alumni@coventry.ac.uk

14435-14 © Coventry University. All rights reserved.

KEEP IN TOUCH! evolveThe magazine for Friends of Coventry University

Aut

umn

2015

Industrial Design graduate and Director of Design for Land Rover Gerry McGovern reveals his love for Modernism, design and cars

Leading by

Design

A Coventry University Goody Bag

Coventry’s international alumni community

Music at The LanchA trip down memory lane

Going Global

Win

welcomeCoventry University is changing at a rapid pace and the campus is changing almost beyond recognition, with new developments and buildings on every corner. If you haven’t been back to campus in a while, come for a visit and we will happily show you around.

The City of Coventry is also undergoing a lot of development and there are some fantastic changes ahead: you can read all about them on page 12-13.

Also in this issue, we catch-up with Director of Design and Chief Creative Officer for Land Rover Gerry McGovern, celebrate with Coventry alumni in Hong Kong and Beijing, learn about the therapeutic qualities of gardening and rock out to memories of Coventry’s colourful music scene.

This issue is of course also packed with your updates, memories, reunions and events – so sit back for a good catch-up with your University.

Keep in touch!Kristina

Contact usTelephone: +44 (0) 24 7765 8589

Email: alumni@coventry.ac.uk

Post: FOCUS, Development and Alumni Relations Office 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:The magazine is written and edited by Kristina Anders, Cheryl Liddle, Katie Southwell and Alex Roache, designed by 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.

24 Nostalgia We’re celebrating the rich musical history of Coventry and The Lanch

28 Get ConnectedFind out what old friends are doing now

36 Lecturer in Focus Bernard Porter on engineering and low carbon vehicles

40 Events Find out about the latest events and reunions

This magazine is available in alternative

formats on request. Call +44 (0)24 7688 8589 or email alumni@coventry.ac.uk

08 Leading by Design Director of Design and Chief Creative Officer for Land Rover Gerry McGovern talks about his love of design

14 Enterprise Susanna Westwood’s creative business promotes emerging artists

16 International AlumniCoventry is going global

22 Digging for RecoveryAnna Baker Cresswell and Joanna Wise use the healing qualities of gardening

24 Music at The Lanch Coventry’s musical heritage

32 Giving BackAlumni talk to current students in the annual Telephone Campaign

34 Memories Your favourite memory of your time at Coventry

06 Campus development Creating a better campus for the future

12 Coventry Coventry is changing – find out all about the new developments

38 Your ShoutThe results of the Alumni Survey 2014 are here!

43 Win Coventry Goody Bag Take part in our competition and be in with a chance to win a Coventry Goody Bag

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updates

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John LathamVice-Chancellor

Vice Chancellor’s update

I’m sure you will be delighted to hear of the University’s success with the news that we are now officially a top

15 UK university, courtesy of the Guardian University Guide 2016. Not only is this the highest ranking our institution has ever received, but it’s the highest ever ranking for a modern university in the history of the guide.

This is a fantastic result for everyone connected with Coventry University; it’s a great external demonstration of our achievements and testament to the hard work of all our staff. I’m sure you will share in our pride at this result and continue to spread the good news within your own networks. Gaining a qualification from one of the top 15 universities in the UK is certainly worth shouting about.

Achieving this result is a team effort and we couldn’t have made the improvements over the years without feedback from our students and alumni. We’re continually working to make your educational experience with us the best it can be. Your input is vital and we love hearing your stories about the impact you have had on our society since leaving CU. Our alumni offer a rich and valuable resource for us to learn from and work alongside and your support will play a pivotal part as we continue our journey.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Evolve and find something that continues to fuel your passion for Coventry University.

updatenews round up

Record-breaking resultCoventry University has

broken into the top 15 of UK universities in the Guardian

University Guide 2016.

We’ve secured 15th spot overall, ranking ahead of a number of Russell Group institutions to achieve our highest ever listing and cement our position as the country’s leading modern university.

We’re ranked top in the UK for the percentage of final year

students satisfied with feedback and assessment by lecturers, and are second only to the University of Oxford for our teaching quality score, underlining that we offer a first-class experience for our students.

Seven of our subject areas are ranked in the country’s top 10, including our courses in ‘film production and photography’ and ‘hospitality, event management and tourism’, which are second overall.

Other subject areas in which Coventry excels include: Economics (7th), Accounting and Finance (7th), Fashion and Textiles (9th), Architecture (10th) and Civil Engineering (10th).

Further to this, our Guardian position ensures we’re also the highest ranked modern university in all of the major league tables of UK higher education institutions.

University receives Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Coventry University has been awarded a coveted accolade in recognition of its international growth

and success over the past six years.

We’ve been chosen to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise – which is decided and awarded by Her Majesty the Queen – making us one of only a select number of higher education institutions to receive this award.

In the awards’ 50th anniversary year, we will be commended in the international trade category. This is in recognition of our ‘continuous achievement’ since 2009 in growing and supporting our international student population.

The award also recognises the positive contribution Coventry University Enterprises has made

to the institution’s international operations, as well as the University’s research programmes.

Dr David Pilsbury, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for international development, said: “The growth in scale and breadth of our international activities is something we’re immensely proud of and it is wonderful to have it recognised by receiving the UK’s most prestigious business and enterprise award.

“The University has embedded ‘international’ in all that we do, opening up new and exciting global opportunities and partnerships for the benefit of students, staff and other stakeholders. We look forward to further successes as we continue to roll out our 2020 international strategy.”

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As the City of Coventry prepares its bid to become the UK City of Culture in

2021, we are showing our full support by working in partnership with groups from across the city in the bid for the prestigious title.

We play an important role within the city’s cultural life, through our dynamic student population and our ever evolving and innovative departments. Having already provided a secondment to the bid group, led by Belgrade Theatre

chairman, David Burbidge OBE, we’re pleased to be involved with this exciting opportunity for the city.

The City of Culture title would bring a range of social, cultural and economic benefits to the city and the wider region, as well as celebrate Coventry’s history, theatres, museums, galleries and independent art groups. The council estimates the bid to be worth £80m to the area’s economy and prompt a huge rise in tourist numbers. Join us in backing the bid by showing your support in

Coventry Telegraph’s online poll. For more information please visit,

www.coventry2021.co.uk

Backing the bid for Coventry as a City of Culture

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New landscape for Coventry students

£14million Scarborough campus gets green lightStudents will soon be able

to receive the Coventry University experience in

North Yorkshire after we were given permission to build a new £14m campus in Scarborough.

From this September, we will already be teaching at a number of iconic venues across the town, but the planning decision means we will also have our own Coventry University Scarborough campus, which will be built and opened by September 2016.

Based on the career focused model of higher education pioneered in Coventry, the new campus aims to address the employment and skills needs of the Yorkshire coast and wider region.

Professor Craig Gaskell has been appointed provost of the Scarborough campus. He believes that the project will have a ‘transformational, economic and social impact’ on the area.

“We believe this campus will enhance the education, skills and career prospects of local people for many years to come,” he said.

“We are also aware, however, that the development has to be handled with sensitivity and in consultation with those who live closest to the site. We will keep local people, businesses and other stakeholders informed as our plans move forward.”

Coventry University students will soon see the landscape transformed in a popular area of campus.

With a total investment of £5m, the work – called the ‘Public Realm’ project - will transform the area between Gosford Street and the Engineering and Computing Building. It will improve connectivity across campus as well as transform the landscape and create an attractive area to spend time in or pass through.

The project is a joint development with Coventry City Council, and is funded by the University and the European

Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The work is being managed by the City Council on behalf of the University.

It will also enhance pedestrian safety through the creation of new entrances to the car parks, additional lighting, a new ‘help point’ and full CCTV coverage. The work is due to be completed by the end of September 2015.

A new entrance and exit to our multi storey car park and the City Council’s Gosford Street car park has been created, which will enhance pedestrian safety between Gosford Street and the Student Centre.

Artist’s impression of the new Scarborough campus building

Paving the way to a better campus

Enhanced pedestrian safety

Work has started on a brand new Science and Health Building, which

will open its doors to students in early 2017.

The building, serving our faculty of Health and Life Sciences, contains state-of-the-art facilities

for teaching and research and should help to attract the best students and staff to Coventry University.

