Last month, the Alumni Team welcomed graduates spanning more than six decades back to the University of Chester for the 2026 Alumni Reunion Weekend, marking the event's return after a one-year break. The weekend offered Alumni the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, revisit familiar places and celebrate the lasting impact the University has had on their lives. 

Friday's programme featured a range of activities organised by the Alumni Team, including an Archives exhibition showcasing historic objects and memorabilia from the University's past. Alumni also heard from Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons, who shared insights into the University's current achievements and future ambitions, before enjoying a variety of social activities throughout the weekend, providing opportunities to reconnect with old friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

Photographs from the Friday programme will be available in the coming weeks. The Alumni Team will share details through future Alumni newsletters and on our social media channels once they are available. 

Find out more about Alumni Reunion Weekend 

One of the many benefits available to our Alumni community at the University of Chester is free External Borrower Membership at any of our on-site libraries. This allows you to borrow up to four physical items at a time. 

As part of the University's new visitor policy, Alumni wishing to access any University library should first sign in with the Reception Team based at that site. For visits to Seaborne Library at Exton Park, please sign in at the Reception Desk in the Binks Building. You will then receive a visitor badge and lanyard, allowing access through the library security gates. Please note that your existing Alumni library card will still be required to borrow books. 

At the end of your visit, please return your visitor badge and lanyard and sign out with the Reception Team before leaving the site. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Alumni Team at alumni@chester.ac.uk. We'd be happy to help.

The University of Chester's Career Mentoring Programme pairs students and recent graduates with professionals to help mentees develop their career confidence, expand their professional networks and gain valuable insight to support their career goals. 

How does the Programme work? 

As a Career Mentor, you'll be matched with a student or recent graduate and provide support and guidance over a three-month period. Mentoring can take place either remotely or in person, and you'll be supported by the University's Mentoring Team throughout. 

Alumni with at least three years' graduate-level experience, whether as an employee, entrepreneur, freelancer or self-employed professional, are encouraged to apply. 

Benefits of becoming a Career Mentor include: 

• Sharing your knowledge and professional experience 
• Supporting a student at a key stage in their career journey 
• Gaining valuable mentoring experience 
• Learning from your mentee through knowledge exchange 
• Giving back to the University community 

Interested in becoming a Career Mentor? 

Please complete the application form or visit the Career Mentor webpage for more information. 

If you have any questions, please contact the team at careermentoring@chester.ac.uk.

The University was saddened to learn of the death of Dame Esther Rantzen DBE. 

Dame Esther received an honorary doctorate from the University in November 2014 at Chester Cathedral, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British media and her charity work through Childline and The Silver Line. 

The thoughts of everyone at the University are with Dame Esther's family and loved ones at this difficult time.

The University Archive received two donations from Alumni during the Reunion Weekend, both of which provide a glimpse into student life in the 1970s. 

Sara Geddes Salvidge (Class of 1976) donated a collection of items from her time studying Drama, including coursework, costumes from a student production and her school practice handbook. Also included was a photograph listing the events from her Freshers' Week in 1973 (left-hand image). 

Gail Abrams, an American exchange student from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, also donated memorabilia from her time at the College. Delivered by Sue Carmichael, the collection included a College Carnival programme and a booklet highlighting new courses available at the time (right-hand image).

We’re pleased to announce that a range of subjects at the University of Chester have been placed in the UK’s top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2027, while the institution has climbed the overall rankings and made the top 20% in the Value Added category (this score compares students’ degrees results with their entry qualifications, to show how effectively they are taught). 

Subjects from across a range of disciplines were recognised in the rankings, with Geography and Social Work both placed in the top 10 nationally. Several subjects were also ranked among the best in the North West. 

The University is now ranked 61st in the UK, rising from 70th place last year. This continued improvement reflects the University's commitment to delivering an excellent student experience, high-quality teaching and strong graduate outcomes.

Find out more about the University's rise in the rankings

A new independent report has revealed that the University of Chester generated an estimated £893 million for the UK economy in a single academic year. 

The Socio-Economic Impact of the University of Chester report found that the University's total contribution amounted to £893 million in Gross Value Added (GVA), taking into account both its current economic impact and the long-term contribution of its graduates. 

The analysis also found that for every £1 spent by the University, £6.30 of economic value was generated. Overall, the University's economic impact has increased by 10% since the previous assessment two years ago.

Find out more about the University's economic impact

Alumnus Reza Razm, who spent long days developing his IT skills in the University library, is now helping businesses grow online through his own digital support company. 

While studying Cybersecurity at Chester, Reza explored areas including cybersecurity, automation, e-commerce and artificial intelligence, laying the foundations for his future business. After graduating with First Class Honours in 2024, he launched Hand On Web, a Chester-based company that helps organisations use AI, automation, cybersecurity and digital technologies to solve practical challenges and support business growth. 

Now based at the University's Riverside Innovation Centre, Reza is passionate about supporting local businesses. Since launching, Hand On Web has worked with more than 10 organisations, most of which are based in Chester and the surrounding area.

Find out more about Reza’s story

• Wednesday 14th October 2026 
• 7pm – 8.15pm 
• Online 

Join us for a virtual introduction to our MA Clinical Counselling course. Discover how the programme combines counselling and psychological theory with practical skills development and personal growth, helping prepare students for professional practice.  

You'll also have the opportunity to meet the course team and have your questions answered during a live Q&A session.  

Book your place

• Thursday 15th October 2026 
• 6.30pm – 8pm 
• Exton Park, Chester or online 
• FREE

Join the University this October for the inaugural lecture of Professor Padam Simkhada, who will reflect on a remarkable journey from a village in Nepal to becoming an internationally recognised researcher and university leader. 

Drawing on his experiences in education, research and international collaboration, Professor Simkhada, Dean of Global Impact and Research, will explore how universities can help address some of society's most pressing challenges and create positive social change. 

The lecture is free to attend and will be available both in person and online.

Book your place

• Thursday 5th November 2026 
• 4pm – 5pm 
• School of Education 016, Exton Park, Chester  
• FREE

Heads of department, year leaders and SENCOs are facing increasing pressures, with many school leaders reporting high levels of burnout. This public engagement lecture will explore why middle leadership has become one of the most challenging roles in education and what can be done to address the issue. 

Drawing on the latest research, the session will examine the key factors contributing to burnout among middle leaders and consider how schools can better support those working in these roles. The lecture will conclude with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

Book your place

• Saturday 14th November 2026 
• 2pm – 4pm 
• Chester locations 

Thinking about returning to Chester for postgraduate study? Join us at our Postgraduate Open Day to explore your options, meet academic staff and discover how a postgraduate qualification could support your career ambitions.

Book your place

Each month the University shares a wide range of news updates which you can follow on the website’s ‘News Page’.  

This month’s highlights include:

• University of Chester Business School students earn awards for excellence 

• University of Chester Press celebrates 25 years of publishing success 

• Psychology team ready to analyse twists and turns of Celebrity Traitors in new podcast series 

• Academic ‘incredibly honoured’ to win Chester Zoo conservation education award 

• Visiting Professor elected President Elect of British Geriatrics Society 

…and plenty more stories from across our University community.

Carving a pumpkin for spooky season? October is the best time to cook with fresh pumpkins. You can make several dishes using every part of the plant - some of which can be batch cooked. Options for a delicious pumpkin-based meal or snack include curries, hummus, soup, cake and tagine.

Alumni Relations Office

E: alumni@chester.ac.uk
W: www.chester.ac.uk/alumni

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