Kingston University welcomes back some famous alumni

Posted Thursday 9 January 2014

Some of Kingston University's most successful alumni returned to Kingston recently to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the launch of our Made in Kingston exhibition.

Caryn Franklin (Graphic Design '81), fashion commentator, Richard Deakin (Aeronautical Engineering '87), chief executive of NATS (the UK's leading provider of air traffic control services), and Nigel Pleming QC (Law '69) joined fellow alumni and guests at a drinks reception hosted by Vice-Chancellor Julius Weinberg and other staff at Kingston Business School.

The assembled alumni are all featured on the University's Made in Kingston exhibition, a public celebration of some of our high-flying graduates who provide inspirational role models for our students.

After a warm welcome from Julius, students and staff accompanied the alumni on a tour of the exhibition, displayed over four floors of the Business School. Many of the alumni enjoyed being photographed beside their panels.

Phil Allsopp, former president and chief executive officer, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation 2006–09, said that the event "made him and his fellow alumni feel well and truly at home". He added: "Kingston University is embarking on a fascinating journey that will shape its future, brand and competitive position in the coming years. As a Kingston alumnus, it was wonderful to hear from the Vice-Chancellor that we are part of this important journey and to know that our experience and perspectives are both welcome and sought after."

Helen Trott, head of development at Kingston, said it was heart-warming to hear alumni talk about the University. "They all have their own very personal story. The aim of an event like this is to welcome them back and celebrate their success, and to build strong relationships with our best ambassadors and supporters."

Final year psychology student Beth Dangerfield was inspired by meeting the alumni. "It was great to meet people who have reached the top of their careers, with their roots in Kingston where I am growing mine," she said. "It was incredibly motivating and I hope one day to have my own place on Kingston's Wall of Fame."

William Arinze, third year aerospace engineering student, was also at the event. "It was a pleasure to meet the Kingston graduates, now respected leaders in business and industry," he said. "In particular, I spoke to Richard Deakin and Andrew Haines who are both leaders of major aviation organisations, the National Air Traffic Services and Civil Aviation Authority, respectively. They provided knowledgeable insights into the aeronautical engineering industry, which was a great inspiration."

The drinks reception at Kingston Business School was followed by dinner at Dorich House Museum, a venue new to most alumni and which provided an impressive setting for the networking discussions.

View a photo gallery from the event.

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