Penglais From Practice to - Professor Mary King - Aberystwyth University
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Interview with
From Practice to Professor
Penglais Mary
King
Hateful the man who loves not the
country that nurtured him
29 Contents
Moc Lewis
brings together over 50,000
Welsh Culture Officer & UMCA President 2 University News
alumni around the world with news
from Aber, our latest research and key This year is quite different from the usual, but there is real 4 Creating a Centre of Excellence
developments across the campus. excitement as Pantycelyn re-opens its doors and continues for Bovine TB
to be a focal point for Aber’s Welsh culture. As part of the 6 Fundraising expedition to
Make sure you’re getting the most drive to reopen the Hall I was struck by the importance of North America, 1890
out of this alumni network – see ‘Stay our alumni community and the invaluable contribution
connected’ section below. 8 Old College
that Pantycelyn has had over the decades. It’s now our
turn to write the next chapter. My aim is to try to engage 10 Old Students’ Association (OSA)
The Old College, medieval seals,
UMCA with the wider University and to develop an active 12 From Practice to Penglais
alumni volunteering, our new School
and vibrant Welsh language community. UMCA is here to 14 Interview – Professor Mary King
of Veterinary Science and lots more are
Welcome
protect the rights and interests of Welsh-speaking students
packed into this latest edition. 18 Giving to Aber
and we will continue to do so by sitting on various councils
We hope you enjoy reading Prom, as and boards within the University. We are 20 New Impressions through
always. If you have any comments looking forward with enthusiasm to the Medieval Seals
please get in touch. Dealing with the implications of a global pandemic was not on my exciting Old College development and to 22 What’s new on campus
radar when I wrote my welcome message for the last edition of . contributing to its Project Board. It is a
Dylan Jones However, here at Aber we have faced the challenges head-on, and unique resource to increase Aberystwyth
Alumni Engagement and Individual our staff and students have adapted incredibly well to new ways of University’s presence in the heart of the
Giving Manager working and learning. town, and is a golden opportunity
dej20@aber.ac.uk
for everyone, whether students or
There is much to celebrate in this edition of Prom, not least the news residents in the area, to immerse
that Aberystwyth is the best UK university for teaching quality and themselves in learning, culture
student experience according to The Times / The Sunday Times Good and creativity. It will be a huge
Stay Connected
14
University Guide 2021 – this on top of another great performance in boost to the local community
@aber_alumni the National Student Survey 2021. I do hope that all our news and as well as Wales and beyond.
Aberystwyth Alumni | stimulating articles brings you further cheer as well as pride in the
Cyn-fyfyrwyr Aber continued success of your University.
+44 (0) 1970 62 1568 I am grateful to all alumni and friends who have supported us in so
alumni@aber.ac.uk many ways. On p.2, we launch the exciting news of a major European Nate Pidcock
aber.ac.uk/alumni Opportunities Fund providing grants for student placements in EU/EEA Students’ Union President
countries in support of our strategic objectives for student mobility. It’s been exciting to welcome students back on to campus in
20
I am deeply grateful to William for donating a total of £525,000 to what will be a quite different academic year. In my role I’ll be
Remember to keep your contact establish the Fund. In launching the Fund with William in 2021, we making sure the student voice is heard across the University
details and preferences updated, visit will also pay tribute to the major impact of Aberystwyth alumni in the and the several committees I sit on. I’ll be looking to improve
alumni.aber.ac.uk EU and Europe. These include Honorary Fellow Hywel Ceri Jones, all aspects of student life. One of my main aims is to work 29 | The Magazine of
often referred to as the ‘Father of the Erasmus programme’, Gwyn with the University to support students who are struggling Aberystwyth University
Morgan, EU Ambassador to Israel and South East Asia and Honorary with their mental health. This is a national agenda that needs
Fellow Aneurin (Nye) Hughes, who sadly died in 2020 following a our attention, made even more important following the
Privacy Policy Published by: Aberystwyth University
distinguished career in the EU, including as EU Ambassador to Norway isolation that has partnered COVID. Having benefitted from
Our privacy statement gives additional and Australia. Nye will be greatly missed by alumni friends around Designed by: The Design Studio,
alumni funded projects myself, I recognise the importance
information on the data we hold on the world and would, I am sure, have been heartened by the news Aberystwyth University
and impact that support has on the lives of students and I
you, how it is collected and processed, of the Fund. look forward to further developing the support Printed by: McLays
what we do with that data, and your
of our amazing global community of 60,000 Cover: Seal of Sibyl de Bonville
rights under GDPR. You can read the Finally, thank you to all those who responded to the alumni survey and
alumni. We’re excited by the Old College
new privacy statement in full here for all the ongoing feedback we get from our alumni. As we approach
project and want to play our part. It will bring
www.aber.ac.uk/en/development/ our 150th birthday year in 2022/23, there will be many opportunities for
much need facilities for our students in The views expressed in are those of
data-protection you to re-join us here or meet us at an event elsewhere in the world,
the town, creating a new hub of energy and individual authors and do not represent the
so do keep in touch. In the meantime, enjoy this edition of PROM. University other than where stated. Although
events, bringing together students and the
community to support and celebrate every effort has been made to ensure the
Professor Elizabeth Treasure accuracy and reliability of material published,
Vice-Chancellor each other.
the publishers accept no liability for claims
made by contributors.
