Headway 18

Alumni Association Magazine Issue 18

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elcome to the eighteenth issueof headway, the magazine ofSouthampton Solent University’s

Alumni Association.

This is another exciting edition of headway,and as is always the case, it is hard to fit allof your news into each addition. As usual,our alumni are making a name forthemselves, and it doesn’t get much betterthan for Neil Pinkawa, who worked on therecent James Bond epic, Casino Royale. Infront of the camera, Richard Curtis shows ushow to train dogs to dance – things havemoved on since the days of BarbaraWoodhouse!

Our current students are also at theforefront of the media, namely theUniversity yachting team who have becomeworld champions yet again. That’s inaddition to Ali Lalani and Katie Miller, whoare making their mark in the sports ofboccia and sailing respectively.

Closer to home, Anna Boterhoek is using herskills and expertise to show howSouthampton is a city for innovation in herrole at Business Southampton. Meanwhile,digital artist, Chris Walker, is giving hisperspective on the city’s landscape bycreating stunning remastered montages forthe City Council and local businesses.

You may be particularly interested to knowabout Graduate Jobs Southampton, a newproject working with local employers tohelp graduates forge their careers in the city.Visit: www.graduatejobsouthampton.co.ukto find out how you can get involved andbetter your career prospects.

You will also notice a major change for theUniversity which takes place this summer.Professor Roger Brown is stepping downfrom his post as Vice-Chancellor to bereplaced by our current deputy, ProfessorVan Gore. It is Professor Brown who led thejourney which took us from Southampton

Institute to Southampton Solent University,enabling us to award our own degrees.

Keep us updated with your contact detailsand career information. We are alwayslooking for alumni to feature in thismagazine so do get in touch. Eithercomplete and return the carrier sheetenclosed with this issue or update us onlineat www.solent.ac.uk.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Julia FitzpatrickPR and Alumni Officer

Welcome headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

headway | Summer 20072

How to contact the

Alumni office

Send your news, views, queries andcomments to:

The Alumni OfficeSouthampton Solent UniversityEast Park TerraceSouthampton SO14 0RBUK

T. +44(0) 23 8031 9038/9042

F. +44(0) 23 8033 4161

E. [email protected]

W. www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Editor: Julia Fitzpatrick, with thanks to Chloe Balharry and Jenny Dashley

Design: Southampton Solent UniversityMarketing and Communications Service

Printed by: Cedar Colour Ltd

Front cover: Graduation 2006

W

Alumni Association

Reunion

Graduates and staff from the Yacht Designand Manufacturing degree courses areinvited to a reunion on Saturday, 13October 2007. This date coincides with theRINA 'Modern Yacht' Conference (also beingheld at Southampton Solent University on Thursday, 11 and Friday, 12 October2007). For more information about thereunion and/or conference, please e-mailyour details (name, course studied, year of graduation and contact address) to:[email protected]

The Alumni Office is always willing topublicise your forthcoming reunions andevents. E-mail the details to:[email protected] or telephone 023 8031 9038.

Saturday, 13 October 2007

Southampton Solent University

Yacht andPowercraft/SmallCraft DesignReunion

Contents headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

1headway | Summer 2007

2 Vice-Chancellor’s welcomeProfessor Roger Brown’s farewell and welcome to new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore

6 University newsA round up of what’s going on in and around the University

23 Alumni news – in briefYour news stories

26 Alumni updateAn update on Andrew Cooney’s latest challenge

28 Millais GalleryForthcoming exhibitions

29 In the news/membership newsA look at the University in the media. Plus, the Alumni Association – what’s in it for you?

30 Where are you now?Updates, weddings and other news

3 Shane bowled over by honorary doctorateHampshire spin bowler is recognised for his services to cricket

4 Graduation celebrationsClass of 2006 graduate in style

14 Making a local impactAnna Boterhoek is promoting Southampton as a place to do business

16 Licence to thrillNeil Pinkawa works behind the scenes on the latest Bond blockbuster, Casino Royale

18 One man and his dogsThe UK’s leading dog dancer Richard Curtis and his performing pooches

20 Loch, stock and barrel Managing a Scottish marina with Jo Boddy

22 Picture perfectChris Walker’s images of Southampton buildings

FeaturesRegulars

I worked closelywith programmers to animate thegraphics so thatDaniel Craig and theother actors couldinteract with them,adding a ‘real life’ feelto the action...Licence to thrill, page 16”

“

Vice-Chancellor’s Welcome headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Magazine


ince this is my final contribution toheadway, I’d like to say something

about the role – already an important oneand likely to become even more so – thatalumni play in a modern university.

Traditionally, once students entered auniversity, they became members of thatuniversity. ‘Member’ here means more thansimply ‘student’. It means that, onceadmitted, students could play an importantpart in the university’s affairs. Moreover, thisparticipation was not limited to the period inwhich they were actually students: theyremained members for the rest of their lives.The Regent House at the University ofCambridge to this day consists of all theMasters of Arts.

Translating this traditional model into thetwenty-first century means that the rolewhich alumni play in the functioning and

development of a university does not – or atleast need not – end with their graduation.Graduates and diplomates of SouthamptonSolent University automatically becomemembers of the Alumni Association ongraduation. This is one way of enabling you tokeep in touch with the University, but it alsoenables us to keep in touch with you, and inparticular to learn of your successes,achievements and experiences.

University alumni relations is very often seen interms of fundraising. My wife, an alumnus of alonger established university, is continuallygetting phone calls from students asking her formoney for the university. While SouthamptonSolent always appreciates donations, I wouldhope that we could count on your interest andsupport through other means as we try toprovide at least as good an education for ourcurrent students as we did for you.

There are many ways you can help theUniversity. Providing assistance to enable usto work with your company or organisation isone, facilitating student placements might beanother. As such, these are ‘gifts in kind’ byyou to us and they will be appreciated just asmuch as a donation.

Alumni also provide valuable role models.Once you leave the University you effectivelybecome an ‘ambassador’ for us. All of you, Itrust, will go on to have meaningful andsuccessful careers in your chosen professions,putting into practice the education and skillsyou have learnt here.

I believe that Solent graduates havedistinctive qualities which make them highlyemployable, carving out niches in parts of theeconomy where there is very strong growth:the arts, design and media; business and law;computing and technology; maritime andenvironment; sport and tourism; and thesocial sciences. In fact, our strong ties withindustry and commerce, together with thedevelopment of a distinctive range ofcourses, are helping us to become auniversity that is well in tune with the needsof the twenty-first century.

You can help spread the word about the goodwork we do and the value that we have addedto your lives, and to which you have in turnadded by your subsequent accomplishments.

When I leave here at the end of July I shall havebeen Principal/Vice-Chancellor for more thannine years. A fair proportion of you will havestudied here during that time. I am immenselyproud of you and what you have achieved.

Finally, I would like to wish my successor asVice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore, everybest wish for the future, confident in theknowledge that we have put in place a firmbase for him to lead the University throughits next exciting phase of development.

Professor Roger Brown

S

Professor Gore is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Previously at Sheffield HallamUniversity, he joined the University (thenSouthampton Institute) in July 2001 as Vice-Principal, Academic. In 2003 he becameSenior Vice-Principal and, when the Instituteachieved University title in 2005, he waspromoted to Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Glyn Tonge, Pro-Chancellor andChairman of the Board of Governors,comments: “I am extremely pleased thatProfessor Gore will be our new Vice-Chancellor. He has played a major part in theUniversity’s progress over the past few yearsand will now be leading it through the nextexciting stage of its development.”

Professor Gore adds: “I am delighted to havebeen appointed the next Vice-Chancellor, andam looking forward to taking up my new rolein August 2007. The current Vice-Chancellor,Professor Roger Brown, will be a very hard actto follow.”

Moving on upThe University has appointed

Professor Van Gore as its Vice-

Chancellor when Professor Roger

Brown steps down at the end of

July 2007.

Left: Professor Van Gore takes up his new

role in August 2007

he accolade was conferred at theRose Bowl in Hampshire in a twiston the traditional university

graduation ceremony, before Hampshire’sPro 40 match against Worcestershire lastSeptember.

A procession of University high officers madetheir way to the boundary rope in front of thepavilion. Warne, the scourge of England’sbatsmen in successive Ashes Test Series,received his degree scroll wearing customaryacademic dress. It was a double celebrationfor Warne, who was also celebrating his 37th birthday.

Speaking about receiving the prestigious title,Shane said: “I feel very privileged andhonoured to get this award. The boys havebeen calling me professor, but they can callme anything – spin doctor or Dr Shane! Itfeels great and I’d like to thank the Universityfor giving me this award.”

