Cardiff Connect

Why Universities?

Posted on 17 December 2018 by Alumni team

Ever since Cardinal Newman sought to answer questions around the nature and purpose of a university nearly 200 years ago, the issue has continued to vex and, at times, enrage.

Game Changers: Karen Cooke (BMus 1996)

Posted on 13 December 2018 by Alumni team

Millicent Mackenzie was the first female professor at a UK university, in 1910. Her legacy as a game-changer continues to be embodied by modern Cardiff staff and alumni who are determined to change the world for the better in their own spheres.

Game Changers: Kellie Beirne (BA 1997, MSc 2003) – Cardiff Capital Region City Deal

Posted on 13 December 2018 by Alumni team

Kellie Beirne (BA 1997, MSc 2003) is Programme Director for the £1billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, improving the Welsh capital’s infrastructure.

Seven things we learned from TEDxCardiffUniversity

Posted on 26 November 2018 by Jon Barnes (BA 2007)

The inaugural TEDxCardiffUniversity on The Power of Ideas brought home an all-alumni line-up sharing their thoughts and experiences on a variety of subjects: from nanoscience to the impact of physical environments on our mental health. Here, we look at seven things we learned from TEDxCardiffUniversity

Supporting students, developing research skills

Posted on 26 November 2018 by Alumni team

The Cardiff Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP) allows Cardiff students to ‘trial’ research before committing to pursue a Masters, PhD or a career in academia.

Welsh traditions with international flair

Posted on 23 November 2018 by Alumni team

For writer, broadcaster and Great British Bake Off finalist Beca Lyne-Pirkis (BMus 2004), the key to Cardiff’s success is in its diversity.

Gwyn ein byd – an explanation

Posted on 23 November 2018 by Alumni team

Poet and Cardiff University staff member, Osian Rhys Jones, provides some context for the poem he wrote exclusively for Cardiff Connect magazine, in the year that the National Eisteddfod was hosted in Cardiff Bay. Osian was awarded the Chair at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey in 2017.

A gift that will transform lives

Posted on 31 October 2018 by Alex Norton

In gifting £1.1m to fund a 550-seat auditorium space at the new Centre for Student Life, Welsh philanthropist Sir Stanley Thomas OBE (Hon 2011) will contribute to the student experience of those […]

Sir Harold Evans visits Two Central Square

Posted on 29 October 2018 by Alex Norton

It’s rare to find a journalistic CV as storied as that of Sir Harold Evans, which includes the breaking of the Thalidomide scandal, a bitter dispute with media magnate Rupert Murdoch and a working relationship with Donald Trump.

The sound of Sŵn: Naomi Saunders (BA 2015)

Posted on 29 October 2018 by Alumni team

Naomi Saunders is a musician and synth player for Cornish and Welsh language music act Gwenno, the headline act at the opening night of this year’s Sŵn Festival.

The life and times of Owain Glyn Dŵr

Posted on 28 September 2018 by Alumni team

Did you know that Owain Glyn Dŵr was the last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales?

How offering an internship brought new perspective and enthusiasm

Posted on 28 September 2018 by Jon Barnes (BA 2007)

As current student Tanya Harrington's (Media, Journalism and Culture 2016-) internship with Cymorth Cymru came to an end, we caught up with the organisation’s Policy & External Affairs Manager Oliver Townsend (BSc 2011) about his experiences of offering workplace opportunity to the next generation of Cardiff alum.

If I knew then what I know now – alumni advice for our 2018 freshers

Posted on 28 September 2018 by Alex Norton

This week, 8,000 people became Cardiff students. That’s 8,000 seismic moments in life – and for those far from home and entering the strange hinterland of studenthood (with all its revelations and responsibilities) these first few days can be daunting.

Bradley’s Pride

Posted on 28 August 2018 by Alex Norton

Bradley Birkholz (BA 2017) is an LGBT+ creator, activist, and performer – and as Pride Cymru comes to Cardiff (24-26 August), he tells us of his personal journey.

Alumni united in cancer fight

Posted on 31 July 2018 by Alex Norton

Faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, Gareth Dunn (BA 2013)’s first thought was to fight back. With the help of a close-knit group of Cardiff alumni, he has so far raised over £99,000 for cancer research.

Know your robes

Posted on 16 July 2018 by Jon Barnes (BA 2007)

Graduation is the culmination of years of hard work, and the pageantry and processions rightly celebrate that. But just what is the significance of those robes? Why are some hoods different colours?

“The city will come alive with graduation buzz”

Posted on 29 June 2018 by Alex Norton

Over the past 135 years Cardiff has awarded degrees to hundreds of thousands of graduates. The rituals of Graduation Week have changed just a little since 1883, but in mid-July - as in so many summers past - the people of Wales’ capital will again stop to welcome a colourful influx of graduands, academics, friends, and family.

What is an eisteddfod?

Posted on 29 June 2018 by Jon Barnes (BA 2007)

An eisteddfod is a festival of literature, music and performance which celebrates the language and culture of Wales – and often a competitive event, with choirs, poets, singers, musicians and dancers performing in pursuit of prizes.

Celebrating you

Posted on 28 June 2018 by Jon Barnes (BA 2007)

“In life, we can be selfish in many ways,” writes entrepreneur Lyndon Wood. “We try not to be selfish by giving.” Lyndon’s message set the tone for Cardiff Day, a highlight of the University calendar where Cardiff donors, fundraisers and volunteers are invited to receive a heart-felt thank you and hear about the impact of their contributions.

The NHS at 70: “An experience not available in any textbook” – Alex Gordon (Medicine 2014-)