Horizon - Staffordshire University

horizon
autumn 2005
www.staffs.ac.uk/alumni
CREATE THE DIFFERENCE
S taffordshire
UNIVERSITY

secured your dream job?
Like many others, Graphic design graduate Sarah
Simpson was unsure about the next step...
Sarah completed her degree this summer and was one of the
first graduates to enrol on Graduate Futures to explore career
ideas and get interview and CV writing skills.
She said: “I now have a better idea of what direction to take.
I have a fab CV and great interview skills. I feel a lot more
confident about applying for jobs”
Graduate Futures courses are FREE, last for four weeks (part
time), and are open to UK resident graduates from ANY
University. Importantly, your unemployment benefits will not
be affected.
On the course you will:
•Understand what employers expect from
graduates
• Feel more confident to apply for graduate jobs
• Identify and manage your skills portfolio
•Tackle psychometric tests and assessment
centres
Courses run every month – check out the website
for dates and news
www.staffs.ac.uk/graduatefutures
t: Clare Keegan on 01785 353247
e: clare.keegan@staffs.ac.uk
CREATE THE DIFFERENCE
2

in the news
keep in touch
...and it doesn’t cost a penny
You may no longer be a student at Staffs but as one of our graduates
you’ll always be a part of the Staffordshire University community. So
keep in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Share news. Update us on
your new experiences. And wherever we can we’ll help shape your
future along the way.
Update your details on our website at www.staffs.ac.uk/alumni and
we’ll add you to our database. You’ll have access to our Alumni
website, receive two copies of Horizon per year and we’ll help with
finding old friends and organising reunions.
If you are already a member and pay a subscription, we no longer
require this annual fee but you will need to contact your bank to
cancel your standing order as, unfortunately, we can’t. However, if
you wish to keep your standing order in place we will accept this as a
voluntary contribution.
the barefoot shoe...
Staffs graduate Matthew Adams returned to Staffordshire
University to reveal the design behind a groundbreaking new
training shoe created by Nike.
Matthew, who graduated with a Sports Technology degree in 2001,
helped present a workshop on Nike Free, a new shoe that is so
flexible it allows the wearer to move as if they are in bare feet.
Thanks to Matthew and his colleagues from Nike, technology
students at Staffordshire University were given an insight into the new
footwear prior to the launch of an international publicity campaign.
London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe and Wimbledon champion
Roger Federer are among some of the sports stars taking part in a
huge advertising campaign to promote the new shoe. “The Nike Free
features a revolutionary design and will enable barefoot training in a
shoe,” said Matthew, who is part of the liaison team that supports
specialist retailers that stock the new footwear. Nike Free, explained
Matthew, was designed to help all kinds of sportspeople by
emulating barefoot training.
This helps strengthen feet and limbs and ultimately boost
performance. Matthew said he was delighted to be back at his former
University and was now reaping the benefit of studying sports
technology.
3

in the news
media mogul
Greg Dyke, who has helped transform the UK’s broadcasting industry, officially launched
Staffordshire University’s latest investment in learning - a new £1.5million media centre.
Staffordshire University’s new glass-fronted media centre features
three professional radio studios and a television studio, making it
one of the best learning facilities of its kind in the UK.
The new facility will provide a platform for future media and creative
industry developments as part of the ambitious University Quarter
project, a multi-million pound venture that aims to transform Stokeon-Trent
into the region’s new capital for lifelong learning and the
creative industries.
Greg Dyke, the former Director-General of the BBC, praised the new
hi-tech media centre, saying it was a superb modern facility that
boasted state-of-the art equipment “that would be the envy of many
professional newsrooms.” He then unveiled a plaque at the official
opening ceremony, which was attended by media professionals and
academics from across the region. Members of the Broadcast
Journalism Training Council, the industry body that accredits
broadcast journalism courses, has also praised the new newsroom.
The media centre, based at the College Road campus in
Stoke-on-Trent, also features a high-tech newsroom where student
journalists put together radio and TV news programming. “Our new
broadcast newsroom contains state-of-the-art broadcasting
equipment, including three professional radio studios and a television
studio,” explained Sarah. “This sophisticated technology mirrors that
used in the latest newsrooms throughout the broadcast industry.
Students produce regular news bulletins on TV and radio, operating
like professional broadcasters.”
• The University Quarter is a major education-led regeneration
project for Stoke-on-Trent. It brings together in partnership,
Staffordshire University, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College,
Stoke-on-Trent College and the City Council to deliver a unique
educational offer which will make a major contribution to the
regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent.
Sarah Rowlands, Head of Journalism at Staffordshire University, said it
was appropriate that Greg Dyke was opening such a pioneering
learning facility because: “He is seen within the broadcasting industry
as a champion of the creative.” Sarah said “Staffordshire University
Media Centre aims to encourage creativity in an innovative and
exciting environment.” The media centre features:
• a custom-made learning environment for media students with
state-of-the-art ‘studio-in-the-box’ computer technology
• global communication in practice, including a fully visible TV studio
• specialist provision for specific awards, such as access to AVID
editing tools and Final Cut Pro editing.
4

