The magazine for alumni and friendsof Queen Margaret University

ISSUE 65, APRIL 2007

QMU NAMES FOUNDINGCHANCELLOR

OUR DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN

OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Note from the Principal

These are momentous times for thenew Queen Margaret University. Sinceour foundation in 1875, our name,academic expertise and subjectportfolio have changed, but thepurposes of our institution haveremained constant: to undertakelearning, teaching and applicableresearch on issues that are of clearrelevance to the wellbeing of society.As the newest university in the U.K.,and the first to come into being inScotland since devolution, we can bejustifiably proud that the quality of ourwork and our mission has beenjudged fully worthy of the dignity ofuniversity status.

Who better to personify both theprimacy of our values and theirsignificance for our success than ourChancellor, Sir Tom Farmer? Sir Tomis a businessman and entrepreneur ofunquestioned brilliance who has usedhis success to heighten the role andimportance of philanthropy inScotland. He was recently awardedthe signal honour of a CarnegieMemorial Medal, and it would bedifficult to think of anyone who moreclosely embodies the philanthropicethos associated with Carnegiehimself which characterisescontemporary Scotland.

And what more fitting expression ofour success, confidence andrelevance to the new Scotland couldthere be than our new campus, nownearing completion? I know we willseize the opportunity of our relocationto make this a very fine university,distinctive in scale and focus and as asustainably small, but vital contributorto Scotland’s university system.

The proof of our value and of ourvalues is in the work described inthese pages. Enjoy them – andcelebrate our success!

Professor Anthony Cohen FRSEPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor

Edited, Designed and Produced by:Marketing and Communications OfficeQueen Margaret University

Photography: Dougie BarnettPrinter: Allander

Contact:Marketing and Communications OfficeQueen Margaret UniversityCorstorphine Campus Edinburgh, EH12 8TSTel. 0131 317 3000 Email. marketing@qmu.ac.uk

CONTENTS

06-0704-05

14-1508-11

03 News

04 - 05 Queen Margaret gains university title

06 - 07 The Queen Margaret University development campaign

08 - 09 Our past, present and future – QM’s history

10 - 11 Our past, present and future – we hear from past students

12 Research and consultancy news

13 Postcard from Diane Lester

14 - 15 Nursing relations in the Middle East

16 QMUGA newsletter

17 - 19 Classnotes / reunions / alumni offers

20 News

PAGE 03

UNIVERSITY TITLE AWARDED

On 16 January, we were awarded fulluniversity title, with a name change toQueen Margaret University, Edinburgh,confirming our long established positionas a university level institution. See page4-5 for more details.

BOOST FOR SCOTTISH BUSINESS

A £555,065 award from the ScottishExecutive towards a £1.1m NapierUniversity- Queen Margaret Universityshared commercialisation service projecthas been received. The first shared interhigher education institution (HEI) serviceof its kind, it is designed to increaseuniversity-to-business activity.

Working with agencies of economicgrowth, relevant trade associations,Chambers of Commerce and others, theproject leaders’ top priority will be todefine what SMEs operating in thecountry’s key industries most urgentlyneed to grow and develop. Thisintelligence will then be fed back into theuniversities so that they can focus on,and channel funds into developingexpertise and knowledge in those areasmost relevant to industry needs.

The new service will comprise a projectmanager and five business developmentmanagers dedicated to nurturing SMEs,helping them to increasecompetitiveness and productivitythrough innovation, by identifying andprotecting intellectual assets andproperty and improving new productsand processes. This will lead toincreases in business, sustain existingones and create new employment andgive Scotland a strong competitiveadvantage in attracting new inward investment.

Operating across both institutions, theproject office is expected to become aone-stop-shop for Scottish business andindustry and the HEI partners, providinginformation and advice at every stage ofthe innovation and knowledge transfercycle via feasibility studies, marketintelligence and placement schemes.

As the project encompasses more thanscience and technology, funding hasalso been sought – and secured – fromboth the European Regional

Development Fund (£55,180) andScottish Enterprise Edinburgh &Lothians (£89,358).

‘WATCHING’ AIRS ON SKY

‘Watching’, a short film made bystudents from Queen MargaretUniversity’s School of Drama has beenbroadcast on ‘The Red Carpet’, aprogramme shown on Sky TV’s propellerchannel 195, which is dedicated toshowing the best student films aroundthe UK.

The film focuses on the life of a politicianwith a dark sexual secret which has thepower to destroy his career. Set in therun up to an election, the film involvesblackmail, manipulation and sexualintrigue.

Anita Gallo, from Edinburgh, wrote‘Watching’ while studying for herMasters in Dramatic Writing at QueenMargaret University. The cast andproduction team was made up of finalyear Acting and Performance studentsfrom Queen Margaret and was directedby David Andrews whose previouscredits include Hollyoaks, Dr Finlay’sCasebook, Take the High Road and Brookside.

Dawn Simpson, Broadcast DevelopmentDirect and Producer/Director of the RedCarpet programme commented: “Sinceits launch in February 2006, propellerhas supported some 3,000 newfilmmakers, far outrunning our initial aimto work with 500 new film and televisionmakers in the first year. We only acceptthose films which have been producedto the highest of standards, ensuringthat the film is both broadcast compliantand has high production values. The film‘Watching’ achieved both. The film wasvery well presented with a great twist at the end.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - IT’S AWONDERFUL TOWN

As the result of a successfuldevelopment campaign trip to New Yorklast November by Vice Principal, RosalynMarshall, the Vice Chairman of Forbes,Christopher ‘Kip’ Forbes hosted a dinnerin March to further QMU’s relationship-

building with influential USphilanthropists. For more news on thedevelopment campaign, see pages 6-7.

OBITUARY

Clive Perry – Theatre DirectorBorn: 17 March 1936, in HarrowDied: 11 November 2006, in Edinburgh

Clive Perry, a well respected figure intheatre, and a key player in buildingQM’s drama department has died,following diagnosis with cancer in August.

Clive accepted the challenge ofbecoming the first professor of drama atQueen Margaret University College in1990. His reshaping of the departmentlaunched its journey to becoming animportant drama conservatoire. Heworked with the vision, determinationand tough-mindedness that marked hisentire career.

Standing down as professor of drama atthe end of 1995, he became professorof theatre. On his retirement at QM, hewas made professor emeritus and in2001, was also awarded a HonDLitt.

A 50 year history in theatre saw Cliveentertaining a variety of prominentpositions. He was also honoured in1998, with an OBE for services to theatre.

Ian Brown, a great friend of Clive’s andwho succeeded him as professor ofdrama at Queen Margaret, said:“Scotland has lost a great man of the theatre”.

NEWS

With the New Year came the welcomenews that Queen Margaret UniversityCollege has been awarded fulluniversity title and has now beenrenamed as Queen MargaretUniversity, Edinburgh.

The decision by the Privy Councilfollowed an extensive scrutiny and publicconsultation exercise and comes nineyears after Queen Margaret was grantedfull degree-awarding powers in 1998,followed a year later in 1999, with theaward of the title of ‘University College’.Since then, the size of the studentpopulation – one of the key criteria forattaining university status – has grown to the equivalent of around 4,000 full time students.