Considered to be the greatest spin bowler inhistory, Shane Warne was awarded hishonorary doctorate for his services to cricket.It recognised the Hampshire Captain’s role inpromoting cricket across the County, as wellas his record-breaking Test wicket haul.

Professor Glyn Tonge, Pro-Chancellor andChairman of the Board Governors ofSouthampton Solent University, said: “Asarguably the greatest bowler who has everlived, Shane Warne was highly deserving ofthis honorary doctorate. His sporting successis an inspiration to all, and is particularlyclose to our own hearts given the University’scommitment to sporting achievement. Wefelt it was only fitting to break with traditionand confer this degree at the Rose Bowl, thehome of Hampshire cricket, in recognition ofthe huge contribution he has made not only to international cricket but to thesuccess and popularity of cricket in theHampshire region.”

As a University committed to sporting achievement, it was a fittingtribute to cricket legend Shane Warne when he was awarded anhonorary doctorate at a unique presentation.

Shane bowled over byhonorary doctorate

Above: Professor Van Gore, Deputy Vice-

Chancellor, reads Shane’s achievements

watched by (l-r) Professor Glyn Tonge, Shane

Warne, and former honorary graduates, Robin

Smith and Lawrie McMenemy MBE

Above: Shane felt privileged to get his award

T



or 2006 the ceremonies were givena hi-tech makeover, with guests atthe Guildhall able to get a much

closer view of the ceremony thanks to agiant five-metre wide television screen atthe back of the Guildhall stage. For thoseunable to attend, the University provideda live daily webcast of the morning andafternoon ceremonies.

Students graduated with degrees andprofessional qualifications in subjects such ascomputing, fashion, social work, law, business,psychology and criminology.

First-class achievementsJackie Deketelaere graduated with a first classdegree in BA (Hons) Construction. Jackie iscurrently working for London firm, PCM, as a

Construction Project Manager inSouthampton. When she started working onbuilding sites she found herself in a man’sworld – but her first class honours degree hasgiven her firm foundations for the future.

Extreme sports fan Richard Jaehme graduatedwith a first class degree in BA (Hons) OutdoorAdventure Management, but he nearly didn’t

More than 4,000 students graduated from Southampton SolentUniversity during the University’s annual Graduation ceremonies atSouthampton Guildhall last November.

F

Graduation celebrations


complete his studies after a free solo climbingaccident. Although he spent the beginning ofhis third year nursing broken ankles from thefall, Richard’s insight provided him with theinspiration for his dissertation.

Richard said: “I spent the summer in awheelchair nursing very painful injuries. Butwhen I got back to university to start the finalyear of my degree course, I wanted to use mypersonal experience as a starting point forresearching and writing a dissertation on thepsychology behind extreme sports.”

Mandy Johnson, who graduated with a firstclass LLB (Hons) Law degree, has a bright futureahead of her. She was named best law graduatewith the most impressive dissertation and isnow working in conveyancing at Frettens inChristchurch, Dorset.

Roll of honourThe University also presented honorary

degrees and fellowships to academics andprofessionals who have made an outstandingcontribution in their field of work:

• Executive Chairman of ITV, Michael Grade CBEwas made a Doctor of Business Administrationfor his services to business and broadcasting.

• Multi-award winning crime novelist andlong-serving New Forest planner MinetteWalters, was made a Doctor of Letters.

• Waqar Azmi OBE, founder of the BritishFederation of Racial Equality Councils andnow the Government’s Chief Diversity Adviserwas made a Doctor of Letters for services to diversity.

• For his services to planning, and the NewForest, Edward Johnson OBE, was made aDoctor of Science.

• Professor Chen Yuning, President of China’sNingxia University, was made a Doctor of

Business Administration for forging workinglinks with staff and students of SouthamptonSolent University.

• Australian cricket legend and HampshireCounty Cricket Club captain, Shane Warne,received a Master of Arts for Services to sport.

• Honorary Fellowships were conferred uponDavid Bunce, the tailor responsible for theQueen’s robes for the jubilee celebrations andwho consistently helps with the smoothrunning of the University’s graduationceremonies, and Kathryn Watts, Head ofKnowledge at the UK’s leading independentPR, advertising and market research company,Chime Communications.

The University presented its CommunityFellowship award to Debbie King, Chairpersonof Thornhill New Deal for Communities.


University News

he Reverend Ian Johnston,Chairman of the SouthamptonCity Fairtrade Group, presented

the University with its official certificateat a special reception.

The University had to meet numerousstrict criteria to achieve the standard setby the Fairtrade Foundation. Thisincluded the creation of a FairtradePolicy and Fairtrade Steering Group withSolent Students’ Union and otherprimary stakeholders. Fairtrade food anddrink is now served at all meetings and isbeing sold across campus.

Solent Students’ Union also hosted aFairtrade Fashion Show to raise funds forthe Indian coastal village ofPeriyamudliar Chavadi, which was badlyaffected by the 2004 tsunami.

Bryan Carroll, Chair of the University’sFairtrade Steering Group, comments:“This is a testament to the hard workand commitment of colleagues andpartner organisations. It is particularlypleasing that the Foundation chose tocommend our initiatives to collaboratewith the local community andcommunity groups.”

FairtradeUniversity

taff joined more than 250people, including councillors,community leaders and

politicians, to hear panellists answer arange of questions reflecting theissues of the day.

After a warm-up by Radio 4 andformer BBC Radio Solent presenter,Peter White, the audience was keenfor the legendary Dimbleby debate.The panel was made up of scholar andhistorian, Professor Lisa Jardine; LiberalDemocrat MP Edward Davey; nowForeign Secretary David Miliband; andConservative MP Oliver Letwin.

In a question fitting of our ocean links,Head of Leisure, Marketing andLanguage School, Jenny Anderson,asked the panel who they would takeon a round-the-world cruise. In an

eclectic response typical of one of thenation’s favourite radio shows, thepanel’s answers ranged from EricMorecambe to ‘the wife’.

After the show, there was a specialreception where panelists metUniversity staff and governors andrepresentatives from the region’sbusiness, social and politicalcommunity.

The event, at The Works on theUniversity’s East Park Terrace campus,was hailed a resounding success, by allinvolved.

The University has been

awarded Fairtrade University

status from the Fairtrade

Foundation, following 12

months of hard work by

students and staff.

Any Questions?

Above: (l-r)

Edward Davey

MP, David

Milliband MP,

Jonathon

Dimbleby,

Professor Lisa

Jardine and

Oliver Letwin MP

T

he ‘PRComms Jubilee’celebration provided a platformfor more than 100 local VIPs,

PR professionals, course sponsors,academics and students (past andpresent) to share experiences andunite for networking and socialising.

Initiated and supported by CourseLeader, Kirsty Veenhuysen, the eventwas run by a dedicated team of 13final-year student volunteers. The

theme followed the course’s currentcampaign project, entitled‘Communicating a Political PartyVision for Greening Britain’.

The programme included talks from PRprofessionals from one of the world’stop PR agencies, Bell Pottinger Group,and an alumni panel discussion.

Kirsty commented: “The eventreceived positive feedback from allwho attended. The day was wellorganised and the student volunteersworked hard and coped well with theextra responsibility.”

Scholars and politicians got

a good grilling from a lively

audience when the

University hosted BBC

Radio 4’s Any Questions?

programme in March.

PR extravaganzaBA (Hons) PR and

Communication students

put their skills to the test

organising a special event

to celebrate the course’s

fifth anniversary.

Above: PR and

Communication

students and

staff at the

event

...Theeventreceivedpositivefeedbackfrom allwhoattended...

”

“T

SAbove: Model

at fairtrade

fashion show


University News

raduate Jobs Southamptonhas been set up to help localemployers to find staff and

encourage students and graduates toforge their careers in the city. It aimsto retain graduates in the region byhelping them find local employmentwith employers in small to mediumsized companies.

The project is co-ordinated by theUniversity’s careers services withprofessional guidance fromSouthampton City Council, BusinessLink, Southampton and FarehamChamber of Commerce. It is supportedby the Southampton Partnershipusing funds from SEEDA (South EastEngland Development Agency).

A team of careers and employmentexperts from both universities will

match local employers to graduatesfor free via the website:www.graduatejobsouthampton.co.uk

Jeff Walters, Economic DevelopmentManager at Southampton CityCouncil, comments: “Southamptonhas over 40,000 university studentswho are at some stage looking forpermanent and temporary jobs in thecity. This will benefit our localeconomy by helping to retain thesehighly skilled individuals in the cityregion who will contribute towardsbusiness growth.”

