Two generous Mid-Year 1958 alumni and their wives enjoyed the sunshine on a visit to the University of Chester when they were able to tour the new School of Education, meet current students and staff and reminisce over their time as students. 

A significant collection of early years reading materials dating back to the 1850s was the gift of Roderick and Brenda Hunt to the School of Education. Dr Roderick Hunt MBE, studied Divinity and English at Chester. Rod taught in schools at both secondary, middle and primary levels.

Professor Gordon and Mrs Kathy Bell also joined, and viewed the important conservation work they funded to restore the College Bible to its former glory and see the 1921 etching of the College Chapel by Gordon’s former art tutor J W 'Nobby' Clarke, which they donated to the University and that now hangs in the Senior Common Room by the Chapel door.
 

Read more about their visit here

From body snatchers to human plastination: Anatomy education through the ages 

Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 6:30pm 

School of Education, University of Chester, Exton Park, Chester, CH1 4BJ

This lecture with Professor Lauren Fisher, Professor of Art and Design, explores the role of anatomy and dissection as a teaching tool and its evolution through the ages, from the challenges of cadaver procurement and ‘body snatching’ in the 18th and 19th centuries, when full body dissection was the primary way in which medical students learned about the body, to contemporary medical education which focusses on all scientific knowledge and understanding being ‘clinically relevant’ and the increased use of technologies. 

Peter Jenner was Dean of Chapel and Senior Chaplain to the University of Chester until his retirement in 2022. His final project, this is a book about finding joy in a world that sometimes seems difficult to navigate.

Through a collection of engaging stories, which were originally delivered as sermons, some here at the University, Peter invites us to reflect on our own faith journey and encourages us to be ‘fully part of the adventure of life…appreciative of God’s creation, of human interaction and delighting in what is and ought to be.’

Profits from the sale of the book will be given to the Stuart Warren Foundation which supports a PhD student from the South African Region to study Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, where Peter completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Copies are available to purchase for £10 (Students £6) (plus £3.10 postage) from booksbyljr@gmail.com. 

UoC has received six shortlisting places in this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) including the prestigious University of the Year category. The WUSCAs are the only higher education awards ceremony in the UK where institutions are judged and reviewed by students themselves across various categories. The annual event is a celebration of the student voice and the hard work of HE providers across the UK to deliver exceptional student experiences. 

We have been shortlisted in the categories of: 

• University of the Year 
• Lecturers and Teaching Quality 
• Halls and Student Accommodation 
• Student Support 
• International 
• Postgraduate 

Over the last few months, the WUSCAs review collection team visited over 100 university campuses across the UK, gathering over 36,000 reviews from students 

Read more here 

Following the very sad news of the sudden passing of Mark Duffett, Associate Professor in Media & Cultural Studies recently, we will be gathering in Chapel to give thanks for Mark’s life and his immense contribution to our University community. Our Senior Chaplain, Revd Dr Gill Reeve will be leading the Memorial Service for Mark on Friday 16th May at 2.30pm in Chapel, Exton Park, followed by refreshments in the Senate House Exhibition Space. Everyone is welcome to attend.

We are also very sorry to let those of you who were taught by Professor Timo Obergöker know, the deeply sad news that he passed away after a short but aggressive illness. We know that his intellect, enthusiasm and humour were very much appreciated by so many of you. We would be very pleased to convey any memories, condolences or tributes to his family. 

Thank you to you, our Alumni who give to the University, whether it be the giving of time, talent or funds, your gift has impact. 

If you are able to join others and give a regular donation, you can help us plan for the students of today, and of the future. Could you continue your Chester Story by giving regularly?

No matter how big or small you choose your monthly donation to be, know that you are truly changing lives.

For details about how you can support us, please visit our website or get in touch. 

•    Would you like to find out more about a career in Teaching with STEP? - Thursday 8th May, 5pm - 7pm (and Wednesday 14th May, 5pm - 7pm)

•    Theology and Religious Studies 'Find Out More' Information Event (in-person and online) - Wednesday 14th May, 2pm - 4:30pm

•    Part-time PG Education Online Information Event - Wednesday 21st May, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

We are always looking for stories to share on our alumni blog. It’s packed full of Chester Alumni experiences throughout the years, and we would love to add yours. Whether it’s about your current situation or your time at the University of Chester, get in touch with us at alumni@chester.ac.uk to add your story!   
     
And if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration from your fellow alumni, why not have a read of other alumni stories?

The Duke and Duchess of Westminster, Hugh and Olivia Grosvenor were taken on a tour and were pleased to meet colleagues and students from Chester Business School at Queens Park, who spoke about business engagement in the region, the international appeal of the University and the positive international numbers from over 120 countries.

Following this, they made their way over to Wheeler Building to explore facilities in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society. Here, they were given a brief introduction and the process of gaining approved medical school status.

Read more about the VIP visit here

Each month the University shares a wide range of news updates which you can follow on the website’s ‘News Page’.   
        
Highlights this month include, the University Academic Skills team’s podcast triumph in Educate North Awards, how the University of Chester supports neurodiverse and disabled students and much more!
      
Head over to the website now to read more.

Enjoy “Spring Greening” – explore the great outdoors! 

Whether it’s a short walk during your lunch break or a hike during the weekend, there is evidence to back that being active is a “natural mood booster” and one of the best things we can do for our mental health. Here in the North West we are very lucky to have a wealth of natural spaces to enjoy, with Birkenhead Park, Sefton Park, Delamere Forest and Wirral Way just being a miniscule of the natural space we have access to. Wherever you are in the world, there’s pockets of greenery just waiting to be explored! 

Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO)

T: +44 (0)1244 512477
E: alumni@chester.ac.uk
W: www.chester.ac.uk/alumni

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