in the news
facelift unveiled
The newly refurbished Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre has
been unveiled.
The centre has undergone a facelift and structural refurbishment to
ensure it meets Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements. An
investment of £800,000 has enabled a vast improvement in the sports
and fitness facilities on offer and it is now more accessible to all
sectors of the community.
The Fitness Suite within the Sports Centre has also benefited from a
new range of Cybex fitness equipment. The new equipment is
Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited which means that disabled
access to the Fitness Suite has been vastly improved.
All changing facilities have also been refurbished and the new
modern ones include two accessible changing rooms. A lift and
chairlift are also installed enabling all users to gain access to the
Sports Centre’s first floor viewing areas.
The Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre offers a great range of
facilities for a wide variety of sports and activities. These include
badminton courts, indoor and outdoor football facilities, basketball,
fitness classes and much more. The facilities are available to
everyone, with no joining fees and competitive prices. Visit and have
a look around or call 01782 294124 for more information.
look out wherever you are...
A billboard designed by a Staffordshire University Fine Art
graduate was seen across the country in a national campaign for
an internet provider.
Richard Sayer, who graduated in 2003, worked on the major
‘Procrastination’ marketing campaign by Wanadoo. Principal Lecturer
in Fine Art, Neil Powell, said: “This is typical of the radical creative
solutions that Fine Art graduates are able to offer to corporate
sponsors. As a Staffordshire alumni we watch Richard’s wry wit and
career development with admiration and enthusiasm.”
In his second year at university Richard took part in a three month
student exchange with Kansas State University, USA, which gave him a
number of opportunities and challenges. After graduation Richard
become Artist in Residence for one year at St Stanislav’s College in
Bathurst Australia.
In recent years, Fine Art graduates have achieved similar successes
both as practising artists and as creative forces in ventures as diverse
as the Harry Potter films and major design projects in Europe.
Neil added: “During his time at Staffs, Richard was well known as
having a great sense of humour and being very dedicated to his
studies and loud rock music in almost equal measure. His recent
successes in exhibiting his work have led to lucrative contracts from
surf wear and skateboard manufacturers worldwide.”
5

in the news
Stepaside
Graduate business with focus on bright future
Make way for film production technology graduates Tom Prentice
and Christopher Hood who have seized the opportunity and are
focusing their sights on a bright future.
Tom and Chris formed their company Stepaside Media Factory on
graduating from Staffordshire University this summer and now occupy
one of the well-equipped business units on the University’s showcase
Stafford Business Village.
“The opportunities were there,” said Chris. “Our Film Technology
award leader Peter Hughes was enthusing about all the opportunities
and we thought if ever we’re going to do this then now is the right
time. With the huge amount of support on offer from the University,
we couldn’t afford not to,” added Tom.
So with financial and business start-up support from the University’s
e2 scheme and the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme (EFS) and the
continual backing of the lecturing staff, the business has got off to a
flying start.
“The support schemes were easy to find out about and very
forthcoming,” said Tom. Chris added: “We have benefited from lots
of workshops as part of the EFS scheme on different aspects of the
business and have to say it’s been really great training. Rachel Baker
who runs the scheme has also been a great support and really cares.”
Already they have two major projects in the pipeline including a
corporate training video for a major construction company and reality
tv style documentary for the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
In October, Tom and Chris are set to accompany four teams of
accountants to a bush camp in South Africa where they will document
the teams being put through their paces. The edited documentary
will then be shown to over 500 companies at the Institute’s annual
ball. The graduates have also been asked back to University to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills in tutorials with first year
students who have enrolled on the film technology course.
“With the uni right next door and open access to the talent and
expertise that exists there, we feel we are in the perfect location,”
said Chris.
Stepaside offers clients a full, in-house media creation service and
specialises in project design and development, video production and
editing services. They also undertake work involving visual and special
effects, title animation and motion graphics as well as DVD authoring
and duplication. Tom and Chris came to Staffordshire University after
studying for HNDs in Media at North East Worcestershire College in
Redditch.
• For more information visit www.stepasideuk.com or
phone 01785 887850
• For more information about the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme
email Rachel Baker at r.a.baker@staffs.ac.uk or phone 01785 353350
• For more information about the exciting range of Film Production
Technology awards, including Masters and PhD opportunities, call
01785 353370 or email fcet@staffs.ac.uk.
6