Our existing science laboratory and health simulation facilities will be consolidated into the modern multidisciplinary building,

that will include state-of-the-art healthcare simulation and super-lab environments.

As well as the new Science and Health Building, we’re investing considerably in other facilities for the faculty, including the refurbishment of the Richard Crossman building.

The start of something big

Artist’s impression of the new Science and Health building

From Coventry to California and back, Gerry McGovern has headed up the design studios of some of the world’s best known car brands. A recent visit to the campus gave Evolve a chance to catch-up with the high-flying Industrial Design alumnus.

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Gerry McGovernLeading by design B

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G erry McGovern lives and breathes design. The Coventry-born Director of Design and Chief Creative Officer for Land Rover is a busy man, juggling responsibility for the design of the iconic British-built all-terrain

vehicles – it was him who conceived the bold and big-selling Evoque – with a wider remit developing the look and feel of the thriving Land Rover brand as a whole.

As he sits chatting with Evolve in the Alan Berry building (the former F-block), Gerry’s enthusiasm for his profession is plain to see, and you’d be forgiven for imagining that cars, and designing cars, are his all-consuming passions.

“Actually, I don’t consider myself a car nut,” he reflects. “I’m more of a design nut. I’m always collecting stuff, whether it’s art or furniture – particularly classics from the 1930s, mid-century, or up-to-date contemporary. I have to stop myself buying things.”

He’s animated as he describes a 1960s designer floor lamp from Italy that he’s recently acquired for his Warwickshire home, sketching its shape in the air as he might sketch a car concept on the page. Evidently vehicle design is just one part of a much broader fascination Gerry has for the arts; a fascination that he’s had since his early days in Coventry. Back then, did he ever suspect he would become a renowned design leader in the automotive industry?

“Not in the slightest! At one time I wanted to be an artist, even though in those days I didn’t know Henry Moore from Charlie Cairoli. Car design only really came to mind because I was told there was more money in it. That really resonated with a working class kid from Coventry.”

It was that working class kid who started at Binley Park School in Coventry, and who would later study Industrial Design at the Lanchester Polytechnic before graduating to the Royal College of Art. Built in the modernist style that came to encapsulate the city itself, Binley Park School was to prove an unlikely inspiration in Gerry’s own design journey.

“I certainly think Coventry as a city influenced my leanings towards modernism. Binley Park was built in that international modernist vernacular of the early sixties, and the house I own near the Product Development Centre particularly appealed to me because it was in a modernist style and reminded me of the school.

“Of course modernism got a pretty bad rap throughout Britain subsequently, particularly in the seventies. But the guy who redeveloped Coventry after the war, Gibson, was a visionary – and he was a modernist, of course. I remember sitting in the Lower Precinct’s circular café as a kid. It was all glass. It was about looking forward.”

There would certainly be no looking back for Gerry a few years later when, while still at school, he found himself on the receiving end of an offer of an apprenticeship from the renowned and highly respected car designer Royden Axe of Chrysler Europe. Based in Whitley on the site of JLR’s current headquarters, Gerry worked in the US car giant’s UK design studios, and was sponsored by Axe to take up the Lanchester Polytechnic’s esteemed Industrial Design course.

“I was quite fortunate when I got into the business,” says Gerry. “It was a completely different landscape in those days. Chrysler gave me an apprenticeship in design, which was unique at the time, and as a part-time education I studied for one day a week at the Lanchester Poly. We wouldn’t do it that way today.

“The techniques we used when I started out and when I was studying here were also very different from how it’s done now. I can remember using pastel on sugar vellum, but that was on the way out and the new technique was magic markers on layout paper and vellum. Now a huge amount of design work is done on the screen.

“When I was studying here, of course, it wasn’t Automotive Design – it was Industrial Design. I remember

there was a guy called Rupert Dean, a student on the course. He was an interesting character! His brother did the artwork for the ‘Yes’ albums.”

With so much having changed in the industry and at the university over the years – and with his career having taken him all over the world to head up design studios at the likes of California, Michigan and London – Gerry is clearly keen to take advantage of opportunities to reconnect with his roots where he can.

“In the early days I did have a lot of involvement with the University, for example coming down and selecting placement students. We would come along for the degree shows to see the students’ work.

“When I left the area and started to travel, though, through that middle part of your career you tend to be so engrossed in what you’re doing that the education

I think I’d like to see more people who are entrepreneurial, visionary, and who are tacticians – but who are also highly design literate.”

“

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part goes away for a while. In a way I’ve started to come back. There’s that thing about legacy and wanting to give back and help.”

The global success story that is Jaguar Land Rover is certainly ensuring that Gerry has plenty on his plate as he drives forward the Coventry-based carmaker’s creative agenda. The McGovern-designed Discovery Sport model has just been launched, and the 2016 facelift for the Evoque – whose original design team comprised some Coventry University graduates – is on the horizon.

As a final word, would he have any advice for the aspiring car design professionals of the future who might be inspired by his and JLR’s story?

“I think I’d like to see more people who are entrepreneurial, visionary, and who are strategic – but who are also highly design literate. You don’t find that

very often. A lot of the graduates coming out of college and university just want to design the exterior shape of a vehicle, and that’s fine. But it won’t be enough to sustain them throughout a career.

“The world has changed significantly, and the contribution design now makes to the business is massive. We have to look at all our vehicles and how they relate to one another, and how the design strategy relates to the brand architecture. These are the things that are important in order to train designers, because at some point they will become part of it.”

With both the university and JLR keen to maintain the strong links built over the years, there’s a good chance that Coventry alumni will continue to play a leading role as part of the company’s ambitious journey into an exciting new design era.

Evoque Wire Frame Installation, New York, 2012

Range Rover LWB, New York, 2014

Discovery Sport, Iceland, 2014

If you’ve visited Coventry recently, you’ll know that the face of the city centre has changed

dramatically over the last 18 months as a result of major improvements to Broadgate, Council House Square and Medieval Spon Street.

The projects, brought about through investment and grant funding, have been designed to improve the look and feel of our great city for visitors and residents, and to be a catalyst for further investment to move Coventry forward as a key visitor and business destination.

One development key to that success is the Friargate project which will see one of the biggest transformations in the city for decades. Creating a new £59m central business quarter for Coventry around its railway station, it will include a new boulevard deck over

the Ring Road to give visitors a vastly improved welcome and draw them into the heart of the city.

The decision by the City Council to move to Friargate in 2017 has given the University the chance to purchase the buildings to create a new headquarters, an international student centre, a research hotel and a business incubation space right in the heart of the city in the largest single expansion in its history – again bringing significant improvements to the environment.

Delivering a major retail-led improvement scheme is also an essential component of delivering a city centre fit for the future. The £300m City Centre South project aims to transform an area of the city and will incorporate shops, a cinema, hotel, apartments and a multi-storey car park with a 2018 completion date.

The transformation of the Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre into a new restaurant quarter is also underway with well-known brands signed up and ready to open later this year.

Any modern city also includes vibrant cultural and living quarters where the entrepreneurs, retailers, artists and city dwellers link together to bring a city to life. To encourage this vibrancy, two new creative villages have been developed to bring a new dimension to the city centre making it the perfect destination for everyone to relax and enjoy. The Student Village welcomes students from across the globe to Coventry and Fargo Village is the new creative quarter.

Coventry is a dynamic city, proud of its past and confident of its future.

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For more information on the recent developments in the city, please visit:www.coventry-warwickshire.co.uk/investing or contact Sarah Perry, Coventry and Warwickshire Place Manager, sarah.perry@coventry-warwickshire.co.ukStudy InnFriargateFargo Village

Friargate development

Friargate development

Proud past, bright future

Coventry:

“I can’t sing the University’s praises enough in the growth of the company.

Enterprise:TV talent shows such as

X-Factor have done little to promote the ‘nice’ side of the

entertainment industry.

Tearful stories reveal how difficult it can be for someone to ‘make’ it in what is perceived to be a cut-throat industry – even for those who are considered to be established.

