Bridge 2010

Bridgewww.sunderland.ac.uk 2010/11

MultimediaFour decades of making the

right connections

01 Beverly Hills Cop II was directed by University of Sunderland graduate Tony Scott

02 Award-winning journalist Kate Adie is a visiting professor at the University of Sunderland

03 Alien was directed by Hollywood giant and University of Sunderland honorary graduate Ridley Scott

04 Spark FM is the largest student radio station in the North East and the only one with a full-time licence

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02 06 10 14

03 07 11 15

04 08 12 16

13 TV and radio presenter Lauren Laverne is an honorary graduate of the University of Sunderland

14 David Almond, writer of the book Skellig, regularly gives masterclasses at the Univeristy of Sunderland

15 The new series of Dr Who was premiered at the David Puttnam Media Centre

16 North East actress Gina McKee, star of Notting Hill and Our Friends in the North, is an honorary graduate of the University of Sunderland

05 3D films like Avatar can be shown in the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre HD cinema

06 Former media student James Longman worked as a producer on the X-Factor

07 New Tricks actor Alun Armstrong is an honorary graduate of the University of Sunderland

08 University of Sunderland lecturer Dan Elliott’s film Jade was shortlisted for a BAFTA this year alongside films like The Hurt Locker and Avatar

09 Honorary graduate Jonathan Finn was the executive producer for North East based film Billy Elliot

10 University of Sunderand supporter David Parfitt won an Oscar for his film Shakespeare in Love

11 The University of Sunderland is ITN’s official broadcast partner

12 Chariots of Fire was produced by former chancellor Lord Puttnam

On the cOver

“Key to the excellent reputation…is the emphasis that the Media Department places on courses that focus on innovation and creativity”

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04 law innOvatiOnThe University’s Law Department introduces a new space law module

12 winds Of changeHow 200 year old ships’ logbooks are helping climate change scientists today

14 driving changeThe University’s new science complex will benefit the whole of the North East

26 prOfileBridge speaks to Professor Stephanie Atkinson

28 shaping the futureNorth East artists are keeping Wearside traditions alive

30 act nOwA new book tackles childhood obesity

32 lifesaverDesign students boost charity’s cause

33 bridge alumniA section dedicated to the University’s alumni

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Welcome to Bridge, a University of Sunderland magazine, which keeps you up to speed with the latest news and views at the University, in the region and further afield

cOntents

“The University is by far the largest recruiter of media students in the region”

cOver stOryThe growth of the media industry over the past decade has been, without doubt, phenomenal. The University is keeping up with the pace

spOrtBridge charts Sunderland’s rise up the sporting ladder

p. 20

p. 6

p. 36

prOfileUniversity lecturer and lifelong Dr Who fan has work published in a new book

p. 18

iberian special

he University of Sunderland’s Law Department is boldly going where no UK law school has gone before. From this

year it is offering space law as part of its undergraduate law degree.

The University decided to leap towards the legal system’s final frontier because space law, which covers the law relating to space activities and outer space, is rapidly expanding in scope and importance.

With increasing interest by individuals in journeys into space, the militarisation of space, expanding privatisation of the space sector and what all this means for legal system boundaries, problems concerning debris from space vehicles damaging property and the legal aspects of buying lunar real estate, legislation is having to take a giant leap to address specific space law issues.

Viv Kinnaird, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Sunderland is delighted that the new module has been validated to begin in the new 2010

Star lawsnorth east university’s law department is stepping into the unknown with a new space law module

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Outer limitsLaw innovation

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academic year. She said: “Our law degree already attracts huge praise for the quality of its teaching and the outstanding experience students enjoy.

“The space law module illustrates our commitment to deliver a distinctive law degree. It is a fascinating topic which many students will benefit from studying. Their motivation and engagement, in our experience, translates directly into positive results.”

The new third year course will include topics such as property issues, militarisation, telecommunications, intellectual property, regulatory, environment and export control.

Ben Middleton will teach the subject to University of Sunderland law students. He said: “It’s great that Sunderland is leading the way in the UK for space law as part of an undergraduate law degree. We expect it to be an extremely popular module.”

Law lecturer Chris Newman will lead the module. He said: “This is a hugely exciting area which, despite being a relatively young aspect of law, is set to grow significantly in

the future. Its relevance across commercial, company, property, environmental, intellectual property and IT practice sectors means it offers valuable knowledge in a fascinating area.”

The space law module will sit along other distinctive modules for year three LLB students at Sunderland, such as crime and terrorism, and law and sexuality.

The University of Sunderland’s law department has won a clutch of prestigious national awards. Sunderland was named as the best new University in the country for studying law by The Guardian in 2008.

Law at Sunderland was also ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction by The Times University Guide 2008.

It has just been ranked first in the UK in the 2009 National Student Survey for five of seven aspects of final year programmes. Sunderland was the only law department in 2009 to achieve a 100% satisfaction score in the survey.

Space law will be taught at the University of Sunderland as part of the LLB undergraduate degree from Autumn term 2010. u

“Sunderland is leading the way in the UK for space law as part of an undergraduate law degree”

www.sunderland.ac.uk | Bridge | �

“The opening of the impressive

CitySpace says a great deal

about the University of

Sunderland’s ambitions for

sport at the institution, in the

city and indeed the region”Seb Coe

spOrtOn the up


Reaching new heightsWith excellent facilities, successful sporting graduates and connections with sporting greats the University of Sunderland’s sporting offer is on the up


hereas now the University stands as a beacon for sporting excellence, with some of the highest ranked academic courses

in the region, a brand new sports centre with top of the range facilities, and a far-reaching elite athlete and community programme, back in 2002 the University was behind the other universities in the North East.

“There was work to do,” recalls Ivan Whitfield, Director of Sport. “Investment in the sports infrastructure was a little off the pace – as were the facilities. The elite athlete and the community sports programmes needed addressing.”

However, there was a very good academic programme offering sports and exercise degrees with an excellent level of teaching staff.

A new sports strategy and body, The Institute of Sport, was set up to strengthen Sunderland’s offer. The Institute of Sport is responsible for the coordination, promotion, development and management of all aspects of Sport at the University of Sunderland.

The Institute’s role is to provide sporting and recreational opportunities for participation, performance and excellence, in the areas of training, education, research, club and society activity and development. Community engagement and elite athlete support is also high on the agenda.

Over the past two years the pace of change at the University has been rapid, culminating in the opening of the £12m

CitySpace sports facility in 2009. Ivan believes the formulation of the Institute

last year, alongside the planning, procurement, and opening of CitySpace makes Sunderland a completely different place for those looking for sporting degrees compared to what it was even three years ago.

CitySpace has proved invaluable in raising the University’s sporting profile, both regionally and nationally. The building, which is home to a multi-purpose sports hall, 70 station fitness suite, sports massage and injuries centre and an indoor climbing wall, has been awarded various industry accolades, played host to major events such as the BBC North East and Yorkshire Sport Awards and International Netball and has been chosen as a pre-Olympic training camp in the run up to 2012.

The facilities are benefiting all of the University’s students as well as the local community. A huge range of societies, from surfing right the way through to volleyball, are available to every student, either at CitySpace or at one of the partner venues across the city, and the gym has over 2,000 members.

As for prospering the local community, grass roots sport is something the University is extremely passionate about and it is a key part of The Institute of Sport’s strategy.

“We want to be engaging with young people at a very early age. CitySpace has allowed us to get groups on to campus that we could never have done before – not only does this

W


get children interested in sport but it raises their aspirations and makes the University somewhere they aspire to go.”

“Also, the opportunities that students now have to do coaching, volunteering and true work experience prior to graduating is making them a lot more rounded and employable, which is vital in this current climate.”

Another area the Institute is looking to expand in the future is the infastructure in place for its elite athletes. The University has seen a number of high-performing sports people pass through its doors, including most recently Holly Sterling, a BUSA award winning karate champion, and Jill Scott, a striker for England Women’s football team.

While Ivan points out the Institute will never produce the numbers of elite athletes of Loughborough University for example, he fully appreciates the importance of supporting elite athletes when they choose to study at Sunderland.

“We’re not looking to be competitive in having dozens and dozens of world ranked athletes, because we don’t have the infastructure and it’s not what this University is about. However, we recognise the importance of fulfilling our students full potential. When we do get students like Holly Sterling and Jill

spOrtOn the up

Scott, who are exceptional sports performers and exceptional students, we make sure we have the structures in place to offer financial and facility support so that they can perform at their best and be an ambassador for the University and spread the word that we are serious about sport.”