in the news
eastern inspiration
Staffordshire University graduates Lyndsey and Robert Rhodes looked
to the East for inspiration for their big day.
Primary school teacher Lyndsey, 26, spent two years teaching in Tokyo
following her graduation and chose to walk down the isle wearing a
bright yellow kimono adorned with butterflies.
The couple’s Japanese-themed wedding also featured a Bonsai
display and a five-tier wedding cake which was decorated with a
pagoda, cherry blossom and bamboo stilts to hold up the top tier.
They continued their Eastern theme with a honeymoon in Sri Lanka.
Lyndsey met her husband Rob at Staffs in 1997. Rob, who graduated
with a BSc(Hons) in Sports Technology, works as a PE teacher in
Stoke-on-Trent.
Horizon is your magazine and we want to hear your good
news.
So, if you have set up your own business, landed a top job
or have an interesting story to tell then please contact us
on t: 01782 294942 or e: graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk
Photograph courtesy of The Sentinel.
studio space
Sod-cutting heralds arrival
of new hi-tech facility
Work to create the finest film and broadcast television facilities in the
region has begun at the Beaconside campus of Staffordshire
University.
The construction marks a substantial £750,000 investment in Film
Technology at the University’s main Stafford site and will complement
the existing New Technologies Centre which was opened by the Duke
of Kent in 2003.
The new state-of-the-art digital facility, which is scheduled for
completion in January 2006, will comprise a large 100 seat
three-camera broadcast studio, green room, gallery control-room,
audio suite and engineering racks room for use by students enrolled
on the University’s exciting range of film technology awards.
Award leader Peter Hughes said: “Film Technology is one of the
University’s growth areas and by September we will have over 600
students enrolled on six BSc Film Technology awards.
“The courses are extremely practical and it is important that we
prepare our students for the world of work by exposing them to an
industry standard environment and equipment. This will only add to
our above average employability rates.”
He added: “There is the potential to offer the fully digital Serial
Digital Interface facility for hire commercially and we have already had
inquiries from broadcasters and independent production
companies.”
The construction work will be stop-frame recorded every hour for the
duration of the project with the resulting footage used to promote
the new facility.
The new facility is a major part of the remodelling of the Beaconside
campus which is also set to benefit from a new coffee bar/reception
area and exterior landscaping.
7

in the news
stylish creations
A series of enchanted garden inspired cards, wrapping paper and
gift tags were the focus of a winning combination for a Staffs Uni
student.
Surface Pattern student Lizzie Lees, 21, originally from Canterbury in
Kent entered the project into a competition developed with Hallmark,
designing a product that could be sold in their Marks and Spencer
range.
She had to create a range of fashion and stationery designs for
women in the 34-54 age group. Lizzie won the top prize and enjoyed
a £250 reward and will soon join Hallmark for two weeks of work
experience, when she will be able to develop her designs.
Hallmark also bought another gift wrap design from the Surface
Pattern student. The next step for Lizzie after completing University
will be exhibiting at the New Designers exhibition. Lizzie also has an
interview with the Designers Guild and is looking forward to her
career as a result of her experience at Staffordshire University.
designs visualised
Staffordshire University product design graduates have joined
forces to form their own company specialising in 3D visualisation
and animation.
Twin brothers Henry and Will Cross and fellow graduate Ismael Lopes
have formed Envision with the help of Helio Pinto who is responsible
for marketing the new business. Although all three graduates were
successful in finding employment after graduation - two as 3D
visualisers for Pulse Fitness which has an excellent working
relationship with the University - Envision is taking up an increasing
amount of their time.
Already Envision has worked for an estate agents in Scotland
providing stunning architectural visualisation aimed at marketing their
new-build properties. They have also worked for Portofino restaurants
and on behalf of Portugese property developers.
Henry said: “Our clients will provide us with the plans and using the
latest software we can produce three dimensional imagery of how the
property will look. We can also provide animation that will detail every
room and potential buyers can know exactly what they’re buying.
“Technology is advancing and most of us have access to broadband
which allows animations to be viewed over the web. As the growth in
internet sales expands companies will seek out visualisers such as us
to aid in the production of animations which will allow customers to
view a product’s form.”
Will said: “The design world is very competitive and we are all very
grateful for what our degrees at Staffordshire University have given us.”
He praised the Product Design degree course for the emphasis it
places on presentation and time management skills and for giving
them hands on experience of what was required in the real world.
Henry added: “The course is fantastic and our lecturer Hugh
Williamson has done a marvellous job.”
www.envisionvs.com
8

graduation
news
CREATE THE DIFFERENCE
Picture courtesy of The Sentinel
9

graduation news
evidence
of success
Chief Constable praises hard working Police graduates
The biggest ever cohort of Staffordshire Police employees
graduated at Awards Week with a Graduate Certificate in
Management Studies (GCMS).
Staffordshire’s Chief Constable John Giffard CBE, who was made an
honorary doctor of the University at the same ceremony, said the
awards were the result “of a lot of hard work”.
He added: “It’s a really wonderful sense of achievement for all,
many who might not have come down this route. It is something
really quite important to show for their work.”
Graduate Chris Cope, a police sergeant stationed at Hanley, said
he’d found the course very enjoyable. “There is certainly a bond
between those who attended the course and there is better
communication between the different divisions. I have been using
the management skills to motivate people and feel it’s been well
worth it - I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr Giffard said: “It’s such a
privilege to be among my own staff graduating today and I’m
deeply appreciative of the honour bestowed upon me.” Principal
Lecturer Lynne Walley said: “I was delighted with the day and
everybody said it was a resounding success. As this is an ongoing
programme we are looking forward to many more happy
occasions.”
10

