2019 Kevin Elyot Award winner announced

Posted on by Clare

We are delighted to announce Erdem Avşar as the 2019 recipient of the Kevin Elyot Award for writer-in-residence at Bristol’s Theatre Collection.


Erdem Avşar is an international playwright, translator and lecturer who holds a master’s degree in Human Rights. His work as a playwright is political and often poetic in its language. He is fascinated with form and style and with the idea of queering dramatic realms and structures.

Erdem was selected to Royal Court Theatre’s International New Writing Scheme where he completed his play Dark Pink under the supervision of Zinnie Harris, Mark Ravenhill and Richard Twyman. His other political plays include his short play #occupylove (showcased at the Traverse Theatre as part of the TravNewTalents event Words, Words, Words), #politicsoftea (accepted to National Theatre of Scotland’s “Yes, No, Don’t Know” festival, co-curated by David Greig and David MacLennan) and The Contestant (opened at the Quartieri dell’Arte festival in Italy last year).

Erdem won the EU Collective Plays! International Playwriting Competition co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme. After a series of writing residencies in Italy, he wrote a polyvocal play, the Boy with Scar, in collaboration with three other playwrights. The play premiered at the 22nd Quartieri dell’Arte festival and it had a multinational cast and creatives from Italy, England, Northern Ireland, Turkey and Benin.

His translations of three Zinnie Harris plays premiered at DOT Theatre, Istanbul. His translation of Midwinter was listed in the 2017 Honours List of Eurodram – Network for Drama in Translation. He has recently won the University of Glasgow’s Lord Kelvin/Adam Smith PhD Scholarship for a research on queer theatre as political intervention. He is also a UNESCO RILA Affiliate Artist, a network of artists that work within the realm of refugee integration through languages and the arts. Erdem grew up in Istanbul and is based in Glasgow and Istanbul.

On receiving the good news from Jo Elsworth (Director: Theatre Collection, Faculty of Arts and Director of Cultural Collections – Secondment, Library Services) Erdem had this to say:

Thank you very much, once again, for this amazing news and I am grateful to everyone who considered my application worthy of this brilliant award. Sometimes a wonderful news gains even more significance. I am currently in Istanbul and it was heartbreaking to witness another Pride march being violently attacked last week. Since then I have been struggling to think of new ways of creating something that mattered, a work that could have an impact. And I must admit that things looked quite bleak. Then I received your phone call – a huge encouragement, excitement, and hope, that came at such a perfect time. I am absolutely delighted. I cannot wait to join you in Bristol and start discovering (and devouring!) Elyot’s materials in the archive.

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The Kevin Elyot Award is an annual award of £3,000 given to support a writer-in-residence at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. It is made in memory of Kevin Elyot (1951-2014) – an alumnus of the University Drama Department – and the influence he has had on writing and the Arts. It is hoped that the award will enable a writer to be inspired by his work and help them develop their own practice. The Kevin Elyot Archive is held at the Theatre Collection, and comprises scripts, correspondence, manuscript and publicity material detailing Elyot’s working process from initial idea to finished product. The Theatre Collection is one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre history and Live Art and is an accredited museum and international research facility open to all.

The award has been generously funded by a gift given to the University by members of Kevin’s family. The award will support a promising writer, practitioner or scholar to begin the process of creating a new written work. The award holder will use the Kevin Elyot Archive as well as other holdings within the Theatre Collection to inspire a new dramatic work or other creative or academic outcome.

Hong Kong Branch and Bristol Young Lawyers meet-up

Posted on by Joanna Sochacka

Wednesday 10 July 2019

Volunteers of the Hong Kong Branch, Bristol Young Lawyers and the Alumni Association Committee came together and offered a very warm welcome to the Bristol Volunteers team over dinner, despite the seven hour time difference and over 6,000 miles distance.

There was lots to catch up about, news to share and finally putting faces to names!

With special thanks to Steve Cheng (LLB 2009), who co-ordinated the dinner held in a lovely private dining space in Central Hong Kong, a lively discussion ranged between UK, Hong Kong and global politics, Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Campus and exciting plans for expanding the volunteer-led programmes in the city.

After dinner, Joanna Sochacka (Engagement Manager, Development and Alumni Relations) updated the group with plans for a new space – Connect Hong Kong – within the University’s new alumni engagement platform, Bristol Connects. Raymond Hau-yin Yuen (MSc Public Policy 2008) shared the great news that they have awarded the Hong Kong Branch Scholarship – we look forward to welcoming the new scholar to Bristol in September.