1
NEWS
Awards and Accolades
Aberystwyth’s Old College redevelopment Major research projects awarded funding University offers free
Best UK university for teaching quality
and student experience fundraising wins global award from European Regional Development online training on
Aberystwyth is the best Aberystwyth University staff have won a prestigious global Fund domestic abuse during
award for the first phase of their fundraising appeal to
university in the UK for
Two major research projects COVID-19
teaching quality and student redevelop the Old College.
experience, according to the
by Aberystwyth University
The relatively new Development and Alumni Relations team at A research project in the Department
The Times / The Sunday Times and University College Cork
the University have succeeded in raising £12.3 million towards of Law & Criminology has been
Good University Guide 2021, have been awarded funding
the costs of redeveloping the iconic seaside building in the offering free online training to
as the University continues to by the European Regional
climb the league tables. town as a major cultural and creative centre for students, the frontline practitioners across the
Development Fund as part of
community and visitors. That fundraising helped to trigger a United Kingdom dealing with cases
Aberystwyth is ranked 1st in the the INTERREG Ireland-Wales
further £7 million from the Welsh Government and EU funding. of domestic abuse among older
UK for Student Experience and programme.
for Teaching Quality, up from
people during the current coronavirus
The fundraising efforts have now received world-wide The ECHOES project will
2nd last year. Aberystwyth has lockdown.
recognition from the Council for Advancement and Support explore the effects of climate
now been the top university in Based at the Centre for Age, Gender
of Education (CASE) with a Circle of Excellence Award. change on the habitats of two
Wales for student satisfaction and Social Justice, the Dewis Choice
for five years in a row, and is The Old College project competed with 2,752 entries from species of coastal bird in Wales and Ireland.
project has been delivering face-to-
now the top in the UK. 27 countries. Explaining their decision, the judges said the The 3.5 year study will look at how the habitats of the curlew face training on domestic violence
Aberystwyth team had delivered: “Impressive results for a and the Greenland white-fronted goose might be affected by
Aberystwyth celebrates another great and abuse in later life to almost 6,000
new team in a short amount of time.” changes in the climate and what mitigative practices can be put
performance in the NSS practitioners from the statutory and
Aberystwyth is one of the UK’s Louise Jagger, Director of the Development and Alumni in place by land and site managers. the third sector for the past five years.
top universities for student Relations Office at Aberystwyth University said: “Winning this The second project, entitled Brainwaves (Bilateral Regional Demand for the training increased
satisfaction, according to the prestigious award is a wonderful boost to our fundraising Accord between Ireland and Wales for Agricultural Valorisation
latest National Student Survey
earlier this year following widespread
as we launch the next phase of our appeal towards the and Environmental Sustainability), will investigate how slurry and
(NSS) which was published in concern that the regulations on
total project costs of £27.6 million. This is all to achieve our wastewater from the dairy industry could be used to produce
July 2020. staying at home and self-isolating
vision of opening a transformed Old College for the benefit a high-energy, low-cost and environmentally-friendly feed for could lead to an increase in cases
Aberystwyth is the best of students, community and visitors as a major highlight livestock.
university in Wales, and of all
of domestic abuse, particularly
of our 150th anniversary celebrations in 2023. The award
the universities featured in The The project aims to use farm waste to grow duckweed - a fast- amongst older adults and vulnerable
recognises the collective talent and ambition of our staff,
Times / Sunday Times Good growing plant biomass which can then be used as a protein groups.
our donors and supporters, including alumni around the
University Guide 2020, is one of source for feeding livestock. Sarah Wydall, who leads the Dewis
the top 5 universities in the UK world, our community and charitable trusts and foundations.”
If successful, the project will enhance the competitiveness of the Choice project at Aberystwyth
for overall student satisfaction.
beef and dairy industry in Wales and Ireland by generating an University, said: “The coronavirus
With overall student economically valuable feed as well as reducing farmers’ reliance outbreak presents considerable
satisfaction at 90%, on importing protein-rich feed such as soy. challenges to the health and wellbeing
Aberystwyth University Philanthropist creates new European
of the nation as a whole. However,
outperformed the UK figure of
83% by 7 percentage points.
Opportunities Fund for students for older people experiencing abuse
Thanks to the philanthropic support of William Parker (History by intimate partners or adult family
Gold and silver for Aberystwyth at members, the current lockdown can
1981), the University will launch a new European Opportunities
Whatuni student choice awards 2020 significantly increase the risk of harm.
Fund in 2021. The £525,000 Fund will provide grants of up to
Aberystwyth University was By offering online training and copies
£3,000 for undergraduate and Taught Masters students to fund
awarded gold and silver in of our practitioner guidance, we will
three of the main accolades the costs of short study, work or volunteering
Photo: Liz Cutting, British Trust for Ornithology
placements in an EU or EEA country. be able to equip frontline staff with
in the 2020 Whatuni Student
Choice Awards. the resources to provide the best
William said “The Fund will enable students
possible response.”
Aberystwyth scooped gold in to continue to benefit from European
the Postgraduate category for a experiences post-Brexit, to make key Dewis Choice – Transforming the
third consecutive year. It also lifetime professional or social friendships and Response to Domestic abuse in later
came top in the International networks and help strengthen cross cultural life is funded by the UK Portfolio
category, after two years in
links. I am delighted to be in a position to fund and Comic Relief, and is the
second place. Aberystwyth first dedicated service to older people
also picked up a silver award reward the University for the 3 years I spent
studying which provided a springboard for my experiencing domestic abuse, harm
in the University of the Year
category, which encompasses subsequent working career”. and neglect.
reviews from every aspect of
the student experience.
2 3
FEATURE
Bovine Tuberculosis
Creating a Centre of Excellence the sometimes conflicting views of different stakeholders
and pressure groups. Key Facts
for Bovine Tuberculosis (CBTB)
M. bovis can also infect humans and its global eradication has Bovine tuberculosis
recently become the focus of a ‘One Health’ initiative led by is caused by
the World Health Organisation (WHO), the OIE, the Food and the bacterium
for Wales
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Mycobacterium bovis.
International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (the It is closely related
Union) where medical and veterinary organisations work together to Mycobacterium tuberculosis which
to control diseases that infect both animals and humans. causes human tuberculosis.