Most entertainers are self-employed so, alongside perfecting their craft, they also need to manage their finances, be good at self-promotion and have excellent connections. And all this must be achieved while maintaining self-confidence and a belief that they will succeed. It’s a tall order and one that defeats many aspiring artists, says Coventry graduate Susanna Westwood, a singer songwriter who has just launched Emergeination – an online platform for emerging artists to promote and sell their products and services worldwide. As well as being able to use the website to promote their work, subscribers are also able to gain knowledge and guidance through training DVDs and online mentoring support from industry experts.

“We need an alternative way for artists to develop. Not just to survive in their career but to actually thrive in a place where they actually grow and make an impact,” said Susanna, who believes she has hit on the answer.

It was after studying part-time for a Masters in Performing Arts, Innovation and Enterprise at

Coventry University that Susanna had her eureka moment. “I kept having conversations with other artists about how frustrated they were about certain aspects of their career development. I had this idea circling around my head and I woke up one night and started to write it all down.”

Susanna’s midnight scribbles have progressed to an online business that is now valued at £1.5m and has received over £350,000 worth of private investment. Not bad for someone who knew nothing about technology.

“There’s only one of me and using online technology was the only way we could get my idea out to the world. I knew about the arts industry but I didn’t know about online platforms. But I remember feeling if I don’t do this, someone else will, so let’s go for it.”

Susanna has partnered with experienced professionals to help deliver the support packages, and names artists that have worked with Take That, Prince and Beverley Knight among her list of ‘experts’. Fashion is also covered with someone who has showcased collections at the London and New York Fashion Weeks and she is collaborating with Sky TV and the BBC on commercial film projects.

While Susanna always knew she wanted to run her own creative business, the challenges were different from her career recording albums and working as a session musician and dancer.

During her Masters, she launched Imprint Productions, a record label and network for professional artists but she was also keen to create something that would nurture new talent.

It was after graduation that her relationship with the University really matured.

Susanna received business guidance from the team at the University’s Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE), who helped her acquire more funding.

A successful pitch to the University’s Chancellor Sir John Egan and business investor David Harding secured funding from the University’s Student Enterprise Fund and the Creative Innovation Fund. The presentation even resulted in David later becoming a director of and investor in Emergeination.

“I can’t sing the University’s praises enough – they have just been instrumental in the growth

of the company,” said Susanna who first piloted the platform with Coventry’s arts students. “When you’re unsure about anything the team have opened doors for me and provided the opportunities to meet investors. Without that, it would have hindered the growth of the business dramatically.”

The amount of business support on offer to Coventry graduates was not something Susanna had realised would be available once she had left. She now makes students aware of what’s on offer – and it’s the basis for what Emergeination is all about. “We want to show emerging artists that you can have an idea, and a vision for what you want to do and you can actually make it happen.”

Susanna is proof that creative businesses can happen and she is now in the throes of launching new products and services for her growing number of subscribers. A mobile app is currently under development and she is also in talks with record labels in the USA for the next stage of the company’s international expansion.

“My goal is that we have amazing artists that not only know their craft but also their business inside and out so they can make an impact in industries around the world. We all have the ability to make a difference and this is what I hope Emergeination will help others achieve.”

Visit www.emergeination.com for more information and to seek support from the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship contact +44 (0)24 7623 6001 or visit www.coventry.ac.uk/iae

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Visionary graduate challenges the music industry

Susanna Westwood & Abby Scott

Rose red emerging artist dil project

Launch event

Launch event

Launch event

International alumni interested in getting involved or offering work placements or jobs to Coventry students should contact the alumni team alumni@coventry.ac.uk. Please also send any suggestions for how you would like the University to support international graduates to this address too.

International alumni remain important to us and there are lots of benefits to being involved, as we launch our new strategy.

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There’s no doubt that our international students and alumni enhance our cultural capital. In fact, they are

essential to our success. It was in 1973 when the University’s international story began – with the first overseas students arriving from China. The numbers have steadily grown – and this year we welcomed 7,000 international students from 140 different countries to our campus.

It’s a growth spurt that is fairly unique to UK universities. Where others have struggled, we’ve excelled – something that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for international development Dr David Pilsbury believes is due to our uncomplicated offer.

“We have a simple and great proposition – a comprehensive curriculum, great teaching quality and we care about our students,” explained Dr Pilsbury. “We ensure our international students are socially and culturally integrated. We embrace the different perspectives international students bring to our courses and campus, which is great for home students too.”

We offer a range of activities and initiatives to support international students before they arrive, during their time here and after they leave us. This level of integration is the reason why so many overseas graduates recommend Coventry University to others.

We embed our international agenda throughout: from a comprehensive work experience programme – one of the largest in the world for students gaining placements abroad – to partnerships with leading institutions around the world. There is even a Global Leaders Programme aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of a global industry through talks from leading business figures and additional classes on the topic.

We’re now looking to build on our services for graduates living overseas. There is a determined effort to ensure more alumni attend the events held in different countries throughout the year.

“It’s fantastic to see the hugging and the real emotional outpouring when alumni get together,” said Dr Pilsbury. “There are also the networking opportunities these gatherings provide and it’s great to

see people sharing and exchanging ideas. It’s also great to see people who have been successful and to discover how far a Coventry degree can take you.”

Graduates are invited back to speak to students about their experiences – and there are plans to create an alumni version of the Global Leaders Programme, which would include exclusive access to industry leaders for advice and support.

While the alumni international programme is still evolving, India, Nigeria and China are now benefiting from Alumni Network and Employability Officers and International Alumni Ambassadors. Our focus through these roles is to offer a careers service for graduates looking for work in those countries and to make connections with alumni businesses in their respective locations, as well as providing regular networking opportunities.

“We want to increase the offer for our international alumni,” added Dr Pilsbury. “We want to understand what we could do to be more useful to them. Their influence on our campus as students was immense and we want to continue that partnership.”

International

More support

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Building a global community – are you IN?

Over 300 alumni and representatives from the Ministry of Education, British Council and leading academic

and industry partners recently came together to celebrate our success in our biggest international event to date.

Taking place in the prestigious Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, the event also marked the launch of a range of new services for alumni as part of building a new global community under the banner “Are you IN?”.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Latham, outlined to guests and the press the new activities that will be delivered as part of rolling out the next phase of the University’s China strategy. This includes additional staff being recruited to the CU Group offices in Beijing and Hangzhou to work directly with alumni to assist them with CV development and securing work experience and permanent job opportunities. We will also be developing bespoke professional networking tools to aid our alumni community to connect with one another and to support networking alongside a series of events each year.

Staff will also be recruited in China to develop more research partnerships and corporate links. In order to support this activity, we’ve recently formally registered as a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise in China – one of only a few overseas universities to have achieved this - and have extended our support geographically, opening an office in Hong Kong.

The President of Guandong University of Foreign Studies said Coventry has worked in partnership with major local universities, and that our success was rooted in a deep commitment to the country and an understanding of how to effectively drive international engagement for the benefit of students, staff and other stakeholders.

FOCUS on Hong Kong

More than 70 alumni and staff came together in early May to network and celebrate the

success of Coventry University graduates in Hong Kong. Taking place in one of Hong Kong’s trendiest locations – the Sky Lounge in Upper House – the evening offered an opportunity to hear about the latest developments on campus and Coventry’s ambitious plans for the future from Vice-Chancellor Prof John Latham as well as an inspiring account of his time at Coventry and subsequent success from key note speaker and alumnus Dr Otto Poon.

For further networking opportunities in Hong Kong and to connect with fellow alumni in the region, please join the ‘FOCUS on Hong Kong’ group on Linkedin at this link: www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=8105118

Most of you will know that Coventry University was once named Lanchester

Polytechnic, in honour of the great engineer Frederick Lanchester and today the University Library still bears his name. However, it’s a sad but true fact that few people know very much about this amazingly creative man.

Over the last two years, we’ve been working on a new project – Lanchester Interactive – which will bring Lanchester’s works back to life so that many more people of all generations can learn and understand the importance of our heritage and are inspired to see engineering as an exciting and creative career opportunity.

Dr Frederick Lanchester (1868 – 1946) was one of Britain’s greatest engineers and inventors. He created the first all-British 4-wheel petrol car and the first all-British motor boat. He also patented the original disc brake.

Lanchester’s work made a big impact on the UK automotive industry locally and nationally.

For over 30 years his cars were built in Sparkbrook, Birmingham until his company was taken over by Daimler in 1931 and the cars built in Coventry.