The likes of Jill Scott and Holly Sterling will undoubtedly go on to become big names. Big names is something the University is not short of when it comes to its sporting honorary graduates. They include four-times Olympic Champion, Michael Johnson, England cricketer Paul Collingwood, former SAFC footballer Niall Quinn, the University Chancellor Steve Cram and former Olympic swimmer Nick Gillingham.

Alongside the Institute’s high achievement on a practical level, the academic sports

courses are proving exceptionally popular, and as the rating of the courses continues to grow, the University looks to further develop its undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and its research programmes.

“It’s about putting together a whole academic package for sport,” says Ivan. “We’ve got amazingly high quality individuals involved in the academic delivery and the courses continue to be very popular. Sport Sciences is ranked number one in the region – which is all related to the quality of our staff as well as the new facilities.”

“It’s great to hear people like Michael Johnson and Seb Coe talking about what Sunderland has to offer. In Steve Cram we have a Chancellor whose sporting profile is high, we have facilities that are being recognised as among some of the nation’s best, a rewarding community programme and expert teachers. None of this could have been realised without the commitment of the whole university – luckily people really do value sport and recreation and what it offers our student population.” u

“We want to really open our campuses up and begin engaging the community”


CHAiR, LONDON ORGANiSiNG COMMiTTEEOF THE OLyMPiC AND PARALyMPiC GAMES “The University of Sunderland’s sporting profile has risen considerably.

The opening of the impressive CitySpace says a great deal about the University’s ambitions for sport at the institution, in the city and the region.

With its facilities, expertise and support, I wasn’t surprised when it was chosen as one of

London 2012’s potential pre-Games training camp venues. The new sports science lab is attracting leading athletes from

across the UK who are taking advantage of equipment that can analyse aerobic capacity, track core and skin body temperature, and measure elements in the blood such as lactic acid. The biometrics facility which measures how the body moves is one of the best in the country.

Of course, success depends on experienced sports scientists too. Academic experts have worked with a diverse mix of sports people from competitors in the luge, to athletes coming back from injury.

The University of Sunderland pulled off a coup late last year when it landed the services of the former English Institute of Sport’s lead physiotherapist, Penny Macutkiewicz. Alongside many other events, Penny supported the Great Britain Team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

At London 2012, we want to see the Games stimulate sporting activity at many different levels. Similarly, the University’s sports strategy focuses on elite athletes and Olympians, but also recognises the crucial role of grass roots sport. The University’s philosophy embodies the whole institution, embracing its civic responsibilities and supporting talent regardless of background.”

FOUR TiMES OLyMPiC CHAMPiON“I am delighted to be associated with the University of Sunderland and feel proud to have received an honorary degree from the institution this year.

I have always been involved in athletics at the elite end and the support that universities generally give to future stars while they are at college is

excellent. Sunderland is no exception – you just have to look at their campus.

But I, like Seb, value the importance Sunderland places on grassroots sport and community engagement.

Talent doesn’t always rise to the top. By widening out opportunities to all, you have a much greater chance of finding it. This is where Sunderland stands out above many others.”

Michael JohnSon

SeB coe (KBe)

10 | Bridge | www.sunderland.ac.uk

Scheme. This helps you with a wide range of things including funding for travel costs for competitions and support with your studies.

“As a sportsperson, it has been really exciting to see the development and then opening last year of CitySpace, which is even better than I’d expected. It really confirms the University’s commitment to sport.

“Last year I was able to use these great facilities to train on mornings before lectures, which has been brilliant and made a real difference to my karate.

“It’s such a great environment to train in and it undoubtedly helped me to win a bronze medal at the World Championships in Mexico last September and a silver medal in the European Championships last November.”

Holly believes that Sunderland has provided her with a perfect balance of University life and sporting facilities.

Former University of Sunderland student, Jill Scott raised her game thanks to the support of the University – so much so that the footballer is now well established in the England Women’s team.

Jill, who plays for Sunderland Ladies, was instrumental in getting the England team to last year’s Euro 2009 Cup Final with a late goal in the semis.

The University supported Sunderland-born Jill throughout her time with the institution.

She made her England debut at 19, coming on as a substitute to help England to a 4-0 win over Holland. At the 2007 World Cup in China she featured in all four matches, scoring her first goal against Argentina.

England manager Hope Powell said: “Jill is an exceptional talent and shows some real similarities in her game to Steven Gerrard.”

Steve CramWorld Champion athlete

Paul CollingwoodEngland cricketer

Nick GillinghamFormer Olympic swimmer

Michael JohnsonFour-time Olympic champion

Niall QuinnFormer SAFC Footballer now SAFC Chairman

Sir Stirling MossFormer F1 World Champion

Geoff CookFormer cricketer now Durham CCC coach

spOrtElite athletes “It’s such a great

environment to train in and

it undoubtedly helped me

to win a bronze medal at the

World Championships”

“Sport has always been a large part of my life, so going somewhere that would help and support me with my karate was a big consideration when choosing a university,” says Holly Sterling, BUSA award-winning Karate champion and Sunderland student.

“I chose Sunderland because of the facilities available here as well as the University’s Elite Athletes

holly STeRling

Jill ScoTT

SpoRTing honoRaRieS

winds Of changeDr Dennis Wheeler


years ago Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species revolutionised how

we view the natural world – now his voyages on HMS Beagle are influencing modern research on the evolution of our climate.

A ground-breaking partnership between JISC – that helps UK colleges and universities innovatively use digital technologies – the University of Sunderland, the Met Office Hadley Centre and the British Atmospheric Data Centre sees historical naval logbooks being used for the first time to research climate change. The logbooks include other famous voyages, including Cook’s HMS Discovery and Parry’s polar expedition in HMS Hecla.

The UK Colonial Registers and Royal Navy Logbooks (CORRAL) project has digitised nearly 300 ships’ logbooks dating back to the 1760s. The accurate weather information they contain is being used to reconstruct past climate change – hitherto untapped scientific data.

The research team leader, Sunderland’s Dr Dennis Wheeler (left), comments: “The observations from the logbooks on wind force and weather are astonishingly good and often better than modern logbooks. Of course the sailors had to be conscientious – the thought you could hit a reef was a great incentive to get your observations absolutely right!

“What happens in the oceans controls what happens in the atmosphere – so we absolutely need to comprehend the oceans to understand future weather patterns,” he adds.

Ships’ logbooks were the main resource used to monitor the weather in the oceans.

1�0

Ships’ logbooks from over 200 years ago are helping a research team understand the evolution of climate change

The sky’s the limit

“Officers on these ships kept careful records of the daily, and sometimes hourly, climate conditions”

Officers on these ships kept careful records of the daily, and sometimes hourly, climate conditions. What that means today is modern researchers are able to find out what the weather was like anywhere in the world on a particular day.

Ben Showers, JISC digitisation programme manager, said: “There is a lack of high-quality digital material for those studying historic weather data. By making these logbooks and lighthouse records available online, from the National Archives and the Met Office respectively, JISC aims to help researchers address the challenges of climate change and open up this historic resource to everyone via the website. The Royal Navy logbooks online are an exciting part of JISC’s £1.8 million investment in enriching digital resources, a set of 25 projects which enhances online content for better teaching, learning and research.”

Oliver Morley, Director, Customer and Business Development, at The National Archives agrees: “The logbooks have long been of interest to historians and naval enthusiasts and the fact that they are now being used for scientific research is a great example of how archival information created for one purpose can be reused for something entirely different.”

A fully searchable version of the logbooks will be available on The National Archives’ website in 2010.

Researchers are transcribing the officers’ observations so work can begin analysing the data.

To view the CORRAL project website go to: www.corral.org.uk. The logbook images are online at www.badc.nerc.ac.uk/data/corral. u

Jiscthe logbooks’ project is part of Jisc’s digitisation programme, which has invested £1.8 million in developing the range and quality of digital resources available to students and researchers in colleges and universities. the project aims to digitise collections and enhance existing resources for use in learning, teaching and research. ➥ for more information contact Nicola Yeeles on [email protected], 0117 331 0658, www.jisc.ac.uk

university Of sunderlandthe university’s dr dennis wheeler won the royal meteorological society’s 2009 Jehudi neumann prize for research into climate change. the sunderland climatologist is internationally renowned for his ground-breaking research into how weather has changed over history.➥ for more information contact Tony Kerr on [email protected] or 07745 334 768

the natiOnal archivesthe national archives is an executive agency of the ministry of Justice, which cares for, makes available, and ‘brings alive’ a vast collection of over 1,000 years of historical records.

the agency brings together the public record Office, the historical manuscripts commission, the Office of public sector information, and her majesty’s stationery Office.

as well as managing historical and current digital information, and devising new technological solutions for keeping government records readable, the agency also provides research facilities and expert advice, and publishes all the uK’s legislation and official publications. ➥ for more information and images from the logbooks contact Frances McDarby on [email protected] or 020 8392 5277, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline

www.sunderland.ac.uk | Bridge | 13

he University of Sunderland’s new £7.5m sciences facility is designed to deliver research that quickly transfers from the

laboratory into the public domain, be it with new drugs and therapies, improved health practices or benefits to the environment.