Meredith Pollock, Graduate RetentionProject Officer, comments: “Thisproject is a great way for graduates tobring their knowledge and enthusiasmto graduate level positions with localemployers. The employers benefit

from free, targeted recruitment andraising their profile within both cityuniversities.”

For further information about theproject, please contact:[email protected] or call023 8031 9734.

Southampton Solent University has collaborated with the

University of Southampton to improve the city’s economy

and give greater employment opportunities for graduates.

Collaboration is just the job for graduates

G

he University has beenhonoured at a special awardceremony at the Hampshire

Rose Bowl, hosted by TV newspresenter, Debbie Thrower. TheUniversity was given the award inrecognition of its imaginativeresponse to many complex barriers. Itwas commended for providingworkable solutions around thephysical environment, emotional andacademic support needs to ensurethat disabled students and staff havea fair, equal and successful experienceof life at university.

The event was organised by theSouthampton Centre for IndependentLiving (SCIL) to recognise

organisations in Hampshire and theIsle of Wight that continually strive toprovide an inclusive service todisabled people.

Southampton Solent University hasthe most diverse student populationof any university in the South. 8% ofits 6,000 student population aredisabled students and during 2006/7the University expects to besupporting 750 disabled learners. Italso has over 1,000 staff from diversebackgrounds, including more than 2%disabled staff.

Phil Gibson, Head of Support, Learningand Information Service, atSouthampton Solent University said:“We are delighted with the award

which reflects the University’scommitment to inclusiveness.”

SCIL Chief Executive, Ian Loynes, said:“This event was all about challengingexclusion and showcasing thoseorganisations which are choosing toinclude disabled people. It’simportant that other companiesfollow the examples of our winners.”

Southampton Solent University won the Disability Equality

Achievement award in the Public Services category at the

Disabled People’s Business and Community Awards.

Praise for fair and equal University

T Above: (l-r) Phil

Gibson; Polly

Osborne, Study

Assistance

Manager;

Sadia Abbass,

Students’

Union Equal

Opportunities

Officer; Andrea

Peoples,

Disability

Coordinator;

and Jeanne

Gordon, Equal

Opportunities

Manager

...a greatway forgraduates tobring theirknowledgeandenthusiasmto graduatelevelpositions...

”

“

University News

he annual event, now in its13th year, was set up inmemory of Paul Johnstone, a

student and member of the rugby club,who lost a brave battle against cancerafter graduating in 1994.

This year’s main event, the rugbymatch, was one of the closest everplayed. In a nail-biting finish, thestudents kicked one more penalty thanthe Old Boys to retain the title with afinal score of 15-12.

The student team was led onto thepitch by captain Mark Brookes and offby Steve Spencer. Both teams playedsome really good flowing rugby, but

the Old Boys, led by captain for theday, Tim Holgate, were pipped to thepost for the second year in a row.

The result was very much the icing onthe cake for the student team, whichhas had a really strong year, comingsecond in its BUSA league and winningthe Gales Hampshire Plate, last won bya University side in 1998.

The other results on the day werebetter for the Old Boys and Girls, whowon both the netball and hockey. Asalways, the day finished with a BBQ,beers and some quiet social drinking inSouthampton’s infamous KAOS club.

This year’s Paul Johnstone Memorial Alumni Sports Day,

which pits Old Boys (and Girls) against current University

students in rugby, hockey and netball, was yet another

great success.

Mixed results for alumni teams

T

he Watersports Centre, which isRoyal Yachting Association(RYA) and British Canoe Union

(BCU) recognised, delivers practicalcourses in dinghy and keelboatsailing, powerboating and kayaking. Inaddition, it offers RYA theory coursesin Navigation, First Aid and VHF radio.The wide range of courses, frombeginner up to Instructor levels, are

available to students and the general public.

Honorary graduate, Nigel,commented: “The availability of first-class watersports facilities isfundamental to the University’sundoubted success in leading theworld in maritime vocational degreecourses.”

Toby Fletcher, Watersports CentreManager, added, “This new facility willgreatly enhance our already strongreputation in the provision of watersports and is widely regarded as aprime asset to the University.”

For further information, or to book onany of the courses listed, please e-mail:[email protected] or call theCentre on 01489 556 298.

Above: Nigel

Gee (left) is

thanked by

Professor Roger

Brown (right) for

opening the new

watersports

centre

T

One of Britain’s leading naval architects, Nigel Gee, opened

a new purpose-built building named in his honour in May.

The building at Warsash houses the University’s new

Watersports Centre.

Watersports Centre wows Warsash


University News

he University’s yachting teamproduced an outstandingperformance to win the 2007

British Universities Sailing Association(BUSA) Yachting NationalChampionship.

They successfully defended theirnational title after an exciting andchallenging week of racing on theSolent. By winning the final race of thecompetition, it ensured that the University was crowned nationalchampions for the sixth time in eight years.

The team, helmed by Ian Turnbull andcrewed by Chris Evans, Nick Houchin,Shane Hughes, Sam Pearson, SarahWhite, Laura Newnham and MarkBartlett, will now represent the UK atthe Student Yachting World Cup laterthis year.

Thirty-one teams, representinguniversities from all over Great Britain,battled it out over four days of racing.Team Solent dominated thecompetition from early on, with bothstudent teams getting first andsecond in race one. Overall, the teamsecured four first place finishes andtwo seconds, which is considered tobe the best ever performance at anational championship.

Director of Sport Solent, Phil Green,comments: “The sailing team has onceagain done the University proud. It is atribute to the dedication and self-discipline of the students. We havenow established a considerablereputation in this university sportingsector, and look forward to havinganother crack at the WorldChampionships later this year.”

University retains yachting title

T

orld University GamesTwo Southampton Solentstudents have been

selected to represent Great Britain atthe World University Games 2007.

Footballer Andre Foster, final-year BA(Hons) Football Studies, and diverGary Hunt, first-year BA (Hons)Criminology, will join athletes andofficials from over 200 nations at thesummer event in Bangkok.

Ali bowls them over2008 Paralympic hopeful, Ali Lalani, isone step closer to realising his dream,after helping his team secure gold inthe World Boccia Cup in Vancouver.

Ali, a second-year HND Leisure

Management student, was placed sixthindividually to become the highestranking Briton in the 2006 WorldBoccia Championships in Brazil. He alsoholds a silver medal from this year’sBritish Open and a team silver from the2005 European Championships.

Howzat for successTeam Solent’s men’s cricket teamcompleted their most successfulseason yet.

This year, the team finished as runners-up in the BUSA (British UniversitiesSporting Association) Premier LeagueB (South), which qualified them for apromotional play-off match atBradford/Leeds MCCU, The play-offmatch, held at the Yorkshire Academyground, saw the University lose by fivewickets against a side that containedseveral contracted first-class cricketers.

Sporting stars gofor gold

W

he 19-year-old embarked onher courageous three-monthvoyage during her gap year.

The eastabout solo voyage, in herboat, Elektra, raised more than £7,000for the Ellen MacArthur Trust, whichhelps children with cancer toexperience the joys of sailing.

Her voyage mirrored Ellen’sachievement, and was recognisedthrough the Raymarine Young sailor ofthe Year award, following nominationsby the public, as well as Royal YachtingAssociation affiliated clubs.

Katie was presented with herprestigious trophy by Hampshireyachtswoman Dee Caffari. She followsin the footsteps of previous winners:world class yachtswoman, EllenMacArthur, and Olympic Goldmedalist, Ben Ainslie OBE – who bothwent on to win the Yachtsman of theYear title.

Katie said: "I’m so honoured to winthe award, and follow in the footstepsof such inspiring people.”

On the crest of a waveBEng (Hons) Yacht

Manufacturing and

Surveying student Katie

Miller has been named

Young Sailor of the Year,

after completing a single-

handed circumnavigation of

the UK.

Katie (left) was

presented with

her award by

Dee Caffari

Above: The team

produced an

outstanding

performance to

claim the trophy

T

...Thesailing teamhas onceagain done theUniversityproud. It is a tribute to thededicationand self-discipline of thestudents...

”

“


David Corcoran, Lecturer inPsychology, and two of his students,Samantha Neil and Laura Spencer,presented their work at theAssociation for the PsychologicalScience's Annual Convention inWashington DC in May.

This was the first time the Universityhad attended the internationalconference and it was thanks to thededication of David. He says: “I startedworking at Solent in September 2006and this was something I wanted topush from the start. I encouraged mystudents to get involved, with the aimof getting their work published andpresented at conferences.

David presented his work on autism,

while the students presented the workthey recently showcased at the BritishPsychological Society SMG (StudentMembers Group) Annual Conferencein York.