Following the announcement at thebeginning of January, QM News spoketo Professor David Kirk, Vice Principal(Learning and Teaching) about theimpact of gaining the full university title.Professor Kirk led the successfulapplication for university title.

WHAT DOES BEING GRANTED FULLUNIVERSITY TITLE MEAN?

Gaining the university title has been oneof two ambitious and strategic goals inour institution's vision and towardswhich we have been working for severalyears. This momentous achievement isalso highly opportune. Together with thisyear's move to our brand-new campusat Craighall, it heralds the start of ahugely exciting new era in which QueenMargaret will be able to realise its fullpotential to contribute to the Scottishuniversity system.

MIGHT SOME PEOPLE SEE THEMOVE TO ‘UNIVERSITY’ STATUS ASMERELY A MARKETING EXERCISE?

The award is much more than a re-branding exercise. Queen Margaret hasalways had a strong reputation as auniversity-level institution – with homestudents and the employers with whomwe work. The new title will allow us tocarry forward the same brand values,not only here but also internationally,where because of the ‘college’ label,there has always been some confusionas to whether we were a university or afurther education college.

The full university title award confirmsQueen Margaret’s long-establishedposition as a university level institution;not only have we been carrying out highlevel teaching and research for decadesbut, for the second year running, wehave been ranked by the Sunday Timesas Britain’s top higher education collegeand came firmly in the upper half of allthe UK’s universities.

If anything, the change marks not somuch a historical end but more anexciting new beginning, which will open up lots of opportunities for us. It is now down to us to capitalise onthose opportunities.

WHAT WILL BE SOME OF THE MAIN BENEFITS?

The university title recognises the calibreof the work that is done at QueenMargaret and gives us a real platform forgrowth, particularly with regard todeveloping our international activities.

Having full university status will open upfunding opportunities, especially in theresearch arena where the competition istough and criteria often limitsapplications to those institutions with fulluniversity title only. And in cases wherewe might be applying for joint fundingwith another university, the award isgoing to give us much more academiccredibility and allow us to develop ouralready highly successful collaborativeinitiatives with QM as the senior partner.

Other important benefits will be theability to grow our research capabilitiesand commercialisation opportunities and the award will allow us to competeon a level playing field with otheruniversities in attracting the crème de la crème of international studentsand top academics.

AND WILL CURRENT STUDENTSNOTICE AN IMPACT?

Apart from the obvious name change toQueen Margaret University, Edinburgh,one of the biggest benefits that studentswill notice is that, from July 2007, allstudents graduating will receive theirdegree awards with the Queen MargaretUniversity name.

AND THE FUTURE?

As an institution, our values will remainlargely the same. However the new titlewill allow us to further cement and growthe excellent academic achievementsthat we have been providing for over a century.

Coupled with our brand new high-techcampus at Craighall, the full university

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW – QUEEN MARGARET GAINSUNIVERSITY TITLE

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title will benefit Queen Margaret, thelocal community and Scotland as awhole, allowing us to develop the people who will shape the communitiesof the future.

Spread over 35 acres of farmland, thenew campus will be home to around5,000 students and 500 members ofstaff, who are currently housed at threeseparate sites in Edinburgh.

Yet it doesn’t stop there. There is roomfor growth organically on the new site soyou will have to watch this space. Theopportunities are there for the taking –we just need to seize them as they arise.

“Coupled with our brand new high-techcampus at Craighall, the full university title willbenefit Queen Margaret, the local communityand Scotland as a whole, allowing us todevelop the people who will shape thecommunities of the future.”

Celebrating new opportunities

A NEW UNIVERSITY FOR A NEW SCOTLAND

Universities are increasingly looking tosources other than Government andResearch Councils for the funding theyrequire to deliver the range of activitiesand projects that will help them maintaintheir reputations for quality andexcellence in their fields of expertise.Sometimes funding is sought forprojects that will enhance the university’sreputation and improve people’s lives,other times funding may be required forcapital build projects that will allow theuniversity to continue delivering highquality education in a state of the artlearning environment.

One thing is absolutely certain –universities need to seek out alternativefunding sources if they wish to progressand Queen Margaret University, likeevery other institution in the sector, isembracing this move towards increasedphilanthropic funding. QMU is workingtowards launching a new developmentcampaign towards the end of summer2007, in a focused effort to securefinancial support for Queen MargaretUniversity’s new campus.

The new site will give our students theopportunity to learn in a visionary newuniversity that will combine the very bestteaching with the most advancedsurroundings to support their learningexperience. However, in order to makethe campus the special place weenvisage and want it to be, we will beseeking additional funding from a rangeof philanthropic individuals andorganisations. This philanthropic fundingwill enable us to deliver one of the most

exciting developments in higher educationin Scotland today – the first brand new,purpose built university campus inScotland for over a generation.

The university is working hard to buildnew relationships with people across theglobe that can help us deliver our vision.Vice Principal, Rosalyn Marshall, visitedNew York last November and forgednew relationships with various Americanphilanthropists and influential people,including representatives from theCarnegie Foundation, Friends ofScotland, the Clinton Global Initiativeand the St Andrew’s Society of the Stateof New York. As a result of theNovember trip, Christopher ‘Kip’ Forbes,Vice Chairman of Forbes hosted adinner in New York to further QMU’srelationship building with a range ofpotential supporters. The University’sChancellor, Sir Tom Farmer who waspresent ensured that guests were wellinformed about QMU’s developmentsback in Edinburgh.

There is much at QMU to excite andengage prospective supporters anddespite still being in the early stages ofdeveloping our campaign, we arealready receiving gifts and are well onthe way to having secured £2milliontowards the new campus.

Queen Margaret University is awonderfully exciting and vibrantinstitution. Our reach goes beyondnational borders; students from over 40countries come to study at QM and thebenefits of what they learn here areevident in communities all round theworld. We play an essential role insociety, locally, nationally and

internationally; we provide access tolearning at all times for people who want to do better for themselves and for society. We teach people how toheal, to nurture, to manage, to perform.We make the arts accessible to themarginalised; we protect theenvironment; we improve healthcareacross nations. Queen MargaretUniversity is a genuinely public institution.

Both the new campus and becoming afully fledged university will help to ensurethe continued excellence of QueenMargaret University’s teaching andresearch. QMU is recognised as aleading higher education institution andour small size and deliberate focus giveus unique strengths that cannot bematched by larger institutions.

Everyone can be part of this excitingdevelopment at Queen MargaretUniversity. Whether you are interested insponsoring a tree, a library book, acomputer, a seat in the lecture theatre,or even a whole bookcase, we aregrateful for all the help we receive andwe would love to hear from you. If youwould like to find out more about howyou could support the new QueenMargaret University, please do get intouch. You can call us on 0131 3173359, or email development@qmu.ac.uk

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PROMISING FUTURES –THE QUEEN MARGARET UNIVERSITYDEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN

PAGE 07

The university is working hard to buildnew relationships with people across theglobe that can help us deliver our vision.

Promising futures...

PAGE 08

From its humble beginnings, QueenMargaret has developed a strongreputation for enhancing quality of life in the communities we serve andaddressing some of the mostpressing needs of society. Thesevalues are as important today as they were in 1875, when the college started.

