Graduates through the decades

Sharing unforgettable memories

As the University of Plymouth celebrates its 30 years of university status, we reminisce with our graduates, who share their special and unforgettable memories from their time at Plymouth.
 

Sally Edwards

  • 8BA (Hons) Social, Policy and Administration

  • [Graduated 1991

I arrived in Plymouth with a little yellow Yamaha Bop moped so was able to scoot around the city. It was sunny and bright, and I was amazed that people really did say “hello my lover /my petal”! The city felt friendly and safe, and you could walk everywhere. As students we really felt the city was ours and that we were a big part of it.
My fondest memory has to be standing as Women’s Officer in 1989-90. It was hard and I lost ‘friends’ because feminism was a dirty word (still is sometimes). I banned The Sun (or anything with boobs in it) from the SU (not sure how long that held!) and introduced rape alarms in the welcome pack free to the women. It was the sensible thing then! I also arranged a band night which was very good. I received Lifetime Membership of the SU – although they never got me a card!
Our lecturers were published and well known – Mike Thrasher and Rob Mawby for example. I also remember having to queue in the library to get on a computer, then wait days to get it printed out on computer paper!
My degree certainly shaped the way I think and helps me understand the problems involved in taking real social science and turning it into policy. Perhaps it even makes me feel more sympathy for politicians! I learned to think critically, I learned to live independently, I met people from all over the country, I undertook roles like Women’s Officer and had the chance to sail off the beautiful Devonshire coast. I met my husband. They were some of the happiest days of my life.
Sally Edwards and friends, 1991 alumni reunion.
 

Sherie Hurdle

As with most, university is a time where we leave home, learn what it’s like to be independent and find out who we are.
I got stuck into many of the sports and societies. After only one year in the Saints Kickboxing club, I was elected as the first female president which was a very proud moment for me. With my committee, we ran a really successful year with a high number of members and lots of different activities, such as laser tag, running the Plymouth Half Marathon for St Luke’s Hospice and a trip to a total wipeout style course.
Aside from the clubs I joined, I adored my housemates and the nights out to Oceana, North Hill and the SU, whereas final year saw me as a daily attendee to the library. When not studying, I used to love visiting the Hoe and Barbican, or took advantage of trips around Devon and Cornwall.
"Plymouth was a wonderful city to be a student in, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!”
Plymouth will always hold a special place in my heart because of my time as an undergraduate there. I was fortunate to spend five years at Plymouth University (though with one year away on placement), and I feel like it was the making of me.
Sherie Hurdle at alumni event.
 

Dr Andrew Eccleston

  • 8BSc (Hons) Nautical Studies

  • 8PgCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

  • 8PhD in Meteorology

  • [Graduated 1976; 1980; 2005

My inspirational relationship with the University of Plymouth goes back to the 1970’s – when it was still a Polytechnic. I came to study by the ocean and began a career to become a Merchant Navy Navigator. Nautical Studies was the first undergraduate programme offered in Plymouth and over the next six years I completed my degree and obtained a professional qualification.
After another year travelling the world, one of the lecturers on my degree course who has become a lifelong mentor took me on as a research assistant and I completed a PhD in Meteorology.
Moving to the Met Office I spent some time as a civil servant and the next career jump was a start-up business writing software for weather applications. This grew successfully and was acquired by a large USA-based corporation.
After a few more years developing the business internationally, I came back to Plymouth and saw there was a lecturer post going in the department where I had once been a student.
So, I applied for it – and thus re-invented myself back to where I started! This opened up a new world of opportunities, helping to inspire fresh generations of students looking for a career connected with the sea.
Now retired, I can look back on many exciting events; ‘re-graduating’ in 2012 for the University’s 150th anniversary, the second circumnavigation of ‘Gipsy Moth IV’ and voyaging with my students on a tall ship. After 50+ years, the University of Plymouth is still inspiring me!
It was my dream to achieve an MSc in my current area of practice. A huge thanks to the University for helping me to reach the goal. It has been a life-changing experience.
Dr Andrew Eccleston 1970s Navy
Dr Andrew Eccleston graduation 
Dr Andrew Eccleston alumni
Dr Andrew Eccleston with student
 

