inner circle

Spring 2010

For Alumni and Friends

Featuring:Lights, Camera, Action!

Agents of Change

Model United Nations

NOTE: INNER CIRCLE mast to be in GOLD METALLIC

Inner Circle Keeping you in touch with Regent’s CollegeInner Circle is produced by the Alumni Relations Team including:

EditorCia Durante and Sarah Lewis

HEad of alumnI RElatIons and EvEntsDavid Whitaker

ContRIButoRsNeil Harrington Tom MorganKate Stoneman

ContaCt alumnI RElatIonsAlumni Relations and EventsRegent’s College Inner Circle, Regent’s Park London NW1 4NS

Tel: +44 (0)20 7487 7700www.regents.ac.uk

CovER IllustRatIonHello Marine

IIllustRatIonStudio TonneAdam Hayes

PHotoGRaPHYAnna GordonCia Durante

dEsIGnJustin Easthall

PRIntInner Circle is printed by Richmond Canvendish, who operate an environmental management system which complies with the requirements of ISO 14001, on uncoated FSc certified paper and is distributed on our behalf by Oxford Address.

ContRIButIons Contributions to Inner Circle are welcome by email or post. We reserve the right to edit articles in the interest of brevity or clarity. Every effort is made to ensure that edited text retains the contribu-tor’s original meaning. In the interest of providing a free flow of debate, readers should note that the views and opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the writers concerned and not necessarily of Regent’s College.

© Inner Circle. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any photograph, text or illustration without permission from the publisher is prohibited. Due care is taken to ensure the content of Inner Circle are fully accurate, but the publisher cannot accept liability for ommissions or errors.

tHanKsThe editors would like to thank all those who have contributed to this edition of Inner Circle.

And especially a big thanks to Regent’s College Alumni, staff and students who gave so much of their time and input for this issue:

Brandon Bakshi Yossi Mekelberg Anna Baréz-Brown Shani Persson Krista Fink Kit TiellJeanne-Marie Hudson Capucine de ValléeAlexandra Furst Sabrina WhiteBetty Leung This magazine can be made available in larger print or alternative formats for people with visual impairment or dyslexia. Please contact the team for further information, on 020 7487 7793 or by e-mail to alumni@regents.ac.uk.

Welcome to the first issue of

Inner Circle the magazine for alumni and friends of

Regent’s College. Over the past few months we’ve

been listening to you our alumni, students and friends

in order to develop the best possible ways of enabling

you to stay in touch with the College and with each

other. This new magazine is one of a number of ways

we are responding to what you have told us.

Your new Inner Circle is committed to clear

communication, in-depth insight into the College’s

many facets and to celebration of our broad alumni

community. We are committed to demonstrating

the significant power of the College family (its staff,

students, alumni and friends) working together. And

we hope that, whether you are a financial analyst or

a psychoanalyst, or working in any one of the many

professions our alumni are pursuing all over the world,

you’ll share the broad values that unite us across each

of the College’s schools and across a global network

of Regent’s College alumni and friends.

David Whitaker

Head of Alumni Relations and Events

contents

VisionA message from the CEO 1

Creativity, innovation and collaboration 3

Dynamism and Competition 5

Regent’s College Aims High 7

FeaturesOn the Road for Regent’s College 13

Lights, Camera Action 15

Agents of Change 17

On the Couch with John Nuttall 19

Model United Nations 21

NewsRegent’s College News 23

Scholarship Profiles 25

AlumniA Dynamic Network 30

Alumni Mentors, Capucine de Vallée and Anna Baréz Brown 31

Alumni Profile, Brandon Bakshi 33

Alumni Profile, Shani Persson 35

Alumni Your Updates, Your News 37

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a message from the CEo

The Regent’s College campus has been home to

Higher Education for one hundred years since

Bedford College moved to the park in 1909. During

the last century the campus has hosted many United

Kingdom and International Universities and Colleges

and is now home to Regent’s College.

In 2006 Regent’s College became a single, charitable,

higher education institution through amalgamating the

strengths of a number of excellent existing schools

while at the same time retaining their individual

cultures and reputations:

• European Business School London

• Regent’s Business School London

• Regent’s American College London

• Webster Graduate School London

• School of Psychotherapy and

Counselling Psychology

• Internexus School of English Language

And by founding a new school:• The London School of Film, Media

and Performance

We have been joined by record numbers of excellent

students, strengthened our international partnerships,

further improved our learning and teaching facilities,

launched new programmes and welcomed new staff.

In this magazine you will read about some the

changes that have taken place and also about the

successes of our students, staff and alumni.

2010 is a very important year for the College. The

College enjoys an excellent relationship with its

accreditation and validation bodies and expects this

to continue. However, the College has reached a

milestone in its development and intends to submit

an application to the Privy Council in July to gain its

own Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAPs). The

process then may take more than a year but we are

confident that we now meet the criteria to secure

our independence.

The award of TDAPs will be a fitting accolade to the

combined efforts of staff, trustees and students and

would mark another step on the road to our eventual

goal which is to become ‘Regent’s University London’.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and your letters

and messages, in any medium, are always welcome.

Prof. Aldwyn CooperChief Executive and Principal

Regent’s College

3

Creativity, innovation and collaboration

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The Faculty of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences

(HASS) comprises four schools: The London School

of Film, Media and Performance (LSFMP), Regent’s

American College London (RACL), the School of

Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology (SPCP)

and Webster Graduate School (WGS). At first glance,

this may appear like a strange hotchpotch of areas to

huddle together in one faculty, but there is an exciting

fusion evolving and the crossovers are energising for

staff and students. Let me explain.

SPCP delivers programmes which lead to profes-

sional qualifications in psychotherapy and counselling

psychology. It is characterised by research which

supports the only doctoral level students on the

campus. The staff maintain a high level of research

activity and play a role in the field at a national and

international level. Psychology degrees are being

developed at Foundation, BSc and MSc levels.

RACL has two different bodies of students: those who

come for a four year US degree awarded by Webster

University, and those who come for a ‘study abroad’

semester or two. In the US degree a major subject is

accompanied by a choice of minors and electives to

provide a broad based education. The range of subjects

provided here is vast, from architecture, history of art,

drama and sociology to statistics and management.

WGS provides Masters level courses including a

highly successful MBA and an acclaimed MA in

International Non-Governmental Organisations.

The awards are from Webster University who

deliver an innovative global study experience

enabling students to be taught in four or five

different countries. Last year the MBA students

voted the London period at Regent’s College as

the best of the programme! Recent developments

are in the areas of media and advertising.

You can read on the following pages about the

creative programmes being introduced in the new

London School of Film, Media and Performance. They

maximise the opportunities that London, the heart

of the creative industries, offers and they embrace an

innovative blend of practical experiment, theoretical

rigour and ‘real world’ connectivity.

So how can these diverse areas share one faculty?

Staff members in SPCP have star ted to teach in

the other schools, such as psychology in RACL,

and mediation in International Relations in WGS.

Psychologists in RACL are contributing to the

development of the new psychology programmes

for SPCP. LSFMP areas dovetail with the portfolios

of WGS and RACL and new teams have been

forged across the three schools. These changes

have meant that the staff specialist areas have

become larger and stronger.

Perhaps most symptomatic of our diversity in

collaboration are our HASS Literary Lunchtimes and

Research Stories workshops. Here staff from across

the disciplines come together to understand individual

staff interests and to discuss ideas underpinning

them and the research methodologies they employ.

Here you might find a psychotherapist sitting with a

European human rights lawyer listening to a television

scriptwriter. It’s fun!

Dr Judith AckroydDean, Faculty of Humanities,

Arts and Social Sciences

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Q: What do a published psychotherapist, a European human rights lawyer and a television scriptwriter have in common?

a: they are all staff in the faculty of Humanities, arts and social sciences (Hass) at Regent’s College.

5

dynamism & Competition

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Business and Management courses form a dynamic

and highly competitive sector within Higher Education.

There are more than 150 Business Schools in the UK

and 20 times that in the USA. Increasingly, Business

Schools across Europe and Asia are delivering busi-

ness programmes in the English language. In the face

of such competition the primary challenge is to be

distinctive; to establish an identifiable and sustainable

brand (or brands) that will continue to draw quality

students and staff to the College, to offer a study

experience that is different from the norm and to

provide distinctive and specialised programmes that

will be attractive to potential students and prospec-

tive employers.

In 2008/9 the Faculty of Business and Management

(BaM) was expanded to include Internexus – an

administratively and financially separate English

Language School. So BaM now comprises three

Schools – the European Business School London,

the Regent’s Business School London and Internexus.

Every student within BaM is registered on a specific

programme which is located within one of the three

Schools, each of which has its own particular

ethos and portfolio. Both the European Business

School and the Regent’s Business School seek to

foster Internationalism and Professionalism within

the student body. They aim to provide uniquely

stimulating instruction and research in business and

management within an environment of international

understanding and mutual co-operation.

The European Business School London has an

established and premium brand image. It is not

simply a stand alone business school but rather a

part of an international network of independent

business schools and institutions with a similar

international vision. More specifically it is a key player

in the European Business Schools International (EBSI)

network which has members in Paris, Madrid, Munich,

Dortmund, Riga and Kaliningrad. We already offer

one joint Masters programme with EBS Paris and are

currently developing another.

EBS London already has considerable numbers of

links worldwide but over the next few years we

will see a focussing of this network into a tighter

community exchanging not only students but staff

and ideas, joint research and joint programmes of

study. This will involve establishing, in addition to

EBSI, a network of international institutions with

whom we have partnership agreements and a wider

spread of educational institutions with whom we have

memoranda of understanding.

While the focus of much of this activity will be built

around the brand that is EBS London, the essential

nature of Regent’s College is, as we have already

asserted, one of internationalism and professionalism.

EBS London undergraduate programmes place a

special focus on internationalism through the study of

language and culture and a commitment to multi-site

/ multi-country study. The Regent Business School

London delivers its programmes to international

students who have chosen to study primarily within

the multicultural community that is Regent’s College.

RBS London programmes use the broad spread of

nationalities that choose London as their educational

location to take advantage of the city’s position as

one of the world’s leading global business centres.

The students on these programmes will commonly

be studying in their second or third language but wish

to concentrate on undertaking their business studies

in the world’s business language – English. While

study abroad is available on these degrees it can be

undertaken in English at one of our many partners

and it is an option rather than being compulsory.