The institution that became QueenMargaret, was established as a voluntaryeffort to address two key problems of itsday: the demand for better educationand improved career opportunities forfemales; and the need for animprovement in diets, particularly thoseof working class families. The womenwho established the institution, ChristianGuthrie Wright and Louisa Stevenson,made it their mission to achieve theseaims. Within a generation infant deathsin Scotland reduced by fifty percent andthe liberating effect of education onwomen has been described as ‘virtuallyincalculable’* (* The Excellent Women" by Tom Begg;ISBN: 0 85976 404 4)

At first, teaching staff went out withmobile gas and paraffin cookingequipment to give programmes of publiclectures and demonstrations all overBritain. The institution’s first permanentbase was established in ShandwickPlace, in 1877. In 1891 the Schoolmoved to Atholl Crescent and over thenext 50 years or so, gradually extendedits premises along the Crescent.

Through the first half of the twentiethcentury, the institution flourished, mainlytraining cookery teachers. However, bythe 1960s, major changes in society

meant that the institution needed toadapt in order to remain true to its goalof improving the quality of life. There wasa need to address women’s increasingdemand for wider educationalopportunities and access to careers thatwould enable them to compete on abasis of genuine equality.

As part of the modernisation process, anarea of the Clermiston estate in westEdinburgh was acquired from WimpeyHomes in 1961, and a new campus wasbuilt, opening in 1970. Over the nexttwo decades, Queen Margaret wastransformed into a higher educationinstitution, offering an increasingly broadrange of courses, aimed at male as wellas female students.

The name Queen Margaret College wasadopted in 1972 so that the collegewould no longer be associated with onenarrow field of study. More traditionalcourses in food were developed intodegrees in dietetics and consumerstudies. A number of other institutionswere incorporated into Queen Margaret,and a broad range of degreeprogrammes was introduced, with agreat emphasis on nursing, the alliedhealth professions and drama. To keeppace with changes in society’s needsover the years, courses were alsodeveloped in subjects including publicrelations, applied pharmacology and psychology.

In September 1992, the Privy Councilgranted Queen Margaret College powersto award its own taught degrees, apublic recognition of the rigorously highacademic standards now being appliedwithin the institution. In 1998, the college

was granted full degree powers whichenabled it to award its own research andhigher degrees and in 1999, QueenMargaret was empowered to take thetitle of University College. The growth instudent numbers since 1999 hasallowed Queen Margaret to meet the lastkey criterion for becoming a university.The award of full university title simplyconfirms Queen Margaret’s long-established position as a university level institution.

Today, inspired by our history and thegreat tradition of Scottish education,Queen Margaret University is dedicatedto delivering professional learning andspecialising in research which is of valueto the community and enhancespeople’s lives. There has been successin winning major grants from a variety ofsources including the UK ResearchCouncils, the Scottish Office, leadingmedical charities and the EC. QueenMargaret now hosts a number of world-class research centres such as TheSpeech Science Research Centre, theRBS Centre for the Older Person'sAgenda, and the Centre for IntegratedHealthcare Research.

Queen Margaret is helping Scotlandsucceed in the 21st century knowledgeeconomy through equipping andempowering our graduates andpostgraduates to make a difference. It isa university not just about wealthcreation; but also about sustaining andbettering society. Queen Margaret meetsreal social needs within communities,locally and internationally.

Queen Margaret welcomes all in society,from home and abroad, who wish to

OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

PAGE 09

realise their potential. The award ofuniversity title, along with the innovativenew campus, and a constant strive forexcellence, will enable Queen Margaretto realise its potential.

Humble beginnings

Artist’s impression of the new campus

PAGE 10

MOIRA ROSALEEN HOBBS

Moira Rosaleen Hobbs (nee Darling) hadoriginally intended training as a nursebut a phobia of needles, made her thinkthat a vocation in this area might beshort lived, especially if she had to giveinjections. So unlike today, whenstudents invariably have a big say inwhat they wish to study, it was herparents’ suggestion that she attendAtholl Crescent, a forerunner to what isnow QMU. And in Rosaleen’s words,“whatever your parents suggested was“sacrosanct.”

For a young girl “travelling overnight onthe train from England to Edinburgh,busy with American military, was veryexciting”, she recalls. Rosaleen, now 81years young, attended the EdinburghCollege of Domestic Science at AthollCrescent from the autumn term of 1943and finished at the end of the springterm in 1945. Obtaining a First ClassDiploma in both HouseholdManagement and also InstitutionalManagement, the four year course wascondensed into six terms, due to the war.

Subject modules included cookery,laundry work, patching, darning andknitting, dietetics, electricity, first aid andhouse book-keeping. And whilst today’sstudents would think many of thesubject areas redundant now, they werekey skills required by young women inwar and post-war Britain.

An education at Atholl Crescent, byRosaleen’s own admission, was themaking of a shy young girl and ‘broughther out of herself’.

Student life was much tougher then.She can remember ‘sewing by pilot light’in Miss Collins’ Hostel in Drumsheugh

Gardens; and entertainment for astudent would be a trip to cinema. Theentrance fee would buy a day’s worth ofamusement including Pathe news reels,a ‘B film’, in addition to the main featureand of course someone playing theorgan. If students were feeling ‘flushed’,they might have stretched to an ice-cream but this was a luxury rather than a given.

In Rosaleen’s day, it was assumed thatas part of your course you would gainvaluable work experience although nopayment would be received. Rosaleenremembers being employed for a monthat Melville House, one of the studentaccommodation options, where she hadto cook 69 slices of bread and the sameamount of eggs for high tea. It was ahuge responsibility to ensure that shedidn’t ruin the rationed commodity. Shewas also ‘employed’ as a waitress at theVictory Club in Princes Street and wouldhelp with serving the lunches, for across section of military men from farand wide.

As these were war years, Rosaleensigned up as a runner, which meant inthe event of the city being bombed thatshe could act a gofer deliveringmessages between locations.Fortunately she never had to follow thisthrough. Rosaleen also gave blood atthe Royal Infirmary, a new concept atthe time but very necessary.

Rosaleen signed up to be ‘listed’ but theend of her course coincided with theculmination of the war. She nonethelessjoined the Army as a driver and workeduntil 1949, when she got married andsoon started a family, with the arrival ofher daughter the next year. Her familygrew to seven children and 13grandchildren.

“So one thing an education at AthollCrescent provided me with, was theability to provide and cook for such a bigfamily”, said Rosaleen.

Rosaleen Hobbs’ educationalexperience at QM might have differedgreatly from present day students buther memories are just as fond.

PAT DENZLER, PRESIDENT OF QM’SGRADUATES’ ASSOCIATION

Current President of Queen MargaretGraduates’ Association, Pat Denzler(nee Cantley), has had a longassociation with QM. Studying for a fouryear Diploma in Domestic Science atEdinburgh College of Domestic Scienceat Atholl Crescent (1962 – 1966) ), shehas been a member of the Graduates’Association, or Old Students’ Guild, as itwas then, since graduating.

“I chose the course as I loved food,cooking and had a real interest insewing and clothes,” explained Pat. “Ialso thought teaching would be a goodcareer for a woman and enable me tocombine work and family.”

