evolve

Spring 2008
The magazine for Friends of Coventry University
The University Gift Shop

Polyester
& Silk Graduation Teddy Round Crystal Mini Cut Vase Square Shot Glass
Ladies Ties Paperweight
Fitted SlimFit
Polo Shirt Sweatshirt Grey

Win a fun break

Cufflinks

A day out at a popular attraction

and a night in a luxury hotel
Round Shot Glass
Pyramid Perfume Bottle
Tankard

V-Neck Hooded
Polo Black Sweatshirt Rainbow Tealight

Being the boss

Shirt T-Shirt (unzipped)

Knitted
Beanie

Stone
Graduate entrepreneurs enjoy the fruits of their labour
Blue
T-Shirt

Time at the bar

USB Flash
Drive

Whisky Tumblers What life is like in 2008 for the average student
Pilsner Glass

Sapphire
Blue
T-Shirt
Charcoal
Grey
Fleece Virtual learning
The changing face of the classroom
Crystal Book
University Paperweight
Scarf
Tipsy Clock
Estoril Pen (brushed titanium)

Hooded Champagne Flutes

Sweatshirt Conference
(zipped) Bag Business Card
Conference
ConferenceFolder
Folder Holder Vanity Mirror
Vanity Mirror

Clothing Crystal & Glassware Gift Ideas

Silk Tie £25.50 Round Crystal Faceted Paperweight £25.00 Conference Folder £16.50
Polyester Tie £12.00 Crystal Book Paperweight £21.00 Business Card Case £13.00
University Scarf £23.00 Shot Glasses; Round or Square in Presentation Box £13.00 Conference Bag £13.50
Polo Shirt £15.00 Whisky Tumbler in Presentation Box £21.00 Cufflinks £14.00
Sweatshirt £19.00 Half Pint Tankard in Presentation Box £21.50 Acrylic Keyring £1.50
Hooded Sweatshirt (zipped) £26.00 Pint Size Tankard in Presentation Box £27.00 USB Flash Drive (512Mb) £24.50
Hooded Sweatshirt (unzipped) £23.50 Wine Goblet in Presentation Box £27.00 Golf Umbrella £18.50

Back to
Ladies Fitted Polo Shirt £20.00 Pair of Champagne Flutes in Presentation Box £38.50 Graduation Teddy Bear £8.00
Unisex Polo Shirt with White Trim £20.00 Rainbow Tealight Column £18.00 Mini Teddy £2.00
Charcoal Grey Fleece £29.50 Crystal Pyramid Perfume Bottle £28.00 Tipsy Clock in Deluxe Box £22.00
Knitted Beanie £6.50 Mini Cut Vase £19.50 Bone China Hour Glass Mug with Silver Print Logo £8.50

school
T-Shirts: Charlotte Pilsner Glass in Presentation Box £26.00 Black Earthenware Mug with Silver Print Logo £5.50
Sapphire Blue £11.50 Pair of Whisky Tumblers in Presentation Box £40.00
SlimFit Grey £13.00 Pens
Stone Blue £15.00 Ballpoint Pen £0.50
V-Neck Black £12.00 Estoril Ballpoint Pen in Presentation Box (brushed titanium) £8.50
Estoril Rollerball Pen in Presentation Box (brushed titanium)
Why more graduates return to Coventry
The University Gift Shop has an exciting new range of merchandise, all bearing the University name £8.50
or logo, which can now be purchased online at www.coventry.ac.uk/online store. The prices listed Estoril Clutch Pencil in Presentation Box (brushed titanium) £8.50 to take their education even further
above do not include charges for postage and packing. Citizen Rollerball in pouch £4.00
Or, if you wish to make purchases by mail order please contact Jackie Walsh, Alan Berry
Reception, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB. Telephone 024 7688 8774 or
e-mail jackie.walsh@coventry.ac.uk for further details.

Please note: refunds are only available where goods are faulty, statutory legal rights are not affected. Goods will be delivered within 21 days of receipt of order. If you are not fully satisfied, goods may be
returned within seven days for a full refund. Prices are valid until June 2008.
 evolve contents

Welcome… 20 28 Vice Chancellor

Madeleine
An extra warm welcome to all our new Friends of Coventry University (FOCUS) members who may
have graduated recently and be receiving this magazine for the first time. Atkins explains
As the new Alumni Relations Officer, I am thrilled to be on board. I joined the team in February after spending how Coventry
the last eight years working in Higher Education. I look forward to being in touch with many of you and
hopefully meeting you at gatherings and reunions in the future.
is exploring
In this issue we’ve taken a look at the graduates who just can’t get enough of Coventry and have come back
10 the education
to continue their education in an institution they know and love. You can read about their experiences and plan superhighway
your own on pages 18-19.
The Internet has changed the
We also reveal two of Coventry’s pioneering schemes, from virtual learning in a 3D world to moving the way we access information
classroom into businesses to teach students in the workplace. Read all about it from page 16. and engage with each other –
We also feedback on the results from last issue’s employment survey. Find out what the most popular whether through business or leisure activities.
occupations are on page 29. Its impact on education is still being explored
and Coventry is keen to remain at the forefront
So why not take this opportunity to grab a coffee, sit back and remember the good times at Coventry by of these developments.
reading the latest news and the graduate memories in our spring 2008 issue. Digital spaces are changing both the nature
Keep in touch, Carol of higher education and the way in which
learning is enacted within it. Digital spaces have

contents
brought new freedoms in terms of the ability
23 16
to co-author texts across the Atlantic, engage
in e-conferencing, (re) create identities through
avatars, games and immersive simulations
regulars community education provide access to a diverse range of knowledge
in virtual worlds.
4 News 8 Reunions 16 Checkmate to skills crisis Our University’s own Serious Games Institute
Get the latest updates on what alumni Find out who’s been back on campus reliving old times Coventry has all the right moves for ending the UK’s has been established in order to explore how
and your University have been up to and reuniting with old friends skills shortage developments in gaming technologies can
be applied in other contexts (for example in

29 Your Shout
Your feedback on last issue’s employment survey
30 Events
What’s happening on and around your campus
31 Benefits and services
All the perks of the association
WIN a family day out and a
weekend in a luxury hotel on page 30
10 Get connected
Where are they now? See the updates from old
friends and find out what they’re doing now
12 I would walk 5,000 miles
Graduate Mokhdum Morshed reveals how he has
used his UK education at home in Bangladesh
14 Letters
Your views on Coventry and life after graduation,
including our star letter winner
18 Return on Investment
Two graduates explain why they didn’t want to do a
postgraduate qualification anywhere else but Coventry
20 Virtual learning
How Coventry is taking the classroom online and is
pioneering a new Problem Based Learning project
22 Interview with…
Principal Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Bill Dunn
reveals happy memories from his years of teaching
enterprise
23 Being my own boss
Many of us dream of it, but few take the leap.
Three graduates are building their own businesses
development
26 Time at the bar
The changing face of student life
28 Building for the future
Coventry is planning a building
project to transform the campus
education and medicine). It is why we’ve also
taken such an interest in an Internet site called
Second Life, which gives our students the
ability to learn online in a 3D world where we’ve
created our own Island.
Second Life could change learning and
curriculum practices in ways that engage
students and fit more readily with their use of
digital technologies outside the classroom. It is
also a great place for alumni reunions!
So while there remains a vital role for
bricks and mortar university environments,
we also recognise that we have to use digital
technologies as well to enhance the learning

