The free event on campus showcased the University’s developments in research, student experience and contribution to the community.
Alumni also enjoyed An Audience with Joe Ainsworth, alumnus, honorary doctor and award-winning scriptwriter, best known for writing over 150 episodes of Brookside, as well as scripting for dramas including The Lakes and Holby City, with one episode winning a BAFTA.
Joe, crediting Edge Hill with giving him a positive life turn at 23, shared his pride in receiving an honorary degree from the University and encouraged listeners not to be discouraged by ageism, emphasizing the importance of taking any work opportunity that comes along.
During the Q&A with Joe, Creative Writing graduate Becky Holderness asked Joe what his tips were for staying resilient during the hard times.
Joe advised: “Don’t give up, write, write, write. Meet people, talk to them, contact them. Send your work to agents and try theatre and short plays. You’ve got to have content, always have something written ready to show.
“People fall away and give up – don’t be that person.”
Experts in their fields shared their research: Professor Lucy Bray shared the work she leads on to make going to hospital less scary for children and their parents; internationally-acclaimed psychologist, author and broadcaster Professor Geoff Beattie and behaviour change expert Dr Laura McGuire asked visitors “are you an expert lie detector?”; and Professor Ardhendu Behera and Stefan the robot showed how they can detect severe health conditions using AI.
Alumni entertained their peers with a dance performance bringing our history to life through the decades by Tenderfoot Theatre, a dance group run by former student Georgie Cunningham. Alumnus and musician Taylor Paisley-French delighted onlookers with a performance in the Hub and the Red Bar. A music bingo and retro disco, hosted by alumnus Andy Whiston, allowed our attendees to reminisce with friends.
Alumni visiting campus attended Edge Hill as far back as the 1950’s, known as our Guild members, pictured in the feature image, enjoying a dance performance from current students in the Quad.
The alumni celebration day was the finale to a series of events shining a light on students, staff, alumni, doctors and partners – the people that make Edge Hill the remarkable place it is today.
Previous highlights in the year-long calendar of events have included:
- A visit from Honorary Doctor Wally Brown CBE, notable educator and community leader, to open Ean Flanders’ photography exhibition The Descendant’s at the start of the University’s Black History Month celebrations;
- A talk from notable alumnus and Daily Mail columnist Dan Hodges to discuss politics, his career and life as son of noted Labour MP Glenda Jackson;
- ‘In conversation’ events with Honorary Doctors: Baroness Cathy Ashton, former politician and diplomat; Lady Hale, Baroness Brenda Hale, the first female president of the Supreme Court; Dame Sue Ion, expert in nuclear energy; and Professor Phil Scraton, respected Hillsborough campaigner.
The University’s unique history and how it has evolved has been brought to life, from its founding in 1885 as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women and moving to Ormskirk in 1933, through to becoming a multi-award-winning University, including Modern University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
The University campus has developed substantially since the early days in Ormskirk. In the last decade alone, it has seen more than £350m of investment on intelligently-designed study spaces, sports facilities, living quarters and simulated workplaces.
Today, the campus is changing again with a £52m redevelopment underway, which will deliver a new Life Sciences building, Students’ Union, ultra-modern accommodation, and exciting public realm space. This investment will support the introduction of more STEM degrees, including in maths, physics, and chemistry.
June 28, 2024