graduation news
just the job for Geographers
Graduate Michelle Chadwick, 22, impressed bosses at
Stoke-on-Trent City Council on her placement so much they kept
her on.
Michelle, who received a 2:1 in BA(Hons) Human Geography, was
originally due to spend four weeks with the council’s transport
planning department but after proving herself she was asked to work
part-time to analyse the school travel census.
She is now employed full-time as a technician and is also working as a
road safety trainer - helping five year olds to cross the road and with
cycle training. But taking a well deserved break from work and her
studies, Michelle is planning a five week tour of America.
Ross Lakey graduated with a 2:1 BSc(Hons) Geography and has
secured employment with Wiltshire based Coda Science Systems
which designs satellite hardware and software. Mark Button, 22, from
Nottingham won the prize for best overall student and joint best
dissertation. Mark gained a First in his BSc in Environmental Science
and has gained a PhD place at Leicester University.
Michelle with Ross Lakey and Mark Button.
reaching great heights
In 12 months time, MBA graduate Johnnie Jassal is planning to
be manager of his own Tesco store.
Johnnie believes his Masters in Business Administration was
instrumental in his gaining a place on Tesco’s training course for store
managers.
Johnnie who graduated with a First in Business Studies in 1993 said:
“All other supermarkets run their training schemes over three years
but this is a one year fast track. They were impressed with me having
my MBA. As a general Masters it covers all aspects and should equip
me quite well.” Johnnie who has ambitions to move into
management consultancy said he had enjoyed his six years of study
at Staffordshire University. “It’s been fun all the way.”
Johnnie Jassal is pictured with Pro-Vice Chancellor Richard Painter
Johnnie’s father Ram Murti who runs a general store in
Wolverhampton and who also works part-time to support his children
through University said he was delighted to see his son graduate for
the second time. “It brought tears to my eyes. It’s been worth every
penny of what it’s cost us and I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same
again.”
11

graduation news
olympic star shines
On receiving his honorary degree Lee Pearson OBE began by giving
thanks to the guests and representatives of the University and said: “If
you saw me walking down the street with my limbs all bent, you may
think that I am unlucky… but I am one of the luckiest people in the
world.
“I have had the chance to prove myself on the world stage, meet
wonderful people and do the job I love. I really appreciate the
University for recognising my non-academic achievement. If you have
half as much luck I have received, you will go a long way.”
Lee is a distinguished horseman, a Paralympics gold medal winner, a
multiple British champion and national able-bodied champion.
He was born in Stoke-on-Trent with arthrogryphosis, a twisted limb
condition that required 15 operations.
He has been horse riding since he was nine but his rise to fame and
sports stardom happened relatively recently after he was inspired by
the 1996 Paralympic games. He has won five world championships and
three European titles, along with three Paralympic dressage gold
medals in Sydney and a further three at Athens.
Picture courtesy of The Sentinel
local ceramicist honoured
Business woman and ceramic designer Lorna Bailey described
the award of Doctor of the University as “the greatest honour
for me”.
“It’s a brilliant day for me. I never had the opportunity as my business
took off before I even got to University,” said Lorna.
“I was told I had no future in the industry but a few awards under my
belt and I have proved the doubters wrong.”
She attended Stoke-on-Trent College where she gained a BTEC
National Diploma in Design: Ceramics but the inspiration for her work
came long before she was a college graduate.
As a child her father Lionel and solicitor friend Geoff Stanway would
take Lorna to antique fairs and it was there she began to collect
pieces of art deco, most notably pieces by Clarice Cliff. Attracted by
the bold colours and unusual shapes of this work, this collecting gave
Lorna the direction she was looking for and, at age 13, she decided
she was going to become a ceramics designer.
Picture courtesy of The Sentinel
12

