Evolve Summer 2014

evolve
The magazine for Friends of Coventry University

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oventry
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niversity
D
ecanter
Driving
force
Business graduate John Latham is
Coventrys new Vice-Chancellor
Excellence
with Impact
Coventrys new
research strategy
Visual Effects
Graduate and Oscar
nominee Chris Townsend
reveals his career path from
Coventry to Hollywood
evolve contents evolve contents
2 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni 3
welcome
Its been a time of celebration here on campus,
as Coventry University has broken into the
top 30 of UK universities in the Guardian
university league table 2015, rising six
places to 27th overall!
Coventry has a new Vice-Chancellor,
John Latham, and I am sure you will join
me in welcoming him to his new role.
John is not new to the University and
has indeed enjoyed a career of some
30 years here in a variety of roles
you can nd more about him and his
plans for the Universitys future
on page 8.
Also in this issue, we travel across
the pond to meet alumni in New York, talk to Oscar and
BAFTA nominee Chris Townsend about his Hollywood
career in Visual Effects, learn about Coventrys new
research strategy and take a walk down memory lane with
the Eddie Waring Appreciation Society.
I would also like to draw your attention to our Alumni
Survey we want to hear your opinions and there are
some fantastic prizes to win as well! As always, evolve is
packed with your updates, letters, reunions and events,
but if this is the rst time you have received evolve, then
hello and welcome to your alumni associations magazine!
Keep in touch!
Kristina
This magazine is published twice a year for alumni of Coventry University.
All letters, photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to
edit any contributions. The opinions expressed in evolve are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily reect those of the Alumni Relations
Ofce or Coventry University.
The alumni team
Head of Fundraising and Alumni Services
Michael Mogan
Alumni Relations Manager Kristina Anders
Annual Fund Co-ordinator Dwayne Webb
Senior Development Manager Chris Smith
Contact us
Telephone: +44 (0) 24 7688 8589
Email: alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Post: FOCUS, Development and Alumni Relations Ofce,
Alan Berry Building, Room 120, Coventry University, Priory
Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB
Website: www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
E-News: Subscribe to a free monthly alumni e-newsletter
by emailing SUBSCRIBE to alumni@coventry.ac.uk
Social Networking: Become a Fan and join the Friends of
Coventry University group on Facebook, link up with the
University and other professionals on the Linkedin website
Credits:
This magazine is written and edited by Kristina Anders and
Katie Southwell, designed by Linda Selby and Ealesh Patel for
Coventry University, photography by Graham Harwood and
printed by Emmersons Press.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue
of evolve. Please keep sending in your stories.
Vice-Chancellor
John Latham
offers a warm
welcome
Its my pleasure
to welcome you
to the latest issue
of evolve, and
my rst issue as
Vice-Chancellor.
Since I took on
this new role,
Ive been tasked with a number of
new challenges; this is one of the
highlights so far.
Our community of alumni is
essential for the success of the
University. Im delighted youve
chosen to stay in touch with
Coventry and let us share in your
lives now that you have completed
your studies. As youre probably
aware, the University is enjoying
a period of celebration. Weve
seen signicant improvements in
our national league table positions
over the past few years and Id
like to think that some of our most
recent graduates have seen these
improvements for themselves during
their time on campus.
Were always looking for different
ways to continue to improve the
services we offer at Coventry and
your input into that is vital. Our
alumni offer a rich and valuable
resource for us to learn from and
work alongside. I hope you enjoy this
issue of evolve and nd something
that continues to fuel your passion
for Coventry University.
John Latham
Vice-Chancellor
contents
14 Get Connected
Find out what old friends are
doing now
32 Letters
Your views and opinions about
Coventry University
34 Lecturer in Focus
Professor Alpaslan zerdem on trust,
peace and social relations
36 Events
Find out about the latest events and
activities on offer to graduates
regulars features
This magazine is
available in alternative
formats on request. Call
+44 (0)24 7688 8589 or email
alumni@coventry.ac.uk
competitions and
offers
22
12
18
26
8 Familiar face takes on the
driving force
John Latham is Coventrys new
Vice-Chancellor
18 Eddie Waring Appreciation
Society
Alan William presents this unusual
Student Society from the 1970s
20 Start spreading the news
FOCUS visits alumni in New York
22 Visual effects
Oscar and BAFTA nominee
Chris Townsend talks about his
Hollywood career
26 The Chancellors Circle
We celebrate the generous support of
our donors
28 Making a difference
Alumna Niina Strobels work in
Indonesia
30 Excellence with Impact
Professor Kevin Warwick introduces
Coventrys new research strategy
10 Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved
and some fantastic services on offer
for you
38 Benets and Services
Some of the perks of being a member
of FOCUS
39 Win an iPad
Have your say in the 2014 Alumni
Survey and be in with a chance to win
an iPad
44 University Gifts
Coventry University branded souvenirs
to remind you of your student days
06
37
28
evolve update
4 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
update
The latest campus and graduate news
Got a
story?
Send news
to alumni@
coventry.
ac.uk
helps beat travel costs
B
ilal Ahmad, a double graduate who
completed a BSc in Engineering
Management and an MBA in
Information Technology, has launched
a free car-sharing app to help students get from
A to B without breaking the bank.
The My Campus Ride app which he
and his business partner Hari Boya created
with backing from the Universitys Institute
for Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE) invites
students to register the journeys they want to
make, before matching them up with fellow
students doing the same trip in their own car.
Canadian-born Bilals app is already causing
a stir amongst UK universities, with several
including
Lancaster and
Plymouth in
discussions to
adopt the app for
their students.
Users of the
app will be able
to mark down
people who
drive erratically or
have messy cars
through an in-built
rating system,
and only those
with a university
email address
can register no
names or mobile
numbers are used,
to ensure safety and security.
The app also taps in to the Students
Unions activities schedule to act as an events
guide, and through exclusive link-ups with
local shops and restaurants offers students
discounts at retailers in the city centre.
To make his vision for the app a reality, 29
year-old Bilal secured a grant from the IAE,
plus a business address on the Universitys
Technology Park before winning further
support through the European Regional
Development Fund-backed SPEED Plus
initiative.
Bilal, who lives in Birmingham and hails from
Cambridge, Ontario, said: The level of interest
weve had so far has been fantastic. Students
are interested in the service and discounts our
app offers, but universities are also keen to get
involved because the car-sharing aspect aligns
well with their sustainability agendas. Its a win-
win situation for everyone.
We were promoting the app in the Hub
at Coventry University and we had over 600
people show interest in a short period. Its
currently available for Android systems while
we work on the Apple version, but loads of
students with iPhones were asking us to let
them know as soon as its on the App Store.
The My Campus Ride app is currently
available in the Google Play store for Coventry
University students; plans to roll it out to Apples
App Store and to all UK university students are
in development. For more information visit
www.mycampusride.com.
Car-share app
evolve update
Graduate gets taste
of lm fame
C
oventry graduate Haider Ali has recently starred in a low budget lm
that was in the running to be aired at Cannes Film Festival. The lm,
called Unstoppable, was directed by Ather Chaudhary and lmed entirely on
location at a petrol station forecourt in Birmingham.
The lm was premiered in Birmingham and attracted plenty of media
interest, as well as a chance to be submitted to the Cannes selection
committee. The lm was shot in a week and the crew suffered freezing
temperatures as they battled with the frost and
snow. Haider plays a loner called Shaq in the
movie. He said: Taking a lead role was a new
experience. Ive been working on adverts and
other short features for the last three years.
It was physically challenging shooting in the
freezing temperatures. Working on a seven day
shoot was like working as a full-time actor and
has spurred me on in my passion.
A
erospace Systems Engineering graduate Richard
Daintree has been selected as the winner of the
prestigious Lanchester Trust Student Prize for his
investigation into the work of Frederick Lanchester.
Richard was presented with a cash prize and a
certicate in honour of the achievement.
The criteria for the annual award is set by the
Lanchester Trustees, Chris Clark, Malcolm Whitehouse
and Eric Baptiste. It is awarded for enterprise, initiative,
creativity and invention demonstrated by a student.
Richard explained: I was delighted to hear Id won
the award. I simply tried my best to achieve the goals of
my dissertation, which was an investigation into some
of Lanchesters work. I found Lanchesters work very
interesting and as a result put a great deal of hard work
into the research and analysis of his designs. This was
the ultimate reward.
Trustee and author of The Lanchester Legacy Chris
Clark said: The Trustees are delighted that Richard
has won the Lanchester Trust Student Prize. Richard is
obviously inspired and enlightened by the work of the
Lanchester brothers.
See the website: www.LanchesterTrust.org to learn
more about The Lanchester Trust.
Lanchester inspires
student success
Richard is pictured
here with the
Lanchester Trustees
Journalism graduate
launches rst
childrens book
T
ara Behan, a Coventry
University Journalism
and Media graduate, has
released her rst childrens book,
The Legend of Everwinter. Tara,
an author from Bedworth in
Warwickshire, and Matthew Hill,
an illustrator from Cradley Heath,
have been working on the project
for the past year, and had their
book published by Hampton Bond
International at the end of 2013.
Inspired by the popular Disney
lms, J.K Rowlings Harry Potter
books and J.R.R Tolkiens Lord
of the Rings, The Legend of
Everwinter is set in a faraway
land, and tells the magical tale of
three courageous companions
who set out on a heroic journey
to full an ancient prophecy.
Overcoming mystifying challenges
and treacherous conditions, the trio
must work together to protect each
other in a harsh, but stunning land.
Tara has written her own fairy tale
stories since she was eight years
old. She attended Saint Thomas
More School and King Edward
VI College in Nuneaton, and
since graduating she has gained
experience as a news reporter, a
press assistant and a freelance
writer. The Legend of Everwinter is
Taras rst published book.
Tara said: It has always
been my dream to have a book
published and, at the age of 24,
my dream has already come true!
I have always wanted to be an
author and it has been such an
honour to work with Matthew on
our rst book together, as he is
the best illustrator I know, and he
has brought my story to life with
his magical illustrations!
E
ach year, as part of
the Universitys degree
ceremonies, a number
of people are awarded
honorary degrees in recognition of
their outstanding contribution to their
eld. Last November, the University
conferred degrees on a range of
individuals including a heavy metal
hero and an Arabian Princess.
Tony Iommi was awarded
the Degree of Doctor of Arts in
recognition of his contribution to the
world of popular music; in particular
being recognised as one of the
founders of heavy metal music
and one of the greatest and most
inuential musicians of all time.
Tony Iommi is synonymous with
heavy rock; his innovative, de-tuned,
dark guitar riffs are considered
to be the blueprint not only for
the hundreds of bands that have
followed him, but also for the global
genre of Heavy Metal. During his
recent visit to the University, he was
offered the role of Visiting Professor
of Music. Tony will return to the
University in the autumn to
work directly with students
on their songwriting and
composition skills.
Formidable criminal
Law Court lawyer Cecilia
Fitzhugh was conferred
with an Honorary Life Fellowship
in recognition of her outstanding
contribution in support of the
University as a Governor and as Pro-
Chancellor for over twenty years.
Lady Frances Sorrell was
honoured with a Degree of Doctor of
Arts in recognition of her contribution
to the creative industries and for the
tremendous work undertaken by the
Sorrell Foundation to inspire creativity
in young people and improve the
quality of life through design. Lady
Frances Sorrell is one of the leading
gures in design consultancy in this
country and has done an exceptional
amount to inspire and promote
creativity in young people.
One of this countrys leading
contemporary painters, George
Shaw, was awarded the Degree
Allison Wallace
Business Law, 1974
Studying Business Law
in 1971 - 1974 against
the social change in
working lives at that time.
Leanna Bye
Communication Culture
and Media, 2002
One of my favourite
memories was
graduating at the Cathedral because I
felt proud of my achievement (due to a
personal struggle gaining my A-levels, as
my dad died during my A-Level exams).
The Cathedral is memorable for me too...
My partner proposed to me in the
Cathedral grounds on 24
th
December
2011 (I met him through a friend whilst at
Cov Uni and we were friends for 12 years
before getting engaged!).
Antoinette White
Spanish and TEFL with
Study Abroad, 2012
My favourite memory
of Coventry University
would be the summer barbecues and
late night parties held at the end of
exams. Lecturers had arranged some of
these events and all language students
were able to mix, meet new people,
dance and even see their tutors in a fun
and informal setting.
Dawan Mohammed Jaza
Abdullah Abdullah
International Law, 2012
My favourite memory was
my graduation ceremony
at Coventry University - it
was really enjoyable. I
hope to study for a PhD
at Coventry University in the near future.
Kathryn Lloyd-
Williams
Clinical Psychology,
2012
Walking through the
ruins of the Cathedral after passing my
viva. Inspiring and a wonderful place for
reection and contemplation.
Wendy Jane Austin
Occupational Therapy,
2012
Holding my completed,
bound dissertation in
my hand!
Memory Bank
Graduates remember
their favourite memory
evolve update
The Legend of Everwinter by Tara Behan and illustrated by Matthew
Hill, published by Hampton Bond International, is on sale now.
of Doctor of Arts in recognition of
his outstanding contribution to the
eld of ne art and his memorable
body of work in relation to the urban
landscape of the Tile Hill district of
Coventry and its relevance to the
21
st
century audience.
Founder of the Jordan Media
Institute, Her Royal Highness
Princess Rym Ali was awarded
a Degree of Doctor of Letters in
recognition of her outstanding
contribution to the eld of Journalism
and Media and as founder of the
Jordan Media Institute.
Leading professional lexicographer
and writer, Michael Rundell was
awarded a Degree of Doctor
of Letters in recognition of his
contribution to the description of the
English language and to the eld of
pedagogical lexicography.
The Great
and the
Good
7
W
hilst the role may be
new to John, the
University and its
campus is a familiar
setting for him, having enjoyed a
career spanning 30 years working for
the institution.
Ive seen the University from
more sides than most, jokes John.
I started in 1984 as a lecturer in the
Department of Computer Science
before becoming a research fellow
and research programme supervisor.
Since then, Ive held a number
of senior management positions
including Managing Director of
Coventry University Enterprises Ltd
and Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
John has also seen the University
from the student perspective,
having completed his BSc (Hons)
in Computer Science between
1979 and 1983 and later a Master
of Business Administration (MBA),
completing his studies in 1998.
What better way to run an
organisation than to see it from all
sides? says John. I certainly dont
profess to know it all, but having
studied here, taught here and
managed here, I think Ive had a
well-rounded induction over the past
few decades.
John, who was the Universitys
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for
Business Development prior to
stepping into the interim role in
December 2013, has taken over
the position following the departure
of Professor Madeleine Atkins who
joined the Higher Education Funding
Council for England (HEFCE) as
Chief Executive.
John has achieved many
successes during his time at the
University and is looking forward
to achieving many more. He
was the driving force behind the
development of the award-winning
Coventry University Technology
Park which opened in 1995.
This facility has been crucial in
the success of the Universitys
engagement with business start-ups
and SMEs. The Technology Park
has been recognised nationally
and internationally for its business
incubator facilities.
John is particularly proud of the
role he played in the Universitys
latest collaboration. The University,
in partnership with Unipart, will create
a 32million Institute for Advanced
Manufacturing and Engineering.
This unique collaboration will open its
doors in September to give students
a real world experience on industrys
front line while they study. Its taken
lots of hard work to get this initiative
to this stage, but both the University
and Unipart are delighted with the
outcome.
Outside of the University, John
has a number of high prole roles
at the local, regional, national and
European level which include:
board member of the Coventry and
Warwickshire LEP and chair of a
sub group, Director of a number of
EU-funded operations supporting
innovation across the two Midland
regions of England, as well as being
a member of various UK Government
Science advisory bodies.
At a regional level, John
has worked as a secondee to
evolve prole evolve prole
9 8 www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni
Advantage West Midlands and to
the Government Ofce for the West
Midlands, advising and developing
regional strategies and projects.
In addition to his public sector
roles, John has worked for a number
of private sector organisations in
the last twenty years (including
JHP Group Limited, BT, GEC, GPT
and Jaguar Cars). Finally, John
has a long history of engagement
in co-operation and development
programmes - including involvement
in a number of networks, committees
and partnership projects in many of
the major European research and
development, as well as education
and training programmes.
John said: I am delighted to be
appointed as the Universitys Vice-
Chancellor. Coventry University has a
tremendous opportunity to grow and
develop its wide-ranging, world-class
activities over the coming years and
Im privileged to be able to lead the
institution along this exciting path.
There are challenges ahead,
for the higher education sector
as a whole and for individual
universities adapting to change. For
Coventry our priorities remain to
uphold and improve our impressive
track-record of league table
performance, teaching quality and
student satisfaction, and business
engagement whilst developing our
research prole.
If youre interested to nd
out more about Coventrys new
research strategy, turn to page
30 to hear from Professor Kevin
Warwick, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for
Research.
I certainly dont profess