Earlier in the year, Samantha andLaura, along with fellow Level 3 BSc(Hons) Psychology students AmyGuyott and Krushma Hathi hadattended the conference in York, thelargest of its kind in the UK. Theypresented their final year projects in

poster format on display boards togreat acclaim.

“It’s good for the University as it was ahuge international showcase,”explains David. “The students benefitas they get the accolade of presentingat the conference, which they can puton their CV.”

University News

Psychology students in fantastic frame of mind

Above: David,

Amy, Krushma,

Laura and

Samantha

Global policies on the agenda

n international colloquium‘International Policies andPractices for Academic

Enquiry’, organised by the UK Researchand Teaching Forum, was held atMarwell Conference Centre inWinchester, 19-21 April 2007.

University staff joined academics andpolicy makers from countries includingNew Zealand, Canada, South Africa,Australia, Hungary and the USA. Theaim was to develop a betterunderstanding of the HE policies andpractices we should adopt to ensurethat the integration of research andteaching leads to better studentlearning, better staff scholarship andmore effective external engagement.

The event, which highlighted theUniversity’s Advanced ScholarshipStrategy, included talks by Professor

Stephen Rowland (UCL), Professor PaulRamsden (Higher Education Academy)and Professor Theda Skocpol (Harvard).Vice-Chancellor, Professor RogerBrown, concluded the event with aninstructive and lively plenary session.

As well as being sponsored by theUniversity, the Colloquium wassupported by the Higher EducationAcademy; the Economic and SocialResearch Council; the Center for theIntegration of Research, Teaching andLearning; and the University ofSouthampton.

Professor Roger Brown, Vice-Chancellor comments: “This was thesecond successful internationalconference to be held on thisimportant subject in Southampton.The conference was a considerablecoup for the Higher Education

Academy and for the two universitiesin Southampton.”

More information about theColloquium, together with conferencepapers and videos, is available atwww.solent.ac.uk/rtconference

A

Above:

Delegates from

around the

world attended

the colloquium

Sixty delegates from all over the world examined the link

between research and teaching during a lively conference

organised by the University.

Southampton Solent University’s Psychology course raised its

international profile with attendance at one of the world’s

most prestigious Psychology conferences in Wasington DC.

“…I encouraged mystudents to get involved,with the aim of gettingtheir work published andpresented…

”


Degree Shows 2007

s the 2006-07 academic year drew toa close, the University’s final yearstudents were in a flurry of activity

exhibiting their degree projects in a series ofshowcases. Proud parents, peers andpotential employers flocked to the shows,including the flamboyant Fashion Degreeshow at Southampton Guildhall, Technology

Degree Show in the University’s HerbertCollins building, Fine Art/Fine ArtMedia/Illustration show at the University’sMillais Gallery and ‘Memories from OrdinaryMoments’ – a BA (Hons) Photographyexhibition, also at the University’s MillaisGallery. Professor Roger Brown, Vice-Chancellor said, “The degree shows

represented a celebration of final year projectwork from a wide range of students across allthree faculties. The quality of the work andideas on show was extremely high and acredit to students and staff.”

A


he ceremony also marked the change of namefrom ‘Warsash Maritime Centre’ to ‘WarsashMaritime Academy’, and in doing so, recognised

the Academy’s status as a place of international renownfor its high standards of maritime education andtraining.

Following speeches from Vice-Chancellor Professor RogerBrown, and John Millican, Director of WMA, Admiral theLord West of Spithead made the official Presentation ofColours. The colours were unveiled to an audience ofdignitaries, industry professionals and WMA staff by twoWMA cadets.

In his speech, Admiral the Lord West of Spithead spokeabout the significance of the change of name: “With the UKindustry’s move towards degree-based cadet trainingprogrammes, Warsash Maritime Academy is well placed to

embrace this initiative to increase standards and attracthigh quality young people into the industry.”

The new colours were designed to bring together theUniversity’s new corporate identity with Warsash tradition,and in particular the standard, which is carried by theWarsash dragon.

John Millican, Director of WMA, explains why the nameWarsash Maritime Academy was chosen: “The term‘Maritime Academy’ is internationally recognised andrespected and that is important when an increasing part ofour business comes from overseas. The change of name hasalso given the Academy the opportunity to reinforce theexpertise and innovative approach to training and thevalues of professionalism for which it is renowned.”

Sea changeat Warsash

T

The University’s Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) waspresented with its new colours by University Chancellor,Admiral the Lord West of Spithead, at a special watersideceremony last Autumn.


Buoyant future for new Officer Cadets

The next generation of seafarers celebrated their PassingOut in a spectacular ceremony at Southampton Guildhall in June.

Sixty-three Deck, Marine Engineer and Electro-TechnicalOfficer Cadets from Warsash Maritime Academy celebratedtheir graduation to fully qualified Officer Cadets.

The Cadets will go on to careers in worldwide shipping,working for some of the most prestigious employers in thecruise, container ship and oil industries.

With the booming British shipping industry earning morethan £1.3 million an hour, and Southampton’s own cruiseindustry generating more than £300 million per year for the

local economy, the cadets are looking at a buoyant future.

This was highlighted by top employers Carnival UK, HapagLloyd, Maersk Marine Services, Shell Ship Management andBP, who were all represented at the Passing Out ceremony.

Head of Maritime Training and Consultancy, Bob Joughin,told cadets: “Many of you will be taking charge of your ownwatches as certificated officers.

“It will be an exciting and challenging time. I can guaranteethat whatever else you do with your lives you won’t regretthe time that you spend in a seagoing career.”


aving always lived inSouthampton and with anaffinity for her local area,

working on a city project was theideal role for Anna. After graduatingwith a BA (Hons) in CorporateCommunication in 2002, she

landed a job as a support officer for another localproject, the Southampton Partnership. The aim of thePartnership is to implement Southampton’sCommunity Strategy, which sets out a shared vision forthe future of the city by promoting and improvingeconomic, social and environmental well-being.Through her work on this project, Anna became familiarwith the city’s key decision makers; putting her in goodstead for her current role at Business Southampton.

Anna’s role as City Image Manager is key to BusinessSouthampton’s development and promotion of the city. City Image, the main project within her remit, involves an‘innovation audit’ which asks local companies to declareany creative and ground-breaking work they are involvedwith. “ There are hundreds of innovations within the cityand Business Southampton wants to promote them,”Anna remarks.

Alumnus Anna Boterhoekhas played a key role inlaunching BusinessSouthampton, a ground-breaking new projectdesigned to promote the cityof Southampton as theperfect place to do business.

Making a localimpact

H

...Southampton is the UK’sleading vehicle-handling andprincipal cruise portcontributing millions to oureconomy...

“

”


Some of Anna’s other projects includedeveloping the Southampton Portal‘Discover Southampton’(www.discoversouthampton.co.uk),which brings all the information aboutthe city into one centralised website,and ‘Sea City’, an annual celebrationpromoting Southampton’s connectionto the sea. “ Southampton is the UK’sleading vehicle-handling and cruiseport contributing millions to oureconomy,” she says.

Business Southampton is wellregarded locally, as evidenced by the50 organisations that lend theirsupport to the project as CityChampions. Southampton SolentUniversity is one of the organisationsinvolved, with Vice-ChancellorProfessor Roger Brown sitting on theBoard, and Dr Keith Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, External Development, onthe ‘City Image’ steering group.

“Business Southampton is an excellent

vehicle for enabling SouthamptonSolent University to work with otherorganisations to progress thedevelopment of the city in a way thatbenefits everyone at the University,”comments Professor Brown.

The Board Members give professionaladvice on issues happening inSouthampton and help steer BusinessSouthampton in the right direction.They also promote BusinessSouthampton to other organisations –many of which have joined theinitiative and help to raise the profileof the city.

“It is nice to be working withSouthampton Solent University after Ihad such a good experience as a studentthere. I have also been getting studentsinvolved with our work,” Anna reflects.

Such is Anna’s love for Southamptonthat she sees herself living anddeveloping her career in the local areafor the foreseeable future. She liveswith her fiancé Rob Hales (BA (Hons)Graphic Design, 2004), so aside fromher work commitments she also has awedding to plan! She relishes thechallenges of working for BusinessSouthampton, and hopes to see hercareer grow in line with the project’svision and success.

For more information on BusinessSouthampton visit:www.businesssouthampton.com

Far left: Anna Boterhoek

Images: Southampton has many

strengths which Anna is promoting,

such as its port (middle) and a place to

do business, the Civic Centre (above).

Inset: the launch of 'Sea City'.

