SUMMER 2017 1

The

SimmarianEdition 16

Autumn 2017

Also inside

City alumni networking groupPage 6

The Centre for Modern Slavery Page 11

Simmarians at the Olympics and Paralympics St Mary’s athletes’ exceptional performance at Rio 2016 Page 4

St Mary’s UniversityWaldegrave RoadTwickenham, London TW1 4SXAlumni Offi cewww.stmarys.ac.uk/alumnialumni@stmarys.ac.uk+ 44 (0) 20 8240 4007

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Welcome

2 THE SIMMARIAN

Contents3 Simmarian newsSir Mo Farah athletics track

Simmarians at the Olympics

City alumni networking group

Congratulations to new graduates

Where are you now?

8 Alumni spotlightJess KiddCosta prize-winning novelist

9 Staff spotlight

Ruth KellyPro Vice-Chancellor forResearch and Enterprise

11/12 University newsCentre for the Study of Modern Slavery Sasha Jesperson

Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre John Brewer

15 Strawberry Hill Overseas and Community Concern

from Prof Francis Campbell, Vice-ChancellorIt is with great delight I welcome you to this new look edition of the Simmarian. The last couple of years have seen some changes at St Mary’s as the University continues to expand its profi le nationally and internationally, and I hope you enjoy reading about our progress. Our ambitious plan for the future, Vision 2025, sets out how we will develop and invest in St Mary’s further over the next nine years. It is an exciting time as we embark on a new and ambitious phase in the University’s evolution. We are developing our capacity for research and enterprise, and building on our already high levels of student satisfaction. I am constantly struck by the strength of affection our alumni continue to feel for St Mary’s, and the sense of community that endures both online and offl ine. As ambassadors for this University, I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our alumni and hope you continue to stay in touch with us, with each other, and come back to visit soon.

from Elinor Hatt,Alumni Relations Offi cerWelcome back to the Simmarian! I am very pleased to introduce myself as your new Alumni Relations Offi cer here at St Mary’s. I started my role here in January and have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome I have received from all the alumni I’ve met. As the University grows and develops, it is more important than ever to retain the feeling of inclusivity and community which makes St Mary’s so special; as alumni, you are a hugely important aspect of that community.

In this new look magazine, you will read about the triumphs of our Simmarian athletes, as well as alumni who have achieved successes in other fi elds, such as Jess Kidd, prize-winning novelist. We’ve also highlighted some of the new developments in teaching and learning at St Mary’s, and the subsequent research coming out of them. Make sure we have your current details to be able to stay in touch, and do send in any news and updates you wish to be featured in the next edition. You will fi nd out in this edition how you can support graduates and current students with mentoring and career support, and how you can benefi t from that support yourself. Take a look at our new website as well at www.stmarys.ac.uk/alumni.

Elinor Hatt What do you think?What should the Simmarian alumni network do to support its members? How would you like to hear from us and what kind of events should we host?

Let us know your thoughts and suggestions at alumni@stmarys.ac.uk.

SUMMER 2017 3

SIMMARIAN NEWS

Sir Mo Farah athletics track

You can read more about the EPACC on page 11.

On 16th February this year, St Mary’s offi cially named its athletics track in honour of its celebrated alumnus, Sir Mo Farah CBE. At a ceremony attended by Mo, leading fi gures from British athletics came together to celebrate his astounding career and long relationship with the University. Having completed a quadruple-double – winning four double titles at successive Olympic and World Championships – Mo has remained unbeaten on the track at major international championships since 2011. This summer at the World Athletics Championships in London, Mo defended his world titles in the 10,000 metres. Mo trained at St Mary’s for ten years, from 2001 to 2011, after being awarded a scholarship to the University’s Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC); and on his visit he was able to meet with the current generation of athletes training here.

At the ceremony Mo said, “It is such an honour to be here today and to have this track named after me – thank you so much, St Mary’s! I have very fond memories of my time here as I developed from being a talented junior to a world-class athlete. St Mary’s and all the people associated with the EPACC have been a big part of my journey. I really hope that these facilities continue to inspire the next generation of young British athletes.”

St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell commented, “To have something named after you is a tremendous recognition of one’s achievements. It serves to inspire future generations to expand on the accomplishments of the honoured person. While Mo has set the bar very high, I am sure that the naming of our athletics track will inspire our current and future generations of student athletes to go out and achieve all they can on the world stage.”