to know it all, but having
studied here, taught here and
managed here, I think Ive
had a well-rounded induction
over the past few decades.
The leadership of
Coventry University
has welcomed
John Latham to the
role of Vice-Chancellor
as of March 2014.
evolve get involved evolve get involved
Career advice
You still have access to the Careers
Service, their support and bank
of resources to help you develop
and shape your career. For further
information or advice contact:
careers.ss@coventry.ac.uk,
Tel: +44 (0) 24 7765 2011
Further study, CPD and
alumni discount
Did you know that 21% of 2012 class
went on to further study? Coventry
University offers a 500 discount on
further study programmes have a
look at the opportunities at this Link
http://www.coventry.ac.uk/study-
at-coventry/postgraduate-study/.
We also offer arrange of
CPD courses across a variety of
subject areas.
T
he Institute of Applied
Entrepreneurship (IAE) has
two schemes to help you
take your business forward.
Propeller Fund
A newly launched fund offering:
500-1000 proof of
concept grant
Business support and mentoring
Access to ofce space
Student Enterprise Fund
IAE has invested 64,000 in ve
businesses over the last 12 months
through this unique offering:
*Refundable grants typically
between 5,000 and 10,000,
but up to 30,000 for
exceptional ideas.
Help with creating a viable
business plan.
Mentoring on start-up.
Access to ofce space.
Development and evolution of
your business plans post start up.
Eligibility:
1. Currently registered Coventry
University Students.
2. Coventry University Alumni
(from the last 10 years).
3. An EU national without
visa requirements.
4. Ablility to pitch your idea
to a panel.
You will need to complete an
application form and submit it
along with a detailed business plan
and cash ow statement.
Your application is subject to the
terms and conditions of the funding.
For more information and to apply for
the scheme visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/IAE/SEF
Email: business-enterprise@cad.
coventry.ac.uk or all:
024 7623 6001
Support with organising
your reunion
Have you got a graduation anniversary coming
up, fancy seeing your classmates or are just
nostalgic for Coventry? We can help with all
aspects of organising your reunion on or off
campus and well throw in a tour of all the new
buildings as well. Contact us at
alumni@coventry.ac.uk or call 024 7688 8589.
Provide an internship or
work experience placement
Internships and work experience
placements offer the chance to gain
invaluable experience and networking
opportunities. They greatly enhance
current students employability, as
many companies prefer graduates
with real experience of the workplace.
Give a careers talk
Current students want to hear what
its really like share your experience
and best tips for the world of work.
Advertise your
graduate roles
Does your company offer graduate
roles or a graduate scheme? Do
let us know and we can help with
advertising your roles and bring the
next generation of Coventry talent
into your business.
Offer advice as a mentor
Current students and recent alumni
can greatly benet from the advice
and experience of those already out
in the world of work.
Run an alumni group
in your region, country
or for your subject
Alumni groups offer great
opportunities for networking with
fellow professionals and socialising
with other Coventry graduates why
not start your own group for your
subject, region or country!
We are already running a number
of alumni groups, such as FOCUS
on Law, FOCUS on Business,
FOCUS on Malaysia amongst others
you nd a list (and join us) here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/
covunialumni
FOCUS is in touch with 80,000 Coventry
University alumni worldwide making us
a truly global community! All alumni have
something to offer to current students and
fellow alumni. What could you offer?
How can you
get involved?
W
h
a
t
s
o
n
o
ffe
r
fo
r
y
o
u
?
Support to start or run
your own business
Help nance
opportunities through
the Chancellors Fund
The Chancellors Fund provides
opportunities to enhance the student
experience at Coventry University,
enabling students to further
their personal and professional
development. During 2013 and 2014,
a total of 45, 000 was awarded in
student support to 104 students,
selected from 1400 applications!
Successful students have received
funds to cover a multitude of
activities, including travel costs,
trips in the UK or overseas,
equipment, courses, placement
costs and much more.
If you would like to get involved in any of the above activities, please contact us at
alumni@coventry.ac.uk or call 024 7688 8589.
evolve employability
13
Choosing a placement year with
Fujitsu was the best decision
Suzie Ahuja ever made. It
not only gave her valuable
experience but it also opened
a door to Fujitsus Graduate
Scheme. Suzie is now a
Resource Manager looking after
one of Fujitsus major accounts.
S
uzie, from London, always
knew she wanted to study
business: Business has
always been a passion
of mine and I believe people are at
the core to a business succeeding.
Studying Human Resources gave
Suzie the right balance of business
and people management. At the
time, Coventry University was one
of only a handful of institutions that
offered a full degree in HR.
Suzie studied Human Resource
Management between 2007 and
2011. The course enabled me to
learn a lot of theory and also be able
to apply this during the practical
elements of seminars. The course
offered real practical experience and
focused on subjects I was really
interested in. I learned lots about
business as well as how to lead and
manage people.
Looking back on her time
as a student, Suzies fondest
memory was the day she handed
in her dissertation. It had been
a tough piece of work and very
time-consuming. My whole class
handed in at the same time and the
overwhelming sense of relief from
everyone makes me smile every time
I think about it. Putting in the hard
work was well worth it. Im proud to
say I achieved a rst class degree.
Suzie loved the atmosphere
at Coventry University. Everyone
Suzies typical day consists
of holding team calls, attending
business reviews to learn about
new resourcing requirements and
upcoming business and also ensuring
current vacancies are being managed
and fullled by external suppliers.
She said: Fujitsu have given me a
great opportunity. They really invest
in their young talent and give them
the right tools to help them develop
and progress further. Im enjoying life
at Fujitsu right now but in the longer
term I would like to become a HR
Business Partner or even open my
own HR Consultancy Firm.
Placements prime
graduates for
great careers
I believe graduate schemes can open many doors. It