All images: Copyright 2006 Danjaq, LLC and United Ar

Corporation, Sony Pictures and EON Productions. All R

Reserved.


oing freelance might notappear as risky as facingdown evil megalomaniacs

intent on world domination, but it’snevertheless a daunting andpotentially dicey decision to make.

After graduating from BA (Hons) Graphic Image Making in2005, Neil was only a week into full-time employment as astudio photographer when he was contacted by a companyasking if he’d like a three-week freelance contract.

It was during this placement that Neil met a CreativeDirector who showed interest in his work. “I was askedwhether I would be interested in working on the sci-fi filmDOOM – it appeared that my risk had paid off!” he reveals.Working with just one other designer, Neil spent six monthscreating the film’s 3.5-minute 3D title sequence.

Not all DOOM and gloom“Once the DOOM project was complete, the companyopened up a vacancy and employed me full time.” Films donot come along every day, and for the following six monthsNeil worked as a Graphic Designer on projects for Blue Chipclients such as British Airways, BP, and Tesco.

When the company took on the Casino Royale project, Neilwas given the role of Lead Screen Graphics Designer. Overthe next 10 months he created more than 75 graphics foruse within the film on computer screens, mobile phonesand plasma screens. “I worked closely with programmers inorder to animate the graphics so that Daniel Craig andother actors and actresses could interact with them, addinga ‘real life’ feel to the action,” Neil explains.

Following briefs from the film’s art department, productionteam and director, Neil carefully researched each screen to

ensure that his graphics were as believable as possible, whilestill maintaining what he describes as “that Bond fantasyelement”! Once the screen was designed and signed off itwas animated ready for programming and delivery on set.

Just like James Bond, however, there was no room formistakes: “With the Bond franchise being the most popularand longest running film franchises of all time, everythinghad to be spot on,” says Neil. “Fans look for continuityerrors, so details such as terrorist reports could not includemade-up text; even though it may only appear on screenfor as little as a second, people still pause their DVD andlook for mistakes.”

Live and let designThe experience of working on the Bond film confirmedNeil’s love of design. What’s more, there are some greatperks for the silver screen-savvy designer: “To say that Ihave been to the cast and crew-only premier of such alarge-scale film, seen my work on the screen in LeicesterSquare, and worked alongside such famous and well knownpeople tops it off for me!” reveals Neil.

After working on Casino Royale, Neil spent six months as adesigner for IBM. He has now moved further up the designhierarchy to the position of Senior Designer with a surrey-based company called Universal Pixel. His advice to otherfearful freelancers is: “take risks and go out and look forwork – without thinking it will come to you!”

A licence to kill? Maybe not.But alumnus Neil Pinkawawas given licence to show off his skills when he took on the role of Lead ScreenGraphics Designer for thelatest James Bondblockbuster, Casino Royale.

Licence to thrillG ...With the Bond franchise

being so popular, everythinghad to be spot on...

“

”

d Artists

All Rights


Charismatic canine expert, Richard Curtis, does more thanteach old dogs new tricks. His performing pooches wouldgive any Fred or Ginger a run for their money – as humanhandlers across the world are beginning to discover!

One man and his dogs

A (Hons) Business Administration alumnus of2003, Richard, is the UK’s leading dog dancer. His2006 Crufts’ title, with ‘dancing dog’ Disco, was

the culmination of a year that saw him extend hisexuberant approach to obedience across the globe.

He’s now one of television’s top dog training personalities,dealing with problem pooches in Channel 4’s It’s me or thedog and giving expert commentary and demonstrations atCrufts. But his style is a far cry from the stern, tweed-clad1970s dog training television star, Barbara Woodhouse.

“Owners are more likely to develop a good relationshipwith their dogs if they are enjoying themselves. Althoughthere has always been a big dog agility scene, performingmusical routines to foster dog obedience is relatively new.But its growing popularity is staggering and I’m reallypleased to be at the forefront of it,” said Richard.

Richard competes in and instructs dog dancing – or caninefreestyle all over the world and has published several best-selling books on the subject.

It’s a far cry from Richard’s early days with West Highlandterrier, Nicky, bought for him by his parents when he was

nine years old. Richard took Nicky to a local obedience classbefore competing in showing and handling classes inHampshire’s dog shows.

He soon acquired a second dog, Toby. “I became interestedin teaching obedience, so at 15 I went on a course withrenowned trainer, Roy Hunter, who taught me kind and fair handling.

“He introduced me to other dog sports. I borrowed dogs totrain, read every book I could and attended every course Icould. I finally got a collie to move me up in competitions,”said Richard.

After setting up a mobile dog grooming service, Richarddecided to build up his business skills with a BA (Hons)Business Administration degree at Southampton Solent University.

“As a dog groomer and trainer I probably had quite anunusual life compared to most business students,” saidRichard. “I started Dog Dancing when my collie, Sybil,started to play up in the obedience ring.”

Richard became hooked on dog dancing and now, with hisnew dog, Jazz, he performs flamboyant, humorous and paw-perfect routines. But it’s his work with Joe (and Fido) Publicwhich gives him most satisfaction. “Any dog, of any age,with any handler can get involved in Dog Dancing. It’s greatfor bonding and training, but most of all it is hugelyenjoyable. I’ve seen dogs with behavioural problemsimprove dramatically when they learn to dance. It mayappear like a new trick – but it relies on an old philosophy –that learning should be fun,” said Richard.

B

Top left:Yap happy: Richard with his team of dancing dogs

Main picture: Step two three paw! Richard and his

performing pooch

...As a dog groomer andtrainer I probably had quitean unusual life compared tomost business students...

“

”

Jo Boddy is putting the knowledge and experience gainedfrom her first-class BA (Hons) Maritime LeisureManagement degree to good use as Manager of an exclusivemarina on the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond in Scotland.

Loch, stock and barrel

o applied for the post ofMarina Manager purely on theoff chance that she might getan interview – “Scotland

seemed a bit far away from Ascot!”she reveals. Needless to say, bothher application and subsequent

visit to Scotland were a complete success – not only didshe fall in love with the area, she was also offered thecareer opportunity of a lifetime.

The marina is part of De Vere Hotel group’s CameronHouse, a luxurious eighteenth century mansion positionedon the shores of the Loch. “This is De Vere’s only marina, sothere is little specialist knowledge within the company,”reveals Jo. “They know the figures very well but not themarket as a whole, so I find visiting marina conferences veryuseful as I get to speak with others about the business.”

The Cameron House Marina team is just 10-strong, with

responsibility for selling approximately 220 berths, as well astaking guests for trips on the hotel’s luxury motor yacht. “Mymain responsibility is staff management and the day-to-dayrunning of the marina,” remarks Jo. “I also have to managethe budget which involves forecasting and knowing exactlywhat we have made (or lost) on a weekly basis.” Jo’s money-management skills come into particular use in the annualberth sales: “Every year we have to reconsider the pricingstructure which involves a look at the industry as a wholeand what other local marinas are doing,” she explains.

Making wavesSince Loch Lomond is land locked, berth holders at themarina form a sort of members club. “They often use theirboats more as floating caravans than as transport, so I’vetried to improve the social scene in the marina,” says Jo. Thishas involved organising monthly ‘sail-in-company’ events,where a National Park Ranger is invited to give a briefingabout a topical subject (anything from anchoring and ropesto GPS and ‘rules of the road’) before the whole group is

J


taken out for a cruise on the loch. “This gives the lessexperienced boaters a chance to try new things withsupervision, and many of them have already grown inconfidence,” comments Jo.

As well as creating a burgeoning social scene, Jo is keen toimprove the services on offer to members. She has workedhard to forge good relationships with the Park Authorityrangers as well as other activity providers, includingZapcats and the Royal Yachting Association trainingprovider, Proform Marine. “Since we do not have achandlery of our own I have formed a close relationshipwith JF Marine, the company that provides all our marinamaintenance and salvage services, and from which we canorder specialist parts for our members.

The forecast looks bright for both Jo and her job. De VereHotels is planning a multi-million-pound investment inCameron House, including an overhaul and expansion ofthe marina. “It is still in the infancy of the planning stages

but it’s very exciting!” says Jo. Meanwhile, Jo is planning alittle self-improvement of her own. In the near future shehopes to undertake an Intermediate Marina Managercourse and continue onto the advanced level to becomeofficially ‘qualified’. We wish her every success.

...Members often use theirboats more as floatingcaravans than as transport...

“

”


Inset: Jo Boddy

Main picture:Taking to the waters of Loch Lomond


hris photographs landmarkbuildings and less wellknown areas and creates

striking photographic collages ofdigitally re-mastered images. Hisstunning montages ofSouthampton buildings take up to

three months to compile and have been used forSouthampton City Council's promotional work.