Thus the two Schools, working together, provide op-

portunities for a wide range of students with different

needs and aspirations within the overall construct of

an internationally, globally, focussed institution. Unlike

most UK universities, colleges and business schools

which see international students as a source of

revenue to underwrite the education of UK students,

Regent’s College and the Faculty of Business and

Management sees the development and education

of the truly international student, regardless of their

nationality or fee status, as the end in itself.

Postgraduate students who study at Regent’s College

already have, by definition, an international education

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having already studied with us or having taken a

degree in another country. The European Faculty

offers a wide range of degrees but in each of them

Internationalism and Professionalism are integral to

the curriculum. In the context of postgraduate studies,

and bearing in mind the much shorter and more

intensive study experience they offer, the inclusion of

compulsory language study or ‘study abroad’ is less

attractive or necessary. Our International MBA is

unique in that it does require a period of international

study but this can be undertaken in English and

Language study is optional.

The extension of the portfolio of programmes will

be based on what is relevant to the business world

and in particular what is relevant to London – finance,

international business, tourism, events management,

luxury brands, international culture and so on.

Moreover we see our market not just as international

students but as the future (and current) employees

of international companies – overseas based

companies with offices in London and London based

companies with interests overseas. The theme of

integrating what is special about London is nowhere

more obvious than in the MSc in Global Banking

and Finance. This not only meets the twin targets of

global importance and professional relevance but also

utilises the special attractions and facilities of London

as one of the world’s major financial centres. It also

highlights another key attribute of all our degrees in

that they offer a clear employability focus.

Martin TimbrellDean of Business and Management

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Kate Stoneman joined Regent’s College in

November 2009 as a Project Manager for College

Development. As the College advances toward

a new and exciting chapter in its history, Kate

outlines the challenges ahead and our ambitions

for the future.

Taught Degree Awarding PowersThe decision to apply for the power to award our

own degrees, in recognition of the College’s quality

and academic standards, was agreed in November

2006, by the executive management and the Board

of Trustees. Since that first step many changes have

taken place as we work towards the final stages

of the application. A degree of centralisation has

brought a more collegiate feel to Regent’s College,

drawing the individual schools together and creating

two distinct faculties (Business and Management and

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences). Work has also

been underway to improve the consistency of the

student experience across the College and following

a student survey, the College is actively addressing the

key concerns raised such as increased study space, the

phased improvements to the library and increased

Wi-Fi access.

How do we get them?In order to be granted Taught Degree Awarding

Powers the College must demonstrate that it meets

the rigorous criteria set out by the Quality Assurance

Agency (QAA), an organisation set up to safeguard

standards in UK Higher Education (HE). One of the

key responsibilities of the QAA is to provide guidance

for HE institutions and universities in the UK in

relation to quality and academic standards. It is the

responsibility of each institution to ensure that stand-

ards are met and maintained, something that Regent’s

College has successfully been doing in partnership

with our validating bodies for some time. The QAA’s

guidance document contains fifty criteria, divided into

four broad categories that relate to how the College

is governed and managed; the maintenance of quality

and academic standards; scholarship and pedagogical

effectiveness of staff; and the environment supporting

the delivery of HE programmes.

Later this year the College intends to submit a letter

of application, along with supporting documentation

called a Critical Self Analysis (CSA) document, to

the Privy Council, a part of the UK Government.

The documentation will demonstrate how Regent’s

College meets each of the criteria. If our application

is accepted the QAA will be asked to meet with us

and agree a schedule of assessment visits to explore

in more detail how Regent’s operates. The QAA will

make recommendations to the Privy Council based

on these visits.

Key achievementsWe are now at the first draft stage of the CSA docu-

ment and we have highlighted some key areas where

improvements can continue to further enhance

the student experience and to ensure Regent’s

College runs in the most effective way. The CSA

document has been produced in collaboration with

around sixty colleagues at the College, through their

involvement in working parties and contributions to

the CSA documentation. Subsequently around ninety

colleagues, students and external advisers have been

invited to review the first draft of the document and

to feedback their opinions.

Where do we go from here?The next steps include the preparation of the final

version of the CSA documentation, incorporating the

feedback and comment from colleagues and advisers.

Following careful, consultative discussion we may be

ready to submit the application in July 2010. The next

key phase of the project will be to prepare for the

QAA assessment. One of the biggest challenges is

getting the message out to everyone and keeping

them involved.

Regent’s College aims High

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Using a variety of communication media we hope that

everyone will become familiar with the application

process and what it will mean for the future of the

College. We intend to develop a clear understanding

among staff and students of what we are doing, why

we are doing it and why now.

Developing the Learning Experience at Regent’s CollegeAnother key aspect of the College development

is the implementation of the new Virtual Learning

Environment (VLE), Blackboard, which will enable a

more innovative approach to teaching and learning.

Webster University has been using Blackboard for

some time to enhance the teaching, learning and

assessment experience and many staff at Regent’s

College have previous experience of using a VLE.

An initial set of pilots will run to ensure that the

system meets our needs and to test its capabilities;

it will then be rolled out across the College, allowing

staff to build on the resources it offers for teaching,

research and learning in the student and academic

community here.

In order to be a successful institution and to

deliver our mission to produce top class, employable

graduates, Regent’s College needs to stay focussed on

developments in the global workplace. The power to

award our own degrees will allow us greater flexibility

to respond to these developments, ensuring our

graduates are well equipped with a variety of skills

and knowledge when they move on. All of our British

programmes will be revalidated against a new consist-

ent College set of agreed academic standards to

ensure consistency and, following our award of Taught

Degree Awarding Powers our degree certificates will

show qualifications awarded by Regent’s College. Our

American programmes will continue to be awarded

through Webster University, but we hope that this

partnership will be strengthened by the fact that we

are considered a mature enough institution to award

our own degrees and maintain our own consistent

quality and academic standards. UK universities are

recognised for their high standards, to be added to

the list of those that have attained that standard is a

positive accolade. We hope that our current students,

staff, partner institutions and our alumni will share the

achievement with us and feel proud to be associated

with an advancing Regent’s College.

Kate StonemanProject Manager

College Development

the implementation of the new virtual learning

Environment (vlE), will enable a more innovative approach

to teaching and learning.”“

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Where did you work

before joining Regent’s College?

I previously worked at Edexcel, a UK based examina-

tion and assessment board. During my ten years there

I worked in a number of different roles. Whilst part

of the eBusiness team, I started working on small

projects commissioning eLearning content and work-

ing with a customised content management system.

Many of the technologies that we now take for

granted were very new in 2003 and it was an exciting

time to become involved in such an innovative area.

What do you think is the

key to project management?

Project management encourages logical, analytical

thinking; strong organisation skills; and forward

planning. The key to project success is being clear at

the outset about what you want to achieve. A project

manager always wants (but does not always get)

more time to plan, identify and allocate resources

and work out a realistic timeframe. A clearly agreed

outcome is vital to ensure that, through tracking,

monitoring and reporting, what was agreed at the

outset is what is achieved at the end. One of the

greatest risks to a project is to forget why it was

started in the first place.

What is you favourite

aspect of project management?

I like the fact that projects have a start and an end

point, but also involve the unexpected so there

is always something challenging to deal with. My

favourite part of project management is the people

because they are both the most important and most

unpredictable part of a project.

How would you describe

your role at Regent’s College?

My favourite analogy for my role came from our

Director of Resources, who likened project manage-

ment to conducting an orchestra. The key is getting

all the different parts to work together to produce a

unified, harmonious output.

What were your first

impressions of Regent’s College?

Apart from the initial impact of the beautiful location

and imposing buildings, the campus seemed huge and

maze-like at first and I thought I’d never find my way

around. It seems much smaller now but I still get lost

occasionally or discover new places. More importantly,

the people I met during my first few weeks were

friendly and welcoming which helped me to settle in

and feel at home.

Where is your favourite spot on campus?

Although I spend a considerable amount of time at

my desk, I love being outdoors. The quad is immacu-

lately kept but I rarely have time to stop and admire

it. The arrival of spring hopefully means I can spend

more time outside in the sunshine and I have my eye

on a seat under a tree at the back of the

Tuke building.

Kate stoneman, in profile: Project manager, college development

10InnER CIRClE

Supporting every step of your career

“2009 was the year of fear”, as John Salt, Director of recruitment website Totaljobs, was recently

quoted on BBC online. The current recruitment situation is still pretty scary, and not only for

recent graduates. The verdict is still out on 2010, but there are positive signals starting to come

from the recruitment markets with signs that the initially worst hit banking and finance sector is

recovering. But this year may be hard on charities and the public sector.

In these tough times, Careers & Business Relations are working very hard to focus especially on

our recent graduates. We provide our full Career Planner programme to all graduates in their first year – until they

have found their first job. If you are still looking, just contact the Alumni Relations & Events team, who will put you

through to our individual needs analysis. The Careers and Business Relations Team will then lead you through the

necessary steps to get your job hunting campaign up to full speed. Once we see that your campaign is underway we

will refer you to our experienced and highly networked Career Coach.

If you are past this initial stage, up to three years into your career, and worried about what’s happening around you,

or ready to make the next career step, you can get fast tracked to our Career Coach for three sessions. For every

one beyond that stage, you are welcome to see our coach for a single session during the academic year. We ran a

highly successful Summer Career Coaching Offer in 2009 (five sessions) for all our alumni and we are planning to

repeat this resounding success. So watch this space!

Matthias Feist, Head of Careers and Business Relations

Need an intern?

Remember the times when you were seeking internships to gain valuable employability skills, or just fulfil your

course’s work experience requirements? Here’s your chance to help a current student out, by offering a work

experience or internship. We have many alumni who support our students with opportunities, and we would like

to add you to the list. Call our hotline on +44 (0)20 7487 7419.

Looking for a new job?

We’ve changed the way we communicate job vacancies to our alumni. Instead of sending out a large PDF document

via email, we now offer an online RSS/extranet feed. Just contact the Alumni Relations & Events department via

email on alumni@regents.ac.uk to gain access to the feed.

New face for HASS careers

Gemma joined the Careers and Business Relations Department as Careers Advisor for the

Humanities, Arts and Social Science Faculty in February 2010.

For two and a half years Gemma worked in a City recruitment firm recruiting across all market

sectors. Prior to joining Regents College she worked in the Careers department of London

South Bank University. Her interest centres on enhancing student employability and Career

Management skills teaching in the curriculum.