enables you to have real responsibility as soon as you
enter the working world and builds a great platform for
your future career. The graduate scheme at Fujitsu allows
you to take on new roles within HR on a regular basis
building on the knowledge you have learnt at University.
evolve enterprise
D
anielle Steed, a Business
and Marketing graduate,
who is originally from
Leicestershire, has set
up Haycubes a business that
she started whilst she was still at
University.
The Haycube is actually a hay
feeding, soaking and transporting
device, which was designed to ll a
gap in the market. With assistance
from Coventry Universitys SPEEd
programme and the design team at
the Technology Park, the Haycube
was created originally with one use
in mind, but has now evolved into
a multi-functional product, offering
at least eight different uses to the
consumer.
Danielle is currently working
with the IAE to access the Student
Enterprise Fund and has recently
pitched her idea to the panel of
business specialists with a view
to secure a loan for business
growth. This also comes with
access to industry mentors and
industry professionals, of which she
has secured the support from a
marketing specialist to really get the
business moving.
Danielle is an accomplished
horsewoman, an advanced level
dressage rider, trainer and judge and
she created the Haycube because
she felt that there was a need for
such a product. After only four
months of trading, she had already
sold well over one hundred of the
devices and made a healthy prot.
Danielle said: The Haycube
puts the horse back into its natural
downward feeding position,
encouraging correct stretching of
the neck muscles, back and rib
cage. Using my device, when eating
from the oor or low down, the
horses jaw is in the correct position
whilst feeding.
Over the next 12 months, I plan
to increase the online presence for
the Haycube and also attend as
many trade events as I can. Haycube
is currently being rebranded and I am
also having a new website created.
Once this work has been completed,
it will hopefully give my product more
credibility and the new branding will
then be continuous throughout all
the marketing and promotion.
In the longer term, I aim to set up
distribution channels in both the UK
and abroad.
Danielle is adamant that without
the support from Coventry University
in the early stages of her company
development, she would not be in
the position she is today.
With a name like Steed it is tting that the
business a Coventry University graduate
has gone into is looking after the needs of
people looking for equine services.
Graduate set to
make hay whether
the sun shines or not
was really friendly and the staff
were always helpful. The University
also offered a lot of help during my
second year in nding a placement
which was really useful.
Suzies placement year took place
at Fujitsu and following this, she was
offered a place on Fujitsus Graduate
Scheme as soon as she graduated.
She completed the graduate scheme
in August 2013 and was offered a
role as a Resource Manager. Suzie
is also studying a CIPD qualication
part time which shell complete later
this year.
Suzie said:
evolve get connected
getconnected
Get back in touch with old friends.
Coventry graduates reveal where they are now
Graduated 1980s
Paul Burton
Physical Science (1988)
Since the last update I have
moved roles within AWE. I remain
an experimental Physicist, but
experiments now involve blowing
stuff up in various ways. I am also
involved in policy matters relating to
things nuclear through involvement in
the US and UK Projects on Nuclear
Issues (run by CSIS in Washington
and RUSI in London). A paper
of mine is due to be published in
Nuclear Notes and is downloadable
from The Centre for Strategic and
International Studies website
(www.csis.org). The paper was a pet
project on Gaming Nuclear War.
Another forum I am supporting in
the International Relations eld,
is a British International Studies
Association Perspectives on the
Global Nuclear Order and is run
by Leicester and York Universities.
Attending those events brings me
into contact with a wide range of
people from academia, government
and think tanks with a range of
perspectives and positions on
nuclear matters.
Graduated 1970s
Robert Mercer
Modern Studies (1970)
Roger Hunt
Mechanical Engineering (1973)
During my
six years in
Coventry (four
year course
plus two years
working in
industry in the
City), I was
a member
of the Coventry Methodist Students
Society (Cov Methsoc) which met at
the Methodist Central Hall. Through
the society I met fellow students
from Lanchester Polytechnic (as
it was then), Warwick University,
Canley Teaching Training College and
Physiotherapy students from the local
hospital. Good times and memories.
Finally retired after a career of teaching in
further education for 5 years, followed by
25 years in the textile industry, and nally
15 years in managing an art
work company in the leisure
industry. Now time for more
sailing. Favourite memory:
helping Ted Little to organise
the Arts Festivals. Favourite
tutor - Val Wakeham in
the Modern Studies Dept.
Worst memory - Finding out
Leeds United had lost to
Colchester in the FA Cup, in
the TV Room at the Coffee
Bar under the Library.
Is there a similar society today for
Coventry students? Following on
from the Methsoc membership, I
am now a Local Preacher in the
Methodist Church. I now wonder
what happened to my fellow
members from the early 1970s?
John Davies
Modern Studies (1979)
I came to higher education as a
mature student, and found my
Modern Studies lecturers of1976-9
to be inspirational. It was a great
educational adventure, and a life
changing experience which led to
a thoroughly positive 180 degree
career change.
Thank you Lanchester Polytechnic
(Coventry University)!
15
Graduated 1990s
Iain Bailey
Communication Studies (1990)
After graduating, I became a Cinema
Manager working across the UK for
a large national chain. After being
robbed 12 times, threatened with a
gun and stabbed at various cinemas,
I decided a change of career was
needed, and moved abroad.
I spent time in the Middle East and
Scandinavia before returning to take
up a career in Consumer Protection.
Tony Guest
Multicultural Studies (1992)
I have been
Chair of
Trustees for
the African
Leadership &
Reconciliation
Ministries
(ALARM) UK
since 2009. This charity specialises
in 8 Central/East African Countries
with 50+ (African) staff, most funding
comes from the US, but we sponsor
small projects from the UK.
See: www.alarm-inc.org
Martin Scarratt
Modern Languages (1992)
I came to Coventry University after
enforced retirement at the age of 52,
following a nervous collapse whilst
working as Area Education Ofcer
for Central and South Warwickshire,
ie. the whole of Warwickshire south
of Coventry. Favourite memories
- the kindness of my very young
fellow students in the Spanish class
of 1990-92. The Lanchester, as
it was when I started the course,
was a lifeline at a very difcult time,
and the course led on to wonderful
experiences leading mountain-
trekking holidays in the Picos de
Europa and the Pyrenees.
Joan Revelins
Business Law (1994)
I have retired, but work part-time for
a charity (Latvian Welfare Trust) as a
volunteer - as Finance manager.
Adam Holland
Business and Finance (1994)
My business
operates
under the
umbrella of
a multibillion
dollar global
company
based in
Scottsdale,
Arizona, which has Investors
in People [champion] status. It
operates in the look good / feel
good / take care of yourself market
- beauty and skin care, health
and wellbeing, tness and weight
management.
The skills I originally learnt doing
Business Studies with you in 1991-4
- skills which Id not used fully in the
last 20 years - are being well used
now, along with more training from
my partner company - practical
skills, coaching and mentoring
skills, and some invaluable personal
development.
Howard Avis
Business Law (1995)
Graduates in Law 1995 will
remember that I had Glandular
Fever when I took my 3rd
year exams. I got Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis for 6 to 9 months
after that, but recovered fully and
went to study for Legal Practice (LP)
for 1 year full time, at Nottingham
Trent University, in September 1996.
About 2 months into my second
term I caught Glandular Fever again
and 6 months later again developed
M.E. from which, 16 years later,
I have only made a partial recovery.
I was never fully able to complete
my LP course as I could not
function fully. My condition keeps
me generally housebound but I
am occasionally able to make trips
out. Much to my own surprise I got
more involved in local politics after
getting M.E. and was elected as a
Councillor in May 2012!
Chen Yih Ang
Computer Science (1997)
Currently, Im
holding a position
of Senior Project
Manager (IT) in an
international bank.
Standard Charted
Bank - Scope
International Malaysia.
Lois Darley
Technical Communication (1997)
and Design and Digital Media
(1998)
After graduating, I worked in
Information Design for a number of
years, before leaving the Midlands
and moving to the Outer Hebrides.
Although I am now retired, I spend
my time working on our croft/
smallholding with my husband - as
well as many voluntary jobs in the
community, including work for the
local primary school, museum,
secretary of the art group, and editing
and producing the local monthly
newspaper Uig News. I have
recently worked as an extra in the
new childrens TV series Katie Morag,
which is currently being screened on
BBC TV.
Amy Swann
Geography (1999)
Just thought I would
send you a pic of
my 8 1/2 month old
enjoying the latest
issue of evolve.
From the look on her
face she obviously
cant wait to go to Coventry Uni!
Graduated 2000s
Charanjit Dharival
Richard Thompson
Design and Technology (2004)
I have recently
been promoted
to Head of
Resistant
Materials,
starting at a
new school in
January and
working at Thomas Mills Technology
College in Suffolk.
Mahir Gazdar
Business Information (2004)
A lot has changed over the past
year, as I completed my diploma
in teaching at Warwick University.
I moved to Saudi Arabia where I
taught English at an Academy in
the capital, Riyadh, and taught at
Al Baha University near Yemen. I
made many friends, translated an
Arabic book into English, which is to
be released internationally, went on
a road trip across the country, and
more. Soon I am due to go back to
teach at King Saud University, which
is one of the top Arab Universities.
I am also doing an MA in TESOL
(Teaching English) with the University
of Manchester.
I have also self-published a book -
Ancient Mediterranean Merchant-
www.amazon.co.uk/Ancient-
Mediterranean-Merchant-Mahir-
Gazdar/dp/1478249811 and
I teach Arabic online
www.mahirteachesarabic.com
evolve get connected
Mark Ovland
E-Commerce
(2007)
A year after
graduating from
Coventry, I ordained
as a monk of the
Ramakrishna order
in India, dedicating
myself to meditation and learning in
a small monastery in the Himalayas.
Since returning to England, I have
been helping to run two Buddhist
retreat centres in Devon and am
currently spearheading a project
to offer mindfulness courses to
prisoners and young offenders.
Christine Moore
Cancer Care for Teenagers and
Young Adults (2009)
I am the author
of Both Sides
of the Bedside:
From Oncology
Nurse to Patient,
an RNs Journey
with Cancer,
a memoir
marketed for
release in 2015. My website is
www.bothsidesofthebedside.com.
I am a Board Member for the California
Southland Chapter of the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society, and am
forming a support group for young
adults with cancer.
Charanjit
Dharival
Computer
Science (2003)
Thank you eternally
Coventry University!
Legend of the phoenix!
Kalomoira-Maria Mantikou
Fine Art (2005)
My favourite memory of Coventry was the
opportunity to take part in different aspects
of practice, along with my studies. Also,
studying abroad was an experience I will
never forget in terms of knowledge and
experience. At the moment I have
established my own company, working on
Interior Design and Art Projects and online
magazines (http://designfather.com and
http://the6milliondollarstory.com).
My website is http://mariamantikou.com
Pratik Shukla
Manufacturing Systems and
Technology (2006)
My degree from Coventry has
not only given me the chance to
achieve a PhD which was based
on my knowledge, and research
skills gained from my rst and
second degree at Coventry,
but has also allowed me to
be employable at national and
international level.
I have just returned from a year
and a half long spell working
abroad, where I spent a year in
Shanghai (China) - lecturing at
a University in the eld of Laser
Technology in Manufacturing
and also 6 months in Delhi (India)
undertaking a similar role. My
classroom, research and life
experience at Coventry has led
me to become a known expert in
my eld of expertise locally and
worldwide. I am currently working
as a Senior Research Fellow
in the Laser Engineering and
Manufacturing
Research
Group at the
University of
Chester, UK.
Graduated 2010s
Laurence Batchelor
Historical Geography (2010)
I recently returned from a trip to Paris, where I proposed
to my long time (4 years) girlfriend, Coralie Coelsch.
It was a very romantic moment at the top of the Eiffel
Tower and I even got down on one knee to ask her to
be my wife. We are very happy and are planning our
dream wedding.
Nigar Ali
Innovative Management (2011)
Studying at Coventry University
was an interesting, unforgettable
and a unique experience. It has
equipped me with all the required
and up-to-date knowledge as well
as entrepreneurial skills that are
essential for a successful business
or a career in a business industry.
The MBA Innovative Management
is a great and meaningful programme for students who
want to start their own business in the future. I am
very proud of my MBA degree which has broadened my
horizons, widened my vision and enhanced my career
prospects.
Christine Mayanja
History (2012)
I have gone back into higher education to study a PGCE
in Primary Education and I feel that the work experience
that I gained through the ADDvantage
programme in
University was
benecial.
Louise Morgan
Fine Art (2010)
Working as a
Self-Employed Artist.
Its a vocation.....not a job!!
Email your updates
for the next issue of
evolve to
17
Jude Smith
Social Work (2012)
The BA Honors in Social Work degree at Coventry
University literally changed my life. The experiences
and knowledge that I acquired changed my whole
outlook, enabled me to successfully move forward and,
ultimately, set a great example to my children. I achieved
a rst class degree and am currently employed as a
Social Worker in the leaving care team (Route 21) by
Coventry City Council.
Mhammad Zibran
Shaikh
Civil Engineering (2012)
I recently got into employment
and am currently working as
Planning Engineer at Drake And
Scull Construction in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia. My advice for students is:
enjoy University and dont stress too much.
Samantha Strassen
Architectural Design Technology
(2012)
Although I am now working in
a different sector of the Built
Environment, my course has given me
the skills and knowledge that have
enabled me to embark on this next
exciting time, where I am able to
broaden my skill set more.
T
he solution was Rugby.
Not the game, but the
site. Lanch had some old
buildings there, which
were rapidly turned into
emergency accommodation. With
students being taken to Cov daily, the
solution was simple. The rooms at
Rugby were allocated as you arrived;
some students were put in smaller
individual rooms, and as things
were really tight, four unsuspecting
people were put together in the larger
communal rooms.
It was here that I found myself
sharing one of the communal rooms
with Tony Fullwood. Tony was a
town planner, I was on the Modern
Studies course. One evening we
were watching TV with the BBC
covering a rugby league match with
Eddie Waring commentating. Tony
and I started to imitate Eddies wistful
tones and it all started.
But what do you do as an Eddie
Waring Society? Our imagination
at this stage was not really in
full swing and the only thing we
could think of was having a drink
somewhere. There clearly needed to
be something else, so we thought of
putting Eddie in certain situations
The year was 1972.
Lanchester Polytechnic was expanding
fast. The building work on Priory Hall
however was not quite up to speed and
many of the intake for that year had
nowhere to rest their weary heads.
Eddie Waring
Appreciation Society
evolve nostalgia evolve nostalgia
tried to blow up Wigan Pier. This was
it, something to really build on. Eddie
Fawkes night consisted of disco
(Union disco run by Dave Nellist,
a great DJ and Eddie supporter,
who later became a Coventry MP),
rework display, food, and the
blowing up of a makeshift Wigan
pier by the Sealed Knot society,
who were very keen to show their
pyrotechnic skills. The whole event
took place outside what was F block
(now the Alan Berry Building) right
in the centre of the campus. The
night was a roaring success and The
Eddie Waring Appreciation Society
was really up and running.
It was now time to go ofcial.
Eddie had student followers in other
universities (Lancaster being the
main one) and we needed to be the
Ofcial society. I wrote to Eddie c/o
The Queens Hotel in Leeds where
he spent most of his time and the
deed was done, Eddie being very
supportive of our efforts and we
became the Ofcial Eddie Waring
Appreciation Society.
Next up was Shrove Waring night.
A chance for the Lanchester kitchen
staff to show their skills 400
pancakes were ordered for a feast
of Eddie. A disco again in F block,
with the Lanch kitchen joining in the
fun whilst serving those amazing
pancakes. The society was showing
it was a force to be reckoned with.
The next step was to make use
of the Union bar, that downstairs
den that was a drinking hole but little
else. What it needed was the Eddie
Waring treatment. The result was the
Eddie Rock Night. Some 500 sticks
of rock were ordered from Blackpool,
with Eddie Rock written through
the middle. This gave the users the
option of having peppermint beer or
alcoholic rock. Entertainment was
laid on with the amazing Rick Tendrill
and The Smoothtones topping the
bill. Tony Fullwood (President of the
Eddie Waring Society) was on drums
with other town planners making
up the band. An amazing night
with anyone present remembering
swaying to Dream (Everly Brothers)
and Rick Tendrill belting out the lead
vocal. The union bar was packed,
rather too packed with those arriving
late being refused entry on Health and
Safety grounds. This was the only
time in my 3 years at the Lanch that
this happened.
The nal idea was to involve other
societies at the Lanch. All too often
different societies will do their own
thing and never really interact with
each other. Its a Knockout was very
popular at the time, it did involve
Eddie Waring and it could get those
societies working together. Getting
the event together was difcult even
then, perhaps impossible today with
the Health and Safety restrictions.
We needed a variety of equipment
for the games which were donated
by local businesses. We needed a
venue this was a car park where
the Hub now stands. We needed
teams - thankfully there was a really
positive response from societies with
some joining forces to put up a strong
showing. One game required a mini
car with teams having to get into the
car with balloons etc. The rugby club,
always supportive of Eddie Waring
events, was rather disorganised and
didnt have a car. A passing motorist
was persuaded to loan them their car
and the day was saved. I really dont
remember who won. Did it matter?
The event was so successful that it
was repeated the following year.
Eddie Waring died some time ago.
The Society was recognised in his
biography and remembered by all that
were present at those unique events.
The main protagonists in the society
are still in contact 40 years on.
Looking back it was all very silly,
but also great fun and a chance to
organise events which brought a
smile to hard working Lanchester
students. There may be more serious
societies at Universities but the ones
that try to be different, more bizarre,
more inventive, should always have
their place.
Alan Williams
Lanchester Polytechnic 1972-5
BA Hons Modern Studies
Chairman of Eddie Waring
Appreciation Society
what would he say? These meetings
called Up and Unders after one of
Eddies key phrases, took place in
the Alhambra, a pub in the shopping
precinct (is it still there?) which gave
us the use of an underground room.
Later meetings took place in the City
Arms. Topics for discussion included
Eddie being the rst man to do a
rugby commentary on the moon,
Eddie becoming a vicar etc. etc. This
was all good low key fun with anyone
present being invited to try the Eddie
accent/dialect and use any one of
his many catch phrases. The alcohol
did help......
Into our second year. Priory Hall
now open for business (I was the rst
person in room J2.6 1972/3) and
there was a need to kick start the
society. Up and Unders were all very
well but the world beckoned.
So what to do?
History was the
key. Someone
was sure that
Guy Fawkes
had a younger
brother, Eddie,
who after
Guys failure at
Westminster,
The whole event was a roaring success
and The Eddie Waring Appreciation
Society was really up and running.
evolve graduates evolve graduates
Davids ambition to travel, see the
world and live abroad stems from
his early fascination with foreign
cultures.
After graduating from Business
Studies with Marketing at
Coventry University, he got a job
with The Economist and worked
his way across Europe and
America. Hes now Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial
Ofcer of Global Media Services
based in New York.
David considers himself an
unusual CFO. I am as comfortable
talking about accounting policies
as I am about our marketing
strategy. I have no doubt that this
comes from the knowledge and
expertise I received at Coventry.
Ive achieved my ambition to
travel. Im always on the road.
The Economist is a global brand
and we move in very wide circles.
I often meet with political leaders
and other fascinating people. Its
hard work but very rewarding.
David Cox
Class of 1985
SVP, The Economist, Group
Media Businesses
Neus has always loved languages.
She started studying French and
English when she was 11. Her love
of English pop music made her
determined to be able to translate
the lyrics.
She studied at the University
of Valencia and was offered the
chance to spend a year abroad
through the Erasmus programme.
Neus chose Coventry because she
wanted to improve her English.
In 2001 Neus passed the exam
to work for the UN as a translator.
She was put on a list and waited
for a call. In the meantime, she
developed a career as a freelance
movie translator in Barcelona and an
interpreter for the Spanish Senate.
Ten years later, Neus received a
call from the UN to travel to New
York. I now translate records for
the UN Security Council and the
General Assembly. I help people
understand each other. I dont just
translate words. I translate ideas,
cultures, nuances and perspectives.
Ultimately Im working to help make
a better world today and for future
generations.
Neus Gonzlez
Class of 1998
UN Translator
spreading
Start
the news
As part of Coventry Universitys latest student recruitment campaign
were proling high-ying graduates and their careers. Weve searched
the corners of the world and found alumni in some of the most senior
roles working for the biggest brands. Heres just a handful of our
graduates living and working in the Big Apple.
With a keen interest in business
and leadership, Donna came to
Coventry to learn more about
business on a global scale.
She studied for a degree in
Business because it offered a
placement year. She worked for
a year in procurement at Severn
Trent, which gave her the chance
to test a career option before
deciding which path to take.
Donna said: My degree gave
me the skills and condence to
work anywhere in the world. Ive
worked in the UK, Ireland, across
Europe, China and Japan. Im
settled in New York now working
for Pzer. Im a Category Strategy
Manager in global procurement.
My current role challenges me
every day, but Im very ambitious.
Id like to push myself a little further
by studying a Masters. Who knows
where that might take me?
Donna Charlesworth
Class of 2004
Global Procurement, Pzer
As a child, Sophie dreamed of
becoming a barrister. Studying
Law at Coventry University gave
her the opportunity to work across
the world and she moved to Texas
for an internship in a law rm.
The internship helped her to
perfect the skills she needed for a
career in law. Shes now working
at the New York Commission for
Human Rights.
Sophie said: Its my job
to educate people about
discrimination. We offer protection
against discrimination and help
people ght their complaints. Its
a great feeling knowing I can help
victims of discrimination. Studying
at Coventry University inspired me
to make a difference.
Sophie White
Class of 2012
New York Commission for
Human Rights
Vesela, from Bulgaria, studied
Strategic Marketing Management.
After graduating from her Masters,
she worked as an intern in London
and discovered the world of
social media. TBG Digital had a
great reputation and Vesela knew
she wanted to work there. She
quickly moved up the ranks and
is as Social Media Manager now
responsible for the US business,
based in New York.
Vesela and her team manage
social media advertising for
major clients. Vesela explained:
Our portfolio includes Capital
One, Adidas, Purina, Johnson &
Johnson and Budweiser. Every
day is different and offers a new
challenge. The digital industry
is very dynamic and thats why I
love it.
Vesela Pehlivanova
Class of 2010
Social Media Manager, TBG
Digital
Robs degree in Business Studies
with German allowed him to
combine his two passions in
life. The added bonus was the
opportunity to spend a year at a
university in Germany. This was the
experience of a lifetime.
After graduating, Rob worked for
a major German retail organisation,
managing their supply chain and
stock control. He still had a passion
for languages and wanted more. He
moved to Spain and began working
as an English teacher, learning the
language at night school.
When Rob returned to the UK
he was appointed by Barclays as a
Relationship Support Manager. Rob
said: I loved learning about the
world of banking. The job took me
to the Middle East and North Africa;
it was an exciting time. Im now
based in New York and look after
clients in the USA and Caribbean.
Im enjoying the challenges
of this role. Id like to continue
building my skill set and broaden
my experience in the industry.
Im also keen to give something
back. Maybe working with
undergraduates and helping them
build their own careers?
Rob Pinches
Class of 2004
Strategy Manager, Barclays