Like many of today’s students who arelocal, Pat continued to live in theEdinburgh family home while at Collegeand managed to lead an active sociallife, playing hockey and netball.

On graduating from College, Pat joinedSt George’s School for Girls as Head ofNeedlework and later became Assistantto the Second Mistress, helping withtimetabling. After four very happy years,she left to set up a 50-seater restaurantwith her husband in Hanover Street,Edinburgh. They converted the first flooroffice premises to a 40-seaterrestaurant, with additional private diningroom for up to 12 people. They spent

STORIES OF OUR PAST STUDENTS

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nearly four years there, before moving to80 Queen Street; taking over a 140-seater closed restaurant and building upa substantial business in seven years.

A desire to take their two young childrento the country prompted them to sell therestaurant and take over a hotel in 20acres of gardens and grounds in theTrossachs. Seven years later, with theirthen teenage sons, they returned toEdinburgh, taking over an existingrestaurant in the city centre, andopening another one in Leith. They ranboth of these for 10 years, finally leasingout one and selling the other.

While in Leith, Pat became President ofLeith Chamber of Commerce andchaired a small team to set up and runLeith Chamber Millennium Trust Fund, acharity celebrating the new Millennium,by assisting young people in Leithfinancially with an outward bound oreducational project, which wouldotherwise have been beyond theirfinancial means.

In 2005-2006, she also enjoyed a yearas President of the East of ScotlandBusinesswomen’s Club and recentlywon the Association of ScottishBusinesswomen’s “OutstandingContribution to Business 2006” Award.She is currently a Non-Executive Boardmember of Scottish Enterprise, aGovernor of Stewarts Mary ErskineSchools and an Assistant on the Courtof the Merchant Company of Edinburgh.

“My time at Atholl Crescent equippedme very well for my subsequent life afterteaching, when I helped to set up andequip a restaurant. Later, it helped witharranging events and menu planningand the skills to multi-task, running ahome and family and workingsimultaneously.

“The standards expected at AthollCrescent were very high and theirstriving for excellence has stood me ingood stead, ensuring that I appliedthese in our business to deliver a highstandard of service to our customers.Also learning the ability to study hasenabled me to gain the Wines andSpirits Education Trust ‘Diploma inWines and Spirits’ and helped when Istudied at the Scottish Business Schoolfor a course in ‘Understanding Accountsand Financial Management’.”

If there were any low points, Pat seemsto have forgotten them. In fact, shehas some interesting memories of hertime at College; the highlight beingpreparing food for the visit of theCollege’s then Patron, H.R.H. PrincessAlice, Duchess of Gloucester, when shevisited in 1965. Another more bizarrememory, was seeing the magnificentbacteria culture grown from a swab oftheir hygiene lecturer’s facecloth.

Pat offers words of advice for currentstudents. “Use the time at college tolearn as much as possible from lecturersby attending regularly and constantly ask questions.

“Also keep in touch with your year groupafter graduating. I’m jealous of today’sstudents, who through the beauty of e-mail, should easily be able to stay intouch. Not only is it fascinating to learnwhat others have done but peer grouppressure can be a great stimulation andhelp you achieve more in life. It can alsobe a great support group when timesare tough.”

TONI BLACKLOCK – PODIATRIST

Toni Blacklock, an Edinburgh basedpodiatrist, studied at Queen Margaret forthree years for a BSc in Podiatry (1992 –1996). “Location was key in my choiceof university”, said Toni, who lived locally.

On leaving Queen Margaret, Tonipractised podiatry in Australia for fiveyears in both private and non-privatepractice. On returning to the UK, sheestablished the Edinburgh PodiatryClinic in 2002, which covers all facets ofpodiatry from chiropody to nail surgeryto biomechanics and video gait analysis.Her clients include professionalfootballers and rugby players, includingthe Scottish rugby team; Scottish skiersand Olympic and Commonwealthathletes. Toni is currently doing researchinto biomechanics and relevant upperlimb symptoms and has designed a footmeasurement tool to facilitate this. Sheis hoping to present the research at thesecond World Conference of Preventionof Sports Injuries in Oslo in 2008.

Toni believes her time spent studying atQueen Margaret provided her with apractical hands-on approach to thesubject. “QM gave me a good basisfrom which to add and grow from. Asthe course was very technical, fromtreating people and making orthotics, Ileft confident in my ability to treat patients.”

Toni Blacklock, Edinburgh Podiatry Clinicwww.edinburghpodiatryclinic.com

For appointments, contact: 0131 225 5656

IMPROVING MALAWI’S HEALTH

The Institute of International Health andDevelopment (IIHD) at Queen Margaret,has been granted £171,000 to supporthealth management and contribute toimproved health services in Malawi.

The funding, over three years, has beenmade available from the ScottishExecutive International DevelopmentFund. Staff from IIHD will contribute tothe development of a School ofCommunity and Public Health in theCollege of Medicine in Blantyre, Malawiand will support the delivery of apostgraduate diploma course in healthmanagement, providing mentorshipthrough the process of course designand implementation and the provision ofteaching on the programme.

The project will be based at the Collegeof Medicine in Blantyre, Malawi and 15districts in each of Malawi’s threeregions. The training, which will beoffered to a wide variety of healthprofessionals, will ultimately ensureusers of health services in Malawithroughout the country will benefit fromthe effects on services of improvedhealth management, brought about by the immediate impact of the training involved.

Professor Barbara McPake, Director ofIIHD, said: “This is the only healthmanagement course in Malawi and itseeks to strengthen managementpractice throughout the country.

“In the past, initiatives to strengthen thehealth workforce in Malawi have focusedon investment in clinical skills, whist thisone recognises that these skills cannotbe effective without adequatecomplementary management skills.”

The Institute for International Health andDevelopment comprises a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in themedical professions, psychology,anthropology, sociology and healtheconomics. They focus on sociallyrelevant research and postgraduateteaching in international health anddevelopment. Most of IIHD’s studentscome from overseas and many haveconsiderable professional experience.

IIHD has extensive experience ofsupporting capacity building in healthmanagement in low-income countriesincluding Nigeria (Benue StateUniversity), Bangladesh (NationalInstitute for Population Research andTraining) and in addressing managementissues as part of the support given tothe Malawi College of Health Sciences.IIHD delivers education in healthmanagement at Masters level, includingmodules in health systems developmentand management, and in project designand management.

PROTEIN SNACKS MAY PLAY AROLE IN APPETITE CONTROL

Overseas student, Swati Zaveri, fromPune in India, recently completed herPhD at QMU, which looked at 'the roleof eating frequency and macronutrientcontent of in-between-meal snacks incompliance with low fat dietary advice inoverweight men aged 25-50 years'.

The study looked at the impact ofincreasing eating frequency by includingsnacks, which were either high fat, highcarbohydrate or high protein on weight,hunger ratings, total energy, nutrientintake, blood insulin, cholesterol andtriglyceride levels, over a 24 week period

The research by Swati Zaveri indicatesthat snack foods higher in protein mayplay a role in appetite control. Itconcluded that there was no change inweight or blood parameters in any groupbut the high protein snacks were foundto suppress hunger and total energyintake, when compared with the highcarbohydrate and high fat snack foods.