Careers & Business Relations at Regent’s College

11

Where on Earth are you?

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The global community of Regent’s

College alumni stretches across 140

different countries. With alumni

developing their careers in the most

diverse fields, the alumni network is a

great social and professional connec-

tion for you. We would like to bring

the alumni network to your town. You

can help by letting us know where you

are and regularly updating your details

via the alumni web pages at

www.regents.ac.uk/alumni or by

emailing us directly at

alumni@regents.ac.uk

If you would like to join us as we build

new local alumni associations where

you live, get in touch and volunteer

today by emailing us at

alumni@regents.ac.uk – we’ll give

you all the support you need to

bring alumni together for social and

professional networking on a regular

basis and keep you informed of special

events in your area of the world where

you can join us at education fairs and

student recruitment events as alumni

representatives.

Where on Earth are you?

12InnER CIRClE

13

on the Road with regent’s college travels in south East asia

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Neil Herrington is the Asia School Liaison Officer

for Regent’s College, responsible for marketing and

student recruitment from the Asia region.

“Yeah, I know Regent’s College,” said the counsellor

at the International School Bangkok. “I came to your

inauguration back in 1984 when I was working at The

American School in London.”

Between September and November 2009, I spent

five weeks on the road in South East Asia, visiting

six countries and 60 international schools. One of

these weeks was spent in Thailand and my visit to

International School Bangkok is typical of the experi-

ences that my colleagues and I in External Relations

have at the hundreds of schools we visit each year.

After updating the counsellor on recent develop-

ments at Regent’s College, I met students who had

expressed an interest in studying with us. I answered

their many questions about our courses and what it’s

like to live and study in London.

I had last been to Bangkok eight years before,

when, with a rucksack on my back, I’d checked into

a dingy hostel on the Khao San Road for a week

of sightseeing. It felt good to arrive by taxi at the

Metropolitan Hotel with a decent suitcase this time!

By the end of my week in Thailand, I still couldn’t tell

whether Bangkok had really changed in the eight

years in which I’d been away (e.g. very few tuk tuks,

far more taxis, expensive cars and traffic jams, better

developed commercial buildings) or whether I was

seeing a completely different side to the city because

I was staying in a smart hotel and visiting international

schools rather than Buddhist temples.

I landed in Penang as Malaysia was gearing up for Hari

Raya Aidilfitri (the Muslim Festival of Eid ul-Fitr). The

three schools I visited were in completely different

parts of the island, so, my agent, Kenny, decided to

circumnavigate Penang in his car and introduce me to

some of the island’s famous street food between the

schools. Two weeks into my trip and already weary

from travel, the sour Penang Laksa (Fish Noodle

Soup with mint, pineapple and tamarind) and sweet

Iced Nutmeg Juice (Lau Hau Peng) jolted me awake,

ready for my appointment at the International School

of The Uplands. There was also time for Curry

Mee (Malaysian Curried Noodles) and a mug of

Teh Tarik (Malaysian black tea with condensed milk)

before heading to Dalat International School. Dalat

actually began life in 1929 in Da Lat, Vietnam. The

school moved to Bangkok in 1965 at the height of

the Vietnam War and on to Malaysia eight months

later, where it has remained ever since (the Vietnam

War had a large effect on many of the international

schools in the region, with enrolments peaking at

3,650 at International School Bangkok in 1967, as

opposed to 1,825 today).

I’ve started to feel a kind of homecoming when I

catch my first glimpse of the Petronas Towers en

route from the airport to downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The staff at the Ritz-Carlton always remember my

name, I catch-up on news, both educational and

personal, with the counsellors at the International

School of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy frank and

lively exchanges about how best to market Regent’s

College in Malaysia with the director of one of our

most supportive agents, Studylink Sdn. Bhd.

We’ve welcomed many students from Singapore over

the years, particularly from the United World College

of South East Asia. Students at the German European

School Singapore, another school offering the IB

Diploma, are also showing strong interest in studying

with us.

Singapore is the only place I’ve ever been to that feels

“completed”: it’s very hard to see how the City State’s

physical environment can be further improved. Its

planners have incorporated the old colonial buildings

into its modern face, the pavements are clean, the

roads evenly tarmaced and so consistently lined with

trees that it often seems like the city has been carved

into the rainforest that was here before nearly 5 mil-

lion people made it their home. When I land here for

a week of visits to some of the world’s best interna-

tional schools, I understand why people envy me my

job. I’m able to catch up with friends in restaurants

on the Road with regent’s college travels in south East asia

14InnER CIRClE

around the marina in the evenings and try to keep

at bay the effects of all my Asian dining with endless

lengths in the InterContinental’s rooftop swimming

pool. On this visit, I hired a bike one weekend at East

Coast Park and cycled around Changi Airport and

the surrounding area. My grandfather spent several

weeks suffering from pneumonia in the old Changi

Hospital during his service in the British Navy and my

great uncle was interred in the Changi Prisoner of

War Camp during the Second World War. I always

think of them both every time I land at Changi

Airport so it was rewarding to gain a closer look at

this part of Singapore on my visit.

When researching international schools in Hong Kong

prior to making this trip, I was surprised to find that

my Deputy Headteacher from when I was at school

in Somerset is now Head of the South Island School,

one of five secondary schools in Hong Kong run by

the English Schools Foundation. We met for dinner

at the Hong Kong Cricket Club and tried to catch

up on the intervening years. By the end of a very

enjoyable meal, I’m sure we both felt the years and

miles that separated our lives in a rural Somerset

school from the veranda overlooking the bright lights

of Happy Valley. That gap in space and time vanished

the following morning when I found myself knocking

on the door to his office for the first time in fourteen

years. However, I was relieved to remember that

he hadn’t summoned me for an admonishment, but

rather I was summoning him to accompany me to a

presentation I was giving to his students!

After five days in Hong Kong, I enjoyed a weekend

in Osaka, prior to another week of school and agent

visits in Japan. One tends to think of Japan as a rather

mono-ethnic society, so I was surprised to meet two

Kyrgyz and one Australian student (as well as several

Japanese!) at my Japanese agent’s office in Tokyo. The

Kyrgyz students had come to study their undergradu-

ate degrees in Tokyo and were looking for a Masters

course in business in the UK. The Australian student

had graduated from High School in Queensland and

was spending a year at a Japanese High School before

hoping to study at EBS London in September 2010.

Studying and working at Regent’s College often feels

like being part of a global village. After meeting

Armenians in Bangkok, Germans in Singapore and

Kazakhs and Australians in Japan, it seems that the rest

of the world is catching up with our vision of a truly

international education!

Neil HerringtonAsia School Liaison Officer

External Relations

Alumni RecruitIf you would like to meet Neil or other members

of the Recruitment team when they visit your

hometown, get in touch today and join Alumni

Recruit. You could be using your experience

to encourage a new generation of students at

Regent’s College. Contact alumni@regents.ac.uk

or see page 40 for more details

15

lights, Camera, action!

InnER CIRClE

The London School of Film, Media & Performance is Regent’s College’s newest development, and is the

sixth school on its Regent’s Park campus. The School is led by David Hanson, who came to Regent’s from

Bournemouth University where he was Director of the Bournemouth Screen Academy and amongst other

roles ran their accredited and highly acclaimed platform of writing degrees.

“new writers learn fastest by

working to the standards at the

highest levels of the screen industry

itself, nothing less, and being

guided by the best writers the

industry’s produced - that’s how

our students will succeed”.

16InnER CIRClE

David has a track record as a screenwriter in London,

New York and Hollywood. His writing career began

with the BBC’s Not The Nine O’Clock News, and

during his time working in British television he

wrote for a range of comedy performers including

Lenny Henry, Jasper Carrott and David Walliams,

before co-creating the TV character Max Headroom

for Channel Four and the US channel HBO. The

character became a major success in the US, Europe,

the Far East and Australia. David’s work then took him

to New York where he wrote and produced several

TV series in both comedy and drama, and then to Los

Angeles where he was scriptwriter and story editor

on both comedy and drama series for America’s ABC

TV network. He wrote film projects for Universal and

other companies before returning to London to write

and produce film and television in the UK and Europe.

He says of his experience as a writer and in running

writing degrees, “new writers learn fastest by working

to the standards at the highest levels of the screen

industry itself, nothing less, and being guided by the

best writers the industry’s produced - that’s how our

students will succeed.” So with his own experiences

and those of the creative industry colleagues he is

bringing in to teach on the programmes, The London

School of Film, Media & Performance is preparing to

welcome its first students this summer, starting with a

MA programme in June. By September the School will

be running five new degrees, in a range of creative

and performance areas.

The five programmes are the three-year BA

Screenwriting & Producing, training the next

generation of writers and producers of television

and film; the three-year BA Creative Industries, which

teaches people to work as creators, entrepreneurs

and managers across the wide field of the creative

media industries; and the three-year BA Acting &

Global Theatre, which trains students in acting and

theatre-making skills through the study of theatre and

performance from across the globe. In addition there

is the two-semester Foundation Acting course, a first-

stage entry into the world of acting and the theatre,

preparing students for entry to university and drama

school. The fifth programme is a new part-time MA

in Writing for Screen & Stage. This is a two-year

course taught by five intensive week-long residentials

interspersed with three-month periods of distance

tutoring by telephone and email as students develop

and refine their scripts for an international market.

This Masters degree is unique, since unlike any other

in the UK it trains writers in the two key scriptwriting

traditions, screen and theatre. Like many professional

writers now learning to make the transition from

one to the other, these students will develop the

skills to adapt scripts from one tradition to another; a

hugely important factor in writing for audiences. The

other key advantage of this programme is its design;

provided students can attend the five residentials

over two years, they can pursue their writing and

complete the programme whilst continuing their

professional and personal lives. This unusual design

has proved hugely beneficial to successful writers

who have gained a Masters degree and a second

career in this way.

The London School of Film, Media & Performance will

introduce another degree programme in September

2011; the three-year BA Film, TV & Digital Media

Production. This is a wide-ranging and highly-skilled

programme developed by a team of people who are

working at the cutting edge of new screen and digital

media industry. For this degree the College is investing

in state-of-the-art studios and a team of tutors who

are engaged within the industry, in producing new

forms of television, film and digital media.