T
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evolve big interview evolve big interview
O
scar and BAFTA nominee Chris
has led the teams for the visual
effects of box ofce hits including
Iron Man 3 and Captain
America: The First Avenger, as
well as working on Pirates of the
Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest and disaster movie
The Day After Tomorrow, amongst many others.
Chris grew up in Chippenham and went to
school at Sheldon Comprehensive. From an early
age he was interested in art and design, going on
to study an Art Foundation Course at Trowbridge
College. This gave him the opportunity to try out
different aspects of art and design, from painting
to sculpture and industrial design to typography.
Chris said, I really enjoyed combining all
elements of art and design into something which
told a story.
Chris chose to further his studies at Coventry
Polytechnic because of its reputation for forward
thinking. Coventry was attractive to me because
it retained a classical approach to design, but
was one of the few colleges back in 1984, which
was beginning to embrace computers as a viable
design tool.
During his time at Coventry Polytechnic, Chris
lived in Halls of Residence in his rst year and
then moved out to share a house with friends.
He was a member of the Drama Society, which
helped foster his appreciation for performance,
movement and storytelling. In 1988, keen to see
the world, Chris skipped his graduation ceremony
and travelled to China on an exchange trip, based
at the University of Jinan. It was an incredible
experience, says Chris. China had only really
opened up to the West a few years earlier, so I had
the privilege of seeing a country in its native state.
What started as a trip to China, turned into
a tour of the Far East. Chris moved on to Hong
Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, and Singapore,
before nally heading to Australia. He worked
for a couple of Australian TV stations, ABC and
Channel 10, before moving on to New Zealand
and Indonesia. He then headed back to Singapore,
where he worked for the national broadcaster
SBC, and a local commercials company, doing
graphics and computer animation. A turning point
for Chris was attending Siggraph, a computer
graphics conference in the USA; it was 1994, just
a year after Jurassic Park, and the lm industry had
just discovered the evolution of computer graphics.
Everyone loves to lose themselves in a good movie
especially those with amazing visual effects. For those
few hours when youre totally immersed in the lm
you can escape from everyday life and enter a totally
different world. What you may be surprised to learn,
is that one of our own graphic design graduates,
Christopher Townsend is responsible for the visual
effects of several of the biggest lms of the last decade.
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TOP 30
Coventry breaks into
of UK universities
for rst time
C
oventry has been ranked best in the UK
for the percentage of nal-year students
satised with feedback and assessment
by lecturers, and top in the Midlands for the
percentage satised with teaching quality.
The University is also rated best in the
country for lm production and photography
and illustration. It has four other subject areas
ranked in the UKs top 10 including event
management (5th), nursing and midwifery (9th),
social work (10th), and building and town and
country planning (7th).
Eleven of Coventry Universitys subject
areas feature in the UKs top 20 according to
the Guardian, including architecture, design
and crafts, drama and dance, mechanical
engineering and mathematics.
Coventry, which retains its position as the
countrys top modern university, has climbed
36 places in the Guardian league table over the
past three years and is now ranked ahead of
over a third of the Russell Group institutions
including the redbricks Manchester, Liverpool
and Bristol.
John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of
Coventry University, said: This is a really
pleasing result which maintains the Universitys
excellent performance in the national rankings.
Our continued focus on giving our students
a top drawer experience, not just in their
academic work and feedback but also with
placement opportunities and ever-improving
facilities, is helping to cement Coventrys
reputation as one of the best places in the UK
to study for a degree.
It will be challenging to keep up this
impressive momentum as we are now mixing
it with the often quoted and highly respected
Russell Group institutions, but Ive every
condence the hard work and fantastic efforts of
all our staff in pushing the University forward like
this will continue in the years to come.
Coventry University was rated Modern
University of the Year in the Times and Sunday
Times Good University Guide 2014, published
in September last year, and was the highest
ranked modern university in the history of the
league table.
Coventry University recently celebrated the news that the
institution has broken into the top 30 of UK universities in the
Guardian university league table 2015, rising six places to 27th
overall and ranking ahead of nine Russell Group institutions.
25
evolve big interview
Chris said, I was very lucky that
I was in the right place at the right
time. I stood out from the crowd
with my schooling in England, then
work experience in China, Australia
and Singapore. My education had
given me a sound foundation upon
which to work, with a portfolio to
back it up.
Chris was offered a job as a
Technical Director at George Lucas
visual effects company, Industrial
Light and Magic (ILM). ILM was, and
in many ways still is, the pre-eminent
visual effects (VFX) company in the
world, having made their name
with Star Wars, then The Abyss,
Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, and
many major Hollywood blockbusters
since. I worked there for 11 years.
It gave me one of the most valuable
experiences in the art of visual
effects one could ever hope to have;
it was an incredible time.
In 1997, Chris worked with
multiple Academy Award-winning
Dennis Muren on Jurassic Park:
The Lost World. Chris explained,
That was such a privilege for me.
The original Jurassic Park was the
reason Id wanted to work in the lm
industry in the rst place.
Chris is now a freelance Visual
Effects Supervisor for feature lms.
He has creative responsibility for
all VFX in a lm. He will advise the
Director, and lead a group of people
into making the Directors vision a
reality. He said: I help design shots,
gure out how to create and execute
them, and then help deliver them
to the highest possible standard.
Im very fortunate; my role allows
me to be involved in all aspects of
the lm making process, from pre-
production, working with the Director
and key creative team during the
script writing and story boarding
stage, through to the photography,
actually shooting the lm on set with
the cast, to post production, where
we create the VFX for the nal lm.
Looking back over his many
career highlights Chris said, Ive
been incredibly fortunate to work on
many ground-breaking lms, and
Iron Man 3, my most recent, was
a fantastic experience; I supervised
over 1200 people in 17 companies
in 6 countries, and we worked on
over 2000 individual VFX shots; I was
nominated for an Academy Award,
which in itself was a great honour,
even though I lost out to the very
deserving Gravity.
One of the key attributes that
Chris feels has helped him along
the way, is his can-do attitude. I
always say yes, and then gure out
a way to make it happen afterwards!
On the rst Captain America,
Director Joe Johnston told me that
he wouldnt be able to lm with real
babies as hed run out of time, so
wed have to do them in computer
graphics. Sure, I said - he laughed,
saying of course it was a joke. I
didnt inch. My answer is always
yes!
I dont just have a job, its a
lifestyle. Working in the lm industry
can be very rewarding and can be
very hard; often Ill work 6 day weeks
and 14 hour days. Youve got to
really love what you do.
My time at Coventry
gave me a thorough
understanding of design
principles, that I still use
to this day. Some people
look at Higher Education as
just a stepping stone, but
I was fortunate enough to
choose a vocational course
which really taught me
some great life skills that
Ive been able to
use every day.
With so many accolades under
his belt, there cant be much left for
Chris to achieve. But he does have
one unfullled ambition - hed love to
work on a James Bond lm. I live in
Los Angeles now, but deep down,
Im still very English and Bond,
well, its about as English as it gets
really, isnt it?
It gave me one of
the most valuable
experiences in the art of
visual effects one could
ever hope to have; it was
an incredible time.
evolve celebration evolve celebration
supporting the development
of the University
O
n Friday 6th June, the
University hosted a
prestigious event on campus
to celebrate all of the projects
made possible thanks to the generosity
of our donors. Now in its fourth year, The
Chancellors Circle was established to
recognise and thank all of our supporters
who have given over 5,000 to the
University over the past two years to
enhance the student experience and
help to accelerate our development as
an institution.
Members of The Chancellors Circle
were invited on to campus to visit the
Coventry School of Art and Design
Degree Show; were entertained by a
fascinating talk from Dr Pete Waterman
(Coventry University honorary graduate)
and were treated to a ne-dining
experience thanks to the Universitys
catering team, Chartwells. The guests
were also treated to a live performance
from MenCho, a new mens chorus for the
city of Coventry, created by Seb Farrall
and Jon Welling (two of the Universitys
Music and Professional Practice students)
as their nal year project.
The Chancellors Circle was founded
in 2010 by the Universitys Chancellor, Sir
John Egan and its members have been
instrumental in enhancing the student
experience, providing new opportunities
for our students overseas and improving
the research capabilities of the University
thanks to their generosity and desire
to see the University develop even
further. For further information on the
projects made possible thanks to our
donors, please visit the Universitys
YouTube channel www.youtube.com/
coventryuniversity and look for The
Difference Your Support Has Made
2013-14.
For further information
on how you may be able
to support the University
and get involved in helping our
current students, please contact
Chris Smith in the Universitys
Development and Alumni Relations
Ofce on 024 7688 8311 or via
email c.smith@coventry.ac.uk.
Top Left: Drinks Reception - Lady Julia Egan (left) with
Majid AlSadi Changing Lives Programme scholars
Middle Top: Drinks Reception - Sir John Egan (left),
David Phillips and Viktoria Becker
Above: The Chefs getting ready for service
Opposite, top right and below: The Dinner
Bottom Right: Dr Majid AlSadi
evolve prole evolve prole
N
iina was born in Finland
and raised in Sweden. She
came to Coventry when she
was 20. I had a University on my
doorstep offering exactly the course I
was interested in. I studied European
Studies with Spanish.
Niina has always been interested
in politics and languages; shes
uent in ve languages, and is
currently learning Bahasa. She
remembers her time at Coventry
University with a special fondness.
As a mature student with a young
son, she enjoyed life on campus and
developed a strong bond with her
course mates. Studying at Coventry
gave me so much, it changed my life
around completely.
After graduating, Niina worked
for Oxfordshire County Council
as Political Assistant for the
Conservative Group. Her role
involved networking with the local
Making a
difference
MPs, including David Cameron, Boris
Johnson, Ed Vaizey and Tony Baldry.
In 2006, Niina became South East
Coordinator for Women2Win. Local
MP David Cameron encouraged
Niina to become a candidate. She
explained: I was selected as one
of the 10 candidates for European
Parliament for South East in 2008
and stood for election in 2009. I
was also by that time Secretary of
the Foreign Affairs Forum of the
Conservative Party. I lived for my
Party and loved every minute of it.
Despite enjoying the role, Niina
needed a new challenge. She started
her own foundation called the Niina
Maria Foundation, employing her
expertise and network for something
useful. The word spread pretty
quickly and I got involved in many
projects, both in the UK and abroad.
During the same time, my husband
founded our current business, the
Julius Huett Consultancy.
Niina was ready to leave politics
behind and had a strong feeling that
something different was needed,
Coventry graduate Niina Strobel has
enjoyed a varied career since graduating
in 2000. Shes worked alongside David
Cameron and Boris Johnson, fought for
a ban on dancing monkeys in Jakarta
and runs an orphanage.
when her husband was offered work
in Indonesia. The couple travelled
to Jakarta to explore the city, which
Niina remembers as burning hot with
terrible trafc.
But it was full of potential.
The UK economy was declining
but there was so much untapped
potential in Indonesia. We took the
jump and moved.
Niina and her husband now work
with Asian and UK clients, helping to
source ethical textile manufacturers
in Indonesia. Life in Indonesia
takes time to get used to. Theres
the cultural shock, the language,
the bureaucracy and the difference
in work ethics. But we love it. Our
youngest son now goes to a British
International School and studies
with children from about 30 different
nationalities. Our oldest is in London
and comes to Jakarta every three
months. We are very busy with
work during week days but enjoy
our weekends at Kotok Island,
snorkelling, exploring the volcanoes
and rainforests and doing really
amazing voluntary work.
The Niina Maria Foundation
is concentrating on two specic
charities, JAAN (Jakarta Animal Aid
Network) and Lestari Sayang Anak
Orphanage. I concentrate on small
organisations where I can see they
really do valuable hard work. I like
to be hands-on, and be part of the
team. I know what its like to ght
against injustices, when you are
totally alone and cannot be heard or
are not believed.
Niina is hugely passionate about
animal welfare and her foundation
is currently celebrating the ban of
dancing monkeys for which they
have fought for some time. They
are also looking to buy an island to
create a wildlife centre for rescued
animals. We wont just be providing
services for the animals. We see the
centre as an holistic retreat offering
yoga, reiki and meditation for
healing people and a sanctuary for
the animals too.
Niina is keen to welcome
volunteers to her projects. We are
always short of volunteers, whether
at the dog rescue centre, or an
eagle sanctuary or helping with the
newly conscated monkeys. We can
provide training and accommodation.
The 10 children at the orphanage
always need new skills and
volunteers can bring these skills.
If youre interested in
nding out more,
contact Niina directly
at: niina.strobel@gmail.com
I concentrate on small organisations