The University has the largest collection of Frederick Lanchester archives in the world and through our project, we aim to preserve and protect the collection but more importantly bring the collection to life and create an enthusiasm and passion for science and engineering. We are going to do this by:

• repairing, preserving and digitising all the original archives

• building an online, interactive platform which will feature thousands of digitised images that anyone can access

• creating a Lanchester Discovery Space in the University Library which will be open all year round

• delivering a programme of outreach activities into schools and the wider community throughout Coventry

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Development

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In July, the University launched ‘Petals’, a web app designed to inform young people about the

dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM).

The app, which works across most mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and lap tops via an internet browser, is aimed primarily at young girls living in affected communities and at risk from FGM. However, it can also be used as an educational tool to teach young people and others the facts and realities of the practise.

FGM - sometimes called female genital cutting, female circumcision or sunna - refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has been illegal in the UK since 1985 but is a growing problem because so many people have migrated to the UK from African and Asian countries where it is seen as a cultural tradition and widely practised.

The app’s content includes information about FGM, personal stories from those who have been affected, views of women, men and religious leaders; links to educational films, a quiz and tips on how to get involved in campaigning to end the practice. It also provides details of where those affected or at risk can go to get help and advice and it enables users to access the NSPCC’s National FGM Helpline at the touch of a button.

The app was developed by the Centre for Communities and Social Justice (CCSJ), the Centre for Excellence in Learning Enhancement (CELE), and the Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO) and was funded by The Pamela Barlow Charitable Trust, the Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust and The 1970 Trust. Young people at Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry trialed the app before it went live to ensure that the content, language, look, feel and functionality were appropriate and relevant.

Maintaining personal confidentiality and safeguarding potentially vulnerable users was integral to the app’s design and it has been developed with built-in privacy features.

The hope is that the app will help to safeguard girls and young women at risk and eventually eradicate the barbaric practice of FGM in this country.

To view the app please visit http://petals.coventry.ac.uk and please share with your family, friends and colleagues.

Hope at the touch of a button for those at risk

Above: FGM Petals App intro screen and FGM lifebelt character

Lanchester InteractiveDiscovering Frederick Lanchester

How can you help?

Are you an engineering alumnus and/or a Lanchester Polytechnic

alumnus? Would you like to get involved in this project?

If so, we are looking for volunteers to support visitors in the Lanchester Discovery Room in the library, to help with archiving, and to help out with school and community events.

At the same time if you know of companies/businesses who might like to support the project please let us know. Most of the project will be funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund but we do need to find some additional match funding.

To find out more, please contact Deanne Dunstan in the Development and Alumni Relations office on - 02477 658264 or email ab5815@coventry.ac.uk

If you have any comments or would like any further information please contact: Deanne Dunstan, Senior Bid Writer in the Development and Alumni Relations Office. Tel: 02477 658264 or email ab5815@coventry.ac.uk

The protective environment of a walled garden can act as a sanctuary for those looking to recalibrate

their minds from the devastation of active combat. And opportunities in the land-based sector are proving popular for those seeking a new direction after serving their country. Identifying that the healing properties of gardening could aid those leaving the military was a realisation that Anna Baker Cresswell made while caring for her mother, a former Nightingale nurse. “My mother had Parkinson’s disease and in the last

few months while I was looking after her, my walled garden became a great comfort to me,” explained Anna. “It had always stayed with me how much my friends had changed when they returned from serving in the Falklands. When my mother died, the connection was just compelling.”

Anna explored the theory that veterans, who exhibited symptoms such as hyper-vigilance, anxiety and depression, would find a walled garden a safe environment to relax in as they had a clear picture of what was all around them. Spurred on by her mother’s memory, she decided to

launch Gardening Leave – a charity that would offer horticultural therapy to heal the mental wounds of war.

A diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture from Coventry University gave her the credentials she needed to attract funding and partners to set up the charity in 2007.

It was this same course that would lead 2012 graduate Joanna Wise to take up a role at Gardening Leave and on to writing the book Digging for Victory on the subject of horticulture supporting veterans, which has recently been published by Karnac Books.

Joanna, whose career began in psychology, worked for a short time at Gardening Leave and saw first-hand how people from the armed services were being helped.

“When they come out of service, these men and women of action, who are used to being pragmatic, have to recalibrate their identity to become civilians and it is a big transition. Some of them struggle to do it and for those who have seen active combat they can go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” said Joanna, who has seen veterans set up their own gardening businesses after being influenced by the charity. “Horticultural therapy is a very accessible – and cost effective – package towards mental and physical health. It’s culturally acceptable to be digging a garden and more natural, for men especially, than sitting in a chair talking to a counsellor.”

Joanna’s gardening connections started when she gave up a challenging job in psychology to be a full time mum and set up her own garden design business. The enterprise fitted perfectly around school hours but as her daughter grew up, Joanna realised she missed the healing side of her work.

She joined the Harington Scheme – an organisation that uses horticultural therapy to help young adults with learning disabilities and/or difficulties to move into employment or further education. After watching horticulture transform lives, Joanna wanted to explore this area further and chose to study at Coventry.

“The course was a game-changer for me,” admitted Joanna.“ It gave me the information I needed to feel that I had something to offer

Gardening Leave, structured my book and is also helping me with the next part of my journey. The diploma pulled together all the things I am passionate about. I’d found where I was supposed to be.”

As well as writing the book, Joanna is now developing a social enterprise that will give veterans tools and information about horticultural therapy to help them through the early stages of recovery and to integrate them back into society. There are also plans to develop a scheme to fund bursaries so that ex-military individuals can train to become Horticultural Therapists on the course at Coventry and then extend the same help to their contemporaries in need.

“Horticultural therapy can help you recalibrate your identity and give you self esteem. If you grow

fruit and veg, you can feed your family – you have the sense of being a provider,” explained Joanna. This ‘work ethic’ is what moved Anna on from Gardening Leave and to her new venture – a charity called HighGround, which is focused on finding employment for those who have left the forces.

“While horticultural therapy for veterans is good, I discovered what they need most of all is a diversion – they need a job. We all do in some shape or form,” said Anna, who describes HighGround as the child of Gardening Leave. She is now delivering Rural Weeks at agricultural colleges for ex-military men and women seeking a new vocation. The five-day courses introduce them to roles in forestry, farming conservation and landscape garden design as well as source training, funding and work experience to help them fill any skills gaps. Anna could see how military skills were easily transferable to the land-based sector.

“They are outdoor people anyway. They are motivated, good problem solvers, good communicators and they enjoy teamwork. That’s all the stuff that’s vitally important for land-based businesses,” explained Anna.

The courses are proving popular and Anna already has plans to expand them wider across the UK. But despite these efforts, and Joanna’s new book, Anna believes there is still a long way to go before horticultural therapy receives the recognition it deserves.

“Social and therapeutic horticulture still hasn’t really taken off. There is interest in the prisons and I have pioneered it with the military group but it’s a shame more people aren’t seeing its benefits. We need to shout about it more.”

For more information about a diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture visit our website at www.coventry.ac.uk To find out more about Highground: visit www.highground-uk.org. ‘Digging for Victory: Horticultural Therapy with Veterans for Post-Traumatic Growth’ is available from www.karnacbooks.com

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FeatureIt had always

stayed with me how much my friends

had changed when they returned from

serving in the Falklands. When my

mother died, the connection was just

compelling.

Anna Baker Cresswell Joanna Wise

Gardening Leave – a sanctuary for our soldiersGardening has long been touted as a relaxing pastime but its therapeutic qualities are now being used to benefit ex-service men and women adjusting to a civilian life, thanks to Coventry alumni.

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SeeingStars:

Coventry has always had a rich musical heritage and the University – or The Lanch – is a big part of it.

Ask any Coventry graduate about their favourite memories of the city and the chances are they’ll say the gigs.

With the main hall of the former Students’ Union building hosting some of

the biggest bands in the country as well as the smaller, more intimate Biko Bar downstairs, there was something for everyone all through the week.

“I’d go to one or the other every Friday and Saturday night and then probably another in the week,” said Simon Carter, who studied a BSc (Hons) Geography at Coventry between 1984 and 1988, and who is now Executive Director of Marketing for Fujitsu.

