Alumni at the University of Bradford

Welcome to the November 2007 newsletter from the University of Bradford Alumni Office

Printable pdf version of the November 2007 Newsletter (pdf)

STOP PRESS

Imran Khan Freed: University celebrates as Chancellor is released

The University of Bradford’s campaign to free its Chancellor Imran Khan has been successful.
Imran Khan was released from prison on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 November 2007 after being arrested by police last week attending a protest at Punjab University in Lahore.

The University of Bradford, where Imran was installed as Chancellor in December 2005, started a campaign last week calling for him to be freed so he could take part in any forthcoming elections. Professor Mark Cleary, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “We are delighted at the news of Imran’s release. It is tremendous that the protests by us and our students have played their part in mounting pressure on the Pakistani government.
I’d like to thank all those who have helped raise awareness of Imran’s situation and for all the messages of support we have received from across the world.

"We very much hope Imran will still be able to come to Bradford in December to take part in our winter degree ceremonies."

An online petition set up by the University of Bradford on Friday 16 November has, as of today, collected around 2,000 signatures calling for Imran’s release. Our lead story in the newsletter was to have been to ask our graduates around the world to add their support to our petition, but this has now happily been superseded by the good news above.

http://www.brad.ac.uk/chancellor/freeimran/

Message from the Chair of the Graduates’ Association

Thank you very much to graduates who attended the recent Big Bradford Reunion on Saturday, 6 October and the AGM of the Graduates’ Association. Approximately 60 graduates returned to campus for an enjoyable and interesting day of events which included a welcome by the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Cleary. The Reunion coincided with the University Open Day for prospective students, some of whom joined graduates and present students and staff for the excellent Prestige Lecture entitled ‘Why we’re losing the war on terror’ - given by Professor Paul Rogers. For more information and a selection of photographs go to pages 4 and 5 of the current issue of News &Views

Notes to highlight from the AGM on 6 October 2007:

There are two vacancies for Expert Co-optees on the Graduates’ Association Committee. Graduates who may be interested in helping to shape the development of the Graduates’ Association can obtain further information from Mike Bell, the Secretary. Email Mike at mbell@theiet.org
The Graduates’ Association would like to organise small local events, for reunion and networking of Bradford graduates, by region and interest group in partnership with the University. Contact the Chair if you would like an event in your area and what your interests are. Location and venue ideas would also be much appreciated.
We are currently working to launch the Bradford Graduates’ Association Website. We expect this to provide an effective form of communication directly with our members.
In conjunction with the University, the Graduates’ Association is committed to staying in touch with our overseas alumni. We can offer support to set up groups in countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Singapore and Malaysia as well as regional groups in the Middle East, East, West and Southern Africa.

Graduates are asked to contact the Chair if they have any further ideas or events they wish to be considered and what content they wish to see appear on the proposed new Website. Any volunteers/co-coordinators to assist in hosting local events would also be most welcome.

Wishing you all well and looking forward to hearing from you.

Jawahar M K Dhutia – Chair of the Graduates’ Association

j.dhutia@bradford.ac.uk
jmkdhutia@aol.com
mobile: 07999 481 266

Big Bradford Reunion Review by Roger Pollard

(Electrical Engineering – 1965)

Graduate reunions as a social event hosted by the University began with the 40th anniversary which took place in June 2006. At the time there were no plans for further meetings, but the University's future is evolving at an exciting pace. A second reunion took place at the University open day in October 2007, in impressive buildings that had not existed 16 months earlier.

Regular future gatherings are under discussion, and everyone living within reasonable distance should consider attending. The reunions of 2006 and 2007 were fascinating, high- quality events. In the 23 years since my one prior visit to a predictably grim 1984 Convocation AGM, the City of Bradford and the University have transformed themselves into exciting, inspiring places. Institutional open days have become one of the most worthwhile things to do on a Saturday, as anyone who has been in London for the annual Open House weekend will surely affirm.

You probably won't meet old friends, but if you come to more than one reunion you will make new ones, and your relationship with the University will grow.

Arriving in the perfect October weather of reunion day this year, the walk from Bradford Interchange led me right into the Lord Mayor's Centenary celebration, an event of such colour & fascination that I might not have made it to the University at all. Carnival followed by open day in Bradford City Hall.