SCHOOL CHILDREN’S BADBEHAVIOUR DOWN TO POORCOMMUNICATION SKILLS

A recent study of school children whoexhibited emotional and behaviouralproblems found that much of their badbehaviour was down to poorcommunication skills.

The study, carried out by speech andlanguage specialists from QueenMargaret University, Edinburgh, lookedat children whose schools had referred

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RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY NEWS

them to Edinburgh’s educationalpsychology services because theirbehaviour was difficult to manage.

This research aimed to establishwhether children that were badlybehaved in class were acting that way because they had poorcommunication skills.

The research found that the majority ofthe children in the study with emotionaland behavioural difficulties did havesome form of communication difficulty.

Some children’s level of difficulty inunderstanding language, coupled withtheir poor communication skills, has hada significant impact on their ability tocommunicate properly with teachers andtheir peers. Their problems would alsohave had an effect on their ability tocope with school work. This lack of skillsappeared to result in these childrendisplaying behavioural problems in the classroom.

Leila Mackie, from Queen MargaretUniversity, was the lead researcher onthe project. She explained: “We foundthat although behavioural problems werethe main concern identified by schools,over half of the children were found tohave poor language and communicationskills. This lack of skills has made itmore difficult for them to benefit properlyfrom the school curriculum. They alsomake it more difficult for them to makefriends and cope with the social aspectsof the school day.”

Leila Mackie continued: “For aproportion of these children, theirunderstanding of spoken language ispoorer than other children in their classand they have more difficulties puttingsentences together. For others, theirdifficulty was in understanding how touse language in social situations.”

The study also highlighted the need for avariety of specialist services to worktogether in order to help these childrenimprove their communication skills and behaviour.

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POSTCARD FROM DIANE LESTERPresenter and broadcaster

What course did you study?

A three year Drama degree (1978-81).

What was your motivation forstudying at QM?

I really enjoyed acting, and a dramadegree, which would give me theconfidence and skills required forentering the industry, appealed to me. Ialso knew that QM had a goodreputation.

Did you live in halls of residence orwere you local to QM?

I lived at home as my family were livingin Edinburgh, which, of course, savedme money. However, if I had my timeagain, I would have liked to experienceliving in halls.

Did you get involved in anyclubs/societies when you were atcollege?

I regularly attended the Cheese & Winesociety and yes, I’ve managed to keepthis interest up since leaving!

What has been your career path sinceleaving?

After graduating, I was involved incomedy plays that toured Scotland withentertainers such as Jimmy Logan, JanWilson, and John Grieve. Jan wasextremely kind and gave me greatadvice and confidence.

Then I managed to get an agent andhad a small stint on Take the High Road.As I was quite young after graduating, Iwas keen to experience London’s buzzfor a couple of years.

I played Mrs Goggins in the stageversion of Postman Pat and toured withthe show UK wide, which included someof the larger theatres in the West End ofLondon. I was also involved in touringwith Snap Theatre Company, whichbelieves that the arts should be open to everyone.

I then received a call through an oldfriend, Alison Craig, who was working atForth One who mentioned that theremay be an opportunity for me inEdinburgh. I was offered the job and myfirst piece of work with Forth One wasreading the Breakfast News which Ienjoyed, even if I did have the tendencyto slip back into Postman Pat mode.

The producers noticed that I had awacky side about me and brought meinto presenting part of the show withDarren Adam. We hit it off straight away.The show was lively and upbeat with uswinding each other up! I then movedinto the Drivetime show with Jon Wood,a show with lots of banter, regular travelupdates and ‘big tunes’. I also workedwith Mark Findlay, Micky Gavin as theSaturday Mob Roadshow, where wewould be out and about interviewingvarious people.

I left Forth One last year after 12 yearsand got another job with Talk 107presenting with my former sidekick,Micky Gavin. We presented a three hourshow daily from 12 noon and struck upa great rapport.

I am currently working as a freelancepresenter.

What was your experience ofstudying at QM?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at QM andespecially enjoyed performance acting. Ithink that QM has certainly set me upwith a good knowledge baseprofessionally and gave me theconfidence and skills to find a careerwithin the broadcasting industry.

Any memorable lecturers at QM?

I remember taking part in the movementclasses that Christine O’Neil taught; shewas a fantastic tutor. I did try to takethings seriously but sometimes I couldn’thelp but giggle when we had to act likea tree. I also remember David Carey

who coached the class on speechforms, acting skills and performance.

Any words of wisdom for prospectivestudents?

Try and gain work experience once youbegin your course and get your nameand face noticed if you are interested inworking within the acting/broadcastingindustry. Prepare yourself to persevereand ensure you work hard and playhard.

Has being a Radio Presenter openeddoors to other things?

We do get the occasional invite toopening events. Robbie William at SECCin Glasgow was pretty amazing and T-in-the-Park is another gig that I still enjoygoing to even if I can’t remember all theyounger bands that play there now.

I’ve also had the opportunity to presentradio shows in various locationsincluding Boston and Cyprus. Nothingtoo glamorous but it’s an added perk.

Long recognised for providingeducational programmes andresearch across the largest range ofnursing and allied health professionsubjects in Scotland, Queen MargaretUniversity is committed to makingthis expertise accessible in aninternational context and has begunto work strategically with partners inthe Middle East.

One such project is the establishment ofa new Faculty of Nursing, working incollaboration with the British University inEgypt (BUE), based in El Sherouk Cityoutside Cairo. Primarily validated byLoughborough University, BUE wasopened in 2005 by HRH Prince of Wales,the Duchess of Cornwall and MrsMubarak, wife of the Egyptian President.

Philanthropist and consultantophthalmologist, Dr Akef Maghraby hadbeen exploring possibilities to improvethe nursing profession in the Middle East,and was looking to establish his owncollege. Currently, 13 nursing schools inEgypt, attached to public universities,provide training opportunities but whilstthe country has a good reputation forproducing quality doctors, there is still ashortage of quality trained nurses.

Being an investor in another of QMU’scollaborative projects in Saudi Arabia,where a College of Nursing Sciences isbeing established in Jeddah, Maghrabyknew of QMU’s reputation in this areaand he concluded it made sense to workwith such a dynamic, flexible andenthusiastic university.

Well connected both politically andmedically, Maghraby’s long-term wish, isto use the Nursing College at the BUEas a model which he can roll out acrossthe Middle East, jointly with QMU andthe Al-Noor Foundation, which he runs.

In addition to developing the curriculumand assuring the quality of theeducational programmes, QMU isadvising on the building and spaceplanning for the Nursing Faculty. The firstintake of students is planned forSeptember 2007, with a total intake,over four years, of 600 students. Inaddition, there will be great opportunitiesfor staff exchange between QMU andthe BUE, with six members of staff fromEgypt undertaking study within the MScin Professional Educational programmeat QMU in January 2007.

Professor Marie Donaghy, Dean ofHealth Sciences at QMU, who isleading the project, in conjunction withProfessor Alan Gilloran, explains thebackground and why QMU is the perfectpartner for this collaborative project.

“We are taking our knowledge andexperience from Queen MargaretUniversity and extending theseopportunities to nursing in Egypt,” said Marie.