Shaji Devadasan

It was my dream to achieve an MSc in my current area of practice. A huge thanks to Plymouth University for helping me to reach the goal. It has been a life changing experience, I have developed various skills through presentation, exploring research articles and undertaking research project.
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, this degree programme has given me the opportunity to explore various elements of research and patient care. Also, it was a great platform to connect with other professionals from different parts of the country and having a meaningful discussion about the subject.
Completing the MSc, I can say that I have gained the skills and knowledge to be successful in my current practice. I really enjoyed the fact that during the programme, all the university staff and professors are extremely helpful and guide me in the right direction every step of the way.
Shaji Devadasan
 

Trevor Grigg

The compact urban campus is so much more than its bricks and mortar, and there is a lot more of that since my time here in its Polytechnic days. I have found that behind the open and closed doors of its schools, faculties, and support services, mainly resides people genuinely dedicated to give of their best and make student life as rewarding as it can possibly be. For example, I was particularly impressed by the speedy and seamless transition to move all teaching online in March 2020.
Therefore, congratulations Plymouth on your 30th anniversary, for all its achievements in the past thirty years and earlier. For me, as one of its 'home grown products' it has been a trustworthy and nurturing friend, both in my past and hoped for future.
Can you count an institution as a friend? In my opinion, yes. Plymouth University has helped me build a better future for myself not once, but twice. First, as an undergraduate back in the early 80’s when Plymouth Poly took me under its wing as “one of the left-behinds” and nurtured me to academic success. And again, in my 60’s to gain a PhD and nowadays a part-time job as a researcher and lecturer in the School of Biological and Marine Science.
Trevor Grigg alumni
 

Kerry Baldwin

  • 8BSc (Hons) Hospitality Management

  • [Graduated 1991

I chose the University of Plymouth due to its excellent industry placement year and also for the ability to be able to keep racing offshore boats – which is still a passion of mine today!
I look back so fondly at my time at University, my year out was incredible, ensuring a balance of practical learning and fostering independence of thought which significantly shaped my career today. I was lucky enough to initially work in Gozo, looking at Casino trading patterns, this led me to work in Italy for the remainder of my year out working with a family office in a hedge fund.
I returned to the UK and set up my own venture capital fund, IQ Capital, which invests in disruptive deep-technologies from seed stage to up to £30m. I have backed over 70 companies with exits to Facebook, Oracle, Google and Apple and we now have £1bn assets under management. I was appointed the Chair of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association in 2021 where I worked closely with government to influence policy and roll out measures to ensure that the UK remains the leading destination in Europe to set up a tech company and venture capital funds.
I work closely with international governments advising on the development of research and development, innovation and venture ecosystems. I am also the Non-Exec Investment Committee Member for British Business Bank, a £4bn asset bank.
I will always be grateful for the experience, excellent course and close friendships made at the University of Plymouth and it is fantastic to see the University rise through the rankings and generating outstanding globally recognised research!
Kerry Baldwin
 

Saad and Ayesha Faraj

Saad

I started my BSc Civil Engineering back in 1978 (seems like yesterday) and graduated in 1981. The University was a Polytechnic at the time and the number of students was around 3,000. The campus was much smaller and most of the buildings were probably built in the 1960s. The library was half the size it is now and the Students' Union was accessed from the yard outside the Library. Two of my three years were spent in the Palace Court building at the Barbican where the Civil Engineering School moved to.
Life seemed to go slower during those years, and I have many fond memories of the period. I have to confess that I had fun most of the year then really worked hard at the end to pass the exams (not a good example to other students). The teaching staff were excellent and very friendly and a couple of them became friends in later years. Most of our leisure time was spent in the Students' Union (Bunker) playing Space Invaders, pinball machines and on the pool table.
I was the Karate Instructor during the last two years and enjoyed teaching students and making friends in the process especially during the fresher’s week when we had a stall for the Karate Club. I represented the Polytechnic in a national Karate Competition but sadly did not win (I was robbed).
I have been working in Plymouth for about 36 years and been running a Consulting Engineers practice for the last 24 years. I have been back to the university several times assisting in moderating and assessing projects in the Civil Engineering department and the School of Architecture. I have also been responsible for the design of some of the buildings at the Uni, the most notable are the Squash Sports Centre and the nursery buildings in Endsleigh Place.
I am really proud that my daughter followed in my footsteps and continued the ‘legacy’ by attending the same university, although I expect much has changed since my time there! It was nice to share stories and learn about what has changed and stayed the same, but I was proud to know she was able to use the facilities I designed.