“I saw everyone from The Damned, Lloyd Cole, Prefab Sprout… all of the big bands of that era. I saw Sigue Sigue Sputnik twice – once in the downstairs bar before they were famous with about six other people; and again a few months later when they had had a couple of hits and they sold out the main Students’ Union.”

Coventry students’ demand for top acts – and the SU’s ability to secure them – was one reason why the ‘Lanch’ was able to draw some of the country’s biggest names. But performers also knew that it was a great place to play.

Local soul star Ray King – who had a stellar career touring the world and playing with legends such as Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye – has always loved playing his hometown, especially the main hall at the Students’ Union.

“You had to perform with a lot of energy,” he said. “It’s a big hall and you need speakers to fill the space. Sometimes you would see an act arriving with small speakers and we used to let them use ours because if you were playing the Lanch and one band went down, it would affect all the rest.”

And for an act like Ray, who would go on tour to places like Hamburg where he played all-night gigs on the famous Reeperbahn around the corner from The Beatles, coming home to Coventry was always a special experience.

“We always looked forward to coming back here,” he said, “and we would try our new songs because the audience knew their stuff. I remember Georgie Fame saying Coventry audiences are the hardest. If you can get a clap from them, then you’re made.”

The Specials on stage at the ‘Lanch’ Main Hall, September 1980

Coventry’s rich music scene

…Wednesday 2nd Oct 1984 – “…I was first past the turnstile, and found Billy Bragg T-Shirts for sale, so after borrowing £2, bought 2 T-Shirts and 2 badges – ace! Eventually into the Main Hall and I got right to the front – up against the stage, directly in front of the mike stand! Ace! Billy Bragg came on first and did four or five numbers, then the Hank Wangford Band – a 6-piece country outfit, but witty & fairly good. Then the Frank Chickens – 2 Chinese girls miming and singing to backing tracks – OK, but a bit repetitive. Then Billy Bragg came on again for an hour including encore with both supports joining him back on stage. Really enjoyed it, although pretty squashed. Finished at 11.30…”

Thu 15th Nov 1984 – “…changed into black and white spotty jeans, Theatre of Hate T-shirt, pixie boots & spiked up my hair, then walked down to the Union. No-one else dressed punky at all – felt a bit embarrassed! Went downstairs and saw Dr Feelgood – ace! Got right to the front and moving all the time, with loads of people pressed up against me. Guitarist excellent, and shook hands with both him and the Dr – amazing stage presence! Played three sets of encores – my shirt & jacket absolutely soaking! Walked home…”

Thu 7th Feb 1985 – “…Had a couple of drinks in the downstairs bar, then upstairs for Boomtown Rats. Got within 2 rows of the front! Concert was absolutely out of this world amazing and Bob Geldof was excellent! Really hot and cramped and knackered, and lost my voice due to too much singing, but well worth it. Did “Do they know it’s Christmas” as an encore and I was the second of only 3 people to shake hands with Bob, and the first person to shake hands with Johnny Fingers!! Gave 36p at the end to Ethiopia Appeal. We left, then tried to get back in to see the band, but told to push off, so left and got chips and home at 2am…”

Fri 25th Oct 1985 – “…caught bus into town & into the Union with my mate Piglet from home. Noticed that a band called Sigue Sigue Sputnik were playing in the downstairs bar – never heard of them, but Pig had, and said they were excellent, and included a member of Generation X… so down we went - £3 to get in. Quite a lot of people there, although mainly non-students. Group finally came on at 11.00 – lead singer had amazing pink hair. Really good and Piglet mega-impressed! For the last song, the vocalist told everyone to get on stage, so they did… and Pig ran on to protect the keyboard stack as the crowded stage nearly pushed them over! Left at 11.45, got chips and walked home.”

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“There must have been 20 or 30 groups popping up all over Coventry during my time,” added David. “The best known, aside from Ray King, were The Sorrows and The Mighty Avengers.”

Ray says that the Lanch was a great place for developing young talent.

“The Lanch was a place for local bands to express themselves,” said Ray. “It would run local nights and some of the bands would be playing their first gigs. The students came from all over the country, but they all respected Coventry music. We had a big music history even though our bands didn’t always make it big like in Liverpool or Manchester.”

That all changed with the 2-Tone movement, something that would have looked very different if it wasn’t for Ray, who introduced many of the people who would go on to form The Specials.

“As Lynval Golding said, ‘No Ray King, no Specials.’ He helped to galvanise the 2-Tone movement,” said Pete. “There are a lot of music heroes around and Ray is one of them. He helped a lot of groups and artists and he’s still doing it.”

But as well as being a great venue for students to see the biggest bands in the country, the Lanch played an important role in putting the City on the musical map.

“The Lanch Festivals were huge,” said local music journalist and historian Pete Chambers. “It was a really well known festival and they got some great acts.

“The most famous thing out of it being Chuck Berry recording My Ding-a-Ling, which was performed at Tiffany’s because there wasn’t the space at the Lanch main hall. And the first live performances of Monty Python were done at The Belgrade as part of the Lanch Festival.”

At the height of punk rock, the Lanch had the Clash and the Sex Pistols playing the main hall together, just days before the Pistols’ famous appearance on TV with Bill Grundy.

“Joe Strummer was wearing swastikas and the Students’ Union thought he was a fascist so they didn’t want to pay him. It’s crazy to think that now, because Joe Strummer is one of the least fascist people in the world.”

Local promoter David Owen worked very closely with the Lanch and other venues throughout the 1960s. He said: “The Coventry music scene was brought about through the Lanch more than anywhere else. Students wanted music and it spread from that. They were a vibrant lot and always wanted the latest thing.”

David was able to work with Bryan Epstein to bring The Beatles to Coventry and he also brought The Monkees, the Walker Brothers, Amen Corner and the Moodies. “One of the big nights – there were so many! – was having the Rockin’ Berries, that was a cracking night. The Yardbirds and Herman’s Hermits were brilliant too.”

The importance of the music scene in Coventry – and Coventry’s importance to music – meant that the city has always had a vital role to play in nurturing local talent.

Visitors to Coventry can re-live their experiences with a visit to the Coventry Music Museum.

The museum, which is located in the 2-Tone Village on Walsgrave Road, includes listening booths and a vast array of artefacts, which have either been donated by musicians or the personal collection of curator Pete Chambers.

www.covmm.co.uk

Museum preservesCoventry’s musical history

Stu

dent

Dia

ry

Coventry graduate Simon Carter looks back at some of his diaries…

The Specials’ Terry Hall and Neville Staple

the interviewees

Ray King Simon CarterPete Chambers

Get

con

nect

edGet back in touch with old friends by emailing alumni@coventry.ac.uk. Coventry graduates reveal their lives after CU

Graduated 1990s

Bernard Coxhead Computer Studies (1990)

Thank you, I have just received my first-ever issue of Evolve. I didn’t expect to hear from the Uni almost 25 years after I graduated from it

(when it was still a Poly)! I enjoyed studying for HND Computer Studies as a mature student of 40, and the diploma was helpful to my career in computing at Rolls-Royce, EDS and Jacobs Engineering during the subsequent 20-odd years. I am now retired, but still interested.

Gary Stocker Engineering (Combined) (1991)Up until January of 2013 I had worked in Civil Engineering for nearly twenty years. I finally got my dream job working as a Research and Development Technician at Sandvik Hard materials (now Sandvik Hyperion) down Torrington Avenue in Coventry. My favourite memory of Coventry was the fact that it was my first taste of independence away from home. Although I did not think of the world as my oyster exactly, it did make me aware of a lot more possibilities than I had done before.

Jason Nevins Information Technology for Management (1999)

I remember Coventry University having good facilities and the students being very polite. I

would advise all undergraduates to spend as much time as possible studying. Living in the world today without a 1st or 2:1 degree is very tough.

Graduated 2000s

Peter Arthern Development and Health in Disaster Management (2000)

Recently returned from 3 years working for a relief NGO in Afghanistan. I worked on projects in nutrition, food security and disaster risk reduction.

David Adams LLB (Hons) (2006)

Although now retired from full time employment as a Corporate Treasurer I still remain the Chairman of the Express Trustees Ltd.

The corporate trustee for a £750M defined benefit pension fund.