The Sir Mo Farah Olympic-standard athletics track was used by ten nations during London 2012, in addition to countless other leading international athletes. As the home to St Mary’s EPACC, it has helped train numerous distance runners who have been selected to compete at Olympic level, producing 35 selections across the last four Games.

St Mary’s Director of Sport, Andrew Reid-Smith, said, “Mo was the fi rst runner on the St Mary’s endurance programme. He trained at the University for ten years on his way to becoming one of the greatest ever distance runners. We are very proud of Mo’s achievements and it is a fi tting tribute that the track, one that he’s spent so much time on and that supports beginners, talented athletes and GB runners alike, is being named after him.”

4 THE SIMMARIAN

SIMMARIAN NEWS

Simmarians at the

Olympicsand

Paralympics St Mary’s has a proud history of elite sporting success. Rio 2016 saw 23 students, athletes and alumni make up Team St Mary’s, which competed across a range of sports. At the Olympic Games in Rio, Team St Mary’s won three Gold medals, two Silvers and a Bronze. If St Mary’s had competed as a separate nation, this medal haul would have placed us 25th in the league table. To put that into context, our athletes out-performed such sporting giants as South Africa, Portugal, Ukraine, and every single Scandinavian country and Baltic state. In the Paralympic Games, meanwhile, St Mary’s alumni did equally well, winning a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze.

Among the medallists in the Olympic Games was Sir Mo Farah CBE, whose double gold in the 5000m and 10000m made him the world’s most successful distance runner, having completed the quadruple-double of Olympic and World Championship titles. At the Lagoa Stadium, alumnus Moe Sbihi MBE won a Gold Medal rowing in the Men’s Four, and alumna Karen Bennett won Silver in the Women’s Eight.

Alumnus Simon Amor coached the Men’s Rugby 7s team to a Silver Medal in the sport’s inaugural Olympic competition, and Joshua Buatsi, who studied Business Management at St Mary’s, won a Bronze Medal in the Men’s Light-Heavyweight Boxing. In the Paralympic Games, alumna Corrine Hall won a Gold and Bronze medal as the pilot for Lora Turnham in the Tandem Cycling. Meanwhile, alumnus and European record holder Toby Gold won Silver in the Men’s T33 100m Wheelchair Race.

The success of the athletes builds on St Mary’s role in London 2012, where the University saw 18 athletes compete, winning eight medals. The University also supported a further seven medal-winning performances as it hosted ten nations for their pre-games training camps; more than 150 athletes from countries including Ireland, China, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand enjoyed access to St Mary’s world-class sports facilities.

Since Rio 2016, St Mary’s has welcomed Women’s Hockey Gold Medallist Susannah Townsend MBE to study for an MA in Sports Journalism. Looking ahead, our athletes will be preparing for the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, and we hope to see them and a new generation of Team St Mary’s athletes compete at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

SUMMER 2017 5

Sir Mo Farah CBE

Alumnus and EPACC* athlete Games: London 2012 and Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s 5000m, 10000m Result: Two Golds *St Mary’s University, Twickenham’s Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre

Corrine Hall

Course: Sport Science Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Tandem Cycling (pilot) Result: One Gold; One Bronze

Moe Sbihi MBE

Course: Sport Science, Health Nutrition and Exercise Games: London 2012 and Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s Four

Result: One GolSimon Amor

Course: Sport Science and Sport Rehabilitation Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s Rugby 7s Coach Result: One silver as coach

Karen Bennett

Course: Sport Rehabilitation Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s Coxed Eight Result: One Silver

Toby Gold

Course: Sport Science Games: Rio 2016 Sport: T33 Wheelchair Result: One Silver

Joshua Buatsi

Course: Business Management Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s Light-Heavyweight Boxing Result: One Bronze

Jess Draskau-Petersson

Client of Sport and Health Services Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s Marathon Result: 40th

Mumin Gala

EPACC athlete Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s Marathon Result: 12th

Elliot Giles

Course: Physical and Sport Education Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s 800m Result: Heats (29th)

Charlie Grice

Course: Sport Science and Business Management Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s 1500m Result: Final (12th)

Jade Lally

Supported by Sport St Mary’s Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s Discus Result: Heats

Leonora MacKinnon

Course: Physical and Sport Education Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s Epee Result: Round of 32

