List.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 7RAPANUI: COOL CLOTHING WITH ENVIRONMENTALCREDENTIALSBeing offered a chance to appear in Virgin TV’s Naked Office may seema daunting prospect for most people, but for Plymouth graduate RobDrake-Knight and his brother Mart, it was an opportunity to shoutabout their award-winning eco-fashion business.Virgin TV approached Rob and Mart to take part in the national televisionprogramme, in which a business expert suggests that companies canimprove their productivity by employees coming to work naked!While understanding that mass media is about entertainment and theprogramme was unlikely to delve too deeply into fashion ethics, Roband Mart saw this as an unexpected vehicle to bring their ideas aboutimproving sustainability in the clothing trade to a wider audience.Although the brothers set up their business in 2008 with just £200 of savings,they were listed in the country’s Top 100 Start-up Companies of that year.Rob says, “Rapanui is about making cool eco-fashion for young people; thatmeans clothing that is eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable.” The company’sclothes are made from natural organic fabrics in a wind-powered factorythat is audited by the Fairwear Foundation. They also ensure every workerreceives a fair wage plus clean, safe working conditions.While consumer awareness of environmental issues and demand for greenalternatives are growing, sustainability is still met with resistance in thefashion industry, and organic clothing generally remains a niche or moreexpensive option. Rob wanted to challenge this: “We wanted to open upthe eco-clothing market… make it easy and affordable to choose the moresustainable alternatives.”Building on their cool eco-fashion brand, Rapanui has now entered thecorporate and promotional clothing market, hoping to spark a change inthe industry. Success seems to be ahead for their new venture, with one oftheir first customers being Ben and Jerry’s, the global ice-cream company.At the end of Naked Office, Virgin TV’s business expert’s advice to Rob andMart was “carry on doing what you’re doing”, and as Rapanui went on tobe awarded the Sustainable Business accolade this year, it proves that thecompany has an eco alternative that’s a real winner.To find out more about Rapanui visit: rapanuiclothing.comRapanui’s ‘eko green bamboo’ t-shirt.Rob (left) and Mart Drake-Knight.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 9Samantha Newcombe - recent graduate, BEd(Hons) Primary Education Studies“Having paid over £100 each for a foundation inMakaton, a form of sign language developed to helppeople with special needs, my classmates and I didn’tthink we could afford to progress to the enhancementstage of the course. However, the RLMF award madeall the difference and meant that 16 of us were able todo it. This has undoubtedly been a factor in helping ussecure Newly Qualified Teacher posts as it’s a valuableskill few people have.”Students learning Makaton, a form of sign language.Wiktoria Niewiadomska - BSc (Hons) InternationalRelations“This award is a real honour and I appreciate the recognition.It is enabling me to pursue my personal, as well as academic,development. For the past three years I have beendoing voluntary work in Plymouth, concentrating mainlyon refugees and asylum seekers. I am thrilled that I can nowafford to go to the Middle East and explore the subject froma completely new perspective. I have just bought my planeticket to Tel Aviv!”“As well as helping others,this will enable me toexperience Latin Americanculture, develop new skillsand continue my learningof Spanish.”Nilesh Dixit - MSc Marine Geosciences“I have great memories of the field trip I wasable to join thanks to the funding I received.The time in Cyprus really nurtured my interestin marine environments and associatedmineral deposits, and all the skills I gatheredboosted my confidence as well enhancing myCV. The kind support of donors to the RolandLevinsky Memorial Fund has meant a greatdeal to me.”*The Roland Levinsky MemorialFund was established in recognitionof the life and work of the lateVice-Chancellor, Professor RolandLevinsky.Cyprus field trip.

10 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSBRANDING - THE NAME, THE COLOURS AND THE LOGO.IT’S THAT SIMPLE, ISN’T IT?by Lee Fordham - final year student in BSc (Hons) SociologyWell, I thought it was that simple when I consideredthe term ‘brand’ and what it meant in the marketingmix. Before my year-long marketing placementwithin the Careers and Employability Service at theUniversity, I certainly didn’t think branding was themost central part of marketing and at the core of everygood marketing strategy! I didn’t realise how carefullyconsidered the brand had to be and how important itwas to involve so many people in the branding process.Through my placement I worked on a range of projects,including developing an effective strategy of marketingcareers fairs and events to students and the naming ofgateway Employability Centre. I was also invited to theUniversity’s branding day.Looking at the University’s brand was the mostholistic project that I have been involved in. Obviously,rebranding a university that already has a fairly strongbrand is difficult, and I was impressed by how manypeople were involved in the process, from potential andcurrent students, alumni and members of the public,to marketing executives from across the globe, andUniversity staff right through to the Vice-Chancellor.It was also really pleasing to see that Plymouth’smarketing students had been involved in the wholeprocess, giving them real-life experience, somethingthat I believe the University continues to doreally well.I have learnt from this experience that a brand is somuch more than just a logo. It is the whole visualidentity. And I believe that the tireless amount of work,research and consideration that has gone into thisproject will really reflect what it means to be part of theUniversity in the city of Plymouth.This experience being part of my marketing placementhas given me a real personal passion and ambitionto work in this industry. My next project is chairingour new student-led society SIFE (Students in FreeEnterprise) to build an equally strong brand usingthe lessons that I have learnt through this year-longexperience. So, watch this space for a SIFE launch andenterprising projects to come…