Dragging myself away from a council meeting re-enacted in 1907 costume, I just made it to the main event of the graduate reunion - Professor Rogers’ lecture on the ‘War on Terror’. This was to me a presentation of a standard that would not be out of place before the U.N. or the U.S. Congress. The lecture alone justified a journey to Bradford.

This reunion was an adult gathering of 50-60 mainly older graduates, in contrast to the 2006 meeting with its young families, and attendance of well over 2,000.The reunion took place in the newly built Norcroft Centre. Most of the building work proposed in 2006 is complete and is really impressive.

The reunion continued with Dr Sheeran's historical lecture with film of Prime Minister Wilson's 1968 visit, reminding some of us of that grim era of when we students were predominantly men in suits and ties, with dark satanic employers, no debts, few girlfriends and not much fun.

The day concluded with refreshments and a very rewarding informal hour of ideas and new friendships among the 30 people who remained. Afterwards a small group dined at nearby Omar Khan’s. This internationally acclaimed curry house is surprisingly small, yet was relaxed and quiet. We may hope that this will become a tradition, a delightful end to a perfect day.

Graduate events around the world

Following the successful 40th Anniversary event in Islamabad in November 2006 for our graduates based in Pakistan, we were delighted to have the opportunity to organise events in India, Malaysia and Singapore in early November this year to coincide with our overseas degree ceremonies.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Cleary, along with other senior members of the University, hosted alumni receptions in New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore which were attended by nearly 300 graduates. Alison Darnbrough, the Director of Academic Administration at the University and one of the organisers of the events, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be involved in the Receptions and to be given the chance to meet so many of our graduates. Listening to stories of their experiences whilst studying at Bradford, and how their lives have developed since graduating, was inspiring”.

If you attended one of the events, we would be really pleased to hear from you. Email your experience of the evening to alumni@bradford.ac.uk. Also if you met up with other graduates with whom you would like to stay in touch we will be happy to pass on a message.

We are currently uploading the many photographs to our new Flickr site. Visit the Alumni home page in the next week or so and follow the link. www.bradford.ac.uk/alumni

Alumni Profiles

Dr James Calleja, PhD Peace Studies – 1991

Dr Calleja graduated from the University of Bradford in 1991. He is a Visiting Professor at the European University Center for Peace Studies in Austria, Chief Executive of the Malta Qualifications Council and a permanent part-time Lecturer at the Department of International Relations of the University of Malta where he teaches Peace and Conflict Theories, Theory of International Relations and Federalism. Dr Calleja is also a graduate of the University of Malta [1981] and the University of Padua [1986]. He has lectured in various countries in Europe, North America, South-East Asia, Australia, North Africa, China and in the Middle East. He published several books, articles and papers in Malta and internationally. Dr Calleja’s current professional interests lie with Conflict Management and Mediation Skills and Policy in Vocational Education and Training. Dr Calleja represents Malta on the EU’s debate on the European Qualifications Framework. He is an Accredited Mediator with C.E.D.R. London and Director of Training of Malta Dispute Management Limited.

Dr Calleja has kindly offered to set up a Bradford Alumni Association in Malta. Please see his full contact details under ‘Keeping in touch around the world’ below.

Emma-Jane Batey, BA Hons Interdisciplinary Human Studies – 1997

I completed my BA Hons degree in Interdisciplinary Human Studies in 1997. I chose the course because it offered a varied, interesting selection of subjects that I wanted to learn more about and I was not disappointed!

I had attended a few open days at various universities but as soon as I came to Bradford, I knew it was the place for me - everyone I spoke to seemed friendly and down to earth. Bradford is a great place to go to university - with the campus being so close to the city centre you get the best of both worlds and, having come from a small town straight after A levels, it wasn’t such a big city that I felt lost.

After I graduated, I moved to London and joined Hays as a recruitment consultant, setting up an interior design division of their architecture department. Here, I trained in career development, corporate writing and headhunting. In 2000, I joined a design client as their marketing manager and spent time at their Hong Kong office, working on business development and copy writing.

