1 | Connect | 2011 ISSUE 7 | The magazine for alumni and friends of Robert Gordon University AFTER-DARK DESIGNS LIGHT UP THE WORLD Alumnus and RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jonathan Speirs, reveals his famous skylines around the globe HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKED Exposed and flying solo, Gray’s fashion student Fiona McLeod goes on placement with Gok Wan RUNNING AND HYDRATING Physiotherapy graduate Dr Stephen McNally travels the Silk Road to raise awareness of water shortages in the region NEW CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS | EMAIL FOR LIFE | WIN A SHIRT FOR EVERY WORKING DAY OF THE WEEK
Transcript
1 | Connect | 2011
ISSUE 7 | The magazine for alumni and friends of Robert Gordon University
AFTER-DARK DESIGNS LIGHT UP THE WORLDAlumnus and RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jonathan Speirs, reveals his famous skylines around the globe
HOW TO LOOK GOOD NAKEDExposed and flying solo, Gray’s fashion student Fiona McLeod goes on placement with Gok Wan
RUNNING AND HYDRATINGPhysiotherapy graduate Dr Stephen McNally travels the Silk Road to raise awareness of water shortages in the region
NEW CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS | EMAIL FOR LIFE | WIN A SHIRT FOR EVERY WORKING DAY OF THE WEEK
2 | Connect | 2011
WELCOME
COVER STORIES
8 After-dark designs light up the world
22 How to look good naked
34 Running and hydrating
16 New campus developments
15 Email for Life
30 Competitions
REGULAR FEATURES
2 University news in brief
6 Research in brief
12 Alumni ambassador service
22 Alumni Giving
14 New courses
31 Exclusive alumni benefits and discounts
33 Careers interviews and tips
36 A fond farewell
37 Last but not least Alumni news and updates
ALUMNI FEATURES
18 Alumni Abroad
20 Sharon Bamford – Alumna Prifile
24 Honorary Degrees
26 Meet Glenn Buchan
STAFF FEATURES
27 Supporting war veterans
28 Sustainable Style
FSC logo
CONTACTSAlumni & Development OfficeRobert Gordon UniversitySchoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FRt: +44 (0)1224 262285e: [email protected]/alumni
Editorial Team:Sophie Anderson, Cara Baird, Jonathan Shackleton and Claire ShawContributors:Gail Caie, Sarah Grieve, Louise Morris, Pauline Smith and Andrew Youngson.
Designed by:The Gatehouse Design & Print Consultancy, Robert Gordon University
Please note that views expressed are not necessarily those of the University or the Editorial Team. All rights reserved. Nothing may be produced from CONNECT without written permission from the Editorial Team.
Cover Photo:The Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai, courtesy of Speirs + Major.The feature on Jonathan Speirs can be found on page 8
CONTENTS
2011 | Connect | 1
‘It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to CONNECT 2011, the magazine for our international community of approximately 70,000 alumni, featuring a wide range of articles about the university, our staff and our alumni.
In my new role as Principal of RGU, I am committed to ensuring that all of our graduates feel part of a close-knit community they can call upon and be proud of, consisting of true friends, supporters and guides. This is a relationship that should
truly last a lifetime.’Professor Ferdinand von ProndzynskiPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor
2 | Connect | 2011
NEWS IN BRIEF
HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION VISITS UNIVERSITY
In January the University was delighted to welcome internationally renowned human rights champion, Baroness Caroline Cox of Queensbury, onto campus to deliver a public guest lecture.
Her thought provoking and well attended lecture entitled ‘A light in the darkness: the privilege of making a difference’, focused on Baroness Cox’s international humanitarian work which has taken her to numerous conflict zones.
Baroness Cox initially trained as a nurse before undertaking degrees in the social sciences. Her illustrious academic career has seen her hold a variety of esteemed positions including Director of the Nursing Education Research Unit at the University of London, Founder Chancellor of Bournemouth University and, currently, Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University and Vice-President of the Royal College of
International drilling and engineering giant, KCA DEUTAG, has established a strategic alliance with Robert Gordon University to provide drilling and rig training from the University’s new Energy Centre that will form part of the Garthdee Campus Development, expected to open in 2013.
To achieve this, the company will relocate its state-of-the art DART simulator (Drilling and Advanced Rig Training) facility from the company’s offices to a bespoke complex within the new Energy Centre.
KCA DEUTAG’s DART facility provides a full-scale reproduction of an offshore platform or land rig, complete with touch screen consoles for both the driller and assistant driller. 3D graphics of the rig’s drill floor and automated or remotely-controlled equipment are projected
London. In 1982 she was created a Life Peer, and was a deputy speaker of the House of Lords from 1985-2005.
Baroness Cox is also the Founder and CEO of the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) – an organisation that endeavours to be a ‘voice for the
voiceless’; providing aid and advocacy for those who are, or who have been, suffering oppression and persecution, and who are largely neglected by the international media. To find out more about the HART organisation, visit www.hart-uk.org
onto a 60ft long cinema screen at the front of the drilling control room cabin. As the driller operates the rig floor equipment, the simulation depicts realistic and dynamic graphics and sounds to simulate what the driller would see and hear on the rig.
Under the terms of the alliance the University will use the facility to support the delivery of its postgraduate courses, providing an exceptional student experience, whilst KCA DEUTAG will continue to provide training courses to employees, external clients and the wider drilling community. The alliance also provides an excellent opportunity to design tailored courses that meets oilfield drilling industry requirements with a focus on producing graduates with exceptional training experience.
KCA DEUTAG FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO DEVELOP STATE-OF-THE-DART FACILITY
2011 | Connect | 3
ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
In May 2008 Gray’s School of Art student Helane Davidson was on her way to a ceramic show when she was involved in a near-fatal road accident just outside of Aberdeen, resulting in her breaking the top bone of her neck.
The physical and emotional journey she has undertaken since the accident has been an incredibly challenging one; and as part of her final-year project, the talented artist has been tracing her journey to recovery by creating a series of objects in glass, porcelain and metal in the shape of her neck brace.
Helane explains: “I had never really dealt emotionally with my accident. Despite receiving treatment to heal the physical wounds, I had not come to terms with the mental scars. During the initial stages of my project, the memories just came flooding back and I found an outlet to express my feelings - creating my own version of art therapy.”
Helane’s series of three neck brace pieces are cast in glass, smoke-fired
ROV CHALLENGE GROWS IN STRENGTH
School pupils from across the country took part in the Scottish regional final of an annual international ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) design challenge in April this year, held at the RGU: SPORT swimming pool and supported by Subsea 7 and OPITO.
The regional competition is the only one of its type in Europe and is co-ordinated each year by the University in conjunction with the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Centre in California, USA. The MATE Centre also co-ordinates the international competition, which sees a network of 20 regional ROV contests taking place across the US, Canada, Japan and Hong Kong.
The 2011 challenge was themed around the technology and methods
also text highlighting her feelings including denial, anger and acceptance.
Helane continues: “I hated wearing my neck brace and felt so limited and confined by it, paranoid that people were staring at me. Now, through creating pieces cast from it and addressing my own issues relating to the accident, I feel that I have been freed from some of the emotional constraints and can try to move on with my life.”
that were utilised to seal the oil leak on the Deepwater Horizon platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The student teams had to pilot their ROVs and use the specialist tools they had designed and developed to carry out a series of tasks, including repairing and caping an oil well and then collecting biological samples,
including models of crabs, sea cucumbers and sponges.
On the day it was Menzieshill High School (Dundee) who stormed to first place, securing their place alongside the university team and travelling to the NASA Johnson Space Centre in Houston to battle it out for the world title in June. Menzieshill also performed exceptionally well in Houston, receiving The Design Elegance Award for the vehicle that incorporates aesthetics, simplicity and functionality into its design and being placed a respectable 18th out of 28 in the final Ranger class. The RGU team were placed an equally respectable 13th out of 26 in the Explorer class.
The ROV project is part of a wider programme of joint working between the University and industry. Such joint initiatives represent flourishing working relationships which continue to bring significant opportunities to the North-east of Scotland.
porcelain and aluminium to represent the stages of both her emotional and physical recovery - from fragile glass complete with cracks, to semi-sturdy ceramics and stronger metal materials, she has aimed to reflect the healing process of her bones. The neck brace pieces are also intertwined with fabric or ‘bandages’, printed with images of newspaper coverage of the accident, the car wreckage, as well as of bones, and
4 | Connect | 2011
NEWS IN BRIEF
Two big experts have joined forces and created a new initiative at the University that offers all students real-life experience and tuition in entrepreneurial skills.
Scottish businessman, entrepreneur and avid innovator, Charles Skene OBE, an Honorary Professor of Aberdeen Business School and long-term champion of Enterprise Education for primary, secondary and higher education students in Scotland who began and funded the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship in 2002, has generously provided the funding for the initiative to bring these sought-after skills, previously reserved for business students, to every scholar at the University.
Professor Skene said: “We desperately need to enhance the enterprise and competitive skills of our young people so that the UK will be able to compete with the emerging economic giants of India and China.”
Taking the helm of the initiative is RGU Alumnus and ex-Research and Development Director for Pepsi Europe and
VICE-PRESIDENT APPOINTMENT FOR UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC
Professor Peter Reid, Head of the University’s Department of Information Management, has been appointed as the new Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland – Scotland’s leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers – and will go on to serve as President of the organisation in 2012.
Professor Reid, who joined the University as a lecturer in 1998, has led the University’s Information Management Department since July 2009, and is a highly respected academic in the field with a detailed knowledge of information and library science. He has also been instrumental in the development of the University’s Doctorate of Information Science, the UK’s only professional doctorate in library and information management.
Commenting on his appointment, Peter said: “I’m honoured to be chosen as Vice-President of the Institute in Scotland and am looking forward to serving as President in 2012. I am passionate about libraries and their capacity to change individuals and communities for the better, and hope to emphasise the importance of developing creativity and innovation within the discipline.”
Four talented final-year Fashion Design students were shortlisted for the Scottish Graduate of the Year Award at the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards 2011.