Contact us
Get in touch and let Coventry know
what you’re doing now. The alumni
office is waiting to hear from you and
would love to use your story in the
next issue of the magazine. You can
also call if you have a query about a
reunion, benefit or service, or just want
to chat to someone about Coventry.
Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 Meet the team: experience and to offer alternative routes to a
Email: alumni@coventry.ac.uk Deputy Director of Development 18 university education for those students who
Post: FOCUS, The Development Office, Alan Ian Moore prefer to engage and interact from a ‘location
Berry Building, Room 35, Coventry University,
Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB
Alumni Relations Officer This magazine is independent’ basis.
Carol Marsh
Higher Education is changing, but you can
Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni - for all the
Alumni Relations Assistant available in alternative be assured that Coventry University will be
Anna-Theresia Krein
latest news and a chance to update your details.
Friends of Coventry University is also on FACEBOOK. formats on request. exploring, testing and innovating to make sure
we capture and integrate the best of the new
The magazine is written and edited by Cheryl Liddle ways of learning with the best of the old.
E-News: A monthly e-newsletter to keep you in touch
with Coventry. Subscribe by emailing ‘SUBSCRIBE’ designed by George Lah-Anyane and Linda Leung Please contact via
to alumni@coventry.ac.uk – please include your name for Coventry University, photographs are by Graham
and address so we can locate you on our database. +44 (0) 24 7688 8589,
Harwood and it is printed by Emmersons Press.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of evolve. The magazine is published twice a year for alumni of Coventry or alumni@coventry.ac.uk
University. All letters, photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions. The opinions expressed in
Professor Madeleine Atkins
evolve are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Relations Office or Coventry University. Vice-Chancellor
3
 news
evolve news
Student Union
membership offer
Graduates missing nights out in the Students’
Union will welcome the launch of a new card
that gives alumni access to all the bars and
selected facilities.
Cardholders become associate members
of Coventry University’s Students’ Union
(CUSU) and can get into the SU at student
prices without having to make advance
arrangements through the Alumni Office.
It also means they have access to sports
and societies that they may wish to continue
playing a part in, as well as to the University
hairdressers and support centre.
CUSU Communications Officer Rich
Hayward (pictured above) said: “If you still live
locally, then it is a great offer for alumni as it
means you can have a good value night out
in your Students’ Union, and still get to enjoy
one of your favourite old haunts.”
The card, which is available from the
Students’ Union reception in Priory Street,
is £10 to all Friends of Coventry University
(FOCUS) members, and lasts for three years.
The card only gives access to the relevant
Coventry University Students’ Union facilities
and should not be confused with an NUS card.
Fact
Chuck Berry recorded the
classic My Ding-a-Ling
in Coventry University’s
Students’ Union.
4 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
views • updates • people
Royal approval
The Department of Industrial Design
has won the Queen’s Anniversary
Prize for Higher & Further Education
for its work in automotive design.
The awards, established in 1993 by the Royal
Anniversary Trust and given every two years,
recognise the role universities and colleges play
in the country’s economic advance, social
wellbeing and industrial self-fulfillment.
Her Majesty The Queen presented the
University with its award at a special ceremony
at Buckingham Palace in February. 
Professor
Michael Tovey, Director for Design at Coventry
University said:
“Being awarded the Queen’s
prize is a huge honour. The prize represents a
Winning ticket
Business graduate Nicola Golding had a good
start to the new year when she found
out she had won the competition featured in
evolve’s autumn issue.
The prize to have a fun day out at a popular
attraction, followed by an overnight
stay in a luxury hotel – with dinner and breakfast
included – was won by Nicola for
correctly unscrambling the word ‘Lanchester’.
Nicola (pictured right) graduated in 2002 and
real team effort by all the staff and students, not
only by rewarding our past achievements, but
in highlighting the depth of our current training,
research and innovative deployment of digital
technology.”
The department continues to pioneer
new developments in the field. It is regarded
as a centre of excellence by the HE sector
internationally and by the automotive industry
itself for its contribution to the education of
tomorrow’s world-class designers.
The achievements of Tabeisa, a pioneering
project to help reduce poverty in Africa, and in
which the University is one of the main partners,
were also recognised in this year’s awards.
is now a Marketing Officer at Amersham and
Wycombe College in Buckinghamshire said:
“I’m really pleased and very excited.
I’m going to use the tickets to go to
the Dungeons in London and then
spend a night at the Ramada
Docklands Hotel. I picked a
weekend in June that’s just
after my birthday as I thought
it would be a nice break away.”
Blazing a trail at graduation
Cassidy Coventry Blaze Coach Paul Thompson
was one of five distinguished professionals to be
honoured during the graduation ceremonies at
Coventry Cathedral last November.
The ceremonies celebrated the success of all
Coventry’s graduates as well as honouring five
special individuals who have made an outstanding
contribution to their profession.
Paul Thompson received a Doctor of Science
degree in recognition of his success with the
team and his undoubted commitment to raising
the profile of the city in sport regionally, nationally
and internationally.
All 2007 graduates received a pack of Coventry
playing cards, which included photos to remind
them of their University days.
News in brief
Award for enterprise chair
FOCUS on Enterprise chair Tom Williamson
has won a Midlands Business Award for his
contribution to enterprise in the region.
The trophy for the Best Business Referral was
presented to Tom at the Hilton Birmingham
Metropole in January at the annual awards event
that recognises business talent in the region.
Tom said: “I won ‘Best Referral’ for my role in
connecting businesses to each other. It’s strange
to be given an award for doing something which
is more instinct than skill, but perhaps having
received the awards those around me might
feel encouraged to engage more actively in
networking events and try a little harder to make
connections where ever possible”.
Tom who runs his own company called
Simple Hosting
Solutions also works
at the University in the
Business & Enterprise
Support Team.
Read more about
Business Enterprise
Works on page 25.
Also receiving honours at the awards ceremonies:
• Sir Derek Wanless: degree of Doctor of Business Subscribers to the FOCUS
Administration for his contribution to Government
policy in the areas of public health and social care.
• Elnora Ferguson: degree of Doctor of Letters in Business Administration graduate
recognition of her lifelong commitment to peace
and conflict resolution.
• Eberhard Burger: degree of Doctor of
Technology in recognition of his role as the
construction engineer who directed the rebuilding
of the Frauenkirche, Dresden’s cathedral.
• Dr Atta-ur-Rahman: degree of Doctor
of Education in recognition of his commitment
to restructuring higher education provision
within Pakistan.
WIN: We have 50 packs of Coventry
University playing cards to giveaway to
the first 50 people to request a pack.
Email alumni@coventry.ac.uk, write to
evolve, Development Office, Alan Berry
room 35, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1
5FB with your name, address and contact
number, or call +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.
Driving support for charity
One Coventry graduate is helping to raise
£250,000 for charity as part of a group that is
planning a 60-day drive from Solihull to Singapore
to mark Land Rover’s 60th birthday.
The group of Jaguar and Land Rover employees
and enthusiasts, called GO60, includes Automotive
Technology 2006 graduate Peter Waitland. The team
are currently seeking sponsors for the drive and the
money raised will go to the Red Cross to help some
of the most deprived children in the world.
The drive takes place between May and July and
two Land Rover Defenders and three Land Rover
Discoveries will make the journey across Europe, Russia,
the Himalayas and Asia – recreating the 1956 expedition.
More info at www.go60sharing.co.uk, or contact GO60
on irsixty@landrover.com or Peter on +44 01926 647057.
CAW hosts international conference
The University’s Centre for Academic Writing has been
chosen to host the fifth international European Association for
the Teaching of Academic Writing (EATAW) conference in June
2009 – making Coventry the first UK university to host the event.
EATAW has approximately 650 members, made up of HE writing
teachers from Europe and around the world.
More prizes
for lucky alumni
e-newsletter have been winning tickets
to popular UK attractions.
(1996) Liz Goodey won tickets to
SEA LIFE Centres and Sanctuaries in
November’s e-newsletter. Liz was delighted
with her win and said: “It was a nice surprise
to find out I had won. My 18 month old
daughter will enjoy it as she likes fish!”
In October Les Wojnarowicz,
who graduated in 1991 from
Applied Chemistry (pictured
right), won tickets to Warwick
Castle. Les who now lives in
Crewe, planned to visit the
University again when he used
his tickets to see the Castle.
“It has been a while since I’ve been in
the area since graduation,” said Les. “I’ll pop by
the University to see how things have changed.”
Back in January, Donna Munslow who had
recently graduated from a Psychology degree also
won tickets to SEA LIFE Centres and Sanctuaries.
Donna who won the tickets around the same time
as hearing she had secured a new job with the
NHS in the Community Drug Team in Coventry
said: “I have a two year old daughter, so it will
make a great day out.”
The prize tickets – all supplied
courtesy of Merlin
Entertainments Group,
are just one way
members can enjoy
the attractions.
Get discounts on
days out to Alton
Towers Resort,
Chessington World
of Adventures &
Zoo, LEGOLAND®
Windsor, Madame
Tussauds, the Dungeons,
SEA LIFE Centres and Sanctuaries,
THORPE PARK and Warwick Castle just
by calling 0870 220 4000 and quoting
Coventry University. Book the Dungeons
at www.thedungeons.com/corporate
and enter code DDC34. Please note
tickets must be booked 48 hours prior
to your visit. All major credit cards are
accepted. A full list of membership
benefits are featured on page 31.
LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND
are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©
2008 The LEGO Group
5
 evolve news
Graduate scheme rewards
student entrepreneurs
Two graduates who set up a mentoring
scheme for student entrepreneurs
recently hosted an awards ceremony
to formerly congratulate the students
with the best business ideas.
Last year alumnus and Chair of Coventry
University’s Development Committee Stephen
Kingswell and fellow alumnus Phil Cornwall
who is Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD)
Coventry and Warwickshire, launched the
Coventry Means Business (CMB) scheme to
nurture new business talent in its first year, with
the help of the Coventry and Warwickshire
branch of the IoD.
The mentoring scheme is the first of its kind
in the UK and paired up business leaders with
aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The awards recognised the achievements
of three students for best business idea, best
start-up and champion trouble-shooter. Winners
received a trophy and a £1,000 business grant.
Stephen Kingswell said: “Throughout the year,
the mentors have delivered guest master class
presentations, one-to-one mentoring and have
been on hand via emails and phone calls to
offer support and advice and for this we will be
forever in their debt.”
Music man
E-music tutor, Mark Thorley has
been elected on to the board of
the Music Producers Guild (MPG).
The MPG (UK) promotes
and represents all individuals
in the music production and
recording professions.
Mark is a well-respected musician and is
also the inspiration behind Coventry University’s
ground breaking E-music course, which
was the first of its kind in Europe. Before
joining academia as a Principal Lecturer and
Programme Manager, Music and Creative
Technologies, Mark worked in the music and
broadcast industries. His knowledge means he
is often invited on to the airwaves to share his
views on the music scene.
Mark said he would do what he could to
promote the University’s courses and the city.
6 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Representatives from business, commerce,
education and local government came to the
awards ceremony, which it is hoped will become
an annual event.
Vice Chancellor Professor Madeleine Atkins
said: “This initiative is, I believe, unique and
other universities and IoD branches throughout
the UK are looking to adopt it.
“The scheme is ideal for encouraging a
new generation who seek to join the business
community and it recognises the sense of
purpose that exists in the region and the
commitment to building business success
across Coventry and Warwickshire.”
The event would not have been possible
without the support of the main sponsors
Business Link West Midlands and Halfords, and
also the two support sponsors CSWP and LSC
Coventry & Warwickshire.
THE WINNERS:
The Best Business Idea – sponsored by AAH
Pharmaceuticals
Rosemary Evans and her company Inhaler
Tailor. This Social and Environmental enterprise
will offer asthma sufferers medical equipment
they would feel proud to use with an array of
stylish and fun designs to suit all.
Making a difference
More than 300 undergraduate students
received scholarship awards in February.
Coventry University offers a wide range of
scholarships every year ranging from £500 to
£4,000 and the successful scholars receive
their awards at two special ceremonies.
Scholarships awarded this year were
given to first year students whose previous
achievement in enterprise, sports, creative or
performing arts has been exceptional.
Tracy Cullis, Director of Student Services at
Coventry University said: “We offer a number of
scholarships to suit almost every student and
those who come to the university with a high
level of achievement in an academic or skill
area could be eligible for a financial reward.”
Coventry offers one of the best sports’
scholarship support programmes in the
country. With up to £4,000 a year, which is
CMB winners and IoD representatives: (l-r)
Sherod Williams, Stephen Kingswell, Rachel Taylor,
David Wick, Rosemary Evans and Phil Cornwall.
The Best Business Start Up – sponsored by
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber
David Wick for his company Memorabilia F1/
Moto. It is the only company in the UK with the
licence to sell genuine F1/Moto memorabilia.
The Champion Trouble-shooter - sponsored
by Lloyds TSB Bank
Rachel Taylor and her company Ephemeral
Opulence. It specialises in bespoke corporate
large scale art, crafted in glass and metals
appropriate for architectural interior and exterior
applications; alongside limited ranges of smaller
home accessory items targeted to high end
boutiques and smaller corporate gifts.
The student “mentees” gave a best mentor
2009
award to Sherod Williams, Managing Partner
Full-t
at Walker Thompson Accountants.
a combination of money and services, the
scholarship gives rising stars in the sports world
access to a support network which allows them
to manage effectively the mix of performance
sport and academic study.
Tracy Cullis added: “The scholarships make
such a difference and we firmly believe that high
achievers should be encouraged and rewarded
for their hard work.”
See page 26 for more on student scholarships.
Greener prospects
University’s green guide is helping
the environment
Coventry is strengthening its green credentials
by producing an environmentally friendly
prospectus to promote the University’s courses.
The new prospectus is not only printed on
recycled paper, but will also be mailed out in
a bag made from a material called ‘bioplast’
which is a completely biodegradable film made
from potato starch.
All 70,000 copies of the ‘green’ prospectus
can also be recycled when they are finished
with and Elise Smithson, the University’s
environmental officer said it sets a good
example for other Universities: “This is an
excellent message being sent out by the
University and one that I hope will be mirrored
across other organisations that produce similar
brochures. Not only is it cheaper to produce,
but it is also good for the environment and the
quality of the publication is not compromised.”
Last year, the university did well when it was
“awarded” a respectable 2:1 degree score from
the People and Planet Green League 2007.
Students who are concerned
about their own future as well
as that of the planet can
access details about their
ECTU
S
PROrgrSP
de ad
uate co
urses
chosen university to see if
ime un
the institution they will be
attending does well in the
green stakes.
The university has also
been given the Energy
Efficiency Scheme
Accreditation and was one
of thirteen universities in the country
that were accredited last year. It is awarded for
the results achieved by putting energy saving
measures in place.
Elise Smithson added: “Students coming to
Coventry will be happy in the knowledge that
they’ll be coming to an institution where saving
the environment and being energy efficient is a
high priority.”
evolve is printed on paper that is sourced
from sustainable forests.
Fact
The University is the biggest property
developer in Coventry, now occupying
over 33 acres of prime city-centre land
with a further 20 acres allocated to the
Technology Park.
Nigerian alumni welcome
new president
Two new appointments make Coventry popular in Nigerian
Nigerian alumni celebrated the appointment of Increasing numbers of Nigerians are heading
their first President in February. overseas to get a UK degree in the hope of
enhancing their employability back in Nigeria.
Anthony Ajibosin (pictured below right), MBA
graduate 2006 will head up the Nigerian Alumni “Following my graduation, Coventry University
Association for Coventry and said he was proud opened an office in Nigeria,” said Anthony.
to take up the post of President citing the alumni “This demonstrates to me that they are serious
efforts as one of the reasons he chose to study in helping Nigerians achieve their dreams of
at Coventry. obtaining a UK degree.”
“The friendly and helpful response from the To further demonstrate Coventry’s
first point of contact with the International Office commitment to its graduates, Law graduate
and the understanding of Nigerian qualifications Fatima Modupe has been appointed as the
and culture were just two of the reasons I chose new Office Manager in Coventry University’s
Coventry,” said Anthony. “I also liked the fact the new Nigeria office in Abuja, which is there
University kept in-touch with its alumni.” to encourage more Nigerians to study at
the University. To contact Anthony email
Despite more foreign investment in Nigeria
ajitony2001@yahoo.com and to contact the
it is not easy for a Nigerian graduating from
Nigerian International Office email nigeriaoffice.
Nigerian universities and polytechnics to find a
io@coventry.ac.uk and call +234 802524 7261.
job with a good salary and career prospects.
10 reasons why Anthony chose to study at Coventry
1. The superb facilities and city centre campus
2. The cost of living, much cheaper than London
3. The opportunity to find a part-time job without breaching the terms of my visa
4. The University’s West African Society and sports facilities
5. The location of Coventry, one-hour from London by train and in the centre of England
6. Free careers advice and help with interview techniques and CV writing
7. Accommodation on campus and in-town very near to the University
8. Friendly tutors who would help you
9. Fantastic library in an award-winning building
10. Staff that regularly visit Nigeria and other parts of Africa that understand our
culture and our issues.
Celebrating 50 years in Greece
The British Graduates Society of Greece (BGS) as well as a members’ forum and information
is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with about British university education.
a host of events and a new website to boot. Established in 1958 and under the patronage
Alumni in Greece are invited to join in the of the British Ambassador, the BGS is an
celebrations that will include social and musical organisation in Greece which is open to all
events, seminars and art exhibitions throughout those who have graduated from a British
the year. The events will all also reflect the university or college (irrespective of nationality).
society’s theme for 2008: The Environment. The Society is an independent non-profit
The new BGS website, www.bgs.gr, has all making organisation (with no financial support
the details of the 50th anniversary celebrations from any institution or organisation) and is run
by professionals working on a voluntary basis.
With more than 2,500 members fellow
graduates can exchange ideas and information
to develop a network of contacts and take part
in the Society’s many activities.
BGS team: (l-r) BGS Patron the British
Ambassador Simon Gass and his wife Marianne,
Jaki Zotos and BGS President Basil Zotos.
7