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 11POSITIVE ABOUTPLYMOUTHWhile the University has been reviewing its brand, thecity has been considering its own brand perceptionand promotion.As Plymouth people know, thecity has been a little too good atkeeping its heritage, strengthsand assets to itself. But no more - adefinitive brand has been created,capturing the best of Plymouthand forming a firm foundationfor future marketing andinvestment campaigns promotinginward investment, tourism, andemployment and educationopportunities.Consultants Lloyd Northoverwere hired by the Plymouth CityDevelopment Company* (PCDC)to develop the city’s brand identityand, using ideas and images fromPlymouth people, businesses andcity leaders, Positively Plymouthwas unveiled earlier this year. Asubtle grid pattern, representingPlymouth’s ‘hidden gems’, is usedas a unifying framework to presentstunning images of the city andwhat it has to offer.“This is not just about a logo,”explained Plymouth graduateAnouska Wilkinson, MarketingExecutive with PCDC. “It’s aboutcapturing what people in Plymouththink and letting those in andoutside the city know there is muchhere to be proud and positive about.“Positively Plymouthis a clear, distinctiveidentity that can beused by businesses andorganisations throughoutthe city for futurecampaigns across a broadrange of media, includingmarketing and advertising,publications, prospectusesand new media.”The challenge now for all of us inthe city is to embrace it and make itwork for us.*In August 2010, it was announced that PCDCwas to cease trading. Plymouth City Council andpartners are creating a mechanism for ensuringthe Positively Plymouth brand is maintainedand built upon.KEEPING IT LOCALIf you’re a small businessmanager or owner who’soften wondered how youcan win business from thelarge public sector buyersin the Plymouth area, thenSell2Plymouth can help.Sell2Plymouth is an initiative tomake it easier for small, local firmsto access public sector contracts,promoting business relationshipsbetween micro and smallbusinesses and the public sector.Go to the website to find out howto access contracts for goods andservices up to £20,000 in aone-stop information point whichalso contains details of how to bid.www.sell2plymouth.co.uk

12 | | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSPENINS UMEDICINE A

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 13ULA COLLEGE OFAND DENTISTRYIMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH IN THECOMMUNITYTreating real patients starts early for students of the Peninsula DentalSchool. After just six months of training, they begin practising their skillson members of the public.In Exeter, Plymouth and most recently Truro, dental patients are eagerlysigning up for treatment from Peninsula Dental School students and thefeedback on the treatment they receive is highly favourable. In addition,the students’ skills bring positive health benefits to the city areas in whichthey work.Investment in state-of-the-art technology and simulation, including the‘Phantom Head’, has meant that students initially practise and developtheir skills in simulated clinical surroundings. This prepares them fortreating actual patients by first allowing them to gain experience andconfidence in a closely supervised setting.The new dental education facilities are located in areas where it is knownthat poor standards of dental health are common. Poverty and deprivationoften result in a poor diet and consequently poor dental health. A recentNHS report revealed that one in three Plymouth five-year-olds havesuffered from tooth decay. Locating the dental education facilities in areasof need brings high quality NHS dental care to patients and provides thedental students with experience of a wide range of dental conditions.Ultimately, working with real patients gives trainee dentists enormousprofessional satisfaction.HRH The Duchess of Gloucester opened the dental education facilityat Truro in May of this year. This is the third of the four dental educationfacilities of the Peninsula Dental School. One more site is underconstruction adjacent to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.500 AND COUNTINGJuly saw the graduation of the Peninsula College of Medicine andDentistry’s 500th new doctor. The ceremony, which was held at the Minsterin Plymouth, celebrated the fourth cohort of doctors to graduate fromthe medical school since the first graduation in 2007, with more doctorsachieving distinctions and merits, and deciding to remain in the SouthWest to practise medicine.Postgraduate degrees and doctorates in medical research and health carerelated disciplines were awarded to 27 students. Professor Sir John Tooke,the inaugural Dean of the Peninsula Medical School, became an HonoraryDoctor of Science and Dr Michael Powers QC was awarded an HonoraryDoctorate of Laws.Professor Liz Kay, Dean of the Peninsula DentalSchool (left) and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester atthe opening of the Truro dental facility.“ Ultimately,working with realpatients gives traineedentists enormousprofessionalsatisfaction.“2010 graduation ceremony in Plymouth for thePeninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry.Students practising their dental skills with the ‘Phantom Head’.

PENINSULAARTSBased within the University’s Faculty of Arts, Peninsula Arts provides a prestigious andwide-ranging series of events that opens up the arts and the University to the people ofPlymouth, the South West and visitors to the region. The year-round public programmeincludes exhibitions, music, film, talks and performing arts.DOMINION - FEBRUARY 2011The whale is the largest animal that ever lived, yetwe know so little about it that it remains one of thegreat mysteries of the natural world. This mysteryhas attracted artists, scientists, writers, musicians andstorytellers throughout the world and throughouthistory - from the ancient civilisations to Aboriginalpeoples, from 19th-century literature - in the shape ofHerman Melville’s Moby-Dick - to 21st-century cinemasuch as Free Willy and Whale Rider.In Britain, we have moved from being a whaling nationto a whale-watching nation in just one generation:many different species of whales and dolphins swimoff our shores, especially here in Devon and Cornwall.The whale is not only a symbol of artistic and literarymystique, but an emblem of ecological threat, too. Itsvastness incorporates all these themes and more, andyet remains unknowable. As Melville wrote, ‘the livingleviathan never fairly floated itself for its portrait’.Philip Hoare March 2010Peninsula Arts welcomes 2011 with a number ofcultural activities bringing together science andthe arts in a series of events surrounding its keyexhibition, Dominion. Running in the PeninsulaArts Gallery from 22 January to 6 March 2011, theexhibition features the collaboration between theinternationally acclaimed writer Philip Hoare - winnerof the 2009 BBC Samuel Johnson Prize for his book,Leviathan or, The Whale - and the renowned artistAngela Cockayne, whose work has been praised byDesmond Morris, among others. Dominion seeks toexplore the links between science and art, literatureand natural history.Dominion symposiumDuring the exhibition, Peninsula Arts in conjunctionwith the University of Plymouth Marine Institute willhold a two-day symposium (18-19 February 2011),bringing together internationally celebrated whaleexperts, writers and artists. Alongside Philip HoarePhilip Hoare andAngela Cockayne.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 15“Call me Ishmael”Herman Melville,Moby Dick (1851)Bone boat entitled ‘Dead Men Don’t Bite’.and Angela Cockayne, the symposium will include:Professor Hal Whitehead (Dalhousie University, NovaScotia), Richard Sabin (Senior Curator, Departmentof Zoology, The Natural History Museum), Dr SimonIngram (University of Plymouth Marine Institute), andAssociate Professor Anthony Caleshu (English andCreative Writing, University of Plymouth). The eventwill also feature a special dance performance by AdamBenjamin (Rayne Fellow, University of Plymouth), filmscreenings and music that celebrates all things whale.In parallel with these events, the annual PeninsulaArts Contemporary Music Festival, one of the UK’smost innovative festivals of contemporary music, willseek to respond to selected art and science themeswithin Dominion. This key music event will exploreboth issues of biological survival and how technologyimpacts and influences our creative life.Titled Re-sounding Science, the three-day festival,11-13 February 2011, will feature performances andpremieres of the latest in contemporary classicalmusic. The highlight will be the world premiere ofMind Pieces by Professor Eduardo Reck Miranda,performed by the Ten Tors Orchestra, conducted bySimon Ible. The festival taps into the apparent beautyof scientific apparatus; the changing technologicaltools of 21st-century music creation; the inspirationof our planet’s amazing bio-diversity, and that mostcomplex and beautiful machine which science is onlyjust beginning to understand: the human brain.Re-sounding Science is a chance to re-evaluateartistically science’s role in society, focusing onsustainability through the arts.“The most beautiful experiencewe can have is the mysterious -the fundamental emotion whichstands at the cradle of true artand true science.Albert Einstein“Professor Eduardo Reck Miranda.www.peninsula-arts.co.uk