Carolyn Edmondson, Christina McIntosh, Sarah Struthers and Sian Parker comprised half of all nominees in the category with very different collections, from the highly decorative with intricate beading and embroidery to ‘Valentino inspired’ geometric white garments.
Carolyn was the highest placed RGU nominee, being awarded 2nd place with her collection titled “From Nowhere to Every
Hear”, inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s bestselling novel, ‘100 Years of Solitude’.
She explains: “My collection uses non-traditional clothing materials such as plaster and faux bone and features a jersey coat with a fur collar, a nude dress with heavy glitter detailing and royal-blue full-length dress with a hand-knitted pinafore insert and sequins.
“Through my designs, I aim to bring more fine-art based fashion to a wider, more commercial audience and to hopefully inspire people to be more creative and have fun with their clothing on a daily basis.”
SCOTTISH FASHION AWARD SUCCESS FOR FASHION DESIGN STUDENTS
AWARD-WINNING INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS
Procter & Gamble, Dr John Park, who has led a trail of enterprise contributions in his previous roles and brings an in-depth knowledge of the enterprise skills critical in a highly competitive work environment.
As well as a new series of lectures, workshops and master-classes, the programme is supported by key activities including creating a unique business incubator to help students transform embryonic ideas into fully fledged business opportunities. Students are also able to develop and run their own businesses for a year as a fully-credited industrial placement.
Dr Park explains: “The type of classroom and real-life experiences this initiative involves are highly practical and seek to give students transferable skills. Part of the programme also brings successful University alumni back into the classroom to offer their expertise.”
2011 | Connect | 5
MILEY’S COUNTDOWN TO THE OLYMPICS GETS OFF TO A FLYING START
RGU: Sport scholar, Hannah Miley’s, quest for a place on the podium at London 2012 is well on track following an outstanding performance that saw her storm to silver position at the World Aquatic Championships in Shanghai in July 2011.
The Sports and Exercise Science student swam against long-time rival, Australia’s Stephanie Rice, in the 400 individual medley, finishing ahead by a nail biting 100th of a second with a time of 4.32.22.
Despite a more measured butterfly stroke start, Hannah powered through the latter half of the race, making particular headway in the breast-stroke – her
SPORT IN BRIEF
For the past five years, RGU: SPORT has worked in collaboration with Aberdeen Football Club (AFC), applying specialist sports science expertise to help footballers improve their performance on the pitch.
Sports Programme Manager, Neil Brown, and Team Leader, Emma Fisher, travelled to Loughborough University with the squad, where they assisted their development on a daily basis.
EQUESTRIAN STAR AND SPORTS SCHOLAR GRADUATES
Equestrian rider, Eilidh Middleton, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Management in July 2011 following what has been an amazing four years that has seen her represent the University and Great Britain across Europe and winning a host of individual and team titles.
Since being at RGU Eilidh’s successes have included winning the Championship Individual Show Jumping Award at the British Universities and Colleges Equestrian Championship and Trophy
National Finals in 2009, being selected for Team GB to compete in the Student Riders Nations Cup (SRNC) World Cup Finals in Ireland in 2010, and beating off tough competition to win the Individual Combined event at the SRNC Championships in 2011, following excellent performances in both dressage and show-jumping.
Eilidh has benefited from the RGU: SPORT Scholarship Programme during her studies, which has provided the equestrian star with a range of tailor-made programmes designed to suit her individual needs, including strength and conditioning sessions, financial assistance and lifestyle management.
Commenting on the future, Eilidh says: “For now, I’m going to concentrate on my sporting career but would eventually like to start my own horse eventing yard, riding and competing horses for different owners.”
We wish her continued success as an RGU alumna!
strongest stroke. She finished behind champion Elizabeth Beisel who took gold over two seconds quicker at 4:31.78.
Looking ahead to the vital 12 month campaign ahead of her, in an interview with the Scotsman, Hannah said: “This is the closest thing to the Olympics, so to get on that podium is unbelievable and a reward for all the hard work and training.”
One of the region’s brightest hopes for London 2012 Hannah, who hails from
Inverurie, is sponsored by Aberdeen City and Shire through the RGU: SPORT Scholar programme where she benefits from a package of tailor-made programmes devised to support her needs, sports discipline and academic course requirements. Hannah trains at the 25 metre swimming pool at RGU: SPORT, which enables her to successfully combine her training schedule with her lectures at Garthdee.
Hannah is also a true ambassador for swimming and, despite her intense training schedule, makes time for running swimming clinics for children at RGU, inspiring future generations of potential Olympians.
We all wish Hannah every success at the Olympics and look forward to reporting on her experience and achievements in CONNECT 2012.
THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE – DONS’ FITNESS UNDER THE MICROSCOPENeil, a devoted Dons supporter since childhood, explains why he believes sports science and bespoke training programmes can help players achieve optimum levels of strength, fitness and agility:
“Every day players undertake fitness tests, which allow us to assess their speed, strength and flexibility. We then analyse the data and apply sports science knowledge to tailor a unique training programme for each player, which will
target any weaknesses that have been identified.”
RGU: SPORT initially supported the development of the AFC Youth Academy, through the delivery of strength and power-based exercises, with the application of sports science. This collaboration saw many of the youth players’ progress to the SPL and as a result, the programme is now being applied to senior team training.
6 | Connect | 2011
RESEARCH IN BRIEF
ACADEMICS PRESENT RESEARCH BY ROYAL COMMAND
Two academics from the Institute of Health and Welfare Research were given the opportunity to showcase their research to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal when she visited Aberdeen to open the Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare at Foresterhill.
Dr Marie Goua and Dr Giovanna Bermano, who are based within the University’s Centre for Obesity Research & Epidemiology (CORE), presented one of only six posters on the day which related to their research into the links between diet and prostate cancer.
ACTR REPRESENTS THE UNIVERSITY BRITISH COUNCIL EVENT IN PAKISTAN
Professor David Alexander, Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR), represented the University at a three-day event organised by the British Council, held in Islamabad, Pakistan. All the invited delegates were senior personnel from academic and commercial institutions from 16 countries; only four were from the UK.
The aim was to identify how to improve reciprocal knowledge transfer between Pakistan and the international academic and commercial world. The University
NEW RESEARCH OFFERS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS TO DEEP WATER EXTRACTION ISSUES
A PhD research student within the School of Computing has published research exploring new software systems which could help provide solutions for the oil and gas industry.
Nuka Nwiabu (42), who is in the third-year of his PhD in Software Engineering, recently compiled a paper exploring the problem of hydrate formation in
This cell-based project is funded by medical research charity, Tenovus Scotland, of which The Princess is the Patron. Dr Goua said, “It was an honour to be chosen by Tenovus to meet Princess Anne and present our research to her. She showed a great interest in the research, especially the nutrition aspect of it, in relation to prevention as well as treatment of cancers in general.”
To find out more about CORE and their research activities, please visit our website at www.rgu.ac.uk/research/research-institutes
has a longstanding association with Pakistan, and, in particular, with its senior university – the National University of Science and Technology. Professor Alexander was able to identify, with wide spread support among the delegates, several attractive opportunities to be funded by the British Council, to augment the link between the University and Pakistan.
The ACTR has now established the Police (Special Operations) Research Group. This unique research group will be steered by two senior police officers, Chief Inspector Andrew Brown and Inspector Craig Menzies, both of whom are now based at the Scottish Police College, and Professor Alexander and Dr Susan Klein, Principal Member of the Institute for Health and Welfare Research. The main focus of their research is the police response to hostage negotiation and the management of other crises, including incidents of terrorism.
To find out more about ACTR and their research activities, please visit our website at www.rgu.ac.uk/research/research-institutes
deep water operations and addressed the use of new computing technology to predict such formations.
Hydrate, an ice-like compound, is formed in subsea reservoirs and pipelines due to the high pressure and low temperatures. When hydrate forms, it blocks the flow of oil, often leading to the loss of vital resources. The emphasis of Nuka’s research is to anticipate the formation of the compound in advance so that operators can apply a solution before it becomes a more costly issue.
Nuka was recently recognised for his work at ‘CogSIMA 2011’ in Miami, held by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), where he won the ‘Best Paper’ accolade.
2011 | Connect | 7
UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE AND SOCIETY
National columnist, former BBC Newsnight economics correspondent and Executive Vice-Chair of The Work Foundation, Will Hutton, formally launched the university’s Institute for Management, Governance and Society (IMaGeS) with a private lecture held at Aberdeen Business School (ABS) in May.
IMaGeS is a multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to addressing the challenges facing enterprise, business development, management and governance within societies across the globe.The institute comprises 44 members of academic staff from across the university’s three faculties plus 110 doctoral students within the IMaGeS graduate school. Research conducted within the institute falls into three primary
RGU SCIENTIST RECOGNISED FOR PIONEERING WOUND RESEARCH
RGU researcher, Olga Labovitiadi, has been commended by a prestigious European organisation for her innovative work on the use of antimicrobial wafers to control infection in wounds.
Olga delivered her presentation at the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) annual meeting, in Geneva, Switzerland, and was presented with the award for a ‘First-time Presenter at an International Conference’.
Olga, who hails from Greece originally, is currently in the final year of a PhD at
the University’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences. Her PhD project, entitled ‘Formulation and evaluation of antimicrobial wafers as a novel technology for infection control in chronic wounds’, is being carried out under the supervision of Dr Kerr H Matthews and Dr Andrew J Lamb.
Olga’s work concerns the formulation of antimicrobial wafers - freeze-dried dressings made from natural materials which look like sponge and can contain substances such as antiseptics or antibiotics.
The wafers work by absorbing all the fluid produced by the wound, while at the same time releasing the antiseptic or antibiotic to kill the bacteria in the infected wound bed.
At the EWMA, Olga presented data generated over the last three years, discussing how she produced the freeze-dried wafers. During the period she also tested the efficacy of these wafers in the laboratory using a specially designed experiment, which demonstrated the efficiency of these wafers in killing MRSA.
The conditions under which the experiments were carried out mimicked the constituents who experience slow healing wounds.