Over the last 10 years, there has been aradical change in the way education isdelivered at QMU and the way studentslearn. The advancement in technologyhas allowed students to benefit fromWeb CT, which allows distance learningby enabling access to teaching materials

via the internet; online discussions andmore sophisticated forms of informationsearch. This shift has meant thatstudents are increasingly involved inindependent learning and are developingas critical thinkers.

“Due to this advancement, we are goingto be able to greatly influence thedelivery of education in Egypt. It will bethe equivalent of pulling together the last 10 years of changes in teaching and learning at QMU and bringing them to bear in Egypt overnight,” explained Marie.

Mirroring QMU’s roots in 1875 when theinstitution was established in an effort toprovide better education and improvedcareer opportunities for females, thiscollaboration will provide professionalemancipation for women in Egypt,paving the way for improved careerpaths within the nursing profession.

“It will positively impact on therelationship between the medics andnurses by providing a more noticeable,vocal and articulate workforce,” explainsProfessor Donaghy. “It’s very excitingthat QMU should be involved in a majorsocial change in the education of nursesin the Middle East. This is most definitelyknowledge transfer on an internationallevel,” concludes Marie.

NURSING RELATIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

PAGE 14

PAGE 15

“This collaboration will provideprofessional emancipation forwomen in Egypt, paving the wayfor improved career paths withinthe nursing profession.”

Professor Marie Donaghy

PAGE 16

President’s Report

“Promising Futures” is proving verypopular with members. The DVDhighlights aspects of Atholl Crescentdays, life at Corstorphine Hill and themove to the new environmentally-friendlycampus in East Lothian. Let me know ifyou would like to see it. Our AGM on9th June this year will be our last atCorstorphine so please note the date ifyou want to make a final visit. InSeptember I attended the “Conference”of Scottish Graduates Organisations - anexcellent lunch held in the CorinthianRestaurant in Glasgow and anopportunity to exchange news andviews with key members of otherassociations. I also had the privilege ofattending the November Graduation andenjoyed the live music provided by thenew QMU choir of students and staff.On your behalf I have sent ourcongratulations to QMU on the award offull university title.

Social Programme

Networking lunches continue on the lastSaturday of the month, meeting atHowie’s Restaurant, Waterloo Place,Edinburgh. The Development Office hasarranged for GA members to visit theNew Campus at Craighall on theafternoon of Tuesday 17th April – let me know if you would like to come. Our planned tour of the Royal Mile withexpert guide Sandy Macpherson(rescheduled from last September), willbe announced soon. Details of theseand all other social events are sent by e-mail. Please contact Mary Cursiter ifyou would like to receive the monthly e-bulletin.

Madras Lodge

In October, a lively team of committeemembers and volunteer studentscleared back the garden in preparationfor the new planned layout along easymaintenance lines. Planting will takeplace in the spring when the gardenvolunteers are eager to return and helpwith the planting. Offers of suitableplants would be gratefully received –please let me know if you can help. For2007 reservations, contact MargaretWyatt. More information is on our web-site - www.qmucga.org.uk

Once again my thanks go to all theCommittee members who give their timeand energy to the Association, to theAlumni and Development Department fortheir help and to Queen MargaretUniversity for allowing us to use theBoardroom at Corstorphine for ourmeetings. All graduates of a short or fullcourse are eligible to join the Graduates’Association as are all current and formerstaff. A key benefit is use of MadrasLodge at modest rates.

QMUGA DIARY DATES & CONTACTS

AGM 2007 Saturday 9th June - 11am

Networking lunches Last Saturday of the monthSeptember 2006 to April 2007Contact:Mary CursiterE: m.cursiter@btinternet.com

To help on the committee, please contact:Pat Denzler President10 Abercromby PlaceEdinburgh EH3 6LBT: 0131 558 1378E: denzler@fsbdial.co.uk

QMU Graduates' Association(QMUGA)All graduates, present and former staff ofQMUC or QMU are eligible for “life”membership of 40 years.Cost:£25 in graduation year, £30 for othersContact:Mary CursiterMembership Secretary14 William StreetEdinburgh EH3 7NHT: 0131 226 3534E: m.cursiter@btinternet.com

Madras Lodge Contact:Margaret WyattBookings Secretary11 Langton View East Calder LivingstonWest Lothian EH52 0LET: 01506 494 483E: margaret10@blueyonder.co.uk

by Graduates’ Association President, Pat DenzlerQMUGA NEWSLETTER

Networking lunch at Howie’s

John Baxter is “King of the Skip”

The garden team at Madras Lodge

Mrs Hilary Dalton (nee Woodward),Diploma 1 1948. I wonder if anyone hasa copy of the Edinburgh Book of PlainCookery Recipes published by ThomasNelson? I would love to buy a secondhand copy in good condition. I believe ithas been out of print for some time.

Mrs Doreen Greenwood (nee Stead),Diploma 1 1942. Trained 1939 - 1942.Joined the WRNS 1943 - 1946. SecondOfficer in charge of WRNS Quarters &Welfare after initial training as messcaterer. Petty Officer & Third Officer.Later 1947 joined the staff at AthollCrescent.1952/3 joined staff atEastbourne School of DomesticEconomy - keen sportswomanthroughout.

Mrs Irene Morton (nee Miller), Diploma1 Home Economics 1945. Four of (allstudents at Atholl Crescent 1942-45,Diploma I and residents in Melvin House,Rothesay Terrace) still keep in touch andmeet when possible.

Mrs Hilda Warburtan (nee Nuttall),Diploma 1 1944. I enjoy my life inCanada although the winters are longand very cold! My husband, Alan, is aretired geologist. I am very proud of mytwo daughters. One is a charteredaccountant and the other is aspecialised French immersion teacher.

Mrs Anne Mallinson, OBE, JP (neeButler-Wilson), Diploma in Education,Domestic Science 1953. On retirementfrom Westminster City Council 1974-2006 and Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority, 1986-2006 (Olympic Land), Iwas honoured to be made an HonAlderman, the first woman. There havebeen three men who were made HonAldermen before me.

Dr Margaret Shepherd (nee Barrow),Diploma 1 1956. Four of the April 1953-1956 Dip I Class met in Edinburgh forlunch in May 2006. We had expected tobe six but illness had intervened andtravel difficulties for our absent friends.Hoping for another meeting next year -with luck we should have seven out ofthe original 10 students present.

Miss Susan Gray, Diploma inInstitutional Management 1967. I retiredfrom my post of Halls Manager at theUniversity of Aberdeen in March 2004,having served 33 years with them. NowI travel a lot, mainly in the Far East at the moment.

Mr Norman Murray, Diploma inInstitutional Management 1962. After 15years as Resident Manager at theBruntsfield Hotel, I went to the CrieffHydro Hotel as Hotel Manager for 12years before running my own restaurantin Callander. I now run the Juniperlearestaurant near Fala on the A68 with my wife Rachel.

Mrs Cheryl MacNeil (nee McKinlay),Diploma in Home Economics 1979. Ihave lived in Tasmania for the last 15years. When I began to teach, theSchool Principal was from Nottinghamand was aware of the very high regard inwhich QM qualifications are held - infact, he approved a pay rise for me onthat basis.