graduation news
leading lights
Former BBC Director General Greg Dyke gave budding journalists at
this year’s awards ceremony something to aspire to.
“Be right, be fair and be bold,” he told graduates as he was receiving his
award.”
His other advice to the graduates was “never do a job that you don’t
enjoy.” Greg firmly believes that an employee performs to the best
standard when content in their job. In his acceptance speech, Greg Dyke
spoke of his love of Staffordshire, particularly as he was married at
Newcastle-under-Lyme registry office. “The marriage didn’t last long but
my love of this region has,” he joked.
Speaking to the graduands, Greg added he was very privileged to be
here and said to the parents he fully understood the mix of feelings they
would have at the moment.
Greg Dyke is a well-known face and he spoke of his own and his
employees’ dismay upon his resignation. He added: “A good employer
always treats his employees well.”
Greg congratulated the achievements of the graduating class and
encouraged them to never settle for second best in life. Greg finished
with the comment that many of those graduating today will be the first
from the family and it is so important that places like Staffs have opened
up doors.
Alan Tuckett OBE, a leading figure in the world of adult education,
commented that the graduating class was an inspiration to the other
people at the ceremony. He said: “Learning now happens throughout
people’s lives, not the case when I was younger, so I am extremely
pleased to be associated with Staffordshire University.” Alan grew up in
Cornwall, near to where clay was mined for pottery. It was shipped to
Stoke, which he described as sounding mystical and exciting.
Alan said: “Celebrations have the effect of making people see
themselves slightly differently and in Britain we have a problem that we
have taught many people that education and training are not for them. I
admire Staffs, as here you are encouraging people to learn from all walks
of life.”
Rainy day: Alan Tuckett and Greg Dyke at the awards ceremony. Picture courtesy of The Sentinel
11 13

graduation news
Picture courtesy of The Sentinel
14

graduation news
football
crazy
Top honours for local football hero
Staffordshire-born footballer Robbie Earle MBE enjoyed a high
profile career playing in over 600 league games, scoring around
150 goals.
He is a respected television pundit and enjoys regular work on both
television and radio, including BBC TV, ITV, Sky, Capital Radio and
Radio London. Aside from this, he also helps to inspire youngsters to
develop a passion for reading and has visited inner city schools as
part of the National Literacy Trust’s campaign to promote reading.
He has used his influence to show children that reading is not just for
school. Robbie started his speech with the joke, “I hope no members
of the Crazy Gang are here as if they saw me wearing a silly hat and
gown they would give me a good kicking.”
On a serious note he added: “To be recognised by my home town is
really a great honour, although the real stars here are the graduates,
they are the ones who have the headaches and the revision.”
Robbie stressed the importance of reading and the role it plays and
the work he does in trying to encourage reading as a pleasure. He
said: “Reading is important to me, although the people we have
trouble with targeting are, its sad to say, boys.
“I am in a good position as a former footballer, as you can give the
message that reading is cool. I completed my HND in Business course
when this institution was North Staffs Polytechnic, as I felt it was
important to get some qualifications, and I started reading then and
haven’t stopped.”
Robbie also added a personal thank you to his wife and parents who
have “been with me all the way” and also one to John Rudge,
Director of Football at Stoke City.
As in previous years Staffordshire University awarded honorary
doctorates to leading figures from a range of specialisms. They arrived
at the home of Staffordshire University’s Awards ceremonies, Trentham
Gardens. The Trentham Awakes regeneration programme is ongoing
and the Italian Garden and Parkland and the Pleasure Grounds have
been spectacularly revived. The Show Garden won a gold medal at the
Chelsea 2005 Show.
Other honorary graduates who were recognised during the week
include biographer Jenny Uglow, senior member of the Muslim
Council of Britain Dr Musharraf Hussain, Human Rights lawyer
Baroness Helena Kennedy of Shaws QC and the former Staffordshire
University Chair of Governors Mike Hughes.
Alongside these were psychotherapist Camila Batmanghelidjh,
Healthcare chiefs Professor Anthony Sheehan and Mike Cook, as well
as Stoke-on-Trent based GP Dr Vijay Reddy and one of the UK’s most
successful composers David Lowe.
15

graduation news
pacific
heights
KL the venue for APIIT ceremonies
Earlier this year the Asia Pacific Institute of Information
Technology (APIIT) in Malaysia held its graduation ceremonies.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Paul Richards presented almost 400
computing graduates and 14 postgraduates their awards at the
ceremony held in Kuala Lumpar.
He said: “Staffordshire University is a global community. The awards
ceremony in Kuala Lumpur is a great opportunity to emphasise that
and to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students.”
There were several delegates who travelled to Kuala Lumpar for the
ceremony including Glyn James, Faculty Partnerships Administrator,
Liz Hathaway, Director of Faculty Partnerships and Dave Link, Principle
Lecturer.
Dr Andy Seddon was also present as he is currently on secondment at
APIIT from Staffordshire University. The connection between the two
institutes was further highlighted through APIIT’s Managing Director
and University Pro Chancellor Dr Parmjit Singh who attended some of
the ceremonies held at Trentham Gardens.
Graduates on stage with University representatives, and APIIT staff including Dr Andy Seddon and Prof Les Trustrum, Director of Academic Development
16