where I can see they really do
valuable hard work. I like to be
hands-on, and be part of the team.
W
e were awarded the prestigious title of
Modern University of the Year at the end of
2013, recognition of what we have achieved.
Our rise up the league tables has been built on teaching
excellence, alongside our focus on applied research,
which has seen Coventry recognised as one of the
leading business-facing universities.
We want to continue to improve our national and
world rankings and in order to achieve this, we need to
sustain and increase our excellence in teaching, build
on our research capabilities and invest in those areas in
which Coventry can be truly world-leading. This is why
we have launched our new research strategy, Excellence
with Impact: clearly stating our ambition that our
research will be of the highest quality, and will have an
impact on people, companies and society.
The strategy will see us investing an initial 100m in
our research, and a total spend of 150m in our estate,
which will see us develop world class facilities. This
will include a new Science and Health Building and a
Research Hub, which will continue the transformation of
the campus.
Over the last decade
Coventry University has
climbed the national rankings
and also entered the world
rankings. We are 27th in the
Guardian, 45th in the Times
and 51st in the Complete
University Guide, and for the
rst time are ranked in the QS
World University Rankings.
This exciting new strategy will be led by Professor
Kevin Warwick who joined the University in April as
our Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research. Professor
Warwick is one of the worlds leading cybernetics
experts. He holds a BSc (Hons.) in Electrical & Electronic
Engineering from Aston University, a PhD from Imperial
College London and DScs from Imperial College and the
Czech Academy of Sciences as well as seven honorary
doctorates, including one from Coventry University.
Professor Warwick began his research career at
Imperial College, which was followed by positions
at Newcastle, Oxford and Warwick, before he was
appointed to a Chair at Reading University in 1987. He
has published 600 papers in research areas including
articial intelligence, biomedical engineering, robotics
and control systems. As part of his commitment to
communicating his research to the widest possible
audience, he presented the 2000 Royal Institution
Christmas Lectures, and his experiments into implant
technology led to him being featured as the cover story
on the US magazine Wired.
Professor Warwick brings a wealth of research
expertise to Coventry and has big plans for the future.
He said: Coventry has made signicant steps over the
past few years and in order to build on that momentum
we must place research excellence at the heart of what
we do.
I was attracted to the role of leading on this agenda
because I know Coventry will use its ambition, its
innovation and its tenacity to achieve this goal. Its an
exciting time for research at Coventry University. Join us
on our journey.
To see the very latest news on our
exciting research strategy and up-to-date
information about our research centres,
visit www.coventry.ac.uk/explore
Turn to page 43 to nd out about the 200+ PhD
studentships on offer to support our research
strategy or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/explore
evolve research evolve research
Coventrys new
research strategy:
Excellence
with Impact
evolve letters evolve letters
letters
Share your views
with other Friends of
Coventry University and
you could win a 25
Amazon voucher.
Please send letters to:
Letters, Development and Alumni Relations Ofce,
Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB
or email alumni@coventry.ac.uk