16 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSMARINE INSTITUTEAn artist’s inpression of the new marine building.MARINE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE CRESTOF A WAVEConstruction of an £18-million marine building is now underway on thePlymouth campus. The new building will house state-of-the-art researchfacilities, including new wave tank testing equipment that will be unique inthe UK.Due to be completed in spring 2012, the marine building is a key elementof the £25-million Plymouth Science and Innovation Programme. This is apartnership between the University, South West Regional DevelopmentAgency and Plymouth City Council that was created earlier this year to putPlymouth at the forefront of research into low-carbon technologies.Incorporated in the new building will be a wave tank measuring 35mby 15m and capable of operating to a depth of 2m. The tank has beenspecifically designed for testing developments in wave and tidal energy, aswell as coastal engineering and environmental impact modelling. The newbuilding, which will be part of the University’s Marine Institute, will also behome to a new ship simulator and will provide office space and support forstart-up maritime businesses, in addition to teaching facilities.The Marine Institute wasinaugurated in 2006 tosupport and promote marineand maritime activity acrossthe University, from researchto policy engagement.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 17Away from dry land, the Marine Institute has been developingthe University’s sea-going facilities with the purchase of a newhigh-specification catamaran research vessel. NamedRV Falcon Spirit in honour of legendary Plymothian polarexplorer Robert Falcon Scott, the 16-tonne vessel will be ableto operate up to 60 miles offshore, enabling it to take part inresearch activities, such as those associated with the Wave Hubproject in Cornwall.Boasting a ‘moon pool’ and hydraulic H-frame to enabletechnology to be deployed easily in the water, RV Falcon Spiritwill carry a £300,000 remotely operated vehicle, which candive to a depth of 1km and record via high definition videocameras. The vessel will provide teaching and research facilitieswith wet and dry laboratories and can accommodate up to 12scientists, along with its crew of two.RV Falcon Spirit was named by Professor Wendy Purcell,Vice-Chancellor, in July of this year, at the Blue Mile eventin Plymouth. Hosted in partnership with the University andPlymouth City Council, the Blue Mile is the UK’s newestmass-participation event, aimed at engaging people with ourmarine environment.The Blue Mile’s Race for the Environment encouraged peopleto take part by completing a mile in, on or next to the water.Several hundred swimmers, stand-up paddleboarders andkayakers took to the water and raced on equal terms over adistance of a mile. It really was an event for everyone with theyoungest participant aged seven and the oldest, 68!Plymouth is the first city in the UK to hold the Blue Mile eventand organisers hope to extend the event to other coastallocations in the future.Find out more about the University’s Marine Institute at:www.plymouth.ac.uk/marine.Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Purcell naming theRV Falcon Spirit at the Blue Mile event in July 2010.Children at the Blue Mile event village,on Plymouth’s waterfront.Swimmers ready to take part in the ‘Race forthe Environment’.