Rob Mullet

EPACC athlete Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Result: Heats 36th

Jo Pavey

EPACC athlete Games: London 2012 and Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s 10000m Result: 15th

Paul Pollock

Client of St Mary’s Sport and Health Services Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s Marathon Result: 12th

Beth Potter

Course: PGCE Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s 10000m Result: 34th

Alice Richardson

Course: Sport Science Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s Rugby 7s Result: Semi-final (4th)

Joe Townsend

Course: Strength and Conditioning Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Paratriathlon Result: 6th

Steph Twell

Course: Strength and Conditioning Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s 5000m Result: Heats (16th)

Andy Vernon

Course: Sport Science Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Men’s 10000m Result: 25th

Lennie Waite

EPACC athlete and research associate Games: Rio 2016 Sport: Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Result: Heats (51st)

David Weir

Client of St Mary’s Games: Rio 2016 Sport: T54 Wheelchair Result: Competed in five events

“Whilst we join the nation in celebrating the successes of Team GB, St Mary’s is especially proud of the contributions made by our past and present students.”

Prof John Brewer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement

Olympic photography: © Mark Shearman

6 THE SIMMARIAN

Sebastian Blomeier graduated from St Mary’s in 2016 with a Law LLB degree. He is now studying for a Masters at UCL before starting his training contract at a leading City law fi rm.

SIMMARIAN NEWS

Sebastian said, “Throughout my academic career I have always been keen on developing my professional network and bringing people together who share professional interests. Consequently, in cooperation with the St Mary’s alumni offi ce, we have developed a platform for St Mary’s alumni who are working in the City. Uniting professionals from industries as diverse as law, fi nancial services, insurance and other City careers will provide members with an exceptional opportunity to develop their networks and to generate new opportunities across several professional fi elds.” If you are interested in fi nding out more about the City alumni networking group or networking evenings, contact Sebastian at sebastianblomeier@hotmail.com or through St Mary’s Alumni Offi ce. You are also very welcome to join its LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups/8598007.

City alumni networking group

Congratulations to our new graduates

St Mary’s welcomes all 2017 graduates into our alumni community. We hope you stay in touch with the University and the friends you’ve made here.

As Simmarians you can:

continue to access careers support from the St Mary’s Careers Services Team

catch up with your friends at alumni reunions

benefi t from alumni mentoring

connect with international alumni ambassadors wherever you go

receive 10% off postgraduate study

continue to use the university library

SUMMER 2017 7

Congratulations to our new graduates

Jo Siedlecka

I studied at St Mary’s from 1969 to 1972. I went on to study at SOAS and then the London College of Printing, where I did a journalism course. These days I’m editor of Independent Catholic News (www.indcatholicnews.com), so from time to time I carry news from my old college.

Pat Shepherd (Gooch)

I was at St Mary’s from 1968 to 1971, studying Drama in particular. After graduating, I taught for years and ended up running a school on a traveller site for two years, which I loved. Going back into mainstream schools was impossible, as I’d been my own boss for those two years, so I jumped from teaching into publishing and became a sales director for Random House. I left there in 2005 to set up my own business as a publishing consultant, and at the age of 67 I’m still doing so, as I enjoy it so much. Alongside that, I kept up my drama by being a member of various groups all of my life, from the age of 14, and now I’m Chairman of our local theatre group.

Eileen McNulty

Teaching has meant so much to me and how my life has unfolded, that I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity I was given to study at St Mary’s. My teaching allowed me a range of experiences in London: remedial at Wandsworth Boys; Head of Department at Mayfi eld Girls; fi rst teacher in Intermediate Treatment, working with social workers for troubled teenagers; an infant room in Victoria, Australia, which was my most diffi cult position, but it gave me residency in Australia. I studied for my Masters in Indigenous Studies in Western Australia and have worked in three states and many remote locations. I have been very fortunate. My current location is the island of Groote in Arnhem Land.

David Lawrenson

I studied History and Classical Studies at St Mary’s from 1970 to 1973. I taught for a year in Buckinghamshire before becoming a journalist. I then worked as a media and marketing executive with the Rugby Football League for six years, before retiring before the end of 2016.

Paul Warburton

I taught for 24 years in Richmond after studying English and History at St Mary’s in 1970 to 1973. I then turned to sports journalism and became sports editor of a group of west London newspapers and subsequently their website.