Prof Glyn Hewinson has over 30 years of experience in bTB
research. Previously he was the Chief Scientist for the Animal
and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and led the bTB Research
by Professor Glyn at the Agency for over 20 years. He is one of three named
Hewinson FLSW OIE experts in bTB and was recently one of a small team of The bacterium can also infect and cause
experts who reviewed England’s 25 year bTB control strategy disease in badgers, deer, goats, pigs and
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is the for the UK Government. His team includes two professors camelids (llamas and alpacas), as well as
of Veterinary Immunology, Prof Martin Vordermeier and Prof many other mammals.
most pressing animal health issue
Bernardo Villarreal-Ramos who, between them, have over
for Wales today. The economic fifty years’ experience in developing vaccines and diagnostic A combination of milk pasteurisation and
and emotional cost of bTB to rural tests for bTB. They are joined by a new Lecturer in Innate other control methods have reduced the
Immunology, Dr Amanda Gibson who joins Aberystwyth number of human cases of TB caused by
communities can be devastating M. bovis in the UK from 50,000 in the
from the Royal Veterinary College and further academic
and each year it costs Welsh appointments will take place over the coming year. 1930s to around 30 cases a year today.
Government and industry over
The CBTB has already launched two annual events: a bTB In 2016, WHO
£30 million pounds. discussion session at the Royal Welsh Show, where it was estimated that
AberTB conference - Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor : Professor
standing room only at the first event in 2019, and AberTB an globally there were
Glyn Hewinson : Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer Wales
and Abi Reader MBE - current Chair of the NFU Cymru milk board and Dairy annual conference that brings everyone interested in bTB 14,700 new human
Ambassador of the Year control together from the fields of animal health, veterinary cases of TB acquired
I
science, research, government and agriculture, to learn from from animals and
n an important initiative for Aberystwyth University Development Fund and has created 12 Sêr Cymru Chairs each other about the latest advances in bTB control. 1,200 deaths due to
and for Wales, Professor Glyn Hewinson FLSW, a at Welsh Universities. the disease.
world expert in bTB, was appointed through the The establishment of the CBTB is part of a number of
Sêr Cymru II programme, to establish a Centre of The vision of this project is to provide expert initiatives at Aberystwyth University to strengthen Veterinary At the end of June 2020,
Excellence for Bovine Tuberculosis in Wales. independent advice to Welsh Government on the Science in Wales. Aberystwyth is the first and only university there were 596 herds in
control of bTB, increase capacity for livestock research in Wales to open a School of Veterinary Science. In Wales that were not officially
The Sêr Cymru II programme accelerates the including immunology, veterinary bacteriology, collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), both TB free due to a bovine TB
development of academic research expertise in Wales. It genomics and molecular epidemiology in Wales and Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science and the RVC incident.
is funded by Welsh Government, the Higher Education work with the best national and international research will deliver and welcome the first cohort of students on
Funding Council for Wales, participating Welsh Higher groups and institutes such as the World Organisation the BVSc Veterinary Science degree from September 2021, In the 12 months to June
Education institutions and the European Regional for Animal Health (OIE). Knowledge generated from part funded by generous donations from alumni. The new 2020, 10,823 cattle were
this programme will support Welsh Government and Head of the Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, Prof slaughtered in Wales due
23
Darrell Abernethy, has over 17 years of experience in bTB to bovine TB control.
,8
industry to reduce the costs of bTB control through
10
improved, targeted disease control strategies. research and led a team of epidemiologists in Northern Ireland
advising government agencies on bTB control strategies. In
Bovine tuberculosis is found throughout the world and other exciting developments, work is soon to be completed
is a deadly disease of cattle. Controversial measures to on a new £4.2m state of the art veterinary hub (VetHub1) to
control bTB are often front-page news not least because drive forward research to protect both animal and human The UK has the highest level of bovine
of the role that one of the iconic mammals of the British health. Led by Aberystwyth University and backed with a £3m TB in Europe and it has been estimated
countryside, the European badger, plays in spreading grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that if the situation is left unchecked it
the disease. As a result, many of the decisions that need through the Welsh Government, VetHub1 will provide fully would cost UK taxpayers £1 billion over
to be made about bTB control have to take into account equipped, high-specification laboratories and office spaces. the next ten years.
4 5
FEATURE
‘Hateful the man who
loves not the country that
nurtured him’
by Dr Calista Williams
The University College of Wales, Aberystwyth’s and entirely destroyed the Library. At the time of the
fire, the College had only been open for 13 years and
fundraising expedition to North America, 1890.
was already struggling financially; the devastation
O
caused by the fire placed the College in an extremely
n the 9th July 1885 newspapers from across precarious position. Nevertheless, an event that could
Wales and beyond reported on a ‘Great Fire have marked the end of this fledgling institution,
at Aberystwyth College’ that had devastated instead, triggered a wave of support that reached
the Northern Wing of the seafront building far beyond Aberystwyth. The newspaper Y Drych,
circulated amongst the Welsh speakers of the United
States, printed the College Principal’s patriotic call to Library under construction
arms: ‘[t]he college has at length had its baptism of
fire. It will arise from its ashes with a new life. Wales
will never now let it die.’ Edwards’ first stop on his tour was New York. A reception other states gave less, such as Wisconsin, there was a
was held in his honour by the St David’s Society, high level of engagement with the fundraising campaign,
Thomas Charles Edwards became the Principal of
presided over by Judge Noah Davies. Edwards lost no with 227 people giving $205, just under a dollar each.
the College at its founding in 1872. Following the fire
time in mentioning the great debt of the college and
of 1885, he played a key role in fundraising for the On his return to Wales, Edwards reported that ‘many
many of the Welshmen in attendance immediately
rebuilding of the College. In order to raise money for opportunities were offered me to bring the claims of the
pledged donations publicly at the dinner, including
the new Library, Edwards planned a personal tour of College under the notice of Welshmen there who still
Noah Davies who pledged $900.
North America to take place during the summer of 1890. cherish love for “yr hen wlad”. The new Library officially
He chose to focus on the Library for his fundraising When Edwards visited in 1890 there were just over opened in 1892 and the event was attended by over 300
campaign because he thought it would appeal to the 100,000 Welsh in America, mainly in the states of people. At the opening Lord Aberdare said that ‘the gift
Welsh Americans as, in Edwards’ words, they would Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin. Welsh migrants by the Welshmen of America was a mark of sympathy
want ‘to furnish the new Library with complete fittings arriving in America tended to join family and friends with the personal influence of Principal Edwards, and
in a style equal to the very handsome equipments of the in established communities in urban-industrial areas an indication of American generosity towards the cause
best American Colleges.’ Also, the cost of the library’s such as Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Pittsburgh. The of education…That room and its gifts from America
fixtures was estimated to be £1,000 ($5,000), which Calvinistic Methodist chapel culture was central to showed that blood was much thicker than water.’