“The focus of my research is in developing innovative technologies
for topical drug delivery through the skin”, explains Olga. “My research combines formulation science and microbiology, focusing on sustained antibiotic/antiseptic release for topical delivery and infection control of chronic wounds.”
“I’m really pleased to have received this award from EWMA. I find wound management to be hugely engaging as it has immediate relevance to improving health care and its application.”
This is the second award Olga has been presented with for her research work on infected, non-healing wounds. She was awarded first prize for a poster presentation at the British Pharmaceutical Conference 2008 (Manchester).
Following from this she was invited to give three podium presentations about this project in 2009, first at the Society of General Microbiology (Harrogate), second at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (Manchester) and thirdly at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (London).
On completion of her PhD, Olga plans to continue her research career in the area of wound healing, either in an industrial or academic environment.
themes: business and enterprise; governance and society; and information and communication.
Current research includes work in areas such as energy policy, entrepreneurship and small businesses, green transport strategies, and political parties’ use of web and social networking to communicate with the public.
To find out more about IMaGeS and their research activities, please visit our website at www.rgu.ac.uk/research/research-institutes
8 | Connect | 2011
AFTER-DARK DESIGNS LIGHT UP THE WORLD
RGU ALUMNUS
Scott Sutherland School graduate Jonathan Speirs has achieved more than the vast majority of architects could ever dream of. He has worked on lighting design projects throughout the world, illuminating some of the world’s most prominent buildings, and has won all of the supreme accolades in his field, some of them on several occasions.
2011 | Connect | 9
AFTER-DARK DESIGNS LIGHT UP THE WORLD
“I have had the privilege of
working on a couple of thousand
projects in 50 countries around
the world in the last 30 years!
Each project has its appeal in
terms of results whether it is a
small detail or a very big city
wide strategy.”
10 | Connect | 2011
Here Jonathan shares his love for architecture, the
great architects that have been his inspiration and his
favourite projects that have brought him
the most satisfaction:
Why did you decide
to study at the Scott
Sutherland School of
Architecture?
When I applied to
Scott Sutherland I
was fascinated by
the crispness of
the architecture in
Aberdeen thanks to
the predominance
of granite, although
being brutally honest
I must say that Scott
Sutherland was the
only architecture
school in Scotland that
offered me a place!
What memories do you
have from your time at
RGU?
I had a wonderful four
years studying at RGU,
working hard and
playing hard. I made a
considerable number
of lifelong friends both
within the academic area
as well as outside. As my
interest in lighting had
begun before I arrived
in Aberdeen I ended up
working with several
of the local rock bands
doing the lighting and
mixing sound as well
as day/night jobs for
larger touring bands that
visited the city.
What or who inspired
your interest in
architectural lighting?
It had to come from a
love of theatre and the
powerful immersive
experience that great
theatre can achieve with
the audience as well as
the energy and visual
dynamic of rock concerts.
I wrote my degree thesis
on architects using stage
lighting techniques and
technology to create
atmosphere within
buildings. One of my
tutors at Scott Sutherland,
Eric Woodcock, was
very supportive of me
breaking away from the
lux/lumens “calculated”
approach that was taught
at the time.
What were the significant events
that led you to co-founding
one of the top lighting design
consultancies in the world?
Being in the right place at the right
time! After my degree I moved
to Edinburgh to do my “year out”
with an architectural practice and I
met a stage lighting designer who
was trying to get clients to see
architectural lighting design as an
art rather than purely a science. I
worked part-time for him during
the evenings and weekends which
led to him offering me a job,
meaning an extra year out prior to
completing my studies to become
an architect. Upon completing
this extra year I transferred to
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
College of Art to complete my
Diploma, working weekends
and evenings on lighting design
projects. Immediately following
my Diploma year we formed
Lighting Design Partnership which
was the first independent fee
paid architectural lighting design
practice in the UK and probably
Europe. I left LDP in 1992 (sadly
LDP demised several years later)
and formed Jonathan Speirs and
Associates to really focus on
creative and innovative solutions
and a few years later JSA morphed
into Speirs and Major, with studios
in Edinburgh and London.
RGU ALUMNUS
2011 | Connect | 11
What ambitions to you
still have to achieve?
In terms of my
professional career I
have been lucky enough
to have worked on an
incredibly wide range
of projects with some
of the most famous
and not so famous
international architects
and as such feel very
fulfilled, however there
is always the next great
project . . .
I have been trying to
visit the artist James
Turrell’s Roden Crater
in Arizona for some
time but as it still is not
open to the public this
has not been possible.
However, I have just
been invited by James
Turrell to visit so I
am certainly looking
forward to that.
What project has given you the greatest satisfaction and why?
A horribly difficult question to answer bearing in mind I have had the privilege of working on a couple of thousand projects in 50 countries around the world in the last 30 years! Each project has its appeal in terms of results whether it is a small detail or a very big city wide strategy. I suppose a short project list might contain the Eden Project, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Millennium Dome, the exterior of the Burj Al Arab and celebration lighting for the Burj Khalifa both in Dubai, the Armani flagship projects in Tokyo and New York, Madrid’s Barajas International airport, the “Gherkin” in London, Copenhagen Opera House, Waterloo International Terminal, Gardens By The Bay Biomes, Singapore, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham and the interior of St Paul’s Cathedral, London.
In terms of non-project satisfaction, receiving the RIAS Lifetime Achievement Award last year was a great honour as too was receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University earlier this year. As a practice we were honoured to receive the International Association of Lighting Designers Radiance Award, their highest accolade, for three consecutive years. No-one has ever won it more than once!
What advice would
you give to our
architecture graduates
who are entering the
job market today?
Always keep your
eyes and ears open,
travel, gain as much
experience as possible
and always be open
to new thinking and
ideas – be a sponge
to soak up design in
the biggest sense, it
doesn’t just have to be
about architecture. I
love design, so should
they.
What do you think is
the ‘secret’ to success
and what do you enjoy
doing when you are not
working?
Love your “job” – that
way the long and late
hours in the studio and
being away from home
becomes your hobby
as opposed to being a
drudge.
I enjoy spending time
with my family on
vacation, going to
the theatre and rock
concerts as well as
visiting galleries and
museums.
12 | Connect | 2011
ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) ALUMNI AMBASSADOR SERVICEThe Alumni Office is pleased to announce
the launch of an exciting new service that
will provide prospective ODL students
with impartial advice on studying at Robert
Gordon University by distance learning.
If you are considering studying by distance learning but are not quite sure if it is for you, then you can find out more about:
• managing the work/life/study balance;
• course content and delivery method;
• the resources and support available to distance learners; and career advancement.
ERLA BEST, Barbadian PG Cert Management Studies (2010) Project Officer,Higher Education Unit - Ministry of Education, Barbados Location during studies: Barbados
Studying by distance learning with Robert Gordon
University made me feel as though I was right there in
Aberdeen. The course was very rewarding and assistance
from my tutors was always available. There were great
resources including the library facilities for distance
learners.
I am looking forward to offering support and
encouragement to those embarking on distance learning
study. Obtaining a degree by this method shows
tremendous dedication and commitment.
RGU ALUMNUS
We need your HELP!If you have completed a degree by distance learning and would like to become an ambassador representing your course of study, please contact the Alumni Office for further details via email at [email protected] or by phone on +44 (0) 1224 262285.
Recognising the level of commitment involved in embarking on a distance learning course, the scheme is designed to give you reassurance and piece of mind that you have made the right decision. Promoting helpful and handy dialogue between prospective ODL students and Robert Gordon University’s ODL graduates, all correspondence will take place via email.
To make use of the service today or find out more, please contact the Alumni Office with your name, email address and the name of the course you are considering studying. Please remember to state ‘ODL Ambassador Scheme’ in any correspondence that you send.
BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI AMBASSADOR Established in 2009 the International
Alumni Ambassador Service has gone
from strength to strength, supporting
international prospective students in
making an informed decision about
studying at Robert Gordon University
(RGU). As a result of the high demand for
ambassadors, we need your help to make
the service available to as many applicants
from your home country as possible.
The service provides international
applicants with the opportunity to link
up with an international graduate that
has already been through the RGU
‘I was privileged to have an alumni ambassador assigned to me before I commenced my studies. The service is an effective and valuable way of assisting new students who are always overwhelmed with the myriad of activities and tasks to be accomplished on gaining admission.
I was impressed with this initiative. It helped me to adapt to my new environment. The advice and guidance could be likened to family assistance as it was reliable, genuine and customised to fit my particular needs.
Medinat - Indian student currently studying International Commercial Law.
The Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer our alumni a fabulous 10% loyalty discount on postgraduate course fees.
How do you claim your discount?When applying for your postgraduate course, the application form will ask if you completed your undergraduate degree at the Robert Gordon University. Once we have checked and confirmed your undergraduate degree, we will then reduce your fees by the appropriate amount.
The small print!The discount applies to both home and overseas alumni (holders of undergraduate degrees) of the Robert Gordon University who commence postgraduate study at the University from September 2010 onwards. It can only be applied to tuition fees and cannot be used to cover any other programme-related expenses (e.g. residential costs, materials or membership fees). The discount will apply to all courses (including short courses) apart from the MSc in Advanced Architectural Studies.
If you have any queries about the Alumni Loyalty Discount, please e-mail [email protected] or phone (01224) 262132.
