Skip to main content

Alumni Stories

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

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.

Investing in the next generation of female founders in Wales

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.

King’s Counsel alumna returns to Cardiff to inspire next generation

King’s Counsel alumna returns to Cardiff to inspire next generation

Posted on 17 March 2023 by Anna Garton

Nneka Akudolu (LLB 2001, PgDip 2002) was sworn in as a King’s Counsel in 2022, joining a select group of law practitioners appointed by the monarch. As a KC specialising in criminal law, Nneka works on the most serious cases that are dealt with in the Crown and Appellate courts, and is one of only seven Black female KCs in the UK.

Supporting life-changing cancer research – Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022)

Supporting life-changing cancer research – Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022)

Posted on 8 March 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022) is running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October to help raise funds for the life-changing cancer research carried out at Cardiff University. As it’s her first time running a half marathon, Mollie shares her insights on getting into running as well as the amazing support she has received from family, friends and #TeamCardiff.

Gair Rhydd – Celebrating 50 years

Gair Rhydd – Celebrating 50 years

Posted on 27 October 2022 by Jordan Curtis

Gair Rhydd celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. From writing articles on typewriters and pinning them to layout boards for print, to publishing the paper online seamlessly, Gair Rhydd has been through many changes since its first edition on 3 October 1972.

Cardiff alumni represent Wales at Rugby World Cup

Cardiff alumni represent Wales at Rugby World Cup

Posted on 26 October 2022 by Jordan Curtis

With the Rugby World Cup underway in New Zealand, Wales kicked off their campaign with a closely fought 18-15 win over Scotland. This year holds major significance as for the first time, a number of the team have gone into the tournament with professional contracts.

Supporting the next generation of Cardiff students – a look back at the year

Supporting the next generation of Cardiff students – a look back at the year

Posted on 11 October 2022 by Alumni team

Students are at the heart of Cardiff University, but financial challenges can prevent the best and brightest minds from accessing the education and opportunities they deserve. Last year our supporters gave a staggering £68,000 towards supporting Cardiff students to achieve their full potential, through generous donations, as well as gifts in Wills and in memory of loved ones. Our alumni also gave their time and expertise to support our students through mentoring, giving career talks and offering internships to help prepare them for life after Cardiff.

#TeamCardiff fundraisers take on Cardiff Half Marathon

#TeamCardiff fundraisers take on Cardiff Half Marathon

Posted on 3 October 2022 by Alumni team

On Sunday 2 October, around 70 alumni, students and staff ran the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for Cardiff University research as part of #TeamCardiff. They’re aiming to raise £25,000 for neuroscience and mental health, and cancer research.

Gwrych Castle: the story behind the new location for I’m a Celebrity

Gwrych Castle: the story behind the new location for I’m a Celebrity

Posted on 26 October 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Mark Baker (MA 2008, PhD 2014) discovered the beauty and complexity of Gwyrch Castle at the age of 11 and has devoted much of his life to protecting and restoring it, as well as publishing his first book about it at the age of 13. Mark describes how the castle not only caught his imagination, but also the eye of ITV producers of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.

The Syrian refugee helping Welsh businesses thrive online

The Syrian refugee helping Welsh businesses thrive online

Posted on 23 July 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Naser Sakka (MSc 2019) is a resilient family man who arrived in the UK in 2015 as a refugee from war-torn Syria. He fell in love with Wales and, after completing a course created for refugees at Cardiff University, went on to gain his masters and started a social enterprise which has helped local businesses, particularly during the pandemic.