Steve Cheng shared plans for the Bristol Young Lawyers, including linking up with the Branch more closely and working with alumni from other UK universities, and Adrian Gostick (BSc Geology 1989), member of the new Alumni Association Committee, spoke of how he has been inspired to engage closely with the University after hearing about its pioneering research in congenital heart disease and award-winning enterprise programme. 

The Bristol Volunteers team are working with alumni across SE Asia in July to connect them with current students and recent graduates looking for insight and career tips that can help them take the next step in their career. 

A very big thank you goes to all Bristol Volunteers who give up their time to support the University by helping students and keeping the alumni network connected. 

Find out more about our volunteer-led groups and networks and about Bristol Connects.

US Foundation: a message from the Chair

Posted on by tabitha.haydon

Lesley Silvester, University of Bristol Foundation Chair based in the US, highlights the significant role the US Alumni play in funding key initiatives and programmes including the Sanctuary Scholarships.  

Each month we see more concrete examples of initiatives and programmes that realise the ambitious strategies committed to within the last five years. The alumni in the US are playing an increasingly significant role in the philanthropic funding of such initiatives channelled through the US Foundation.

For example, at our Foundation meeting in March, it was reported that the US is contributing one-third of the total philanthropic giving towards the Sanctuary Scholarships. These are scholarships provided to refugee and asylum-seeking students in the UK. Another example is the $75,000 we have contributed to the Bristol Futures Scholarships. You may recall the moving video that was recently distributed featuring a student who is a very grateful recipient of such a scholarship and which has given her the means to fully participate in all the University has to offer. These scholarships, as you know, are a key component in facilitating wider participation in the University.

Further, there is evidence that US alumni have a greater propensity to give than those in the UK – perhaps this comes from exposure to the culture in the US of supporting one’s alma mater, perhaps it is a matter of greater valuing at a distance what Bristol provided? We hope it is evidence of the US alumni community continuing to gather strength.

For those of you that have contributed, the US Foundation Board thanks you! For those alumni still considering such gifts, we hope you will be motivated by the inspiring developments afoot at Bristol.

Made in Bristol – Dr. Una Ryan ‘Bristol set me on a path for a lifelong career’

Posted on by tabitha.haydon
As part of the ‘Made in Bristol’ interview series, alumna and  U.S. Foundation Director Dr. Una Ryan reflects on her Bristol experience

Why did you choose Bristol?
At Bristol, I studied for a BSc in Zoology, with Chemistry and Microbiology as subsidiary subjects. I chose Bristol because it offered me an Open Exhibition based on merit, not need (in fact I was means-tested out of the financial benefits, so my gratitude to Bristol is not based on funding). I very much enjoyed my scholarship interview, I couldn’t answer any of the questions and was therefore asked to extemporize on how I would approach the problems presented. This became the basis for one of the interviewers later recommending me for a fellowship at Cambridge for my PhD.

How did the University experience influence you?

Bristol set me on a path for my life-long career. I now live in San Francisco and have spent a rewarding life in academia, the biotech industry, investing and as an artist. Always science was the muse, I have made discoveries, made medicines, made money and made art…. all based on the science I began at Bristol and developed further at Cambridge. So from saving many lives to decorating a few walls, Bristol was with me.

As a Foundation Director, you’ve chosen to stay closely connected to the University. Why?
I have remained in touch with Bristol out of gratitude and a wish to see others get the same start. My grandson will be a fresher this September

and I will be able to go back and visit him.

Any best memories?

I am not telling about my best memories!

Fair enough. And the future? For Bristol, that is.

I am delighted with the emphasis that Bristol has placed on being a civic university. I think the Temple Meads campus is thrilling and a wonderful meld of the future bond between academia and industry as well as a clear appreciation of Bristol’s roots.