For full details on any of our courses including fees, simply visit our website to access our online postgraduate course guide or request a copy from the Postgraduate Admissions Team.Web: www.rgu.ac.uk/downloadprospectus T: +44(0) 1224 262132E: [email protected]
MBA INFORMATION MANAGEMENTThis newly developed MBA programme enables you to gain knowledge and skills relating to the strategic importance of Information Management.For more information please contact:Dr Laura MuirCourse LeaderT: +44(0)1224 263853E: [email protected]
MSC COMMERCIAL PRACTICE FOR THE ENERGY SECTORThis course has been developed in close collaboration with industry and includes a contemporary industry perspective from sector experts from all parts of the supply chain.To find out more please contact:Mohammed Kishk Course LeaderTel: +44 (0)1224 263508Email: [email protected]
MSC ENERGY MANAGEMENTThis course has been designed to provide a comprehensive practice-based management education to those currently working in or wishing to work in an energy management context. For more information please contact:Dr Neil MacLean Course LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 263860E: [email protected]
MSC OFFSHORE RENEWABLESThis course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of the physical, technological, economic and environmental aspects of renewable energy sources.To find out more please contact:Jesse AndrawusCourse LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 262304E: [email protected]
MSC CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENERGYThis new course will enable you to apply critical thinking about corporate social responsibility to the energy sector.If you would like to find out more about this course, please contact:Professor Stephen Vertigans Course LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 263229E: [email protected]
MSC CLINICAL AND SPORTS BIOMECHANICSThe course content is designed to initially level the playing field for those coming from diverse backgrounds and different disciplines around fundamental principles. Depending on your background, you may choose an option between anatomy, physiology and mechanics. For more information on this exciting new course, please contact:Dr Ioannis Agouris Course LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 263277E: [email protected]
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHYThis new course has been developed to meet the specific needs of diagnostic radiographers entering into practice in computed tomography or those who wish to pursue career development in computed tomography. To find out more about this course, please contact:Louise Mifsud Course Leader T: +44 (0)1224 263278E: [email protected]
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE MRIThis innovative course is tailored to meet the specific needs of diagnostic radiographers entering into practice in Magnetic Resonance Imaging or those who wish to pursue career development in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Louise Mifsud Course LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 263278E: [email protected]
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY (PRE-REGISTRATION)During this accelerated programme you will learn to produce and interpret medical images using sophisticated modalities such as X-rays, CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and ultrasound.For more information please contact:Ian Henderson Course LeaderT: +44 (0)1224 263362E: [email protected]
NEW COURSES
2011 | Connect | 15
ELECTRONIC NEWS BULLETIN
E:Connect, our electronic bulletin, is delivered to alumni by email once every two months. The bulletin is jam packed with competitions, University news, alumni activities and exclusive alumni discounts.
If you do not already receive E:Connect, please email [email protected] with your name and date of birth stating ‘E:Connect’.
Interested in viewing past editions of E:Connect and Connect magazine online?To do so, please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/news.
WELCOME TO EMAIL FOR
LIFEHave you ever tried to contact a former classmate but their email address was no longer valid? With Email for Life this should no longer be a problem.
Robert Gordon University is pleased to announce the introduction of Email for Life for all our alumni. Email for life offers:
• a free University email account with 20Gb capacity
• an exclusive and prestigious email address that will never change (e.g. [email protected])
• no junk mail
• a secure connection working to strict University data protection policies
• a dedicated IT support team on hand when you need them
• and an automatic transfer from your student account to your life-long University email account.
If you would like to activate your Email for Life account or find out more, please email [email protected], call 01224 262037, or visit www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni.
Did you know that there are over 400 million active users on Facebook globally? Embracing the digital age, the Alumni Association has created a number of online social networks for our graduates to join. In addition to this, we have made all our communications including this magazine available electronically, enabling you to access them at the click of a button whilst improving our environmentally friendly credentials. Our graduates are positioned across the globe. Wherever you have set up camp, there are a number of different ways to stay connected:
ONLINE ALUMNI GROUPSTwitter – RGUAlumni
LinkedIn – Robert Gordon University Aberdeen Alumni (Main Group)
Aberdeen Business School MBA Alumni Network
Algerian Alumni Group
Middle East Alumni Network
School of Computing Alumni Network
Facebook – Robert Gordon University Alumni (Main Group)
Middle Eastern Alumni Network
Malaysian Alumni Association
Hospitality, Retail & Tourism Alumni Network
Indian Alumni Network
Nigerian Alumni Network
Campus Moodle MBA Alumni Online Community
To access any of the above groups and subgroups, simply visit
www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/groups and select Online Alumni Networks. If you
would like the Alumni Association to look into establishing another official group,
Building Work Officially Commences on University’s Masterplan
TOPPING OUT
Professor von Prondzynski cuts the first sod assisted by Brian McQuade,
Managing Director Scotland of Miller Construction
The official commencement of work on Robert Gordon University’s estates masterplan was marked by a ceremony in May 2011 which saw the Principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, cut the first sod.
Speaking about the new development, Professor
von Prondzynski said, “It is an exciting time to be part of the university and today marks an important point in our history. We’re embarking on a programme of work which, once complete, will give our students an outstanding educational environment. In addition, staff and students from different disciplines will
2011 | Connect | 17
Professor von Prondzynski cuts the first sod assisted by Brian McQuade,
Managing Director Scotland of Miller Construction
benefit from working more closely together than has previously been possible and we will be better placed to engage with our professional and industry partners.”
The new development will see all of the university’s academic activities located at the Garthdee Campus within state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities including a
new library, as well as formal and informal learning spaces for students. It will also allow staff and students from different disciplines to benefit from working more closely together on interdisciplinary themes which are so important in today’s society and economy.
The new facilities will complement the university’s
existing buildings at the east end of the campus in terms of their innovative design and style, while providing an outstanding educational environment for its students. The campus will retain its park-like ambience and provide a recreational setting for the benefit of staff, students and the local community.
Miller Construction has been appointed by the university to undertake phase 1 of the construction project with completion scheduled for May 2013.
To keep up-to-date with how the Garthdee Riverside Campus Development is progressing, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/masterplan
18 | Connect | 2011
Whether it’s moving abroad following graduation or finding a new lease of life after a career in the UK, many of our graduates have made the decision to take the plunge and move abroad.
Immersing yourself in a completely new culture can be a daunting experience, but with an array of employment opportunities for graduates, as well as an exciting change in lifestyle, many of our graduates are choosing to go down the route of re-locating abroad.
Four of our graduates share their experiences with us:
SARAH SUTHERLAND Director, Absolute Swimming Academy, Dubai
Sarah graduated in 2010 with a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science, and like many young graduates Sarah was unsure about which career path to take. In April of 2011 she decided to take a last minute holiday to Oman to visit some friends. ‘”After visiting them for a week, having glorious sunshine and then coming back to Aberdeen (on a very rainy day!), I knew it was time to get out of the UK”
Sarah started looking into setting up a swim school in Oman, but found limited options there. She contacted Mr Francis, the managing director of ‘E-sports Dubai’
to see if he could offer any advice on setting up an academy in Oman. The email led to a series of conversations, and when Sarah went back to Oman on another trip, she booked a flight to meet Mr Francis. Her meeting took place on the 17th May; she stayed in the Middle East until the 29th of May and moved to Dubai on the 5th June 2011.
‘I was originally brought over to work at a sports camp and carry out lessons for a “few” hours in the afternoon. That has changed drastically!!’ Sarah has been swept off her feet at the success of the swimming school and regularly clocks 14 hour days, but loves the variety each day brings, neither Mr Francis nor Sarah thought the school would take off the way it has.
One of the highlights of the move so far has been being awarded sponsorship by Adidas and getting to pick the kit for Absolute Swimming Academy for the next 6 months.
Sarah’s whirlwind of the last few months may have something to do with her favourite saying
“Some people dream of success but others wake up and work hard at it.”
Sarah certainly took a chance and is now living her dream in Dubai!
If you are a swimming teacher and would be interested in working over seas (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) contact Sarah [email protected]
PAT DAVIDSON Staff Nurse, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Charlies) Perth, Australia
Pat first qualified as an enrolled nurse in 1981 at Forrestehill College in Aberdeen, after which she began working at Woodend Hospital in the city. Over the next 19 years she split her time between working and travelling with her husband while he was in the airforce and brought up 2 children. In 1990 she returned to work part time and 10 years later in 2000 when her children were older she decided it was the right time to return to education. She enrolled in the Diploma of Higher Education in Adult Nursing. After qualifying in 2002, Pat went on to complete a ward based Practice Supervisor Course through Robert Gordon University.
‘This was a great way to convert to a Registered Nurse as I could continue to earn a wage, spend time with my family and still have free time for my studies.’
After one particularly long and cold winter, Pat and her husband decided to look into moving somewhere with guaranteed sunshine, ‘I didn’t want to spend my retirement years regretting the chance to travel and experience new things’. Pat quickly discovered that nurses were in demand all over the world. After 2 years of research, Pat and her husband decided on Perth, Australia. ‘I knew I would have to live in a country where English was the first language and found out that Perth in Western Australia was the sunniest, driest state and close to size in comparison with Aberdeen’.
Pat applied for sponsorship to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (known as Charlies) a large teaching public hospital in Perth and was accepted at the end of 2004.
‘I remember that first summer living in rented accommodation when it hit 40 degrees for three days in a row and we had no air conditioning and I thought I would never last the year.’ Seven years on, Pat and her husband have been joined by their son and daughter and are enjoying life in Australia. ‘With hard work and promotions, we each earn more than double the wages we earned in the UK so that helps with the costs of housing etc. I also think we are lucky as Australia has not been hit so hard as other countries during the recession. I have holidayed in Singapore, swam in the Great Barrier Reef, seen the sights at Sydney, visited the Gold Coast and experienced close encounters with the whales down south.’
ALUMNI ABROAD
2011 | Connect | 19
ALASDAIR NICHOL Director, Freeman’s Auction House, Philadelphia
Alasdair Nichol studied Fine Art at Gray’s School of Art between 1979 and1983. He subsequently attended the University of Ulster in Belfast where he graduated with an M.A. in 1984. Following this he returned to his home city of Edinburgh and began work with Phillips auctioneers, moving to the Glasgow office as Head of the Fine Art department in 1989, where he originated the first auctions of Scottish Contemporary Art.
He then joined the Modern & Impressionist department in London before transferring to the New York saleroom in 1997 where he ran the Fine Art department. In 1999 Nichol joined Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house, where he is now Vice Chairman. He was recently appointed Vice President of the Appraisers Association of America and is on the National Advisory Board of the Heard Museum, Arizona.