The high-end facility is seen as a real asset to the North East and it is heavily supported, and part-funded, by regional development agency One North East, with support also coming from the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses and organisations in the health sector will work closely with the University to allow them access to leading science experts and some of the most up-to-date facilities in the UK.

The new complex is expected to draw top quality students from the UK and across the world. Many of those are expected to remain in the North East after graduating and help the health sector prosper.

As well as science students, the big winners in this new development will be the people of the region, who will reap the benefits of the collaborations that are due to take place between regional, national and international health sector companies on a range of important issues.

The University is committed to expanding its provision of Continuing Professional Development programmes for NHS professionals linked into the regional Public Health Strategy ‘Better Health, Fairer Health’, including clinical practice, management of chronic heart failure, stroke management,

T

Tomorrow’s

A new Sciences Complex in the North East is set to deliver ‘real world’ impact that will benefit the whole region

world – today

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driving changeSciences complex

“As well as science students, the big winners in this new development are the people of the region”

www.sunderland.ac.uk | Bridge | 1�

“We are particularly keen to see our work helping companies in the North East, who will partner with us to develop applications and products based on our science.

“The latest figures show that total investment in research and development (R&D) in the North East is half the national rate

A strong R&D base is essential to encourage

companies to invest in the region, as well as providing a catalyst for the improved performance of existing businesses. Greater R&D activity will contribute to the growth of the region’s health care sector and our new complex will enhance that. The sciences facility will be easily accessible to the industry, allowing much better university-sector interaction and collaboration and strengthening our ability to undertake R&D, knowledge transfer, and partnership development in the key areas of pharmacy, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. The new facilities will provide a modern, well-equipped and outward facing environment that will also support high quality skills provision.”

The whole project, due for completion in December, will see more than 4,000sq metres of existing University buildings turned into high quality, accessible science facilities. u

and practice development in infection control, mental health and Parkinson’s disease.

The University is also helping in drug design and development, particularly in the areas of bacterial resistance, psoriasis and, cystic fibrosis.

Professor John MacIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, said: “The University of Sunderland is recognised as occupying a unique position in the region’s science and innovation infrastructure. Institutional strengths in the disciplines of pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences and environmental sciences provide an opportunity to add critical mass to regional initiatives to create economic growth in the public health sector.

“The research and work that will be carried out in the new facility will complement the work of Newcastle Science City and will significantly develop our collaborations with key partners.

The planS include:l modern teaching and learning facilities, including a brand new CPD suite for training health professionals and the pharmaceutical sectorl multi-disciplinary science laboratories, including new facilities for proteomics, drug discovery, pharmacy, and health sciencesl a new integrated industry-standard analytical services lab and scientific imaging suitel social learning spaces for staff, students and external stakeholders l exhibition space to promote science to industry and the health professionsl a new public square and landscape

The new development is part of the University’s £75m City Campus programme, which aims to offer staff, students and business some of the best facilities in higher education in the UK.


driving change Sciences complex


oftware engineer, Andrew Short, lives and works in the world’s most advanced scientific facility where researchers from over

80 countries – including “Rock Star Physicist” Professor Brian Cox – are discovering the truth about life and the universe.

In 2008 Andrew went to CERN as a Fellow on a two-year contract. This year he landed a five-year post as a software engineer.

CERN is renowned as the birthplace of the World Wide Web – are you expected to have the best website in the world?You can see some of CERN’s first servers at www.outreach.web.cern.ch/outreach/events/exhibitions/on_site/. It’s hard to define what makes a great webpage these days, but you can judge for yourself at www.cern.ch.

CERN has 2,600 full-time employees, around 8,000 scientists representing over 80 nationalities – how do you communicate?CERN is one of the most multiculturally diverse places imaginable. In my section alone I work with Spanish, Russian, Swiss and French colleagues. One condition of

The truth is out there…andrew short, a north east scientist has a full-time post at cern, the home of the most advanced scientific machine, the large hadron collider. Tony Kerr caught up with him

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The LHC may be one of the most powerful, complex machines ever built, but the collisions it detects occur every day in nature. We have built a machine to recreate these collisions in a controlled environment. I live just above the LHC tunnel, walk over the injector tunnels and other accelerators, but have no concerns! I remember seeing Tom Hanks and Ron Howard outside CERN filming. CERN even dedicated a webpage to try to answer any questions the film might raise, www.angelsanddemons.cern.ch. u

“We are working on the most complicated machine ever developed by mankind. In places hotter than the sun, with vacuums greater than space, with cryogenically cooled magnets the size of cathedrals”

working at CERN is that you can speak French or English, preferably both, as these are CERN’s two official languages. I can manage English without too much problem…but my North East accent can spark some interesting conversations!

CERN has inspired fictional disasters in Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons and BBC’s Torchwood – do you ever worry you’ll be blown up or fall into a black hole when you go to work?

pOinting the wayA new take on Dr Who



dR Who viSiTS The univeRSiTyl Matt Smith, the 11th actor to take on the role, and assistant Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), made a flying visit to the University, as part of a national tour, to meet local children and introduce the new series and premier episode one, The Eleventh Hour. It’s less than a year since Matt was picked for probably the highest profile-acting job on TV. Matt described his character as a “bit barmy”, but revealed that the Doctor was still getting used to the regeneration process.

Actress and model Karen described how being chosen as the Doctor’s sidekick was “every girl’s dream”, and told of the amazing time she had while filming the programme.

“It’s really cool to do these tours, we get to see the reaction of the fans and the kids, which is the most important aspect of all,” said Karen.

Asked if there are any previous Doctors who’ve inspired his reshaping of the role, Matt said: “I love David Tennant and Christopher Eccleston, there have been so many good ones, and, of course, Tom Baker.”

BBC Outreach proactively takes the BBC into communities and has been integral in organising and supporting the tour, whose focus is targeting hard to reach communities.

hat began as a childhood TV favourite has shaped the career path of lifelong Doctor Who fan John Paul Green.

Four decades of fascination with the time-travelling hero has resulted in academic papers, public lectures, three appearances as an extra in the BBC programme, and an integral topic for the Film, Media and Culture lecturer’s science fiction module at the University of Sunderland.

As the new series hit our screens in April, with 11th Doctor Matt Smith taking over the TARDIS’s helm, John Paul’s study of the iconic character has appeared in a new book, Impossible Worlds, Impossible Things, Cultural Perspectives on Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

John Paul’s contribution is based on his PhD – a study of contemporary fictional heroes, with Dr Who as a central figure, his ability to weather all storms, and the changing face of heroism with each regeneration.

“The why and how of Dr Who’s success since 1963 is multi-faceted. However, his ability to regenerate, to change with the times, is key to the series’ success – re-enchanting the figure of the hero and reflecting what was happening in democratic society at the time,” explains John Paul.

John Paul’s study deconstructs all 11 incarnations of the Doctor, from William Hartnell’s grandfather-like figure in the 1960s, when society feared science, in contrast to the vulnerable and softer figure of Peter Davison in the 1980s, a time of fragmentation in masculinity and the resurgence of feminism.

But it’s John Paul’s introduction as a boy to the most successful incarnation of Dr Who

The doctor – examined!A study of Dr Who by lifelong fan John Paul Green, a Film, Media and Culture lecturer is featured in a new book

Wwhich has left a lasting impression.

“Tom Baker will always be my favourite,” he says now. “I grew up with him. The stories were very dark and gothic; they were horror stories for children. Baker was so eccentric, borderline insane. There was a hint of menace but you always trusted in him. He was the anti-establishment hero of his time.”

John Paul has managed to meet most of the actors at various events, and he managed to catch a glimpse of Smith, who was visiting the University to meet local children and introduce the first episode of the latest series. The dream of coming face to face with the Doctor in the show became a reality for John Paul in 2006 when he was chosen as an extra in Rise of the Cybermen, during a 12-hour shoot in Cardiff.

“The cameras were just about to roll when one of the crew pulled me to one side and asked me to be in a scene with David Tennant. I was a human in the very early stages of being turned into a Cyberman and the Doctor examines an ear implant I was wearing. It was such a thrill.”