Claire Greenwood Civil Engineering with European Studies (1998)I now have 17 years experience as a Contractor having worked for some of the main contractors. I am a Divisional Business Manager at Land & Water Services. I also have just become a Chartered Manager and awarded a fellowship of the Chartered Management Institute. I am also Senior Vice Chair of the East Midlands Institution of Civil Engineers branch and I will be Chair in September 2015. One of my happiest times at Coventry University was on a field course in final year on the Gower Peninsula, setting out and establishing GPS control. Phase Disco was also particularly memorable.

Ralph Solly Graphic Design and Illustration (2008)Now working in Baker Street for design studio, Oracle Creative, Brand Identity, Brochure, Leaflet, Hoarding, Advertising, Stationary & Editorial Design, as well as illustration of maps and buildings for the commercial and luxury property and residential industries. Also freelance graphic design for record labels, brand identity, night-club flyer and poster design.

Paul Burton Physical Science (1988)I am now settled into a new role as a Historical Researcher in our Educational Collection. This means I now work in our museum covering the history of the UK Nuclear Weapons Programme (one of my projects, all my own idea, involves building model aircraft kits - dreadful isn’t it). Part of my job is providing guided tours!

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Graduated 1970s

Roger Taylor Law (1972)

Lanchester started me on my career as a commercial solicitor and Notary, the tutors - Bruce Renton in particular

- were very good. I’m still friends with fellow students, it was a good foundation.

Graduated 1970s

Alan Jenkins Modern Studies (1976)

Really enjoying retirement from the police after 32 years. I retired as an Inspector after helping plan the 2012 Olympics. I now work 3 days per week coordinating Restorative Justice (RJ) in West Dorset. RJ is fantastic as it works! Victims in particular get so much out of it. Very pleased to see Coventry University enter the ‘top 30’. Brought back memories of listening to the top 30 on the radio in Priory Hall and recovering from visits to local breweries under the name of the ‘Biology Society’(you will note I studied politics!).

Graduated 1980s

Michael Green Graphic Design (1984)

I studied photography as part of my degree but, as it so often happens, I lost the passion. Two years ago I went back to my past hobby, joined the Daventry Photography Society and, in my first year, won the Photographer of the Year trophy. My passion for the hobby has returned! My photos can be seen at www.facebook.com/michaelgreenphotos

Email your updates for the next issue of evolve to alumni@coventry.ac.uk

Haroon Mota BSc Honours: Sport and Exercise Science (2008)

I work as a Youth Support Coordinator on the Teenage Cancer Ward at UCLH Hospital in

London, where I offer recreational & therapeutic support to young people who have cancer. Back in April, I ran the London Marathon and raised over £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. Since leaving University, I’ve trekked to Mt Everest Basecamp, hiked in Peru, ran many marathons, skydived and much more; raising over £100,000 for various humanitarian causes. It’s so much fun and I’d love others to connect with and join me.

You could join me at the Birmingham Half Marathon this October, or maybe run the Coventry Half Marathon in February 2016?

It would be great to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.

Follow me on Twitter: @Haroon_Mota.

Graduated 2010s

Gareth Price-Baghurst Theatre and Professional Practice (2011)I am a touring freelance actor-musician, working with many companies on different styles of projects. I travel all over the country for meetings, rehearsals, networking events, productions and performances. Not only do I work and perform with various theatre companies, I am creating my own work with my own company the ‘Fabularium’ - a Cov Uni initiative! I am also set to record an album with an acoustic band by the end of this year.

Richard Brown Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (2010)

Danielle Green Event Management (2013)My whole experience at Coventry University is something I will always treasure. The course was the best choice I could have done with it being both educational and fun with the field trips. Team SEM!

In 2013 I received a Winston Churchill Fellowship to travel to the USA and Canada to examine the practice of horticultural therapy as a medical treatment. My report of the findings was published by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust in 2014. It has received interest from Canada, USA, Australia and Sweden as well as the UK. The report has been submitted as evidence for a medical facility to include horticulture in North Carolina and as part of an award submission for the Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association. I am employed as the Horticultural Practitioner with South West Yorkshire NHS Trust and I use horticultural therapy to treat and assess adults with learning disabilities at the Horizon Centre in Wakefield.

Tom Murrell Computing (2010)Joined Walls and Floors web team as a post-graduate. Now web development manager of a team of 7, grown from 2 since 2010. Managing web development and online marketing, in particular search engine marketing for ecommerce websites; across search, display, video, shopping and mobile. Now a certified Google Partner in Advertising online. Regularly visit Google HQ in London and Google EU HQ in Ireland for strategy and analysis meetings with industry experts. Recently a guest speaker at Google talking about growing retail business online and our digital transformation at leading online tile specialists www.wallsandfloors.co.uk. I wrote my dissertation on Search Engine Optimisation in my final year at Coventry University.

Luke Stanford History and Politics (2013)My University degree did not neccessarily help me to get a job, but my experience whilst at uni certainly did, as I became the person I am today.

Prabhsimrat Sagoo Biomedical Science (2012)I am currently living in Melbourne, Australia. I had been offered 3 Toxicology jobs in Birmingham, however I thought coming to Australia would broaden my horizons and job opportunities. I am currently working as a Microbiology Analyst in a Food Testing Company. I will hopefully be moving into the pathology department. I’m still looking for toxicology jobs and may be moving to Sydney in the future.

Hannah Baker Occupational Therapy (2012)In my final year (2012), I relocated to Exeter, Devon for a fresh start following a traumatic year. I completed my dissertation whilst working part-time in a rehabilitation unit. I have now graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, am working full time as an Occupational Therapist in A&E, living with my boyfriend (whom I met in Exeter) and loving life!

Hannah Gale Youth Work (2012)Barnardo’s came and did a presentation while I was at Coventry University. They inspired me to work for them and 2 years after graduating and working in the same field I’m there. I work with young people who are sexually exploited so it is a highly stressful job with the current media, but I am totally driven after being awarded my first class BA Honors.

Aimee Southall Law (2013)I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my Law Degree at Coventry University, from which I graduated in 2013. I then embarked upon the Legal Practice Course with Masters qualification in Law. Whilst undertaking the course I secured a training contract at Band Hatton Button LLP, based on Warwick Road in Coventry city centre. I am now a Trainee Solicitor in the Corporate/Commercial Department and I will be fully qualified next year.

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Tom Clift says his University years were the best time of his life. The 2001 Leisure Management graduate is

so impressed with the opportunities he was given here at Coventry that he wants future students to have the same.

“Coventry University helped me to develop invaluable skills that continue to benefit me professionally,” said Tom, who is now the Engage! Programme Manager for the Coventry Sports Foundation. “The University will always hold a special place in my heart.”

When a student called Tom during our annual telethon to ask for support for key University projects,

he was keen to give something back.

“Knowing that my donation is helping current students to have a similar experience, I continue to support the Institution I am proud to be part of,” added Tom who now regularly donates to the University.

Tom was just one of more than 1,300 alumni who spoke to a current student when our student calling team took to the phones in November last year. And Tom was not alone in his desire to get involved as the ‘telethon’ raised about 100 placement offers to current students and more than £70,000, which will benefit four major projects. These include a Student Hardship Fund, The Chancellor’s Fund, which gives

students opportunities to progress their career with funds for equipment or work placements, support for Sports and Societies and donations towards our project in India that supports disadvantaged children and gives students international placements.

But the aim of the annual campaign isn’t just about raising money – it also acts as a way for us to update alumni on the Institution’s progress and to find out more about what they are doing now.

Student callers such as James Sheehan, who is in his second year studying Biomedical Science, spent time phoning graduates and sharing experiences, James even picked

up some career advice for his next steps in medicine from a number of graduates. “At first, I was nervous making the calls as you didn’t know what to expect from the person on the other end. But people were generally open to student needs in the current climate.”

In some cases alumni have offered placement opportunities for students in their workplace or volunteered their time to be a mentor. For the student callers, it can be inspiring to chat to someone about life after graduation and for alumni, the call can often act as a great time for reminiscing.