Since 1998, he has been a regular appraiser on the top rated PBS TV show “Antiques Roadshow” where he appraised the most valuable painting to appear on the show, an oil painting by Clyfford Still valued at $500,000.
He continues to live in New York City and commutes regularly to Philadelphia.
LOUISE SCOTT Marketing Manager at the City of Perth, Perth, Western Australia
After graduating in Hospitality Management in 1993, Louise became the restaurant manager at the now closed Jarvis Amatola Hotel in Aberdeen on Great Western Road. Not long after her appointment she was promoted to assistant conference and events manager.
Her career in hospitality went from strength to strength over the next few years, after many promotions, she was given the opportunity to work with Thistle hotels in the Sales department. With her experience in the hospitality industry and with the organisation and sales experience she gained in her new role, Louise was approached by a local event management company Big bang Creations, who asked her to develop their business. Working with Big Bang enabled Louise to move in to the public sector, where she worked with the University of Aberdeen in their hospitality services. In 2004 Louise was given the opportunity to continue
her work in the public sector with Aberdeen City Council. It was through her position in Aberdeen City Council that she met the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive of the City of Perth Council in Western Australia and was made aware of the position of Marketing Manager for the city council in Perth. After 6 years at Aberdeen City Council, Louise thought it time for a change, and after a successful Skype Interview and a long talk with her husband David, they came to the decision that it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
Louise and her husband moved to Australia in January 2011 and got stuck in to her new role
‘My role here and my previous role in Aberdeen are very similar but what has surprised me is the similarity between Perth and Aberdeen on a number of other levels, which in part is due to the strength of the energy industry in both cities and I believe, the remote location (albeit I know Perth is slightly more remote than Aberdeen!) There are plenty of Scots and Irish here too so you never really go a day without
hearing a whole range of accents from around the world which helps to make it feel like home. Of course the weather, and outdoor lifestyle are fantastic, with the winter months here being warmer than your average Scottish summer! I have taken up running too and just completed my first 12k race in August this year’
20 | Connect | 2011
Years prior to studying towards her MBA at RGU, Sharon’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when she founded and managed Gateside Schools using the Montessori educational approach.
“The reason behind the school was simple. There were no good nursery schools in the area for my 16-month-old son, so I took matters into my own hands and decided to do a course and open a Montessori school. The business was such a success, I opened a further two Montessori schools which I eventually sold under the Gateside Schools brand in 1996.”
Not one to let opportunities pass, Sharon also became a founding and board member of another venture – Rigism – a company providing drilling services to the international market. When Rigism was successfully sold in 1995, Sharon took up the position of Head of Unit at Grampian Technology Development Unit. Her varied role included responsibility for European technology transfer, financing of new product development, supporting technology based SMEs, developing training seminars and assisting companies in sourcing and raising start-up finance. It was during this time that she enrolled on her MBA at RGU. Speaking about her experience on the course, Sharon comments:
ALUMNA PROFILE
SHARON BAMFORDCHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ASSOCIATION OF MBAs (AMBA)
RGU Masters of Business Administration (MBA) alumna, Sharon Bamford, is a dynamic and inspiring serial entrepreneur whose self belief and determination to succeed has seen her achieve what many of us only dream of. Now Chief Executive of AMBA, Sharon shares her fascinating and eventful story:
“The MBA was tough, especially as I was a mum of three and working full-time, but I enjoyed every minute of it. If anyone can cope with multi-tasking, women can! The MBA doesn’t change your life, it changes the way you approach it. It allows you to become much more intuitive and embeds an entrepreneurial spirit in what you do.”
In 1997 Sharon graduated with her MBA and shortly afterwards set up the charity, Challenges Worldwide, which places young people in gap year projects and assignments throughout South East Asia, Australia and the Pacific. She then moved on to become the Managing Director of Panmure Consulting Limited, a project management and consulting company.
Combining her interests in academia and business, Sharon then decided to embark on a lectureship position at RGU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship. This position lead her to take-up tenure as Chief Executive at the Scottish Institute for Enterprise, leading a partnership of twenty Higher Education Institutes in Scotland committed to developing enterprise and entrepreneurship amongst staff and students, having previously been appointed Director of the Edinburgh Technopole, the University of Edinburgh’s flagship science park.
2011 | Connect | 21
In 2007 Sharon left Higher Education when she was offered the position of Founding Chief Executive of the UK India Business Council. Working with UK Trade & Investment, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office and HM Treasury, her brief was to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the UK and India. During this time she led a number of senior delegation visits, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Lord Mandelson, The Duke of York and senior business leaders including Richard Branson.
Sharon’s most recent appointment sees her take-up the post of Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs – a role that will enable her to utilise her wealth of expertise and experience:
“My appointment as Chief Executive of the Association will bring together my academic expertise, business acumen and first-hand experience of an MBA. We are entering a great time of opportunity in the education sector and I look forward to supporting our members.”
“In my role, I hope to act as a voice for MBA students and educators, managing quality whilst growing the sector and leading the way on accreditation.”
Despite devoting such time and effort to her impressive career, Sharon has successfully managed to maintain a sensible work/life balance, not letting her business activities interfere with her role as a mother of three sons. She also devotes time to mentoring young entrepreneurs. A role model, not only for RGU Alumni but women across the world, she believes that everyone’s success is based on individual self-belief and family and company support.
On the 13th October 2011, as part of the MBA Masterclass series, Sharon gave the lecture “UK - India Trading: Perspectives and Opportunities” to RGU Alumni.
For further information on future events please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/events
ARE YOU CONSIDERING STUDYING AN MBA? THEN CHOOSE ONE OF ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY’S MBA DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FANTASTIC 10% OFF THE COURSE FEES!
If you are considering further study then why not embark on one of Robert Gordon University’s MBA degree programmes accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
You can choose from the standard MBA, an MBA in Oil and Gas Management, or an MBA in Transport Strategy and Management, all taught to the highest international standards and with direct relevance to the real world.
If you hold an undergraduate degree from Robert Gordon University then you are entitled to 10% off an MBA or any other postgraduate course fees*. Discount applies to both home and overseas alumni who will or have commenced postgraduate study from September 2010 onwards.
*Please note that terms and conditions apply. For more information please visit our website www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/foryou or contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office at [email protected] or call +44(0)1224 262 132.
22 | Connect | 2011
In my third year of study, I decided to apply for a range of placements in London – the prospect of a placement was so exciting and really appealed to me. To my delight, I received interviews for the Alexander McQueen Fashion House and Doll a creative events agency, both based in London.
Having secured a placement with Doll I can still remember the morning I left; standing at Dundee Station waiting for the King’s Cross train I felt physically sick with nerves and excitement. This was such a great
ALUMNIGIVINGRobert Gordon University is the product of three centuries of generosity and continues to rely on the support of alumni to provide the best education for its students.
Alumni donations make a lasting impact, enhancing the student learning experience and equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in the workplace.
So far this year alumni have contributed to a variety of projects some of which include:
• Professional Placements – the opportunity for students to get hands-on experience at a variety of organisations – see feature placement article.
• Alumni Support Scholarship – assisting students in financial difficulty.
• Professional Lectures – helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
• Student Services Resources – various items providing advice and guidance to students on topical issues including health, money management and stress management.
• Equipment – photography equipment for students at Gray’s School of Art.
FOURTH YEAR FASHION DESIGN STUDENT FIONA MCLEOD RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE ALUMNI FUND TO GO ON PLACEMENT WITH CREATIVE EVENTS AGENCY AND CONSULTANCY DOLL IN LONDON. RETURNING, FIONA SHARES HER STORY OF HER TIME ON PLACEMENT AND HANGING OUT WITH A-LIST CELEBRITIES:
opportunity and it was really happening to me.
Starting my placement on Monday, 4th October, 2010, I was so eager to make a good impression that I left for work two hours 30 minutes early. Arriving an hour early, I sat in a coffee shop feeling intimidated as I gazed out the window at all the confident London workers dashing to work looking high-class and fierce; I was the opposite, a young woman from the Scottish countryside. Aberdeen seemed very tame in
ALUMNI GIVING
2011 | Connect | 23
SPECSAVERS SPECTACLE
WEARER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
STUDENT PLACEMENT
BRITAIN’S NEXT TOP
MODEL LIVE EVENT
GOK WAN
JESSIE J KELLYBROOK
MYLEENEKLASS
TIFFANY PISANI
comparison to London and my Saturday job in fashion retail had certainly not prepared me for the experiences ahead.
I can still remember the moment I stood outside the Doll offices for the first time and rang the buzzer. One step at a time, breathing deeply, heart racing, straightening my jacket, I pressed the buzzer then entered. It was as if I had walked into the most amazing living room I have ever seen. A round clear glass table was in the centre of the room with a bunch of flowers in the middle all facing
the same direction; that is how Lee Lapthorne the Creative Director likes it. There were two glasses and two sparkling waters at the side of the vase, bright luminous pink plastic chairs and in the corner French looking upholstered chairs for sale with a huge price tag.
My first task was to call London model agencies for models’ mobile numbers that were taking part in the John Lewis fashion show. Following on from that I ran errands going to the post office, buying milk and making tea; life in the fast lane isn’t always how you expect it.
On my second day I met the infamous Creative Director Lee Lapthorne. I was star struck as this is someone very successful in the industry and someone I really aspire to. Lee took time to talk to me and handed me my first exciting project sourcing garments for Britain’s Next Top Model Live Event. The event was great and I got to meet Jesse J after she performed at the event and Tiffany the winner of Britain’s Next Top Model, the best, however, was yet to come…
Assisting at the ‘Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards’ was phenomenal. Presented by Gok Wan, Myleene Klass went onto win the Specsavers Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year Award presented to her by the face of Specsavers Kelly Brook. I remember walking into a room to meet one of Doll’s stylists and there in this small room stood Gok Wan! I am a huge fan and became so nervous that my throat dried up; however, I managed to stay cool, calm and collected on the outside. Gok Wan was so bubbly and kind making plenty of time to speak with me when he wasn’t on stage.