Since meeting my husband, a musician, and moving out of London, I have established my own personal and professional development company, I Can Do Better, which offers CV writing and careers coaching.

If you would like any more details about I Can Do Better or to get in touch, email me at ejb@icandobetter.co.uk or visit http://www.icandobetter.co.uk (link will open in a new window).

If you would like your profile to be included in the March 2008 edition of the e-newsletter or the 3rd issue of The Braduate magazine in June 2008, please send us 250 words and a high resolution photograph and we will include as many as possible. Email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk

In Memoriam

James Stuart Cumberland (BEng Civil & Structural Engineering - 1995)

James Cumberland died on 28 August 2007, aged 34 years. Following his graduation in 1995, James worked for a year in France before moving to WS Atkins in Essex. The majority of his career was spent working for Devon County Council managing major road contracts which included the Monkerton Link Road (circa £3m) which James designed and supervised.

A keen cyclist and surfer, James fulfilled his dream in 2007 by taking part in the Etape du Tour – a stage of the Tour de France. He was disappointed to manage 75 miles and ‘only’ 3 mountains but this was, unbeknown to all at the time, with an active brain tumour.

James was a very popular member of the team at County Hall in Exeter and his funeral was attended by more than 150 family and friends from around the country. James leaves his wife Ashlyn and his unborn baby due in December.

Edmund Francis Walshe (BA Interdisciplinary Human Studies – 1986)

Diagnosed in early 2006 with pancreatic cancer, Edmund Walshe put up a magnificent fight to combat the disease but sadly died on 8 July 2007. Following his graduation Edmund went to work in America where he was a co-ordinator cum tutor/companion/friend to less able adults, mostly suffering from Down’s Syndrome.
In the last 4 or 5 years, following further study, Edmund qualified as a copywriter and when illness struck he was very happily employed as senior copywriter at Maiden Lane in San Francisco.

Edmund will be remembered by many for his humorous wit and for his courageous attitude and approach to his untimely death.

Reunion Update

Chemical Interactions: 1967 Chemists Return Again

Fourteen of the University’s 1967 Industrial Chemistry graduates, accompanied by spouses, celebrated the 40th Anniversary of graduation with their third Bradford Reunion weekend on 30 June – l July 2007. Arranged by Dr Peter Bird and Dr Tim Pestell (two of 12 PhDs from the year).

Having entered the then Institute of Technology in 1963 on a four-year sandwich course, they were among the first to graduate with a BTech under University Chancellor, Harold Wilson, in what was a predecessor of the University’s present Chemical and Forensic Sciences (C&FS).

Emeritus Professor Derry Jones, who helped organise the visit, said: “the visitors, many of whom have reached senior positions in which chemical science is relevant, were impressed by the extent of chemical activity in the University, outlined by Dr Ian Scowen, Director of the Analytical Centre at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation.”

The graduates who had travelled from Geneva, Philadelphia, Scotland and southern England have been employed in a diverse range of industries across the world, including chocolate and foodstuffs, colloids, computing, fuels and water, as well as universities and the schools inspectorate.

Derry commented: “It is hoped that current C&FS students will have equally successful careers and retain such affection for their University”.

Chemistry Graduates 1982 and Shearbridge K Block 78/79

A small number of us met on the weekend of 30 June 2007, twenty-five years after having graduated (spookily enough we had decided to stay at The Hilton and ran into the 40-year reunion (see above). This was especially apt as all but two of our group were also Chemistry graduates. The two "themes" of the reunion were the Chemistry year that graduated in 1982 and students from K Block Shearbridge 1978/79.

We are looking to repeat our reunion next year and are all very keen to get in touch with as many of the Chemistry year of 1982; some of the Chemistry year of 1981 - all of this year’s reunion Chemists studied the 4-year BTech course (there were a few who started with us in 1978 that did the 3-year BSc course and thus graduated in 1981); and students who lived in Shearbridge K block in the 1978/79 year.

Those attending this year were - Julie Major Chemistry 1982, Geoff Stamper Chemistry 1982 and K Block, Frazer Anderson Chemistry 1982 and K Block, Anne Anderson (nee Moffat) Chemistry 1982, Mike Madden Chemistry 1982, Martin Eichler Chemistry 1982, Andy Roe, K Block (& Civ Eng. 1982), Geoff Forrest, K Block (& Biology 1979).

