Category: Alumni

Alumni interview: Gordon Richardson (BSc 1974), Co-Chair and Treasurer of Bristol Disability Equality Forum

Posted on by Grace

Gordon Richardson (BSc 1974) was three years old when he contracted polio while living in Hong Kong. He was initially completely paralysed, save for some movement in his right eye, but over time he regained some muscle use in his upper body. While a young undergraduate student at the University of Bristol, he was told it was unlikely he would live beyond the age of 50.

Now in his 60s, Gordon is Co-Chair and Treasurer of the Bristol Disability Equality Forum and National Chairman and Chair of the Bristol Branch of the British Polio Fellowship. He has worked tirelessly to advocate for people with disabilities and this April is being awarded an Honorary Degree from Bristol in recognition of his achievements. We talk to him about his remarkable career, fond memories of being a student and his advice for students graduating this year.

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“It felt like the world was on my side”: David Afikuyomi on his scholarship journey

Posted on by Ellie

 

David Afikuyomi’s (BSc 2015) dream of completing a Master’s in Research (MRes) in Economics was almost ended because of financial concerns. But after securing an Opportunity Bristol studentship through the University’s Black Bristol Scholarship programme, David was able to start his course last year.

Here he explains the impact the scholarship has made on his life and his plans for the future.

When I got the email telling me that my application for a Black Bristol Scholarship had been successful, I was so shocked that I threw my phone across the room! I picked it up, read the email again, ran a couple of laps of my flat and then burst out crying. I just couldn’t believe it.

In the weeks leading up to that moment, I had decided that I’d have to defer my place because I couldn’t see how I would fund the year without a stream of income. The Economics MRes course is very rigorous and it would have been hard to earn enough in a part-time job to support myself while studying. When I found out I had a scholarship a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders; it felt like the world was on my side.

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A new Innovation Fund supports outstanding entrepreneurial students

Posted on by Grace

The University of Bristol is celebrating a remarkable gift from the Wilkinson Charitable Trust which has established an innovation fund for entrepreneurial students. The Jim and Peggy Wilkinson Innovation Fund will award seed funding to support new student-led projects and will be managed through the University’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CfIE). (more…)

Liam White (BEng 2015): From investment banking to start-up success

Posted on by Ellie

After graduation, Liam White spent two years working in the world of investment banking before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. Alongside co-founders Dr Will Breakey and Josh Rose, Liam launched Dr. Will’s, the UK’s first all-natural condiment brand. Now, the trio are leading a low-sugar revolution, with their products stocked in retail giants such as Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado and Selfridges. We spoke to Liam to find out more.

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Spring Showcase 2022: Dig into a weekend of fascinating events

Posted on by Sarah

A skeleton of a T-Rex dinosaur

Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the Bristol Alumni Network presents the Spring Showcase 2022, which will take place from 18 to 19 March 2022. During the weekend you’ll be able to take part in a series of digital events which all celebrate digging and dinosaurs. 

You’ll hear from the School of Earth Science’s Professor Mike Benton (OBE, FRS FRSE), who will introduce the science behind dinosaur biology. He’ll be joined by Tim Haines, the BAFTA-award-winning maker of the 1999 BBC series Walking with Dinosaurs, who will be speaking about how filmmakers have brought dinosaurs to life on our screens over the years.    (more…)

Alexandra Hearth (BA 2014): Succeeding in the digital world

Posted on by Asli

Bristol alumna, Alexandra Hearth (BA 2014) is a young powerhouse bursting with ambition, discipline and creativity. She is an extremely successful digital marketing specialist, having worked with top brands including Uber, British Airways and Audi. Alongside her current role at Nike, she manages her own online magazine called Cleaopatras which explores navigating success as a woman, and runs a podcast series called Hot Girls featuring MOBO award winning guests and music industry elite. To top it all off, this year, Alexandra has signed her first record deal as a music producer.

We interviewed her to learn more about her career journey, the secrets to her success and communicating in the digital world. (more…)

Bristol alumni recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list

Posted on by Asli

The beginning of the year 2022 was marked by eighteen of our distinguished alumni being recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for their extraordinary contributions to society. Among them are inspiring medical doctors, dedicated educators, and visionary scientists. We are extremely proud to showcase their achievements and their recognition. Read below to see if you recognise any from your time at Bristol. (more…)

Fred Moss (BA 2013): transforming company cultures through peer learning

Posted on by Ellie

Most office workers will be familiar with the annual cycle of employee training. You log on to a website, read some module material, complete a quiz and you’re done. It’s a tried-and-tested (if somewhat uninspiring) format that peer-learning company Hive Learning are aiming to disrupt.

Founded in 2013 by rugby world cup winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, and digital venture builder, Blenheim Chalcot, Hive Learning’s technology is based on a combination of network science and nudge theory – borrowing some of the principles that draw users into social media. Users of the platform can come together with their colleagues to learn about a wide range of topics, which cover everything from improving resilience in the workplace to becoming a more inclusive company.

Bristol alumnus Fred Moss (BA 2013) has worked at Hive Learning for seven years, during which time he moved to New York to set up the company’s US business. We caught up with him to learn more about life in the US and how Hive Learning is reimagining corporate learning.

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Maria Gallo, author of The Alumni Way, on getting more from your relationship with Bristol

Posted on by Ellie

In 2021, Maria Gallo published The Alumni Way: Building Lifelong Value from Your University Investment with Policy Press, an imprint of Bristol University Press. Here, she shares key insights on how Bristol alumni can continue to benefit from their connection to the University post-graduation.

When you think of the word ‘alumni’ what comes to mind? In casual conversations, and in my research into university-alumni relationships over the last decade, two of the most common responses to this question are: ‘the university only contacts me when they want to ask for money’ and ‘I haven’t really given my university or my alumni status much thought since graduation.’

In my book, I make the case for thinking bigger and bolder about your alumni relationship, from the moment of graduation through the rest of your life.

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