Helping the stylist I trailed all over London at the last minute collecting items to style the models. I had strictly two hours to get everything and back to South Kensington. Running around with my mobile phone in my hand and bags all up my arms, it reminded me of a scene from the film Devil Wears Prada; I loved it. During the fashion show, I was also responsible for dressing a young Scottish model which was brilliant.
I loved my time in London. The placement provided a real insight into what the multi-billion fashion industry is really like. Working with Doll was different to what I anticipated. I learnt a lot during the six weeks becoming a more confident individual, open-minded and ready to express my ideas more freely.
Receiving funding from the Alumni Fund made my placement possible. I greatly appreciated the funding and used it to go towards accommodation and travel expenses while living in London. I will cherish this placement and value how it has transformed my future career path.”
By Fiona Louise McLeod, 4th Year Design Student
at Gray’s School of Art
Robert Gordon University is committed to sourcing placements for students across the University. If you would like to help other students like Fiona go on placement, please donate today. There are many easy ways to make a donation, donate online at www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/giving, submit the attached donation form on the reverse of this article, or contact the Alumni Office direct on 01224 262285 or via email at [email protected].
24 | Connect | 2011
Kevin Warwick is Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading, where he carries out research in artificial intelligence, control, robotics and biomedical engineering. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng.) and is a Fellow of The Institution of Engineering & Technology (FIET). He is also the youngest person ever to become a Fellow of the City & Guilds of London Institute (FCGI).
Kevin was born in Coventry, UK and left school to join British Telecom, at the age of 16. At 22 he took his first degree at Aston University, followed by a PhD and a research post at Imperial College, London. He subsequently held positions at Oxford, Newcastle and Warwick universities before being offered the Chair at Reading, at the age of 33.
His ground breaking Cyborg Project caught the world’s attention in 2002. Through the neuro-surgical implantation of a device into his arm, he became the world’s first Cyborg, a being with both biological and artificial parts. Using this neural interface Kevin was able to operate an intelligent artificial hand. Connected to the Internet he was able to control the hand when located in a different continent and obtain feedback from sensors in the finger tips. With a similar implant in his wife’s arm, this novel communication offered Cyborg telepathy via the Internet.
Professor Kevin Warwick, the man who became the
world’s first cyborg, was awarded the honorary
degree of Doctor of Technology at Robert
Gordon University’s summer graduation ceremony.
World’s First Cyborg Honoured
by Robert Gordon University
His often controversial research has had a profound impact in both robotics and biomedical engineering. Cyborg capabilities now offer new opportunities to people with disabilities such as neural control of wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs. In pioneering work with neurosurgeons, dramatic effects have been achieved by using intelligent computer methods to predict the onset of Parkinson’s tremors and so activate a brain implant that stops the tremors. This work was hailed in the Mail on Sunday as “the most significant recent advance in biomedical engineering”. Among his many awards, MIT’s Future of Health Technology Award is one that recognises his contribution to biomedicine.
He presently leads an ongoing Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) sponsored project in which a cultured neural network (using biological neurons) is trained to control a mobile robot platform. This work, which was reported on in a New Scientist feature article, is being used as an exercise for high school science studies in the UK. A Youtube video of this research has now been downloaded/viewed over 1.5 million times.
Kevin has produced well over 500 publications on his research including more than 130 refereed journal articles and 25 books. His research has featured in many TV and film documentaries,
HONORARY DEGREES
2011 | Connect | 25
Celebrating their professional achievements and contributions to their sector and society
along with Kevin Warwick, honorary degrees were also presented to:
Lord George Islay McNeill Robertsonhonorary degree of Doctor of Laws
Sir Bill Gammellhonorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration
John Hallidayhonorary degree of Doctor of Design
Hamish Doddshonorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration
Michael Clarkhonorary degree of Doctor of Arts
Rear Admiral Nick Harrishonorary degree of Doctor of Law
Katherine Graingerhonorary degree of Doctor of Law
Gordon Benton honorary degree of Doctor of Technology
Donald Trumphonorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration
To find out more on all of this year’s
honorary graduates, please visit:
www.rgu.ac.uk/news-and-events/honorary-graduates-
including Inventions that Changed the World (BBC2), Late Night with Conan O’Brien (NBC), Future Scope (RAI 1) and The Making of I Robot (Twentieth Century Fox/Channel 5). He has appeared numerous times on Tomorrow’s World, Time magazine, Newsweek and was selected by Channel 4 as one of the Top 6 UK Scientists for their 2001 series “Living Science”. In 2002 he was chosen by the IEE as one of the top 10 UK Electrical Engineers and appeared as one of 30 ‘great minds on the future’ in the THES/Oxford University book – Predictions – with J.K.Galbraith, Umberto Eco and James Watson. Kevin was also an inspirational speaker at the launch of the multi-disciplinary IDEAS Research Institute at Robert Gordon University in May 2010.
The innovation and impact of his research, together with his significant contribution to the public understanding of science, make Kevin Warwick a passionate and highly inspirational promoter of leading-edge technologies.
For more information about Kevin Warwick and the ground-breaking research he is pioneering, visit www.kevinwarwick.com
26 | Connect | 2011
Meet Glenn Buchan the 22-year-old business award winner, proprietor and dealer of a limited company, and the man behind an exclusive new business venture that will be the first of its kind in Europe.Class of 2011 graduate Glenn Buchan established his first company Adspad Limited at the youthful age of 19, while studying Business Management at Robert Gordon University (RGU) securing a first class degree. A simple idea that came to him while eating lunch at university, Adspad allows companies to advertise to students via A3 paper placemats inserted on canteen food trays. The company became a great success and Glenn recently celebrated its sale.
Reminiscing, Glenn explained, “I established Adspad with my business partner Kilian Palop during my second year of study at Aberdeen Business School. The University provided great support transforming our business plan and helping us establish Adspad as a limited company. RGU has always been interested in entrepreneurship and really helped us get there.
“Following the launch of Adspad, we won many awards including the Shell LiveWire Grand Idea Award and the Services Category of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise New Venture Award. The funding really helped and led to us securing prestigious clients including Aberdeen City Council, Cineworld Cinemas, Scottish Opera, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Union Square.”
Glenn believes Adspad has given him the confidence he needs in establishing a company, believing in it and taking it all the way. “It is not about being your own boss but about the beauty of creating value out of nothing and turning an idea into reality. The recent sale of Adspad and graduating from university symbolised the end of an era and now I can focus on my next venture, GreenFrog Cars Limited,” says Glenn.
GreenFrog Cars Limited is close to unveiling and Glenn is keeping the details tightly under wraps. “What I can tell you is that it is an environmentally friendly company and we aim to launch it very soon. I have established the company with two others including fellow RGU graduate Matt Fraser and friend Ed Speakman. Funding has been challenging given the current economic climate resulting in limited availability of funding grants. We are currently in talks with private investors and would be keen to hear from anyone else that is interested in an innovative company that will be the first of its kind in Europe.”
Looking to the future Glenn has no immediate plans to leave Aberdeen. Speaking passionately he said, “I think Aberdeen is a wonderful city and a great place to start a new business. Scotland has lots of outstanding home-grown entrepreneurs and I personally have been inspired by Fraser Docherty the Edinburgh based entrepreneur behind Superjam - a range of fruit spreads using fruit juice as opposed to sugar as sweeteners, and Tom Hunter - Scottish tycoon, entrepreneur and philanthropist following the success and sale of his company Sports Division. I am really excited about the future and happy to be exploring my passion for business in prosperous Scotland.”
If you are interested in finding out more about GreenFrog Cars Limited, please contact Glenn Buchan by email at [email protected] or call 07843 957 046.
GRADUATE SUCCESS
2011 | Connect | 27
Occupational therapy staff and students, at RGU, have formed a partnership with HorseBack UK to support and enhance the recovery of war veterans, many of whom have experienced physical injuries and mental health problems as a result of military service.
Stephanie Morrison, an occupational therapy lecturer at RGU, set the partnership in motion after she received
a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2009 allowing her to visit veterans’ organisations in the USA and Canada.
The focus of Stephanie’s Fellowship was to investigate programmes designed to enable war veterans to reintegrate back into civilian life after military service. Stephanie visited a number of organisations on her study tour including the National Treatment Centre for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at White River Junction in Vermont, USA and Veterans Affairs Canada in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia.
When Stephanie returned from her inspirational trip, she began establishing links with Scottish war veterans’ organisations which included the charity, HorseBack UK. Based on two farms covering 70 acres near Aboyne in Royal Deeside, Jock and Emma Hutchison have created a safe haven that combines Western horsemanship skills and rural adventure training. Delivering a person
centred approach they aim to integrate veterans and injured military personnel into the local rural community, providing them with opportunities and challenges to build their life skills and confidence to pursue a meaningful and rewarding future in civilian life.
For war veterans struggling with mental health issues as a result of operational stress injuries, the horses are also used therapeutically to promote mental
wellbeing for recovery. Developing a relationship with a horse can offer challenges and opportunities to overcome anxiety; establish trust, respect and compassion; develop communication skills, problem solving and coping strategies to rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem.
HorseBack UK welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with occupational therapy staff and students at RGU, understanding how crucial the expertise of occupational therapists are in enabling veterans to adapt from military to civilian life.
Commenting on the partnership, Jock and Emma said, “Working with Stephanie and the occupational therapy students has enabled HorseBack UK to establish referral criteria for veterans and an evidenced based approach to programme delivery and outcomes of change. The ongoing development of this evidenced based approach to the programme is
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP ENABLES THE RECOVERY OF INJURED WAR VETERANS
absolutely essential if the charity is to move forward and access funding to allow for future development.”
Stephanie is equally delighted that both she and her students are being given such a rewarding opportunity and commented, “The partnership with HorseBack UK provides an important opportunity for occupational therapy students to learn from the experiences of the war veterans and injured military personnel. The students gain a unique learning experience out with a clinical or hospital setting. As health is created in the communities and settings where individuals work and live their daily lives, it is in these settings that occupational therapy can have the most value.”