David HansonHead of School

London School of Film, Media and Performance

17

I believe…

InnER CIRClE

Agents of ChangeDesign as a profession has no one point of origin,

growing from different industries, along the way

developing a rich mix of thinking in craft, politics, math-

ematics, engineering, science, writing and salesmanship.

I was formally educated as a product designer with a

background in small business; now teaching manage-

ment and researching design thinking, metadesign, and

design management. I find a natural discomfort in the

idea of focusing on one thing and like to challenge this

status quo.

The pre-conception of design simply being a market-

ing tool is naive. Design is a tool for business in its

departmental role as a function, a managerial concept

in its own right, and beyond the paradigms of business.

Design is the relationship between the ‘manmade’

and people, humanly focused and experientially

driven. This is a very important concept. Design is

an evolutionary trait to control one’s environment.

The made environment is a phenomenally complex

system, which we humans, have imagined and

constructed. I believe, therefore, we have the ability

to act on it; we made it so we can make it better.

Generally speaking we struggle to comprehend and

react progressively to issues of magnitude such as

social injustice, environmental damage, and economic

flux; however as designers we are paid for changing

things, as an educator, it is the way people think and

act on decisions. Designers are in their very nature

‘agents of change’ and the great thing for designers

is that the world radically needs change. This is the

new paradigm of design; not making better things but

making things better!

To understand what we do, and what happens when

we do it, we must appreciate the diversity of the

world. It is this diversity that gives us resilience

against losses (economic and ecological). The idea

of building resilience is a fundamental point in the

future of the designed world and this resilience must

come about via change, managed by design thinking.

We are emerging from a recession illustrating very

clearly what happens when we have little ability for

resilience. Design thinking, a now common concept

with business leaders and academics, requires an

open-minded approach in problem solving and a

great empathy for specialist knowledge. Designers

are specialists in using specialists.

There are many parts to a problem and this requires

a holistic approach in understanding. Design manage-

ment students don’t need to understand all areas of

a system in great depth, but rather appreciate the

breadth of the subject and join up the dots. With this

way, of what I like to call Oknowledge grazing¹, you

can start to make associations and begin to under-

stand the complexity and opportunities for change.

The great minds of the past where not marked in

their time by a single profession. Da Vinci, Galileo

and Newton held academic rank and specialism in

different fields giving great wisdom. Buckminster

Fuller, a great multi-faceted mind of the last century,

stated that birds are specialists in flight and fish in

swimming, humans however have built the airplane

and the submarine. These are extreme characters

of human ability and thought, but the appreciation of

wisdom via connective knowledge and the ability to

see the world holistically is what I prize as the key to

designing the future.

In the first of Inner Circle’s new ideas series Global Business and Design Management Lecturer Tom Morgan outlines his vision of design in a changing world.

18InnER CIRClE

The ability to see complex relations and build

perspective from different sides is the offering of

design, however this is reliant on specialism, highlight-

ing the importance of design thinking with areas of

specialist knowledge. It is important that our students

develop a skill set in natural-collaboration, multidi-

rectional research, perception, empathy, ideation and

presentation. Within the current ‘paradigm’ of being

productive, thinking is not thought about enough.

Design thinking requires a non-hierarchical

structure in collaboration, and the education of

design management is around progressive positive

relations. The pancake structure is an example of

how companies like Pixar, Apple, Google and Phillips

innovate with such success. The future of business as

a collaborative process is enhanced by open source

information, made possible by technology, made

accessible by design.

Design instils an upbeat attitude, working on

constructive and reflective criticism, seeking

constraints as positive commodities. We have all

experienced the difference in our productivity when

working with and without constraints; Charles Eames

described design as being mostly of constraints. The

great design thinker Tim Brown of IDEO outlines

these as desirability, viability and feasibility. If you are a

business leader, teacher, scientist, or politician you have

understanding of these factors. Designers find ways

around issues using creativity as a tool for navigation.

There is an unspoken element in the act of designing

that is innate in all of us. What is vital is that the

progressive character of design, in acting for positive

change and thinking open-minded, is appreciated and

embraced by all.

Our undergraduate students, on the Global Business

and Design Management pathway, are gaining design

thinking power within a business school, which is almost

totally unique across the world. We have brought

design to BA business education, eradicating precon-

ceived discipline barriers, developing power thinkers

and future makers. The design management pathway is

now influencing beyond its origins at Regent’s Business

School with a new element within the MA program

in Global Business Management, and a role in the

successful validation of the new MA at EBS London in

Luxury Brand Management.

Our graduates are entrepreneurs in the truest sense,

acquiring skills in systemic comprehension, switching

from big to the small parts of the same issues, finding

opportunities in making things better and ultimately

generating resilience to loss. We are working in

exciting times at Regent’s College, and I am confident

that we are pioneering areas in business education and

beyond, shifting the paradigms of what is a business

school and dexterity in thinkers.

We face ecological and economic uncertainty,

generating great social and commercial strain. I believe

that the way forward is in the appreciation of wisdom

for change, building resilience. The design thinker offers

exactly that!

Tom MorganLecturer in Global Business and Design Management

Regent’s Business School

19

on the Couch with John nuttall, Principal lecturer & acting Head of the school of Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology

InnER CIRClE

John Nuttall has brought his experience in

consultancy to bear on a new relationship, the

psychotherapist’s consultations room. Here he tells

us how he made the move from the corporate

world to the world of psychotherapy.

What did you do before joining

Regent’s College?

Looking back, I have had a number of rich careers.

Graduating in industrial administration and following

post-graduate study in organisation theory, I entered

an executive career in marketing, rising to Director

level in a number of well-known multi-national

companies. Following a career in consultancy, I was

involved in the development of organisations at all

levels, and initiated and managed change in Europe-

wide organisations. Although I kept a base in London,

I have lived in the US, Holland, Italy, Spain and Portugal

over the years.

How did you make the transition

from Business to Psychotherapy?

It was consultancy work that brought me back to

my biggest teenage fad - psychotherapy. My interest

re-emerged in the mid 1990s when I decided to train

in counselling as an adjunct to my consultancy work.

I am now a UKCP registered and BACP accredited

psychotherapist, as well as a Certified Management

Consultant, and Chartered Marketer. I have taught

psychotherapy for nearly ten years, and am currently

Principal Lecturer (and Acting Head of School)

at Regent’s College and Principal Lecturer at the

University of Greenwich.

I have written widely on management and

psychotherapy and my PhD focused on the process

of personal psychotherapy integration. I continue

to practice at West London Centre for Counselling

as an honorary psychotherapist, as well as having a

small psychotherapy and supervision practice of my

own and serving as Chair and Treasurer of the West

London centre for counselling.

Tell us about your initial interest in the

field of Psychotherapy

The focus of my PhD was ‘Integrative Attitude’.

Rather than just combining approaches, I understand

psychotherapy integration as something co-created in

the relationship between therapist and client. Instead

of an external locus, it seems more useful to consider

integration a personal endeavour that needs to be

flexible and appropriate for me, and my practice. This

allows integration to be something that resembles

an emergent process, where complexity manifests in

simplicity. Modern science calls this process ‘complic-

ity’ with integration being viewed as a dynamic

process, more meaningful in its verb form, integrating.

How did your understanding of this concept evolve?

My interest then moved from one of finding integra-

tive links to one of understanding the integration

process as a whole. In this I recognised another

process which reflects how psychotherapy relates

to, and explains the world that we experience. It

characterises psychotherapy as not only applicable to

the individual, but also to the group, organisation and

society. It also represents how the integration process

engages with other disciplines, such as neuroscience,

sociology, and anthropology.

I moved from a conceptually naïve position of seeking

an ideal system, to one of accepting psychotherapy

integration as something necessarily personal, con-

textual and therefore pluralistic. In this change, there

appeared to be a developmental process. Firstly

of adding parts together, then of seeing wholes or

higher order patterns, whilst throughout there was a

dialogue with the outside world, with other disciplines

and social artefact. I call these, respectively, construc-

tive, complicit and contiguous modes of integration.

They now form a framework for understanding

integration that informs my journey and my teaching,

and continue to inform my understanding of my own

learning and view of the world.

I hope that this understanding of psychotherapy,

combined with my career background in management

will enable me to contribute and extend the success

of the School, its ethos and pluralistic values.

20InnER CIRClE

The Inner Circle Therapy CentreIn addition to offering professional training in Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, SPCP is also

home to the Inner Circle Therapy Centre. The Centre is an integral part of the School and offers individual

and couple-based psychotherapy and counselling to the public and is open seven days a week. For more

information visit www.spc.ac.uk

“I understand psychotherapy

integration as something

co-created in the relationship

between therapist and client.”

21

model united nations

InnER CIRClE

Model United Nations provides a unique opportunity

for students from all around the world to step into

the shoes of ambassadors from United Nations (UN)

states, address global concerns in a “real world” set-

ting and learn valuable diplomatic skills. The opening

and closing ceremonies of the Model UN conference

take place at the United Nations headquarters in

New York, and during the conference, over 4,000

students gather to get a glimpse into the diversity of

foreign policy perspectives around the world, thus

providing them with insight needed to become global

citizens and international leaders.

Student teams are assigned a member state and

subsequently spend a significant amount of time

studying its foreign policy positions. Each year,

the week-long conference is organised so that

member states are represented on all of the UN

committees. Each committee has several items on its

agenda, such as “Responsibility to Protect,” sustain-

able energy, HIV/AIDS, nuclear non-proliferation,

children’s rights in conflict and peaceful re-building

of failed states. This requires students to develop a

working knowledge of a broad array of international

issues. Students are expected to represent the

best interests of their assigned state and work with

other member-state representatives to develop

policies addressing these issues. Students make short

speeches to present policy ideas, negotiate with

allies and adversaries in formal and informal settings

and draft resolutions, all while following the real UN

rules, processes and procedures.

Whilst at Webster Graduate School as a postgraduate

student, Sabrina White served as Head Delegate for

the Regent’s College Model United Nations team.

Sabrina subsequently trained a group of 20 students

in preparation for their participation as diplomats

and delegates at the 2009 Model UN Conference in

New York. The team, made up of students from EBS,

RBS, Webster and RACL, represented Senegal and,

during the conference, had the exclusive opportunity

to meet with Ibrahim Gambari, the Under Secretary

General to Ban Ki-Moon at the UN Headquarters

in New York. “It was inspiring, working with other

students from around the world to develop policies

that have the potential to make the world a better

place” (Krista Fink, 2009 team)

Since a conference typically requires a team to do

five to seven months of preparation, Sabrina wanted

to develop the way that Regent’s College ran their

scheme to ensure that students were able to dedicate

sufficient time and commitment to the Conference.