Chris started off as a painter, but gradually moved over to

his current work. “I like the way I can manipulate theimages,” he says, “I can use the same building twice andmake it look completely different.”

Chris’ other freelance projects include supplying images for the website of Fairtrade coffee company, Mozzo, co-founded by another Southampton Solent alumnus, BA (Hons) Business Management graduate, Grant Lang.

Chris’s work has been exhibited at the Bargate MonumentGallery in Southampton and will soon feature in solo showsin local galleries and in London.

Chris’s dramatic re-imaging of Southampton’s skyline nowgreets visitors to the Deloitte office in the centre of the city.The company’s Business Development Manager SimonMiles explained: “We wanted something distinctive andunique that reflected the local area and our brand. One ofour key brand identities is innovation and we thoughtChris’s work was exactly that.”


Picture perfect

...I can use the samebuilding twice and make itlook completely different...

“

”BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate of 2005, Chris

Walker was recently commissioned to

provide a number of cutting-edge

masterpieces for the Southampton Offices

of international accountants, Deloitte.

C


Alumni News – in brief

he Fund was set up by theWilson family in memory oftheir daughter, and University

graduate, Lisa, who died in a car crashin Australia in 2002.

The award, which takes the form of abursary (up to a maximum of £1,000per year), is renewed annually and isavailable to students who haveovercome adversity or can

demonstrate why they need extrafinancial help with their studies. Todate, 18 students have benefited fromthe bursaries and the fund currentlystands at just over £110,000 thanks tothe tireless hard work and fundraisingefforts of the Wilson family.

At a moving presentation the eightnew students receiving the awardwere officially presented with theirbursaries by Mr and Mrs Wilson. TheWilson family showed a pictorialtribute called ‘Lisa’s Dream’ to give therecipients an insight to what Lisa waslike as a person and help them tounderstand the importance of thescholarship.

A first for CharlotteA proud and special moment for theScholarship arrived when CharlotteField, one of the Fund’s first recipients,graduated with a first class BA (Hons)Marketing with Media and Designdegree in 2006.

At the age of 22, and a single motherof six-month-old Max, Charlottedecided to return to study and hasn’tlooked back. She received a bursary

from the Fund in each of the threeyears of her studies, and kept in touchwith the Wilson family throughout.The money enabled her to buyequipment to help with her dyslexia,as well as providing financial support.“Studying for the degree has changedmy life for the better,” said Charlotte.“Without the Fund I would have foundit very hard to cope financially.”

For more information about Lisa andthe charity visit:www.lisathedaddy.com

Above:

Charlotte and

Max, with Clive

and Trisha

Wilson

The Lisa Wilson Scholarship

Fund, a charity dedicated to

providing 100 years of

education by helping

students with the cost of

higher education, is an

integral part of the student

support system of

Southampton Solent

University.

Lisa’s legacy lives on

T

fter graduating with a 2:1 inBusiness TechnologyManagement in 2000, Rhys

began a career in engineeringjournalism on the UK’s leadingLondon-based trade magazines. Afterfive years he made the brave move togo it alone and return to Wales tostart Pulse-PR. Not having a pot ofmoney to fall back on, he moved backin with his parents in Mid Glamorganand initially used his bedroom as an office.

“Notoriously, over 90 percent ofbusinesses fail in the first 12 months,so when I started Pulse-PR my

ambitions were grounded,concentrating on survival with hopesof a marginal profit.” But Rhys’company grew rapidly. From providinga simple journalistic service in yearone, Pulse-PR services now range frompress releases, newsletters andbrochures to launches, advertising,graphic design and branding. Thecompany now has an impressiveportfolio of multi-nationalmanufacturing clients.

It’s hardly surprising that Pulse-PR hasbeen listed in the Western Mail’shottest 100 companies in Wales. Asyear three begins, Pulse-PR has moved

office, become a limited company andis currently seeking its first full timeemployees. With a predicted turnoverof £250,000 for 2007, it’s come a longway from its humble beginnings.

“Ambitions continually change, twoyears ago I wouldn’t have dreamed ofthis success. Now, the plan is tocontinue building the business at agradual pace. Looking forward, I amrealistically projecting a £1m turnoverwithin five years.”

Determined Rhys Williams’s PR business, which he set up

from his bedroom less than three years ago, has been

named one of the hottest 100 start-up companies in

Wales.

From bedroom to boardroom

AAbove: Rhys at

work in his new

office

...Studyingfor thedegree haschanged mylife for thebetter...

”

“



om – who graduated with a 2:1 before studyingfor a Masters degree in Creative Writing atManchester – started writing the story in

between completing assignments.

“ ‘The Doctor Bumfleece Experiment’ is a black comedyabout a band of four terminally ill lads. While ignoring MTV,and challenging social issues, they see the world throughthe eyes of the dying – and the band goes platinum,”explained Tom.

Five years on, Tom is experiencing the joy of having his novelself-published. The book, which is hosted by Lulu Publishing,and sold online, is gaining popularity. It has also sparked

interest in tenacious Tom’s travel writing, short stories andphotography.

Tom is now working on a sketch show that he hopes will bepicked up by the BBC. “I’ve a couple of ideas for northernsitcoms, I intend to write a novel in November for NationalNovel Writing Month and I’m hoping to get on the sports,travel or music desk at one of the national newspapers,”said Tom.

If all that sounds horrendously exhausting, you have toremember that Tom spent years getting into the heads offour fictional characters who had an imminent expiry date.Perhaps, more than most, he has grasped the concept that‘life is short’.

BA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies

graduate of 2002, Tom Dearden, has

published a quirky tale that gives new

meaning to the phrase ‘dying on stage’.

T

Novelidea

...I intend to write a novel inNovember for NationalNovel Writing Month...

“

”



s headway goes to print, weare following the progress ofdisabled sailor, Geoff Holt,

who is currently sailing single-handedaround the coast of Great Britain in hisspecially-designed Challengertrimaran dinghy. Described as the‘Everest of sailing’ for disabled people,the BA (Hons) Fine Arts ValuationStudies graduate of 2002 is hoping tocomplete the 1,500 miles at sea in his15ft dinghy. You can follow hisprogress at www.personaleverest.comand read about how he gets on in thenext edition of headway.

Sailing soloaround Britain

Right: Geoff, who is currently sailing

around Great Britain

A

y sister, Rebecca, hasjuvenile rheumatoid arthritisand her strength and will to

survive has always inspired me,”explains BA (Hons) Business and Lawgraduate of 1999, Tim. The siblingsknew that there was a gap in thebroadcast market that needed fillingand it wasn’t long before they reacheda natural conclusion: “There are radiostations for every minority you care tothink of. So why not those withdisabilities?” he asks.

The first step was to get some spaceon the airwaves, but their plans for atraditional analogue radio stationwere thwarted when Ofcom, theregulator for the UK communicationsindustries, informed the duo that theairwaves were simply too crowded.The Internet was decided as the nextbest medium – Rebecca came up amemorable and catchy name, and soradio-therapy.co.uk was born.

Fine-tuningTogether, Rebecca and Tim havecreated the first radio station of itskind, broadcast entirely over theInternet and aimed at coveringsubjects that inspire and interest thedisabled community, from travel andart to competitions and usefulgadgets. “We try to provide relevantcontent to our audience, focusing onissues that are important to them,such as the disabled person’s railcard.

We also have some excitingcompetition in conjunction withEasyjet, Canon and CameronMackintosh,” reveals Tim.

This is a part-time venture for Tim andRebecca, who are the station’s onlystaff. Tim splits his time betweenradio-therapy and his freelancewriting and journalism work – he haspublished three books on local history– and they have both had to learn webdesign skills while also contactingpotential advertisers. What does Timenjoy most about this project?“Providing useful information to ourtarget audience and being a forum toair their views,” he says. “It’s a greatplace to forge new friendships andlearn about particular disabilities andhow different people cope.” Find outmore by visiting : www.radio-therapy.co.uk

Thanks to the help and inspiration of his sister, alumnus Tim Saunders has

launched the UK’s first online radio station dedicated to the interests and

entertainment of “everybody with a disability”.

Radio therapy

...We tryto providerelevantcontent toour audience,focusing on issuesthat areimportant to them...

”

“

M

Above left:Tim

and his sister

Rebecca


Alumni Update

ast your mind back to headway, issue 13, in 2003,and you may remember reading about CaptainAndrew Cooney, who had just acquired a place in

the Guinness Book of Records for being the youngestperson to walk to the South Pole. Now he’s decided to goone step further by walking to the North Pole in March2008 – and when he reaches it, he will become theyoungest person to walk to both poles.