Since the First World War, occupational therapy as a profession has had a long history of working with military personnel and war veterans. In the wake of current wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, the knowledge and skills of occupational therapists will be crucial in enabling veterans that have experienced operational stress injuries to adapt from military to civilian life and face the challenges associated with this.
Stephanie explained, “What the students can learn in working with veterans, injured military personnel and the horses in this setting cannot be taught or experienced in the classroom. Transferring their knowledge and skills to the natural environment, will enhance the student’s understanding of many aspects of occupational therapy and the ways they can work in their chosen profession.”
28 | Connect | 2011
At a time when a general feeling of negativity prevails, it is both refreshing and pleasing to learn of men like Gokay Deveci.
Born in Turkey, Deveci was strongly influenced by his teacher father’s socialist views, and consequently feels a great responsibility towards mankind. This is evident in his approach to architecture. He is concerned with the creation of affordable, energy efficient and beautifully designed buildings that both house and are part of the local communities in which they are built. His focus is sustainability, but not at the expense of good design.
Thankfully, Deveci has made Scotland his home, and it is here that we are benefitting from his expertise. An example of this is the ‘Crow’s Nest’ in Rothesay, Bute. Belonging to the local housing association,
The Government states that all new homes are to be carbon neutral by 2016. Architects like RGU’s Professor Gokay Deveci make this seem achievable.
it is a seven story round tower that consist of 14 separate homes. It was built in 2004 and cost 1.4 million pounds. Social inclusion was one of the main objectives; local people were involved in the planning and it is a building that the community feels proud of. The round tower is one of Europe’s most energy efficient social housing projects and has received several awards.
One of Deveci’s current projects is an affordable, zero-carbon rural house (Model-D), due to be unveiled in the coming months by Scotland’s First Minister. It is a very generous three bed house using only Scottish timber, and of contemporary design. Deveci’s aim is to provide a high quality and affordable home with minimal impact on the environment. Furthermore, the building aims to meet ‘Passivehaus’ standards - a house that has an excellent thermal
performance, exceptional airtightness with heat recovering mechanical ventilation system.
Amongst Deveci’s achievements and, what he regards as the highlight of his career to date, is a design studio and home for Danish ceramic artist Lotte Glob. The home is low cost and low energy, and sits harmoniously within the remote rural landscape looking towards Loch Eriboll in Sutherland. An unusual and rustic looking dwelling that conjures up images of times gone by, local labour was used and the materials chosen weather in colour and texture in tandem with the changing seasons. It has been nominated for and received several prestigious design awards.
One project that is particularly beautiful is the multi-coloured ‘Houses by the Shore’.
SUSTAINABLE STYLE
2011 | Connect | 29
On the seafront in Dunoon, this development resembles images we have seen on postcards from the seaside. The design follows that of traditional fishing villages, where gables are facing the sea in an effort to reduce weather exposure. The houses were sold on the basis that they would be affordable to the local community. They were purchased in 2010 by local people, many of whom were first time buyers (a lovely fact given the current problems facing first time buyers).
The scheme is the first social housing scheme in the UK to be officially accredited with ‘Passivhaus’ status; the heating cost for a house for the whole year is the equivalent of only three car tanks of diesel. Deveci is very aware of the need for housing to be energy efficient. By 2016, the UK government states that all new homes are to be carbon neutral and architects like Deveci make this seem achievable.
When looking at images of Deveci’s projects, a feeling of calmness ensues. The buildings have clean and simple lines. Although modern in design, they do bring out a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Why is this? Perhaps it is due to the fact that they are built in a rural context, or maybe it is simply that they are designed for people, and this is what is at the forefront of Deveci’s mind. He stays true to himself and his values. He wants to be remembered for ‘designs that contributed to the wellbeing and health of the occupants’.
Professor Deveci currently teaches research and practice from his base at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment. He is also a senior member of the University’s Institute for Innovation, Design and Sustainability (IDEAS).
The humble architect states that he is now in a privileged position, being able to teach, research and practice. His students might argue that they are the privileged ones! The architect wishes to be remembered over a pint as a teacher that ‘encouraged students to excel’. He will no doubt leave a lasting impression on his students, just as Professor Magnus Fladmark, Mike Gilmour, Edward Brodie and Ian Ramsay did on himself.
30 | Connect | 2011
Competition answers should be sent to [email protected] along with your name and date of birth, stating ‘Connect Competition’ or posted to:Alumni Office, Robert Gordon University, Schoolhill, ABERDEEN AB10 1F, UKThe closing date for entries is 30th November, 2011. Competitions are only open to graduates of Robert Gordon University and the winners will be selected at random from the correct entries . . . GOOD LUCK!
Update your working wardrobe for FREE with T.M. Lewin!T.M. Lewin is offering one lucky reader the chance to win five shirts, one for each day of the week – perfect for refreshing your wardrobe.
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Courtesy of the Jurys Inn, Aberdeen, the Alumni Office is pleased to be giving away a Friday or Saturday night stay for two people including breakfast.
To be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize spending a night in the New Hotel of the Year 2010, simply tell us which shopping centre the Jurys Inn, Aberdeen is located in? HINT: The answer can be found on their website at
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COMPETITIONS
2011 | Connect | 31
AN EXCITING SELECTION OF COMPANIES OFFERING DISCOUNTS TO YOU
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ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY EXCLUSIVE BENEFITSAlumni Loyalty Discount – 10% of postgraduate fees*Email for LifeRGU:SportRGU UnionFREE University library membership
Do you have your RGU: Alumni Privilege Card yet? As a graduate of Robert Gordon University you are entitled to join our exclusive alumni privilege scheme offering an exciting package of discounts and benefits. To receive your card, please email [email protected] stating ‘privilege scheme’ with your name, address and date of birth.
Full details on the privilege scheme and the organisations involved can be found at www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/foryou or by calling +44 (0)1224 262285.
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FREE!Did you know that this magazine goes out to over 45,000 Robert Gordon University graduates, and that E:Connect our electronic newsletter, is emailed to over 22,000 graduates every second month? If you run your own business, you could advertise to this huge pool of potential customers without paying a thing! All you have to do is offer our alumni a discount or incentive. To find out more, please email [email protected] or call +44(0)1224 262285.
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32 | Connect | 2011
Here are 7 quick tips to adDress the situation courtesy of men’s and women’s businesswear outfitters, T.M.Lewin:
1Keep it neutral (opt for black, grey, navy basics)
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4Make sure shoes are clean, smart and comfortable
5Remove any facial piercings and cover tattoos
6Don’t overdo the perfume, aftershave or make-up!
7Take your Alumni Privilege Card you can claim 10% discount on all purchases made at the T.M. Lewin store in Union Square, Aberdeen.
Got an imminent INTERVIEW?
Why not share your story with us to inspire and encourage students. You can create a graduate profile at http://www.rgu.ac.uk/careers/graduateprofiles.
Please note that our next Graduate Recruitment Fair is being held on 26th October 2011.
Please call 01224 262110 for further information.
Already in a
successful career?
DRESS TO IMPRESS
2011 | Connect | 33
CAREERS ADVICE
Just because you’ve graduated doesn’t mean we can’t still be of assistance to you!The RGU Careers Centre is accredited to the matrix quality standard for information advice and guidance services and, as a graduate of the university, you can continue to access support from professionally qualified Careers Consultants in developing your career, in person, on the phone and online via our new ‘Preparing to Succeed’ career planning and job search module .
Although priority needs to be given to graduates of three years or less, all graduates are welcome to register via the Careers Centre website for our ‘My Career’ service. Therefore, at whatever stage of your
RGU CAREERS CENTRE ‘Preparing to Succeed’
career you may be, if you would like some guidance or advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The benefits of registering include access to current opportunities being handled by the Careers Centre, our employer directory for speculative approaches to job hunting and networking, the ability to book appointments that suit you with a careers consultant, and the opportunity to contact us with queries online.
We can help you connect with the graduate labour market, identify appropriate sources of opportunities, ensure you are marketing yourself effectively through the application process and prepare you for interviews and assessment centres.
All you need to do is REGISTER for access to ‘My Career’. You can do this online at http://www.rgu.ac.uk/mycareer.
Live in a different city? Don’t worry! We are happy to provide support
via telephone, email, Skype sessions and online
via our in built query mechanism on our ‘My
Career’ product – where appropriate, we can
also put you in touch with university careers
service, through our network of contacts, close
to your new location who may be willing to
provide you with face to face support.
34 | Connect | 2011
In April 2011, four distance runners set off to become the first team to run the entire length of the Ancient Silk Route. The expedition aim of Chinese runners Kevin Lin, Chen Jun and Bai Bin, and Canadian runner Jodi Bloomer being to raise money and awareness for water shortages in the region by running an average of 70km per day through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China; completing the extreme challenge in just 150 days.
The challenge, organised by The Home Expedition (THE), a Taiwan-based institute devoted to promoting a sustainable earth and long term solutions for deprived peoples, is supported by a team of five experts which includes RGU MSc Physiotherapy graduate, Dr Stephen McNally.
As the sole physiotherapist with the expedition, Stephen is responsible for providing a comprehensive one-on-one programme that promotes health and well-being through injury prevention, management and education throughout the expedition. Additionally, he produces independent individual assessments of hydration and nutrition by providing the athletes with in-depth information on hydration and nutrition status, baselines, monitoring and ultimately, how to manage their own hydration and nutrition while increasing duration and intensity of the expedition.
Before heading off on the expedition, Stephen was understandably apprehensive about the extreme challenge ahead, commenting:
“For months now I have struggled with motivation, but the idea of becoming involved in such a wonderful expedition really appealed to my competitive side. As a physiotherapist it will be a career milestone to work with such talented athletes in such a potentially volatile environment. I believe it will make me a better physiotherapist and person, and the emotional reward achieved through such an experience I hope will benefit all I encounter in the future.
“What do I expect?, what will I see?, will I cope with the demands of five long months on the road with people I have never met before?; the physical wear and tear on our bodies will become more apparent with time - aches and pains, loss of appetite, physical and mental exhaustion- I’m really not sure whether I have made the right decision and more importantly have I the courage to finish this mentally and physically demanding expedition.”