If you would be interested in attending their reunion in 2008 or would just like to get in touch with one of the organisers/attendees email alumni@bradford.ac.uk and we will pass on your messages.

How we can help you!!

Career Development Services

Whatever, Whenever, Wherever . . .

Career-planning . . . life-planning . . . coaching . . . guidance . . . whatever stage you are at in your career, whenever you have a change in circumstances; wherever you happen to be in the world – why not try our Careers Advice Via Email Service, see: http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/graduate

Send us an email about anything careers-related and we promise to respond within 3 working days with helpful advice and information.
For other information on how Career Development Services can help our graduates, please check out our website - http://www.careers.brad.ac.uk/graduate .

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - your fast track to a successful career

The University of Bradford would like to introduce - Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

KTP - involves recruiting high-quality graduates to work in companies, both large and small, normally for two years, on technology transfer projects central to the needs and strategic development of a company. The project is jointly supervised by personnel in the Company and the University.
Previous participants in KTP have enjoyed the benefits of:

Graduate employment opportunities with training
Accelerating their career in business
Experience of responsible employment with a competitive salary
Business-related training and personal development budget of £3,500

Vacancies for KTP Associates (graduates) arise throughout the year in a wide range of disciplines, business sectors and locations. Currently there are many hundreds of top graduates, who through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are on fast tracks to high-profile careers in UK companies, see http://www.ktponline.org.uk (will open in a new window)

If you require further information, please contact: Melanie Powell, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Manager, Research & Knowledge Transfer Support, University of Bradford, Telephone 01274 236227 Email: m.j.powell1@bradford.ac.uk

Think Business@Bradford

Think Business@Bradford is a University of Bradford initiative to support graduates in the early stages of setting up new local businesses. In three years, 70 businesses have benefited from our programme.

If you are interested in our business support programme or want to coach one of our new businesses, please contact us through the Website at: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/thinkbusiness

Winners of ‘Do you have an Eye 4 EnterPriZe’ Competition

Think Business@Bradford’s competition aimed at people wanting to set up a Bradford-based business has now come to end with Mark Cleary, Vice-Chancellor, presenting the prizes to the successful entrepreneurs at the University on 13 November, during National Enterprise Week.

The top prize of £2,500 for the best idea went to Lucie Ware, aged 26 from Bradford. Her company, Mushmii Foods, produces healthy dips and party foods using natural ingredients. Lucie, who set up her company 6 months ago, will now spend a year working within Think Business@Bradford to further her business idea and establish some clients.

The 2nd prize of £1,000 for most social impact in the UK was presented to Mandy Roylance from Bradford. Mandy, 26, has been working for a service based within Barnardo’s in Bradford called Turn Around, helping prevent the sexual exploitation of children. Inspired through this work, she set up her company, Unique Education UK, which aims to raise aspirations of children in the classroom by organising activities, projects and group work.

Third Prize of £500 for enterprise with best international reach went to Bradford graduate, Chris Mdee (BSc Business Economics - 2007), for his company Village to Village which he set up whilst still studying. Now a registered charity, Village to Village aims to recruit volunteers to work on education, health and development projects in Tanzania. Already working with ThinkBusiness@Bradford, Chris has now established a website http://www.village-to-village.org.uk (link will open in a new window)

For further information about ThinkBusiness@Bradford services, events, competitions and news, logon to http://www.bradford.ac.uk/thinkbusiness/

AmazeYourself@Bradford

AmazeYourself@Bradford is a free enterprise training programme delivered by the University of Bradford, part funded by the European Social Fund and Bradford Kickstart. It enables people to explore a business idea, develop new portable skills and increase their knowledge and experience of business. It has already helped over 50 individuals to develop their business ideas.

We support unemployed people living in the Bradford District. No prior qualifications are required, just the enthusiasm to explore a business idea, develop new skills and AmazeYourself!

For more information visit our website http://www.amazeyourself.org or contact the team on 01274 236771 (link will open in a new window).