Alan Hollis

From 1970 to 1974 I studied PE and History at St Mary’s and went on to get a Bachelor of Education. I completed my probationary year in teaching in Leicester, following which I switched to engineering, wherein I continued to work until I retired in 2012.

Juri Kaczkowski

I studied PE and Geography at St Mary’s from 1970 to 1974. Many will remember me as a fearless goalkeeper for the college football team. I obtained a Bachelor of Education and taught in London before emigrating to Australia. I still teach in Ballarat in the state of Victoria.

Michael Greenwood

I studied PE and Geography at St Mary’s from 1970 to 1973. Many people will remember me as a DJ at college and the social secretary. I taught in Richmond for 42 years before I retired in 2015.

Where are you now?Spotlight on 1970s alumni

Send your news and updates for the next Simmarian to alumni@stmarys.ac.uk

8 THE SIMMARIAN

Alumni spotlight

SIMMARIAN NEWS

Jess KiddCosta prize winner

Himself is a magic realist mystery tale of a hero’s return to the village of his birth to unravel the disappearance of his teenage mother. It’s a mixed bag, described as ‘genre-bending’ with romance, thriller, gothic and supernatural elements and a fair bit of comedy thrown in. I loved mixing these elements, the selection of each being driven by the need to tell the story in the most vivid way I could. As I plotted and planned the characters became oddly real to me so that I became compelled to unravel their histories. The setting, a village packed full of secrets on Ireland’s west coast, became a place I just couldn’t leave. Ultimately I wanted to give the reader a thrilling ride – as a reader I like to be surprised. I love narrative sleight of hand. That feeling the rug is going to be pulled out from under me; that anything can happen.

The novel grew out of a PhD in Creative Writing but the idea came to me when I embarked on an MA in Creative Writing (Enabling Creative Writing in the Community). I received a bursary to study at St Mary’s. This was a lifeline, giving me the confi dence to keep writing and the skills I needed to go on to teach creative writing. Seeing fi rst-hand how a supportive, collaborative environment can help creativity fl ourish I have since encouraged aspiring writers to join a writing group, set up their own, or just fi nd a writing buddy. Writing is isolating and it really helps to know that someone is cheering you on. Plus the feedback is invaluable, because however objective you are you can’t respond to your own work as a reader would.

During my time at St Mary’s I was also fortunate enough to have great supervisors who not only encouraged me to pursue my passion for magic realist fi ction but also helped me fi nd my voice as a writer. My PhD was built on the work I started with my MA and the resulting dissertation focuses on the ways in which disparate modes and genres can be woven together to create new hybrid forms. This is a subject I continue to be fascinated with. So in a way my research continues to inform my creative work.

I’m currently working on my second novel called The Hoarder, a contemporary crime novel set in London with Irish protagonists. This has been immense fun to write, it has a funny and fl awed protagonist with a startling story – and I continue to genre-bend a little! The Hoarder will be published by Canongate and is due to hit the shelves in Spring 2018. After winning the Costa short story prize for Dirty Little Fishes, I have also decided to plough ahead with my long-held dream of putting together a collection of short stories. Inspired by a recent commission to write a modern-day fairy tale, many of the stories rework traditional tales.

Himself by Jess Kidd is out now (Canongate).

Photo © Travis McBride

Share your memories of St Mary’sJoanna Bogle, new research fellow at St Mary’s, is writing a history of the university for publication in 2020, our 170th anniversary.

If you would like to share your memories, anecdotes or photos of St Mary’s, get in touch with Joanna at joanna.bogle@stmarys.ac.uk.

SUMMER 2017 9

Staff spotlight

An interview with Ruth KellyPro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, who joined St Mary’s University in 2015

In her role, Ruth oversees the development of the St Mary’s research, builds partnerships with government and commercial enterprises on a local, national and international level, and seeks to diversify sources of funding for the University.

After four years of Cabinet roles, heading up the departments of Education and Skills, Communities and Local Government, and Transport, Ruth spent fi ve years in a senior global strategy role at HSBC. This time spent in both the public and private sectors provided an ideal perspective from which to lead on research and enterprise at St Mary’s, adding tangible value to the University’s offer.

What appealed to you about St Mary’s?

St Mary’s University has a clear and compelling vision, which is grounded in its close relationship with the vibrant local community. The University takes its duty of care to its students seriously, and there is a real sense of family here. The campus and grounds are very beautiful.

