WELCOME TO THE AUGUST EDITION OF THE ALUMNI E-BULLETIN | UNIVERSITY NEWS Photo story: Finance Minister to launch new centre for energy, economics and finance. Read more... New links between genes and schizophrenia. Read more... Chimes to strike in Aberdeen's historic Old Town House for the first time in more than 50 years. Read more... Volunteers sought for £1 million zinc study. Read more... |
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ALUMNI EVENTS AND REUNIONS A series of alumni events will be held in the USA this autumn to establish our first group of ‘hub cities’ where we will be increasing our activity. The events will start with a cocktail reception at the Hotel Monaco in San Francisco, followed by receptions in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia. Professor Chris Gane, Vice-Principal for Culture and Communities and Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences will attend these events and give an update on activity at the University. Details of the events are listed below. If you would like to come along to one of our events or for more information email Jim Day, our UADT USA Administrator on jcday0126@aol.com. 18 September, San Francisco - Join us for a cocktail reception at 6pm in the Peacock Terrace, Hotel Monaco, 501 Geary Street, San Francisco. 21 September, Boston - There will be an alumni gathering with refreshments at the offices of Scottish Development International, 28 State Street, Boston, beginning at 6.30pm. 22 September, Chicago - There will be a cocktail reception at the University Club Chicago, 76 East Munroe Street, Chicago, at 6.30pm. 23 September, Philadelphia - Join us for refreshments at the Cassatt House, 1320 Locust Street, Philadelphia, beginning at 6.30pm. 22 October, London UK - There will be an informal gathering for alumni living in London on Thursday 22 October at Albannach, 66 Trafalgar Square, London. For more information or to book your place, email h.veitch@abdn.ac.uk. | OPEN DAY AT THE SUTTIE CENTRE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING IN HEALTHCARE: 12TH SEPTEMBER 1PM-4PM You are invited to visit The Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare, a new purpose-built education facility at the heart of the city’s Foresterhill site. A collaboration between NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen, the Centre has been one of the major fundraising projects of the University’s Sixth Century Campaign, receiving thousands of donations and securing in excess of £6m – £1.5m over the original target. On the day, demonstrations will show how the Centre will offer a broad range of benefits to patients, healthcare professionals, junior doctors and staff. No registration is necessary – just come along to the building on the afternoon of the 12th. We look forward to seeing you then! For further information or directions, please contact Melanie McCann on 01224 559679 or email m.mccann@abdn.ac.uk. |
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UPDATE FROM THE NEW STUDENT PRESIDENT, ROBIN PARKER Dear Alumni, The grand handover has now happened! For the past month the four new elected officers – Kat Ross, James Simpson, Christine Duncan and I – have been following around our predecessors and learning how to carry out our responsibilities at the Student Association. There has been a lot to learn but I think we are now all feeling motivated and excited about the year to come. There is a lot to achieve! As it has been featured prominently in the news recently, I thought I would focus on higher education funding this month. Tuition fees at English institutions are to be reviewed and Lord Mandelson has given his first speech on Higher Education since taking responsibility for the area. Meanwhile, in Scotland we have been benefiting greatly from policy which has helped university study to remain affordable and accessible. Although the Scottish Government's injection of £30 million is welcome, it is a one-off and does not represent a long-term solution to the issue. If the University of Aberdeen is to continue its ambition to be of outstanding quality in the international arena, that is going to take a great deal of cash. Thank you to everybody who already support the University's ambition. At the same time, more and more students are under pressure by combining part-time job(s) with their studies in order to pay for their education. A continuing goal for the National Union of Students, which we support, is to achieve a minimum income for all students, regardless of background and situation, of £7,000 per year. Whatever happens in England, we will see the debate in Scotland about Higher Education funding continue. It is my opinion that there is a need to find more money for higher education. However, we must also ensure that students have the support available so that we can treat study like the full time job it should be and that access to higher education is fair for all. Your opinions are, as always, welcome at sapresident@abdn.ac.uk. Robin | BE THE FIRST FOR A TOUR OF ABERDEEN SPORTS VILLAGE Participating in sport for enjoyment, relaxation and competition has always been a key part of ‘the student experience’ at the University of Aberdeen. Together with our project partners – Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland – the University has delivered a flagship sports facility on the site of the former Chris Anderson Stadium at Linksfield, which will host international sporting events, attract promising athletes to the University, encourage local talent and help nurture a more active local community. Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) will enable the University’s 55 sports clubs to build on their increasing success in British University intra-mural competition. Last season the University was ranked 2nd in Scotland. With facilities of this standard, Aberdeen will be able to play a full role in preparations for the 2012 Olympics and future Commonwealth Games. We invite you to join us for an exclusive preview of ASV on Wednesday 19th August at 5.45pm, prior to the official opening on 22nd August. If you are able to join us, please email Hazel Veitch at h.veitch@abdn.ac.uk |
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DIGITAL RURAL HUB STUDENTSHIPS The University of Aberdeen is inviting applications for a number of PhD studentships as a result of the development of a new Rural Digital Economy Research Hub funded by the UK Research Councils. Eight studentships are on offer across fields including computer science, communications engineering, human geography, transport, healthcare, sociology, and environmental science. The studentships are fully funded for three and a half years, starting at a level of £13,290 per annum. The closing date for applications is 14 August 2009. For further information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/bursaries. | ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS ASSOCIATION Some 50 members of the Association and their partners participated in the annual visit to the Aboyne and Deeside Festival on 4th July, and enjoyed a supper at the Lodge on the Loch followed a performance of “All Classical Music Explained” by Rainer Hersch. Forthcoming Association events include a talk in the autumn by University Archivist Siobhan Convery and on 11th December, the annual Christmas celebration at King’s College Chapel, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. For more information about these and other planned events, contact Association Secretary Alan Towns on 01224 589812 or at abalas@btinternet.com. For information about membership of the Association, see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/alumni/contacts/clubs.php. Non-members who wish to consider membership without making a commitment are welcome to attend up to two events on a trial basis. |
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