star letter
Dear FOCUS,
T
o mark the 70th anniversary of the
twinning of Volgograd (Stalingrad) and
Coventry on 10 June this year, I want
to share with you my personal involvement in
postwar relations between our cities.
In 1968, the Foreign Languages Department
of Volgograds Pedagogical Institute (VPI)
and Lanchester Polytechnics Modern Arts
Department organised an exchange visit
between two professors - Prof Eugenie Kisilyev
and Prof John Warden - which was followed by
a visit of three Russian Language students from
Lanchester Polytechnic to my University (VPI)
in 1969.
In early 1970, I was one of three English
language students from Volgograd who spent
seven unforgettable weeks in Coventry. We
attended seminars in modern literature, became
acquainted with teaching methods at Canley
College of Education, visited different schools,
enjoyed a weekend in London, visited various
attractions in Warwickshire and Oxford and
were spotted several times at the students
bar improving our English language skills whilst
sampling a couple of pints of bitter.
That visit was full of surprises, wonderful
discoveries, amazing experiences alongside
some disappointments, and occasional
embarrassing moments. It was one of my
most memorable life experiences which is still
waiting for inclusion in my memoirs!
Imagine the shock for us as students
from the Soviet Union, freely drinking coffee
and smoking (!) in seminars alongside our
English counterparts this was absolutely
inconceivable at our University in those times.
Early one morning when it was pouring
with rain I suggested to a fellow student
(English) that we take the bus to campus.
To my surprise, he said he would have to
walk because he could not afford the bus
fare. Later it was his turn to be surprised
when I told him that in my country, students
would not think twice about taking the
bus because fares were so cheap. We
then realised that we were both surprised
because not only did we live in different
countries but also in alien worlds, divided
by the iron curtain.
A Tale of
Two Cities
33
Dear FOCUS,
H
aving received and read the evolve magazine regularly since leaving
university I thought I would share a short story with you.
Jodie Pugh and I both studied Psychology at Coventry University with Jodie
graduating in 2011 and I two years earlier in 2009. We didnt know each other
at university but no doubt crossed paths at some point without realising. We
are also from different home-towns but now both work in York for the same
multi-national company, in the same team, sitting opposite each other!
Im sure we both would like to pass on our thanks to Coventry University
and everyone involved for giving us the skills and qualications to become
incredibly successful young professionals.
This short limerick summarises our story:
Two young grads a-stranger
Did they get rsts? No danger
But they are no slobs
And now have good jobs
Hugh Coolican the real game changer
David Luscombe
Psychology 2009
Fortunately the curtain has now
disappeared but unfortunately, so too
have the academic exchange visits.
In August 2013, I decided to make
my way once again from Volgograd
to Coventry. As a tourist I revisited
the city of my student days and
found that despite its redevelopment
Coventry still retains its familiar charm
which I will treasure forever.
Vyacheslav Yagubkin
(English 1970)
Left: The three Russian students at Lanchester Polytechnics recording
studio. They are (left to right): Victor Pavlov, Vyacheslav Yagubkin, and
Tatiana Gavrilyuk. While in Coventry the students made recordings of
Russian dialogue for use in the language laboratory.
What are the highlights of your career?
I was Director of the Centre for Peace and
Reconciliation Studies (CPRS) for nearly four years
here at Coventry University, during which the size of the
Centre jumped from ve academic members of staff to
15. We have been very successful with our research
funding and only in 2013 the Centre raised over 1
million from its research funding, consultancy and grants.
I have been the link person for the Universitys new
partnership with Kadir Has University in Istanbul, in which
we will be providing a number of dual award MA and
MBA programmes in September 2014.
The CPRS has joined with other two other research
centres and formed Coventrys rst University Research
Centre, called the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social
Relations (CTPSR).
Is there anything you would like to achieve
during your time at Coventry University?
Over the next ve years, the CTPSR will become an
academic centre of excellence and bring together
nearly 70 members of staff. The successes of CTPSR
will be measured with its ambitious targets for the 2020
Research Excellence Framework, including up to 160
3*/4* research outputs.
I would like to make sure that the CTPSR will become
one of the most important peace studies centres, not
only in the UK, but in the world.
Whats your background?
I have nearly 20 years eld research experience in
the politics of humanitarian interventions, conict
prevention, disaster response, security sector reform,
reintegration of former combatants and post-conict
state building. My expertise spans some of the most
unstable regions across the globe including Afghanistan,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, El Salvador, Kosovo, Lebanon,
Liberia, Nigeria, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Solomon
Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Turkey.
What attracted you to work at Coventry
University?
As an academic in Peace Studies, Coventrys
ethos for being a city of peace and reconciliation
and its history had always been a fascinating attraction
for me. I also knew that Coventry University had a
agship Centre working on peace and reconciliation
issues. Therefore, having studied and worked at the
University of York, I wanted to continue my academic
career in an ambitious university context that is
connected to its immediate environment.
What do you teach?
I teach methods of conict and political analysis
in a wide range of operational environments in the
context of war-to-peace transition. Also, the analysis of
the challenges faced in peacemaking, peacekeeping and
peace building processes, and approaches for designing
effective post-conict reconstruction responses through
tailor-made policies and strategies. I have also taught
as guest professor at a number of universities in Austria,
India, Italy, Norway, Thailand, Turkey and the UK and
supervised over 10 PhD and 100 MA theses.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
T
his new agship research centre focuses on key research themes where the
University can make a signicant impact on a global, national and local stage.
Alp talks to evolve about his career at Coventry University.
Professor
Alpaslan zerdem
Co-Director of the
Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations
evolve lecturer prole
35
I teach methods of conict and