There is huge scope for building on the culture of research, with new centres of research excellence such as the Centre for Modern Slavery. We are applying to be able to award research degrees; at present PhDs are validated by Liverpool Hope University.

The University has an enduring commitment to welcome students from under-represented groups, for whom the opportunities offered by a university education can be truly life-changing.

What are your major ambitions for enterprise at St Mary’s and how do these aims fi t in with Vision 2025?

Enterprise at St Mary’s entails forming local and national partnerships, diversifying income, and offering opportunities for learning in non-traditional ways.

Two of the current major enterprise projects are the First Star programme, which provides young people in foster care with access to higher education, and hosting Warwick Summer School, which offers prospective students a taste of university life, with talks, classes and social activities.

These projects are in line with Vision 2025’s goal to increase student diversity without undermining our strong commitment to our local community. At the same time, we aim to put St Mary’s on the map for research and enterprise, and to have a substantial impact on public policy.

In your view, what are the greatest challenges facing St Mary’s?

St Mary’s and all UK universities face huge challenges in coping with the rise of tuition fees, the removal of the student numbers cap, and the as yet unknown impact of Brexit on home and overseas students.

Specifi c to St Mary’s is the challenge of retaining its distinctive identity in an increasingly competitive market – our Catholic ethos which embraces people from all backgrounds, while maintaining high academic standards and ambitions.

Our links with other Catholic universities across the world (of which there are about 2,000) will be hugely signifi cant as we develop our international outlook.

What role do alumni play as part of St Mary’s wider community, and what should the University do in turn to support its graduates?

We are lucky that our alumni are so diverse in their skills and experiences. They have a crucial role to play in supporting current students: by being a mentor, offering career support, the chance to network and grow in self-confi dence, and being important role models and ambassadors for the University.

It’s a mutual relationship, however; St Mary’s can and should support alumni too with lifelong learning, career support and the chance to be a part of an engaged and vibrant network. Studying here is the beginning of a lifelong relationship, and it is wonderful to see the alumni network grow and strengthen.

10 THE SIMMARIAN

Keep in touchDo we have up-to-date contact details for you?

You can update your address and send us your news by completing the form enclosed with this magazine, or by completing the online form at www.stmarys.ac.uk/alumni/services/update-your-details.

In sociology, wherever you see an exception to a general trend, something happening that is sociologically improbable, it makes sense to study what is going on there. This is how I happen to fi nd myself in North America for two months. So, what am I studying here and why?

Today, it almost goes without saying that many people in our society (nearly 50% according to British Social Attitudes Data) do not identify with any religion. Among those who say they were raised as Catholic, nearly 60% state that they never, or practically never, attend church. As our society becomes increasingly secular, the probability of someone identifying with a religion becomes smaller. Sociologists such as Steve Bruce have found that if those who practise a religion seem unlike you, the religion seems alien. To follow any lifestyle or belief system, it helps if you identify with those who live it out.

The role of social infl uence in religion, and specifi cally Catholicism, is the background of my research. If a religion is going to buck the trend by surviving and even fl ourishing, its ability to infl uence and relate to outsiders is key. To get to the heart of this reality, I chose to explore the role of culture in a Catholic parish. Culture is the socially transmitted knowledge and behaviour shared by a group of people. Every community of people – whether a workplace, family, university or church – has a culture. What is valued, tolerated, frowned upon, celebrated?

So, I fi nd myself undertaking fi eldwork in two Catholic parishes that are bucking the trend of decline. These communities are growing in numbers, despite the secular contexts in which they exist. One is situated in southern California and the other, on the opposite coast of the continent – Nova Scotia. This is the fi rst phase of my PhD research, and I am asking, what is it about the way they organise and understand themselves that has led them to attract outsiders and grow in numbers?

Highlighting postgraduate research

PhD candidate Hannah Vaughan Spruce on theology

Student spotlight

Alumni get 10% discount on postgraduate study

Simmarian connectionsDid you meet your partner at St Mary’s? Do your children study here, or did your parents or siblings attend?

We would like to learn more about Simmarian family connections. Get in touch with your stories at alumni@stmarys.ac.uk.