graduation news
score!
Former Stoke City footballer George Berry proved himself a star player after scoring
his latest success by graduating with a degree in Business Studies.
Because of work commitments, the 47 year-old father of three took
eight years - rather than the usual four - to complete his BA(Hons)
Business Studies degree part-time.
The ex-footballer and avid Stoke supporter played for the Potters for
10 years and he persevered with his studies receiving a 2:1, although it
took him longer than average to complete.
George, who works for the Professional Football Association (PFA) in
Manchester, said: “It was really difficult to get back from Manchester to
Stoke for lectures but the effort eventually paid off.
“I did the course part-time but, as the responsibilities of my job with the
PFA escalated, keeping up with my studies became harder and harder.”
He added: “I’ve made a lot of good friends through the course and
I’ve been turning up for so many years that the students think I’m
one of the lecturers.”
Part-time Business Studies tutor Roy Edwards said: “A couple of
times George has had to intermit and has come back to try again the
next year.
“I think he has displayed a dogged determination to stick with it
when most would have given up.”
George said he was suffering from match day nerves as he prepared
to receive his degree and confessed that he was in two minds about
leaving his studies behind.
17

graduation news
master plan
Part-time student’s Master success
A Masters degree was the goal for an IT professional when she
embarked on her course at Staffordshire University.
Judith Hollier, from Birmingham, works for Britvic Soft Drinks in the IT
department at Solihull. She became interested in the MSc in
Research, IT for Strategic Management Route, after talking to
Staffordshire University’s Professor Hanifa Shah.
Professor Shah has been developing a close relationship between the
University and Britvic for a number of years and she mentioned that
the course may be relevant and beneficial for Judith.
Britvic agreed to sponsor Judith and she worked closely in
collaboration with Hanifa, as well as juggling a full time job and two
children.
She said: “The course was well worth the time and effort; I have
gained a lot from it, as have Britvic.
“I’m very grateful to Hanifa for suggesting the course and supporting
me throughout it; I could not have done it without her
encouragement.”
Judith pictured with her work colleagues and Professor Hanifa Shah
18

graduation news
business brain
A Business degree has paved the way to graduate’s success
Andrew Taberner, 26, from Newcastle-under-Lyme completed a
BA(Hons) Business Studies degree, earning first class honours.
Andrew works for Caudwell Communications as a Sales Development
Manager and looks after outsourced call centres. He has recently
been setting up new centres in Scotland, along with one in Sheffield
and helps out occasionally at a site in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He has
recently spent a week in Glasgow training a new team of sales agents
who have now gone live.
Whilst in the call centre, Andrew focuses on all aspects of the job such
as reporting on quality control, as well as ensuring that training and
development plans are in place and adhered to. He has worked in call
centres for nearly five years and really enjoys the environment.
He has been in his current job for two months and he is really
enjoying it. “This is the best job I have ever had,” he said. “It is a
great environment working with young people and it is good to work
with other people and help them to develop their skills.
I started a degree at Staffs as I felt it would give me the opportunity
to develop myself and I realised it would be useful for the future,
especially as I eventually want to set up my own business. He added:
“The course has given me a real insight into how businesses work,
and my placement at Vodaphone was really good as it was useful to
compare academic knowledge to experiences in the real world.”
career boost
Andrew Williams had his self-confidence boosted following a trip to China as part of his studies
Andrew, 25, who graduated with an MSc in International Strategic
Management, was one of eight students to spend four months with
the Beijing Foreign Studies University, one of China’s most prestigious
schools for the study of language.
“It was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I visited the Great Wall of
China and Tiananmen Square, which was very exciting because of the
history associated with it.”
Andrew said the experience was a great confidence booster and is
helping him in his new career. Andrew is Press Officer and Duty
Manager for the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs.
The association has more than 100,000 young people using its centres
every year and has links with centres in Shropshire, Wales and
Scotland. The organisation also attracts international volunteers from
as far away as Korea, Poland and Hungary.
Andrew, who studied BSc Sports Science at Staffordshire before
embarking on his postgraduate study, was actively involved in the
association before attending Staffordshire University. He was an
outdoor pursuit instructor. Andrew was awarded a merit overall for his
masters degree and a distinction for his dissertation.
19

exclusive
Your chance to own a personalised Staffordshire University
Class of 2005 souvenir T-Shirt.
Only available to the Class of 2005!
The T-shirts are free size and £15.00 each. To order please
visit www.staffs.ac.uk/alumni or complete the form on
page 27.
•Your name will be listed together with your graduating
class by subject area.
20

graduate profile
big
down under
Prestigious residency awaits fine artist
Charcoal drawings were the starting point for a Fine Artist who
has secured a year Down Under after graduating from
Staffordshire University.
Patrick O’Rourke, 21, from Liverpool has the next year all planned
after securing a prestigious position as Artist in Residence at a private
secondary school in Bathurst, Australia.
For his final year piece, and throughout his course, Patrick has used
charcoal as he found this to be an interesting medium when he first
used it at University.
He started with large drawings but then began to add different
objects to the work. He uses objects as traces of people and he
collects together items that have been reclaimed from abandoned
houses and skips. Patrick said: “The drawings are based around the
every day person and every day events, moments from life we give no
thought to, akin to such artists as Martin Parr and Richard Bellingham.
“The use of charcoal shows the rubbing out and adding in, smudging
the lines that were once there, a metaphor for how events and people
can alter how we see others and what ourselves we miss and all we
could have.”
Patrick is pictured with his work at the exhibition, where he was preparing for a year in Australia.
21