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Dr. Una Ryan’s biography describes her as an executive, entrepreneur, board director, investor and artist. Yet somehow that doesn’t do her justice. The honors, for example. Since Una graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Science degree, she went on to Cambridge for her Ph.D. and has been cited for her research by the Howard Hughes organization, the American Heart Association and the United States National Institutes of Health. Over the past 12 years she received the Albert Einstein Award, the Cartier Award and the Economic Forum Tech Pioneer award, all for her work in biotechnology. They were preceded by her receiving the Order of the British Empire in 2002 from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Bristol caught up in 2009 with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Ryan — who resides in San Francisco, the only U.S. Foundation Director now based on America’s West Coast — has led a variety of public, private and non-profit companies. She’s currently on the boards of Cortexyme, RenovoRx and Elemental Machines, and a partner or director in the investment firms Breakout Ventures, Golden Seeds and Astia Angel. Somehow, she has also found the time to create art from her work in bioscience; you can find it online at www.uluxart.com.

 

Alumni recognition finds the spotlight

Posted on by tabitha.haydon

Ely J Kahn reports on how the University of Bristol is connecting with alumni communities outside of the UK

University of Bristol Alumni Awards 2019

For the past several years, the University of Bristol has placed increased emphasis on its alumni communities outside the United Kingdom. The United States, where the University’s American Foundation holds sway, has received — along with the alumni communities in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore — increased attention over recent years. This mirrors a heightened overarching recognition by the University on the importance of alumni and their support, both financial and, if you will, emotional.

It was the latter that was most striking this Spring, when Bristolions young and old gathered on March 12 at City of London Lord Mayor Peter Estlin’s (a 1982 graduate who studied economics and accounting at the University) magnificent Mansion House for a first-ever Alumni Awards Night, honoring 10 eminent alumni from finance, sport, science, politics, literature and a variety of other fields, including naturalist/author/broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Sir David, recipient of a lifetime achievement award, credited the University for being both a fount of zoological expertise and a talent pipeline for the BBC’s Natural History Unit, where his authoritative documentaries are produced.

“Young people are much more aware of how important the natural world is than they were 60 years ago when I began my career,” Sir David told the sold-out gathering, which included a table hosted by American Foundation Chair Lesley Silvester. “The natural world is under greater pressure than it has ever been, not just in my lifetime but since humans existed…The history of humanity is a disaster – of arguing, of quarrelling, of wars. That’s got to come to an end. My message to young people is ‘get engaged, come together and do something about it’.”

The inaugural Alumni Awards Night, reported the University’s website, led Vice-Chancellor Hugh Brady to say, “All the pioneers, innovators and leaders we’ve celebrated through these awards are inspiring role models for our students and we’re thrilled to honour them.”

The heightened outreach effort was mirrored by activities on both coasts of the US, with visits to San Francisco, New York and Boston by Vice Chancellor Hugh Brady and Pro-Vice Chancellor Global Engagement Dr. Erik Lithander. Equally significant was the University’s participation in a joint delegation led by the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and the Mayor of the West of England Tim Bowles, as well as delegates from the wider City Council, Department of International Trade, Business West, and local leading companies. The delegation held meetings in both Boston and Chicago, with alumni joining receptions at the Consulate Generals’ residences in historic Beacon Hill and in a high-rise above Lake Michigan.

“Across all the delegations at events and in person we’ve met with over 100 Bristol alumni in the USA,” reflected Andrew Monk, the University’s Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations, looking back at the year. “We’ve made some incredibly exciting and strong connections to further Bristol’s collaborations across strategic partners.”

Setting the stage, at the same time, for future success, recognition…even awards.

Bristol Law School Women’s Network annual reception

Posted on by Joanna Sochacka

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The annual Bristol Law School Women’s Network (BLSWN) event took place at Brewers’ Hall in the City of London on 19 June 2019.

The audience of current Bristol Law School students, academic staff and alumni was treated to an evening with The Rt Hon The Baroness Hale of Richmond, the University of Bristol’s former Chancellor. Lady Hale spoke of her journey from academia to her current position as President of the Supreme Court, sharing her triumphs and challenges along the way. The evening continued with a lively Q & A session followed by a drinks and networking reception. The event was sponsored by Bristol Law School with all proceeds going to the Law School Hardship Fund.

Naomi Buffery, General Counsel for Europe at Greenhill & Co., LLB 2000
Georgina Jones, Partner at Sackers, LLB 1998
Law School Advisory Board members

Join the University of Bristol Law Alumni group on LinkedIn and email blwn17@gmail.com to contact the network’s volunteers and find out how to get involved.

 

London Branch Annual Walk: Secrets of the Famous Square Mile Part III, 30 April 2019

Posted on by Natalie Hill

London Branch Annual Walk: Secrets of the Famous Square Mile Part III
Alan Ingham (MEng 1999)

On 30th April 2019 a group of 30 London Branch of University of Bristol Alumni gathered for the third installment of our Secret London series of London Walks, guided by a Blue Badge Guide.

