Category: Events

‘I’ve been working all my life, secretly, without knowing it, to be in this chair today’ – Professor Evelyn Welch shares her insights

Posted on by Grace

Professor Evelyn Welch MBE started in her role as Vice-Chancellor and President in September 2022. For this year’s Alumni Briefing, she joined Jonathan Phillips (BSc 1994), Chair of the Alumni Association, to share news and updates from her first few months in post, and to answer questions from Bristol’s alumni community.

Here, we explore some key takeaways from Evelyn, hear about the University’s greatest opportunities and challenges for the years ahead and uncover Bristol’s superpower. (more…)

Celebrating the success of Bristol Mentors

Posted on by sophie.davison

An enormous thank you to alumni and students who have participated in the Bristol Mentors programme this year. We were delighted to have many of you get together for our Bristol Mentors Thank You event last month, to celebrate the contributions of our alumni volunteers and the students who have been paired in the last academic year.

Bristol Mentors is an alumni volunteering programme where students from underrepresented groups are matched with a Bristol graduate who acts as their mentor. Mentors work with mentees to help them with their career development and provide support which can enhance their university experience. (more…)

Alumni Interview: Paul King (BSc 2008, MSc 2009), Environmental and Social Impact Consultant

Posted on by Grace

Paul King works with start-ups as a chief financial officer, consultant and co-founder, with a focus on environmental and social impact. He is passionate about harnessing the power of technology for the greater good and using responsible and sustainable business practices.

After studying for an undergraduate in Biochemistry, he stayed at the University of Bristol to do an MSc in Management and went on to lead two major technology start-ups, Pentatonic and Masuku. Ahead of joining us for a panel discussion on responsible business, he shares his favourite things about entrepreneurial life and the best advice he’s been given.

(more…)

In-person graduation ceremonies (and mortar boards!) return to the University

Posted on by Ellie

From Friday 8 to Thursday 14 of April, the Wills Memorial Building will be a sea of gowns and mortar boards as the first in-person graduations in over two years take place. Around 4,500 students will have their graduations conferred after ceremonies were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year students will be wearing mortar boards, which have not been part of University of Bristol graduation dress since the 1960s.

Speaking about the occasion, Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor & President, said: “Graduation is the focal point of the University of Bristol calendar and a chance for students and staff to celebrate their considerable achievements. Many of those graduating left us during the pandemic, and I am truly thankful that we have this chance to see them again in person, and to congratulate them on their nous, tenacity and aptitude.

“Gaining a degree is challenging. It involves sacrifice and fortitude; intelligence and insight; and every one of the 4,500 new graduates deserve their hard-earned reward.”

The ceremonies will also see five distinguished guests (three of whom are alumni of the University) receive honorary awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements:

(more…)

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…)

Alumni and students share their marathon experience

Posted on by Asli
Claire Evans (BA 1991) running the London Marathon 2021.

On 3 October, a fantastic group of Bristol alumni and students ran the 2021 London Marathon, raising over £10,000 for the University’s Healthy Minds Programme. They each ran an incredible 26.2 miles, raising awareness of the importance of physical activity on mental health and the vital nature of the programme itself.

The Healthy Minds programme helps students who are experiencing mental health difficulties by providing them with a bespoke physical activity plan and access to sports facilities. Students are paired up with a mentor – a member of the University fitness team with advanced mental health training – who coaches them throughout their time on the programme. (more…)

The five greatest impacts of COVID-19 on the creative industries

Posted on by steph.organ

The creative industries account for almost one in eight UK businesses and contributed £115.9 billion gross added value to the UK economy pre-pandemic. So what will happen to this booming industry in the aftermath of COVID-19?

We spoke to three Bristol alumni working in creative industries to get their thoughts on what the future of this sector might look like beyond the reach of COVID-19. Here’s what they had to say. (more…)