Miss Nina Boyd, BA (Hons) Hospitality& Tourism Management 1998. Aftergraduation I worked for five years intourism before joining the FE sector. Inow work as a Business DevelopmentOfficer at Stevenson College Edinburghand also lecture in tourism part-time.

Mrs Julie Collins (nee Brown), BScNursing Studies 1998, MSc in Nursing2003. Married in 2003. Have two lovelysons (3 years and 8 months). Workingas a G Grade Clinical PathwaysFacilitator at the Western GeneralHospital (Edinburgh). Had variousnursing posts prior to this including onesin research and lecturing.

Miss Jo Johnstone (nee Whiting), BScin Occupational Therapy 1998. I workedin Bristol for three years and thenreturned home to Cumbria. I worked inCarlisle for five years and now work in acommunity hospital as a Neuro OTspecialising in stroke rehab Senior 1. Imarried Dave (from Glasgow!) in 2004. I

now have a daughter Sophie who is 14months old.

Miss Clare Myles, BSc (Hons) HealthSciences 1998. Clare has e-mailed thealumni address to tell us what she hasbeen doing. Since 1998 she has spenttwo years working in the voluntarysector in Bedfordshire before returningto Dundee, spending a further two yearsin the voluntary sector and in healthcare.In 2002, she completed a PGCE andbegan primary teaching. She is currentlydoing support for learning in Arbroath.

Miss Emma Peters, BA (Hons) NursingStudies & RGN Part 1. Please noteEmma’s email address was printedincorrectly in the last QM News. Itshould have read ersp27@aol.com.

Mrs Dorothy Phillips, BSc (Hons)Health Psychology 1997. Havinggraduated at the age of 51, I spent nineyears as an academic bookseller andhave recently retired (September 2006).I am now a globe-trotting granny! Lovedmy years at QM and enjoy Christmascards from classmates with news ofcareers, husbands and babies.

Mrs Lynn Shepherd (nee Allardice), BA(Hons) Nursing Studies 1994. Justmoved house. Still on maternity leaveafter having Lucy & Holly (5 1/2 months).Katie (4 years) keeps me busy too!Hello to everyone from the class ofSeptember 1990.

Mr Eleimon Gonis, MSc in InformationManagement 2003. I have recently beenappointed to the post of Senior Lecturerin Accounting and Finance at theUniversity of the West of England inBristol and I am hoping to complete myPhD within the next 12 months so I candevote myself to what I love the most:research and teaching.

Miss Caroline Greenhill, BSc (Hons)Physiotherapy 2000. After graduating Istarted work in Ninewells Hospital,Dundee. I stayed there as Senior II(Rotational) until 2005. I then moved toan Out-Patients post at the newcommunity hospital in Forfar. I have justcompleted a Diploma in InjectionTherapy and will be getting married inJune 2007.

PAGE 17

40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s 00sCLASSNOTES

1940's

1950's

1990's

1960's

2000's

1970's

Mrs Louise MacLeod, BA (Hons) inSociology & SP w/Psychology 2003. Mysons are now 18, 13 and 4. Myyoungest still attends the BirrellCollection (now Bright Horizons Nursery)at QM. Became a nurse in June 2006.

Mrs Mary Macpherson, PhysiotherapyBusy juggling three children and workingin Women's Health in Perth and Kinross.

Miss Alexandra Metka Rathkolb, MScPhysiotherapy Course 2000-2001. Iwould like to get in touch with myclassmates from the MSc PhysiotherapyCourse 2000-2001. We were a few full-time students and there were more parttime students. I would like to get incontact with them for physiotherapeuticreasons, to start some informationexchange and to network. Please contact me on:schottlandsandi@hotmail.com

Dr Claire Robertson, BSc (Hons)Applied Human Nutrition 2001. Workingat the University of Westminster, lecturingin Human Nutrition & Sports & Exercise.Students still in touch with are SallyWilby, Joanne Tomany (nowMcCormack), Julie Pierce (now Dagg)and Jackie Landman. Married now, butkept my maiden name after all the hardslog at Queens to become Dr Robertson!

Mrs Nuala Roger (nee Good), MScPublic Health Nutrition 2003. A big helloto all my former classmates. Let usknow if you’re back in Edinburghbecause I’m still living and working here and I got married to Grant inAugust 2006.

Miss Eva Taggart, BA (Hons) AppliedConsumer Studies 2006. I hope all theConsumer Studies graduates of 2006are keeping well. A big reunion is in order!

Miss Pamela Thompson, BSc (Hons) inDiagnostic Radiography 2003. Aftergraduating I worked in Royal InfirmaryEdinburgh for one and a half years as aSenior II Radiographer. Now working inUniversity Hospital of Wales (UHW) inCardiff. Enjoying the Welsh languageand culture. Getting married April 2007.

Mrs Catriona Walker, BSc (Hons)Physiotherapy 2001. I had a daughter,Erin, on 14th July 2006. I am currentlyoff on maternity leave for a year.

REUNIONS

DIPLOMA 1 ALUMNI OF 1946

Held a 60th reunion at the CarltonHighland Hotel, Edinburgh on the 28thof September 2006.

T Row L-R Christine Paterson (Hart);Elizabeth Wilson; Jemina Scott;Margaret Seabrook (Long); GladysHogburn (Skinner); Elsie Young (Hope)

B Row L-R Margaret Ramsay(Alexander); Meg Thompson (Dykes);Elsie Mackie; Agnes Smail

CLASS OF 1946, DIPLOMA 1

B Row (Standing): Lily Mitchell; KateMorris; Isobel Scott, Elizabeth Wilson,Miss Mathewson, Margaret Ramsay(Alexander); Kate Lamont; Betty Scott;Elsie Mackie; Betty MacCallum; AudreySayers (Leach); Irene Christmas(Hepburn)

Front Row (Kneeling): Jemina Scott;Isobel Anderson (Armstrong); MegThompson (Dykes); Agnes Smail(McLaren)

60 YEAR ANNIVERSARY (ATHOLLCRESCENT ALUMNI 1944-1947)

We intend to have a lunch reunion in theSheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh inJune 2007 to celebrate our 60thanniversary as alumni of Atholl Crescent.

Our “Starters reunion” in 2004 in theBalmoral Hotel, Edinburgh was a greatsuccess. The following former studentshave lost touch and we would like tohear from them:

Joan Pinder, Merry Swan, MargaretSouthern, Evlyn Miller, Phyllis Everett,Barbara Cornes, Dorothy Dean.

Please contact: Kitty Clark on tel: 0131445 1634 or Constance Macarthur on tel: 0131 332 5532

CALLING ALL DOMESTIC SCIENCEGRADUATES FROM 1967-70/71

Would you like to meet your fellowstudents of long ago? We are planning areunion in Edinburgh to take place onthe 23rd of June 2007, 40 years sincewe started our training in AthollCrescent. If you would like to come toour reunion please contact me, Anne EKean (nee Martin) on Tel: 01738 629958or email: neilkean@btinternet.com; orJoyce Beveridge (nee Macfarlane) onTel: 0131 445 4934 or email:bjbeveridge@btinternet.com

PAGE 18

CLASSNOTES / REUNIONS

PAGE 19

REUNION FOR DIPLOMA ININSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT1960-62

I would like to organise a Reunion for allthe men and day release students whoenjoyed the two years at AthollCrescent. If you would like to help intracing fellow students please email meon ngm3@compuserve.com See yousoon hopefully. Norman Murray

REUNION FOR DIPLOMA 1/111 ALUMNI

Dorothy Mclauchlan (née Coutts) isseeking out fellow classmates from theDiploma 1/111 course of 1957-61.Dorothy is planning to organise a 50threunion anniversary in September 2007.Please get in touch with Dorothy on01764 652688 if you would like to attend.