Consequently, in conjunction with Yossi Mekelberg

(Programme Director, International Relations & Social

Sciences), Sabrina developed the Model United

Nations into a class, allowing students to earn credit.

“I like to look at the Model United Nations as the

sort of all–in-one international relations experience

The students have to disregard their own opinions

and beliefs and assume those of a different culture

and government. The simulation facilitates a degree

of understanding of international affairs on a totally

different level” (Sabrina White)

This year the Regent’s College team are representing

Latvia at the Model UN conference. As part of

their preparation, the students met with the Latvian

ambassador to the UK at Regent’s College.

Sabrina WhiteVisiting Lecturer

Regent’s American College London

Profile: Yossi mekelberg, Programme director, International Relations & social sciences

22InnER CIRClE

What’s your experience of living

and working in the United Kingdom?

I have lived in the UK, in London, for almost 20 years.

I cherish every day of living in the most international,

multicultural and vibrant city in the world where

every day everywhere I learn and discover something

new that enriches my life and brings me in touch with

such diversity of experience

I arrived to continue my studies with no plans to stay

beyond my studies. I arrived at Webster Graduate

School and Regent’s College by complete coincidence

to assist a colleague with running one course. I was

so impressed by the commitment to provide students

with a broad academic and intellectual experience

that I never looked back.

You are a recognised expert in Israeli politics and

write articles for Chatham House. How did you

become interested in this area?

My interest is in International Relations in general, and

I started my academic life writing about Revolutions

and International Relations and US Foreign Policy.

However being native to the Middle East, Israel, I

have always had an interest in the wider Middle East

and in the Arab-Israeli conflict. While a student of

International Relations and being an eye witness to

the misery inflicted by the never ending conflict, I got

involved in the peace and human rights movements

in Israel. Eight years ago I was asked by the Royal

Institute of International Relations, Chatham House

to join as an Associate Fellow of the Middle East

Programme. The institute publishes articles and

reports; I have written about the Arab-Israeli conflict,

the Iranian Nuclear issue and Israeli domestic issues.

We provide advice to international bodies around the

world and appear in the international media.

How do you see the Model UN programme benefit-

ing current students, the school and future Alumni?

Model UN is one of the most intensive and enjoyable

courses in our curriculum. The course is taken by

both undergraduate and graduate students who have

a unique opportunity to study about the way the UN

operates while simulating its various activities. Every

year we represent a different country assigned by the

organisers; this year we represent Latvia. The group

learns in depth the policies and diverse issues of the

country assigned and we even met at the Latvian

Ambassador who took the time to visit Regent’s

College and guide us. The jewel in the crown is a

week long simulation of the UN in New York, applying

what we had practiced for months with around 2,000

other students from countries around the world. Our

students discuss, debate, argue and collaborate with

delegates who represent the rainbow of nations from

around the world. It is a unique experience of active

and enjoyable learning in International Relations.

What do you have planned for the future?

We have some exciting plans for Regent’s College

and the HASS Faculty for the next few years. As

a Programme Director for International Relations

and Social Sciences I am privileged to lead a group

of exceptional scholars and very exciting range of

degrees and courses. Consolidating and developing

the team further while introducing innovative courses

and conferences will be very high on our agenda for

the benefit of students and staff alike.

23

ReGEnt’s College news

InnER CIRClE

International Collegiate Business Simulation ChallengeStudents from Regent’s Business School are currently

participating in the International Collegiate Business

Simulation Challenge in San Diego. Team Regents

College London (Aquarella Inc.) will leave for San

Diego in April 2010 to compete in the live Final.

The Business Strategy Simulation competition consists

of two phases, a remote online phase followed by

an intensive ‘live’ phase. During the remote phase,

decisions have to be made every week and submitted

online, charting the development of an international

manufacturing business. Aquarella Inc consists of

six main divisions of a typical company, a CEO and

departmental directors. Team members are respon-

sible for the smooth running of their department.

The competition is realistic and the decision making

processes include key marketing and operations

decisions, the management of human resources

and production. The team has to decide upon the

production practices used within their company and,

in order to compete successfully in San Diego, write

business and financial plans for the company. The

Regent’s College team is the only MA team in line up

of MBA competitors.

Speaking of her experience, Maria Katunina, Team

Captain, said “I believe the competition will allow

me to further develop my leadership skills, while for

others it will improve their team working abilities.

I have no doubt that Aquarella Inc. has all the right

ingredients to succeed in the competition”.

Voices Against WarLyn Smith is a visiting lecturer at Regent’s College;

her current teaching focuses on Humanitarian Issues

and Japan’s History and Politics. Her new book, Voices

Against War: A century of Protest, was recently

published by Mainstream Publishing.

On 15 February 2003, an estimated two million

Britons took to the streets of London to protest

against war in Iraq. Since the outbreak of that

conflict, the anti-war movement has broadened

and now has a global reach. Based on nearly 200

personal testimonies from the Imperial War Museum

Collections, Lyn’s book tells the stories of those who

participated in protest.

The stories reach far and wide, from the Great War

of 1914-18, through to the Second World War, the

Cold War and up to the more recent conflicts of

the Falkland Islands invasion, the first Gulf War and

the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The

accounts provide deep insights into the motives and

consciences of those who have opposed military

conflict and the weapons of war.

Academic Director, RBS London, RetiresAfter an 18 year career at both RBS London and EBS

London, Dr Richard Gregson retired in February this

year. After a farewell celebration attended by staff,

students and alumni to mark the occasion, Richard

said “Thank you so much for my retirement gifts,

especially to those of you who wrote in the beauti-

fully prepared Album…It was a pleasure knowing

you all and spending so many happy years working

alongside you”.

24InnER CIRClE

Professor William Lynch named Webster University’s London Resident DirectorWebster University has named Professor William J.

Lynch the new Resident Director of the University’s

programs at Regent’s College, London, replacing

Professor David J. Parrish who held the position from

January 2005.

In announcing Professor Lynch’s new responsibilities,

Webster University President, Dr. Elizabeth Stroble

said: “It has been my pleasure to work with Bill as a

member of Webster’s Administrative Council. His

exceptional commitment to students and his col-

legial and effective leadership in service of Webster’s

vision and mission will find new expression in this

role. I celebrate the ways this university provides

for students, faculty, and staff to embrace new

opportunities within the worldwide network that is

Webster University.”

Webster University Chancellor Neil J. George

states “Webster University’s academic partnerships

with Regents College are distinctive and strategic

to our vision of becoming a premier international

institution.” Creating the best student experience by

balancing these elements is the responsibility of the

Webster Resident Director. Regent’s College has

been fortunate in working with first class directors

over the years. The most recent, David Parrish, has

been outstanding and we were saddened when,

earlier this year, he confirmed his intention to retire

as Director. He has however agreed to continue to

teach on the programmes where he has always been

a valued contributor.

Professor Aldwyn Cooper said “Bill’s experience of

Webster is extensive. He has professional interests

in the new programmes that we are developing in

London and sees the opportunities for future col-

laborations that are offered by the London location.

We are sure that he will quickly become a major

contributor to the team here and look forward to

welcoming him as soon as possible.”

Prior to joining Regent’s College in autumn 2009,

Professor Lynch was a Professor of Voice in the

Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, also serving as

President of Webster University’s Faculty Senate,

and was a member of the University’s Administrative

Council. Professor Lynch joined Webster in 1992,

before which he pursued a career as a professional

actor, a vocation he has continued in parallel to his

Webster University teaching.

Regent’s College Conference and Events Centre - Open DayOn the 21st April 2010 Regent’s College Conference Centre is hosting an enchanting Mad Hatters Tea Party

and BBQ to display the unique and stunning outside space to new and existing clients. A fantasy world will be

created within the beautiful lawns to showcase one of the many themed events that can be created with the

Regent’s College events team. Guests will follow the white rabbit through the secret gardens, play croquet with

the Queen of Hearts and have a chance to view our fantastic venue. An evening packed with lots of surprises

and delicious food and refreshments supplied by our in-house caterers, Charlton House, will leave guests wanting

more and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Please visit our website: www.regentsconferences.co.uk for further information

25

scholarship Profile: BEttY lEunG

InnER CIRClE

To celebrate the British Council’s 60th anniversary

in Hong Kong in 2009, EBS London offered a full

postgraduate scholarship to a student from Hong

Kong. Betty Leung was the successful candidate,

joining the MSc Global Banking and Finance course

in September 2009. A graduate of Hong Kong

University of Science and Technology, Betty began

her career as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers

before quickly advancing to a Fund Accountant

position at Fortis Prime Fund Solutions.

Why did you decide to leave your job in

finance to study in the UK?

I was obviously conscious of the worsening global

financial situation, but at the same time I wanted

to ensure I would be well equipped to work in the

global banking and finance industry when it picks

up again. I really think that the MSc course at EBS

London is preparing me for the challenges I’ll face

when I graduate.

Why did you want to study in London?

I found I really loved it here in London [during a

visit] and began to look for opportunities whereby

I could return for longer. The British Council was

promoting the 60th anniversary scholarships in Hong

Kong, I applied, and now here I am, having this great

experience at EBS London!

What differences are there between studying in

Hong Kong and here at Regent’s College?

I really appreciate the small classes at EBS London

and the level of interaction with my professors and

classmates. The teaching is much more practically

focussed and the professors can tailor their teaching

according to the students’ backgrounds. The profes-

sors have experience in the banking industry and

share their practical knowledge as well as the theory.

Different students give presentations each class and

these fun activities really enhance the learning experi-

ence. There was even a banking risk management

simulation exercise one weekend. The course leaders

have really worked hard to ensure we are provided

with many opportunities to learn as much as possible

about the global financial crisis.

What are the benefits of the international mix of

students at EBS London?

Most of my classmates are European, but some

are also from countries that I didn’t know anything

about before I came here. I’ve learnt a lot about

the oil industry from my Kazakh classmates as well

as all kinds of things about European culture. My

classmates are also really keen to learn about the

Chinese economy from me. I find it’s really useful

to learn from each other and to share knowledge of

the economic and political situations in each of our

countries. I think the high level of internationalism

at EBS London is what other students from Hong

Kong will really be attracted to, as well as the fantastic

location in a Royal Park in the centre of London!