Originally from Birmingham, John Paul enrolled as a media student at Sunderland in 1993. After graduating in 1996 he held down a range of jobs but it was his passion for science fiction which led him to take a Masters in film and cultural studies. He now lectures full-time at the University.

John Paul says: “It’s the Doctor’s regeneration, but also elements of the familiar, like the TARDIS and the monsters, which keeps the topic ripe for discussion and keeps us glued to our TV sets. That’s what keeps us asking who is Who?”

Impossible Worlds, Impossible Things is available now, published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing.u


multimediaMaking connections


Switched on


With digital media, social media, digital television and radio the industry has grown beyond recognition. With this growth comes demand for skills, and for this the industry has turned to universities. To understand this phenomenal growth and links with higher education Bridge spoke to a man with experience of both, Graeme Thompson

ince the arrival of digital TV, particularly Sky News, the demand for instant news and information has been relentless

– to the point where today most news and information is on the web and blogs before it has reached the public through traditional channels. Despite this, traditional media – TV, film, radio and magazines – is still relatively strong.

The variety and range of media now means a whole new workforce is needed to feed the media beast.

The majority of this new workforce is being delivered through universities. And in the North East the industry has one of the best suppliers – the University of Sunderland.

The University is by far the largest recruiter of media students in the region, and sits fifth nationally.

Graeme Thompson, who spent 30 years in newspapers, radio and television before moving from ITV to the University said: “Sunderland is a great national example of high quality media provision in the UK. The staff, facilities, and students are exceptional.

“The University has been teaching media-related programmes since 1975 so it has a long track record in the industry. However, it is over the past ten years that the media industry has been transformed by technology and changes in consumer behaviour. Those changes are reflected in our approach to teaching.

“We have around 1,000 students in areas such as journalism, TV and film production, radio, public relations, media and cultural studies.

“It is all about supply and demand. The industry demands highly trained graduates able to hit the ground running. The University of Sunderland supplies them.

“Employers turn to Sunderland time and again because our students are exactly what they are looking for. Trained on industry standard equipment and with the communication skills that allow for a seamless transition from classroom to workplace.

“We have graduates working for the BBC, Sky, ITV, commercial radio as well as for magazines and regional and national newspapers such as The Guardian and Johnston Press.”

S

The University’s links with professionals in the media industry is also impressive. Honorary graduates include David Puttnam, Ridley Scott, Kate Adie, former Radio 2 chief Lesley Douglas, Tube creator and Live Aid co-creator Malcolm Gerrie, Billy Elliott executive producer Jonathan Finn, Lauren Laverne, Fame, The Commitments and Evita director, Sir Alan Parker and David Parfitt, Oscar winning producer and chairman of BAFTA.

David Parfitt in particular is a strong supporter and friend of the University. David began his stage career with Sunderland Empire Theatre Society in 1969 but he gave up acting in the late-1980s to concentrate on production, and has been working as an independent film producer for the past 20 years. He is Chairman of BAFTA and has produced (or associate produced) many British films including Henry V, Peter’s

graeme thOmpsOn, dean Of the faculty Of arts, design and media Graeme Thompson came to academia in the summer of 2009 from ITV, where he had been Managing Director and Controller of Programmes for both ITV Tyne Tees and ITV Border.

As a commissioner and executive producer he was responsible for a multi-million pound slate of regional production. He has produced and executive produced a range of arts programmes.

He was responsible


James lOngman (media graduate)tv/film prOducer“The practical nature of the course at Sunderland really helped me hit the ground running. You need the experience to get into the business. I’ve already worked on some great projects, including the Xtra Factor, MTV shows and US music shows.”


Studying media at the University of Sunderland is a special experience. The University’s David Puttnam Media Centre offers cutting-edge facilities with live-to-air studios, edit suites, newsrooms with press feeds and a 200-seat HD cinema. Students also get the chance to work on a 24 hour radio station aimed at young people living and working on Wearside. 107 Spark FM, the student radio station, is fast developing a reputation for great music and intelligent speech – which obviously includes news.

The high standards of teaching and research of the department’s tutors are nationally recognised and once the University’s unique atmosphere and high levels of graduate employability are added into the mix, it is easy to understand why Sunderland Media Department is the number one destination for students who want to study media in the North East.

stephen daviesba (hOns) public relatiOns (2006)“Starting my course at 24, I was what you’d call a mature student. I had chosen to go to Sunderland to get my career on the go, I had previously left school and worked on building sites.

After graduating I worked at one of the largest international PR firms in London and I’m now a self-employed online PR and international media consultant, working with companies in Europe, Middle East, North Africa and other emerging markets.

Having grown up in nearby Durham I know Sunderland well and I remember the facilities at uni being fantastic; my year group were the first to use the new Media Centre in 2006. I think the new investments the University is making will benefit students even more.”

for moving Tyne Tees Television in 2005 to its new digital studio base in Gateshead and was a member of the ITV News management group. As Head of News he was responsible for the launch of the award-winning North East Tonight in 1996.

Graeme has also worked as producer at BBC Radio York and Radio 4. He spent his early career as a newspaper journalist.

Graeme is a Trustee of the Royal Television Society and is chair of the society’s North East and Borders Centre.

Friends, Much Ado About Nothing, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Twelfth Night.

“People who don’t know the North East are always incredibly surprised at the beauty of the area and warmth of the local people. Sunderland is a fabulous place to study and the courses available in the Media Department are outstanding. I love the practical approach of the courses and the facilities are superb,” says the Oscar winning producer of Shakespeare in Love.

Born in Sunderland, David has always retained strong links with the city. He first became involved with the Media Department at the University of Sunderland in 1999 when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts. “I was delighted when the University got in touch with me and was hugely impressed with the campus and facilities. I am always happy to support the Media Department in any way possible.”




l 65% of research carried out by the Media Team is either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’;l largest recruiter of media students in the North East;l First university in the UK to be entirely digital; l the leading university Radio Department in the UK;l academic Dan Elliott’s film Jade was nominated alongside Hurt Locker and Avatar at this year’s BAFTA Awards; andl £10m investment in the David Puttnam Media Centre

why chOOse the university Of sunderland?

David premiered his last film I Capture the Castle at the Customs House in South Shields to raise funds for the University’s Media Centre. He added: “I was delighted to premiere the film in the region, and especially to help the University raise funds for the fantastic Media Centre. The building is testament to the continuing commitment to media teaching at Sunderland. This is one of the many reasons why the University will always have my support.”

Phil Roberts, BBC Head of Region for North East and Cumbria says that the first-class facilities at the University of Sunderland “is good news... for the region and for the development of future journalistic talent from across the UK.”

Key to the excellent reputation of Sunderland is the emphasis that the Media Department places on courses that focus on innovation and creativity. Graeme Thompson,

believes that the experience and knowledge of the department’s teaching staff, who come from both academia and the media industry, play a vital role in enhancing this reputation.

“Our focus on student employability and links with industry is one thing,” said Graeme. “But our students also benefit from working with some of the world’s leading media thinkers and professors like John Storey, whose media theory books have been published in countless languages and revised editions. Working with John and his team, students develop critical thinking and cultural context.”

The University of Sunderland has already established a reputation as the top universitiy for media studies in the region, but Graeme’s vision for the future is focused on positioning Sunderland as the leading university for media in the UK .

He believes that Sunderland’s internationally recognised research profile and relationships


Born in Sunderland, a film producer and actor. He won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1998 for Shakespeare in Love.

David played Peter Harrison in the ...And Mother Makes sitcoms.

David began his stage career with Sunderland Empire Theatre Society in 1969 but he gave up acting in the late 1980s to concentrate on production, and has been working as an independent film producer for the past 20 years.

He is Chairman of BAFTA and has produced (or associate produced) many British films including Henry V, Peter’s Friends, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Twelfth Night.

David is starting work on his new film My Week With Marilyn, based on the diary of Colin Clark, the brother of infamous politician Alan Clark. Simon Curtis will direct.

marketplace and find out what is happening now and what is likely to happen in the future. They can see that there’s a huge amount of collaboration in the media industry, for example, between design, journalism and animation. Because we

encourage collaboration among our students, they learn how to work together as a team at Sunderland which is a fantastic start for their future careers.”

The media industry is a highly competitive place and Graeme believes that it is vital to build students’ confidence in their skills and ensure they recognise that the qualifications they gain at Sunderland are highly marketable. “We encourage our students to aim high. The student experience here is a very positive one and you need to be positive if you are going to work in media. And that’s a message which our visiting speakers such as Peter Salmon (Director, BBC North) and Alastair Stewart (ITN News Presenter) are keen to hammer home.