graduate profile
rags to
riches
Graduate band goes from strength to strength
Graduate band Hips Like Cinderella are now hoping to follow in
the footsteps of former Staffordshire graduates The Editors in
their quest for rock’n’roll stardom.
Formed around Christmas last year, the band quickly achieved
recognition by winning the Signal One Radio Battle of the Bands
Contest - and with it the chance to play at the Live in the City event
in July alongside Melanie C, Rooster, Lee Ryan and Girls Aloud.
Drummer Andy Todd told Horizon: “It was fairly surreal - the whole
experience of walking onto stage at the Britannia Stadium. We
played ‘Moving On’ where Adam introduces the band and to have
thousands screaming at you... it was cheesy grins all round.”
Although the effects of the free back-stage bar have now worn off,
their thirst for stardom hasn’t and with their studies firmly behind
them, the band members have made the decision to return to
Stafford and work towards getting the management deal that will
seal their success.
“We know a lot of people there, our main fan base is there and it’s a
good location for travelling the country,” explained Andy, who
graduated with a degree in Marketing Management.
“Besides which we have had a lot of help from the University and the
people there who have given us studio time and use of the facilities.
All the tracks on our ep were recorded at the Uni.”
As well as actively seeking a support gig with The Editors, the band
are hoping to break the University circuit with gigs at Staffordshire
and other Students Union venues around the country. Watch this
space...
Factfile
• The name Hips Like Cinderella was taken from a lyric in a song by
The Pixies. The bands other influences include The Smiths and Joy
Division.
• Band members are, pictured left to right, Graeme Salt (guitar)
Paul Walker (guitar) Andy Todd (drums), Larry Moore (bass) and
Adam Price (vocals). They studied for a range of degree course at
the Beaconside campus including Music Technology with
Management and Sports Technology.
• The band have recorded a six track ep, and a music video is on its
way....
• Hips Like Cinderella played their first London gig at the
Bull and Gate in Camden on August 31 followed by a gig at
Stoke’s Sugarmill on September 6.
22

ocean
muse
graduate profile
Graduate’s new business takes off at Top Drawer
Taking the plunge into business requires a determination and a
passion in what you do.
23-year-old Claire Marie Adams, a BA(Hons) Design: Crafts graduate
of Staffordshire University, uses her interest in marine life organisms to
inspire a beautiful range of contemporary jewellery.
Claire skilfully hand-creates jewellery pieces working with resin and
silver. The results she achieves working with these simple materials are
stunning and makes customers stop and stare in admiration.
Claire’s reputation is spreading and she has exhibited her work in a
number of prestigious design fairs in London, Manchester and
Birmingham. She has also enjoyed success from exhibiting at a
number of galleries throughout the UK.
A short while after graduating, Claire took the plunge and became
self-employed. She said: “I didn’t want to go into an unrelated career
like some of my friends and am resolute to make myself a success.
“I recently received an email on my website from an excited customer
saying how fabulous the site is, and to keep up the good work as it’s
great.”
She added: “My work is influenced by what I see when diving in
tropical oceans. I am an advanced scuba diver and love to portray my
vision of the ocean and its life forms in my work. Vibrantly coloured
drifting organisms called plankton especially inspire me.”
Claire received financial assistance from Staffordshire University lead
project HE Full Circle. Their Bursary will go towards the cost of
exhibiting at an important trade show in London. Top Drawer Autumn
2005 is her first trade show in which she is launching new and exciting
ranges. It is anticipated that this show will raise her profile even
further and help to generate the success she deserves.
www.clairemarieadams.co.uk
24

esearch and enterprise
lighthouse
associates
Lighthouse Associates, based in Lapley near Stafford, was founded by Joseph Smith
in 2004 after many years spent working for large corporations.
As a keen golfer, Joseph had seen many innovations in the
development of golf balls and clubs, but no major new ideas
around the golf bag. Joseph harboured an idea to produce an allin-one
golf bag and trolley with a number of key features and
unique selling points. The clubs are located in a carousel inside
the bag to protect them from damage. Pre-selection of each club
will be made possible by a dial at the head of the bag and the
whole structure will be both damage proof and lockable - a key
benefit for players travelling abroad.
Joseph recognised the need to link up with a professional
designer to produce a prototype that would showcase his
innovation and encourage investment.
Through the team at Different by Design he was introduced to
JAB Design of Liverpool who work extensively with entrepreneurs
to create commercially viable new products. They were able to reevaluate
the design process and combine form, function and
aesthetics to make a highly professional prototype.
The bag is at the prototype stage and early interest in the product
is highly encouraging.
Joseph says: “Different by Design has been a crucial element in
the run up to the launch of this product. Their funding and the
introduction to a sophisticated product design company has
meant the project could move forward.”
Different by Design can be contacted on 01782 377415 or
info@dxd.org.uk.
25