Ayesha

I attended The University of Plymouth from 2017 to 2020, graduating with a first-class honours degree in Law, and not only did I love my time there but I also gained so much beneficial professional and personal experience. However, the most valuable thing I gained were the people I got to know throughout my degree. From lecturers that I still keep in touch with today to my course mates and the people I met within societies such as ISOC and The University of Plymouth Law Society (UPLS), my best moments all revolve around time spent with them.
My favourite memories span a broad range of different moments from my time at university. Writing my dissertation with my close friend into the early hours of the morning at the library is something that we still reminisce about and miss to this day. A painting I had created for the annual ISOC charity auction dinner being sold for £350 was something that was surprising (I was expecting £10 at the most) and rewarding. After waking up for the train at 2am to travel to Cardiff on two hours of sleep to compete and win the regional client interviewing competition for the West of England with another of my close friends was an experience I will always laugh about but an achievement I will always be proud of.
After having heard so much about my dad’s time spent at the University and the memories of his time there, I loved being able to see the University through his eyes and sharing experiences of our time there. Having lunch at the Student Union together and pointing out both of our distinct memories of the same space is something I will always cherish.
Saad Faraj alumni
Saad and Ayesha Faraj alumni
Ayesha Faraj alumni
 

Jared Harding

  • 8BA (Hons) Music Technology

  • [Graduated 2015

As an 18-year-old from the East Midlands, the decision to relocate to a city by the sea, hours from home without any real knowledge of Devon or the University itself, turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Having been drawn to the city by the stories of the county, harbours, food and lifestyle, I quickly became invested in the University and the course it had to offer me. After experiencing an open day where I got to meet and talk openly with lecturers, staff and current students about the course and everything it entailed, I knew that I wanted to move down south and begin life as a student in Plymouth.
Throughout my three years at Plymouth, I experienced a University that prides itself on providing holistic learning, a supportive environment and a dedicated teaching staff enabling every student to fulfil their potential. I was fortunate to be part of the student council – a position that the University encouraged and nurtured into a valid pathway for students to have input into their life at university. Professional Opportunity Schemes put me into work with companies and professional bodies outside of university to test me and develop my skills.
It always occurred to me that no matter whether it was my flatmates who studied BioMed and Marine Science or myself who studied Music, we all felt that every day, there was something different to experience. The Winter Balls, themed student union nights, Society initiations and subject trips around the country and abroad.
Whether it is through the professional opportunities sourced and facilitated by the University, the plethora of societies or the massive social feel of the city, a Plymouth student will find new ways to grow and learn skills for life. From an 18 year old ‘from up north’, to an award nominated company director, music producer and audio engineer, I can vouch that the skills learnt in Plymouth make up a part of who I am today.
 

Scott Underwood

I received my acceptance letter from Polytechnic back in 1988. I had the pleasure of studying environmental science under the watchful eye of John Bull from 1989 to 1992. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time getting soaked to the skin on various field trips to the rivers and coastlines of Devon and Cornwall and on and around Dartmoor. Even back then Plymouth had a fantastic reputation for its environmental and marine sciences courses.
A lot of my student life centred around the Students’ Union, I don’t think there wasn’t a sport or activity that wasn’t catered for. I have great memories of the BPSA days (British Polytechnic Sports Association) where 8 or 9 coaches packed with students from all the sports teams would break free from Devon and head up the M5 to play against other Polytechnics; Bristol and Pontypridd being most memorable.
After three fantastic years living in and around Mutley Plain in Plymouth I just didn’t want to leave and in 1992 I was elected President of the Students’ Union. It was an incredible sabbatical and a chance to give something back to the organisation which helps, supports and entertains so many campus students each year. There was always something special about the Union building, entering the foyer, passing the SU Shop, STA Travel Office and the SU Executives offices (picking up a copy of ‘Fly’ on a Friday) and then heading down the stairs into the subterranean bar and cafeteria with its glass pyramid roof light, pool tables and laundromat.
I have so many fond memories of my student days in Plymouth, far too many to try and recount, however, I will conclude with a few words which hopefully may spark a memory or two for your readers…. The JSV (J-Block), Cap’n Jaspers, Barbican Pub Crawl, Star-o-the West, The Retreat (band), Gus Honeybun, Ivor Dewdney Pasties and “The Sloop John-B”.
Scott Underwood Alumni memories
Scott Underwood Alumni memories
Scott Underwood Alumni memories - protest
 