Edwards deemed to be an achievable financial target. these communities, which was ideal for Edwards,
Importantly, the Library was a space where a public himself an ordained preacher, as he was able to address
Dr Calista Williams is the Lifelong Learning
inscription could be placed to commemorate those large chapel congregations, without having to organise
Coordinator for Humanities and Science at
who contributed to the building fund. Edwards made specific events. Aberystwyth University. Her PhD was part of an
sure to tell North American donors about this planned innovative collaboration with The National Library
Edwards raised approximately $4,530 of which three-
inscription, which would read: of Wales entitled The National Library of Wales and
quarters came from the states of Pennsylvania, New
national identity, 1870-1916. She is also a Lifelong
‘Dodrefnwyd y Llyfrgell hon gan Gymry cenedlgarol yn York and California, where the average donation was Learning tutor and freelance genealogist. From
yr Unol Daleithau ac yn Canada 1890’ and included the just under $12. In these areas some gave substantial October 2020, Calista’s history and genealogy courses
proverb “Cas gwr na charo y wlad a’i maco” (This library amounts, such as David Edwards from Plymouth, will be available to study online. Find out more here:
was furnished by the patriotic Welshmen of the United Pennsylvania who gave $125. David Edwards was born in www.aber.ac.uk/en/lifelong-learning/courses
States and Canada, 1890. Hateful the man who loves Glamorganshire in 1825 and was president of Kingston Email: caw52@aber.ac.uk
not the country that nurtured him.) Coal and director of Wilkes-Barre hospital. Although
Library plaque
6 7
NEW LIFE FOR OLD COLLEGE
Be part of our vision and support the Old College 2020/23 Appeal
New Life for Old College: We have already raised £1.1 million of our £3 million
Appeal target, thanks to early and generous donations
from over a thousand alumni and friends around the
tax payer. Details of what your gifts would fund and
how they can be recognised at Old College can be
found at www.aber.ac.uk/en/oldcollege/old-college/
Appeal update world, and support from the Old Students’ Association.
With your continued help, we are confident that we can
achieve our target and make our vision a reality for our
donor-recognition
You can donate by returning the enclosed Appeal form
students and staff and for all those who care so much or by donating online at www.aber.ac.uk/appeal. Please
by Louise Jagger about the University and town. contact us on 01970 62 1568 to discuss a donation,
Director, Development and Alumni Relations donor recognition and for ideas on how your reunion
The Old College Appeal will remain an urgent group or networks could ‘crowdfund’ a donation and be
O
fundraising priority for my team and our Students Union. permanently celebrated in Old College. We would also be
We will be inviting alumni and friends to join together grateful for any further ideas on Trusts we could approach.
ur plans for the £27.6 million
Examples of donor
and to donate whatever they can to our campaigns over
transformation of Old College
the next three years. All gifts will make a difference Thank you in advance for your support.
have continued at a pace since
our last update in Prom on the recognition opportunities and we can help increase them by 25% if you are a UK Louise
launch of our 2020/23 delivery phase.
I am pleased to report that the project
remains on track. Old College will throw
open its doors to students, community
The Library | £1,000 +
50mm
and visitors in spring 2023 as part of Standard
our 150th anniversary year celebrations, size
Dummy ‘Acoustic’ books on upper level
heralding an exciting new chapter for the
University and town.
Our vision has become even more
important and relevant in these
challenging and uncertain times since
March 2020. A transformed Old College
will deliver much needed resources for our
students, the University and our town and
help strengthen the University’s reputation
in an increasingly competitive and global Books positioned at plinth level and between 1.9M to 3.4M
Higher Education sector. 1038No. Books on lower level if ‘standard size’ at 50mm width.
You can read about the vital importance
of the project to our resilience in the Named Seating | £2,000 – £5,000
passionate Appeal letter from our two
Sponsor
Student Union Presidents enclosed with
example
your Prom magazine. 1
We continue to work and refine activity plans with a wide range of groups through the Construction
Under the leadership of Project Manager, Sponsor
example phase including: Academic departments, Students Union, Youth Board, our local community and our
Jim O’ Rourke, staff and teams of external
2 project partners National Museum Wales, Hay Festival and National Library of Wales.
specialists are working hard to pull £5,000 UK’s first Centre for Dialogue
together the many moving parts of the Key project milestones
project to ensure building works start in
June 2021. • September 2020 – Mather and Co appointed to develop the exhibitions across six galleries
• October 2020 – completely empty the building of furniture, art works and archives
Our design plans have been commended
for their innovation in delivering • December 2020 – complete construction designs and Listed Building Consent application
creative spaces and solutions whilst £2,000 Laboratory of Curiosities £3,000 ‘Y Sgrin’ Cinema • June 2021 – construction work to start on site
preserving all that is so special about the • April 2022 – appoint Old College Director and other staff
building. You can see the latest design Please visit
www.aber.ac.uk/en/oldcollege/old-college/donor-recognition • January 2023 – final fit out to open in Spring 2023
images on key spaces on our website
www.aber.ac.uk/oldcollege for the full range of donor recognition opportunities
8 9
VOLUNTEER OSA
Alumni Volunteering Community Projects Alumni Survey
Old Students’ Association
People’s Voices in a People’s War: Thank you to all our
Whatever stage you’re at in your career, volunteering Aberystwyth 1939-1945 is a new community alumni that gave their
time to complete the to support its projects and activities.