reunions Graduates have been celebrating the good times at Coventry by reuniting back
on campus or in their home countries. Why not let the alumni office help you
with a campus tour, hotel bookings or finding old friends for your reunion?
TEAM 1: from l-r: (team in white) Zaf Ahmed,
David Cowley (wk), Lee Trevor Watkins, Karim
Govani, Shaid Ali, Will Sterio (Capt)
TEAM 2: Gareth May, James Pockett, Chris
Harries (wk), Paul Darrington, Anthony
Jayawardena, Tom Brockton (Capt)
10 year reunion means business
A group of Business School graduates got back
together again to celebrate 10 years since their
graduation last November.
Graham Selden and his friends decided to
relive some old times on campus and visit their
Students’ Union again.
“I think we all found it slightly surreal to be
back in Coventry,” said Graham. “It was definitely
strange to be back in the Priory Street building,
which was the Union [the bars and clubs] in our
first two years. None of us knew the Planets
building had been demolished, so it was a bit of
a shock to walk around the corner and see no
8 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Alumni bowled
over to be back
F ounders of Coventry University’s cricket
club reunited last December to play against
current members and see how well the team
had survived without them.
The indoor cricket matches proved the club is
still successful as the students beat the alumni
in two of the three matches they played.
Early club members and 2006 graduates
Dave Cowley (Engineering Management) and
Will Sterio (Business Management), along
with current Information Technology student
Luke Makins all helped to organise the reunion
weekend and were thrilled to be playing among
friends again.
“I’ve played cricket all my life,” said Dave
who is now a Graduate Maintenance Manager
with Network Rail. “I joined the club that Tom
Brockton started as soon as I came to Coventry
as I wanted to be a part of something. I even
building there at all.”
Graham, who is now a Supplier Manager
for Boeing, was also surprised to see the
development in the city and impressed with
the improved nightlife. “From around 8.30pm
onwards we were in the SkyDome area which
was very entertaining!”
Graham said he would recommend other
graduates organise a reunion on campus as it’s a
good way to see old haunts. “We went to the old
pubs we used to frequent, and walked through
the campus and retold stories,” said Graham.
“The strangest thing was visiting the old houses
organised one of our first tours to Magaluf in
2003 with about 15 of us – and we still talk
about that tour now!”
The former team were proud that the club
is still doing well. “It was good to see all the
hard work that had been put in back in 2001
from people like Tom Brockton, Karim Govani
and more recently Will Sterio, Luke Makins and
myself to name but a few has paid off,” said
Dave who enjoyed a night out in Coventry too.
“It was nice to hear the current team saying
they were proud to play for their University,”
added Will who now works for Natwest.
“And it was good to see a lot of the old boys
making the effort to come to Coventry for the
day. Let’s hope it can be a regular event with
outdoor matches taking place too.”
Next issue read about the annual alumni
Sports Day that took place in April.
Graham Selden, Greg Williams and Helen Loney
where we lived and seeing what happened to
them. One was particularly run down and it was
amazing how sad it made us feel to see the
place in that state when we have so many great
memories from living there.”
Want to plan your own reunion back on
campus? The alumni office can help, from
finding old friends to event promotion and
special deals on Coventry hotels. Just
complete the online form at www.coventry.
ac.uk/alumni or call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8589.
Engineering a reunion
A cupboard clear out prompted one alumnus to
organise a reunion forty years on from his graduation
W hen Tony O’Toole’s mother asked him to
clear out his old Lanchester things from
under the stairs it started a nationwide search to
find his University friends.
Tony lives in Ontario, Canada so hunting them
down wasn’t the easiest of tasks, but four years
later he managed it and forty years to the day
since their graduation they reunited on campus
to see how life had changed.
The gang kicked their reunion off with a visit
to the (Deputy) Lord Mayor’s office. Tony said:
“It was a very impressive building and we had a
lovely coffee reception.”
evolve asked the group to reveal
the highlights of their weekend.
Q. What was it like to be back together?
Tony: We’re all married, and everyone has two
or three children, and most of the children are
over 30 now. Five of the guys have been married
for over 40 years to women who they knew
when they were at the Lanch. Five of the guys
still live close to the University in the midlands
and everyone, apart from John Robinson, is
now retired.
Happy times: (l-r) Matthew Woodgate,
evolve community
Q. What was it like to be back in Coventry
after all these years?
Tony: It was interesting to see Broadgate – it
used to be a square. That was where we
Q. What about the Engineering Faculty?
John Robinson: It had hardly changed at all
and was like being transported back 45 years
to the day we arrived, although the curriculum
caught the bus home at the end of each day. being taught in the building is vastly different.
I remember it was a number 16 bus that The staff who gave up their Saturday lunchtime
dropped us at Broadgate in the morning. to greet us and show us round were friendly and
Then we had to walk between the Cathedrals to informative and we had some common ground
go to classes in B, C or D blocks. The tent over as they remembered a number of the old staff
Lady Godiva was a surprise as well. The inner who were there in our time. Many thanks to
ring road is still an eyesore and it is still difficult them for making the day enjoyable.
to navigate especially if you are used to driving John Green: In many respects it was like
on the other side of the road (like me). It is also walking in 40 years ago. The rooms, the
too close to some of the lovely old buildings machines, the smells were practically the same.
around the city centre. I half expected to chance upon bits of our
John Robinson: Bewildering – the whole city various projects.
and the road infrastructure has changed out of
all recognition.
Together again: l-r Tony O’Toole, Jim Lunt, John Robinson,
Howard Collerson, John Green, Bruce Mosley and Clive
Q. What did you think of the University Sturgess and (below) the gang at graduation 1967
campus? Has it improved since you were
here as a student?
John Green: The development is fantastic
in all respects, including ambition, scale and
architecture. It has become a city within the
city. The facilities for encouraging developing
businesses are a good idea. One big difference
that I wasn’t aware of is the incorporation of
so many other learning establishments into
the university, for example the health and life
sciences and performing arts, which is very
different from the basic engineering disciplines
that were on offer when we were there.
John Robinson: When we were there in
’62, the site was only two-three acres with
five buildings, and mostly concentrated
on mechanical, production, electrical and
aeronautical engineering. The course and
facilities development is fantastic and now
seems to occupy most of the city to the west &
south of the Cathedral. The architecture, both
the new and the redevelopment of existing
buildings is excellent and it felt like a great
environment to study (and play) in. The library
facilities are fantastic. Can you help?
The gang are still looking for John
Boon, Bill Bradbury or Colin Guppy.
9
 evolve community
get
connected
Graduated 1970s
Roger Healy Business Law 1972
After graduating from the ‘Lanch,’ I went to the Bar
(Inner Temple), studied and worked at the same time.
Called in 1977. Went into industry (C.E.G.B/Powergen).
Became Regional Commercial Head of South East,
then took over Midlands and South West regions.
Moved from London to Vale of Evesham. Headhunted
by Energis Telecoms, stayed five years as Commercial
Head based in London, then Reading. Retired in 2000
to live in the sun of southern Portugal. Married with two
children: Rory, 17 and studying at Leeds and Annabel
who is 16 and studying for her A’levels at our local
international school.
Martin Wigg Engineering 1977
Moved to USA in 1987. Worked for Gross Given,
Toppers Pizza (start-up company) and WPP
(advertising). Currently part-owner of Performance
Metals, a marine parts supply company.
Peter Tiahnybida Modern Studies 1978
15 years with U.S. based Mark Andy supplying printing
machinery to the packaging industry, 15 years prior to
that in the Business Forms industry working initially for
Burroughs and latterly with N.C.R.
Stephen Wilson
Business Law 1978
After graduating I took my
Law Society finals and
returned to Lincoln to join
a local firm of solicitors
Sills & Betteridge in 1979.
I qualified as a solicitor in
1981 and find myself still
there 28 years later. The
firm has grown considerably over the years and I am
now one of the senior partners. I am married with
three children and recently took my eldest son to a
Coventry Uni open day in anticipation of him going
to University this September. I managed to meet
up with my old tutor Colin Perkin who is still there.
It was just like being at the Lanch in the old days. I
wouldn’t mind going back!
Graduated 1980s
David Hall Computer Studies 1981
I have worked for the last ten years at CRESTCo helping
to design and develop the UK share settlement system.
10 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Happy memories of Coventry
are not lost. Find out what old
friends have been up to and
share your latest news.
Michael Adams Business Law 1984
Although I have lived in
Australia (married to an
Australian wife with two
Australian daughters) since
1988, it is nice to know what
is happening at the Lanch!
After graduation I studied at
University College, London to
complete a Master of Laws
(LLM) in 1986. I came out to Australia in 1988 and
actually started teaching law in 1989 at the University
of Technology Sydney. In 2001 I became a Professor of
Corporate Law and had won the Australian University
Teacher of Year in Law and Legal Studies in 2000. Well
after 18 years at UTS, it was time for a new challenge
and I was appointed the Dean of the Law School at the
University of Western Sydney in February 2007. This
is a major change in role from a teaching-researching
academic to a management role with 40 staff, but so
far is bringing great enjoyment, but long days. I get to
return to the UK most years and it is wonderful to see
Coventry grow from strength to strength.
David Jones Business Studies 1988
After leaving Coventry, I joined Xerox UK as a marketing
graduate. After two years I moved into sales and in
2005 left Xerox as a Sales Manager to buy a farm
in France with parents in law. I have now joined an
aeronautics company in Figeac. I am married with a
five year old daughter.
Nick Watts Business Studies 1989
After a few years working in Marketing for Friends of the
Earth, I changed career and moved
into Television Production. I am now
a Producer/Director and have made
various films for Channel 4 and the
BBC including a four hour series on
the Battle of Britain entitled Spitfire
Ace and more recently a 90 minute art/science film
called The Human Footprint. I’m just off to West Africa
to make a film about mercenaries and am also in the
process of setting up a production company.
Graduated 1990s
Dan Welch Applied Biology 1992
Have worked in the food industry for over 10 years
now. Currently managing food safety and new
product development for Belvoir Cordials, a soft drink
manufacturer near Grantham.
Mohd Yusof
Business Administration 1993
My present occupation involves
law enforcement and prior to that
I was a banker and a teacher for a
secondary school. Though it was
14 years ago, I enjoyed my time in
Coventry and made great friends
there. Irfan, Tungku Kamaruddin, Norli as well as many
others (too many to mention), if you are reading this,
please do contact me and try to catch up on old times.
I have grown (a bit) and lost a few hairs (as you will see
from my family photo), I hope you still remember me.
Azemah Hassan
Business Administration 1995
Currently attached with a reputable financial institution
and planning to pursue postgraduate study at Coventry
in 2008.
Aidan Langley Engineering 1996
Married to Ruth with two daughters,
Maebh (3) and Aoife (1). After
graduating in 1996 I spent five more
enjoyable years in Coventry (with
Rolls-Royce), before moving on to do
six years with Intel (in Dublin and the
USA), now the Engineering Manager
for the Dublin tram network (with
ALSTOM).
Andrew Stenning
Business Studies 1996
On graduating from Coventry
Business School I went to work
for my placement company,
Pritex Ltd. Initially as a
Production Assistant, but I have
since had several roles until being made Production
Director approximately three years ago. The business
has 225 employees with a turnover approaching
£20 million. I am very fortunate to enjoy the job I do
and feel I have taken part in its recent growth and
development. Didn’t do the year out thing but have
been fortunate to do a lot of travelling recently. Have
done a few specific courses for work but nothing
too heavy, the thought of hitting the books again fills