How have you settled into London life?

I am sharing an apartment with three other EBS

London students, close enough to the campus to be

able to walk to class. It’s a nice place to live and is also

very convenient for shopping. I was introduced to my

flatmates by the accommodation officer. It’s been fun

living with Europeans and learning about their culture.

I even got to spend Christmas with a British family in

Bristol. I’ve also been able to make friends with other

Asian students who are studying at EBS London. We

often go out to dinner together on a Friday nights.

How has the economic downturn affected financial

services in Hong Kong?

The continuing economic development in mainland

China has enabled Hong Kong to recover quickly

from the global recession and China is still provid-

ing an increasing number of opportunities in Hong

Kong for people working in business and finance. In

many ways, Hong Kong still functions as a gateway

to the mainland.

26InnER CIRClE

What are your plans for the future?

I visited the Careers and Business Relations depart-

ment a month after I started my studies here. I’ve

been getting good advice on how to make my CV

more attractive and how to apply for jobs in the

banking sector. I’ll be applying for internships at banks

in London this summer and would really like to stay

here for a couple of years after I graduate, working in

an investment bank.

I’d be happy to mentor future students from Hong

Kong or even future scholarships winners!

Betty Recommends …

In Hong Kong

Best food for a working lunch: Dim Sum

Best hotel in which to stay for a business trip:

Renaissance Harbour View

Best place to go shopping: The shopping malls and

street stalls in Mongkok

Recommended souvenir to take home for family and

friends: Chinese tea and a good pair of chopsticks

Best way to get around Hong Kong: MTR (the Hong

Kong underground system)

Favourite Quiet Place: Tai O Fishing Village,

Lantau Island

In London

Most interesting Museum: The British Museum

Best place to go shopping for bargains: Primark

Best way to get around London: The Tube

Favourite British festival: Christmas

Best day trip destination: Cambridge

Best place to buy Chinese groceries: Chinatown

Scholarship Profile: alEXandRa fuRst

Where are you from?

Sweden

Where did you complete

your undergraduate degree?

At Halmstad University in Sweden

What are you studying at Webster?

MA in Human Resource Management

Why did you choose Webster?

I like the flexible terms, I graduated from my BA in

January so it was perfect for me to start in March. It

also meant that I could go skiing before I started my

MA! Being awarded a scholarship was also a major

factor in my decision since I felt that it meant that

the school was supporting me and wanted to invest

in me as a student.

What is your favourite part about Webster?

Definitely the small classes; the fact that you meet

people from all around the world every day and

also the location and the relaxed atmosphere at

school, I guess that is four parts though…

27

scholarship Profile: KIt tIEll

InnER CIRClE

How would you describe your home town?

Living in London and studying at Webster Graduate

School is worlds apart from where I ever thought I

would be. I grew up in a rural part of Ohio in the

United States where most of my family lives within

a ten mile radius of my house. I attended a small

high school with a graduating class of 69 students

where I was very involved in student government, golf,

track and field, and show choir. My parents, neither

employed in the business field, allowed me to direct

my own life. This gave me independence and forced

me to be very self-motivated.

How did you choose your

undergraduate University?

During my junior year in high school I debated

whether to enrol in university to study landscape

architecture or business, fields at the opposite ends

of the spectrum. I worked throughout high school

landscaping for both residential and commercial

properties, really enjoying the work. However, after

considering my options, I decided to pursue a busi-

ness degree majoring in finance and accounting and

continue landscaping as a hobby. I wanted to go to a

small university where I would know my classmates

and professors well. I ultimately chose to attend Tiffin

University in Tiffin, Ohio.

Why did you choose to come to London as part of

your undergraduate studies?

From the moment I started at Tiffin University, I

planned to study abroad. I had the choice of studying

at Webster University’s various campuses all over

the world. I had been to the UK once before to visit

my brother-in-law and sister who were stationed in

Northern England for the US Army. I enjoyed my

visit and this influenced my decision to return to the

UK to study. In addition, I knew the language barrier

would be minimal!

What was your experience of Regent’s College

and London during your undergraduate study

abroad placement?

I arrived in London excited about my study abroad

semester as I had been looking forward to it since I

began my undergraduate studies. I moved into Reid

Hall at Regent’s College not knowing anyone, but that

quickly changed as I made many friends within days,

some of which I still keep in contact with today. These

four months were some of the best days of my life. I

was studying at a college located in Regent’s Park, one

of the most beautiful areas of London. The classes

during this semester incorporated many teaching aids

including frequent field trips in London to learn about

its history, culture, and architecture. Although I was in

London to study, I made sure I had plenty of time to

experience the nightlife and travel throughout Europe.

Why did you choose Webster Graduate School for

your masters?

I came to Webster for a school visit and when I

walked through the entrance, I remembered the

28InnER CIRClE

warm family-like atmosphere that fills the halls and

rooms at Regent’s College. I knew I was back home

and that Webster was the place for me.

What impact did the scholarship have on your

choice of College?

The scholarship saved me from taking loans to finance

my degree. I am really grateful that I will graduate

with my MBA debt free. The scholarship has also

allowed me to further experience London and the

rest of Europe by occasionally travelling and visiting

new places.

What is your experience of

Webster Graduate School?

My experience at Webster has been great! Regent’s

College’s small size gives it the perfect opportunity

to incorporate a family-like environment into an

academic institution, the reason that brought me

back. It is hard to walk down the hall 20 feet without

running into someone you know who wants to chat.

This is great except when I am running late for class

or need to get somewhere!

Webster has the competitive advantage of having a

diverse student body. It is common to have at least

five different nationalities represented in each of my

classes. This benefits my studies by bringing together

experiences and perspectives from all around the

globe in a way that enhances the learning process.

What has been your most

memorable moment while here?

One of my most memorable times at Webster would

be the fencing class I took with Professor Peter

Verdon. Having never fenced before, I heard about

the class and jumped at the opportunity. Even though

I was not the best fencer, I enjoyed broadening my

knowledge and developing my personality.

Have you made good connections

whilst at Webster Graduate School?

I believe that the network I build from Regent’s

College will be useful in the future. Who knows

where I will go in life, but by building these con-

nections at a young age, I am sure they will pay off

someday. As a student from abroad, I am building my

contact network in the UK from nothing. Mentorship

would be one way to expand my knowledge and

network by working with successful alumni.

Who inspires you?

Throughout my life, many people have inspired

me. Some of these people have come and gone

while others are still in my life; each inspires me

in different ways. From a general perspective,

my parents have always been there in every way

possible, especially when I need emotional support.

In a self-development and religious sense, my Aunt

Carol has taught me to stand up for myself and the

importance of believing in a higher power. From a

business perspective, my Aunt Debi has taught me the

importance of practicing ethics in business and that

it is possible to still earn a great living. Each of these

people has played critical roles in my life and I aspire

to live up to each of their admirable qualities.

What are your ambitions for the future?

After graduation in October, I want to stay in the

UK and get a job in finance. I do not know exactly

what I want to do but I am keeping my options

open. In fact, I am in the process of setting up a

summer internship trading currencies for Calyon, a

French bank. I believe that having a bachelor’s degree

from the United States and a master’s degree from

the United Kingdom, gives me a competitive edge.

The knowledge and experience I have gained from

studying in the US and UK exposes me to business on

a global scale and adds to my well-rounded persona.

Help us build our support for students through scholarships. If you or your company would like to help us ensure

that the best students are able to benefit from

Regent’s College education, please contact David

Whitaker by email at david.whitaker@regents.ac.uk

or telephone +44 (0) 20 7487 7872. David will be

happy to discuss with you the ways in which your

support can help us.

29 InnER CIRClE

Alumni Relations is about bringing people together,

whether to share memories or to start new ventures.

We’re here to work on behalf of our alumni and

the College to enhance a thriving community. It’s

very pleasing to see so many of our alumni choosing

to stay in touch and get involved with College life.

Whether by joining us as mentors or student recruit-

ers, attending the growing number of networking and

social events or simply by sending in news of their

post-College life, alumni are actively getting involved

with us as we build a new programme.

David Whitaker

30InnER CIRClE

A Dynamic Network

As a former student at Regent’s College you will be

invited to regular reunions with alumni and teaching

staff of your School and the wider College. You will

also be invited to networking events and lectures that

are responsive to the changing needs of our alumni, as

well as changes in the outside world. This year we will

be launching new networks supporting the interests

of our alumni and students. Additionally our partner-

ship with the College’s Careers & Business Relations

Team ensures that there are a range of opportunities

for professional development.

We also know the value of just being able to come

back to College and relax with some old friends, old

tutors and maybe meet new friends in a non-

pressured environment. That’s why we have launched

The Comeback Sessions, a monthly drop-in social

event at the College’s Brasserie. Just drop-in between

6.30pm and 8.30pm, have a free drink on us and

enjoy the company of Regent’s people. Join us on the

first Wednesday of every month. Check

www.regents.ac.uk/alumni for more details.

And if you want to use your experience to help our

current students or to help us recruit new students

there are now opportunities for you to get involved.

We are currently piloting a mentoring programme

bringing senior professionals from among our alumni

and friends together with current post-graduate

students – which is proving to be a rewarding experi-

ence for both mentors and mentees. We’re also

recruiting alumni volunteers to help us in the hunt

for the best new students. Your experience of study

at Regent’s College can often be just the testimonial

that prospective students need to help them make up

their minds. If you are interested in joining us in either

of these new schemes, or would like to know more,

contact us at alumni@regents.ac.uk

We encourage all graduates to get involved and

make the most of an exclusive worldwide network of

friends. All you have to do is stay in touch with us.

David Whitaker

Head of Alumni Relations and Events

31

looking Back/looking forward

InnER CIRClE

Capucine de Vallée (European Business School

London, 1992) and Anna Baréz-Brown (European

Business School London, 1993) met when they were

students at Regent’s College and they are firm friends

today. Both of them recently joined the College’s

pilot mentoring scheme, using their experience to

encourage and develop a new generation of business

students at the College. We caught up with them to

discuss life, friendship, family and careers as well as

their advice for students today.

From 1992 to 1997 Capucine was Business

Development Manager for Reed Elsevier and Matra

Hachette opening up 10 subsidiaries across the world.

