May: take five

May finally brought spring to University Park and with it one of the most joyous events of the alumni calendar, as this year's Golden Reunion took place - over 100 alumni who graduated in 1973 and 1974 returning to campus (even if the weather did not play ball on the day!)

Elsewhere, we held the home leg of our ongoing Nottingham University Business School 25th anniversary celebrations. Over 300 of you joined us on Jubilee Campus to hear insights from our expert speakers on the future of business and of course, carry out some top quality networking.

There's also a unique opportunity to take part in a virtual 20k run devised by the University of Nottingham Ningbo Alumni Office and finally, we pay tribute to long-time friend of the university, Professor Dame Liz Fradd, who sadly passed away earlier in May.

1. NUBS comes to Nottingham for 25th anniversary celebrations

Following months of globe-trotting, from Hong Kong to New Delhi and Lagos to London, our Nottingham University Business School (NUBS) celebrations arrived back on home turf with a massive event on Jubilee Campus.

Over 300 alumni, staff and students joined the NUBS team to celebrate 25 years of the business school and discuss the 'Second Quarter Century', with a panel of leading voices from industry, academia and graduates from the school.

Guests were also privileged to hear a keynote speech from Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos. The event also held an exhibition space, with some of our key partners and stakeholders presenting their projects to the crowd.

Check out our photos from the event >

2. A golden afternoon at our 1973/74 reunion

Every two years we bring together alumni who have graduated 50 years previously for our Golden Reunion events. Always one of the highlights of our calendar, this year we hosted over 100 alumni and their guests on a (very) damp Thursday in the middle of May.

Held in the Senate Chamber of our historic Trent Building, attendees were welcomed by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West, before enjoying a three course meal.

After a group photo in the Great Hall (right), we took many of the guests on a campus tour, visiting Halls of Residence to give them a chance to see how they've changed over the past half-century.

See photos from the Golden Reunion >

3. Limber up for UNNC's 20th anniversary virtual 20k!

Whether you're in Nottingham, Nantucket, Nairobi or anywhere else not beginning with N, the UNNC Alumni Office is inviting you to don your running gear to take part in a special virtual 20k next month as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations.

On Saturday 1 June, alumni and friends local to Ningbo Campus are being invited to take part in the weekly campus 5k run and everyone else around the globe is encouraged to start the challenge by running their own 5k.

You then have until Tuesday 11 June to complete your 20k, the best bit - there are PRIZES!

Everyone who uploads a record of their 20k will not only receive an exclusive 20th anniversary digital badge, but also be entered into a prize draw to win a special 20th anniversary-themed goodie bag.

Find out more >

Take part in University of Nottingham Ningbo's 20th anniversary 20k!

4. Nottingham scholarship students are headed to Hollywood

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of entertainment executive Peter Rice (American and Canadian Studies, 1989), seven determined scholarship students are heading to Hollywood for summer internships.

Although modules on film were included in the course, Peter couldn't have anticipated that one day he would become the President of 21st Century Fox or the Chairman of Walt Disney Television and the co-chair of Disney Media Networks. He is currently working as an independent producer at entertainment company A24.

Seven recipients of his Hollywood scholarship fund are headed off to Tinseltown this summer, where they will be interning at Disney, Warner Bros, Sony, and talent agencies CAA and UTA. A further student will be working for A24 in London. The students' costs are all covered by the scheme, and they will be paid during their time there.

Watch this space for updates from them in the summer!

5. Obituary: Professor Dame Elizabeth Fradd

University of Nottingham alumna, honorary graduate and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Dame Elizabeth Fradd, passed away on Sunday 12 May - her 75th birthday.

Dame Liz graduated with an MSc in Health Care Policy and Organisation in 1994 before devoting her professional life to the continuous improvement of healthcare.

During her career, having trained as a children's nurse, Dame Liz held a variety of registered nurse, midwife and health visitor posts before supporting the nursing profession nationally.

She became Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England and serving as Director of Nursing / Lead Director for reviews and inspections at the Commission for Health Improvement.

The university extends its deepest condolences to her family.

Read more >