political analysis in a wide range
of operational environments in the
context of war-to-peace transition.
evolve events
O
ver dinner alumni and Coventry University staff
caught up on the latest news, developments on
campus and reminisced about their time at Coventry.
Deputy Director (International Development) Sarah
Jephcott, who hosted the reunion was delighted with
the event: It was wonderful to see so many Coventry
University graduates at the event in the Ambassadors
Residence in Beijing. I met graduates who nished their
studies at Coventry 10 years ago or more, who had
gone on to be really successful in their careers, as well
as graduates who nished over the past two years who
are embarking on exciting new careers! Our graduates in
China exemplify Coventry Universitys goals to produce
employable and entrepreneurial graduates and I felt
proud to be part of this event with them.
150 Coventry graduates came
together in the historic surroundings of
the Ambassadors Residence in Beijing
to celebrate the successes of our
alumni now living and working in China.
Alumni Sports day
A
bout 200 alumni and students
battled it out at the annual Alumni vs.
Students Sports Day this May in Coventry.
For the rst time ever, the day resulted
in a clean sweep and the alumni emerged
as the overall winners, having beaten the
student teams at all sports taking part!
Congratulations!
After a day of matches, the teams
enjoyed the evening sunshine at The
Place at Westwood Heath with a BBQ
and the ofcial awards ceremony.
The next Sports Day takes place on
Saturday, 25th April 2015.
Coventry Alumni
reunite in Beijing
evolve events
events>
reunions
alumni events
whats on
Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni/events to keep
up-to-date online with future and past events
FOCUS on Occupational Therapy
of Occupational
Therapy Education at
Coventry University
Celebrating
25 years
I
n March more than 100 Occupational Therapy alumni came back
to campus to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Occupational
Therapy education at Coventry University.
Alumni, academic staff and current students joined the
celebrations over Afternoon Tea in Square 1.
The current Head of Department Ruth Heames introduced a
series of short presentations to mark the occasion which captured
occupational therapy education of the past and insights into current
achievements and the student journey to professional practice
today. Former Head of Department Sandra Holmes re-counted
the early days with the development of the rst honours degree
course and highlighting the success of the course and its excellent
national prole.
Ruth in reecting on the day said that It has been an inspiring
event with career narratives being shared and hearing how
our Alumni are making a valuable contribution to practice and
developments in health and social care services and wider
community initiatives.
The afternoon concluded with an anniversary photograph on
the Cathedral steps and tours around the new buildings and
developments on campus, followed by a celebratory dinner in
St Marys Guildhall.
W
I
N
a
n