In 1997, she then moved to Madrid and worked as a

qualified derivatives trader. She returned to London

in 1999 and joined Cable & Wireless to develop its

expansion into Europe. After more than 30 inter-

views during the dotcom period she finally picked

one and since 2000 has built the influential Chemistry

Club, which brings together senior executives and

international decision makers in the technology, media

and climate change sectors.

Anna has over 16 years of B2B sales, management

and training experience and her professional

development expertise extends to both experiential

and traditional workshop environments. She is an

experienced Executive Business Coach, working with

middle managers and board-level executives on a 1

to 1 basis for more than nine years. More recently as

a consultant, Anna has delivered change programmes

for EADS and BP, developed a community among

Microsoft managers and has specialised in the devel-

opment and retension of the senior female workforce

in Fortune 500 companies, namely Deutsche Bank,

KPMG and Freshfields.

FriendsAnna Baréz-Brown: I met Capucine at EBS, she was

one of the three, let us say, most dominant ladies of

her year!

Capucine de Vallée: I was extrovert.

Anna Baréz-Brown: She was fun. If there’s one piece

of advice I’d give to students about this time it’s

network across the years don’t just stick to your year,

because that’s actually a lot of fun.

Capucine de Vallée: Then we lost touch as you do

because we were in different years doing different

things. And funnily enough we met at the hairdressers’

years later. I remember that day very well. It turned

out that we were working in the same sector, in

media. We were facing the same challenges. We

were both very ambitious, mid-twenties women who

weren’t going to be told what to do for very long and

wanted to succeed…

Anna Baréz-Brown: ...and we were trusted by our

employers, they could see that ambition.

Starting careers in a recessionCapucine de Vallée: We graduated at the height of a

recession and really empathise with today’s graduates.

We both got amazing jobs at that time but we had

to fight very hard for them. I knew what I wanted

to do. It was publishing all the way at that time. My

parents were in investment banking and could have

provided useful networks for me into that sector. But

it’s about following your heart, and employers know

if you’re not passionate about something or if you’re

doing something because your family have done it or

because it’s easy.

Anna Baréz-Brown: We were lucky at EBS because

of the opportunity to undertake internships, which

help you understand what you want to do. I explored

fashion and television, but I realised they were not for

me and publishing came to the forefront.

Work & Family lifeBoth Capucine’s and Anna’s careers have flourished

and they are now both working mothers with young

families, Capucine with one daughter and Anna with

32InnER CIRClE

a boy and a girl. They both chose to invest in their

careers early on and then have children a bit later in

life – a choice they don’t regret. They both perceive

that their career choices have actually affected their

personal life in a positive way.

Anna Baréz-Brown: My work is my passion, my reason

for being. I want to change the corporate world as it

is today, so stopping that because of having children

would be silly because that’s what I want to do…

Capucine de Vallée: …I wonder if actually, by pursuing

our careers we’re not also creating children that are

far more balanced because they have for the first

time a relationship with both parents which many of

us didn’t have before.

Anna Baréz-Brown: And in terms of business

opportunity, there are so many mothers in London

that would love to work on a project basis, maybe

a couple of days a week, maybe a couple of hours a

week, that if you could use that in an intelligent way,

it’s a big kind of third workforce…I think the world

of work is going toward no longer having big office

spaces, not forcing people to sit at a desk, but towards

greater flexibility. Give them flexibility; monitor their

progress, if their good give them more freedom.

I think the key message here though is for women

not to study all that time and progress their career

and then give up work after having a family. Fifty per

cent of women currently do not return to work after

having a family.

Mentoring a new generationBoth Capucine and Anna have joined the new pilot

mentoring scheme at Regent’s College. They are

developing challenging one to one partnerships with

current MBA students which add real value to the

student experience and offer them stimulating insights

into a new generation of business professionals.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor at

Regent’s College and would like more information on

how you can join just contact us at

mentors@regents.ac.uk

Anna Baréz-Brown (L) and Capucine de Vallée (R) with their children

33

alumni Profile: BRandon BaKsHI

InnER CIRClE

Brandon graduated with an MBA from Webster

Graduate School in 2004; he is now Executive

Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, at BMI (British

Music Industry) Europe & Asia

Why did you choose to study at Webster

Graduate School?

It was close by my office and I was familiar with the

campus after studying at the British American College

for my undergraduate degree during my freshman

year in 1991. Also, I was working full time at BMI and

Webster Graduate School gave me the flexibility to

study part-time.

What are your fondest memories of that time?

Advanced corporate finance tutorial sessions with

David Parrish and field trips to places such as the

Bank of England.

At Regent’s College, who inspired you most?

David Parrish and James Knight

What ambitions did you have for your career during

your time as a student?

To learn how to manage a small office as a music

business executive at BMI.

Since taking your MBA at Webster Graduate School

your career has had a strong international flavour, how

did your time at Regent’s College prepare you for this?

By having interaction with multicultural classmates and

professors from all over the world.

How did you start your career within

the music industry?

As an intern at BMI in 1993.

What are you working on right now?

I am focusing on the membership acquisition of

songwriters and music publishers from Europe, Asia

as well as Jamaica.

What does success mean to you?

Doing a job that one loves to do and being paid for it

at the same time.

What are the most important things you have

learnt during your career?

Patience and it is all about timing.

At BMI you are at the cutting edge of music trends

across the world, who/what should we be looking

out for this year?

Marina and the Diamonds and Ding Dong.

Embracing new technology has frequently been at

the heart of popular music, what are your thoughts

on the current debate around file-sharing?

The creators of music should be financially

compensated and their works should be protected.

Otherwise you will not have professional songwriters

creating wonderful music. Time will tell if this is

achieved through an ad sharing revenue model, all you

can eat subscription, or pay per download.

34InnER CIRClE

What is your advice to students just embarking on

their study with us?

Take advantage of the small classes to know your

professors and the students. The connections and

knowledge that you attain now may help you further

down the line.

What does networking mean to you and how do

you use it?

Networking means creating and maintaining connec-

tions with people that you can help and hopefully

they can help you as well. However, if they do not

reciprocate then that is ok as well.

What is the value of a strong alumni network to you?

The value is extremely important as I met my wife,

Aigerim, at Webster Graduate School.

How does NYC compare with London?

NYC is a fabulous city although my heart is

in London.

“doing a job that one loves to do and being paid for it at the same time.”

35

alumni Profile: sHanI PERsson

InnER CIRClE

Shani obtained a BA in International Business from

EBS London in January 2010; and is now looking to

develop a career in corporate communications.

At CollegeWhy did you choose to study at EBS London,

Regent’s College?

What primarily attracted me to EBS London was the

combination of languages and business. The opportu-

nity to steer away from pure economics and engage

in subjects more related to human interaction and

dynamics, in combination with the linguistic elements,

was also something very relevant to my choice.

What is the most important lesson you learnt while

at Regent’s College?

I think that more than any big lessons, I learned about

myself. More specifically I believe the lesson consisted

in knowing how to make better use of personal and

academic strengths in a professional setting.

Something that these years have emphasized is that

‘it is important to know how to manage your assets’,

be it money, or more often your personal qualities,

characteristics, strengths, and even weaknesses.

You have to learn how to make optimal use of

what you have.

36InnER CIRClE

At workMost unusual job

My most unusual job was working as a stewardess

on a six star cruise ship. It was a challenge in terms

of providing great service and constantly being on

duty, however the working environment is what

posed a more unusual and almost anthropological

challenge. Although I am sure I have plenty of

interesting and exciting jobs ahead, I doubt anything

will be as unusual, especially in terms of the working

environment.

How did you get to where you are now?

Work, work, work, work, a lot of perseverance and

ambition, and a portion of luck.

Your next goal is…

…to evolve my professional persona, and gain

experience within communication related professions,

in order to be able to build a career within corporate

communications.

At homeYour favourite way to relax is …

Go for a walk outside, the city is alright, but I prefer

to be closer to nature. Or else watch a good film. Or

bake delicious deserts. Do some yoga. Spend time

with people I love. Read a good book. Write down

my thoughts. Eat ice-cream in the sunshine. Explore

something new, take a break from routine. Eat out.

Listen to good music.

You’ve always wanted to learn how to …

…play the clarinet, the saxophone or the harmonica,

or to dance modern ballet. But, I’m still young, so it’s

not too late yet.

You would never leave home without

My keys, my phone (unless I do sports, in which case I

intentionally leave it), my wallet and my travel-card.

At Play / Personal

The person you most admire

There is no one I can choose. All those close to me

have qualities that I admire. My mother for her advice

and care. My father for his geist and ingenuity. My

sister for her amazing sense of humor. My boyfriend

for his passion. My best friend for her patience and

empathy. The list goes on and on.

And when it comes to business. My grandfather, for

his socialism. For his ability to create wealth without

being a capitalist or a materialist. For being able to

do his job and do it well, while never losing sight that

he does it for his community and because he loves

it, even to the point of turning down compensation.

I definitely think that is something I bring with me

when choosing a career as well, to choose something

that makes my mind and my heart tick rather than

something that makes my wallet thick.

You can’t stop saying

What’s the plan for tomorrow?

(I tend to always have one)

The last good book you read was…

Haruki Murakami – Norwegian Wood

A hidden treasure in your hometown is…

Lunda falafel – best and cheapest falafel place, which

definitely lives up to Middle Eastern standards!

Scholarship

What did getting a scholarship mean to you?

Primarily it enabled me to actually attend EBS London,

which would not have been possible otherwise. Other

than that the challenge of researching, writing and

coming up against a jury, was rewarding and made me

more confident in my academic standards even prior

to commencing my degree.

How does this affect your future?

It is good to be able to have that kind of academic

achievement in my backpack, to emphasize ambition

and consistency. Especially now, when I am just start-

ing out in my career, later on surely my professional

choices will have much greater puissance.

37 InnER CIRClE

your news

1984

Nick Davies (EBS London)I now live in Ottawa, Canada, having moved here eight years ago to join Corel, one of the world’s leading professional and consumer software

companies. I spend my time between a home in Ottawa, a cottage in the nearby lake region, and travelling mostly to California, Taiwan and Europe. I try to get back to London and Paris on a regular basis in order to get my regular dose of European culture and catch up with friends. If ever you are visiting Ontario, make sure you look us up!