J B Priestley Library

If you would like to use the library facilities on the main campus, graduates can have automatic reference rights for a small annual charge (currently £10). Applications in person via the Reception Desk in the J B Priestley Library; there will be a form to complete and you will need to provide a recent photograph. You can email reception@bradford.ac.uk for a copy of the form.

Borrowing rights are available (2 books at any one time) by application to the University Librarian (Resources Management) for a current annual fee of £35. Email p.m.ketley@bradford.ac.uk

Sports Centre

The Sports Centre is offering Staff prices to all graduates purchasing new or renewing their Choice Memberships. Choice Membership is a 'tailor-made' membership scheme to suit you. You can choose any combination of the following options to create your membership - Nautilus Suite, Classes, Sports Centre/Pool.
For further information call 01274 234871 or log onto http://www.bradford.ac.uk/sports for current prices and to download an application form.

The Eye Clinic

The University Eye Clinic provides full optometric services (eye examinations, spectacles, contact lenses, etc.) to the public throughout the year. During semesters, services are provided by final-year students under Department of Optometry staff supervision.

In return for the investment of time spent being examined in the student clinics, patients receive 25% discount on spectacles, and contact lenses are supplied without a fitting fee.

All types of contact lenses are available: daily and monthly disposable soft lenses (including coloured lenses) and gas permeable lenses at highly competitive prices. Aftercare appointments are free of charge too.

Is it time you saw things more clearly?

For more information, visit http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/lifesci/optometry/ or call our friendly reception staff on 01274 23 4649. The Clinic is on the Listerhills Science Park, directly opposite Longside Halls of Residence. We look forward to taking care of all your eyecare needs.

University of Bradford Students’ Union (UBU) - Life Memberships

Want to relive those memories of FND and get a reduced membership fee to the Athletic Association and clubs and societies? By owning life membership to UBU you can receive these and more for a reduced graduate price of £10. For more information email ubu-comms@bradford.ac.uk

Check out the Students’ Union webpages at: http://www.ubuonline.co.uk/ for all the latest news, announcements and events from the UBU.

Special Collections News

Special Collections at the University of Bradford: over a hundred collections of rare books and archives on local history, archaeology, peace studies and much more.

The Autumn 2007 edition of Special Collections News is now online and includes a new exhibition in the Library, “Made in Bradford: the University in pictures”. JB Priestley news: just received - his letters from the trenches and early short stories, essays and poems. Two more Commonweal Archives on peace movements catalogued and ready to use and ‘Caring for the Collections: keeping clean with our new “minivac” ‘. For all the information click onto
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/library/special/newsletters.php

If you would like to be kept in touch with Special Collections news, events, exhibitions and more, join our mailing list online: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/library/special/mailinglist.php or phone +44(0)1274 235256.

Wanted: your super snaps

The University Archive (one of the Special Collections) includes a huge range of photographs spanning the last forty years, some of which you may have seen at our recent anniversary celebrations. We are always keen to add more to the collection, so copies of photographs taken during your time at the University of Bradford would be very welcome! If you can help, please contact Special Collections staff: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/library/special/contact.php

News from the Academic Schools

School of Informatics

TIMECODE - A seminar series in media and technology

Run by the Communication, Cultural and Media Studies research group in the School of Informatics, this regular seminar series explores the increasingly important relationship between media, technology, culture and society. The School has a long tradition of operating across artistic and scientific academic disciplines and is expanding its creative portfolio. Hosted by the National Media Museum, the series recognises the importance of the National Media Museum as a forum for these critical debates.

The first seminar was held in early November and led by Patrick Allen. It was entitled ‘Dwell-Time: Understanding Urban Screens in a Creative and Community Context’ and asked questions about the function of urban screens in the built environment.

Other seminars taking place in the new year include:

Psychogeography: Fifty Years On (30th January 2008, 6pm)

Mike Figgis, (12th March 2008, 6pm). Figgis is a British filmmaker renowned for experimenting with technology and creativity, through films such as Timecode and Hotel Figgis. This master-class will be stimulating, reflective and challenging and will reveal why this eclecticism is so vital to the cinema of the future.

Time/Technics/and Togetherness (14th May 2008, 6pm). Hosted by Jeremy Gilbert (University of East London), this seminar explores how time, different forms of technology and different ideas about it influence our sense of what it means to be part of a group, a collective or community.

