Alumni Stories

“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

Posted on 26 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

In 2015, Joshua Peasley (MArch 2018), Harry Thorpe (MArch 2018) and Harrison Marshall (MArch 2018) founded CAUKIN Studio. The aim? To empower global communities through sustainable design and architecture, whilst educating and upskilling local communities around the world.

Founding Cardiff University’s first Alumni Chapter – Gabriel Yomi Dabiri

Posted on 25 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Cardiff University officially launched its New York Alumni Chapter in April 2023, with the goal of making better connections in its global community. Gabriel Yomi Dabiri (LLB 2008), co-founder and co-chair of the chapter, talks about the event and his memories of Cardiff.

What the Eisteddfod means to me Rhys Hughes (MA 2017) – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 25 May 2023 by Alumni team

Rhys Hughes (MA 2017) graduated with a master’s in Welsh and Celtic Studies, before embarking on a PhD in Arizona, USA. Having grown up in Wales, he shares his memories of the National Eisteddfod and how he stays connected to his Welsh roots whilst far from home.

From acting in the Sherman Theatre, to Professor at King’s College – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 May 2023 by Alumni team

We spoke to Professor David Mosey CBE (LLB 1976) about student theatre, football, and the law degree that led to his distinguished career: from Trower & Hamlins Solicitors, to King’s College London, to a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2023 for services to the construction industry.

Alum raises more than £5,000 following niece’s diagnosis with a rare condition

Posted on 3 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Alum Gavin Jewkes (BA 2011, PgDip 2012) has set himself the challenge of running Hackney Half Marathon next month, to raise money for research into a rare condition that his baby niece was diagnosed with last year.

Campaigning for excellence not empire – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Alumni team

Simon Blake OBE (BA 1995) has spent the last thirty years working for organisations that tackle social justice, equality and stigma. He is now spearheading a campaign to break the link between the UK Honours system and Britain’s legacy of colonialism, to make it more inclusive.

Investing in the next generation of female founders in Wales

Posted on 31 March 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Women Angels of Wales (WAW) is a newly launched, female-led angel investment syndicate, supported and facilitated by the Development Bank of Wales. Co-founder Jill Jones (MSc 2020, Business Studies 2019-) and fellow member Helen Molyneux (LLB 1987) told us about their plans for WAW and the inspiration behind the project.