1991

Dr. Dominique Surel (Webster Graduate School)Dr. Dominique Surel obtained her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and specializes in the

development of Intuitive Intelligence. She created and teaches Intuitive Intelligence to help executives make better decisions, identify flow channels, develop forecasting skills, and enhance creativity for R&D and innovation. She is also a Professor at the Energy Medicine University in California where she teaches Spiritual Leadership and Intuitive Intelligence. Dominique moved back to the US in 1997 and lives with her husband, Mark Spinler, at 8,200ft in Evergreen, Colorado.

1993

Raffaele Costa (EBS London)Raffeale has been appointed as the new Co-Head Of Global Marketing for GLG Partners. Raffaele joined GLG as a portfolio manager specialising in US and

European equities, before being made a Principal in 1998. Prior to GLG, he was at Goldman Sachs.

1998

Barbara Harmel (SPCP)I’m in private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa, my 12th year as a psychotherapist, I’m registered in South Africa as a Counselling Psychologist. I’d love to hear from those I was with in training.

1999

Amir Wagenstein (RBS London)I have been given an additional challenge to my current role as a Director of Operation in Future Electronics, which is the responsibility for our new Distribution Centre in Leipzig, Germany. The new role also includes the responsibility for transporta-tion, Trade & Compliance, Customer Service and operations.

2000

Dr. Greg Madison (SPCP 2000, 2005)I have just published a book based upon research I completed for my PhD in Psychotherapy at Regent’s six years ago. It is called The End of Belonging.

2001

Jimmy Metta (EBS London)I’ve actually been nominated as one of the top 35 young entreprenuers in the UK.

2003

Nitin G. Nandwani (RBS London)Worked for four years in sales, reaching the designation of top sales executive within a year of working there. I stayed at that position for 3 further years selling large format printers and consumables, after which I decided to form my own company. Harper’s Printers sells large format (poster) printers to architects, engineers, photographers, fine-artists, graphic designers and marketing and adver tising

38InnER CIRClE

teams. Harper’s Printers ethos is about positivity and we donate ten per cent of its profits to charity every year whilst also offering employees ten extra paid working holidays annually to work on charitable projects.

Paul Panos Pavlimbeis (RBS London)I currently work as an Operation Manager for P.V.Pavlimbeis & Sons LTD, a real estate company based in Larnaca, Cyprus.

2005

Dr. Greg Madison (SPCP)See 2000 entry

2006

Kevin Korgba (EBS London)I now work in the financial capital of the world. In 2008 I decided that I was in a position to try and sponsor a few children through school and on my

annual trip to Nigeria in February 2009, I made a commitment to begin my project. I made another trip to Nigeria towards the end of 2009 to meet with the families of the children whom I sponsor. The project is called The BIG Foundation, named after my late grandfather Benjamin Itiavkase Gar, and ambi-tiously aims to help 100 children through school. In September 2009, I and a friend, who is also a Trustee, took part in three 10k races in consecutive weekends and we raised £800 for the foundation.

Julia Flit (EBS London)We opened “The Merchant’s Yard” this year, which can be best described as a Russian gourmet food emporium along the lines of Fauchon in Paris, Fortnum and Mason Food in Piccadilly, or Harrods Food Hall but on a smaller scale.

2007

Nabil Ameziane (Webster Graduate School)Project Manager, Moroccan Company for Tourism Engineering, Ministry of Tourism and Handicraft. Hope to hear more news about my “class-mates” and if your interested in a trip around Morocco, let me know!

Yameer Adhar (RBS London)I star ted a new venture - ContentFlow Technologies in June 2009 with a mission to “Revolutionise Education in India”. As part of a major CSR initiative being called “Project Shiksha”

(‘Shiksha’ is a Hindi word that means Education) HCL Technologies plans to provide free computer based “technology smart classes” to aid primary education in every single rural school in the state of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) in India, catering to over 35 Million Students in over 181,000 Primary Schools. Our unique solution involving video and animation based learning solves the major problems plaguing the current education system in U.P.

Iliyana Koleva (Webster Graduate School)Once upon a time, not so long ago, I graduated from Webster with a Masters degree in Business

Administration. Over the last four to five years, my career has spanned the academic, corporate, and public sectors, with a consistent focus on solving difficult real world problems.

Ezibon Morbe (Webster Graduate School)I got a job with one of the UK based international NGOs just 45 days after I completed my studies, and it was my first interview after my MBA programme. Since then I was posted to Africa and am cur-rently based in East Africa responsible for Sudan as “Sustainable Liveligoods Programme Officer”.

2008

Emma MacDowall (RBS London)I am currently attending London College of Law in Moorgate, where I am pursuing a legal practitioners course, in order to obtain a law degree and start working for a city law firm. I have made great use of my business degree as I intend on working in corporate law. I should graduate June 2010. Post graduation I will work as a para legal prior to start a training contract with a firm.

2009

Zainab Galadima (Webster Graduate School)Studying ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) and working on opening a restaurant in central London.

39

events

InnER CIRClE

Climate Change is “dropping off the agenda”: Does it really matter?The Jean Monnet Memorial Lecture 2010

6.00pm Wednesday 28 April – Institute of Contemporary

European Studies, Regent’s College London

In a recent poll (BBC 4, February 2010) only 34 per cent

now believe that global warming is a scientific fact, and

only a quarter that it is largely man-made.

The keynote speakers are Jonathon Porritt, writer

broadcaster and co-founder of the Forum for the Future,

Ian Katz, Deputy Editor of The Guardian, Malini Mehra,

Founder and CEO of the Centre for Social Markets, and

Peter Luff, Chairman of the European Movement and

Director, Action for a Global Climate Community

In the wake of Copenhagen, there are many questions

that must be urgently addressed: how has the situation

changed post-Copenhagen? Is climate action still urgent?

How should we address the phenomenon of ‘climate

denial’? What should EU Governments and the European

Union do to help promote more positive approaches on

climate change and the environment?

The event is followed by a reception at 7.30pm and is

open to all.

Registration & InformationTo register for this event, or for more information, please

contact Jeanne-Marie Hudson on lectures@regents.ac.uk

Rooms with a view…… Regent’s College Conference CentreLocated within 11 acres of private grounds, Regent’s

College Conference Centre is a unique venue in the heart

of London. The award-winning catering team offers an

excellent range of menus and bespoke packages can be

easily created. Offering a large selection of meeting rooms

equipped with the latest technology and fabulous outdoor

space, all of your event needs will be met.

Tuke HallA 370 seat, tiered lecture Hall with modern stage and

audio visual facilities, this is an excellent auditorium for any

conference.

Knapp galleryA fresh modern space housing an ever changing profes-

sional art exhibition, this space is perfect for presentations,

workshops and receptions.

Meeting Room JAt the top of the Acland Building this suite has stunning

views overlooking the park. With lots of natural daylight

and fully integrated AV, it is ideal for meetings of up to 100

delegates.

Herringham HallThis attractive art deco-style hall can comfortably accom-

modate a formal dinner for 90 guests or a drinks reception

for 180.

Tuke Common RoomOverlooking our private lawns, this suite comprises of

three rooms seating up to 80 delegates and is ideal for

presentations.

For further information please visit our website:

www.regentsconferences.co.uk or call us on:

0207 487 7540

The Comeback SessionsThe Comeback Sessions are a new series of regular drop-in events for alumni at Regent’s College on every first

Wednesday of the month.

The Comeback Sessions at Regent’s College Brasserie give you the chance to come by and catch up with old friends and

tutors at Regent’s College. The emphasis is on socialising so why not drop us a line in advance if you’re planning to come

and we’d be happy to track down your old College friends and let them know you are planning to attend.

No Need to RSVP

Don’t miss your chance to come back meet alumni and staff, and have a free drink on us. There is no need to rsvp, just

come along anytime between 6.30pm and 8.30pm and stay until late.

Please contact Alumni Relations alumni@regents.ac.uk for more information.

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alumni news

InnER CIRClE

Alumni Recruit!Would you like to encourage more prospective students to join Regent’s College and experience the transformative education you did?

Prospective students often ask us if they could speak to alumni of Regent’s College to hear what life is like studying here and how our ways of study impact on career opportunities in later life. We are looking for alumni to join us as we encourage the brightest students from all over the world to study at Regent’s College. If you are able to do one or more of the following activities (supported by the Regent’s College Student Recruitment Team), then we would like to hear from you:

• Re-visit your old School to talk to pupils about the benefits of studying at Regent’s College, through informal discussion and presentations • Join our Student Recruitment Team at an Education Fair near you to give first hand experience to interested students • Refer potential scholarship candidates to us • Promote postgraduate qualifications and short courses at Regent’s College to your colleagues or employees • Act as an e-advisor to potential students who would like to find out more about the opportunities open to Regent’s College Students • Become a Fan on Facebook – this is an effective platform for online interaction with prospective students • Provide us with quotations and testimonies of your experience at Regent’s College and how this has benefited you – this can then be used across various marketing media and will greatly assist us to promote our courses • Join us on campus at Undergraduate Open Days, Postgraduate Open Evenings, and Networking Events, to talk informally to prospective students

In return we will keep you up to date with information on new courses at Regent’s College. We will let you know about Education Fairs or visits to Schools in your area where you can join members of the Regent’s College Student Recruitment Team and meet potential students face to face. You will get regular briefings and invitations to special alumni & recruitment events and play a key role in our growing interna-tional network of alumni.

If you would like to join us contact the Alumni Relations Team at alumni@regents.ac.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

Can you nurture the leaders of tomorrow?This year The Regent’s College Alumni Relations Department joined forces with the Careers & Business Relations Department and the EBS London MBA Programme to pilot a new mentoring scheme. Personal and professional development is at the heart of education, and here at Regent’s College we are looking to lead the way in adding to the education of our MBA students by inviting mentors from our community of friends and alumni to join us and really challenge and develop a new generation of business men and women.

The pilot will initially run for six months, and mentors will meet or communicate monthly with their MBA student, discussing issues of interest, asking challenging questions and nurturing a bond that we hope will continue beyond the timeframe of the pilot.

If you are interested in mentoring and feel that you have the time and enthusiasm to help develop our talented and driven students then contact us at alumni@regents.ac.uk for more details.

“The alumni network is an incredibly powerful resource. With the calibre of people at Regent’s College

anyone not looking to make use of this platform is seriously missing out!”

Anthony Ganjou

RBS London Alumnus, Class of 2002