Chris Green, a fellow Bristol Graduate, led our group on an informative walk around the City of London. Starting at Trinity Square Gardens (near Tower Hill) and ending in the Williamson Nicholson’s pub on picturesque Bow Lane, we heard about trade, architecture and characters spanning from Roman times to the modern day.

It is too easy to take one’s city and surroundings for granted as we go about our daily business, paying little attention to the history around us. Our walks aim to highlight the details we so often miss, thus keeping this hidden knowledge alive.

Although we walked streets which were familiar to many of us, it is always inspiring to hear of those feet who walked before us and look up to see the marks they left on the city we love.

The event concluded with a chance to socialise over food and drinks and appeared to be enjoyed by all.

Student Mental Health & Wellbeing: Bristol continues to make this a priority

Posted on by Clare

Everyone at the University of Bristol is committed to doing all that we can to keep our students safe.

I am aware that many of you in our global community of alumni and friends may have seen the recent media coverage surrounding the tragic death of one of our students, Natasha Abrahart. I realise that this may result in you wondering what Bristol is doing to ensure that our students are supported in all areas of life at university, so that they too may enjoy the Bristol experience that you once had. Please rest assured that we continue to develop and strengthen the support available to all of our students. We have reviewed everything we do in this critical area and introduced a whole-institution approach to mental health and wellbeing with substantially strengthened support for our students in their accommodation, in academic schools and through central support services.

This has enabled us to provide more proactive support for student wellbeing, both for our students during their transition into university and to help create a sense of community and wellbeing during their time with us. Our enhanced teams are also able to provide direct support for students whenever they need it, 24/7, throughout the year.

We have also implemented a new Strategy for Student Mental Health & Wellbeing and you can read more about what support and advice is available to students in our online resource hub.

I hope that this information will be helpful in understanding what we are doing and how we are taking the wellbeing of everyone at Bristol very seriously.

The University’s response to media questions about the death of a student will always be guided by our commitment to respect the dignity of our student and our desire to protect the privacy and wishes of the student’s family and friends, and our university colleagues. We also ensure that any communications we issue prior to and during an inquest comply with the legal processes surrounding it.

With this in mind, I wanted to share with you the sentiments of our Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Judith Squires, and to reassure you that your University continues to make student – and indeed staff – wellbeing a key priority. Judith’s message can be read in full on our main University website.

Stephen O’Connor, Director, Development and Alumni Relations

 

Bristol – a place of sanctuary

Posted on by Clare

A sanctuary is a refuge, a place where those within are protected and encouraged to grow. And that is exactly what the Sanctuary Scholarships at the University of Bristol do for the students who receive them: they offer refugee and asylum-seeking students the opportunity to grow in a safe place.

It’s fitting that the University offers these scholarships, after all Bristol is a City of Sanctuary, which makes it part of a growing network of other like-minded cities that are proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

For many displaced people the opportunity to study at university is just a dream. But because of this programme – supported by £45,000 of donations from our generous alumni and friends – some of those dreams are becoming a reality.

Since the programme’s inception 32 Sanctuary Scholarships have been awarded. These bright students are studying a range of subjects, including International Development, European and Global Governance, as well as working on the International Foundation Year programme – which provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to progress to undergraduate study.

We spoke to three of the Scholars and asked them a few questions about their time at Bristol. Their answers are moving, and we hope they’ll shed some more light on how important this scholarships programme is.

As you can understand, these students have requested to remain anonymous.

What are you studying and why did you choose that subject?
I am doing an MSc in International Development. The reason behind my choice was the atrocious civil war that has been going on for about eight years in my home country, Syria. When the war comes to an end, there will be a great need for professional staff to rebuild the country and do development projects. Apart from Syria, the large number of poor around the world triggered my interest in the development sector, I want to learn and investigate the best ways to extricate the deprived from severe poverty.

Does Bristol feel like home?
In general, next to my home town and country, I have come to the conclusion that Bristol is my home. Firstly, the city is interesting. There are so many interesting places for instance, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Cathedral, and St Mary Redcliffe Church. I find the people supportive and friendly and I have got friends that I consider to be family. Therefore, if home is where your family live, I can say I feel at home here. Bristol is a great city, with a great university – the people are friendly, supportive and above all a socially inclusive people.