“With the North Pole 08 Expedition, I want to demonstrateto people across the globe that achievement is not whatpeople expect of you, it’s about having a dream or a goaland achieving it despite setback and adversity,” remarks theMaritime Leisure Management graduate of 2001.

The expedition was launched this year at the RoyalGeographical Society, which was attended by its patron,HRH Prince Edward, who is fully supportive of the challenge.Andrew will lead a team of six, who will need to be mentallyprepared for severe temperatures and extreme exhaustion.

Anticipating the challenge that awaits, Andrew says: “Wewill walk up to 700 miles over the frozen Arctic Ocean as wetravel against the flow of ice. Each team member will bedragging their own body weight in sledges behind them.”

Andrew has a busy few months ahead of him preparing forthis challenge, as well as carrying out his usual work oftouring the country, speaking to schools, colleges andcharities to inspire people to achieve their dreams. He gavea public lecture at the University in 2003 about his SouthPole challenge and hopes to return in 2008 to share hisexperiences once again.

If you are interested in sponsoring and/or supporting theexpedition, visit www.northpole08.com. Read about howAndrew gets on in the next edition of headway. Good luck, Andrew!

Andrew Cooney's set to break another

world record!

C

FromSouth to North


...it’s about having a dreamor a goal and achieving itdespite setback andadversity...

“

”

Image: Captain Andrew Cooney during his South Pole Expedition –

© A Cooney 03


Millais Gallery Forthcoming exhibitions

millais gallery

If you require any further information or would like to receive details of forthcoming exhibitions, invitations to private views, gallery talks and other events at the Millais Gallery, please contact:

Millais Gallery, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YNT. 023 8031 9916 F. 023 8033 4161 E. [email protected] W. http://millais.solent.ac.uk

Exhibition dates and details correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. The Millais Gallery, part of Southampton

Solent University, is a city centre public art gallery committed to the exhibition of mainly contemporary visual arts which addresses

issues of relevance to culturally diverse communities locally, regionally and nationally. Its dynamic programme of exhibitions and

events complements the work of staff and students in art, design and media: theory, practice and cultural histories.

Contact the gallery

North + South explores who we thinkwe are and what England stands for inthe twenty-first century. Stagedacross six galleries in the northern andsouthern most ends of England, thisunprecedented collaborative projectfeatures over 30 artists, including 15new commissions that also commenton the English identity.

North + South

2 July–1 September

Drawing and sculpture inspired by theOxford University Botanic Garden andPlant Sciences, Oxford Universitywhere John Thomson was artist inresidence 2004–2007.

Brian McClave is the only person tohave captured the Aurora Borealis (theNorthern Lights), on film in threedimensions. Filmed simultaneouslyfrom two lakes 20 miles apart inLapland this is the first showing of thisextraordinary film which will beshown in a specially constructedgallery within the Millais Gallery.

John Thomson

Say it with Flowers

15 September–20 October

Brian McClave

Aurora

3 November– 15 December

Above: John

Thomson’s

Field of Rape,

mixed media,

2006


Membership news

The activities and

achievements of University

staff, students and alumni

feature regularly in the

local, national, and

international press. Here are

some recent examples of

mentions in the media:

The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph,The Daily Express, The Sun, TheTimes , BBC Radio Solent, MeridianTonight, The Southern Daily Echo,14 September 2006“Shane Warne received an honorarydoctorate followed by a blow to thehead at the Rose Bowl. The degreewas awarded by Southampton SolentUniversity for services to cricket, whilethe bouncer, which lodged in the grilleof Warne’s helmet creating a deepgash, was delivered by Matt Mason.Shane quipped: “Yesterday startedpretty good; I became a doctor and Iwas going to treat myself!”

The Sun (web), 23 March “Adam Barton, Lecturer in Computerand Video games, tells how computerentertainment is moving from the‘boy’s bedroom’ and becoming familyentertainment.”

Vogue.co.uk, 10 April “Southampton Solent University is setto revolutionise the fashion industry bylaunching the first degree in styling.”

Times Educational Supplement, 4 May“Southampton Solent Universitylaunched the country’s first degree incomedy writing and performance lastSeptember. “Humour is such animportant life skill,” says Chris Ritchie,the academic, author and stand-upcomedian who runs the course.”

Southern Daily Echo, 30 May “Armed with a quick fire wit thatshoots down everyone from ex-boyfriends to clipboard charityworkers, Southampton SolentUniversity student Hannah George hasbeen crowned the Paramount Comedyon Tap Funniest Student 2007.”

With a network of 28,000 members worldwide, the Association aims to maintain lifelong links withpast students, promote your achievements and foster contact with old friends and colleagues.

In addition to continued links with Southampton Solent University, membership benefits include:

• headway – the alumni magazine • News of reunions and events • Continued use of the library and Sport Solent at preferential membership rates• Use of the Careers Service for three years after graduating• Inclusion in the online e-mail directory of graduates and/or professional

networking directory• Contact service which enables you to get in touch with old friends• Discounts on IT training courses, postgraduate/professional study and use of

conference/training facilities• Free membership card• Use of Students’ Union facilities• Mail order service of University memorabilia• Dedicated Alumni pages on the University website

Full details of our benefits can be found at www.solent.ac.uk/alumni/benefits

Keep in touch!Write or e-mail to tell us about your life after graduation. Whether you’re undertaking furtherstudy, travelling the world, running your own business, organising a reunion or enjoying asuccessful career, we’d like to hear about it.

Also, if you know of any other graduates who do not receive headway, ask them to contact us sowe can ensure we have their correct details on our database.

Don’t forget to let the Alumni Office know if you change your address!

T. 023 8031 9038/9042F. 023 8033 4161E: [email protected]

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

Membership of the Alumni Association is free and automatic for all

graduates of Southampton Solent University, Southampton Institute,

Warsash Maritime Academy (formerly College of Nautical Studies),

Southampton Technical College, Southampton College of Technology,

Southampton College of Art and Southampton College of Higher Education.

Alumni Association – what’s in it for you?

In the news


Alumni Where are you now?

This is your chance to let everyone know where you’ve been andwhat you’ve been up to since graduating. To appear in the nextissue, just fill in the ‘Alumni Update Form’ on the address sheet withthis magazine, visit our website at www.solent.ac.uk or e-mail yourupdate to: [email protected]

Mohamed El-GhosinHND Building Studies I am now running my own private company,started last year, which has begun to make areturn. I would like to return to the UK tocontinue my studies one day, although it’snot possible at the moment as I have threeyoung daughters.

Beltane JacksonDiploma Fine Art (Sculpture) My triathlon in heavy copper (picturedabove) is standing 8 feet high on the campusof the University of Winchester, which Icreated at the age of 76. I’m now 80 andworking on a 2m figure in mild steel.

Laurie GavaghanBA (Hons) Real Estate Valuation For the last five years I have been working inGuernsey on a social housing developmentproject with a value of £30m. I have recentlybeen recruited by a Dutch company, SimedInternational bv, to be the Project Managerfor a £38m hospital project in Bangladesh.

I would be interested to hear from any of myfellow graduates. E-mail:[email protected]

Richard ShrubbBSc (Hons) Maritime Studies I graduated with an MA in BroadcastJournalism from University College Falmouthand have rejoined my successful career as afreelance journalist in Bristol.

Ian PorteusBA (Hons) Human Resource Management After graduating I was a ward volunteer at mylocal hospital, until I became registered blindin 2003. I now attend a local daycentre whereI have a very active social life.

Colin OswaldBA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies I am still working for the Metropolitan Policeas a Crime Analyst and have now become aSpecial Constable. I plan to go travelling,possibly to Venezuela.

Pierra KhonjeMBA Corporate Management I am currently flying for First Flight CouriersLtd based in New Delhi, with a networkcovering all of India.

Sunnie KananiBA (Hons) Fine Art Since graduating in 1999 I have pursuedpainting, which was my specialist area atUniversity. Surviving as a painter is hard soI’ve supplemented this with training as aswimming instructor, qualifying in 2001. Ihave exhibitions in and around London andsuccessfully sell my work. Visit:www.sunnie.co.uk

Reuben LoweBA (Hons) Social Science After graduating I gained the necessary workexperience in the Mental Health field beforetraining as a psychiatric nurse. I now work forHampshire Partnership Trust and havespecialised as a Clinical Practitioner inSubstance Misuse.

Craig BattyBA (Hons) Media with Cultural StudiesAfter completing my degree I went on to doan MA in Creative Writing, during which I did astint in the script department of Neighbours. Iam still working on writing projects, but haveentered the world of Solent Universiyacademia. I returned to Southampton in 2004to teach screenwriting, setting up the new BAScreenwriting course. I am now working at the

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University of Portsmouth, teaching the samesubject, and doing a PhD. I am also co-writinga book on screenwriting which is due to bepublished in 2008. Hi to everyone fromMWCS – and if you haven't done so already,join the Facebook group that Gerry has set up!