Kim James MBE

I vividly remember the moment I was offered my place at Plymouth Poly as it was affectionately known then. I was sat at home on the ‘old style’ telephone, when they said “yes, we have offered you a place and all the details are in the post”!
In September 1982 I embarked on a degree in biological science. We were very fortunate to be taught by many talented and inspirational lecturers. Dr Dave N Price is still in touch with many of us today. So much has changed over the last 40 years in biology, no longer is ‘genetic engineering’ just about breeding fruit flies!
I have fond memories of those Plymouth days. The field trip to Slapton Sands at the start of Year Two, catching plankton in Slapton ley in a boat that should really have been condemned! The wettest of days on the local rocky shore, rain fell from all directions. Walking from Looe to Polperro and a balmy hot day on Hannafore rocky shore looking for Blue Rayed Limpets. I still have the drawings I made in my blue hard backed notebook!
I returned to Plymouth in September 2022 to enjoy and reminisce 40 years after the journey started. The obligatory cup of tea at Captain Jaspers, alas no longer 5p a cup! A swim in the Lido brought back fond memories of final exams being celebrated on the Hoe; I know that will jog a few memories for others!
I left Plymouth in 1985 and joined Bath Uni to undertake a PGCE, I spent the majority of my 36-year teaching and senior leadership career in Oxfordshire secondary schools.
In 2008 I joined Hampshire County Council as an inspector-adviser working across the primary, secondary and special schools. In 2013 I was part of a team of Hampshire staff seconded to the Isle of Wight to help raise attainment in schools, promoted in 2016 to lead School Improvement on the Island.
In 2018 I returned to Oxfordshire where I lead School Improvement, Governor Services, Early Years and the Virtual School. Throughout the pandemic I led the County Council Education COVID-19 response team.
I have always had high aspirations for all children. I now lead the work in the local authority regarding Service pupils and I set up and chair the Oxfordshire and Central Service Pupil Hub.
I was deeply honoured to receive an MBE in the Kings New Year Honours list this year for ‘Services to Education’.
Many things have changed over the years. However, my affection for Plymouth Poly and the friends I made, and the memories will never leave. I'm delighted to share that 40 years on, my nephew has started at the University of Plymouth on the same course! Thanks Plymouth Poly for the great springboard you gave me.
 

Angelia Ong

  • 8BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Maritime Law

  • [Graduated 2016

Since graduating I have started my career in port operations, and I was heavily involved in transformational projects that shape the future of how a Singapore multi purpose port will operate. Later, I joined a leading healthcare media company in Asia Pacific and drive process standardisation and improvement projects at a regional scale. Today, I am leading business process improvements in StarHub, one of the major telcos operating in Singapore and listed on the Singapore Exchange.
The University of Plymouth has always held a special place in my heart.
As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to participate in many activities and events outside academics. Some of my fondest memories of Plymouth were going horse-riding with the University of Plymouth Riding & Polo Club and competing in the Southern Universities Trampoline League together with the team.
The most unforgettable memory was the graduation ceremony at Plymouth Hoe with the most scenic view featuring the iconic Smeaton’s Tower.
Living in Plymouth was exciting and memorable. I enjoyed the monthly markets held at Royal William Yard where fresh produce from local traders and a wide variety of delicious food were available. I also enjoyed having cod ‘n’ chips along with mushy peas from the Barbican Fish Bar and strolling down the nautical-themed streets of the Barbican. After a long week in school, you would usually find me having scones and tea in one of the tearooms and enjoying the sea breeze. Occasionally, my friends and I would go on road trips to Cornwall and visit the picturesque towns. Given a chance, I would love to visit Plymouth again and relive those memories!
Angelia Ong
If you would like to share your memories of Plymouth, we would love to reminisce with you! Get in touch with us at alumni@plymouth.ac.uk.
Also make sure you’re following us on our social accounts for regular flashbacks and alumni stories!