18 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSDEANS’ UPDATE FORTHE YEAR AHEAD3D design students with their work.Professor David Coslett - Faculty of ArtsI’m delighted to report that Plymouth has been chosen as one of four UKcities to host The British Art Show in 2011. A full events programme, plus aFringe exhibition will coincide with the show.The University’s first Master of Fine Arts programme will run incollaboration with TransArt Institute in the United States, initially beingdelivered to students in Berlin and New York.Continuing the global theme, the School of Architecture, Design andEnvironment will host two international conferences through the CultureTheory and Space research group, working with the city’s museum. Plansare under-way to launch an international MA in Architecture, as well as todevelop joint research ventures in Chile and China.The coming year will see the seventh Peninsula Arts’ Contemporary MusicFestival and the second city-wide Shakespeare Festival. Our first studentswill also graduate from the faculty’s newest programme: BA (Hons)Dance Theatre. We wish them good fortune in the challenging economicenvironment that all our graduates face - confident that we have enabledthem to develop the skills and aptitudes which distinguish Plymouthgraduates amongst the best of their peers.Physiotherapy and Podiatrystudents treating runners at thePlymouth half marathon 2010.Professor Richard Stephenson - Faculty of HealthThe Faculty of Health continues to transform lives through research,education and enterprise centred upon health and social wellbeing,and through the widespread activity of our alumni and partners. Theforthcoming year promises to be one of great opportunity for the facultyas the coalition government pledges to reform the landscape of healthcare and social work.To capitalise on our position as one of the largest and most diversedisciplinary faculties within the UK, we are building upon ourinternationally renowned expertise to realise these opportunities by:• refreshing our portfolio of research through a new AppliedResearch Centre that will incorporate our health and education partners• re-profiling curricula to meet workforce demands• promoting e- and work-based learning to enable greatercontinuing professional development in the workplace• enhancing our student experience and employability throughvolunteering and internships, and• embedding the concepts and practice of enterprise at the core ofour activity.The faculty strongly values collaboration and partnership and we warmlywelcome contact with individuals and organisations in meeting theabove agenda.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 19Professor Richard Gibb - Faculty of Science and TechnologyThe Faculty of Science and Technology continues to undertake pioneeringresearch into the causes and consequences of climate change. Our MarineBiology researchers have just been awarded over £200,000 to investigatehow marine animals might evolve to cope with living in warm waters withincreased acidification. This is just one of six projects to be funded by theUK’s first research programme investigating the impacts ofocean acidification.Recognising the University’s strengths across the marine and maritimeagenda, a new marine building has been commissioned, which will housestate-of-the-art research facilities. This will help position Plymouth as aglobal centre for marine energy research and create valuable opportunitiesto support the marine sector and the economy. The project is being partfunded by the South West Regional Development Agency, Department ofBusiness, Innovation and Skills, Department of Energy and Climate Changeand the Higher Education Funding Council for England.The plans are part of a wider £25-million city legacy project, in which theUniversity is a key partner, for creating economic success from marinetechnologies.Mr Will McBurnie - Faculty of EducationHaving relocated from Exmouth to Plymouth two years ago, the faculty isbuilding on a base of a Grade 1 Ofsted award for our primary and secondaryinitial teacher education and a Category A status from the Training andDevelopment Agency for Schools for initial teacher education. We have nowlaunched ICE House, a project for the post-compulsory education sector thataims to research teaching and learning methods that develop and supportlearners’ skills in innovation, creativity and enterprise (ICE).We have also introduced a taught doctorate programme (EdD) andthe Masters in Teaching and Learning (MTL). This academic year seesthe launch of a new foundation degree for the Children’s Workforce, anMSc in Learning for Sustainability and a new initial teacher educationpostgraduate programme, iTeach.In addition, faculty staff are committed to enhancing our researchinformedteaching and will be involved in the forthcoming PedagogicResearch Institute and Observatory.Final-year Theatre and Performance student.Biology day for AS-level school pupils.Professor David Wheeler - Plymouth Business SchoolThe Plymouth Business School is unique. No other Business School offersthe normal disciplines of Management alongside programmes in Law,Languages, International Relations and Politics. And no other BusinessSchool foregrounds experiential learning, entrepreneurialism, socialresponsibility and sustainability as actively as we do. That is why we believeour students become the most entrepreneurial, engaged and employablegraduates in the country.In the next 12 months the Plymouth Business School will be rapidlyexpanding its recruitment of overseas students in order to enhanceinter-cultural learning and future career opportunities for all our students.We will be introducing novel experiential learning opportunities throughdirect engagement with small businesses and social enterprises in Devonand Cornwall, with a focus on the simultaneous creation of economic,

20 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSsocial and environmental value. And we will beplacing even greater emphasis on developing theinterpersonal and leadership skills that today’sbusiness, government and third-sector employersdemand.If you are an employer or an alumnus and want toget involved in this exciting transformation, pleaseemail me direct at: david.wheeler@plymouth.ac.uk.“...a pivotal rolein advancing theUniversity’s enterpriseagenda throughout theregion.Above: Tourism, Hospitality andEvent Management careers staffwith keynote speaker, Michelinaward-winning chef Michael Caines(centre).“Dr Colin Williams - University of PlymouthCollegesIn the coming year, University of Plymouth CollegesFaculty (UPC) will continue to play a pivotal rolein advancing the University’s enterprise agendathroughout the region. Our partnership spans theSouth West - from Bristol to Penzance and fromWeymouth to the Channel Islands. UPC representsthe University throughout the region, enablingstrong partnerships with colleges and private andpublic-sector employers.With our partners, we will build on our current success to forge newnational and international links with the University. While the nationaleconomic outlook may be bleak, we firmly believe that careful positioningduring these challenging times will enable us to fulfil our mission.We aim to ensure that everything we do makes a positive impact onimproving the lives of individuals, society and the regional economy.Professor Steve Thornton - Peninsula College of Medicine and DentistryPeninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has established its preeminenceas the leading new educational institution, developinginnovative, patient-focussed approaches to training doctors and dentists.Our investment in simulation tools to develop students’ clinical and dentalskills enables them to work directly with patients early in the curriculum.The challenge is to ensure that our curriculum continues to be at thecutting edge, maximising the impact of science and technology andreflecting the needs of the NHS.The quality of our research was recognised in the last Research AssessmentExercise in 2008 and we now need to increase the scale of this research inorder to compete with the major educational institutions. The EuropeanCentre for Environment and Human Health will open shortly in Truro, andthe Wolfson/Wellcome development will facilitate translational medicine inExeter, complementing clinical trials activity in Plymouth.We have a strong basis for future development in medical and dentalresearch and education and I am looking forward to building on theexcellence developed by my predecessor, Professor Sir John Tooke.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 21SU: CHARITABLE STATUS,SPORT AND THE SILENT DISCOAll silence at the ‘headphone disco’.MESSAGE FROM SEENA SHAH, UPSUPRESIDENTThere’s a new team in place at the University’s Students’ Union(UPSU), bringing with them plenty of ideas for new projects andcampaigns that will be presented at the first Annual President’sAddress in January 2011.The new officers will continue the work of the previous team, leadingUPSU through the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative and benchmarkingour work against national standards, with the assessment being submittedin mid 2011. The Union will also see the recruitment of a new ChiefExecutive and, as with all students’ unions across the country, registrationfor charitable status.Always looking to offer something new, this year’s summer ball featureda ‘headphone disco’ - everyone was issued with wireless headphones andtwo separate DJs broadcast to them live via dedicated FM channels. Asurreal spectacle unfolded: a mass of humanity, throwing moves, pullingshapes and singing along to what appeared to everyone else to be...complete silence!As UPSU develops its offering to accommodate our varied studentdemographic, we look forward to helping provide students with moreopportunities for their personal development.Ladies’ Varsity Rugby team, 2010.ACTIVE IN SPORTS AND SOCIETIESReport fromLou Ramsay,Entertainmentsand Events ManagerParticipation at the2009/10 Sports andSocieties Fair wasexceptional, with over6,000 students joining105 different clubsand societies, and 32teams entering theBritish Universitiesand Colleges Sport(BUCS) leagues.Last year, Plymouth had success ina wide range of sports, with men’ssquash winning the BUCS Gold;an array of individual and teamgold and silver medals in the BUCSsurf championships, and furthermedals for judo, karate, sailing andoctopush. Overall, Plymouth came45th out of 150 institutions - a jumpup of six places on the previous year.We also won the Varsity Cupagainst local rival, UCP Marjon.The event ran over three days andinvolved 250 students, who raised£11,395 for The Anthony NolanTrust and The Motor NeuroneDisease Association.Finally, the Musical TheatreGroup put on Grease, which wasenthusiastically received and led tothem being awarded Society of theYear for the second year running.