Mkakili Fauster NgowiLLM International Environmental Law I really enjoyed my time at SouthamptonSolent University, both socially andacademically. My degree has enabled me toparticipate in various issues relating toenvironmental protection, both at nationaland international level. My plan is to rejoinSouthampton Solent University to study for a PhD.

Kirsty BaylissBA (Hons) Social Science After graduating I enjoyed two and a halfyears working in my local library inChristchurch, Dorset. I am now (after years ofdeliberating) studying at the University ofWales for an MSc (Hons) in Information andLibrary Studies.

Will OttonBsc (Hons) Yacht Manufacturing andSurveying Since graduation I have sailed across theAtlantic three times. The company I wasworking for has just gone bust so I am goingtravelling while I look for work.

Thomas WestBA (Hons) Media with Cultural Studies I’m working as a builder’s labourer and am ongood money for a graduate! I’m also workingon a commission for comic art which I hopewill get printed in the United States. I have noplans to return to education but thanks toCraig Batty, Rosemary Mason, Seamus

Finnegan and the rest of the Faculty of Media,Arts and Society for their support during mycourse.

Rozmarie LoizouBA (Hons) Fine Arts Valuation After graduating I completed a three-monthinternship at Sotheby’s which I reallyenjoyed. I was based at the Old Master,Modern and Contemporary printsdepartment where my work mainly focusedon research (on artists, prints and prices) andauction and catalogue preparations. I am nowlooking forward to starting my new job inadministration for the Metropolitan Police in London.

Terry CornickBA (Hons) Media Writing University for me was an unrivalledexperience and has enabled me to take mylife to another level by starting my ownbusiness. My company is called Source OneSolution and is the new sourcing arm of acompany called Imega Print in Middlesex.

The overall dynamic of my media writingcourse was brilliant as it dealt with manydifferent aspects that I am using indeveloping my company. I have many clientsalready and my aim is to diversify thebusiness to become a one-stop solution forany organisation’s requests or needs.

I would love to hear from anyone who I hadthe privilege of knowing in Southampton butalso anyone who can help me with my aimsor that I can offer advice to. My e-mail is:[email protected]

Peter Jolly, BA (Hons) Marketing Design,2000 and Hannah Bennett, BA (Hons)Criminology, 2000In May 2006, Peter and Hannah tied the knotin Stratford-upon-Avon after nearly sevenyears together. Their son, Samuel (bornJanuary 2006) fulfilled the role of pageboy forthe big day and two alumni, Helen Marshalland Abi Cope, were bridesmaids. Petercurrently works as Marketing Manager forDuplo International and Hannah is aProbation Officer. The couple live in Woking, Surrey.

We are sorry to have to report the passingaway of the following people:

John Theobald – died September 2006Principal Lecturer in Languages, ProfessorJohn Theobald, died suddenly in Septemberlast year.

It seems a bitter irony that John will not reapthe full benefit of the impact made by hisrecent publications, most strikingly the bookon radical mass media criticism that he co-edited with David Berry, or that he had solittle time to relish the achievement of hisrecent full professorship, a fitting accoladegiven the wealth of scholarly outputs heproduced since joining us in 1995 asAssociate Professor.

John will be remembered for his commitmentto research, which was constant and

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uncompromising throughout his career. Heremained astonishingly productive given thesignificant teaching programme hemaintained; his success in gaining funding fortwo periods of research leave from the Arts andHumanities Research Board were testimony tothe quality of his work, the esteem itcommanded among his peers, and his sheertenacity in the cause of academic endeavour.

He was true to his principles in his dealingswith colleagues, whether within theUniversity or in networks across the sector.He was liked and respected as an unfailinglycourteous and loyal man with a quiet senseof fun and mischief, and a love of conviviality.John was a devoted family man who will besadly missed by his wife, Françoise, and threechildren as well as his friends and colleagues.

Obituary written by Colin Beaven.

Gary Becheley – died February 2007Prior to his untimely death, Gary worked forSolent University’s Media Resourcesdepartment, where he always enjoyed thebanter of conversation (usually football)among his friends and colleagues. At the sametime Gary was a terrific worker and wouldalways pull out the stops to help otherswhenever he could. Gary was a great source ofentertainment and humour, and was a greatenthusiast, and supporter, of the University’ssocial life: quiz nights, Staff Associationevents, pubbing on Friday evenings andorganising trips abroad. Gary was a colourful,cheeky chappy, who enjoyed life to the full,and always had a wink for the ladies. Aboveall Gary had an amazing capacity to makepeople like him. He was incredibly gregarious,a self-styled ‘multi-culturalist’, a great ‘wit’,and a thoroughly good bloke. The world willcertainly be a quieter place without himaround, and he will be deeply missed byeveryone. Our thoughts and deepestsympathies go out to Gary's family.

Obituary written by Mark Farwell and Ian Taylor.

Chris Rowsell – died April 2007Chris Rowsell, Production Manager in theFaculty of Media, Arts and Society, diedsuddenly after a brief illness.

After a wide ranging and varied career intelevision broadcasting, Chris joined what

was then Southampton Institute in 1994 asTechnical Operations Manager. Chris played akey role in the Faculty since many of its mostpopular courses rely upon the facilities forwhich he was responsible. He managed highlycomplex and ambitious technical projectsand was responsible for a sophisticatedtechnical support operation. Chris waspassionate about his work, which he saw as avocation, rather than just a job; his dedicationwas undimmed even as his health began tofail. He was exceptionally generous with histime, was highly respected, and was popularwith staff and students alike. He personifiedwhat is now known as a ‘can do’ attitude andhad a mischievous sense of humour.

Chris’ loss will be very keenly felt by theUniversity, by those he worked with, and bythe students who gained so much from hisexpertise and encouragement.

Obituary written by Tim Gaskin.



ContactIf you’d like to contact a fellow

former student, then the Alumni

Office can help. Whether it’s for

social or professional purposes,

we’d like you to stay in touch.

Although we can’t give out

addresses (unless given

permission to do so), we are

happy to forward mail or write to

the respective graduate on your

behalf. Contact the Alumni Office

with the name, course studied and

graduation year (if known) of the

person(s) you’d like to get in touch

with and we’ll do our best to track

them down for you.

Visit our website;

www.solent.ac.uk/alumni

e-mail: [email protected]

or write to:

The Alumni Office

Southampton Solent University

East Park Terrace

Southampton

SO14 0RB

UK


Gift Collection headway - Southampton Solent University’s Alumni Association Magazine

To order your Southampton Solent University gifts, please complete the order form in full and return to: Alumni Office, Southampton SolentUniversity, East Park Terrace, SOUTHAMPTON, SO14 0RB, UK.

All prices include VAT and are valid until 31 December 2007.

Please allow 28 days for delivery from receipt of order. All orders must be accompanied by full payment. Refunds will only be given if the goods are faultyor out of stock.

Name (in full): .................................................................................................................................. Daytime Telephone: ..................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Post Code: .......................................................................................................................................... E-mail: ............................................................................................................

Please make your cheque payable to ‘Southampton Solent University’.

�DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE QUANTITY P&P* TOTAL

1 Benji Bear (with t-shirt only)** £8.99

2 Graduation Bear (with t-shirt, mortar board and cloak) £10.99

3 Silver Plated Business Card Case £8.99

4 Jet Black Desk Clock £13.99

5 Golf Umbrella £9.99

6 Silver Plated Key Ring £3.99

7 Rollerball Pen in Black Presentation Case £6.99

8 Mug £6.99

*Postage and packaging extra. Please add per item £2 UK and Europe; £3 outside Europe

** Please note, mortar board not included on standard Benji Bear£Order Total:

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Graduates of any Southampton Solent University(formerly Southampton Institute) First Degree orMaster’s Degree course, who return to study here,are eligible for a 15% reduction on the annualtuition fee for the first year of any Postgraduatecourse, including Research or Professional courses*.

NEW postgraduate courses for 2007 include:Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (revalidated)MA Fashion Merchandise ManagementMA Industrial DesignMSc Six Sigma QualityMProf Visual Arts

15%save

15% reductionon fees foralumni

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/coursesto find out more information about each courseand to see a full list of courses that are available.

Or call 0845 676 7000

Or come to one of our Open Days.

Visit: www.solent.ac.uk/opendaysto book a place.

*Alumni are only eligible to apply for this discount once and this is only available to students who are self-funded.

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