Festival 39! Alumni Weekend 2018
Named after the University’s first thirty-nine students, Festival 39! set out to share with our alumni the wonderful research, facilities and people that make up the University of Hull. The weekend opened with an “Inspired in Hull” lecture by celebrated music mogul Ed Bicknell, who regaled an audience with anecdotes from his career in the music industry and his pivotal role in bringing some of the most celebrated acts in rock history to Hull.
Saturday opened with a Trip Advisor-style guide to the universe with Professor Brad Gibson, who presented the complex but beautiful world of astrophysics in a way that was accessible to alumni of all backgrounds. There were tours of the state-of-the-art medical training facilities in the award-winning Allam Medical Building, a performance of new, cutting-edge theatre from our Drama students, an exploration of the virtual world in the Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE), and a discussion on the changing face of campus politics.
A brief flash flood did not dampen spirits as the day came to the perfect end with a gala dinner and performances in Canham Turner, remembered by many as the old Student Union. Following the dinner, comedian and alumna Lucy Beaumont lovingly dissected all things Hull for the entertainment and delight of guests before handing on to the band Cover Notes who gave us student anthems past and present until the small hours.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the weekend came just before the dinner, when Professor Julie Jomeen, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, asked guests to raise a glass and to join her in a toast of ‘Lampada Ferens’ – the University’s motto, which translates as ‘carrying the light of learning’. From the original thirty-nine students who founded our University community, to the 4,235 students who graduated as part of the class of 2018 this summer, the torch that is handed down from generation to generation of students and alumni still shines bright with the light of learning.
Inspired in Hull lecture series
Our “Inspired in Hull” lecture series continues to bring some of our most impressive alumni back to campus to share their stories of success with students, staff, fellow alumni and prospective students.
In November 2017, we were delighted to be joined by over 250 alumni, students, staff and members of the public for a ‘stand-up’ lecture from political commentator and comedian Ayesha Hazarika (Law, 1996). The audience was treated to a masterclass in public performance as Ayesha slipped effortlessly between comedy, personal storytelling, behind-the-scenes political anecdotes and motivational careers advice.
In the week of International Women’s Day, artist, illustrator and print maker Olivia Lomenech Gill (Drama, 1996), returned to talk about her career and, in particular, her role as illustrator of the most recent addition to the Harry Potter canon, J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Businessman and philanthropist Dill Faulkes joined us in May 2018 to talk about his route from Special Mathematics at Hull to a successful career in technology and the inspirational work undertaken through his foundation, which includes the Faulkes Telescope Project and the Faulkes Flying Foundation.
Finally, in June 2018, we welcomed the impresario and former manager of Dire Straits, Ed Bicknell (Social Studies, 1969), back to campus. Ed’s talk was a reminder that the experiences students gain outside of the classroom can form an equally important part of their education.
The “Inspired in Hull” series has never been short of exciting stories and inspirational advice, and we’re excited by the possibilities ahead for the next series. We are extremely grateful to those who have returned to campus to share their stories and pass on the benefits of their experiences to the next generation of students.
Professional Networks for Hull Alumni
The Hull Alumni Association and the University of Hull have launched a number of professional networks that provide spaces for discussion of relevant themes and act as a meeting place for new, early career, mid-career and more established graduates
Creative Industries Network
Launched in October 2016, this network is for alumni who work in or have an interest in creative industries. Network events focus on contemporary themes in the industry and provide an opportunity for alumni to receive support and career-focused advice. The next meeting of the network will take place at Sea Containers House, South Bank, London on 1 November 2018.
Business Professional Network
Launched at the Shard in December 2016, the Business Professional Network brings together alumni with an interest in the world of business, finance and economics.
Legal Professional Network
Launched in July 2017 at Gray’s Inn, our Legal Professional Network brings together alumni who have an interest in law including lawyers, solicitors, barristers, QCs, paralegals and judges.
Science, Engineering and Mathematics Network
Launching in autumn 2018, our Science, Engineering and Mathematics Network will
bring together like-minded alumni with a personal or professional interest in science, engineering and/or mathematics in order to network, discuss contemporary themes and examine some of the university’s current or historical areas of strength in these fields.
Health Professional Network
To complement a thriving Faculty of Health Sciences and a new state-of-the-art clinical skills suite on campus, we will be seeking to launch a Health Professional Network in autumn 2018. This will bring together healthcare professionals and alumni with an interest in the field for networking and discussion.
Politics and Government Network (launching 2018/19)
The University of Hull is one of the best-represented universities in the Palace of Westminster; alumni can be found at all levels, from special advisors to MPs and Cabinet Ministers. This success is mirrored at the international level; Hull graduates currently occupy senior positions in the governments or administrations of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Serbia, Jamaica and Tanzania. Our new Politics and Government Network will bring together alumni with an interest in politics for networking and discussions on contemporary UK and international politics.
All networks also have online homes in the ‘Group’ pages of Hull Alumni Connects http://www.hullalumniconnects.me
For further information on networks or regional and international groups, please e-mail alumni@hull.ac.uk or contact Dr Ben Butler on +44 (0)1482 466866.