SUMMER 2017 11

The Centre for Modern SlaveryDr Sasha JespersonDirector of the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Plugging the evidence gaps to eliminate modern slavery

In February 2017, St Mary’s University launched its new research centre on modern slavery. The UK Prime Minister has referred to modern slavery as ‘the greatest human rights challenge of our time’, and Pope Francis describes it as a ‘crime against humanity’.

While we often think of slavery ‘out there’ – in tea and cocoa plantations, brick factories or sweat shops – there is increasing evidence of its pervasiveness also in the UK. There are estimates that 13,000 people are held in slavery in the UK, in sexual exploitation, car washes, nail bars, cannabis farms and factories.

Currently, the UK government is leading global efforts to prevent and eradicate modern slavery. The Prime Minister has brought together a cross-governmental task force to tackle this challenge comprehensively, both in the UK and internationally. While this new determination brings us closer to eradicating slavery, government responses continue to be hampered by key knowledge gaps.

The new Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery (CSMS) at St Mary’s University is engaged in independent research to provide evidence that informs policy responses to modern slavery and human traffi cking. We are working with government departments to identify these gaps, generating empirical evidence to make the response more targeted, and generate better results for those subject to slavery and traffi cking.

The centre is one of three dimensions that include Bakhita House, a safe house for traffi cked women, and the Santa Marta group for co-ordination with law enforcement and non-governmental organisations and governments. But we are part of much larger networks. In February this year, the centre hosted a conference that brought together policymakers, practitioners and academics, to begin a dialogue on how we can work together to tackle modern slavery.

We are also engaged in research that directly feeds into knowledge gaps. The centre recently received funding from the Home Offi ce to investigate the criminal business models that facilitate human traffi cking from three of the key source countries for traffi cking into the UK: Albania, Nigeria and Vietnam. The team is also investigating the experiences of victims in the UK to develop recommendations on how to improve our response. These research projects aim to feed directly into policy and practice in order to improve efforts to eliminate modern slavery.

12 THE SIMMARIAN12 THE SIMMARIAN

St Mary’s Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre Ellis Cross EPACC athlete and St Mary’s student

EPACC’s vision An endurance performance environment that supports, challenges and develops elite runners, inspires beginners, fosters and tests talent and promotes excellence in the coaches who work with them.

EPACC’s background

In 2009 UK Athletics decided to relocate the national endurance programme to Loughborough. The Virgin London Marathon worked in partnership with St Mary’s to re-launch the Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC). The support and funding of the London Marathon has been in place since the very start in 2001 and has helped to develop a world-class endurance environment. Over the years the partnership has overseen some outstanding performances, and the centre has made a signifi cant contribution to medals won and GB teams, along with supporting the development of athletes and coaches at every level of the pathway.

Parallels with the centre’s development can be drawn with Mo Farah, who was the fi rst EPACC athlete to receive support from the London Marathon. The programme has helped Mo transition from an exceptionally talented young runner to a world-class athlete with the experience and ability to win four Olympic Gold Medals.

St Mary’s provides a perfect environment for all standards of runners with dedicated onsite accommodation, the Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track, a modern strength and conditioning facility, and extensive running in nearby Bushy and Richmond parks. Alongside this runners can access world-class coaching and support services – expertise that has been developed since the programme started in 2001.

“St Mary’s has taught me what hard work and consistency can do for an athlete. The number of talented athletes to train with help you progress up the performance pathway as you’re constantly learning what is needed to succeed. Furthermore, the continued guidance and encouragement from the coaches has enabled me to achieve more than I could ever have dreamed possible.”Ellis Cross, current student and EPACC athlete

EPACC training camp in Font Romeu, France

EPACC training camp in Font Romeu, France

SUMMER 2017 13

Alumni MassOn Sunday 5th November there will be a Mass offered for deceased Simmarians at 11am in the University Chapel, which will be followed by tea and coffee.

All are welcome.

In memoriam of staff and former students

We are sorry to announce the passing of the following alumni and staff since the last edition of the Simmarian.