“I spoke to one graduate who had received help from the Hardship Fund and so was eager to give back. A mum of two young children, she had been studying and working full time when her washing machine broke down. The fund replaced her machine and helped her during a difficult time,” said third year Psychology student Emma Chappell

who was one of the telethon callers. “When I was speaking to people, I realised how much the University can help in the long term. That graduate told me that without the support she would have dropped out and wouldn’t be where she is today. It was nice speaking to people who have been able to achieve what they wanted to.”

The annual telethon started in 2006 and every year about 6,000 alumni that will be called as part of the campaign are notified in advance so they have the chance to opt out. Dwayne Webb, the University’s Annual Fund Supporter Relations Co-Ordinator, said the telethon always leaves everyone feeling very

proud of Coventry. “We’re always so grateful for the support our alumni show the University. But even if people cannot offer support or give a donation, the fact that they spend time talking to current students, and in some cases offering career advice, is invaluable to our callers. Thank you to everyone who donated, offered a placement or their time, or just had a chat – we loved talking to you!”

For more information, visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni-telethon

Generous alumni donate over £70,000 to student projects

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evol

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Giving BackThe Student Calling Team

I spoke to one graduate who had received help from the Hardship Fund

and so was eager to give back.

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Mem

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evolve

We asked you for your favourite memory of your time at Coventry

My favourite memory was my graduation ceremony in the Cathedral and having a great facility (William

Morris building) to study in. I also enjoyed watching my football team Tottenham Hotspur play against Coventry City at Highfield Road.

Glen HalleyGeography, 2000

James YoungApplied Physics,1978Priory Hall, J Block, watching all the last buses leave Pool Meadow at 11pm!

Definitely the best 3 years of my life! Grown into a man at the amazing Cov Uni. Thoroughly enjoyed my work/play

lifestyle. Massive big up to wolfpack and the legal geeks. Jazak Allah

Al-Fayed ‘Alfie’ AminLaw, 2011

Sports and Societies - mostly Caving Society. Fun times. The society shut down in 2000, but Caving still takes place periodically within the the Students’ Union Mountaineering Club.

Paul CallisterSciences - Geography, 1992

Nataliya VolkovaOperational Communications, 2004My favourite tutor was Joseph C. Attard (modules ‘Network Architecture’, ‘Wireless Access to Information Society’), a brilliant, bright, competent and enthusiastic lecturer. He has provided us with very valuable skills in the telecom field which I widely use in my current professional activity. Joe used to apply his own innovative teaching methodology to make the education process more involving, exciting and efficient for students. I’m extremely grateful to him and to our other tutors.

Anca VoineaInternational Relations and Politics, 2011I can’t say I have one favourite memory of Coventry. Studying at Coventry University was a wonderful experience, in itself memorable. The lectures were intellectually stimulating and there was always something happening on campus. Of great importance to me was also the fact that I was able to work part-time for the University, which made it easier for me to find a job after graduating.

Thomas ForgesEngineering and Management, 2012My favourite memory of Coventry was graduation time in the cathedral. Entering and walking into the cathedral was a beautiful and proud moment.

Christopher SmithProfessional Development, 2012Very well structured course which allowed me to achieve a well regarded accreditation whilst in full time employment.

Paul HarringtonRehabilitation Engineering, 2012Climbing the cathedral tower.

Ioana MaximTheatre and Professional Practice, 2013

Devising theatre pieces in the Dome, inside the Ellen Terry Building.

Daudi MugabiInformation Technology, 2013

My absolute favourite memory was the GLP trip across Europe to amazing countries like Belgium and

Germany. I also enjoyed the GLP Business talks and seminars offered.

Verity Jane RuleAdult Nursing, 2012

The Cathedral as it’s so imposing and makes going to the university special.

As Director of Low Carbon Vehicle Programmes at our Faculty Research Centre for Transport, Bernard Porter has been at the forefront of getting the University and private sectors to work together to develop low-emission transport solutions. Now, he splits his time between the University and Microcab, a spin-out company from the University that develops low carbon vehicles.

9-5 hours, so the building is open until about 11pm at night – and there are even areas they can get access to out of hours if they need some of the specialist computer equipment.

The building works really well but it is still evolving – which it should always be. The volume of students has been the biggest difficulty. Almost as soon as we moved into the building, it became too small.

You’re now working part-time with the University and part-time with Microcab. What are the plans for that? Microcab is a company that was created on the

back of work that the University was doing on low carbon transport and it’s still very much tied in with the University.

I’ve been doing work with them for the last three or four years and it will be an interesting time to see if we can move it on. Microcab survives by having to be innovative and at the leading edge and there is a challenge in staying in that position. It’s different to a university research challenge – it has to have some kind of commercial appeal and that’s quite tough against a lot of strong competition.

What are you most proud of about your time at the University?I started Formula Student here and it has been going for 15 years. It’s an engineering competition

where students have to design, build, test and race their own cars and it has been really successful. Our association with motor sports has been really strong. One of the courses that I started – and was really hands-on with at the start – was Motor Sports Engineering.

It attracted a large number of students and quite a few went to work in motor sports, including Formula One. But I am constantly meeting people who were students over 20 years ago and have made good progress in their careers. I always feel a bit cautious about asking them if they found the course useful! But it’s a rewarding part of the job to feel that you have helped with someone’s career.

What drew you to engineering?Aside from the family connection – my granddad and dad were both engineers, although my father tried to talk me out of it – it’s the idea of designing

things and making things. Engineering is about practical work. No matter how much computers play a part – and they’re a huge part in industry now – eventually, they’re making something.

It’s not the case that all the technical work is done on a computer by a person who never gets his hands dirty. I recently went to see The Imitation Game – I’m an admirer of Alan Turing. But one of the slightly unrealistic things about the film is the belief that a machine as complicated as that would work first time. It would have taken a long time to get it working reliably. And that’s still fascinating to me – engineering really is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.

You played a major role in the development of the Engineering and Computing Building – how are you settling in to your new home?

I don’t think we’ve made the most of this building yet but some things – like the classrooms – have settled down really well.

Lecturers use plasma screens for their displays and we’ve got clever software that can control everything in a room. We can switch from one student’s computer to a plasma screen to show their work to the class and we can make it a master computer so that it displays on all the others around the room. We worked hard to try and get all the facilities right. We involved staff and students and we set up a few pilot rooms before we had the building so that staff could get used to it and try out the facilities and see how they would have to adapt their lecture materials. A big statement in the design of this building was that there would be a lot of computers, even around the drop-in areas, because we had seen that it was an evolving part of student life. We also know that students don’t keep

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Lecturer in Focusev

olve

GRADUATE VIEWSWe received nearly 2,000 responses to our latest alumni survey, helping us to create the services that you want – here are some of the highlights

Further studyFlicking through the magazine causes some alumni to be interested in returning to study – 16% of respondents said the articles had made them consider coming back to take another course. In a competitive jobs market, extra qualifications and professional development can boost your career and there are discounts available for returning alumni progressing from an undergraduate course to a Masters.

Services and supportMore than half of respondents were not aware of the benefits and discounts on offer to alumni – such as associate membership at the library, Sports Centre and Students’ Union. The alumni office also offers support in finding lost friends and organising events and reunions. And we provide careers and business advice too.

3-IN-4 of respondents said...they would like the option of receiving evolve as a PDF via email. However, less than half suggested that a mobile version of the magazine was desirable. The alumni team are currently looking at the development and distribution of digital versions of current print media. A fifth of respondents keep evolve for longer than a week and 30% contact an old friend after reading the magazine.

78% respondents are...not aware that there is a dedicated FOCUS Facebook page! Facebook is a great resource to keep up to date with all the alumni developments and for interacting with old friends. Find us at www.facebook.com/covunialumni. More than half of respondents were also not connected to our FOCUS Linkedin group.

70% respondents find...that the FOCUS e-newsletter offers interesting content and 19% said that they would contact a friend as a result of reading it. If you do not receive the monthly e-newsletter, email alumni@coventry.ac.uk and we’ll sign you up.

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Nearly 80% of respondents said they were happy with the service they received from FOCUS. We know there’s still room for improvement and your views are helping the alumni team shape future plans. Here is some of the feedback we received with an update on where we’re heading…

“We need more services overseas - such as library access – as I do not live in the UK.” We are in talks with the library about giving graduates access to journals online through the library network and will keep you posted on this development. We also host reunions and events in countries where our graduates are based, which can be great for networking.