How would you describe the university to someone who has never been here?
I would say that the University of Bristol is the best university in the world. They helped me to fulfil my dream and understand the bigger picture for our world in academic and professional manners. People who are working at the University of Bristol are kind, caring, supportive and professional.

How did it make you feel when you found out you got a Sanctuary Scholarship?
I could not believe when I received the email that I was chosen among numerous other worthy applicants. I started crying as I could not believe it — especially since my financial situation means that I will only be able to complete my studies with financial support from the University because I was an asylum seeker.

The asylum process has been a largely unpleasant experience. As I do not have the right to work, I am forced to survive on £36.95 per week from the government. Before receiving the Sanctuary Scholarship, this had to cover the cost of food, drink, clothes, transportation and other living costs, and it was never enough. I often had to walk around five miles a day so I could go to the city centre to purchase groceries, and at times I would go without a meal or two so I can pay for the bus home. Every week, I had to do without so I can pay for other important things.

So, receiving this scholarship has saved my life and gave me the sense that I am a person of value, presence and purpose. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to the hidden musketeers who support me and made my dream come true, including: donors, management, admin and professors. I could not reach this far without your support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

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Thank you to everyone who has donated so far to our Sanctuary Scholarships programme. You really are making a difference to people. If you would like to give a gift today please visit our online donation page.

A short film about the Scholars called I’m Here has been created by two University of Bristol students, Jessica Powell (University of Bristol TV), Amy Leigh-Hatton (President of the Student Action for Refugees society) and also Sally Patterson (Bristol SU Equality, Liberation and Access Officer). The film focuses on the stories of three Sanctuary Scholars, with an emphasis on who they are as individuals, rather than their pasts. They each walk to their favourite place in Bristol, these journeys mirroring the inspiring journeys they have made so far. You can view this film now on YouTube.

It’s national Volunteers’ Week – thank you to our Bristol Volunteers

Posted on by clare.young

A message from Professor Hugh Brady, Vice-Chancellor

Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of the fantastic contribution volunteers make across the UK. This week we have been celebrating our Bristol Volunteers, who have given their time and expertise this last academic year, as mentors, advisors, speakers, organisers, and much more. Watch the video to hear your personal thanks from Professor Hugh Brady, President and Vice-Chancellor.

Bristol Volunteers support Bristol and uphold its values all over the world, by enhancing students’ experience and employability, helping students make decisions about study and careers and leading our networks. We are very grateful for the outstanding contribution of all our volunteers: your advice, experience and support have an enormous impact on our students, the alumni community and the University. 

Below, read about three individual volunteer experiences. If you are keen on becoming part of the Bristol Volunteer community, find out more about opportunities to get involved on our dedicated volunteering opportunities page.

Why I am a Bristol Volunteer?

“I volunteer as a mentor for undergraduates interested in working in the voluntary sector. I have worked with several intelligent, enthusiastic and passionate young people to date, some of whom have gone on to become interns that have delivered some outstanding pieces of work for the British Red Cross. A small amount of your time can provide some valuable insights for those just getting started – a really rewarding opportunity.”
Helen Sipthorp (BSc 2008)

 

“I thought volunteering was about giving back, spending time and listening and helping… But it’s so much more. I think I learn more than the students. I think I’m back in my learning zone. I’m being tested, questioned, put under pressure. The students I meet conduct a panel interview on me. They come to my office. They ask penetrating questions. They don’t accept waffle and excuses. They’re good. They’re strong. This is not for the faint- hearted. The future is bright. And it’s coming from Bristol.”
Paul Moran (MSc 2012) 

 

“I have been organising or coordinating an annual reunion of alumni living in Eastern Canada for about 15 years. I enjoy doing this because it has brought me a wonderful group of friends, who have become close because of our shared beginnings. Having those formative years of our lives in common at Bristol gives us endless conversation topics, and several of the group have been back to Bristol and share their visits with us. We are all very grateful for the start in life that Bristol gave us.”
Heather Proctor (BSc 1964)

 

Are you volunteering for Bristol? There is still time to enter our Thank You Draw. Tell us in 50 – 70 words, “Why I am a Bristol Volunteer”, attach a photo of your time here, and we will enter you for your chance to win an exclusive Bristol Bundle. Submit your entries to alumni-volunteers@bristol.ac.uk