me with dread. I try to keep up to date with most
things. Find a lot of the most important things about
work are to do with people and have a respectful,
fair approach. Keep in touch with a few from Uni but
everyone is busy and that’s life! Hi to everyone who
knew me at Uni and I hope you are all well.
Elizabeth Halliwell (nee Slade)
Modern Languages
French and Spanish 1996
Since leaving Coventry, I’ve spent
six years in the recruitment industry
in London as a language specialist,
married my husband Russell who I
met at Coventry (he studied IPS and graduated in 1997)
and we’ve now moved to Gloucestershire. Russell also
worked in recruitment since graduating and together
we’ve recently set up our own recruitment business in
Stroud called Equals Recruitment. We’re specialising in
finance and accountancy personnel. We’ve only been
doing this for the past two months so it is early days
yet but we are certainly enjoying the challenge and the
freedom to be at home a bit more with our two children
Poppy (four) and Thomas (one).
Cesar Garcia-Caso
Business Admin 1997
Since graduation I have worked in different companies,
first in my hometown in Vitoria (north of Spain) and for
the last four years in Madrid. At the moment I work for a
Dutch company called Nedap as a Product Manager.
I married a Madrileña and we have recently become
parents – this is something University did not prepare
us for! I remember my days at Coventry always with a
smile. I shared a huge house on Kenilworth Road with
seven others. It was quite international with Spanish,
French, Greek and Iranian students. We had great
moments there and big parties. I also remember the
Phase dances at the Students’ Union. I keep in touch
with many of my friends from back then and they have
become an important part of my life.
Hayley Griffiths
Communication
Studies 1998
I emigrated to Greece
almost four years ago with
my boyfriend Kev. We live
on the island of Zante,
where I’ve been indulging
in my exhibitionist side as
a professional singer and radio presenter. I joined a girl
trio approximately 18 months after graduating and have
been singing ever since. I combined singing with various
other work, including being a landlady of two pubs,
working in the mental health sector in public/private
hospitals and secure units. I worked in advertising and
journalism for The New Chronicle in Doncaster, where
I wrote my first front page exclusive (thanks to the
journalism modules on my course).
I now sing solo in hotels throughout the holiday
season and also in a live band with Kev as the drummer,
and I’ve been hosting my own radio show for 18 months
on Island FM – the only English language radio station
in Greece.
All in all we are lucky to live a charmed life, and do
very little in the closed season, apart from relax and
spend a few months in England visiting friends and
family.
I will never forget the support my Communication
Studies tutor Jason Toynbee gave to me during my
final year. He really helped me to complete the course
despite many outside difficulties.
Listen to me online at www.gozakynthos.gr and click
on ‘Listen to Island’ link or visit www.islandfm.gr or my
website www.hayleybelle.co.uk.
Graduated 2000s
Iain Groom Transport Design 2000
Formed Ominic Design Ltd in 2001 and have developed
a strong business in healthcare and workplace interior
design and project management.
Samantha Vickers Sociology 2002
I took a PGCE course during the last academic year
and have now qualified as a primary school teacher.
Teaching children aged between five and 11.
Lawrence Cook
Industrial Product Design 2002
Since leaving Coventry I have realised what an excellent
grounding and skills base I was provided with for use
in future employment, and now further study. I am
proud to have started out from Coventry University.
I’ve worked at Wagner Design, Birmingham Airport
(Aviance), Aviation Research at Avsoft in Rugby and
currently studying for a PhD at Cranfield University. I’ve
travelled to Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Greece
and Japan and even after these trips I can put my hand
on my heart and say that Coventry is a great place to
be. Long live Coventry. Do they still experiment with
dropping oranges from the top floor of Priory Halls?
Update everyone and reveal what you’re up to now by emailing alumni@coventry.ac.uk, or calling
+ 44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or use the online form on the website at www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Abid Hussain Adams Mathematical
Studies and Accounting 2002
After graduating I went into self employment, assisting
the motor trade industry with vehicle sales, breakdown
assistance and the sale of vehicle parts.
Yiannis Pipis
Business Administration 2002
After graduating, I did my MBA at Cardiff University.
After my graduation in 2003, I have passed through
different jobs like Business Studies lecturer in two
colleges in Cyprus, and two years as a Recruitment
Officer in an organisation. Since August 2007 I am
employed at MKC City College of Cyprus as a Head of
International Admissions.
Aurore Locko
Business Administration
2004
I enjoyed my studies at Coventry.
The teaching system was very
different from that of France. A
few courses but a lot of time for
investigation and exchanges with
teachers. However, I haven’t spoken English since
2004 so my English is becoming poor. I’m trying to
have contacts with English speaking people in France
– not easy!
David Richardson
Business Enterprise 2004
Since leaving I have undertaken a few jobs to try and
further my career. I have travelled to London, Edinburgh
and even Stuttgart - IQPC (London and Edinburgh)
Aldi (Stuttgart) being the companies I was employed
with. I am now helping develop a new brand within
the UK Car Group called Carland.com. It is a new and
exciting way to buy a car via the internet and small
retail outlets in major shopping centres nationwide.
We have been running the company since April 2007
and have five stores in the Yorkshire region. In a very
exciting development, we are about to expand into the
North East region and we have the green-light for 10
more new stores. The studying at Coventry didn’t prove
an advantage immediately with my first jobs – work
experience is extremely important with the majority
of companies. However, in this new position I have
been able to draw from my skills learned at Coventry,
especially when it comes to developing and establishing
my new team.
Rowena Bennett
Business and Accounting 2005
I’ve now started my training to be a Company
Secretary. I’m currently working in the Group Secretariat
department of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc
in Surrey. I have just completed my first ICSA exam in
Financial Accounting in which I gained a Distinction.
Simon Duggan
Automotive Engineering Design 2005
First year worked as a Design Engineer for Jack
Knight Developments Ltd. Followed by further work
as a Design Engineer at Titan Motorsport. I am now a
contract engineer for Ricardo, based at Ford in Essex
working on the new Fiesta transmission.
Emily Rowe
International Disaster
Engineering
and Management
2006
Following the completion of
my Disaster Management
degree, I immediately began
an internship as a Programme Officer with CORD, a
relief and development NGO based in Leamington
Spa. It was really good to be able to use and develop
the skills I had learnt through my degree. This post
involved research into ‘Conflict Transformation’ for
which we were able to collaborate with the Coventry
University Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
During my studies at
Coventry, I took a year
out to work with rural
communities in Pakistan
for an NGO called Partner
Aid International (PAI).
Following this year out,
I decided to undertake
an organisational
management review of
PAI as the basis for one
of my final year modules.
Now, in 2007 I have a fantastic opportunity to put into
action some of the recommendations from this review
since PAI invited me to work with them from the UK as
Operations Manager.
Find out more about our projects and visit
www.partner-aid-international.org or email
rowe@partner-aid-international.org
Oloruntoba Babatunde
Business Decision Management 2006
I moved from Coventry to London in
December 2006, having completed
my Masters to start a job as a
Research Analyst in the City. I’ve since
changed jobs and now work with
Network Rail in the Strategic Access
Planning Team as a Modelling Analyst
based in the Paddington office.
Being an international student,
Coventry was and still is my first home in the UK. I miss
student life in Coventry and I love to keep in touch.
London is fun and I’m loving it here.
Mark Øvland
E-Commerce 2007
I’m off backpacking to India for
five months over the winter where I
hope to learn more about Eastern
philosophy, Buddhism, Yoga and
meditation from the masters. Next
year I’m heading to South America
with the plan to work my way up
from Chile to Mexico over two years,
lending a hand in orphanages and
schools along the way.
11
 evolve community
I would walk
5,000 miles…Growing I t can take more than a decade to graduate
from a public University in Bangladesh. The
numbers of
strikes and poor facilities that slow the process
down are encouraging more students to travel
over 5,000 miles to get an education in the UK.
Bangladeshis The cost of living in the UK is high by
comparison but the prestige that comes with a
are choosing a qualification from these shores far outweighs the
negatives. Many students eager to get a degree
UK education from a UK university will cut costs by spending
one year abroad and then complete their degree
and Coventry in Bangladesh.
“This is a cheaper option,” said Sofeena
graduates are Meghani who works in the University’s
International Office and regularly visits
promoting the Bangladesh to invite new students to come
and study at Coventry. “It means they still get
the experience of studying in the UK, and it is
benefits of accredited by Coventry University.”
Sofeena has developed links with alumni
studying in the living in Bangladesh and works with North South
University in Dhaka to promote the University
multi-cultural city to students. “It’s nice when you meet people
who have studied at Coventry,” said Sofeena.
“Especially when they have been successful.”
Poverty is rife in Bangladesh and many
students return to the country after graduating in
the UK to support their families. evolve spoke
to one graduate who has used an MBA from
Coventry to help build a better life for him and
his family in Bangladesh.
Alumnus Mokhdum Morshed, completed
his MBA in 1999 and is now a Senior
Lecturer in the School of Business at North
South University in the capital Dhaka.
What was it like when you first arrived
in Coventry?
Happy days: Alumnus Life was quite difficult. It was a totally new
Mokhdum Morshed experience, as I had no friends or relatives in
the UK. The education system, environment,
and climate – everything was new to me. The
International Office helped a lot during that time.
I got full support from them.
How different was your life in England?
In Bangladesh, I live with my parents and other
family members. I am used to their support as
I am the youngest son of the family. But when I
went to England, it was a new world.
12 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
I came into contact with students from different
countries with different backgrounds. England is
a multi-cultural country so I got the opportunity
to learn things from different societies. I tried to
socialise not only with local students but also
with foreign students. I was an introvert but now
I have become an extrovert! The lifestyle and
education system in England helped me to work
in a group environment and that has made me a
more confident person.
Why did you choose to come to Coventry?
One of Coventry’s alumni told me about
Coventry Business School as I was planning
to go to the UK to do an MBA. I got a positive
response from the British Council about the
quality of education at Coventry too.
How has your degree helped you in
your career?
It helped a lot in building my career in the
teaching and research field. It provided
opportunities, resources and expertise to help
me achieve academic, personal and career
goals within a stimulating and supportive
atmosphere. The MBA strives not only to
maintain high quality in both instruction and
research but also in the dissemination of
information, organisation of seminars, training
programmes and other activities. The curriculum
has encouraged me to sharpen both analytical
and communication skills. I have developed
interpersonal communication and leadership
skills to work effectively with others and lead
teams to accomplish objectives.
What do you miss about Coventry?
I enjoyed both campus and city life. Many
regard Coventry as one of the most important
cities in the UK. The deep sense of tradition,
history and culture make it a unique city.
The diversity of cultures also makes it one
of the most cosmopolitan cities in the UK.
The attraction of studying in Coventry was its
unrivalled role in the world of business. The
educational legacy and this solid foundation
have enabled the University to become one of
the largest and most progressive educational
institutions in the UK. That’s why I am not only
missing campus life but also the city as a whole. Different worlds: A banana plantation in Bangladesh –
thousands of miles away from the busy streets of Coventry
13
 evolve community