“Coventry could improve its services by connecting alumni with industries and more attention on international students.” We have launched FOCUS groups that specialise in different industries and global locations. If you would like us to launch a networking group in your country or one that is dedicated to your area of work, please let us know and we will set it up. See the full list of groups currently available:

www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni-groups

“Stay in touch with us by email and social networks where problem solving ideas can be shared.” We have a presence on Linkedin and Facebook and both sites offer a great way to interact with graduates and discuss ideas. We also have dedicated Linkedin groups for specialist topics and are happy to set up one or more of these with you. You can also sign up to the FOCUS e-newsletter for regular updates.

Find out more about the opportunities at www.coventry.ac.uk/graduation-and-beyond/further-study

Oursurvey said...

A lumni entrepreneurs received a helping hand with a special networking

event to learn more about the Student Enterprise Fund (SEF).

Over 40 alumni, staff from the Business School and Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship and current students gathered at the newly refurbished Business School reception.

Information and advice was on hand for those with an interest in starting up or expanding their own business and there were plenty of opportunities for networking.

Keynote speaker Sir John Egan introduced the Student Enterprise Fund, which has been made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. He also showcased some of the successful businesses that the Fund has been able to support in the critical start-up phase since the project’s inception. Acting Executive Dean Jeff Clowes discussed the latest developments within the Business School, in particular the current endeavour to achieve a European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) EPAS accreditation for two of the biggest courses, the BA Business Management and the MSc International Business.

“Events such as these are important for the Business School as it keeps our alumni engaged with the latest news from their alma mater and the Faculty,” said Jeff. “They also show how we can still support alumni to achieve their full potential years after they have graduated.”

Business

Earlier this year, over 130 Coventry University alumni joined staff and students at the House of Commons for

this year’s ‘Lanch in London’ event, held in the Terrace Pavilion.

The Lanch in London was launched in 2012 as a networking group for our alumni who are in senior positions within their organisations and who are based or have business interests in London.

The group provides our alumni with an opportunity to network with fellow decision-makers from a wide variety of industry sectors, as well as an opportunity to meet and reminisce with new and old friends about their student days in Coventry.

The evening commenced with a welcome address from Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ian Dunn, who provided an overview of the latest developments on campus and shared with our alumni some of the University’s plans for the future. Coventry alumnus Simon Carter (Executive Director of Marketing, Fujitsu UK & Ireland and Geography, 1988) shared fond memories of his time at the Lanch and why he gives back to the University through delivering guest lectures and also through his role as a Non-Executive Director of the London Campus.

The evening was concluded by Sir John Egan, Chancellor of Coventry University, who called on

our alumni to support our current students by delivering a guest lecture through the Global Leaders Programme, and supporting our students’ experience by donating to the Chancellor’s Fund.

Sir John also introduced HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Talal Al-Saud (Oil and Gas Management alumnus, 2013) who formally launched his scholarship programme which provides five students from Arab League nations with a full tuition fee scholarship to study a Postgraduate Degree at our London Campus.

Senior Development Manager Chris Smith commented: “The Lanch in London is just one of the ways in which the University is able to support our alumni and add even further value to their Coventry University experience.

“This particular group provides our most senior alumni with the opportunity to network socially and meet with other industry leaders who studied at ‘The Lanch’.

“It also provides our alumni with the opportunity to learn more about how their University is developing and how they may be able to support the next generation through sharing their experiences or providing graduate level employment opportunities or internships through their organisations.”

Supporting the next generation at the Lanch in London 2015

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Eventsevolve

I’m not sure any of us would have imagined walking into a Coventry University building 20 years ago

and seeing a Harrier Jump Jet, flight simulators and a wind tunnel!

Back in 1994, when Whigfield topped the charts with Saturday Night and John Major was Prime Minister, we weren’t even using the Internet. In fact only 0.5% of the UK population had access to it. iPads and iPhones were unheard of and the National Lottery had only just begun.

One thing that hasn’t changed though, is the new intake of Freshers every September. My friends and me were among that crowd in 1994 – arriving at Coventry University fresh faced and ready to start our degrees in Statistics & Economics and Business Decisions Methods.

Skip forward 20 years, 14 weddings and 20 children later – and 15 of those Freshers met up again for our 20th anniversary last September.

While some of us had seen each other quite recently (we’re at the age where a few of us meet up with our caravans and motorhomes), there were others we hadn’t seen in more than 18 years.

After lunch at the Ramada Hotel in Coventry, we enjoyed a tour of the new Campus to see how much the University has changed over the years. We spent the rest of our time visiting some of the old pubs before heading to Spon Street for dinner and on to JJ’s nightclub for more drinks and dancing. All accompanied, of course, with stories from the old days.

It was great to catch up and we look forward to the next gathering – scarily for the first of the 40th birthday celebrations!

Whigfield and John Major made studying in the 90s unforgettable says Alex Condron (Stats & Economics, 1998) BoostTWENTY YEARS LATER

From left to right in the photo: Paolo LaBarbera, Ed Cope, Colin Deller, Darren Head, Matt Hunt, Steve Mount, Ian Ashman, Malcolm Rodrigues, James Coupel, Jonathan Ramsey, Helen Wooding (was Rowberry), Alex Condron, Carl Walker, Heather Goodwill (was Woods) and Paula Savage (nee Hurst).

If you would like to arrange a reunion, please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office at alumni@coventry.ac.uk

HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Talal Al-Saud

Chris Smith

Statistics and Economics Class of 1998

>yourbenefitsMake the most of your FOCUS membership by attending events, getting discounts and entering exclusive competitions. Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni for more

DiscountsTake advantage of your on-campus FOCUS member benefits! Visit www.coventry.ac.uk/alumni to find out more!

University offers

Reminisce about your student days with a Coventry University goody bag!

The goody bag is filled with a selection of Coventry memorabilia and could be yours to keep if you win our competition!

Competition

EventsTo register or for more information on any of the events, email alumni@coventry.ac.uk

To be in with a chance of winning just unscramble the name of this Coventry born poet and novelist:

HIKRILL NAPPI

Please send your answer for this competition to alumni@coventry.ac.uk or post to Evolve Competition, Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO), Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB by the closing date of 1st December 2015

Terms and conditions No cash alternative will be offered. The editor’s choice is final.

• Careers advice and graduate vacancies

• Discounted Sports Centre membership

• Discounted library membership

Linguae MundiProgramme

The courses are focused on developing understanding and usage of oral language and are taught on campus at Coventry University once a week from 6-8pm.

The Linguae Mundi programme has also brought in Online International Learning (OIL) with its languages. Activities involve interactive discussions on variety of intercultural topics and enable virtual language practice with native language speakers. Our OIL projects are designed to immerse culture into foreign language teaching and provide learners with an opportunity to practice their conversational skills acquired during their language classes.

Each language course costs £75 for 13 weeks. If you would like an additional language to add to your CV or simply would like to experience the thrill of learning a brand new language, then Linguae Mundi is the perfect programme for you.

The Linguae Mundi programme noted a significant growth in the number of students and staff registered for the language courses since its inception in 2010. Since then,

the programme has rapidly expanded. This autumn, Linguae Mundi has eight exciting languages on offer: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Conversational English. Furthermore, Linguae Mundi also provides a valuable opportunity to gain an internationally recognised qualification in French, Mandarin, Italian, Spanish and German. Participants will be given the chance to have their language skills accredited by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) which enables them to gain a Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education (FCSE). In addition to that, learners who attend at least 70% of classes or more are provided with a Certificate of Achievement from Linguae Mundi.

The lessons are tailor made and designed to provide linguistic preparation for staff, graduates and students undertaking placements abroad.

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Should you have any questions or queries relating to our programme, please contact us on 02476 15 2056/2125 or alternatively, email us at linguae.mundi@coventry.ac.uk.

From Spring 2016, Linguae Mundi will have 18 languages on offer for alumni, staff and students, led by native speakers trained in language provision.

17 OctoberUndergraduate Open Day

Place: Coventry Universitywww.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-cov-entry/open-days/undergraduate/

7 NovemberPostgraduate Open Day

Place: Coventry Universitywww.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-cov-entry/open-days/postgradu-ate-open-days/

16-20 NovemberGraduation Week

Place: Coventry University

October

November