“When Alastair came to Sunderland to host our media awards ceremony he impressed on students that they’re entering a fast-changing and competitive industry but if they stay resilient and positive they’ll win through.”

This ethos is of aiming high is being taken on board by students at Sunderland and they are enjoying great success securing leading roles in top organisations.

The talent and skills of Sunderland’s students is being increasingly recognised and John Hardie, Chief Executive of ITN says that the resources, talent and ability at the David Puttnam Media Centre was key to ITN forming a long-term partnership with the University. “As the University’s official broadcast partner, we look forward to continuing our close links with its staff and students, helping to grow the next generation of broadcast journalists.” u

with leading employers are key to ensuring the University stays ahead of the game in this rapidly changing marketplace.

ITN is the University’s official broadcast partner and Sunderland’s Media Advisory Panel is made up of executives from national and regional organizations, including the BBC, ITV, Bauer Radio, The Amazing Group and Northern Film and Media. The University is also working with industry accreditation bodies such as the National Council for the Training of Journalists and Skillset. “Sunderland has embraced the notion that higher education needs to be closely linked to the evolving needs of the creative industries,” explains Graeme.

Graeme also emphasises that students at Sunderland are in a prime position to see how the different components that make up the media sector are converging. “We encourage our students to go out and explore the

“Key to the excellent reputation…is the emphasis that the Media Department places on courses that focus on innovation and creativity”

DaviD ParFiTT

alexaNDer Moore (media graduate)tv develOpment prOducer“As well as developing writing and editing skills at Sunderland, I also had to pitch projects to people from the TV industry. Today my role involves just that, presenting ideas for television programmes. I’ve pitched scripts for Pirates of the Caribbean and Lost and although I felt a little out of my depth the confidence I got from Sunderland really helped.”

ive decades after joining Hamilton High School in Leicester as the UK’s first female expert in woodwork Stephanie, now

Professor Atkinson, is still plying her trade.And this year she achieved the highest

honour available to someone in her field when she was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Design and Technology Education Award’ from the Design and Technology Association.

Stephanie, who for the past 20 years has taught students at the University of Sunderland, recalls there was surprisingly little resistance to her unusual career path. Although there was one male metalwork lecturer who seemed determined to throw obstacles in her career path.

But she overcame every one and to this day has in her possession the tool she made in his metalwork class – a reminder of her determination to succeed.

She says: “I still have that cold chisel, which I was so proud of when I made it.”

That determination to succeed and devotion to her field has, not surprisingly, brought her to the attention of her peers. Stephanie received her award at the Design and Technology Association Annual Excellence Awards Ceremony in London, where the mother-of-three, and grandmother-of-four, was the star of the show.

Stephanie, co-ordinator of Design and Technology in the University of Sunderland’s Faculty for Education and Society, said: “This is the highest award you can be given by your peers within Design and Technology in the UK. You only get this once! I had no idea I had been nominated, it came totally out of the blue. I feel very proud.

“I guess this award is recognition for the last 50 years of my lifelong enthusiasm for design and technology. Everyone knows how passionate I am about this subject, and for providing my students with an understanding of design and technology, the subject that they will teach.”

Stephanie’s interest in design and technology started when she was a child and

a cut above the restPioneering Professor Stephanie Atkinson has come a long way since cutting it in a man’s world. Helen Franks reports

F


prOfileStephanie Atkinson

spent hours putting together Meccano sets instead of playing with dolls. She also developed a fascination for the workings of a neighbour’s toy steam engine.

By the time she had left school Stephanie, originally from Monkseaton, North Tyneside, but now living in Allendale,

Northumberland, had won a place at the former College of Art and Industrial Design in Newcastle. She spotted woodwork as a module – and thought: “I fancy that.”

By the age of 22, Stephanie went on to become the very first female woodwork teacher in the country, at Hamilton High School in Leicester.

“At the time there was no such thing as a woman teaching woodwork in schools, and there was quite a bit of national attention. But I loved the job, the pupils were lovely and all the male teachers were very supportive. However, it’s very different now. We have an abundance of female students in design and technology, which is fantastic, it’s a far cry from when I first started,” she recalls. “But I was lucky, I have always been able to do the things that I wanted, and no one actually ever said to me ‘no you shouldn’t, or can’t do that’.”

Stephanie has held senior appointments in design and technology education at all levels. In schools as head of 3D studies, as Senior Moderator for Oxford Advanced Level Design and Technology, as lecturer at Loughborough University and now as professor at the University of Sunderland.

“At Sunderland I teach students, training to become teachers, to design. I absolutely believe if they understand how to design themselves, they can get pupils in their own schools to design,” she explains.

Now aged 67, will she be retiring soon? She answers: “When I stop enjoying doing what I do, then it’s time to go!” u


“At the time there was no such thing as

a woman teaching woodwork in schools, and there was quite a

bit of national attention”


o matter where you live, you’ve probably got a little piece of Sunderland in your home – in the shape of a casserole dish.

Pyrex, a revolutionary glassware that became a must-have in kitchens throughout the world, has been manufactured in the city since 1922, following a line of major glass manufacturers that boomed as a result of the cheap coal prices from nearby Newcastle, the excellent shipping links with Europe and the quality sand imported from the Baltic.

Sadly, the last gob of glass was be removed from the Pyrex factory’s furnace in September

Keeping traditions alivein 2007, the glass-making industry in the north east came to an end after more than 300 years. however, Juo, a sunderland based fused art glass brand, are keeping the kilns firing. Alex Dalzell talks to co-director Jessamy Kelly

n

shaping the futureJuo

2007, and Sunderland’s glass-making industry came to an end after nearly 300 years.

However, the University of Sunderland’s Arts, Design and Media faculty and the adjoining National Glass Centre are keeping the Wearside traditions alive. The Glass and Ceramics Bachelors degree is one of only a handful in the country and is proving an attractive course for artists across the globe.

Jessamy Kelly, who graduated from the course in 2001, is proof of its success. Now a co-director of Juo Ltd, a Sunderland based contemporary fused art glass brand, Jessamy owes a lot of her success in this niche industry to the facilities and tutors at the University.

“I came across the glass and ceramics course at Sunderland and thought it sounded very interesting, especially having never worked with glass before,” Jessamy explains. “The course was brilliant. There were students there from all over the place, it’s a world-renowned course and I can see why. The facilities are as good as they get and the experience and passion of the tutors goes a long way.”

After graduating, Jessamy received a scholarship from Edinburgh Crystal as a student glass designer and was offered a job upon completing the placement. It was here that she met Joanne Mitchell, the other half of Juo’s creative team. Joanne’s glass-making and design skills matched those of Jessamy, and while their individual work had its own identity, they found their influences to be similar and setting up a business together seemed to be an ideal opportunity to collaborate.


“We both realised that at Edinburgh Crystal we didn’t have the creative freedom we felt we needed, so we left to start Juo,” explains Jessamy. “Obviously there have been some hard and stressful moments working together but we get on great, so it’s never been a major issue. Artistically our styles complement each other and we still both have our individuality. Even on the commission projects we get from local businesses we still find we have a lot of creative freedom.”

The dynamic working relationship has led to the company awards cabinet filling up fast, with accolades including the Blueprint ‘Business Planning Award’ and the Pearson’s Prize for ‘Best use of glass in retail and interior’; Jessamy was also awarded the ‘The craft&design Maker of the Year award’ in 2009. To start up the business they received funding from the Prince’s Trust ‘Start up Business Award’, NESTA’s ‘Insight Out Business Award’ and Arts Council England’s ‘Cultural Business Award’; which helped them to get the business going.

“We are doing what people in this area have done for hundreds of years and that’s special, especially when you’re hard work is recognised by people in the industry,” says Jessamy. ”We are very skilled artists and I’m proud to be continuing this tradition. What’s even better is that we are pushing things forward and keeping them fresh by always using and developing new techniques.”

Jessamy’s influences are built on her life growing up by the sea in Whitley Bay, and Juo’s latest collection ‘coast’ is made using casts of rippled sand after the tide has dropped.

Juo’s studio is based in the National Glass Centre – a unique, contemporary building that houses exhibition galleries, artists’ studios and production facilities, a craft & design shop (where you can find pieces of Juo art glass for sale) and an award-winning restaurant. In partnership with the University of Sunderland the centre delivers a programme of changing exhibitions, education workshops and events for schools, families, adults and children – all of which are of huge benefit to the local community, says Jessamy: “We are surrounded by a big community of artists at the Glass Centre. Not only is it educating the local community on our skills but it’s perfect for art students who become part of the growing community of like-minded people.”