If you are interested in joining the seminars contact Mark Goodall (email m.goodall@bradford.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1274 236071

For further information visit: http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/home/content/news/timecode200708.pdf (PDF file, will open in a new window)

Bradford Animation Festival, 14th – 17th November 2007

For the 14th year running, Bradford Animation Festival (the UK’s longest running and biggest animation festival) hosted screen talks, workshops and special events with some of the industry’s top names. Special guests included Nick Park, Paul Bush, Barry Purves and Georges Schwizgebel.

The University of Bradford is a development partner for the Festival and in conjunction with BAF organise BAF Game. BAF Game showcases the best and most up-to-date computer technology and animation. The University’s Norcroft Centre was the host for many BAF Game events including Tale of Tales: The Endless Forest, Ambient Gaming: Mark Eyles and Ninja Theory: Heavenly Sword.

For further information on the Bradford Animation Festival visit http://www.baf.org.uk (external link, will open in a new window)

More Informatics News

To remain up to date with all aspects of the School, including staff progresses in research, what current students are up to and alumni profiles, visit http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/home/newsletters.php for the latest editions of your newsletter. The School also has a ‘Latest News’ feature on its website, so keep checking it to find out what’s going on in your department: http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/home/news.php

School of Lifelong Education and Development

DREAMS – Postgraduate Certificate in Regeneration Project Management

Funded places are available on this NEW postgraduate programme if you - live in Bradford; are interested in working in regeneration, and have a degree.

The programme offers:

A 10-week work placement in a local regeneration organisation
A weekly £100 placement allowance for 12 weeks
Ongoing support throughout the programme
No fees payable by students

For full details contact the Postgraduate Secretary at the School of Lifelong Education and Development on 01274 233210 or email: learning@bradford.ac.uk

School of Management

New PG Course for 2008 - The Graduate Diploma in Law

A qualification you must have if, as a non-law graduate, you wish to become a solicitor or barrister. You can take the course full-time over a year (September – June) or part-time, two evenings per week, over two years. For further details log onto: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/management/external/progsgdl.php

Postgraduate Alumni Website

The School of Management Postgraduate Alumni Webpages include a full range of services available from the School including MBA skills workshops, careers advice, available library facilities and forthcoming national and international events information. Log onto http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/management/external/alumni.php

Management Matters

To find out what’s been happening at the School over the last few months, for the latest edition of the school magazine, please go to
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/acad/management/external/newsmanagementmatters.php

If you would like a hard copy please email alumni.mgt@bradford.ac.uk with your postal address.

July 2007 Award Ceremonies

July Honorary Graduates can be viewed at: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/news/awards/hon/

Honorary Graduates

A selection of the University of Bradford’s Honorary Graduates can be viewed on the Alumni website at: http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/alumni/honorary.php

University Open Days

The next University general Open Days will take place on: Wednesday 5 March 2008, Saturday 5 July 2008 and Saturday 4 October 2008
For more information check out http://www.bradford.ac.uk/openday

Clearing Open Days

2008 Clearing Open Days will take place on Saturday/Sunday, 16 and 17 August, Wednesday, 20 August

Keeping in touch around the world

Australian Graduates

We also have a graduate living in Melbourne who is willing to act as a point of contact for graduates living in Australia. Please contact the Alumni Office - email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk and we will put you in touch.

Belgium Graduates

If you are interested in joining our Belgium Graduates email group please contact Damian Perry - who graduated in Psychology in 1986.
Damian can be contacted on his private email: dg_perry@yahoo.com or through the Alumni Office, email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk who will pass on your emails.

Canadian Graduates

As mentioned previously a graduate living in Toronto (Canada) is willing to act as a point of contact for anyone living in Canada, either permanently or temporarily. Please contact the Alumni Office (email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk) in the first instance and we will forward your emails to him.

Ethiopian Graduates

Also mentioned in our last e-newsletter, the British Council in Ethiopia is initiating the establishment of an Alumni Association for Ethiopians who graduated from British higher education institutions. The Alumni Association is intended to serve as a networking forum for members to get connected locally and globally, interact with each other, share best practices and contribute to the development of partnerships between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.

