May 2018

Welcome to the May edition of Voic:E, the University of Aberdeen's alumni ezine. We love to hear from all our alumni to find out what you are doing now so if you have any news or stories you think would interest the rest of the Aberdeen family, please let us know.

   Alumni News

University of Aberdeen alumnus to return as Principal

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor George Boyne as its new Principal and Vice-Chancellor from 1st August 2018.

Professor Boyne is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff University with an eminent track record as a University leader. At Cardiff University he is Head of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and is also responsible for all student recruitment across the institution. He was previously Dean of Cardiff University’s Business School, and is a world-leading expert on the performance of public sector organisations.

Originally from Aberdeen, Professor Boyne is a double graduate of the University of Aberdeen and has spent the majority of his academic career in Wales. Professor Boyne and his wife Jennifer have two grown up sons, Alec and Murray, who are looking forward to visiting their parents and spending time in the North East.

Aberdeen graduates impress at Commonwealth Games

We are happy to report a number of successes for the University of Aberdeen family at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia last month. Physics graduate and decorated Paralympic cyclist Neil Fachie kicked off Team Scotland's medal haul with a Games record in the men’s blind and visually impaired 1,000m time trial, and a second medal a few days later meant he has now equalled the Scottish Commonwealth Games record of four golds! Neil Stirton, a 2002 Computing Science graduate and experienced international shooter, was runner-up in the 50m rifle prone, adding a silver to his three medals from previous Games. Geology graduate Dr Karen Darke just missed out on a podium finish, coming fourth in a very strong field in the first ever paratriathlon race at a Commonwealth Games, and despite missing out on a medal, Chemical Engineering graduate Zoey Clark (pictured) helped Scotland's 4x400 women's relay team to a new national record! Congratulations to all our alumni who took part; we are incredibly proud of your amazing achievements!

Alumni debut novelists publish works of medical-based fiction

Two University of Aberdeen graduates have, independently of one another, recently published their debut novels, both of which are centred on the theme of medicine.

Adam Steiner, who graduated with a BA in mental philosophy in 2008, has had his poetry and fiction appear in various literary publications. His first full-length novel, Politics of the Asylum, is a modernist novel about the NHS inspired by the author's time working as a hospital porter, described as "a nightmare vision of working and surviving in a modern healthcare system - and one man’s compelling and gripping battle to maintain his own sanity...  an emotive and highly original story of people trying to do more than simply exist."

Politics of the Asylum was published in paperback and for kindle in March by Urbane Publications; it can be ordered here.

Dr Sally Lawton, a 1990 MA alumna and long-time nurse educator with an ongoing interest in nursing during World War I, got the idea for her book The Nurse Who Found Herself In 1916 after reading a case study about a soldier with a self-inflicted injury in a 1915 diary. The story concerns a palliative care nurse who falls asleep on a train in 2001 and wakes up in the midst of the First World War with papers instructing her to report for duty at a Casualty Clearing Station in northern France, where she adapts her modern nursing skills with difficulty and encounters badly injured soldiers, all the while trying to work out how she will get home.

The Nurse Who Found Herself In 1916 is published on Amazon for kindle or paperback and can be found here.

University-trained geneticist leads cancer diagnostic breakthrough

A team of researchers from Arkansas led by University of Aberdeen graduate Dr Blake P. Johnson (MSc Medical Molecular Genetics 2005) have made a significant breakthrough in the field of cancer diagnosis, developing a blood-test that can help detection of the disease at an early stage. The test, which is said to be simple and cost-effective, indicates Hepsin levels, which is a protein produced by tumour cells. It works for various tumour types and can also indicate if a cancer is spreading throughout the body. Early detection is crucial in the effective treatment of cancer.

Alumnus returns to campus to talk about career in TV

A University of Aberdeen graduate who has forged a successful career in the television industry is returning to campus later this month for an 'in-conversation' event as part of the upcoming May Festival. Graham Stuart, who graduated with an MA in English in 1978, will be sharing several stories about his journey through the industry, which started with Aberdeen Student Television and has taken him to his current position as Managing Director of So Television, one of the UK's most successful production companies who are responsible for, among others, the award-winning The Graham Norton Show. Information about booking tickets for the event can be found on the May Festival website.