is a fantastic way to give back to your University. project led by the Department of History
survey, your feedback
and Welsh History and funded by the is so important to help And it offers opportunities for me to
We’re incredibly grateful to over 300 Aber alumni around National Lottery Heritage Fund. It brings guide future activities. demonstrate my gratitude for the skills
the world who volunteered during 2019-20. You help us to together the University, National Library and confidence studying here gave
enhance the student experience, improve career prospects, offer of Wales, Ceredigion Archives, Ceredigion by Gwenda Sippings me, by mentoring current students,
I
industry insights, and provide valuable advice and guidance to Museum, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, local OSA President 2018-21 making regular donations and being an
the University and our departments. schools, performance and heritage groups, informal and enthusiastic ambassador
n these past months, like many of
As volunteers, you continue to inspire, guide and advise the and residents, to bring alive the experience for the University. The OSA is over
you, I’ve had time forced upon me to
next generation of Aber graduates. of being at war 80 years ago. Over 1,400 of you 125 years old now, and Covid has
do things I might not otherwise have
completed the survey encouraged members globally to
Contact us at alumni@aber.ac.uk to learn more about The project will tell the story of Aberystwyth prioritised. Like looking back through
in WWII through performances, exhibitions Just under 90% of keep in touch with each other, and
volunteering opportunities. memories of my time as a student in
and special events. An online blog will you felt a connection even to maintain programmes of
Aberystwyth, long before I became
provide a forum for community research towards Aberystwyth events online. It’s the indomitable
University and 97% a full time resident here again after
Aber Spirit at work in a crisis. The OSA
Student Mentoring by project volunteers given training in
felt informed of retirement. In papers in cupboards, in
was formed to support the University
local archives to pursue their own stories our activities and photo albums and online I’ve found
In 1961 alumnus Peter Hancock was awarded a scholarship of the war. through financial difficulties in its early
developments. items to prompt memories of studies
that enabled him to successfully complete his Geology degree days, to ensure that its work and what
If you would like to participate, or have Your most preferred and socialising. I fell in love with Aber
and set him on course for a successful global academic and we now call Old College survived.
memories or stories of the war and its news topics are as a student, and benefitted hugely
business career. In recognition of the help he received as a Today’s exciting plans for revitalising
impact on the town or university, please updates from what I learnt here to prepare
student, Peter and his partner and fellow Aber graduate Pat Old College include meeting spaces
contact Project Lead Dr Siân Nicholas from me for my career in Librarianship
Pollard gave more than £500,000 to the University in 2015 to your old for old students, and we are pleased
shn@aber.ac.uk and Education (which later turned
establish ‘The Peter Hancock Scholarship Fund’. Academic to be able once again to contribute
into an excellent combination for
In addition to the financial support scholars are afforded significant funding towards this from
Knowledge Management), and for life
the OSA and from our individual
tailored mentoring programme. Canada based alumnus Doug International Support in a range of different organisations in
members.
Pollard is one of the 16 volunteer mentors to date. Department, latest different sectors. I joined the OSA as
Aber alumni live in over 150 countries worldwide
“Sixty years after entering Aber, I was invited to mentor a representing a truly global community. We are Research and a Life Member when I graduated, and We know that you’ll always be an
student. It proved to be a worthwhile assignment. Feeling our Innovation projects enjoyed receiving updates at my home Aberystwyth Alumnus and be kept up
grateful to our network of International Alumni
way into the relationship both mentee and I discovered mutual and the History of in London on what the Association
Representatives who have helped to raise the the University and to date with news directly from the
interests. He did well and is currently working on his PhD profile of the University to support our goals was doing, and how Aberystwyth was University’s own active Development
memories.
at the University of Hong Kong on one of the world’s critical for international recruitment and partnerships. faring. Only several years later did I and Alumni Relations Office, and that
problems, clean water supply. We continue to stay in touch, We also appreciate the support of international start to get actively involved with the you’ll always enjoy being in contact
and I am glad that I was able to encourage his personal and alumni who volunteer their help in planning Annual Reunion and events of the with fellow students who became your
professional development through the sharing of knowledge and promoting our alumni events abroad with London Branch, and realised how friends. But joining the OSA as a Life
and expertise.” particular thanks to the Alumni Club of Malaysia strong the Aber Spirit is, and always Member means you’ve made a small
for their volunteer support over many decades. has been, all over the world, and how extra commitment to keep in touch
it didn’t matter when you were in Aber, with the University and its alumni, and
76% are interested in
returning to Aber for a where you were from, or what you given yourself a strong voice to work
Career eMentoring mentored by our alumni wherever they are in the reunion/celebration studied. You were sure to find people
you could relate to and network with
with others to support the University
world. Your advice, guidance and much-needed and its future. It can also introduce
A big thank you to our alumni who have signed up to 93% were likely to for business or social events, even if
encouragement for students and graduates whose attend an alumni event you to local people with the Aber
the eMentoring scheme, it continues to grow with 114 placements or job offers have been withdrawn has you hadn’t met while students.
of some sort either Spirit globally in OSA Branches. Life
new e-mentors in 2020 alone. been incredibly important. virtually or in person Membership is available online. We
We are still keen to broaden the sectors, organisations For me, membership of the OSA
If you think you could mentor our students, you can 43% of you would like hope you will stay safe, and we look
and people represented on the scheme; especially in gives me that chance to share my
get more information on eMentoring and on how to to get involved with forward to welcoming you to our
areas of the Sciences, Creative Arts, Healthcare and memories and love for Aberystwyth
sign up in the link below. volunteering of some Association.
the Public sector. with former students and staff around
sort
the world. It enables me to keep in www.aber.ac.uk/en/development/osa
eMentoring has been a valuable service during the www.aber.ac.uk/en/sscs/careers/building-network/
touch with the University as it faces
impact of the global pandemic. Mentees can be ementoring
modern challenges and do what I can www.osaaber.org
10 11
FEATURE
From Practice to Penglais
which tackles the abuse of older people and the Veterans’
Legal Project. Both have attracted substantial funds and
have the potential to transform the way in which society
engages with particularly vulnerable and marginalised
people. Another source of pride is the impact which
research in Aber has had and continues to have both in
Wales and worldwide. For instance, a prime mover in the
by Professor Emyr Lewis crucial shift in international law towards requiring states
Head of Department of Law
to protect vulnerable people against the scourge that
& Criminology
is human trafficking is our very own Professor Ryszard University College Wales and University
Piotrowicz. Ryszard steps down this year from being Vice College London Law Society during the evacuation 1940
President of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts
on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, after an done in city centres can be done remotely, and this shift
8-year stint. offers exciting possibilities for Aberystwyth students.