They are hoping to compile a contact database of graduates with first or higher degrees from UK educational institutions.

They ask if we can draw your attention to this new group and if you are interested, or require any further details, to contact them directly at: amsalu.abebe@et.britishcouncil.org.

Alternatively you can contact: Amsalu Abebe, Manager, Education Links and Training, British Council, P.O. Box 1043, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Tel : 251 1 55 00 22, Fax : 251 1 55 25 44, web address: http://www.britishcouncil.org/ethiopia (link will open in a new window)

Greek Alumni

Membership of the British Graduates’ Society gives all Greek alumni the opportunity:

to join a wide network for business and social contacts
to renew contact with graduates from their university
to meet graduates from all disciplines from all British universities
to enjoy special BGS benefits with discounts on a wide range of services

The application form can be completed online through http://www.bgs.gr (link will open in a new window)

Hong Kong Graduates

Ben Yu (Computing 1993) has kindly agreed to be the contact for Bradford graduates in Hong Kong. You can contact Ben on ben.yu1993@gmail.com

Japanese Alumni

Kudos is currently working with the British Council to bring a tailored version of the Kudos benefits programme to members of the Keep In Touch UK (KITUK) programme for returning British Alumni. They offer a variety of discounts and organise special events for the alumni to create networking opportunities.
KITUK is a web-based initiative by the British Council to facilitate individual returning students and alumni groups to stay in touch and maintain their links with the UK. By registering with the KITUK programme through the British Council; http://www.keepintouchuk.net (link will open in a new window), members can automatically subscribe to their benefits programme free of charge. About 6,000 members have been registered in the KITUK/Kudos programme. They would like the Japanese students of British universities to get to know about their programme. Web: http://www.jp-kudos.com (link will open in a new window)

Maltese Graduates NEW

An initiative has been taken to set up a MALTA BRADFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Maltese Bradford graduates interested in joining the Association are to forward their contact details to Dr James Calleja james.j.calleja@gov.mt or by writing to Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment, Room 402, Great Siege Road, Floriana CMR 02 MALTA

Malaysian Graduates

As mentioned before, the British Council in Malaysia have set up an online community for Malaysian graduates. Over 8,500 alumni are registered with this site from various UK institutions. As a UKAN member you will receive information about UK events in Malaysia such as presentations and seminars, competitions and social gatherings.

You will also be eligible to join the Job Club, an employment avenue established by the British Council to help Malaysians with UK qualifications secure employment in the country in a faster and more efficient manner. Log on to the UKAN website; http://www.ukan.org.my for further details (link will open in a new window) .

Pakistan Graduates NEW

If you are interested in joining an alumni group in Pakistan, contact Dr Ashraf Moten (Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1977/82). You can email Ashraf at Motenashraf@hotmail.com.

Thai Graduates NEW

Dr Preecha-Korn Suvanaphen (chemical Engineering 1975/76/79) has expressed an interest in starting an alumni group in Thailand. Contact details are pk@suvanaphen.com.

USA Graduates

If you are interested in joining our USA Graduates email group please contact Annette Gould (nee Titton), who is willing to act as a point of contact for graduates living in the USA. Annette has given permission for us to publish her email address: ag8243@yahoo.com, alternatively contact the Alumni Office (email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk) and we will forward on your email address to her.

University International Office

To keep up to date with what is happening at Bradford, look at the International Office webpages at http://www.bradford.ac.uk/international

Arts on Campus

Gallery II

The Influence of Heritage - A celebration of Pakistani Art

Wednesday 5 December 2007 - Friday 18 January 2008 (also in Richmond Atrium)
Gallery Opening times Weekdays: 11am - 5pm, Thursdays until 6pm. Atrium opening times: Weekdays: 8am - 10pm/Sat/Sun: 10am - 6pm or by appointment. Free

This exhibition, in association with the new National Gallery of the Arts in Islamabad, Pakistan, brings together leading artists living and working in Pakistan and in the UK and looks at the influence of culture and heritage on their art. The exhibition features the work of Jamal Shah, Iqbal Husain, Nahid Raza and Shahida Ahmed.