Newly identified Triassic reptile named after Aberdeen alumnus who discovered it

A team of scientists from the University of Bristol have identified a previously unknown species of Triassic reptile following a re-investigation of fossilised remains found by an Aberdeen graduate several years ago. Dr Nick Fraser, now head of the Department of Natural Sciences at the National Museum of Scotland, uncovered the remains in a quarry in South Gloucestershire in 1993, and at the time described it as a Clevosaurus latidens. But a recent re-evaluation found it to be a distinct and much more advanced species, which has now been named Fraserosphenodon in honour of its discoverer. Dr Fraser studied zoology as an undergraduate and geology as a postgraduate at the University of Aberdeen and also worked for 18 years at the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Graduate appointed to senior executive role in KPOGCL

Aftab Zafar, a recent graduate of the University's Oil and Gas Enterprise Management MSc programme, has been appointed Head of the Department of Business Development and Joint Ventures in the Pakistani government-owned oil and gas company KPOGCL. The 27-year-old, who graduated in November 2017, credits the University of Aberdeen with helping him learn the necessary skills for advancement in the industry. You can read Aftab's Alumni Profile here.

Oldest graduate passes away

We are very sad to bring you the news that an alumna believed to be the oldest surviving University of Aberdeen graduate has passed away at the age of 107. Mary Craig, who graduated with an MA in 1931, taught for 32 years at the primary school in Auchenblae, the village in which she lived, retiring in 1970. Miss Craig died peacefully at Burnside Nursing Home in Laurencekirk on 3 May.

For more graduate news, why not visit our alumni blog?

   University News

University achieves highest ever ranking in Complete University Guide

The University of Aberdeen has achieved its highest ever position in the Complete University Guide league table.

The University’s climb from 40th to 28th in the UK is the biggest rise of any of last year’s top 50 universities and takes it into the top 30 of the main league table for the first time. In Scotland, the University has risen from 7th to 4th place, from 14 institutions.

Meanwhile, recent research has shown that the University of Aberdeen is the best in Scotland and among the top 20 in the world for producing top-flight company chief executives.

More >>

PHARAOH - Life in ancient Egypt. Exhibition Centre Lokschuppen Rosenheim © Photo: Andreas Jacob

University of Aberdeen graduate through to next stage of Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Award

The University of Aberdeen, as a Santander UK partner, recently ran a business ideas competition to identify two exceptional student or graduate businesses to put forward to the regional stage of the 2018 Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Award. A panel of three judges identified two teams to be submitted to the regional competition stage. The first is the brainchild of Dr. Rotimi Alabi, graduate of the School of Geosciences. His business, RAB Microfluidics, has developed the application of microfluidics to oil analysis, which has led to the development of a chip capable of carrying out mobile online oil measurements.

The second team, Elibook, consists of Eimantas Norkevicius and Lorenzo Croce, both current BSc Neuroscience with Psychology undergraduates. Elibook is the new concept in free student notebooks with tailored advertisements from graduate recruiters, local charities and social enterprises, and other relevant organisations for dissemination in Schools, Colleges and Universities.  

Both teams have been awarded £1000, supported by Santander, by the University of Aberdeen in recognition of their achievement. The winners of the regional stage will go on to an accelerator week to prepare them for the national final in October. Overall winners will receive £25,000, a business mentor, a fully funded intern, and a £500 digital growth voucher.

PHARAOH - Life in ancient Egypt. Exhibition Centre Lokschuppen Rosenheim © Photo: Andreas Jacob

University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir to sing at the Proms

The University of Aberdeen's Chamber Choir will perform in the world's largest music festival as part of the BBC Proms Youth Choir. The BBC Proms Youth Choir was created in 2012 to bring together the best young singers from across the UK and create a massed youth choir with opportunities to perform at the highest level with professional symphony orchestras.

The Chamber Choir will sing with the University of Birmingham Voices, the North East Youth Choir and the Proms Youth Choir Academy at the Royal Albert Hall. It is the third time the group has been invited to join the massed ensemble which for 2018 will be led by the internationally-renowned Donald Runnicles and will perform a new work, commissioned by the BBC Proms, by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. The concert will culminate in a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (‘Choral’) with the World Orchestra for Peace.

More>>

PHARAOH - Life in ancient Egypt. Exhibition Centre Lokschuppen Rosenheim © Photo: Andreas Jacob

Annual Ogston Music Prize awarded

Student William Gray was awarded the top prize in the annual Ogston Music Prize Competition for soloists.

After qualifying from a group of 25 music students the six finalists, Brodie McCash, Peter MacPherson, Mhairi Sharp, William Gray, George Stokes, and Jamie Lowe all competed for the prestigious music prize. The Judges, Walter Blair, Glynn Jenkins, and Eddie Campbell were unanimous in their vote for William Gray. Professor Derek Ogston was on hand to present the prize to William and to congratulate all the other performers.

For more University news, click here.

   Benefits and Opportunities

Alumni Benefit of the Month: ShopHub Gifts

We are delighted to offer a 10% discount for Alumni Privilege Card holders on University gifts and clothing purchased in the ShopHub.

