• Wednesday 3 December 2025
• 6.30pm - 8pm
• School of Education 016, Exton Park

In this lecture, Professor Rob Noonan will challenge the dominant narrative that economic growth is the solution to society’s problems, arguing instead that its relentless pursuit often undermines progress toward health goals.

He will challenge conventional thinking that there are no desirable alternatives and will provide a roadmap for how we might build a healthier, fairer future.  

Tea and coffee will be served from 6pm.

Book your place here

We are on the lookout for more Graduate Profiles to showcase the fabulous professional work our alumni have undertaken since leaving the University of Chester.

If you’ve gone on to do brilliant things in the arts (and we know you have), we’d love to feature your story on our course pages to share your success and inspire future students.

To take part, just share a few reflections by answering these questions:

• Why did you choose Chester?
• What did you enjoy most about your course?
• What advice would you give someone thinking of studying your subject?
• What graduate role have you taken on, and what does it involve day-to-day?
• How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role?
• Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?

Please also send a photo (of yourself or your work) that you’re happy for us to feature on the website.

Please send this information to d.robinson@chester.ac.uk and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Above: Early issue of the Collegian magazine from 1887

A few issues ago we told you about a donation of the early issues of the Collegian magazine from 1886 and 1887. As these issues were handwritten, our archive team has been busy transcribing them and have sent us this extract from issue of 6 November 1886 describing what seems to have been a popular past time for Chester students:

 
SPORTING NOTES: - Harriers.  The enthusiasm for cross-country running has lasted pretty well so far; and several runs have been made lately which have been very enjoyable, with the exception of the last Saturday’s run which was enough to damp both clothes and ardour for a time. The hares, - Messrs. Crewe and Staples set off at 3, but before the pack started in chase the rain came down in torrents, but they however faced it. The hares commenced laying trail at once and succeeded in baffling the hounds. The result of their cleverness in laying false trail was that the hares became separated, one continuing his course, whilst the other succumbed to his difficulties and joined the pack. Ultimately they all arrived home none the worse for their stormy and eventful run. On Thursday another run was taken under far better circumstances, and proved much more pleasant than the last. The hares, Messrs. Chamberlain and Wade, laid a good but rather difficult trail, and the pack, coached by Messrs. Phillips and Davies, were several times off the scent, but succeeded in following it and getting together. 

• Wednesday 26 November
• 6:30pm - 8:00pm
• School of Education, Exton Park

All Together Fairer is Cheshire and Merseyside’s collaborative approach to improving health equity and the social determinants of health in the subregion.

The Programme brings together public, private and third sector organisations with one shared aim: to build a fairer, healthier Cheshire and Merseyside.  
This year’s Haygarth lecture describes the All Together Fairer Programme and explores what that looks like for us locally in Cheshire West and Chester.  

Haygarth celebrates the legacy of 18th Century physician, Dr John Haygarth, who pioneered disease control measures. Described as 'Clinical Investigator - Apostle of Sanitation', he helped stem a smallpox epidemic threatening the city's population in the late 1700s whilst practising Medicine at Chester Royal Infirmary. 

Tea and coffee will be served beforehand and a complimentary drink will be available afterwards.

Book your place here

Victor Aston has this year been announced as the 253rd Certified Global Tech Hero, in The Connected Awards. The title recognises professionals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have significantly influenced their organisations and global technology.

Victor, who studied a Master’s in Computer Science at Chester, has been hailed for making an impact in his role as a Data Analyst at Oze, a US-based fintech (financial technology) company empowering small businesses across emerging markets with smart financial tools and data-driven decision-making, as well as his mentorship of others.

Now a Data Analyst with Plymouth City Council in the UK, Victor has also shared insights through his essay, AI Can Analyze the Data. It Still Needs Humans to Ask the Right Questions, and by speaking at events on the subject.

At Oze, where he worked from its offices in Nigeria, Victor has done more than build dashboards and generate reports. He has carried out deeper analysis, highlighting trends, opportunities, and risks. He also played a key role in Oze’s successful fundraising efforts backed by global partners as well as securing a finalist position for the prestigious Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech.

Read more of Victor’s story here

If you’re considering your next academic or professional step, join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening to discover your options.

We're hosting our next event in November, where you'll have the chance to explore your potential study areas and ask any questions that you may have about postgraduate study at Chester. You’re welcome to join us on:

• Wednesday 26 November
• 5.30pm - 7pm
• Exton Park, Chester

You'll get the chance to chat with academic staff and learn about postgraduate finance and accommodation. Plus, you may be eligible for our Graduate Loyalty Discount scheme, which offers a 20% discount on tuition fees for certain postgraduate Master’s courses. So why wait? 

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, change direction or enhance your career prospects, postgraduate study could be your next step.
Book your Postgraduate Event online today and visit us on campus to find out more.

Callum Hogg, who completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theology and Religious Studies in 2012, and a Master of Arts in Archaeology of Death and Memory in 2014, has most recently been working for the Department for Education. 
 
Now Callum has earned a place at the University of Law in Manchester, with support from a Gray’s Inn GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) Scholarship. The Ellice Aylmer Scholarship allows Callum to undertake the Law conversion course and means he automatically qualifies for an interview in any subsequent Bar Course Scholarship application.  
 
The scholarships were announced on the Gray’s Inn website, which added: “We know that there are serious challenges to becoming a barrister, and we are delighted to be in a position to support an exceptional group of individuals as they take the next step towards a career at the Bar.” The scholarships have also been announced in The Times newspaper. 
 
Writing on LinkedIn, Callum said: “I’m very pleased to share that I have been awarded the Ellice Aylmer GDL Scholarship by Gray’s Inn. I’m hugely grateful for the Inn’s support as I begin this next step in my journey to the Bar.” 
 
Congratulations Callum!  

• Tuesday, 25 November 2025
• 6pm - 7.15pm
• Exton Park, Chester

Emeritus Professor Peter Gaunt is one of the country’s leading experts on the history of Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War. He is the author of 16 books covering this seminal period and was for many years President of the Cromwell Association. Peter is a popular podcaster and much in demand as a public speaker across the country.

In this talk, Peter will explore how our view of Oliver Cromwell has changed over time. Once the subject for statues and plaques, today his place in streets and squares is under threat. Cromwell remains a hero to some but has become a controversial figure to others. Don’t miss this exciting talk, as Peter drills down into who exactly was Oliver Cromwell.
 

Book your place 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 an award winning University of Chester graduate landing dream conservation role.

Our news also includes the University being awarded a gold level certification for its sustainability activities, a Psychology student being shortlisted for the inaugural UK Council for International Student Affairs’ (UKCISA) inaugural WeAreInternational Awards and much more!      

Read more

Keeping active has a positive effect on your wellbeing, and both mental and physical health. You can stay active without spending money by going for a walk at lunchtime, getting off the bus one stop early or even dancing round the kitchen! Try mind/body connecting activities such as tai chi or yoga. There are also lots of free online workouts on YouTube.

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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