Letters Modern memories Thanks for

Dear FOCUS,
Ijust want to say a big thank you for sending
Have your say and share your views with other Friends of Coventry University. The star letter me the two copies of the new magazine
evolve, as I had not received FOCUS this year
wins a £25 book voucher kindly donated by Waterstone’s Coventry University. Please send
letters to Letters, Development Office, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB or
and telephoned you a few weeks ago.
The new magazine is really good, very
email alumni@coventry.ac.uk, or telephone +44 (0) 24 7688 8589 interesting and well planned out. Since returning
home to Ireland (after 40 years abroad) I’ve gone
back to my first love, jazz music, and present my
Rebolz. The airplane was a replica of the first the byline
Vickers Vimy WW1 fighter plane.
My husband and myself made a professional
DVD of the event which took place in July 2005.

 Dear FOCUS,
I keep up with what’s going on in Coventry via
friends and your website. I only graduated in 2006 but things have
moved fast! It was my regular columns in
The Source which had given me the idea that
I want to say hello to anyone who remembers
maybe I could make it in the cut-throat world
me from the class of Modern Studies in 1990
of journalism. Keen not to get into further debt,
and would love to know what you are doing now.

Thank you
own radio programme. I worked for six months in office administration
Especially Richard Kelly and Maryanne Smith
to raise the cash for a £3,000 NCTJ course in
I’ve also written a short social history story as and our lecturers in Modern Studies.
London. Finishing that in the summer, I had the
etter

well as many historical features for papers and
magazines. I spent a decade as secretary of
the Connemara Heritage Society and witnessed
I was a full time mature student and it was the
qualifications I needed to start applying for jobs
best experience of my life. I have applied what I
in the industry.
have learned on my course as I’ve gone through

Coventry
and covered the re-enactment of the 1919 I tried my luck, and to my surprise, landed
star l

life since.
Alcock & Brown first transatlantic flight from a job at the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald
Keep up the good work.
Newfoundland to Clifden in the west of Ireland. newspaper just down the road from Coventry.
The pilot was the adventurer Steve Fossett and Maureen McNall It was good to get back to the area where I
navigator was American Airline captain Mark Modern Studies, 1990 spent three happy years, and now doing the
job I dared to dream of doing but never actually
Happy times: (l-r) Maureen with her grandson Josh thought I was capable! Being a local news
reporter is demanding but exciting.
Dear FOCUS, and son Mark in the west of Ireland last summer
You never know what might happen next.
W hen I was earn
I started as a
be in the care
ing a pittance
mature studen
as a sales rep
t at Coventry)
in Coventry 10
years ago, (bef
Only in my second week on the job, a tragedy
unfolded in a Warwickshire warehouse and
er I am in now. I would never ore
have thought took the lives of four firefighters. Seeing the fire,
I would like to I would
thank Covent going to the press conferences, the inquests,
those mature ry, who helped
students who me change m the funerals; all in the shadow of blanket news
might doubt th y career, and
it, and it’s neve eir decision to say to all
r too late. go back to un coverage from the likes of BBC News 24 and
After graduatin i: It is worth
g in 2001 I go Sky has left me humbled. It seems a long time
Oxfordshire Co t a job as a Co
unty Council. nservative Po ago now since I was writing
I st udied part-tim litical Assistant
a Town Council e in Business M at
appointed Sc anagement an political satire for a student
hool Governo d was
In 2005 I worke r to help furth newspaper in Coventry.
d day and nigh er my career.
my councillors t on the Coun But thanks for the
and MPs, doin ty and District
networking. I g manifesto lau elections supp
was nick-nam nches, writing orting memories – I will always
ed ‘th e nanny and th sp eeches and
May and
nanny politicia e bully’ by my remember where I got my
h Teresa ns when their Leader as I w
unch wit ght) working harder egos were brui ould
uth e a st la
iina is fa r ri . sed but I wou first byline!
W2W So wood (N ld also bully th
ola B la c k
The hard work em into
PPC Nic paid off. We ha
not want to pr d a landslide vic James Cracknell
ogress within tory and by th
management is time I knew Sport Management 2006
In 2006, I was as I was pass I did
appointed as ionate about po
the Conservativ the South East litics.
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After a succes e women to be in (W2W),
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becoming an t myself throug

Down memory lane…

MP. I became h the nerve w
European Parlia an Approved racking proces
Conservative s of
ment. I am no Candidate in 20 Waterstone’s is the UK’s
South East. w als o officially a Cons 07 for the
ervative MEP leading academic bookseller,
candidate for
Now my spare the with a comprehensive range
time is spent
introducing m travelling, mee
yself to as man ting people, pr Do you recognise any of the students in of course books, textbooks and
y people as po esenting spee
As a single pa ssible. ches and professional titles at highly competitive prices.
rent with two
young boys, it’s
this photo or know when it was taken?
air but worth it hard work to ke The shop stocks an extensive range
as I love every ep all the balls evolve has had another dig through the
David Camer son is now 15 minute of it an in the
on with Niina and is also ve d my boys are of academic books from the UK and abroad,
leafleting with ry in vo lved as well as ve ry proud. My eld archive and thought this photo may stir
me. my seven year est with an expert team on hand to help.
old son who go some memories for graduates.
es
Niina Kaarin Waterstone’s, Coventry University,
iemi, Europe If you have an old photo from student days
an Studies w Frederick Lanchester Building,
Conservative ith Spanish 20 that you would like to share or can identify this
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Oxfordshire stant Gosford St, Coventry, CV1 5DD, or visit
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voucher – courtesy of Waterstone’s. Lanes and the Lower Precinct.

14 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 15
 evolve education
Ma

Checkmate to skills crisis

Consu king the rig
ltan ht mo
seeing t Andy Birc ves:
the stu h enjo
dents ys
develo

“
p

Their pla Bringing the classroom to the office could be the answer to
ce of the UK’s skills shortage. A pioneering training initiative is
work ac
tually helping the country to raise its game
become
s the T he UK’s skills base is weak by international
standards, holding back productivity, growth
AA Road & Insurance is delighted with the
impact the course is already having on her
curriculu

”
and social justice. Based on current targets to
m improve skills the country will lag behind many
of its comparator countries in 2020.
A stark reality and one that the 2006 Leitch
Review spelt out in its report examining the
UK’s long-term skills needs. It called for the
Government, employers and individuals to share
team. “The students are really gaining in
confidence and all of the work they’re doing
links back into the business,” said Janet.
“There’s been real engagement from the
management team here too, which has helped.
The whole programme is giving employees an
opportunity to shine, and the business a chance

Learn as you earn in the responsibility to take action and invest in
the future.
So, how do you entice a lacklustre population
Adam Woolls – to get their heads down and learn something
Customer Manager for the sake of the economy? Coventry thinks it
for garage agents has the answer by working with businesses to
“I left college at an deliver its courses in the workplace.
early age so I thought Learning and Development Consultant Andy
that would be it
Birch is delivering a year-long training package
for my education.
to AA call centre employees, designed to teach
The programme is
challenging but very transferable skills in decision making, taking
rewarding when you responsibility and disseminating knowledge.
get your marks back. Coventry’s idea was to join forces with
There’s a lot of work to do – more than we
companies like the AA to offer training that not
expected! But you get a lot of support.
only benefits employees but also the business.
This course has opened up a lot of doors
for me with the skills I have learnt. I’d like to be “The courses are very practical and the
out on the road more in the future and I see students look at their own company to assess
myself rising to that position in ten years time.” the processes. Their place of work actually
becomes the curriculum,” said Andy about
the Capability Improvement Programme that
Marc Russell –
Customer Manager, carries 60 CAT credits at level 1, and will give
duty performance each successful student an NVQ level 3 in
“The AA has given us Management. Not bad, especially when they
a lot of support and it don’t even have to leave their desk to achieve it.
helps having Andy on
“Many of the people we teach are in roles that
site too.
they have got to from their own abilities rather
“For one assignment
you had to implement than from a formal qualification,” said Andy who
a change to an area has tailored the programme to meet the needs
of the AA that you worked with. I improved the of the 27 students he tutors at the AA and is
call flows into the department by reducing the
based in their offices, near Birmingham, four
average handling time on calls.
days a week.
“I’d like to work more in the performance and
resourcing side of the business and this course HEFCE could see the potential in the
has given me the opportunities to get there.” programme and is helping to fund it for the
first two years. After that Andy is convinced
the initiative will have proven its worth and
If you would like to know more about
will attract funding from businesses eager to
education in the workplace please contact emulate the scheme.
Ambrina Wahid on + 44 (0) 24 7679 5089 or
If the AA’s reaction to the scheme is anything
email a.wahid@coventry.ac.uk to go by, Andy may not be far wrong. Janet
Craig Management and Development Manager
to reap the benefits of their engagement.”
One of the reasons why the course has been
so successful is the presence of a Coventry
representative in their offices. Students are able
to ask for help and are actively encouraged
to talk about their projects in the workplace
because their studies are work related. “It’s the
golden egg,” said Janet who is able to use the
student’s progress in their quarterly reviews.
“The students are learning in the workplace
and bringing the benefits back into the job.
Having Andy here is a major success factor.”
Although the students do not experience
campus life, it is motivating to know they will
have a qualification accredited by the University.
Adam Woolls a Customer Manager for garage
agents and a student on the course said: “It has
opened up a lot of doors for me. It feels good
that it’s accredited by Coventry University – it
has given me an extra edge.”
Colleague and fellow student Marc Russell, a
Customer Manager, has gone back to studying
because it is being delivered to his desk. “Once
you’ve worked your way up in a company
it’s quite a decision to quit and go back to
University. Doing the studying while you’re at
work is a much better opportunity,” said Mark.
When you hear about the impact the initiative
is having, it’s no wonder that other companies
are turning their offices into classrooms too.
The operations division at Carter & Carter at the
Volkswagon National Learning Centre has 44
students on the programme, as well as a further
19 commercial trainers who deliver training to
Audi, Skoda and Seat.
As the demand for a more skilled workforce
grows, tackling the issue at grassroots is the
way forward. “Coventry University has broken
through the skills barrier,” said Janet.
“It’s brought the mountain to Mohammed.”