The Sunderland area is blossoming with talented artists, Jessamy plans to keep the business in the area, not only because she loves it but also because of the business opportunity.

“The North East has attracted some very skilled creative people thanks to its wealth of courses and generous funding initiatives. A lot of our networks are here and we’re all very well supported,” comments Jessamy.

Jessamy has recently completed a PhD in Glass and Ceramics and Joanne has recently started a practice based PhD at the University of Sunderland. Both hope Juo will continue to thrive and allow them to keep the Wearside glass-making heritage alive. u

For more information visit www.juoltd.com or www.jessamykellyglass.com

a more active life is the way to halt childhood obesity, morc coulson, a north east fitness expert tells parents

act nOwHealth matters

hop, skip and jump for health



arents are letting their children down when it comes to exercise, according to Morc Coulson, a North East health and fitness

academic. Morc, a senior lecturer and programme leader for sport and exercise sciences at the University of Sunderland, has written a new book on the subject based on his research into the UK’s childhood obesity epidemic.

Teaching Children to Exercise is the first comprehensive guide for individuals involved in helping children and young people lead more active lives. The book breaks down the elements of sport into activities and basic movements using a combination of practical coaching methods and cutting edge theory – giving trainers the tools to prescribe the best and safest exercise programme to a team or class of youngsters.

However, Morc believes that parents should also be involved in encouraging their offspring to exercise from as early an age as possible – staving off health problems in later life.

Morc explains: “The obesity problems children are facing today highlight a lack of parental influence when it comes to activity.

“There are plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in activities, but how they get there is a different matter. Parental support is crucial, the commitment has to be there, otherwise it’s not going to work.”

Teaching Children to Exercise has been translated into many languages and is on sale worldwide, Morc hopes his book will change attitudes to activity and have a lasting impact globally on future generations.

Scottish athlete and 10,000 metres World Champion Liz McColgan has written a foreword in Morc’s book, endorsing his work.

“Through my involvement in research into childhood obesity in this region I have discovered a lack of education on how to deliver exercise to youngsters,” says Morc. “This is a huge agenda for this country, we’ve seen a major increase in the levels of childhood obesity since the mid 1990s.“This book has a health agenda, not a sports agenda, it’s about participation rather than performance. It’s also about encouraging youngsters to participate in exercise, with parents creating activities for them.

“There are other books out there on teaching exercise to children, but they have tended to be too academic. What I have done is put things in practical terms.

“I think there is an army of people who want to get involved in teaching exercise to children but feel uneducated and don’t know which way to go, or how to get started. This book gives them a start.”

Morc is conducting a number of pilot

p “Parents should also be involved in encouraging their offspring to exercise from as early an age as possible”

studies into children’s activity and the effects on obesity levels. As a result of this research he has access to UK health figures and says the North East still remains the nation’s obesity blackspot. According to The Health Survey for England 2005, 18 percent of children aged two to 15 in the UK were obese with the North East being above average at 19.5 percent.

“We are trying to influence an entire cultural lifestyle change. I hope whoever picks up this book can use it as a preventative measure, but this is no quick fix,” says Morc.

The lack of exercise in modern youngsters can be attributed to two factors, according to Morc: parental influence and the competitive element of sport.

“Parents can have a huge impact on their children’s health by getting involved and coming up with activities that don’t cost any money.

“A lot of children are turned off by the competitive element of sport. The book covers activities which reduce that element and the stigma of not being very good at something. It focuses on encouraging children to participate in movement-based exercise found in sport but put into a fun context, known as Fundamental Moves,” he explains.

This is a philosophy Morc, from County Durham, and his wife Lorretta adopted when raising their own son Nicholas and daughter Ashleigh, both aged 18. “My children are not particularly sporty – but they’ve had a go at everything,” says Morc. “What we have done as parents is make sure activity was accessible for them – anything they expressed an interest in we tried to facilitate that interest. It was just about making sure they were always active.” u

Teaching Children to Exercise, by Morc Coulson is published by AC&Black, and is available from www.acblack.com


dedicated team of design students has given a bereaved North East family a national platform to promote its support

group to encourage teenagers on the brink of suicide to seek help.

When Shirley and Dean Smith turned to the University of Sunderland’s Design Centre for guidance in raising the profile of ‘If U Care Share’, staff and students teamed up to tackle the sensitive brief and create a recognisable brand identity for the campaign.

‘If U Care Share’ was launched in 2005 following the death of Shirley’s 19-year-old son Daniel O’Hare, who hanged himself at home without any indication he was suffering personal problems.

His younger brother Matthew, then aged 10, cousin Sarah, then aged 13, developed the idea of encouraging young people to talk to someone about problems they may be experiencing, preventing another tragedy such as Daniel’s.

The campaign, targeting 13 to 19 year-olds, has so far raised more than £48,000 for The Samaritans North East Region and attracted high-profile support from pop group The Sugababes and Manchester City defender and England footballer Micah Richards, whose childhood friend Daniel Nelson took his own life in similar circumstances to Daniel O’Hare.

Micah said: “What the ‘If U Care Share’ campaign is doing is really important and I would like to stay involved in the long term. Shirley and Dean are looking to expand ‘If U Care Share’ into other parts of the UK, and I’m hoping that this will help them do that.”

it’s good to talkdesign students boost family’s cause to the nation and attract stars

a

lifesaverDesign for life

an identity that appeals to young people but carries the serious message of talking to someone if there is a problem, be it a parent, friend, tutor or teacher. Communication is so important. Last month was the fifth anniversary of Daniel’s death and I want to ensure we prevent another case like his through our campaign.”

Asked why Shirley chose the University to raise the profile of ‘If U Care Share’, she explains: “I became aware of Sunderland’s expertise in design and its reputation nationally for the care and support it gives young students after wristbands promoting ‘If U Care Share’ were sold on campus when we first set up. It was the ideal choice.

“Caring for the young and listening to them was the message we wanted to convey, and the staff and students recognised our vision from the outset. They showed 100 percent commitment and passion for our project. It’s important Daniel is never forgotten, we will always carry him in our hearts.”

‘If U Care Share’ is now being registered as a national charity. Shirley says: “My husband Dean and I are still no closer to knowing why Daniel decided on such a devastating course of action. We went out to the shops on March 28, 2005, and when we came home Daniel had hanged himself.

“There were no issues as far as we knew, but we believe if he’d talked things through we could have prevented this tragedy. Everything is solvable. We hope what we have learnt over the last five years will benefit others.” uFor more information visitwww.ifucareshare.co.uk

Final-year graphic communication and illustration students Gill Gill, David Fippard and Graeme Belshaw, alongside masters student Michael Turner, utilised their design skills to create logos, leaflets, flyers and business cards, which will be distributed throughout UK schools, colleges and universities, as well as redesigning the ‘If U Care Share’ website. They have worked on the project within the Design Centre’s live studio, Hothouse.

The results have surpassed all of Shirley’s expectations. “It’s truly amazing what these students have achieved,” says the 44-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham. “What the students and staff have done is going to make a huge difference in raising our profile nationally. They have given ‘If U Care Share’ an identity which will appeal to young people across the UK and ultimately help save lives.

“We wanted a look that was fresh and youthful, but was not frivolous. It has to have

“Staff and students teamed up to tackle the sensitive If U Care Share brief and create a recognisable brand for the campaign”

www.wearunited.orgBridgeAlumni

going globalBridge discovers how Patricia Rossello-Palmer became a leading commercial director P. 36

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To take part in any of our 2010 events or for

more information regarding the upcoming Wear Back! 2010 reunion on Saturday 11 September please view our events page at www.wearunited.org or email [email protected]

Pharmacy Graduates, the Hope Winch Society, held its AGM and Annual Reunion Dinner at the NationalGlass Centre. Each year the Hope Winch Society meets to dine, socialiseand discuss the pharmacy world and their time at the University of Sunderland. Last year, over 65 alumni members met up for what was described as a great evening. All pharmacy graduates are eligible to join the society and join us again for the reunion on 9 October 2010. Why not get a group of friends together and have a great time.

a look back

Hosted by Chancellor Steve Cram and Faculty Dean Viv Kinnaird, the event proved to be extremely popular with ex-School of Computing and Business students with whom the University of Sunderland has a long standing partnership.

The reunion followed on from the University of Sunderland graduation ceremony which took place earlier that afternoon.