22 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSGRADUATION2010CELEBRATING SUCCESSOnce again this year, Plymouth Hoe provided a spectacular backdropto the University’s degree celebrations. Over 6,000 new graduatesreceived their awards in front of their families, friends and Universitystaff in a week-long run of celebratory events.In addition to marking the achievements of our students, the Universityhonoured individuals who have made major contributions across society,distinguishing themselves in charitable work, education, medicine, law,television and conservation.Richard Bayly, Deputy Regional Director for Economy Growth andRegeneration in the Government Office South WestChristine Beasley, Chief Nursing OfficerMatthew Bourne, acclaimed choreographer and directorEric Dancer, former Managing Director of Dartington Crystal andrenowned training and development advisorRoma French, founder of drug-support centres Trevi Houseand Hamoaze HouseChristopher Gates, Managing Director of Princess Yachts InternationalAndrew Graham-Dixon, art critic and television presenterJane Henderson, Chief Executive of the South West of England RegionalDevelopment AgencyTom Henderson, founder of the charity ShelterBoxThelma Holt, award-winning theatre producerCarleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office forCornwall and the Isles of ScillyJonathan Kestenbaum, Chief Executive of NESTA, the NationalEndowment for Science, Technology and the ArtsFreddie Knox, former aide and confidante to the Astor familyHeather Rose Maxwell, former Principal of South Devon CollegeSheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, member of the Kuwait Royal Family and Chiefof Maritime OperationsMary Quicke, agricultural entrepreneurDavid Spiegelhalter, scientist and eminent risk-analysis expertAlastair Stewart, ITV news presenter and journalistDick Strawbridge, television presenterSimon Tonge, Executive Director of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 23FREDDIE KNOX - DOCTOR OF HUMANITIESFreddie Knox was born in theBarbican, Plymouth, and spent hisearly years as a pupil of St Andrew’sSchool. He was introduced topolitics at a very young age when- as an eight-year-old - he ran with‘tally pads’ at the elections. Hismother and grandmother wereboth ardent suffragettes and alongwith his uncle, worked on NancyAstor’s behalf when she stood inthe by-election of 1919, becomingthe first woman to take her seat inthe House of Commons.Lady Astor went on to servePlymouth City as an MP for 25years. Freddie became her aide,confidante and representative, andover the years, her friend. An activemember of St Andrew’s Churchand a committed Hospital Visitorover many years, Freddie has along interest in voluntary work. Hewas President and Secretary of thefirst branch of the United NationsAssociation Plymouth and adelegate to the first United NationsAssociations Conference.Now in his early 90s, Freddiecontinues to make publicappearances in his home city,and only last year donated to thecity a rare bronze statue, givento him in the 1930s on a visit toPlymouth, Massachusetts. He hasalso for many years been a speakerFreddie Knox.on the history of the Lord Mayor’sHouse on Elliot Terrace, whichwas previously Lady Astor’s home,bequeathed to the cityof Plymouth.ACHIEVEMENT AT GREENWICH SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENTSheikh Suhaim bin KhalidAl-Thani is a member of theruling family of Qatar. Hisfather was Minister for theInterior 1972-1989, and hissister is married to the currentEmir of Qatar. He completeda University of Plymouth BSc(Hons) in Business Managementat the Greenwich School ofManagement (GSM).As an undergraduate I was ableto meet a diverse mix of studentsfrom many different backgroundsand this introduced me to newcultures, as well as new ideas.Most importantly my knowledgeof the practical and theoreticalaspects of management as adiscipline was broadened. This,I hope, will allow me to becomean effective manager in mychosen field. The BSc programmehelped me develop new skills; Iparticularly enjoyed presentations,as this helped me become abetter speaker, both in terms oforganisation and confidence.“At the end of my course, I havethe experience to apply thetheoretical ideas of businessin order to make effectivedecisions and to be an asset toany organisation. “I now aim to further my knowledgeby studying for a mastersqualification, before taking upa position in global finance. Myexperience at Greenwich and at theUniversity of Plymouth has beenpositive - I thoroughly enjoyed mytime and believe that I have comeaway a much more rounded person.My thanks to everyone at GSM andthe University, both academic staffand administrators who have madethe last two years an enjoyableperiod in my life.

