Alumni Stories

A return to running in support of vital research

Posted on 12 September 2024 by Alumni team

Alum Daniel Nicholas (MBA 2020) will be taking on this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon in support of Cardiff University’s neuroscience and mental health research. Here, he tells us his personal motivations for joining the Cardiff Half, his first race since the pandemic.

A nourishing career change – For Alumni, By Alumni 

Posted on 28 August 2024 by Alumni team

Before Ceri Jones (BMus 2003) retrained as a chef, she spent a decade building a career in the music industry. Here, she reflects on making the jump and where her love for cooking has led her so far.  

A whirlwind journey in digital PR – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 5 July 2024 by Alumni team

Annabelle Earps (BA 2020) studied Journalism and Communications at Cardiff University and is now building a career in digital PR. Here, she reflects on entering a shifting digital landscape.

My Womentoring experience – Natalie Atkinson (BSc 2018)

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Alumni team

Natalie took part in our 2024 Womentoring scheme which saw 24 mentors and 60 mentees matched. She was paired with Joanna Dougherty (BScEcon 2017) Global Operations Director of Client Experience at JLL and shares her experiences of being a mentee in the programme.

My Womentoring experience – Joanna Dougherty (BScEcon 2017)

Posted on 29 May 2024 by Alumni team

Joanna took part in our 2024 Womentoring scheme which saw 24 mentors and 60 mentees matched. She was paired with Natalie Atkinson (BSc 2018) Assistant Planning and Development Manager at YTL Developments (UK) Ltd. and shares her experiences of being a mentor on the programme. 

Paying it forward: The alumna supporting young girls to access education

Posted on 1 May 2024 by Alumni team

In 2023, entrepreneur Grace Munyiri (MSc 2023) won the Gavin Davidson Social Enterprise Award. Funded by alum Gavin Davidson (MBA 1992), the award supports Cardiff University students who are passionate about tackling inequality and creating positive social change.

“I was convinced I’d never be able to run again”: taking on the Cardiff Half for cancer research

Posted on 1 March 2024 by Alumni team

Alumnus and university staff member Abyd Quinn-Aziz (MPhil 2012) has been a keen runner since his youth. Following some health problems, he’s recently returned to running and has set himself the challenge of this October’s Cardiff Half Marathon.

My experience as a Cardiff newbie – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Alumni team

Nori Shamsuddin (LLB 1998) is a mother, self-proclaimed poet, hopeless romantic, and freelance writer. Here, she reflects on her experience of travelling to Wales for the first time from her home country of Malaysia, and her memories of settling in as an international student.

My Womentoring experience – Jane Cook (BA 2008)

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Alumni team

In March 2023, independent PR consultant Jane Cook (BA 2008) took part in our annual flash mentoring scheme for Cardiff’s alumnae – Womentoring. Here, Jane reflects on her experience of mentoring several fellow alumnae and shares insights for those considering taking part in next year’s scheme.

My Womentoring experience – Jamie Marie Ellis (MA 2019)

Posted on 5 December 2023 by Alumni team

In March 2023, freelance writer, content producer, and communications consultant Jamie Marie Ellis (MA 2019) took part in Womentoring, our annual flash mentoring scheme for Cardiff’s alumnae. Jamie was mentored by fellow alumna Jane Cook (BA 2008), an independent PR consultant and founder of Cardiff Wine Passport. Jamie reflects on her experience as a mentee on the programme and shares how it has positively impacted her career.

Running for your life – what running can do for your mental health – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 November 2023 by Alumni team

George Watkins (BA 2018) is a seasoned Cardiff Half Marathon runner and former Mental Health Officer at Cardiff University. In 2018, 2019 and 2022, he ran for #TeamCardiff, fundraising for vital Cardiff University neuroscience and mental health research. Here, George shares his journey with running and his own mental health.

Is this gap year really ‘well-deserved’? Or is that just post university imposter syndrome talking? – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 28 September 2023 by Alumni team

New graduate Lucy Robertson (BA 2023) reflects on her time as a student, and the idea of taking a post-university gap year instead of heading straight into the world of work.

The power of alumni mentoring

Posted on 7 September 2023 by Alumni team

Tyrone Stewart (MSc 2022) was mentored as part of our alumni mentoring programme during his master’s, by Andrew Jones (BSc 2014), a business coach.

I want to make my Nan proud – fundraising for Cardiff’s cancer research

Posted on 15 August 2023 by Alumni team

Katy Thomas (BA 2004) is a seasoned Cardiff Half Marathon runner and is taking on her 13th race this October. Having lost several close family members to cancer, she’s been inspired to raise money for Cardiff University research that will improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Meet the new Head of the School of Music

Posted on 14 August 2023 by Alumni team

Dr Nicholas Jones (BMus 1994, MMus 1995, PhD 1999), began his role as the Head of the School of Music in August 2023, succeeding Professor Ken Hamilton. A triple Cardiff alum, Nick has studied and worked at the University for over 30 years. Ahead of the start of the new academic year, Nick shares his hopes and priorities for the future for the School of Music.

What the Eisteddfod means to me Beti George (BA 1960) – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 26 July 2023 by Alumni team

Beti George (BA 1960) studied Welsh at Cardiff University and is a renowned Welsh broadcaster of television and radio. Beti shares her childhood memories of the Eisteddfod, and talks about what it, and the Welsh Language means to her.

Wales to the World – Florida law students meet Cardiff alumni

Posted on 17 July 2023 by Anna Garton

Students from the University of Florida visited Cardiff recently to learn more about Welsh and British law. Led by Cardiff University alumnus Dr Matthew Jones (MA 2017), Assistant Instructional Professor at University of Florida, the students attended a special networking event to connect with Cardiff alumni working in law and politics.

King’s Birthday Honours 2023

Posted on 13 July 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Members of the Cardiff University alumni community have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2023.

My Womentoring experience – Kate Walsh

Posted on 26 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Kate Walsh (LLB 2010, PGDip 2011) recently took part in our annual flash mentoring scheme - Womentoring, and had the opportunity to gain valuable industry insights from her mentor.

The importance of alumni volunteering – CAUKIN Studio