Don't forget to take your Alumni Privilege Card with you in order to claim the discount.

External members sought for Strategic Business Ventures Group

The University is seeking to appoint two individuals to serve as members of its Strategic Business Ventures Group. The group operates with the devolved authority of the University Court to make final decisions on spin out creation and monitor investments in spin outs and subsidiary companies. It is also responsible for final decisions on equity disposal and distribution of resulting income.

Applications are invited from individuals with a history of entrepreneurship and/or management in the commercial and industrial sectors. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the challenges of technology commercialisation and/or bring considerable experience of financing and investment particularly where relevant to early stage technology companies. Appointees will bring strategic vision to the role advising on development of commercial opportunities commensurate with Aberdeen’s position as an internationally competitive research based University.

Expressions of interest are welcomed from all qualified individuals regardless of background. The expected time commitment is attendance (in person or by teleconference) at four meetings of the group per year. The position is unremunerated but appropriate expenses are paid and positions are tenable for a period of three years in the first instance from late Spring 2018.

Applicants should submit a letter of application and a brief CV to Dr Elizabeth Rattray, Director, Research & Innovation, University of Aberdeen e.rattray@abdn.ac.uk. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 22 June 2018.

For more alumni benefits click here. For volunteering opportunities see this page.

   Society & Reunion News

Ghana alumni meet in Accra

A recent trip to Ghana by University of Aberdeen International Officer Emily Rafferty provided an opportunity for alumni in the country to get together for refreshments and an update on University matters. It was a small yet exciting reunion of ten alumni, who met with Emily and In-Country Officer Blessing Egbe of Nigeria at a hotel in Accra. Everyone had fun experiences to share about their time in Aberdeen and were interested to hear of changes that have taken place on campus since their return to Ghana, such as the construction of the Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Aberdeen Sports Village.

The highlight of the gathering was meeting with an alumnus who had studied medicine and graduated from the University in 1960 who recalled the extensive hours and varied routes it took for him to get to the University at the time. All present agreed that their degrees certainly influenced their career advancement within organisations and industries located within and outside Ghana. The evening was great success and Emily and Blessing thoroughly enjoyed meeting just a few of our many successful alumni in Ghana!

Upcoming reunions

Several class reunions are in the works for 2018, including the Medical Class of 1978, the Geography Class of 1978 and the Medical Class of 1973. If you were a member of any of these classes and would like to attend or you are arranging a reunion of your own, please let us know!

Following an inaugural drinks night a few weeks ago, alumni in Brussels are organising a quiz night in the city to take place in June. If you're resident in Belgium but didn't hear from us about the first Brussels event then please get in touch with your up-to-date address details to make sure you hear from us about future events!

If you would like some assistance organising your own reunion, have a look at our online reunion handbook for some helpful tips on how to go about it and information on how we can help you.

Medical Physics - 50th anniversary event

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Medical Physics programme at the University of Aberdeen, the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition is organising a celebratory reunion event for all Medical Physics alumni on Friday 2 November 2018. If you are a graduate of the programme and would like to attend, you can find more information and register for the event here.

If you are interested in organising a reunion please see our reunions page or email us.

   Supporter News

McNeil scholars headed to Philadelphia

Two Aberdeen students are headed to the United States this September thanks to the generosity of a new scholarship provided by the McNeil family and the St Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia.

The McNeil Scholarship was created by the McNeil family in honour of the late Robert L. McNeil Jr. and their Scottish heritage. Founded to promote Scottish and American cultural exchange, the scholarship allows students to spend a year at Aberdeen’s partner institution, Drexel University in Philadelphia. The scholarship also allows Drexel students to spend a year at Aberdeen, and the University welcomed its first Drexel McNeil Scholar to campus in September 2017.

The University’s inaugural McNeil Scholars are Emma Cathro and Christine MacLean. Emma, who is studying German and sociology at Aberdeen, is extremely excited about her year in Philadelphia: "Having spent my whole life living in Kinross, I'm really looking forward to being able to learn a whole new way of life in America. I really want to experience American culture first hand, and to meet people from different parts of the world." Christine, a first-year psychology student from the Isle of Barra – the McNeil family’s ancestral home – said "We get so many American tourists coming to Barra to learn about their history, I’m really looking forward to teaching others about my culture and also getting a better idea of the history of Scottish people after they landed in America."

Walk with pride for your University

The University of Aberdeen Development Trust is encouraging friends and supporters of the University to take part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk 2018 to raise funds for our Cancer Research Programme. Free places are available for the three distances of 26 miles, 14 miles or the child-friendly Wee Wander of 5 miles. The Trust is in the middle of a major fundraising campaign as the University seeks to attract the world’s brightest minds to lead pioneering research in this area.