24 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSMAKING ADIFFERENCEThe rate of rainforest disappearance inWest Papua, which is having an adverseaffect upon disadvantaged Amungme andKomoro tribes, is evidenced in the changesin these two images of the same location.Land has been cleared on the right of theriver (fig 2), with bridges and man-madelakes having been created. New buildingplots have displaced recent pristine forest.HUMANITARIAN DISASTERSHIGHLIGHTED BY NEW TECHNOLOGYThe University is using the latest satellite imaging technologyto highlight the horrors of human rights abuse and deliberateenvironmental damage in the most inaccessible partsof the world.The University of Plymouth at Britannia Royal Naval College has beenawarded high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor and help preventthe human and environmental atrocities in the remote regions that TVcameras cannot reach - including the Sudan, Burma, Zimbabwe andWest Papua.Satellite imagery of sufficient resolution (1m) has only been availableduring the last decade and is finding uses in a wide range ofapplications from, agriculture to disaster monitoring.The award of the technology was made to Dr Chris Lavers by theGeoEye Foundation, a not-for-profit philanthropic organisation basedin the US. The foundation provides satellite imagery to educationalinstitutions to advance their research and humanitarian support. Rarelyhas the technology been awarded to researchers outside of the US.Dr Lavers is using the technology to further the work of leadinghumanitarian organisations including Amnesty International, SurvivalInternational and the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust. The imagery heobtained was also recently made available to the first prosecutor of theInternational Criminal Court at The Hague.“My research for the University of Plymouth at the Britannia Royal NavalCollege is a ‘swords into ploughshares approach’ to investigate thepotential of military technologies for civilian applications,” explainsDr Lavers.“Satellite technology provides immediate access to inaccessibleregions, enabling us to help ensure these human rights andenvironmental abuses remain in the public eye.”Fig 1. Fig 2.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 25LEARNING THROUGH LOCAL HERITAGEFor Marc Lintern, Head of Employability and Careers at theUniversity, the starting point for a social enterprise project was theextraordinary talent of Plymouth students.In his role, Marc - who is himself a Plymouth graduate - organisesactivities to encourage students to think about setting up theirown businesses. Working with students at the University and LooeCommunity School, the team produced and published a book calledWe Love Looe, celebrating the heritage of the Cornish town.The writing and publishing process gave students a real-world learningexperience, while the school pupils had a chance to explore their localhistory and, working alongside the University students, experience a littleof life in higher education.Marc recommends social enterprise to others and encourages peopleto come forward with their ideas: “If you have an idea, howeverembryonic, contact alumni@plymouth.ac.uk to find out how we mightbe able to help.”Students from Looe Community School.PLYMOUTH NAMEDTOP GREENUNIVERSITY IN UKThe University of Plymouthhas been named as the UK’s topuniversity in environmentalperformance.The annual People & Planet GreenLeague Table ranked the Universityof Plymouth in the top spot - out of133 universities. The University alsoretains the accolade of being theleague’s top overall performer sinceit began in 2007.The Green League based its ratingon 11 environmental policy andperformance-related criteriaincluding carbon emissions perhead, waste recycling rates andnew criteria measuring the sector’sefforts to engage students and staffin cutting carbon emissions.Extending sustainability furtherinto the operations of theUniversity, the Procurement Unit isworking to develop and implementstrategies for the procurement ofgoods and services and the use ofour estate, which not only achieve ayear-on-year reduction in operatingcosts, but reduce the University’scarbon footprint.NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR PLYMOUTHREFUGEE PROJECTA social care initiative developed by the University has receivednational recognition for service delivery and best practice from theSocial Care Institute for Excellence.Students and Refugees Together (START) is a registered charity thatwas initiated in 2001 by the University’s Associate Professor of SocialWork, Avril Bellinger. Its mission is to facilitate students working withfamilies, individuals and institutions to ensure that refugees make thesuccessful transition from people in need to positive contributors to thecommunities in which they settle.The programme provides students in social work, occupational therapyand community development with an opportunity to developtheir professional skills, while bringing real benefit to asylum seekers andrefugees by reducing their risk of social isolation throughcommunity activities.Children enjoying the START project activities.University placement students who help todeliver START services. L-r: Omega Mugabe,Jancy Kolanjikompil, Della Norris and Dan Spry.

26 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSEMPLOYABILITYGATEWAY TO CAREERSWithin the first month of operation, the University’s new employabilitycentre hosted over 4,000 visits.Opening gateway, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Purcell,emphasised that employability is a core principle of the University Strategy:“Employability is a key issue for students and for our University. Studyingtoday is a major investment of time and money - we want to help ourstudents get the most from this experience, not just in offering the highestquality of courses, but also in the jobs they secure after graduation.”With 400,000 students graduating this year across the UK, the graduatejob market has become very competitive, particularly in these tougheconomic times. Marc Lintern, who heads the Careers and Employabilityteam at the University, encourages students to use gateway throughouttheir time at the University. He also highlighs gateway’s importance to theregion: “I believe that the opening of gateway is highly symbolic of theenterprise mission and the way in which employability is at the heart of theUniversity; and the University is at the heart of the region.”Within just the first few months of opening, gateway has assisted morethan 90 recruiters, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Gardline, Subsea 7and the RAD.The Careers and Employability Service offers on-going advice for alumni,for up to three years after graduating. To find out more about the servicesavailable, as a graduate or a business wishing to use gateway, visitwww.plymouth.ac.uk/careers.gateway, the University’s new employability centre.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 27POSTGRADUATEAND PROFESSIONALOPPORTUNITIESThe University has a vibrantcommunity of postgraduate students,who benefit from our innovativeapproach, world-leading expertise,and multimillion-pound facilities. Ourclose collaboration with employershelps to ensure that graduates areequipped with the most relevantknowledge and skills to be competitivein the workplace - 87 per cent of ourpostgraduate students are employedwithin six months of completing theirstudies with us.Our postgraduate programmes - whichare flexible and can be studied full- orpart-time - incorporate input fromresearchers, current practitioners,professional bodies, business andindustry. This ensures our programmesare relevant, stimulating and equipstudents with a wide range of practicalskills sought by employers. Flexibleopportunities are provided forgaining vocational skills or setting thefoundation for further research.If you are considering embarking on a postgraduate degree andwould like to take the opportunity to have your questions answeredor find out more about your subject of interest, why not visit us atour Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening?Tuesday 16 November 2010, 15:30 - 18:30Tuesday 22 March 2011, 15.30 - 18.30Roland Levinsky Building, University of PlymouthFor more information and to register your attendance visit:www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduateA HELPING HAND THROUGH THERECESSIONIn last year’s magazine we reported on the Enterprise Vouchersscheme which was funded by the University’s successful bid tothe Economic Challenge Fund, helping individuals and businessthrough the recession.Uptake was huge, with the University helping 140 individualsand 110 businesses by the end of the scheme. Awardees usedtheir vouchers for a variety of University services such as careerplanning, facilities and expert knowledge, plus guidance onself-employment.Fine Tubes Ltd used the vouchers to access the University’scutting-edge facilities. Dr Janardhan Rao Saithala from thecompany explained: “The University of Plymouth EnterpriseVouchers have enabled us to access the facilities at the ElectronMicroscopy Centre in order to understand the processes in detailand help Fine Tubes with writing conference papers which arepresented at an international level.”The EconomicInvestmentChallengeFund team.CONTINUING SUCCESS FORGRADUATE INTERNSHIPSSince the launch of the Plymouth GraduateInternship Programme in February 2010,the University has successfully placed 250recent graduates into businesses in Devonand Cornwall.The programme was initiated in responseto the University winning funding fromthe Higher Education Funding Council forEngland in order to generate graduatejobs in the region. It created short-termpaid internships for graduates from the lastthree years, and provided an opportunityfor employers to expand their workforceand tap into the up-to-date knowledge ofgraduates.Richard Giles, graduate intern at Zoeftig Ltdsaid: “I have benefited immeasurably fromthe internship at Zoeftig Ltd. It has givenme the opportunity to apply my particularskill set within a fast-growing business. Ihave been allowed to make a meaningfulcontribution to the business and to takeresponsibility for my own work.”