Fr Desmond Beirnealumnus 1962-69, and Principal 1976-92

Christopher Blake, alumnus 1969-72

Fr Joe Cunningham, alumnus 1948-60, and Chaplain 1960s

Thomas Devenport, alumnus, 1944-46

Karen Doran (née Rowley), alumna 1999-2002

Anne Hague, alumna 1968-71

Professor Michael Hayes, Vice Principal 2004-11

Maureen Johnston (née Battle), alumna 1972-75

Christine Kieran, alumna 1970-73

Sian Lankes (née Cook), alumna 1970-73

Malcolm McIntosh, alumnus 1972-75

Lionel Perez, alumnus 1963-65 and Honorary Fellow

Joan Reilly, Senior Lecturer 1967-86

Joseph Patrick Rynn, alumnus 1944-46

Alfred Joseph Scales, alumnus 1942-44

Kevin Tanney, alumnus 1952-54

An obituary page can be found on our website at www.stmarys.ac.uk/alumni/news/alumni-news.

14 THE SIMMARIAN

Calling international alumniWe are looking to establish a network of international alumni ambassadors across the world. Alumni overseas are friendly points of contact for Simmarians on their travels, as well as being good sources of advice for prospective international students considering study at St Mary’s.

If you are living outside the UK and would like to be an international alumni ambassador, get in touch at alumni@stmarys.ac.uk.

Alumni mentoringMentoring is incredibly rewarding and makes a huge difference to students and new graduates starting out in a new career.

If you are looking for mentoring from one of our alumni, or are interested in becoming a career mentor, please read and complete the form enclosed with this magazine and return it to us.

Alumni career networking eventIf you’re interested in networking with fellow alumni working in a range of careers, join us at our alumni networking event as part of Progression Week here at St Mary’s. This will take place on the evening of Thursday 30th November in the Waldegrave Suite. RSVP to alumni@stmarys.ac.uk or book onto this event through Target Connect, our new careers system, at bit.ly/2v79Y6J.

UNIVERSITY NEWS

As Strawberry Hill Overseas and Community Concern (SHOCC) moves into its 46th year, the trustees would like to thank all their supporters for their continued generosity. During 2016 donations exceeded £50,000.

SHOCC continued supporting several of its old friends in the Twickenham area and in East Africa, and the charity has a brand new school project in Tanzania as well as St Kevin’s in Kenya to see through to completion.

Read more about SHOCC projects on www.stmarys.ac.uk/strawberry-hill-overseas-community-concern.

Strawberry Hill Overseas and Community Concern

Molly’s Smile FundMolly’s Smile Fund was set up in memory of St Mary’s student Molly Burdett, who tragically died in 2015. The fund is currently raising money for an assisted technology suite at the University, to support students with disabilities and specifi c learning diffi culties. For more information about Molly’s Smile Fund, visit www.mollyssmilefund.org.

SUMMER 2017 15

16 THE SIMMARIAN

Opportunities for postgraduate study at St Mary’sThe decision to undertake postgraduate study is an exciting step and will provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to further develop your knowledge and skills.

With a 10% fee reduction for St Mary’s alumni and a range of full-time and part-time study options, now is the perfect time to find out why postgraduates earn on average £6,000 more a year than graduates with just a first degree*.

For more information see www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate or contact student.recruitment@stmarys.ac.uk.

*Graduate Labour Market Statistics 2016

Alumni careers supportAs a Simmarian, you can use and continue to benefit from continued support and guidance from St Mary’s University Careers Service Team for as long as you need. You will also have access to our alumni careers system Target Connect, where you can:

• Book an appointment to speak with a Careers Consultant

• View university events you can attend

• Search and apply for jobs

To access Target Connect, please register or log in at careers.stmarys.ac.uk.

Get in touch with us via careers@stmarys.ac.uk or 020 8240 4055

You can also follow us on

@StMarys_Careers

@stmaryscareersservice

We have a vision for the future which is rooted in people and place. By 2025, students, staff, alumni and members of our wider circle will actively contribute to St Mary’s unique identity. We will be widely known for our quality and our diverse, inclusive and enabling study and research environment.

Everyone will be encouraged, empowered and supported to give, learn and belong to the St Mary’s learning community. You can read more about the key commitments of St Mary’s and the strategies for delivering these commitments online at www.stmarys.ac.uk/about/vision-2025.

Vision 2025: St Mary’s plan for the future

ReunionsAlumni and Student Sports DayOn Saturday 14th April, St Mary’s Students’ Union will be hosting a sports day for students, alumni and the local community.

Get in touch at alumni@stmarys.ac.uk if you would like to join the fun.

ReunionsYou are welcome to host your own reunion event on campus – venue hire is free for alumni.

Contact the alumni office for more information.

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