i
P
a
d
!
J
ust ll in the Alumni Survey and return it
in the envelope provided dont forget to
include your contact details. Alternatively,
you can ll in the survey at this link
https://www.survey.bris.ac.uk/coventry/alumni.
Your responses will help ensure the University is
offering its graduates the best service possible.
All replies will be entered into a prize draw and the
lucky winner will receive an iPad Air. Fantastic runner
up prizes are also available a Green and Blacks
chocolate hamper, a Coventry University hoodie and
a Coventry University scarf.
Good luck!
F
O
C
U
S
is
y
o
u
r a
lu
m
n
i a
s
s
o
c
ia
tio
n

a
n
d
w
e
a
re
g
iv
in
g
y
o
u
th
e
o
p
p
o
rtu
n
ity

to
s
h
a
p
e
its
fu
tu
re

a
s
w
e
ll a
s
th
e

c
h
a
n
c
e
to
w
in
a
fa
n
ta
s
tic
p
riz
e
!
>yourbenets
Make the most of your FOCUS membership by attending
events, getting third party discounts and entering exclusive
competitions. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni for more
Discounts
FOCUS has arranged for all
members to get discounts on useful
services and fun days out with leading
companies. A full list of discounts
is below. Just visit www.coventry.
ac.uk/alumni/benets to nd out
how to redeem your discounts.
University offers
Discounted library membership
Discounted Sports Centre
membership
Associate membership of the
Students Union
Careers advice and graduate
vacancies
Leisure
Up to 50% off top attractions such
as Alton Towers resort, Chessington
World Adventures Resort,
LEGOLANDWindsor, Madame
Tussauds London, the Dungeons,
SEA LIFE Centres & Sanctuaries,
THORPE PARK and Warwick Castle
Up to 50% off green fees at
Open Fairways
Discounted membership to the
Gourmet Society
Transport
Savings on car and van hire with
Europcar
Savings on membership with the
AA and RAC
Discounts on airport parking with
Parking4Less
Holidays
Discounted rates at the Ramada
Hotel Coventry
Savings on holidays with
cottages4you
Enjoy a drink and reminisce about
your Coventry days with this classic
piece of memorabilia from Coventry
University - a beautiful crystal, cut
glass decanter.
The decanter is engraved with the
Universitys logo and could be yours
to keep if you win our competition!
Competition
To be in with a chance of winning
just unscramble the name of
this Coventry born inventor:
WHAT LEFTRINK
Please send your answer for this
competition to alumni@coventry.
ac.uk or post to Evolve Competition,
Development and Alumni Relations
Ofce (DARO), Coventry University,
Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB by the
closing date of 1st October 2014.
Terms and conditions
No cash alternative will be offered.
The editors choice is nal.
evolve benets
Events
To register or for more information
on any of the events, email
September
17-18 September
Two day workshop: Historic
Buildings and Retrotting
The workshop will be delivered by the
Society for the Protection of Ancient
Buildings (SPAB)
Place: Engineering and Computing
Building
Time: All Day Event
October
23-24 October
2014 Human Security
Conference
20 Years On: Human Security at
Crossroads conference critically
explores the development of human
security reecting on and examining
how human security has evolved both
within theory and practice over the
past 20 years.
Place: Kadir Has University, Istanbul,
Turkey
Time: All Day Event
November
8 November
Postgraduate And Part-Time
Open Day
Place: Jaguar Building, Coventry
University
Time: 10.00 15.00
17-21 November
Graduation Week
Place: Coventry University
39
M
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D
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N

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S
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O
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T
H
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Y
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Benets of further study
Postgraduate study can open doors, whether youre
looking to improve your career prospects, develop
transferable skills, gain that vital competitive
edge, pursue an academic career or explore your
strengths, interests or aspirations.
Explore how Coventry University can help you.
New courses for 2014
MA Academic Writing Theory and Practice
MA Collaborative Theatre Making in association with Frantic Assembly
MA Painting
MSc Fraud Investigation Management
MSc Human Factors in Aviation
MSc Humanitarian Engineering and Computing
MSc Transforming Health Care
We have many other courses available in a wide variety of areas, please
visit our website to nd out more: www.coventry.ac.uk/postgrad2014
Funding available
Coventry University graduates who
choose full-time postgraduate study
are entitled to a 500 discount from
tuition fees. There are also a number
of scholarships available.
For further information contact:
024 7765 4321
ukpostgraduate@coventry.ac.uk
www.coventry.ac.uk/postgraduate
Open Days and Events:
www.coventry.ac.uk/pgopendays
*Source: The Times and
Sunday Times Good
University Guide 2014
evolve postgraduate
POSTGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT 2014
Postgraduate Events 2014
If youd like to attend one of our
Postgraduate events, either on campus
or off campus, were regularly holding
events and attending fairs. Keep an eye
on our website for an up-to-date listing.
Our Open Days are friendly and informal. Theyre
designed to show you the opportunities available
and answer any questions you may have about
postgraduate or part-time study at Coventry.
The Postgraduate Open Day date for Autumn 2014
is:
Saturday 8 November
Book your place www.coventry.ac.uk/pgopendays
And the postgraduate admissions team will be
attending the following events in 2014:
National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition,
NEC, Birmingham
7 & 8 November
The Postgraduate Study Fair, Manchester
Central, Manchester
19 November
Target Courses Postgraduate Study and
Funding Fair, Millenium Point, Birmingham
26 November
If you live nearby, drop by and speak to one of
our team.
Enhance your Professional
Skills
Human Resource Management graduate Tracey
explains how a Masters, along with a professional
accreditation, has made a real difference to her
career.
To view the short video and other alumni proles, go
to: www.coventry.ac.uk/pgalumni
Considering a Postgrad but
concerned about funding?
Coventry University now has 40 scholarships to
award to students undertaking a taught MSc within
a series of designated STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths) subjects. The scholarships
are available to both full time and part time students
and will be primarily available to students entering the
programmes in September 2014.
Visit our website to nd out more information on
our scholarships, including whether it is applicable to
a course that youre interested in:
www.coventry.ac.uk/pgscholarships
Also available are UK Postgraduate Achievement
scholarships and discounts for alumni.
A busy year for Global
Leaders Programme (GLP)
It has been another exciting year for postgraduate
students on the extra curricular GLP. Highlights
included business networking with NASA, with
leadership trips to NASA in Washington DC and
the Lake District. GLP also welcomed to Coventry
Michael Foale, a high prole astronaut. International
trips continue to expand, with new locations being
added each year, including New York, Washington
and Dubai in 2014 and many more in America for
2015.The business leader talks were again hugely
popular with over 45 talks over the year.
www.coventry.ac.uk/glp
LEADERS PROGRAMME
GL BAL
Coventry University is investing 100 million
in research, with a total spend of 150 million
on its estate and facilities. We are gaining
momentum as a world-class, innovative
institution and our strategy is underpinned by
a signicant investment in our people.
To nd out more about our PhD studentships and to tell
us how you can contribute, visit our website and register
your interest online.
www.coventry.ac.uk/explore
We are offering over 200 exciting PhD studentship
opportunities, working with our world leading professors
and research teams in a variety of areas, including:
...as we invest in
PhD studentships
to support our
research strategy
Applied Maths
Art
Business and Management
Civil Engineering
Computing
Control Systems
Design
Manufacturing
Media
Performance
Society and Social Justice
Transport
DSC. CEng. FIET FCGI, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
evolve
Tipsy Clock
Champagne Flutes
The University
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 satised, goods may be returned within seven days for a full refund. Prices are valid until December 2014.
Remember your student days with pride and buy special souvenirs
branded with the University name or logo.
Its now even easier to choose from our selection of high quality goods by shopping online:
www.coventry.ac.uk/onlinestore
If you wish to make purchases by mail order please contact Jackie Coates, Alan Berry Reception,
Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB. Telephone 024 7765 8774 or e-mail
jackie.coates@coventry.ac.uk for further details.
Business Card Case
Cuff Links
Satin Notepad and Mirror
Mini Cut Vase
Tankard
Round Crystal Paperweight
Gift Shop
Graduation Bear

Evolve Summer 2014

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Evolve Summer 2014

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evolve

The magazine for Friends of Coventry University

I certainly dont profess

I believe graduate schemes can open many doors. It

I concentrate on small organisations

I teach methods of conict and

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