28 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSALUMNIMAKING THEIR MARKWhether they work overseas or choose to stay local, progress to further study orestablish their own businesses, Plymouth graduates - including the inspirational fourwhose stories are relayed here - are making their mark in numerous spheres.Jamie Ball, artistThe design on the cover of this year’s Plymouth’s Progress was kindlyproduced by Plymouth graduate Jamie Ball, who gained a first in BA (Hons)Media Arts, specialising in illustration, animation and post second WorldWar German painting. He is now based in Berlin.“My fondest memory of being a student at Plymouth was being fascinatedby the huge selection of art books in the University library. I spent hoursdiscovering the work of new painters, which I would then go and see, oftenin London and Stockholm.“I also recall catching up with friends at various tea rooms on the Barbicanand the Hoe, and picnicking and sketching while walking around thecoastal path from Mount Batten.Jamie Ball.“After graduating, I worked for two years as a Creative Content Designer fora software company in my home city of Nottingham. I now live and work inBerlin and am represented by Kinky Illustration Agency. My recent projectshave included work for Alfa Romeo and the Italian football team.“As a sideline, I’m dedicated to featuring contemporary artists and studiosin the Little Kingdoms Eu: Visual Journal, an online project aimed atproviding inspiration for young and aspiring creatives.”Find out more at www.littlekingdoms.eu.Sue Austin, MA Fine Art student, University of PlymouthAs a final-year Fine Art student, Sue caused a stir in Plymouth - and lots ofmedia coverage for the final-year Degree Show - when mysterious whitelines created by her special wheelchair appeared across a large part of thecity. As well as leading to the venues of the show, the temporary lines werepart of the Freewheeling project, which aims to reshape preconceptionsassociated with the wheelchair.“Graduating with first-class honours and winning the Natalie Sitar Awardfor outstanding achievement was a real high point, and now I’m studyingfor an MA in Fine Art at the University. It’s a very intense, stimulating andchallenging route of study.Sue Austin.“Freewheeling raised my profile and has led to invitations to join severalprestigious national projects. I was chosen to be part of the Sync CulturalLeadership Programme, which promotes leadership amongst disabledpeople to recognise their valued perspective, and also selected to be onthe five-member Impact Selection Panel, which is run by the Arts Counciland focuses on embedding professional disabled artists in mainstreamarts settings. It is great to be part of such groundbreaking initiatives.”

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 29FOCUSNeil Harvey, Managing Director,Juice Media Design LtdA shining example of a youngentrepreneur nurturing today’sstudents, Law graduate Neil is seeinghis company Juice Media DesignLtd go from strength to strength.The firm, established in 2009, ismultifaceted, building websites,providing marketing services andeven installing Bluetooth devices intaxis and buses.“I’ve beenworking with theUniversity’s studentsand recent graduatesto develop web-basedgraphics projects. Theyhave great technicalskills and are brimmingwith original ideas. I addvalue by helping themto develop relationshipbuildingskills withclients.““The business is growing fast,securing small to medium-sizedclients in the UK and Asia, and we’vemoved from our initial location inthe University’s Formation Zoneto the Tamar Science Park. Wealso have a base in Exeter andFalmouth. I’m currently exploringthe potential of streaming liveevents, such as theatre productions,to cinemas, and intend to expandto new locations. Bristol and Cardiffare next!”Visit www.juicemediadesign.co.ukfor more information.Lee Davis.Lee Davis, Tutor in Mechanical Engineering, University of PlymouthIn the space of a just a few years, Lee has gone from being - by his ownadmission - ‘a bit of a Jack the Lad’ at school to passing his MechanicalEngineering degree at Plymouth with flying colours and progressing toPhD study at the University.“Having experienced a variety of jobs, including painting anddecorating in the UK and overseas, I’d always regarded my educationas unfinished business, but never dreamt that one day I’d be mentoringstudents myself.“Determination, hard work and the support of the brilliant staff inthe School of Engineering paid off, however, and I’m combining myresearch in lean supply chains in construction with providing academicsupport to students with learning difficulties. Sadly, my mother diedshortly after my doctoral studies began but I’m so pleased she livedlong enough to know I’d made it onto the PhD.“I hope to continue with the mentoring and learning support workpretty much full time - it’s very rewarding. As well as this, I aim to keepup some academic research in order to complement my doctorate.”

30 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSALUMNICOMMUNITYThe benefits of being part of the University don’t stopafter graduation. The alumni programme provides arange of opportunities, facilities and services to helpkeep you in touch with us - and with each other -and support your career and personal development.The key elements of the programme are described briefly here. To seethe very latest information, please visit our web pages atwww.plymouth.ac.uk/alumni.• Keep up to date with news from the University and the South Westand find out about recent alumni success stories by signing up forour monthly e-newsletter, Evolve. This will also ensure you are in theknow about the latest events and discounts for alumni.• We provide opportunities for informal networking as well asorganising sector-specific events aimed at keeping you abreast ofthe latest developments and issues in your field. We’ll also supportyou in arranging your own reunions, plus we have internationalgroups that co-ordinate events across the globe.• Whether it’s special low rates on University summer accommodation,or access to the Library, our range of deals for alumni is expanding.If you run a business and would like to offer a discount to fellowgraduates, please get in touch. We’ll include the information in oure-newsletter and on our web pages, boosting the profile ofyour business.• Careers support and development opportunities are an importantpart of our provision for alumni - please see below.Enhance your careerAlumni Careers Network - Recognising that it can be daunting movingfrom study into employment, many of our alumni are keen to use theirexperience to make a positive difference to current Plymouth students andrecent graduates. The Alumni Careers Network we are developing enablesyou to do just this while boosting your own personal and professionalexperience and enhancing your CV.Get to the gateway - As alumni you have access to gateway, the University’scentre for information, advice and graduate recruitment activities. There’salso a comprehensive programme of events to support your professionaldevelopment. Remember that individual advice is available through ourCareers and Employability Service for three years after you graduate.Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Graduate Internship opportunities- Apply your degree, start a graduate-level job and gain professionalrecognition. Find out more and view the latest vacancies atwww.plymouth.ac.uk/enterprisesolutions.

PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESS | 31Automatic postgraduate awards - If you are considering embarking ona postgraduate degree or continuing professional development, an alumnidiscretionary award of 10% for home and EU graduates, is available in allfaculties.Giving backFrom mentoring students or giving a guest lecture to hosting a student onplacement or making a financial donation, many of our alumni want to givesomething back to the place where they studied.Your donation to the University can go to a specific fund of your choosing,or you can opt to give wherever need is greatest.Farewell FundWe are dedicated to providing the ‘springboard’ of a qualification from theUniversity of Plymouth to all those students who are capable of achievingit, and are determined to make the maximum effort to help those whosefinancial situation would be the reason for withdrawing from study.We hope your experience at the University and of living in the South Westwas all that you hoped it would be, from the intellectual challenges to thesocial side. If you would like to be part of helping someone else’s futurenow that you are making your way in the world, you can do so by donatingto the University Farewell Fund, which provides support to help students tocontinue with their studies in spite of financial difficulties.Roland Levinsky Memorial FundMany of our current students are keen to contribute to the communitybut are hindered by the lack of money to help them help others. In 2007,the Roland Levinsky Memorial Fund was established in memory of thelate Vice-Chancellor, Professor Roland Levinsky. It is dedicated to theprinciple that individuals should be encouraged to reach their full potentialregardless of financial constraints.In 2010, 11 students benefited from receiving funding to undertakeprojects they identified, which ranged from a group of Education studentslearning Makaton, a form of sign language developed to assist children andadults with special needs, to taking up a clinical attachment to a hospital inSierra Leone. See pages 8 and 9 for more information.If you want to make a donation to either of these funds, you can usethe enclosed donation form, or make a donation on line atwww.plymouth.ac.uk/donate. Alternatively, you can call uson +44 (0) 1752 588020.Make a difference!Using the funds she receivedthrough a University award,Jacqueline Turner (above), apostgraduate PsychologicalResearch Methods student,established a sustainablegarden project with theLongreach charity in Plymouth.Longreach helps rehabilitatewomen who have beendependent on drugs and/oralcohol and the garden projectis helping the women buildtheir self-reliance andself-esteem.In addition to wishing tohelp the women through thecharity, Jacqueline also plans toincorporate her findings intoher research on establishingthe benefits of gardening as atherapeutic treatment.James Eden (centre) with the artist groupCorrespondence, winners of a UniversityEnterprise award.Wiktoria Niewiadomska, Roland LevinskyMemorial Fund award winner.

32 | PLYMOUTH’S PROGRESSYou are invited to the events wehave planned for the monthsahead. Find full details, includingconfirmation of venues, on thealumni website.Postgraduate and ProfessionalOpen EveningTuesday 16 November 201015.30 - 18.30Roland Levinsky Building,University of PlymouthFor more information visit:www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduateHealth alumni eventWednesday 17 November 201018.30 - 20.00Peninsula Allied Health Centre,Derriford Road, PlymouthGraduates from the Facultyof Health are invited to thiscelebratory social event.The evening offers you the chanceto catch up with other Healthalumni and enjoy some lightrefreshments.Science and Technologyalumni eventThursday 18 November 201018.00 - 20.00View 2, the Barbican, PlymouthYou’re invited to attend thiscelebratory alumni event.The evening will offer you thechance to catch up with fellowFaculty of Science and Technologyalumni, and enjoy somecomplimentary refreshments.UPC alumni eventThursday 25 November 201018.00 - 20.00The Treasury, Catherine Street,Royal Parade, PlymouthThis celebratory event is exclusivelyfor our alumni who attended theUniversity’s partner colleges. Enjoya complimentary drink and catchup with other UPC graduates andstaff in a reserved area of the venue.Plymouth alumni eventThursday 20 January 201117.30 - 19.30 (venue to be confirmed)Truro alumni eventThursday 17 February 201117.30 - 19.30 (venue to be confirmed)Hong Kong alumni eventSaturday 29 January 201119.00 - 21.00 (venue to be confirmed)Brunei alumni eventWednesday 25 January 2011(time and venue to be confirmed)Postgraduate and ProfessionalOpen EveningTuesday 22 March 201115.30 - 18.30Roland Levinsky Building,University of PlymouthSociology: ‘Made in Plymouth’Friday 15 April 201114.00 - 19.30Roland Levinsky Building,University of PlymouthMany individuals who havestudied or taught Sociology atPlymouth have gone on to have asignificant impact nationally andinternationally. To celebrate this,we are inviting current students,former graduates and past andpresent staff to this event, whichwill include presentations byJane Barrett, Director of the SocialScience Research Unit at the FoodStandards Agency; Eric Harrison,Senior Research Fellow, Centre forComparative Social Surveys, CityUniversity London; and ProfessorTony Chapman, convenor of theThird Sector Research Unit,Teeside University.We are also planning an alumnievent at the House of Commons inthe new year.Find full details, includingconfirmation of venues, on thealumni website.Science, Technology andEngineeringPlacements and GraduateRecruitment FairWednesday 24 November 201011.00 - 15.00Roland Levinsky BuildingFor more information visit:www.plymouth.ac.uk/careersIsle of Wight alumni eventWednesday 13 April 201117.30 - 19.30 (venue to be confirmed)Development and Alumni RelationsUniversity of PlymouthDrake CircusPlymouthDevon PL4 8AATel: +44 (0) 1752 588020Email: alumni@plymouth.ac.ukwww.plymouth.ac.uk /alumniD/557037/10/10