Over 75 alumni members

attended at the Hyatt Regency where they got to socialise with old friends, make new ones and meet the Chancellor. The evening was a huge success.

Sunderland staff were treated by Mother Nature and got to spend a few extra days on the island due to the volcanic ash cloud.

We hope this event will become an annual reunion to build our alumni relations further in the Caribbean.

The first ever Alumni v Current Students Sports Day took place in the University of Sunderland’s new iconic recreational building CitySpace.

In partnership with the Sports Development Team graduates on 17 October took on current students in both football and basketball – and won on both counts (Football: Alumni 5 – 4 Current Students; Basketball: Alumni

alumni v Current student Games 2009

ChanCellor’s island reunion

www.wearunited.org | Bridge | 3�

86 – 68 Current Students). Teams were invited for some post-

match celebrations at CAMPUS where they were treated to a beer and pizza by the University.

Following on from this year’s success this event is to be held annually. Participants are being sought to take part in: football (mens and womens); basketball (mens and womens); hockey (mens and womens); netball; rugby (mens and womens); badminton (mens, womens and mixed); tennis (mens, womens and mixed); climbing and golf (mens and womens).

the alumni association held its first ever reunion in trinidad and tobago in april 2010.

news in brief

Alumni members returned for a tour of CitySpace – the flagship building that replaced Wearmouth Hall. Open to all alumni members it has a coffee bar, sports hall, eatery and gym. Among visitors were some of the Sunderland Old Teachers Society and Joanne Wilson, whose father Peter Hale was the Warden at Wearmouth Hall.

Pharmacy graduates and current students joined forces to learn from each other, network and make new friends. Alumni came back to talk to current students about their experiences of ‘Community Pharmacy…in the Real World’. The Alumni Association were pleased to welcome back Mark Burdon, David Carter, Paul Pendergood and Community Pharmacist of the Year Mike Maguire to share their knowledge.

www.wearunited.orgWatch out for a fresh new look to our website.

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While women are the prime movers in the travel business, there is a distinct lack of senior executive women making decisions within the industry. However, Patricia Rossello-Palmer, a former University of Sunderland student, doesn’t just make decisions, she shapes the future of the travel business.

Now commerical director of Lowcost Travel Group – a company founded in 2004 that prides itself on a no-nonsense approach to providing consumers with value for money holidays and transfers – Patricia was always destined to forge a career within the travel industry.

Patricia grew up in Majorca where her father, Rafael Rossello, was a successful agent for Owners Abroad – now First Choice – and a major contractor with the island’s hoteliers.

After studying business adminstration, which included a year at the University of Sunderland, Patricia went on to take a Masters in London. She then helped with the administration of her father’s business.

On returning to England, Patricia was determined to capitalise on her father’s

packaging with a low-cost carrier and set a new trend in travel for consumers.”

Patricia credits her ability to always know what she wants as partially responsible for her considerable success. “I never accept no for an answer,” she adds. “If you want to be successful in business you must go for it. Life doesn’t come to you – you need to make it happen, be determined, make a plan, set target dates and meet them, the rest will follow.”

In just four years Patricia increased her staff at Medinland from just three to 110 employees and achieved a £45m turnover. After selling it to Co-operative Travel, Patricia set up Resorthotels which she sold in 2009 to Lowcost Travel Group. In 2006, Patricia won ‘Business Woman of the Year’ at the Shine Awards.

Patricia’s positive attitude to business is illustrated by her reaction to the disruption caused by the volcanic ash in April. While other firms panicked, Patricia calmly laid on coaches, ensuring happy clients and a fantastic PR story. “Ours were the earliest coaches to leave Madrid,” says Patricia, “and were filmed arriving at Gatwick. It really was a good news story.” u

contacts in Majorca and she kick-started her successful career when she founded Medinland in 1998, a pioneer of the dynamic packaging model. Patricia sold Medinland to Travelcare in September 2004 for a multimillion pound sum. Patricia says that her time at Sunderland in 1995 and 1996 was incredibly useful to her career. “Sunderland appealed as it’s a modern university. I found it to be very friendly and the teachers were excellent. I knew that I could go to them for help at any time – which was very different to my tutors in Spain who had a much more formal approach to teaching.

“At Sunderland we were treated much more like adults. You could have conversations with the tutors and the small tutorials were invaluable. My tutors helped me to mature and work out what I wanted from my career.”

Patricia says that setting up her first business was very hard work but fun. “You have to have fun in business – it’s crucial,” she advises. “My first business offered something different to clients and gave them huge flexibility about where they could travel. It was the first company to offer dynamic

business administration alumni, patricia rossello-palmer, is commercial director for one of the uK’s leading travel companies. Bridge discovers how she got to where she is today

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The iberian connectionOne of sunderland’s graduates has gone global with her travel business while another has made waves in the yachting world. Gillian Potts reports

Leonardo da Costa Sayago, successful boat designer and businessman, says that he owes much of his career to, what is now, the University of Sunderland. Born in Portugal, Leonardo studied naval architecture in 1964 at Sunderland Technical College.

“The shipbuilding industry was thriving in Sunderland and the city had a good relationship with Portugal so it seemed an obvious place to choose.

“At Sunderland you felt that your tutors were there to help you succeed and give advice on any issues be it academic, health or financial. Fortunately this help was not ever required but it was good to know somebody was there in case of trouble,” he explains.

Although Leonardo found the weather in the North East challenging, as he did the local accent, he says that he remembers Sunderland as a fabulous place to study. He adds that his degree gave him the qualifications to work anywhere in the world. “When I finished my degree in 1968 I had a couple of excellent work offers but decided to

makinG wavesgiven sunderland’s thriving shipbuilding industry, the university seemed like the perfect choice for leonardo da costa sayago to study naval architecture. Celia Mather finds out how the degree has shaped his career

work for Camper and Nicholson in Southampton. I learnt a lot there and I then set up my own design studio where I designed the Sandpiper.”

Leonardo’s career went from strength to strength. Of the many designs undertaken some 5,000 boats were produced in Brazil, Sweden, Canada and the UK, where it all started. He will visit Canada this August as guest of Honour for the Annual meeting of the Sandpiper Owners Association.

By establishing his own boat building company Leonardo could afford to indulge his passion for flying which has proved excellent for business. “I could

organise a business lunch in a different country and fly home in time for tea,” he recalls. Leonardo started to sell light aircraft as well as pleasure boats. Early retirement meant Leonardo relocated to Portugal in 1993, where he bought a farm near a large lake. However, after just two weeks Leonardo had started selling light aircraft and boats again and has ambitious plans for his farm. “I’m setting up a flying village,” he says casually. “We’re developing property by the lake. Residents will be able to fly to their homes and keep their planes there.”

An extraordinary idea, but just another step along his remarkable career path. u

GoinG Global

at 14 years old leonardo had already started designing and building boats


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Every year we ask you to nominate a person, who you feel has exhibited noteworthy achievement in:l professional success demonstrated by notable career achievements;l extraordinary community involvement;l meritorious heroism and/or prevalence over adversity; and/orl significant volunteerism or philanthropy for the benefit of humanity.

WiNNer: MArk BUrdoN1999 graduate Mark Burdon has been awarded the 2009 Alumni Member of the Year Award. After judging numerous nominations Mark was awarded this honour for his outstanding career development and for his work with the University and the Community.

Mark was presented with his award by Chancellor Steve Cram at the Winter Graduation Ceremony at the Stadium of Light in December.

Mark was nominated by Dr Paul Carter, Senior Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy.

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double first for pharmacyalumni member of the year award Mike Maguire at

a ceremony and dinner held on 10 June 2010.Mike was nominated for the development of his pharmacy in Middlesbrough, which has had much praise. As well as the usual dispensing pharmacy, it also incorporates a Therapy Centre

and offers holistic treatments.The Marton Pharmacy is

committed to improving the health of the local community. When Middlesbrough was nominated as the UK’s worst place to live in 2007, Mike co-founded the Love Middlesbrough campaign, with a range of organisations including the local council and the town’s football club. He now leads a spin-off group, Love Health. Mike is Chairperson of Cleveland’s Local Pharmacy Committee and UK Community Pharmacist of the year 2009.

Each year the Alumni Association asks members to nominate a graduate who has succeeded in enterprise.

The aim of the Blueprint Alumni Achievement award is to recognise and reward outstanding alumni achievement in enterprise, particularly those which have had a dramatic effect in the North East, and to raise the profile of the University via the successes of our alumni.