Since setting off, Stephen has kept a journal of his travels. Here are just of few of his fascinating insights:
“The expedition consists of early starts and late nights with long days on the road in between. However, the first casualty arrived after only 2 days on the outskirts of Istanbul when Jodi [the sole female runner] succumbed to the boys’ intense running speed. To be fair Jodi attempted to run with the guys and is well capable of running at a sensible pace like 10 km/h. But she was denied the chance by the crazy pace of 13-14 km/h the boys set. When she was told she nodded quietly and turned away, disconsolate.”
RUNNING AND HYDRATING LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR RGU PHYSIOTHERAPY GRADUATE
2011 | Connect | 35
“As a result of the first two days’ increased speed, Kevin and Chen Jun were struggling by day 7 and 8. The aim was to run 60km on day 9, but after 15km Kevin was struggling badly so we finished after only 20km. There turned out to be no serious running on days 10 or 11, but that didn’t mean time off. I spent most of the day running from room to room with ice and TENS [an electrical device used to block pain signals] while Kevin and Chen rested and recuperated. Two days’ delay meant pressure on the schedule but the runners’ health and wellbeing is all-important.”
“Iran was complicated and difficult in more ways than one. What happened on day 48 will live with me for a long time. The day started as normal but then after 12km Chen Jun started feeling dizzy and disorientated. We continued while I monitored from behind in the vehicle. However, it was clear the situation was deteriorating; the runners were drowsy and nearly clumsy, talking garbage as if in a drunken stupor, slurred speech, floppy limbs, no co-ordination. My brain was working overtime. I quickly organised the vehicle and rushed the guys to hospital, which was luckily only five minutes away. The runners’ condition deteriorated further. My findings and conclusions were that the guys were the only three people to drink from the same electrolyte storage system in the vehicle, which must have been contaminated with an unknown substance. Dirty water alone would not give these symptoms. The doctor agreed that the symptoms suggested a benzodiazepine or sedative-like overdose. The signs pointed towards a poisoning - but how? Only time will tell what has happened, only when the sample results are finally released will we find out.”
“In Turkmenistan a dream dies. After many injury problems Chen Jun stops and cannot continue one week into Turkmenistan. The road is awful: potholes and undulations from softening tarmac, and in some places no tarmac at all. Chen’s foot injury confirms that he can no longer run the Silk Road. We will continue with Kevin and Bai Bin. Chen Jun will join the team and run whenever he can, if ever. Running mechanics and poor gait contributed to persistent problems. He knows what we have known for a while: his dream is over.”
“China continues with ups and downs from poor management from our local partners to roads that are horrendous and tough running conditions for the two remaining runners. On the plus side the hospitality and scenery is very good at times which certainly makes up for the hardships encountered on a daily basis. We hope to remain on schedule and finish in X’ian in September.”
Clinical Tutor at the School of Health Sciences at Robert Gordon University, Kath Spink, worked closely with Stephen during his Physiotherapy Masters. She comments: “It is gratifying that, in addition to his previous experience, the skills and knowledge Stephen developed through our course are allowing him to take part in such a worthwhile endeavour. We are all very proud of his achievement and wish him every success in his adventure.”
At the time of going to print the team was nearing the end of the expedition. To discover whether they successfully completed the Challenge, visit www.thehomeexpedition.org
LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR RGU PHYSIOTHERAPY GRADUATE
36 | Connect | 2011
A FOND FAREWELL
Head of School of Applied Social Studies retires
Professor Joyce Lishman, Head of School of Applied Social Studies, retired on the 30 June after 26 years with the University and 18 years as Head of School.
Joyce was instrumental in raising the profile of social work education to such a level that the School is now recognised as one of the best providers of social work education in the UK.
The roles of Acting Head of School and Associate Head of School have been filled by Professor Stephen Vertigans and Terry McLean respectively.
To all staff members who have retired or have moved onto pastures new, RGU would like to thank them for their significant contribution towards the success of the university and the achievements of its students.
Professor Terry Healey retires and receives prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award
After eight years at the helm, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences (PALS) Professor Terry Healey bid farewell to the University. Terry was
Couple retire after 52 years at RGU
Jack and Shirley Banks have chalked up 52 years of service between them at the
originally appointed to the post of Head of the University’s School of Pharmacy in 2002 and, following a successful merger with the School of Life Sciences, served as the first Head of the School of PALS. Terry accumulated vast experience of academic pharmacy in the UK and abroad. He was a past Chair of the Committee of University Heads of Schools of Pharmacy in the UK and an experienced Chair of Professional Body Accreditation panels for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and now with their successor organisation, the General Pharmaceutical Council. This important role involves visiting institutions throughout the UK and overseas to advise universities on obtaining accreditation for their pharmacy and OSPAP programmes.
In addition to the above roles, Terry remains well connected within academic circles and currently serves as external examiner in Pharmacy for the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Aston in Birmingham, as well as acting as an experienced examiner of PhD and MPhil degrees.
In a fitting recognition of his retirement, Terry received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Pharmacy Awards in Glasgow in November 2010. The award was in recognition of Terry’s contribution to pharmacy education over the years.
On retiring, Terry was appointed Emeritus Professor of Pharmacy at the University.
University. They have witnessed a host of changes during their time in the janitorial and cleaning departments, not least of which was the former Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology being granted University status in 1992.
The couple married in 1966, after meeting when Jack served his time as a motor mechanic in a garage at Mounthooly, next to Shirley’s home. “I was dared to ask her out by her twin sister, and the rest is history!” After their two children John and Linda went to school, Shirley joined her mother-in-law in working as a cleaning assistant at Willowbank House.
So began Shirley’s career at the University, one which took her around a number of locations, including the School of Health on Merkland Road and the RGIT Survival Centre. With the opening of new buildings on the Garthdee campus, Shirley moved to Aberdeen Business School, Gray’s School of Art, Scott Sutherland School and finally to the latest addition, the Central Services Building.
Husband Jack joined her at the University in 1992, following a career in the motor trade. At the outset of his career as a driver / janitor at the Schoolhill campus, Jack met a fellow new start, Peter Hall.
They struck up a friendship which endures to this day. Both became involved with the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU), representing the janitorial and cleaning staff at the University. Both rose to prominence in the Union, with Jack being appointed Branch Chairman and Peter becoming Secretary.
After three years at Schoolhill, Jack was transferred to Gray’s School of Art for six very happy years, before being moved to St Andrews St in 2001. “Despite my nickname of ‘Grumpy Jack’,” he said, “I have enjoyed every minute of my time here!”
They concluded, “It will be strange not going out to work, and we will really miss all the friends we have made at the University.”
2011 | Connect | 37
2000s
Alison McCann BSc Occupation Therapy 2001: I am continuing to enjoy a happy career in Occupational Therapy working at the National Rehabilitation Hospital where I have specialised in acquired brain surgery rehab. My special interest is the assessment and treatment of people with disordered consciousness. I hope to study a Masters in Neurology soon and I have recently taken a secondment into clinical education.
Melissa Donald MSc Quality Management 2005: I am currently on maternity leave from RGU after giving birth to a baby girl on 11th August, 2010, Murron Sofia Donald weighing 7lbs 9oz. I have worked for RGU for 12 years now and am currently working within the Energy Centre.
Richard Forbes BSc (Hons) Design for Digital Media 2006:
Congratulations to alumnus Richard Forbes and partner Francesca Baird on the birth of wee Oscar Forbes born on Monday, 14th March, 2011, weighing 8lbs 1oz. Mum and baby are doing extremely well and dad couldn’t be happier.
Angela Milroy BSc (Hons) Bioscience with Biomedical Sciences 2006: Congratulations to Angela who had a baby girl, Olivia, in April 2010.
Alice McBrearty BA Politics and Management 2006: Since graduating, I have been teaching and travelling in South-East Asia. Working as a full-time English teacher in Bangkok for six months, I have now returned to the UK and am studying a PGDE (Primary Education) at the University of Aberdeen.
2010s
Craig Troup BA Retail Management 2010: After graduating, I moved to Glasgow to further develop my graphic and website design company which I established with a friend two years ago. We are now involved in projects with all kinds of businesses including the CEO of Siemens in Afghanistan.
Anne L Murray BA Three Dimensional Design 2010: Anne has recently launched her ceramics business, www.anne-murray.com. Anne designs and creates bespoke and hand made ceramics from her workshop in Aberdeenshire. Anne can be contacted through her website for further information and commissions.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
SOSSave Our Section - The alumni updates section of Connect magazine has been a long running favourite, however, the number of entries we have had in the past few editions has been declining. To demonstrate your support for the alumni updates section and to make sure you continue to know where and what your fellow alums are up to, send us your update today and don’t forget to include a photo too.
Your update can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject heading ‘Alumni Update’ or alternatively, simply complete the enclosed update form including the ‘your news’ section and return it to the Alumni Office.
Let’s make the next edition the busiest yet!
1940s
Harold D Ewen Certificate Pharmaceutical Chemist 1946: Is there anyone out there from the 1946 Pharmacy class – Peter, Sandy, Ethel, Betty et al? It would be great to hear from you, Harold (to contact Harold please email [email protected] or call +44(0)1224 262285).
1970s
Kathleen Curtiss Diploma in Domestic Science – Dress and Design 1971: Since returning to Scotland after teaching in Oxfordshire for 20 years, I’ve run a holiday home - having converted a large house into a home for my husband and myself plus a holiday flat. My latest venture after ice-skating since the age of 8 is to gain professional qualifications and I’m doing a home study course organised by the National Ice Skating Association. This involves spending 100 hours with a Mentor Coach, an on-ice assessment, a written exam and attending a first aid course!
1980s
Colin M Duncan PG Dip Librarian and Information Studies 1987: In 2006 I became a chartered librarian.
1990s
Norma Maclean BA Fine Art 1995: I am currently working freelance based mainly in Edinburgh.
Lisa O’Donnell Dip HE Publishing Studies 1998: My first book will be published by Random House in March 2012. It is called The Death of Bees and I am really excited!