esearch and enterprise
Staffordshire University
engineering researchers light
the way for GVR
When Stoke-based company GVR approached Staffordshire University for product development
know-how they didn’t expect to win an award.
Established in 1995, GVR Products Ltd. is a specialist in the
development of low-cost aids for ear, nose and throat diagnosis. With
a host of products on their books, they already had a great deal of
knowledge and experience in new product development.
Cathy McMain, spokeswoman for the company explains, “We are
continually striving to develop new products and expand our product
mix. GVR has developed a number of simple, easy-to-use devices for
professionals dealing with everyday problems in primary care. In this
instance however, we needed additional expertise that we just didn’t
have in-house.”
With the help of the North Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre,
GVR was awarded a grant and were put in touch with Professor Steve
Grainger from Staffordshire University, who assessed what help the
University could provide.
Steve explains: “GVR was already an extremely sophisticated
company in terms of product development, but the expertise we
could provide helped to plug the knowledge gaps that existed. We
also brought a technical capability to the table that meant this project
could actually be taken from idea stage to a market-ready product.”
Over months of development work, Steve and his team worked with
GVR on the Reddylite project. The project involved the development
and prototyping of a diagnostic, head-worn light to be used by
physicians for ear, nose and throat investigations.
It was in the early stages of this collaborative development work that
Steve suggested entering the Lord Stafford Awards, which celebrate
innovative collaboration between West Midlands’ businesses and
universities.
The collaboration eventually won the company an award in the
category of ‘Development in Innovation’. With the prize money the
company was able to invest even more into new product
development.
But that wasn’t the only benefit as Cathy explains: “The collaborative
work has given GVR an additional knowledge-based confidence that
has enabled us to look at adding even more products to our
portfolio.”
For more information on how Staffordshire University can help
your business ring 0800 169 2148 or email info@staffs.com
26

Staffordshire University Gifts
Class of 2005 Graduation T-Shirt £15.00
Freesize.
Ball Pen
50p
Pencils 3 for £1.00
Mouse Mat £2.50
Class of 2005 Photoframe £10.00
Made in fine earthenware, size 7”x5” to fit a 5.5”x4” photograph.
Crystal Paperweight £15.00
Meeting Folder £10.00
Silver Plated Business Card Holder £10.00
Staffordshire University Graduation Bear £8.00
Lapel Badge £5.00
In a presentation box.
Graduate Document Case £7.50
Black Leather Wallet £15.00
Mug £5.00
Parker Vector Sports Rollerball Pen £5.00
Red with black trim in a presentation tube.
Aqua Keyfob £2.00
If you wish to purchase Staffordshire University Merchandise, please complete this form and return it with your payment to:
Merchandise, Graduate Relations, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE. Enquiries to Graduate Relations on t: 01782 294944 or
e: graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk
Official Staffordshire University Merchandise Order Form
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Address
• I enclose a cheque for £
made payable to Staffordshire University
• Please debit my Credit Card
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• or Debit Card type (please tick)
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* Overseas Delivery:
We are happy to send our goods to you anywhere in the world. If you would like us to send something to you worldwide, then please send
us your order form WITHOUT payment, and we will contact you with a quote for postage and packaging. If you are happy with the quote,
then payment will need to be made by credit card BEFORE the goods are despatched.
27

delivering the post
10% off course fees
Whether you’ve recently graduated or are thinking of returning to study, Staffordshire University offers a
range of innovative courses at masters, diploma and certificate levels. Whichever you choose, you’ll be
learning in a dynamic and stimulating environment, benefiting from our supportive and friendly teaching
style and developing your career prospects. Delivering you exactly where you want to be in life.
10% off your first year fees if you are a Staffordshire University Graduate.
Call 0800 801 222 or visit www.staffs.ac.uk
Postgraduate courses:
Arts
Biology
Business
Computing
Design
Economics
Engineering
Environment and Sustainability
Forensic Science
Health
Law
Management
Media
Psychology
Sport and Exercise
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Technology
*Offer excludes the Legal Practice Course
CREATE THE DIFFERENCE
Horizon is published twice a year by
Graduate Relations. If you have a
story that you would like us to include
please contact us on t: 01782 294942
or e: graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk
Visit our website
www.staffs.ac.uk/alumni
Any views expressed are those of the
contributors and not necessarily of
the Editor or the University.
Published by Graduate Relations,
Winton Square, Stoke.
Printed by Marketing,
Winton Square, Stoke.
Cont@cts:
Editor:
Laura Perrins, 01782 294942
e: graduate.relations@staffs.ac.uk
Writers:
Shona Brough, 01785 353590
e: press@staffs.ac.uk
Maria Scrivens, 01785 353608
e: press@staffs.ac.uk
Photography:
Albert Bowyer
Horace Wetton
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