This year’s award was presented to

blueprint 2010 alumni aChievement award

mark burdon (centre) receives award from

chancellor steve cram

mike maguire

Rachel Wojcik, Ba (HoNs) JewellerY aND silversMiTHiNg

What did you do with the Futures Fund grant?My aim was to inform a practice based PhD in the

field of Ceramics. i spent two days in London where i gained inspiration from the Wallace Collection and the British Museum.

i travelled to Paris where the Palace at Versailles and the Sèvres Museum were fabulous and the exhibition elle@centrepompidou was very relevant.

How has the experience helped you?i stretched the Futures Fund grant a long way! it both motivated me and facilitated valuable opportunities to gather material for my research. i drew up busy itineraries for my visits in order to justify the award.

What are you doing now?i am now a year and a half into my PhD research.

it is a part-endowed fund that encourages students to expand their horizons and take advantage of the opportunities their drive and skills create for them. These opportunities are as varied as our students, but in general the Futures Fund focuses support in the following areas:l Professional Development Awardsl Opportunity Awards

l Excellence Awardsif you can make a small but

valued donation and help the potential talent of the future, then join the hundreds of alumni who are already supporting the fund. For more information email [email protected] or to donate online visit www.wearunited.org.

The University’s Development Trust is responsible for developing capital fundraising campaigns in line with the Institution’s objectives.

One of our key aims over the next three years is to identify funding for the next phase of the City Campus project – The Sciences Refurbishment. Around £75m is being invested in City Campus to ensure it continues to offer one of the best student experiences in Higher Education. Read more about these exciting campus developments on page 14.

For more information on how to support the University’s Sciences Capital Campaign, please contact the Development Office on 0191 5152692 or email [email protected]

applianCe of sCienCe is Capital

Rachel Wojcik hopes her unique jewellery, which has a mechanism that gracefully moves in line with the motions of the body, will dazzle potential industry employers at a prestigious exhibition in London. The third year BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing student will be showcasing pieces of her work at the New Designers exhibition. Every July some 3,500 newly graduated designers, representing the top 200 design courses from across the country, meet industry employers, the media, trend predictors and a design-hungry public.

Rachel said: “I’m hoping there’ll be people wanting to buy some of my pieces.”

This has been made possible by donations to the Futures Fund.

donna grant, Ma CeraMiCs

the futures fund supports excellence and opportunity for those studying at the university now and into the future

looking after our future


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some of sunderland’s alumni to see what they’ve been up to since graduating and how the university helped to shape their careers

stuart maddisOn ba (hons) community studies (1994)“I still see the old gang. I’m now a chief sub editor in London with 15 years’ experience in magazines.”

benJamin f c teng phdbsc (hons) engineering (1978)“Currently based in Puerto Rico working as an Associate Research Professor in Control & Robotics.”

JOnathOn barghma (2007) radio production & management ba (2005) media studies“I’m now working as Area Command media & communications officer with the Northumbria Police.”

cOnnie linmba (2007)“I’m employed in Hong Kong as a general manager for a biotechnology company.”

Julia rOsiebsc health sciences (2000)“Working as the lead diabetes dietician in Wirral and very much looking forward to getting married this year!”

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graham tOwnsendmba (2006) ba (hons) international business (2004)“Working as a management consultant in London. Recently married to Sian whom I met while studying at the University.”

matt reillyba (hons) media & cultural studies (2000)“I’m now married and working as a communications assistant/editor based in Gateshead.”

vicKi sahatOOba (hons) business management – distance learning (2007)“I’m enjoying my job as an office manager in Trinidad. My degree has helped me develop my professional life.”

Where are you now?

suzanne mOrtOnba (hons) early childhood & curriculum studies (2004)“I’ve been working in children’s services since graduation and currently working towards a social work degree.”

lucie armittenglish studies (1984)“Professor of Literary and Cultural Studies at University of Salford. I’d love to hear from anyone I studied with in 1982-83.”

david spencetechnology education (1976)“Now retired after 33 years in education – but still helping out four mornings a week!”

Katy evansba (hons) media studies (2000)“Working in Essex as editor of a monthly women’s magazine and occasionally finding time to write!”

andreas petasisba (hons) business administration (1999)“Working as an Assistant Professor at the American College, Nicosia, Cyprus, and pursuing my second PhD.”

christine liddleba (hons) fine art (1983)“I did a PGCE and have been teaching all over the country. I would dearly love to hear from any of those people who put up with me (lecturers included!) during those wonder filled four years!”

marK barrettma english (2009)ba english education (2007)“I’m assistant head of English and I’ve recently been promoted to leader of teaching and learning.”

Kamal ahmedpharmacy (1964)“After completing my pre-reg year in London I returned to Bangladesh to work for various pharmaceutical companies. Now retired and settled in Dhaka.”

paul russell bsc cps (1997) & Jennie rObertsOn bsc sports science (1997)“We have been married for eight years and have two children. Paul has recently completed a PhD with Kings College, London and is currently working for Unilever.”

dereK redfernpgce business studies (1999)“After nine years of teaching Business in Whitby I took voluntary redundancy and now teaching at a Chinese state school.”

peter liebaucombined studies (erasmus - 2004)“I’m living in Koblenz, Germany – hoping to visit Sunderland again one day!”

JOhn tangbsc environmental studies (1980)“Since I graduated I have continued with various studies and have been working in Belgium for the last 25 years. Currently working as a Minister, I am a regular speaker and teach RE in upper schools and colleges. Married to Claire and I have four children.”

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len stulebsc naval architecture (1980)Following graduation I returned to industry and managed the build of such iconic ships as ‘Ark Royal’ and ‘Atlantic Conveyor’. Currently working as a Director for New College Durham. My time at the University of Sunderland was marvellous!”

tOm lynnQcg careers guidance (2005)“Working for Connexions County Durham as a personal adviser. Loved my time at Sunderland, great staff, really helped me progress in life and settle back into education as a mature student.”

marK greenfieldba (hons) data processing (1989)“Working in the US for Temple Inland Inc, a games company based in Austin, Texas with my partner of four years.”

david mcmillanbed (hons) (1987)“Retired Army Officer and serving Magistrate on the Birmingham bench. Previously a Head Teacher.”

dr dOnna petchphd medicinal chemistry (2008)“I stayed on at Sunderland after my BSc to complete a lifelong dream of a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. Now working in a postdoctoral role researching new cancer drugs in Leeds.”

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duKe geKaramba (2008)“I work as a home manager and looking forward to starting my PhD later this year.”

arOsha weeraKKOdymba (2009)“Working as a Marketing Consultant/Strategic Planner in Sri Lanka.”

matthew sithOle-magwidi ba (hons) ict (2008)“Teaching ICT at Pinewood School, Hertfordshire. I am really proud of Sunderland University, it is indeed a life-changing Univeristy!”

shaiKh lateefmsc pharmacotherapy (2007)Working as a Senior Pharmacist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Pakistan.

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usman mahmOOdmsc network systems (2005)“Studying at Sunderland University was a great experience. After graduation I returned to my home town of Lahore. Now working as a project manager for a game studio.”

tim bucKleba (hons) communication studies (2002)“Working as a library assistant at Durham University.”

Odd bredO thOrKildsenbsc civil engineering (1967)“Last in Sunderland during our reunion of 2007 and looking forward to our 45-year reunion in 2012. Living in Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria running a tourist resort with my wife (www.safarikenya.net). I’m designing bridges in Africa – latest product a 720m bridge across the Rovuma. My email details via the alumni office.”

christOs pastalatzismba (1996)“I am working with Adidas group as retail planning, merchandise and replenishment manager.”

Want to let your former secondary school know of your success? This campaign aims to inspire school children to think about their future in education and to show them that university education can be for them.

Provide a message and/or photograph and we’ll do the rest! To sign up please go to: www.sunderland.ac.uk/faculties/es/ivedoneitsocanyou

lee staffOrdbsc community health (2009)“Working as a support worker for adults with disabilities and about to undertake MA Social Work at Leeds Met.”

“i have done it so can you!”

david OlesKerbusiness studies (1978)“Still living happily in Jerusalem with my wife and children. I’d love to hear from anyone who knew me back on the Wear in the late 1970s.”

victOria simpsOnba (hons) pvd 2004“Working for Getty Images in London as a Picture Desk Editor. Without my degree I’m not sure I would have such a colourful CV.”

dave Kelseyba (hons) business computing/french (1988)“An operator in the control centre of a power distribution company in New Zealand.”

cui Jianba business administration (2004)“Working back in Beijing for a graphic design company as a Financial Director.”

To see more Where Are You Now’s visit: www.wearunited.org

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Documents

Bridge 2010