16 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 17
 return on
evolve education
investment
R yan Vince graduated with an
Economics and Marketing degree
in 2005, but returned to Coventry in
2007 to do an MBA.
“Doing an MBA has helped me choose the
career I want. As part of my dissertation I
investigated whether students would be willing
to pay a premium to study at a University
that participated in carbon offsetting. The
results were positive and my research into
the environment sparked an interest in energy
companies and how they have to adapt to the
challenges ahead.
Being a postgraduate was a completely
different experience from being an
undergraduate. I worked much harder. I read all
the textbooks cover to cover and even became
“I enjoyed my Masters more than my degree”
S teven Simplay graduated from
Aerospace Systems Engineering
in 2003 and then a year later got a
distinction and best performance in
the year in his Masters in Engineering
and Manufacturing Management. He
has just become a father for the first
time to a baby girl.
“When I was looking for a university to do my
degree course, I wanted to go somewhere
I could do my Masters afterwards too. It’s a
very competitive industry and I knew another
qualification would mean I had a better chance
of getting a well-paid job in the industry.
I chose Coventry because of the calibre
of the course and I knew the Masters was
just as good. It was good to stay at the
same University as I knew everyone. The
Postgraduate Centre was just expanding at
the time, so it was a good time to be staying
on. It was a very intense course where one’s
18 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Graduates looking to give their skills and career prospects
a boost are furthering their studies on familiar territory. Two
alumni tell their stories about how being back in Coventry
helped them secure a postgraduate qualification
a student rep for my course. I wanted to prove
to myself that I could make a decent fist of it. I
was looking for different things.
As an undergrad I went out a lot and I
would always see someone I knew if I went to
the Students’ Union. This time around, I only
made a handful of friends – who were all on my
course. I was probably the youngest but I learnt
a lot from the varied group.
As an undergrad you’re generally all the same
age and going through the same experiences
together. As a post grad there’s a lot more to
learn from each other.
At the end of my degree, I’d had enough of
University. I wanted to do an MBA back then
but felt I needed some experience in the real
world. I went home to Cardiff and worked for
knowledge was tested to the extreme. I
personally enjoyed it though and found it very
easy. There was always support from everyone
– the lecturers and others on the course. I
found lecturers were available all the time and I
always got good, detailed feedback too.
I enjoyed the Masters more than my
undergraduate degree. You had more time
to concentrate on one subject – rather than
a range of modules. I actually had more of a
social life on my Masters and enjoyed learning
with people from a range of cultures.
I got a job as soon as I had finished my
Masters at an Aerospace company working
with Airbus, then I moved to a first tier
Japanese Automotive Organisation for two
years before joining Webasto Roof Systems.
I have worked very closely with BMW Plant
Oxford, and worked in Germany and Michigan.
I am currently doing my PhD (Doctorate
Degree) at Coventry University and I should
have that completed in a few years.”
Back on board: Ryan Vince
enjoyed the challenge of
his postgraduate studies
the Halifax in credit card insurance sales. It was
good but not very challenging and I felt my life
was back in Coventry with friends and a house
I had invested in as a student. I worked for a
while in recruitment sales but by then was eager
to do an MBA.
Studying a postgraduate
I looked into courses at Warwick and
Coventry but decided to go with the institution I
course at Coventry
Those committed to furthering their education
knew best. Coventry had always been good to
can expect to reap the rewards with better career
me, I have dyslexia and the lecturers had always
prospects and higher earnings.
been very supportive and understanding.
HESA figures show that 93% of people with
I went onto work in the Postgraduate Centre postgraduate qualifications are most likely to be in
to earn money while I was doing my MBA, so graduate occupations and also have the highest
I was aware of how good the services and median salary (£28,000).
support network was for post grads. Courses can be challenging but Coventry is one
All the reasons why I chose Coventry in the of only two UK universities, to offer a dedicated
first place made me choose it again. It’s got a Graduate Centre to help students get the most from
great gym, it’s a nice, informal city and there’s the experience. Postgraduates can enjoy the following
benefits at Coventry:
excellent online support. I’d tested it all out as
an undergrad so I knew it would work for me as
a postgraduate.
- Teaching and conference rooms with modern
presentation and projection facilities
Some people make the mistake of coming - Two computer rooms with 40 PCs each, plus printing
back to study and think they can live the lifestyle
of an undergrad. You can probably scrape by
doing that if you’re lucky, but I didn’t want 40
facilities
- A reading room – a quiet area for study when you need
to get away from it all
per cent, I wanted to learn. - Meeting rooms available for booking and a café bar
I feel more focused now and am applying for - A student lounge with plenty of comfy seating, giant
plasma TV screens and computers for working or
graduate jobs with energy companies.”
browsing the Internet
- A games area offering pool and table football
Ryan Vince’s student profile
- Trips, activities and social events.
Lived: Priory Hall, then bought a house which I
live in and rent rooms to other students. Part-time study options are also available, which can
Favourite pub: The Students’ Union – as an be better for those who need to keep working or have
undergraduate. As a postgrad I spent more family commitments. Further support has been put
time in the facilities within the Business School. in place to help part-time students maximise their
Favourite memory: While an undergraduate potential too.
I met my girlfriend Genny, made lots of great Want to return to study?
friends and had a fantastic time. I am most
Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/postgraduate or call
proud of my graduation. It
+44 (0) 24 7688 7644/8071 or email
was a symbolic moment
grad.uni@coventry.ac.uk.
at the end of lots of hard
Discounts are available on some courses for those
work – made all the
who continue studying immediately after completing a
sweeter as classmates
degree at Coventry.
had flown back from the
four corners of the globe
to attend.
 evolve education
Virtual
There’s another world out there and it’s pushing
education beyond the realms of reality. Coventry
University is one of the leading players in a project
that is challenging and inspiring the way we learn.
It’s not every day you talk to a man with a
goldfish swimming around his head. But this is
Second Life and in this virtual world, imagination
knows no bounds.
Joff Chafer, Senior Lecturer in Performing
Arts and owner of the virtual goldfish, is one
of the key people helping to develop Coventry
University’s ‘island’ on the internet phenomenon
that is Second Life. This three-dimensional
virtual world has attracted over seven million
people to join and create avatars of themselves
to explore and interact with other users across a
vast landscape. It has also opened opportunities
for businesses and organisations, such as
Coventry University, to have a presence on there
too by owning and buying an island.
“I went to see a performance in San Francisco
a couple of weeks ago at four in the morning,”
said Joff – whose avatar is known as Joff
Fassnacht. “In real life I couldn’t have done that,
but in Second Life I was able to attend and chat
to people from across the world.”
It’s this level of interaction that is encouraging
institutions to look into ways they can
strengthen their online learning opportunities.
In Performing Arts, for example, Second Life is
allowing students to stage performances that
would be too expensive to recreate in the real
world. “Artistically, you’re free,” said Joff who is
working with the University of South Australia
in Adelaide to explore the merging of virtual
and real life performance through a technique
called Blue Screening. This is where students’
performances are filmed in front of a blue
screen, which acts as a blank backdrop, so their
image can be cut out and superimposed in any
virtual setting. “Things that would, in reality, be
20 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
learning
technically a lot of work to put together are not
in Second Life. Students can build virtual sets
and test out performances to see if they work
before doing it for real.”
Second Life’s not just a dress rehearsal;
the University is also using it for real-time
teaching activities. Maggi Savin-Baden,
Professor of Higher Education Research
and one of the country’s leading proponents
of online innovations in education said:
“We were awarded £200,000 from JISC to
develop online Problem Based Learning (PBL)
– we’re the only people in the world developing
this in Second Life.” A project website has
been set up to explain the work in more detail
at http://www.elu.sgul.ac.uk/preview/.
Online PBL enables students to work
together in small groups to solve virtual
problems set by tutors. For example, paramedic
students could find a body on the floor of a
room in Second Life and then be assessed on
how they treated the patient. The advantages
are that students can engage with a virtual
patient and practice diagnosing something
that feels lifelike. “The University ‘design’ the
problems and then students go in-world to
manage them,” explained Maggi, whose avatar
is called Second Wind. “I would hope we use
this method increasingly for our online courses.
It’s the next step on from discussion boards as
you feel as if you have a physical presence.”
While Maggi believes there will always be
a place for a bricks and mortar University, the
need for a virtual back-up is growing. “If it’s
going to help students learn then we have to
embrace it and use it in a way that’s useful to
both them and us.”
Current students have been involved
in building Coventry’s island, which has
recognisable real-life spaces such as the Alan
Berry and Ellen Terry buildings, Lanchester
Library, as well as some extra features like a
disco, a bouncy castle and sea views. Final year
Creative Computing student Garry Malone has
enhanced his technical skills and increased his
online contacts by getting involved.
“Before this I had never been involved with
any virtual worlds,” said Garry. “It was strange
meeting people in Second Life before meeting
them in person and feeling like you knew them
better because of this. That doesn’t happen
with e-mail, for example.”
Final year Multimedia Computing student
Gemma Mclean has also been heavily involved
in the project but believes physical meetings
still out weigh the virtual ones. “Second Life is
great for interacting with people and learning
in groups but it cannot replace real people
in real places,” she said. “Virtual worlds like
Second Life can definitely aid learning through
online meeting spaces and virtual scenarios
but I wouldn’t want to use it exclusively for my
degree. It’s also very useful for businesses and
a great way of advertising.”
While Second Life, and future online
platforms, is replacing the need to ever get
dressed and leave your house again, Joff
believes the human touch still reigns supreme.
“Virtual meetings can never replace the real
thing. Even though I’ve been linking up with
Australia on these projects, the real work will
happen when we physically meet,” said Joff.
“You can get immersed in Second Life as the
3D effects give you the sense of being there
but I still think you need a bit of humanity.”
Business world
A lumnus Simon Stevens has opened a disability
themed nightclub in Second Life called Wheelies.
Simon, who has Cerebral Palsy, explained how the
virtual world has changed his life.
Q. How did you get involved in Second Life?
A. I received an email from a colleague, David
Wortley [director of the Serious Games Institute],
which very briefly mentioned Second Life. So I
googled it and found the website. I signed up
and found this environment, which has
Reunite in Second Life completely changed my life mentally, socially
and in terms of business opportunities.
Want to come back on campus but find it difficult to get here? Q. Why did you choose to set up a nightclub?
Why not enjoy a ‘virtual reunion’ in Second Life instead? A. I set up my club at a time when everyone in
Second Life seemed to be setting up their own
The alumni office are hosting an event on Coventry University’s Island and inviting all FOCUS
clubs. I wanted to prove I was able to have a
members to join in. It’s one reunion in Coventry we can guarantee will have plenty of sunshine!
club – and what else does a disabled person
Follow these 3 simple steps to be at Coventry’s online reunion on Wednesday 23 July 2008 call their club but Wheelies? I had no idea how
from noon to 2pm GMT. big the club would be.
1. Join Second Life at www.secondlife.com and create your avatar.
Q. Could you describe what your virtual club is like?
2. Once inside, click on the map and type in Coventry University and you will be ‘teleported’
A. Wheelies is not a club for disabled people, but a
to the island.
disability themed club which welcomes and
3. Turn up between noon and 2pm GMT on Wednesday 23 July and meet up with old accepts people from all backgrounds. As well
university friends and lecturers. as providing good entertainment with live DJs,
which people can dance to, it has become a safe
haven for people to escape from grievances and
prejudices.
Q. Is it a business enterprise for you or more about
social networking?
A. Both in equal measures. The second ability island
has always been a commercial venture but
the social networking has been very important in
development. Social networking is an important
tool in this.
Q. Would you recommend it as a business tool?
A. Yes definitely, this is the future!
Reality bites: A classroom in Second Life,
above top: Vice Chancellor Madeleine Atkins
talks to students on the University’s island, and
above right and top right: Wheelies nightclub
21
 evolve education
“
My
University…
”
Hugh Pearson
BSc Economics, 1969, left his home
town of Bristol to become a student in
Coventry and now lives in Kenilworth with
his wife, and has two grown up sons.
“I was inspired by a guy on my Economics
course. When I applied for my first job, with
Esso Petroleum, I had to rate where I was on the
course. I put myself somewhere in the middle – he
told me to say I was in the top 5%. I got the job.
“I have mainly worked in IT sales – working for
14 years with McDonnell Douglas Information
Systems, where I became a Business Unit Director
and saw a lot of the world on various business
trips before moving on to smaller IT firms.
“I was a bit apprehensive about coming to study
in Coventry. It was the first time I had been away
from home and my Mum had wanted me to go to
Bath University, near to where we lived.
“I made some good friends here. The first
person I ever spoke to in Coventry – Colin Tyrrell
- became my best pal and we lived together
throughout our time here. He could cook and iron
as he had five sisters. It was all new to me.
“In my first year I ended up moving into a
Scottish lady’s large house with Colin and a
student called Terry. It was always lights out at
10pm, lodgings were £5 a week, which included
an evening meal – and £5.50 (well, five pounds &
ten shillings) if you wanted your laundry doing. She
only ever cooked seven different types of meals
and we were only allowed one bath a week!
“I rented a house with Colin, Peter Midwood,
Henry Painton and Steve Foster after that in Stoke
Green and then on the Foleshill Road.
“Coming away to university helps you grow up.
I have a lot of affection for Coventry – especially
the football club.”
22 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
evolve enterprise
“It’s a good feeling when
I can help a student”
being my own boss
The dream of self-employment is encouraging Coventry graduates to build
their own business. Meet three entrepreneurs who felt the fear and did it anyway
Bill Dunn is a Principal
Lecturer in Mechanical
Engineering and Design
Serious game boy
and moved into teaching Kevin Corti, PIXELearning
after a career in vibration After seven years with an engineering
testing and structural firm, Kevin Corti studied for a Disaster Playtime: (l-r) Kevin Corti and Suraj Rana
dynamics. He is an Management degree before going
expert in Mechanical/ into the gaming industry. Now on his
second business venture he is based
Automotive Engineering
in the University’s Serious Games
and started working with Institute on the Technology Park.
the University in 1991 “When I was studying during 94-97 it was the
early growth of the web and I got interested in
Q Where did your career begin? it. I built a website to enable everyone on the

A When I left university, I joined the National course to share notes – it was an early peer-to-
Engineering Laboratory (NEL) at East peer community. Although my degree was in
Engineering futures: Disaster Management I realised I was probably
Kilbride in 1974. This was where I gained
Principal Lecturer Bill Dunn allergic to earthquakes and bombs and saw the
my first real experience of vibration testing
potential for enhancing learning through web
and structural dynamics which have been
technology instead. I did an M.Phil research
the basis of my career.
Q What do you enjoy most about your job? degree in technologies and learning theory
while setting up my first company in e-learning.
A Without doubt it is the student contact. I like

Q How has the course changed
 The company was acquired In 2001 and after
to attend the graduation ceremony every
since you have been here? a couple of years with them I left and founded
year and always feel personal satisfaction in

A The teaching staff have changed PIXELearning with Suraj Rana. It’s focused on
their progress from applicant to graduate.
considerably. One of my new colleagues game and simulation-based approaches to
Every time an individual student comes to training, development and education.
this year, Christophe Bastien, was in the see me with a question and leaves with some
Being based in the Serious Games Institute
first cohort that I taught in 1991-2. There understanding it gives me a good feeling.
is a great environment for our business.
are more aspects of computer-aided
The technical infrastructure of the building is
engineering such as CAD, CAM, ADAMS, fantastic. We might be a small British company,
Q What do you think the strengths are of

etc in the modern course, but there are but big companies hear about us because of
the courses you teach at Coventry?
fewer laboratories now, especially in the the Coventry University association.
A I think their greatest strength is they lead to

second year. It’s conducive to good business and very
careers, usually in engineering but sometimes
serendipitous – for example I went out for a
in commerce or education. The courses
Q Do you have any interesting memories?
 break and after chatting to someone else on the
are accredited by appropriate professional Park came back in with £50k worth of business!
A Many! Memories of former students and
 institutions and provide the academic We work globally – 70% of our revenue
colleagues, lectures, labs, visits to industrial knowledge and skills. We encourage and comes from the US. We’re opening an office
placement students, several IMechE project support students to take an industrial there soon. We outsource a lot of work to
presentation competitions we didn’t win and placement year to add practical experience. associates across the world. Communication
one we did, Formula Student competitions, By the time they graduate they are ready to is paramount – and can be especially difficult
invigilations, and even exam boards. I start careers much better equipped, in my when you’re dealing with different time zones.
am often reminded about an exam board opinion, than I was thirty-four years ago. I was able to use the University’s Soft Landing
years ago when I was lyrically advocating Zone in India when needed to recruit people. Kevin’s top five tips to being your own boss:
mitigating circumstances for a certain Tell evolve the tutor you would Having a small company means you have a
1. Y
 ou must have perseverance 4. N
 etwork like hell. I was bad at this as it
student. I told the board about his eye lot more pressures and more burden but you’re
like to see featured next issue: a lot closer to the decision-making. I would and self-belief. wasn’t in my make-up but I’ve forced
infection that had necessitated an eye patch
myself to be better.
and how an accident had then left him alumni@coventry.ac.uk make a bad employee. My goal is to sell this 2. S
 urround yourself with good people. You
company in four years time. I will still stay in the have to accept you can’t do everything (I 5. L
 earn from your mistakes. If only 51% of
hobbling with a crutch. At this point I was
gaming industry but be more involved in the learnt this from the first company I ran). your decisions are right ones you’re doing
interrupted by a colleague, “And tell them
strategic direction for clients. There’s a book I pretty well.
about his parrot, Bill! Don’t forget about 3. L
 earn how to sell. You have to be a good
want to write too, oh and I’d like to do a PhD.”
the parrot!” sales person for your company.