For more information including how to register click here.

Development Trust Discovery Day

On Sunday 27 May the Development Trust is holding a Discovery Day in the Craig Suite within the Sir Duncan Rice Library. Between 1pm and 3pm, we will highlight the huge difference our donors make. Held during the May Festival, the Discovery Day will enable guests to hear about the importance of PhD studentships and the associated medical research which enables new discoveries and vital breakthroughs. Also featuring as part of the May Festival will be the Dr Joan MacCormack Lecture – India and Ireland: Connected Imperial Pasts - with guest speaker Professor Jane Ohlmeyer. This lecture series was set up in memory of Dr MacCormack to ensure her passions for teaching, learning and collaboration continue.

See here for more information about Discovery Day including how to register and visit here to find out about the Dr Joan MacCormack Lecture Series.

Donor commissions memorial table for Chapel

Many of our donors give to the University in memory of someone special. We recently received a generous donation from Dr Campbell Murray who commissioned a wedding table for King’s College Chapel in memory of his wife Flora Gow Murray. Dr and Mrs Murray were married in the Chapel in 1956 and the wedding table will hold an engraved plaque commemorating Mrs Murray and their marriage. It was installed during a memorial and dedication service attended by Dr Murray and his close family in March.

Intrepid cyclists face the gruelling North Coast 500 for cancer research

On Saturday the 19th of May an intrepid group will begin one of the most gruelling challenges in the UK by cycling the North Coast 500 trail. This will see the group cycle the full 500 miles of the route over nine days, tackling a number of the toughest roads in the UK while also raising awareness of and funds for our Cancer Research Programme. Among those joining the University’s Head of the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Professor Steve Heys, are cycling hero Mark Beaumont and STV journalist and cancer survivor Anne Smith, along with colleagues from the University, the NHS, and friends.

To support this courageous group visit the JustGiving page here.

   Event News

Age of Oil: Artworks by Sue Jane Taylor

23 March - 8 July 2018, The Gallery, Sir Duncan Rice Library

Sue Jane Taylor is an artist who has documented the world of oil and gas for three decades. She has worked in some of the most remote and challenging industrial environments in Scotland. Her paintings, drawings, prints and film pieces bring a personal and often poignant response to a unique period in human history - the Age of Oil.

The exhibition here at the University of Aberdeen was developed in association with National Museum Scotland and has been supported by Capturing the Energy.

You can find more information here.

May Festival 2018

25-27 May 2018, Old Aberdeen Campus

There are lots of exciting events on the bill for this year's May Festival, whether you're into science, history, literature, television, music, medical research, fitness, Scottish culture... there really is something for everyone! The plethora of events include several alumni coming back to campus, including Graham Stuart to talk about his long career in TV production, Dr Ed Jones helming a concert that features music from J.S. Bach and Dupré Peeters, Professor Alison Lumsden and Dr Ainsley McIntosh discussing the difficulties of editing Walter Scott's poetry and honorary grad Dr Elly Barnes MBE on her work in the area of LGBT+ equality.

Alumni of the University are entitled to concession rates where available; get in touch with us to get your booking code! A full programme of events can be found on the May festival website.

Alumni Gin Tasting

6 June 2018, 18:00-20:00, Lomond Foyer, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

University of Aberdeen alumni are invited to a gin tasting with University of Aberdeen alumnus Ben Iravani, co-founder of Porter’s Gin, followed by drinks, canapés and the opportunity to network with fellow Aberdeen graduates. The event will be held from 6-8pm on Wednesday 6 June in the Lomond Foyer at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

To register your place please email alumni@abdn.ac.uk. This is a complimentary event, but places are limited.

Alumni Dolphin Watching

16 August 2018, 14:00-20:00, Cromarty

Our dolphin watching trip is back! This exciting day will include a boat trip on the Moray Firth where we hope to view the local marine wildlife. This will be followed by a tour of the Lighthouse Field Station, the University's Highland base for the Zoology Department's research. The day will end with a delicious meal at Sutor Creek.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Ladies’ Lunch 2018 – a date for your diary

20 September 2018, 12:00-15:00, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

On Thursday the 20th September the University will hold its annual Ladies’ Lunch at The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Pitfodels, Aberdeen from noon until 3pm. The event will raise awareness of our Cancer Research Programme and will feature a fascinating talk along with the usual great food and company.

Aberdeen Connect

Aberdeen Connect is an umbrella for alumni activity in Aberdeen. We will have a number of exciting events coming up in the next few months. If you don't currently receive Aberdeen Connect emails please get in touch and we will add you to the mailing list!

Stay in touch and update your details on the alumni hub.

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King's College, ABERDEEN, Aberdeenshire AB24 3FX