Aberystwyth’s geographical position is of course both I have been fortunate to benefit from the individual and
a blessing and a challenge. As I hardly need explain to collective wisdom of the Department’s emeriti. John
alumni, it offers the chance to live and study in a safe Williams, Chris Harding, Anne Sherlock, Alan Clarke,
and beautiful place, far from the madding crowd, at a and of course the inspirational and evergreen Richard
University which is at once cosmopolitan and rooted in Ireland have all been generous with their time and advice.
Welshness. On the other hand, it is far from, and not Next year, the Department will celebrate its 120th
well connected to, the major centres of economic and anniversary.
government activity and (consequently) employment.
As part of the celebrations, Chris Harding, Richard
This has offered a particular challenge, namely securing
Ireland and John Williams, are writing a history of the
opportunities for students to experience practical and
Department to be published by the University of Wales
clinical work during term time. Rising to the challenge,
Press. John describes it as follows:
we have built relationships with local employers
where students effectively work in-house as part of an “The monograph traces the development of the
inspirational employability module, popular with both Department and more broadly legal education in
students and employers. Students can also do pro bono Wales since the time of Professors T. A. Levi and Jethro
work through the Family Law clinic, part-funded by Brown, the two founding professors. It discusses how the
Alumni and run by the law firm of Emma Williams (an Department has responded to the many changes imposed
Law Department 1910/1911 by professional bodies, the University, and higher
I
alumna) and through the Veterans’ Legal clinic. Looking
to the future, I want the Department to strengthen and education policy. In 1901, Aber was one of the few law
t is now just over a year since I left the practice development and personal well-being of students. This extend the practical experience which students can get, schools in the United Kingdom and the only one in Wales.
of law to become Head of Department of Law has of course always been a feature of Aberystwyth, and I am pleased that the University has backed this Today Aber is one of many and since 2004 it has included
and Criminology at Aberystwyth. Factors outside and it was good to see it persisting in a department ambition by funding a new post to take this forward. It is Criminology. Some people expressed doubts about a
anyone’s control (not least the global pandemic) which had perhaps tended to hide its light under a now clearer than before that much work conventionally law school in Aberystwyth as it has no ‘legal hinterland’.
have made it occasionally quite a complex and bushel in recent times. The proof of the pudding is in These include Leo Abse MP who attacked the Department
turbulent experience – a baptism of fire as one the eating: Aberystwyth law teaching achieved a 98% in a Parliamentary debate in the 1960s. Despite such
colleague put it - but it has overwhelmingly been a overall satisfaction score in this year’s National Student petty distractions, the Department has produced many
stimulating and enjoyable experience, working with Survey. This is not achieved by accident, and speaks distinguished lawyers, politicians and academics along
a team of top-quality scholars and teachers. Another to quality of our teaching in both English and Welsh. with a significant number of graduates entering other
very positive aspect was the enthusiastic support In Welsh-medium teaching, we are recognised as a professions and public service in the United Kingdom
of alumni at events in Cardiff, London and the Hay national centre for both Law and Criminology. and far beyond. The study of law has evolved. Besides
Festival. It is good to know that the Department has The vision of those who founded the Department was to the traditional areas of law, the range of subjects now
so many friends. Unfortunately, the global lockdown prepare people for work in the legal profession by giving offered include many involving a different approach to
made it impossible to attend events in Malaysia, where them a thorough grounding in academic aspects of the legal study picking up some of Levi’s views on the role
the Department has a long and significant history. law. The Department continues to live up to that vision, of a university law school.”
The continued support of alumni and distinguished Sarah Wydall, Principal Dr Ola Olusanya, Senior
but of course also does much more. International Investigator of the Dewis Lecturer at the Department To celebrate this milestone John, Richard and Chris are
Honorary fellows from Malaysia, both to the University law, for example, remains central to the Department’s Choice project based in the of Law and Criminology and also curating a collection and exhibition of photographs
and to the department, is deeply appreciated. teaching and research; growth in criminology has Centre for Age, Gender and founder of the Aberystwyth and other memorabilia, which promises to be a worthy
Social Justice at Aberystwyth University Family Legal
The first thing that struck me even before I started brought new perspectives, and the Department is the University’s Department of Law Clinic.
record of the proud tradition of the study of Law and
was the staff’s clear shared focus on the academic home of significant research projects Dewis Choice, and Criminology. Criminology at Aber.
12 13
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
Professor Mary King
Mary Elizabeth King studied for her Ph.D in the International Politics department of “When a Senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, I was been lavished on military options – and yet non-violent
happily invited to go on a trip to the Deep South to action has brought about phenomenal results for the
Aberystwyth University and was conferred as a Fellow of the University in 2011. A graduate of
meet Civil Rights leaders – and others such as leading human race; its track record throughout human history
Ohio Wesleyan University, she worked extensively in the civil rights movement and served in journalists at the ‘Atlanta Constitution’. I also met is remarkable. Even so, this use of social power has
senior U.S. Government posts during the Carter administration. She retains strong links with peers who were working for the Student Nonviolent had only a ‘shadow existence’ in academia. Thousands
Coordinating Committee (SNCC) – which would become of nonviolent struggles have never been studied or
Aberystwyth, and InterPol in particular, having delivered public lectures and led seminars the most audacious and creative of all the Civil Rights documented.”
with students. Among other roles, she is currently Professor of Peace and Conflict studies at organisations. That’s where I needed to be. Two senior
advisors invited me to join them in running human “What I found in Interpol was a group of people
the University for Peace, a U.N. affiliate.