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/gallery/

Theatre in the Mill

Thus Far and No Further

Friday 7 December, 7.30pm at the Photography Studio, B0-23 Chesham Building. Ticket prices £6.50/£4.00 concessions. Box Office 01274 233200

Thus Far and No Further is a quirky and evocative journey to a place where people work endlessly to feed the needs of a distant figure who they will never know.
One change to this perfectly ordered world very quickly ends in utter chaos whilst all the time strange creatures beat out their own rhythm and breed at an alarming rate. Chotto Ookii’s award-winning blend of frenetic humour, innovative choreography and extreme characters results in a dark tale which will leave you feeling like you’ve woken from the strangest dream you’ve ever had in your life.

For further information on the above, and all Theatre in the Mill activities in the Autumn/Winter 2007 Season log onto http://www.bradford.ac.uk/theatre

Tasmin Little Music Centre

http://www.bradford.ac.uk/music

Ghazals - Pakistani Folk & Love Songs

Wednesday 5 December and Thursday 6 December 12.30pm - Richmond Atrium

In collaboration with the University of Bradford’s Pakistani Visual Art Exhibition. Traditional poetic folk songs performed by Najam Javed - harmonium and Shabaz Hussain - tabla

Teatime Jazz - University Jazz Band

Friday 7 December, 4.30pm

Richmond Atrium, Donations welcome. Come along and enjoy the University's own Jazz band playing anything from ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’ to ‘Born to be Wild’

Round Midnight - Atrium Piano, Jonathan Brigg & Friends

Tuesday 4 December 11.00pm ‘til late - Richmond Atrium. Free

If you enjoy relaxing to piano sounds from Thelonius Monk to Muse, Bhangra to Ben Folds, then drop into ‘Round Midnight’. Kick back and enjoy the Atrium at its most serene. Why not come and have a go yourself?

Choral and Orchestral concert - French Fancies

Saturday 1 December, 7.30pm - Bradford Cathedral, £6.50 full, £5.50 concessions, £2 Children & Tasmin Little Music Centre Members (TLMC). Box Office 01274 233191

Featuring The University Symphony Orchestra and University Choir, Phillippa Cairns soprano, Chris McElroy conductor & organ, Jonathan Brigg conductor. Programme includes Francis Poulenc 'Gloria', Saint Saens 'Carnival of the Animals' and seasonal French choral music amongst others.

Christmas concert

Thursday 13 December, 1.00pm - Richmond Atrium, Free

Seasonal carols and Christmas music accompanied by the University Brass Group. Join us to sing your favourite carols and enjoy a nibble or two on a mince pie!

And finally . . .

Once again we hope you have enjoyed catching up on the latest news from the University of Bradford, and we would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to give us your views and comments on what you would like us to include. Email us at alumni@bradford.ac.uk.

Please contact us if you have any news that you would like to pass on through this newsletter, which is now circulated to nearly 7,000 graduates, from all faculties, all years, all countries and the list is growing with every edition!

We can help if you want to send a note to one or two fellow classmates. We operate strictly within the guidelines of the Data Protection Act and are not able to give out contact details for graduates of the University, but we are always happy to send on stamped letters for you. If you are not resident in the UK it may be easier for you to send a short email to the Alumni Office, who will print out your message and forward it on for you. Just let us know whom you are hoping to get in touch with and we will check for an up-to-date address. If you do not want anyone to get in touch with you in this manner, then please let the Alumni Office know so that we can make a note on your records that you do not wish to be contacted.

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, or you receive it to more than one email address, please let us know and we will amend our records accordingly.

If you are in contact with other graduates of the University who did not receive The Braduate magazine posted out in 2007 and do not receive our e-newsletter, please forward this on to them, and ask them to update their details at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/alumni/form.php

Look out for your next e-newsletter in March 2008, and the 3rd edition of The Braduate magazine will be circulated in June 2008. If you would like to send us a profile to include in the e-newsletter or magazine please email us not more than 250 words and include a high-resolution photograph if possible to alumni@bradford.ac.uk

June and Mandy
Alumni Office | alumni@bradford.ac.uk | http://www.bradford.ac.uk/alumni/

Alumni Team

Ayo Bakare and Mandy Martin

Email: alumni@bradford.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0) 1274 233086

Alumni