Enterprising child’s play
Business Enterprise
graduate Jane Dawson
(nee Stapleton) swapped
her career as a dental
technician to inspire
future generations to be
enterprising through her
company EnterpriseEd
“Being a dental technician didn’t really fit in
with me having children, so I set up my own
business making dentures in my converted
outside toilet. It was isolated and lonely and I
had another three years before my daughter
was due to start school.
I was 28 and I had no office skills – I hadn’t
even switched on a computer before. I looked
at my options and decided to do a Business
Enterprise degree. It changed my life.
After graduation I wanted to go into teaching
but my PGCE was turned down because I
didn’t have GCSE maths. So, I changed tack
and started work in a bank, six months on and I
had been promoted to bank manager – not bad
24 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Jane Dawson, EnterpriseEd
Educating the future: (l-r) Zoe Kennerdell and
Jane Dawson sit on the enterprise game they
have launched
for someone who didn’t pass maths at school.
I then moved into various roles involved with
business development culminating in a position
at an Enterprise Agency in Coventry as a
Business Development Manager helping women
get their ideas off the ground. It was here that I
met my business partner Zoe Kennerdell and we
hatched our plan to set up EnterpriseEd.
Our business is focused on delivering
enterprise-training programmes to educational
institutions. The funding is there as the
Government has stipulated schools must deliver
at least five days of enterprise a year to key
stage four students. We ensure our delivery is
fun, as this is by far the best method of learning.
Our training programmes are bright, tangible
and encompass every mad idea we have ever
had to heighten the students’ senses. The
secret is keeping it relevant, inspiring and of
course enterprising. Our training sessions are
bespoke for each school’s culture, aspirations
and most importantly the student’s learning
objectives. We have developed our services
further and are working with many schools
across the UK to help up-skill teachers and
increase their confidence with enterprise
delivery. I also teach disabled students at
Hereward College about setting up a business –
so I’ve come full circle as I’m teaching after all.
Jane’s top five tips
to be the boss:
1. Don’t expect it all to happen quickly.
2. Don’t expect any money to come in
straight away.
3. If you’re afraid of hard work, then running
your own business isn’t for you.
4. You’ve got to love what you do.
5. Keep getting up and doing it again – you
must have determination and be able to
set realistic goals.
Very recently we turned the training into a
giant game so teachers can deliver enterprise
in-house. The game mat is called Enterprise
Effusion and comes with a tool kit and manual
as well as a dedicated website.
We have just written an inspirational teaching
aid in the form of a small booklet to support the
game and our training called ‘How to be the
best.’ It helps children recognise enterprising
skills they already have and those they need to
develop in order to realise their full potential. It
also helps teachers to give students individual
targets and monitor their progress.
My proudest moment was probably selling
the first game. It took years to turn our idea into
reality. We were unable to access funding so
we financed it personally as we really believed
in our product, it was a risk but we were
extremely cautious and only needed to sell six
to break even. I’m proud and relieved to say we
are making a profit now and our growth since
September 2007 has been phenomenal.
The money isn’t the only thing that drives me
on. I want to succeed and make a difference.
I love what I’m doing and I couldn’t do it if
I didn’t. You’re coming up with ideas in the
shower, and thinking about finances while you’re
in bed but I believe in what I’m doing and that’s
what drives me on. I love every minute of every
day. “I want to change the world by inspiring our
next generation.”
For more information go to
www.enterpriseed.co.uk
Design for life: (l-r) Anish Mistry and Nik Mann
Business by design
Graphic Design graduates Nik Mann (2003) and Anish
Mistry (2002) set up Fuelled Media – a design agency
based in Leicester – immediately after graduation
“We didn’t know each other before studying at
Coventry but Anish was on the same course as
me and we were both from Leicester. He was
in the year above me, so when he finished, and
was freelancing, he got the idea for the agency
off the ground. I was handing my dissertation in
one week and by the next week I had started
my own business.
We started off working out of each other’s
bedrooms but it wasn’t very professional. Then
we managed to get some office space from a
contact I met when I did my work placement
while at Coventry. We were there for just under
a year while our new offices were being built in
Leicester’s city centre.
The proudest moment was seeing our new
offices – it felt like we were about to take off.
We also won a Young Entrepreneurs of the Year
award for coming up with a good idea to keep
our business afloat. In the first three months,
we didn’t have much money coming in and the
bills were mounting. We bought a little fridge
Nik Mann & Anish Mistry, Fuelled Media
for ourselves and came up with an enterprising
idea to make some money. We bought a bulk
load of the fridges at a good price and sold
them on e-bay. It helped pay off the bills and
kept our heads above water.
We have secured clients through hard
work and persistence, with no track record
or contacts in the industry we networked and
gained a lot of work. The contacts we made at
the beginning have enabled us to keep growing
and meet even larger clients.
We started off with no business loans, no
support, no clients or credibility to our names
– oh and student debt – we have come a long
way. We now offer marketing, advertising and
PR as well as design services.
I have remained in touch with my tutor
Donald Fitzpatrick and we have been back to
the Uni to talk to students.
It’s also a good opportunity to make contact
with some young designers so we can call on
them if we need them.
evolve enterprise
We are still working long hours and even after
the phone stops ringing and everyone has gone
home, we continue designing.
Last Christmas was actually the first holiday
we had taken in about four years. I got married
last year and my wife has been very supportive
as her father was self-employed.
My advice for graduates wanting to start their
own business would be to go for it. You do get
a lot of knock backs on the way, but you have
to take it with a pinch of salt and move on.”
To find out more about Fuelled Media go to
www.fuelledmedia.com
Nik and Anish’s top
five tips to be the boss:
1. H
 ave a five-year plan and then make
a six-month to one-year plan, this will
make achieving your goals more realistic.
2. B
 e persistent but friendly, you will leave
a lasting impression.
3. U
 se every obstacle you come across
as a learning curve, that way you can
prevent making the same mistakes
again.
4. B
 e prepared to work long hours.
5. U
 se every situation as a networking
opportunity; you just never know when
you wil have to sell yourself or your
company.
Want to be your own boss?
Take advantage of the support available to graduates
from Coventry University’s Technocentre. You can
get six months free advice and support on starting
up in business, there are opportunities for renting
office space if you’re business is already off the
ground and a number of networking events to attend
through the Business Enterprise Works scheme.
Contact the alumni office for more information:
alumni@coventry.ac.uk or call
+44 (0) 24 7688 8589.

time
at the
bar
It takes brains,
determination and a
part-time job to see you
through a university
education in 2008. For
some wannabe students
it’s a cash mountain
they’re unable to climb
R achael Wilson spends her weekends in
the pub just like many other 19-year olds.
The difference is, Rachael’s behind the bar
serving drinks to help fund her studies for an
Emergency and Disaster Management degree.
“I earn £5 an hour and that’s my spending
money for the rest of the week,” said Rachael
whose shifts run until 2.30 in the morning. “It
can be pretty tiring, especially when you need to
get some work done the next day.”
Rachael isn’t alone. The cost of being a
student in the UK has risen dramatically in the
past few years and so has the need to work to
supplement the opportunity to study.
Changes in government funding structures
for higher education have meant universities
now only have enough to cover the minimum
26 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
standards. The emphasis is on individual
institutions to find the extra money to fund their
own development.
The need for UK universities to introduce top
up fees, the reduction in student grants and just
the general high costs of living can all add up to
a graduation debt of £25,000.
“I know that’s a lot of money, but I worry more
about my overdraft,” said Rachael who’s in her
second year. “It’s only the start of term and I’m
already £300 overdrawn. This will get worse as
the year goes on and then I’ll work all over the
summer to pay it off.”
Coventry is one of the more affordable
universities, and its city-centre campus is
attractive to students, like Rachael, who need
part-time work. Student loans can cover the
major costs, but it’s the daily living expenses
that can cause the real financial stress. Rachael
pays £56 a week in rent and puts approximately
£10 a week towards bills – although sensibly
all of the girls she shares the house with put a
lump sum into a kitty at the start of term. Once
you take out the cost of digs from Rachael’s
Maintenance Loan of £3,300, she’s only left
with £1,284 for the rest of the year to buy
food, clothes, and course materials. That’s less
than £35 a week – or £5 a day. “I do call on
my parents occasionally,” said Rachael who is
from North Yorkshire. “When they come and
visit I always get a food parcel or they take me
shopping which is great.”
For some people the purse strings just
won’t stretch far enough and a
scholarship or bursary is their only
chance of experiencing university
life. Increasingly universities are
looking to businesses and their
alumni for support in helping
students experience a higher
education. The Government are
actively encouraging this source of
income and are introducing a
‘match-funding’ scheme from August 2008,
where they will match the funds raised from
donations until July 2011. Coventry has
therefore established its own fundraising arm
called The Phoenix Foundation, which enables
more students to have an education through
scholarships and bursaries. It also raises
money for vital equipment so the University can
continue to be innovative.
“I want to work in the fire service when I’ve
finished university,” said Rachael. “I didn’t need
to come to university and get into debt to do
that, but I didn’t want to miss out on the life
experience. I have made such good friends here
and got my independence, as well as learnt
more about a field I am really interested in.”
It’s hard to put a price tag on that.
Rachael’s Student Diary 2008
If you remember lazy student days spent in the pub pontificating about the future, you’ll find today’s
students are busy earning a living in between their studies. Beer breaks have been swapped for an
adrenaline rush in the gym and debating is done online in social networking sites like Facebook or
MySpace. Find out more in Rachael’s diary of an average week…
Monday
My lectures are always in the afternoon so I have
chance to catch up on a few things in the morning.
It’s a good job because I’ve been busy working
in the pub at the weekend so I don’t get much
studying done.
My lecture finishes at 4pm and then I’m off to the
supermarket. I spend about £20 a week on food
shopping so I try not to get tempted by treats. I
can only pick up a few things today though as I
can’t afford to run a car so it all needs to be carried
back home, which is a 15-minute walk away.
COSTS:
Rent: £56 for the week
Shopping: £10
Bills: £10
Mobile bill: Varies as I have a contract phone
and always go over but usually about £22 for
the week
Internet bill: £0.50p a week
Tuesday
I need to buy a book today for my course. They
don’t come cheap so pretty much everything I
earned at the weekend is being spent on it. I went
on Facebook last night – a social networking site
– and arranged to meet a friend for a coffee today
before my lecture.
We plan a night out to celebrate the end of an
assignment we’re working on. Lectures finish at
6pm so I’m tired on the walk home.
COSTS:
Book: £50
Coffee: £0.85p
Wednesday
I go to the library today for more books – I can’t
afford to buy them all. After my lectures it’s time
for swimming. I joined the swimming club when I
started at Coventry as I enjoy it and it’s a good way
to keep fit. I’m part of the team and I represent the
University. It was £45 to join for the year and the kit
cost £40 – but it’s worth it for the friends I’ve made
and the opportunity to be a part of the team.
COSTS:
Swimming costs (divided over the year):
£1.81 per session
Can you help?
The Phoenix Foundation supports students who would not be able to afford to come to the
University. To donate call + 44 (0) 24 7688 8589 or go online to www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni. Thanks to
everyone who donated during the recent telephone campaign – your money is making a difference.
evolve development
Thursday
I’ve run out of food so I need to hit the shops
again. It’s all a bit tight this week because of the
book I had to buy. It’s my night out tonight too as
I handed my assignment in today. I’ll be dipping
into my overdraft for this as I can’t really afford it.
We meet everyone at 10pm in the Students’ Union
and stay out until about 2am. I’m going to be tired
tomorrow. We walk home to save some money as
there’s a group of us.
COSTS:
Shopping: £5
SU entrance fee: £3
Drinks: £8
Friday
I have a lie-in this morning to recover from last
night – but not for too long as I need to get
organised for my second swimming class.
I’m also working this evening so it’s a bit of a
packed day with a lecture too.
I’m at the bar by 9.30pm and it’s already busy. It’s
a popular student pub so I often see a lot of my
friends in here. I’d like to be out partying with them
but I need to earn the money.
COSTS:
Swimming costs: £1.81 per session
Lunch out: £3
Earnings from the pub: £25
Saturday
I didn’t get home until 3am as we have to clear
the bar down after everyone has left. Slept in until
about midday, then I had to nip to the shops for a
few essentials. I resisted buying a new top I really
wanted because I knew it would eat into next
week’s budget. I do a couple of hours of study,
and then I’m off to the pub again for the night shift.
COSTS:
Shopping: £5
Lunch out: £2.50
Earnings: £30
Sunday
Really tired today as I didn’t get back until after
3am again. Had a long lie-in and need to start
thinking about the work for the week ahead.
At least I have some money now for next week.
Just hope there’s not another book to buy!
Total weekly spend: £179.47
 evolve development

your shout: From Directors to Occupational Therapists,

employment
the recent employment survey proved FOCUS

building for
members are doing well in their chosen careers
Last issue evolve asked members to complete a career update and
indicate if they would be willing to offer help to current students in

the future
clinching a job. The results are in and hundreds of you shared your
news with FOCUS and here are the highlights.