REUNION FOR POSTGRADUATEHOTEL, CATERING ANDINSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT 1985

Carole Paterson, Liz Logie and LesleyStephen PG Hotel, Catering andInstitutional Management 1985 wouldlike to hear from classmates with a viewto organising a reunion. Contact us bye-mail oncarole.paterson@blueyonder.co.uk.

50TH YEAR REUNION FOR DIPLOMA 1 IN HOUSEHOLD ANDINSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT1958-59

Jean Downie (née Macintosh) andLouise Morrison (née Munro) are seekingfellow classmates to celebrate 50 yearssince graduating.

Please do get in touch with Jean by e-mail: jeandownie@jccnet.co.uk ortelephone: 01667 459843

They would be delighted to hear from you.

BENEFITS & SERVICES TO ALUMNI

The Development Department havebeen building partnerships with a rangeof companies and are delighted toannounce the following range of benefitsand services that have been kindlyoffered to Queen Margaret Universityalumni. Please do take advantage of thefollowing offers:

Queen Margaret University have teamedup with Cottages 4you to offer alumnimembers 10% discount.

Simply visit: www.cottages-4-you.co.uk/queen to search for over13,000 properties throughout the UK,France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italywhere your discount will automaticallybe applied or alternatively call 0870 1921797 and quote QMU10

SEAFRANCE

SeaFrance is offering 10% discount onboth Day Trip & 24 Hour Return Faresand 10% Discount on promotional, earlybooking, excursion & each way fares.Reservations can be made on 08705711 711 and quoting code: QUEENDAYfor all Day Trip 24 Hour Return Faresand code: QUEEN for promotional, earlybooking, excursion & each way fares oralternatively from their web-sitewww.seafrance.com using the samecodes above.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP

InterContinental Hotels Group havekindly offered a discount to alumni ofQueen Margaret University.

Enjoy a 25% discount off bed &breakfast weekend stays at over 400participating Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn& Express by Holiday Inn hotelsthroughout the UK, Europe and MiddleEast. This offer is available over Friday,Saturday and Sunday nights until 31stDecember 2007; so go ahead and treatyourself to a weekend break away.

To book from UK call 0870 400 8135

To book from the Republic of Irelandplease call 1-800 55 31 55

Please quote ‘Exclusive Rate'

For full terms and conditions please visitwww.ichotels.com/exclusive

NATIONAL CAR RENTAL

National Car Rental is offering exclusivecompetitive car hire and van rates toalumni of Queen Margaret University inover 80 countries worldwide.

Members can enjoy the luxury of theGuy Salmon fleet in the UK from aMercedes to the power of a Porsche atsurprisingly affordable prices.

For a National car or van quotation or tomake a booking please call:

0870 191 6950 and please quote:

A000961 for UK Car hire

A000962 for UK Van hire

8577510 for International Car hire

A000961G for Guy Salmon hire

Terms and Conditions apply.

SAVE UP TO 70% ON MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Lowest possible prices on subscriptionsto The Economist, National Geographic,Time, Vogue and many, many moreexclusively for alumni that havegraduated within the last 5 years. To findout more go to: www.alumni-subscriptions.co.uk

REUNIONS / ALUMNI OFFERS

CONTACT:Development and Alumni OfficeQueen Margaret UniversityCorstorphine Campus Edinburgh, EH12 8TSTel: 0131 317 3359 Fax: 0131 317 3380Email: alumni@qmu.ac.uk

Scotland’s youngest university hasnamed Sir Tom Farmer as itsfounding Chancellor. He will beinstalled as Chancellor at aceremonial event on 5 July.

The appointment of Sir Tom FarmerKB KCSG, founder of the Kwik Fitchain of garages and one ofScotland’s most prominent businessand philanthropic figures, is a majorcoup for Queen Margaret University,Edinburgh, itself one of the country’smost dynamic higher educationinstitutions.

Welcoming Sir Tom’s appointment,Professor Anthony Cohen, QueenMargaret’s Principal and ViceChancellor, said:

“Queen Margaret University is drivenby the values of excellence, relevanceand our responsibility to address

issues of pressing social need. Both in his business and philanthropicactivities, Sir Tom Farmer personifiesthese values, and provides theuniversity and our students with anexemplary role model. We will profitalso from his brilliance at drawingtogether individuals and groups fromdifferent sectors of society to pursueand achieve their collective goals. Weare delighted and honoured that SirTom has agreed to become ourfounding Chancellor. His leadershipand example will be an inspiration asQueen Margaret moves into the nextexciting and challenging phase of itshistory.”

In response, Sir Tom said:

“Queen Margaret University has paidme a great compliment by asking meto be their founding Chancellor. I have

Marketing and Communications OfficeQueen Margaret UniversityCorstorphine Campus Edinburgh, EH12 8TSTel: 0131 317 3648 Fax: 0131 317 3795Email: marketing@qmu.ac.uk

been associated with Queen Margaretfor a number of years and have alwaysadmired it as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, with a distinctiveniche in higher education. Achievinguniversity recognition and their moveto the new campus is exciting and Ilook forward to my role.”

2020 VISION

A distinguished panel of experts,chaired by Linda Sydie, the recentlyretired Head of Nursing, led a livelydebate at Queen Margaret looking at‘2020 Vision – What Does the FutureHold For A Scottish NHS?’ back inNovember.

The format of the evening wasmodelled on ‘Question Time’, withbroader areas for discussion putforward by Queen Margaret’sundergraduates and post graduatestudents, clinical practitioners withinthe NHS and academics.

Panellists included Olivia Giles, asurvivor of MeningococcalSepticaemia; Kenny Milne, ex-ScottishRugby International; Heather Tierney-Moore, Nurse Director, Lothian Health;Erica Hensens, ex Student Presidentat QMUC; journalist, Eleanor Bradford;and George Denholm, Chief Inspector,Head of Diversity Lothian and Borders Police.

PROFESSORIAL LECTURESFRESH PERSPECTIVES

Offering fresh angles on topics ofrelevance to a wide audience, TheQueen Margaret Professorial

Lectures have been attracting record crowds, with ticket demand far outweighing supply.Transcripts of past professoriallectures are available on the Queen Margaret University web age – www.qmu.ac.uk

DIARY DATES

University Title Inauguration5 July 2007

Graduation6 July 2007

Open Days24 October & 25 October

QUEEN MARGARET UNIVERSITY NAMES SIR TOM FARMER AS CHANCELLOR

This publication is printed on Revive Silk 75 (a recycled paper containing a minimum of 75% post consumer collected waste).

Sir Tom Farmer