relations workshops involving Southern black and including professors Mike Foley and James Piscatori
I
white students, who were meeting interracially for the who understood that, yes, there was an alternative
t was late morning in Virginia, teatime in “Growing up in a Methodist parsonage, I was socialised first time in the South, on the topic of how academic technique that shows up throughout history. They
Aberystwyth. Professor Mary King managed to from early childhood to be concerned about social freedom was compromised by segregation. Looking grasped that waves of anti-colonialism were based
find time between competing meetings to talk justice. On any playground you will find very young back, I realise how little I had to offer.” on powers with which Gandhi had been testing and
to me by video about her life, career and her children saying ‘That’s not fair!’ - with a sense of fairness experimenting with for decades. They had the broad
connection to Aberystwyth. I quickly discovered like the air we breathe. I have had great satisfaction Having worked on SNCC staff for four years, decades of contours and seemed pleased to have me able to argue
just how deep her association with social change from working to dismantle inequities and injustices work for the federal government and as an international for the fact that there is an alternative use of power
issues has been. all my adult life.” consultant followed, while Mary tried to find a suitable that involves no political violence and is found going
roost for studying decided to study for a Ph.D. She chose back to ancient times.”
Aberystwyth’s International Politics department. How
did this come about? Professor King clearly believes that non-violent struggle
has an expanding, critical role. “The Environmental and
“I was friends with Geoffrey Kemp, now at the Center for Women’s Movements benefited directly, and almost
the National Interest in Washington. When he learned immediately, by appropriating insights from the U.S.
that my husband and I had a farm in Wales, and that Civil Rights Movement. These two areas gained the most
President and Mrs Carter had visited us there, he told by adapting and perfecting elements of what Gandhi
me about Aberystwyth and the Interpol department. called an ‘operative technique’. Climate change and
He had not studied there, but it seemed that everyone women’s rights remain major issues for the future of
he knew had studied in that department. I became the planet; we have got to take seriously the scientific
intrigued and looked into it, because I’d been unable advice about climate change – and we have got to find
to find any university in the United States willing to ways of benefiting from the talents of women, who
address the history, theory, and practice of the field have historically always rebuilt societies after wars.
of strategic nonviolent action.” Their experiences lead them to be attuned to finding
ways of organising that don’t rely on visibility, money or
The farm near Tregaron had been purchased with weaponry – they are extremely effective at the kind of
her husband Peter G. Bourne at the end of the Carter social organising that has been producing democratic
administration, in which both he and Mary had served transitions since the late 18th century.”
in senior positions. She had worldwide oversight for the
Interviewed by Peace Corps and similar national domestic programs. After 100 years of studying war and peace, what
John Gilbey
“We visited Wales often and would stay at the farms should be the future direction of the International
(gilbey@bcs.org.uk)
of cousins in summer and at Christmas. An uncle of Politics department? “Interpol has a unique history –
@John_Gilbey Peter’s provided lambs to what is now our farm and one its interdisciplinary character is extremely productive
day rang us in Washington to let us know the owner and relevant for this time. Because we cannot think
wanted to sell. We bought the 120-acre farm.” Mary has and function on narrow disciplinary bases - we’ve got
written all her books there. to be eclectic and derive from many literatures and
bodies of experience.”
“I wanted to work on the technique of nonviolent
struggle – which has been severely under-studied John Gilbey is a writer and photographer based in west
and under-theorised in the Academy. Resources have Wales. He Tweets as @John_Gilbey
14 15
ALUMNI InvEnterPrize 2020
Seaweed-based bioplastic
Alumni Profiles
Azryn Azhari Arshad business wins student
Azryn Azhari Arshad graduated in 2016 with a BSc in enterprise competition
Psychology and was the first Malaysian student in the An eco-business using Welsh seaweed to
Psychology department. She currently manages the South create bioplastic, is the winner of this year’s
Aberystwyth alumni are constantly achieving great things, both professionally and personally. East Asia Strategic Partnership department for Karex – the Aberystwyth University student enterprise
world’s largest condom maker. competition, InvEnterPrize.
Working for a range of organisations, across a range of different sectors in a wide variety of “My job requires an on-the-go tactical approach and I PlantSea is the brainchild of two
roles all over the word, our graduates are really making an impact and transforming their lead the Corporate Social Responsibility for Karex which Aberystwyth University PhD students, Alex
lives and those of others. has allowed me to apply my academic learnings at Aber Newnes and Gianmarco Sanfratello, and
into different circumstances when managing different Aberystwyth alumna Rhiannon Rees.
To feature on our graduate profile page contact us at alumni@aber.ac.uk
countries – including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and
The company plans to use seaweed and
many more.”
other plant-based materials to create
bioplastic, which will then be used to
develop environmentally friendly toiletry
Sam Griffiths sets for the hotel and hospitality industry.
Sam Griffiths graduated in 2014
with BSc International Politics and
Intelligence Studies. Now, a Senior
Promoter at Cuffe & Taylor, part of
Live Nation, the world’s largest live
entertainment company. He is one
of the youngest promoters in the
business, he produces theatrical
productions and promotes music In addition to the £10,000 main prize, PlantSea
concerts for international best- was also awarded free office accommodation
selling artists, as well as working with for a year on Aberystwyth Innovation and
global television and film companies Enterprise Campus (AberInnovation), a prize
to create live content from their which was presented to the best competition
international hit titles. “Aber gave Denitsa Dineva entry from the bio-sciences, life sciences and
me the opportunity to meet a huge agriculture sectors.