Most popular jobs Most popular employers

With a wide-range
of courses on offer
at Coventry, it’s no
wonder graduates
Coventry’s have gone onto work
campus is getting in such a wide-range
of careers.
more than a lick pular professions of
all
The top ten most po
of paint as the respondents are:
Director
University designs IT professional
Engineer
When it came to finding out which companies are
Occupational the most popular places to work, the most popular
a sustainable and Therapist Teacher responses were in the NHS and many were local
Physiotherapist Heads of dept
flexible space for MD Manager
employers.
NHS Landrover
the future Lecturer Coventry County Council Leicester County Council
Coventry University Rolls Royce

S tate of the art technology, a cultural centre

for students and an attractive landscape:
the vision for Coventry’s campus by 2010.
Improving the student experience is essential
Among the campus changes, students
in their first year now, can expect to see a
aesthetically pleasing. Giving career talks BAE
Barclays
Warwickshire County
Council
The University’s plans will add to the
new building develop for the Engineering and successful developments in the city such as A third of respondents
Computing Faculty. Currently these subjects are Priory Place – a modern eating and drinking generously said they would

nts
spread over nine different buildings but these

Offering work placeme

for Coventry to stay ahead of its academic
counterparts. Mindful of the fact prospective
students base their choice of University on more
than just their course credentials; Coventry
is aiming high to compete in the University
marketplace. So high in fact that the new
buildings are adding up to over £100 million.
“Our plans are going to have a radical
impact,” said Rob Thompson Director of
Estates. “At the moment there’s no central
space for students, where they can meet,
have lunch and generally be together. We need
something more attractive than the Priory Street
Students’ Union.”
The limitations of the current Students’ Union
and the fact it is split across two buildings, have
inspired plans for a Student Enterprise building.
This centrally based student hub will house a
long list of students’ services, including a health
centre and multi-faith centre, all of the Students’
Union facilities and space for events and gigs.
“It will be an informal learning area too,” said
Rob. “There will be social space with cafés but
there will also be resources and computers for
people to use.”
28 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
quarter – and the Skydome. Developments like come back on campus and
changes will mean the courses will be taught in these have attracted stores such as Primark and
give a talk to current students.
only two buildings: the new development and the first UK city-centre Ikea. And with improved
the existing John Laing building. facilities on campus, the University can only
Many departments actively
a work
encourage graduates to ents offered to provide
Once these buildings are underway, thoughts continue to attract the best students.
A quarter of respond m pu t the ir course
will turn to a high-tech construction dubbed come back and talk to
ce me nt to stu de nts to help the
pla impress
students such as Media and Com and develop skills to
theory into practice
the ‘New Ways’ building. The University is
munications.
hoping this will be an innovative development
focused on researching new ways of working,
Supporting Graduate Pete Ogden who now
successful career as a TV produc
has a future employers.
rk
graduates offering wo
er for
where business can experiment with new
technology. It’s being described as an intelligent the future popular shows such as I’m a Cel
out of here and Big Brother 8 has
ebrity…Get me
Among the benefits,
placements can gain
ideas and up -to -d ate
of
been back be a cost effective form
building – but one that does a lot more than
As Coventry strives to maintain its on campus to pass on his experie knowledge. It can
nce to help
just automatically turning the lights on when
credibility as a centre of innovation others in the industry. recruitment.
a person enters a room. “There will be
lp and haven’t already
digital screens around the building and virtual we need your help to build on If you’d like to offer to help and If you would like to he
st, contact
meetings,” said Rob. this success. Alumni and friends haven’t registered your intere
already given your details email @c ov entry.ac.uk.
All of the buildings have been planned with are invited to invest their time, coventry.ac.uk or call + 44 (0) 24
alumni@ workplacement.ss
sustainability and green issues high on their expertise or financial support 7688 8589.
agenda. “Even the plans for a new multi-storey to help us develop and explore
car park have been drawn up as green as new educational and research
Salary review
possible, with spaces for bikes,” said Rob. opportunities.
The University is working closely with the
Help shape the Coventry University
Results showed that 59% of respondents are earning between
City to make the changes and together they
are hoping to narrow the wide roads on of the future and contact Matt
Gosford Street and make the area look more Feeley, Head of Fundraising on £20,000 and £50,000 a year, while 11% of respondents are
+ 44 (0) 24 7688 8589. pulling in over £50,000.
29
 evolve events

events diary
Benefit from your connection to the University and get discounts on useful services listed below. For more

Member Benefits
Paul Watson, Documentary maker talks in Coventry information* go to www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni or call the alumni team on +44 (0) 24 7688 8589.
Conversations
Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building • Discounted Library membership – only £20 per year
• Special conference centre rates at the TechnoCentre
29 May Email conference.cad@coventry.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 24 7623 6016
Enjoy events happening on and off campus – most are free to attend or are at a Pheonix Festival: Kate Harwood, Head of • Careers advice and enterprise
Series and Serials, BBC Drama For graduate vacancies see www.coventry.ac.uk/cu/careers
discounted price. Visit the events section of the website www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni Kate Harwood talks in Coventry Conversations Email careers.ss@coventry.ac.uk, tel: +44 (0) 24 7615 2525
Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building
May Coventry Conversations • University Sports Centre – discounts on full to basic membership

Annual Degree Show Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building • Join Coventry University Wine Club – call +44 (0) 24 7688 8161
June • Associate membership of the Students’ Union – call +44 (0) 24 7679 5200
Coventry’s final year students’ showcases 15 May 4 June
6-16 May - Performing Arts The Secret Policeman and since... London reunion Discounts on attractions such as Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World
28-30 May - Media & Communication Mark Daly, BBC Scotland talks in Coventry of Adventures & Zoo, LEGOLAND® Windsor, Madame Tussauds, the
Catch up with old friends and make some new ones
Place: Ellen Terry Building Conversations Dungeons, SEA LIFE Centres & Sanctuaries, THORPE PARK and Warwick
at this free London reunion. Please confirm your
Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building interest in attending by emailing alumni@coventry. Castle. Telephone 0870 220 4000 and quote Coventry University along
30 May-5 June - Design & Visual Arts with the date of your visit. Book the Dungeons online at
Place: Graham Sutherland Building 22 May ac.uk or calling + 44 (0) 24 7688 8589.
Time: from 6pm www.thedungeons.com/corporate and enter code DDC34.
30 May-5 June - Industrial Design Did spin walk out of the door of number
Place: All Bar One, New Oxford Street LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. © 2008 The LEGO Group.
Place: Maurice Foss Building 10 with Tony Blair
Nick Jones, former BBC Parliamentary 5 June Open Fairways – an exclusive offer to play 2 for 1 golf at over 1,000
8 May Correspondent, Coventry Conversations.
Audience research or hocus pocus premier courses. Call 028 9073 1055 and quote COV08 or visit
Hacks and Spies –Journalism and Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building Hugh Johnson, former Head of Research, Channel www.openfairways.com
espionage Four talks in Coventry Conversations.
Professor Richard Keeble, Lincoln University and 28 May
Time: 1pm Place: Ellen Terry Building 25% off AA Membership at enrolment and 10% at renewal from the UK’s No. 1
author of The Newspaper Handbook talks in Pheonix Festival: Malcolm and Barbara
breakdown organisation.* To join and claim your discount, call 08705 444 222
14 June
and quote reference Coventry 627. *Terms and conditions apply.
Law reunion

WIN
Law graduates are invited to a dinner this summer Up to 20% off car and van hire with National Car Rental in the UK and over
being held to launch the FOCUS on Law group. 80 countries worldwide. To book or obtain a quote, call 0870 191 6950 and
a family day out and stay in a luxury hotel More info: email alumni@coventry.ac.uk or call
+ 44 (0) 24 7688 8589.
quote: A000839 for UK car hire, A000840 for UK van hire, 8577504 for
International car hire and A000839G for Guy Salmon hire.

L ooking for a family treat with a bit of luxury
thrown in for good measure? Then try your
luck at winning evolve’s fantastic prize of a day
out for the whole family and a night in the four
star Ramada Hotel in Coventry.
The winner can choose a family* day out at any
of the following Merlin Entertainments Group
attractions in the midlands:
• Alton Towers Resort
Unleash a torrent of fun at the UK’s most
famous theme park. There’s a park full of
rides and adventures for kids of all sizes and
a drenalin addicted adults, it’s an absolute must-do day out!
• SEA LIFE Centres & Sanctuaries
Fancy diving beneath the sea ROPIYR LHAL
without getting wet. You’ll come
eyeball to eyeball with everything
from shrimps to sharks, and learn
tons of great stuff from UK SEA Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB by the closing date 31 July 2008.
LIFE experts.
• Warwick 
Castle
Britain’s greatest mediaeval experience. From a Dream of
To finish the day off in style, you and your family can enjoy an
evening meal in the Ramada Hotel Coventry’s Mediterranean
restaurant Fellinis, before retiring to your family room. The
restaurant has an exciting and varied menu and an interesting
selection of world wines and beers.
The prize also includes breakfast for everyone in this new hotel,
which has been decorated in an art-deco style and is based in
the city-centre with easy access to the shops, restaurants
and bars.
To be in with a chance of winning just unscramble this
building name that is where thousands of students have
lived in Coventry:
Responses to alumni@coventry.ac.uk or post to Family
Competition, Development Office, Coventry University, Priory
All Friends of Coventry University (FOCUS) members are able
to stay at the Ramada Coventry for a discounted rate and can
enjoy discounts on days out with the Merlin Entertainments
Time: 7pm
Place: Chesford Grange, Kenilworth Save 25% on RAC Breakdown Membership for you and your immediate
family at enrolment or renewal.* Call 0800 581 077 and quote GE0300.
July *Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for full details when calling.
9 July
Birmingham reunion Save 10% on a holiday with Cottages4You. 13,000 properties throughout
Catch up with old friends and make some new ones the UK, France, Ireland Spain, Portugal and Italy. Visit www.cottages-4-you.
at this free Birmingham reunion. Please confirm co.uk/coventry or call 0870 242 3803. Quote COV10 when booking.
your interest in attending by emailing alumni@
coventry.ac.uk or calling + 44 (0) 24 7688 8589. Up to 10% discount on advanced bookings for airport parking and
Time: from 6pm airport hotels in the UK. Visit www.parking4less.co.uk/alumni or call
Place: All Bar One, Brindley Place 0871 360 2131 and quote WY705.
23 July Stay in the four-star luxury of the Ramada Hotel in Coventry. Discounted
Virtual reunion rates start at £67.50 per B&B. Call the alumni office for help with
Come explore Coventry University’s virtual campus. arrangements for large group bookings. Call 0870 890 3722 and quote
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the latest Coventry University Rate.
technology and its uses while meeting other alumni,
staff and students - perfect if you live overseas and

Battle experience to a Victorian ‘Royal Weekend Party’
Group – see www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni for more details.
there’s plenty to see and do in this magnificent castle.
Terms and conditions
1.The family ticket is valid for one day out only at the attractions mentioned.
2. Booking is subject to availability and restrictions apply in terms of opening
hours, height restrictions and availability of rides.
3. The hotel prize can only be taken at the Ramada Hotel Coventry and is
subject to availability.
4. The hotel prize is for a family of four – two adults and two children.
5. No cash alternative will be offered.
6. Editor’s decision is final.
28
34 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
At Your Service
can’t make it back to campus!
As a Friend of Coventry University you also receive:
Time: 12 - 2pm Your magazine – evolve magazine will be sent to you twice
Place: www.secondlife.com a year, to keep you in touch with University developments
as well as news from other members, forthcoming events,
benefits and more.
If you would like more information about Your E-news – A popular e-newsletter sent to members on a
any of the events listed here or would like to monthly basis with news, updates and competitions.
advertise a reunion in the next issue, please Your website – www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni for all the latest
call the alumni office on + 44 (0) 24 7688 8589 news and information.
or email alumni@coventry.ac.uk Your reunions – Get help organising your reunion we can
track down old friends, arrange tours or hotel accommodation.
Your events – Members are invited to attend many guest
lectures and exhibitions that take place at the University.
Find a Friend – Our database of over 30,000 members may
be the link between you and your old friends. Keep in touch,
Coventry wants to hear from you
Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589
Email: alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Post: Alumni Relations, Development Office,
Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB
29