variety of people and learn so much Dr Denitsa Dineva studied a BSc Business and Management
degree at Aberystwyth Business School, followed by A separate prize of £3,000 donated by
from my specific course of study,
a specialist Master’s degree in Marketing. Denitsa then Engineers in Business, and open to students
which has massively helped me in
or student teams from Computer Science,
Alexandra Dodds my professional development.” worked in Consumer Finance at Lloyds Banking Group
Maths and Physics, was awarded to Mwnci
before she decided to return to Aberystwyth University to
Alexandra Dodds studied Marine and Freshwater Biology, do an internally funded PhD degree on the topic “Conflict Data Management (www.mwnci.uk), the
graduating in 2013. Since then she has worked in a wide management in online consumption business idea of Rob Barry, who recently
variety of remote locations both within the UK and around communities” from which she graduated graduated with an MSc in DataScience.
the world. Through her work she has been privileged to in May 2019. Denitsa has since remained Held annually, the InvEnterPrize competition
live in some amazing places from the New Forest to the in Wales and currently works as a is sponsored by contributions from the
most northerly isles of Scotland and from the Caribbean Lecturer in Marketing at Cardiff alumni AberFund, and organised by the
to the Falkland Islands. Currently she works for the British University. This is what she had to University’s Careers Service. InvEnterPrize
Antarctic Survey on Bird Island specialising in albatross say about studying at Aberystwyth provides an opportunity for entrepreneurial
research. University: “Aberystwyth University Aberystwyth students to develop and pitch a
“Studying and living in Aberystwyth enabled me to provides a very friendly, but also business idea or social enterprise concept to
Photo: Alan Mehdizadeh
develop my interest and knowledge in this field and academically rigorous environment, a panel of distinguished University alumni.
give me the foundations I needed, whether that was which encouraged me to Aberystwyth University is hugely grateful
from reading research papers or carrying out practical constantly seek opportunities to the alumni judges: Donald Davies, Nigel
conservation work along the beautiful Ceredigion for development and Davies, David Sargen, Jane Clayton, Huw
coastline.” progression.” Morgan, Kerry Diamond, Peter Gradwell
and Rhian Hayward, CEO, AberInnovation.
16 17GIVING
Your impact 2019-20
Giving to Aberystwyth University Taking-action in response Legacies boost Postgraduate community
in 2019-2020 Our community of donors
to Covid
Your generosity towards Student Support
made vital Hardship and Wellbeing funds
Two recent legacies have helped secure vital funds for
postgraduate research.
A legacy of £395,000 from Margaret Wooloff, alumna
D
immediately available for students during (French, 1942) has created the Margaret Wooloff PhD
You gave the pandemic. Over 158 hardship grants Scholarship with the first three awards announced for the
£646,150
uring such a difficult year, you have 2020-21 academic year; Bronwen Lowri, Andrea Jones
come together as a community of were awarded between February and
June. The funds also allowed staff to plan and Catrin Parsons.
alumni and supporters to make a
Professor Ieuan Gwynedd Jones, former head of the
life-changing, positive impact on during 2019-20 projects in advance of the new academic
Department of Welsh History and Fellow of Aberystwyth
the lives of our students and the University. year for maximum impact.
University – his £10,000 legacy will provide grants and
Nick Dimonaco, a postgraduate student at support to numerous PhD students undertaking research in
Hayley Goddard You’re giving all students at Aber, regardless IBERS, received a special bursary for his
Individual Giving of their start in life, a chance to succeed Welsh History.
Officer Covid related research.
and thrive at University and in society. You
contribute to research and innovation that “Nick received a Bursary from the OSA Life-changing opportunities
addresses local and global challenges. Your (Cardiff Branch) in his first year in Aber,
early support has helped unlock significant Your donations to the Aber Fund
and went on to be awarded First Class
funds for the Old College appeal, a vital gave IBERS student, Chloe Collins
Honours in Computer Science. In parallel
project to transform the iconic and much- Farrell, a work placement bursary
with pursuing a PhD, he joined a team to take on her dream role at
Your giving loved building ahead of our 150th anniversary
researching means of tracking variations Chester Zoo as part of an unpaid
in 2022/23.
in 2019-20 in the Covid genome; we were delighted to internship. Gaining new skills and
Median regular
Across our three
There is no denying that your donations
monthly gift
£12.50 award a Rhiannon Powell Science Research an opportunity to explore a career
remain crucial across our priorities. Thank Bursary and a further bursary from in the zoo sector, her internship
fundraising
you for recognising the importance of giving the OSA in the summer, to help support would not have been possible
priorities:
to Aberystwyth University; a special place Median single him while he acts as lead author for the without your support.
that shapes the world on a local, national, gift donation
£62.50
£341,604 and global scale.
resulting research paper.”
More stories of your impact can be found at
Kay Powell, Alumna and OSA Cardiff
Branch member www.aber.ac.uk/your-impact
Thank you to all our donors who are listed
on the Annual Donors List: www.aber.ac.uk/ Individual
1,079 Supporting the University
thankyou donors
Your support is vital for Aber’s continuing success
£293,471 bringing total income to
£1million of our £3million target From
and hugely appreciated by our students and staff.
Trusts and £876,318 All your gifts, together, make a huge impact on current, and
Foundations future students across our three priority areas:
Student Support (The Aber Fund)
You have funded The Old College Appeal
34 student projects Research and Academic Developments
£13,249
Both new and existing projects across New Veterinary Education Centre You can make a difference by donating a single or regular gift:
campus that would not have been
possible without your help. Thank you to everyone who donated to the • Online at www.aber.ac.uk/give
Endowment Fund Appeal, established in 1997 for • Post through a donation form
the University’s 125th anniversary. Your support
Supporting • For international supporters, you can give in conjunction
will specifically fund £500,000 of the capital costs
over 1,900 students of a new Veterinary Education Centre on our
with our partners: SWIFT system or British Schools and
Universities Foundation (BSUF).
Student Support The Old College Research and To alleviate hardship; support health Penglais campus, as part of the new Aberystwyth
(AberFund) Appeal Academic and wellbeing; and enhance the School of Veterinary Science. Launched in Spring
Developments
For further details and to discuss a donation or legacy,
number of opportunities open to all 2020, the school is the first in Wales and will please contact us at the Development and Alumni Relations
students. welcome our first students in 2021. team on 01970 621568 or alumni@aber.ac.uk
18 19You can also read
