Principal ’ s Welcome
Right now , it is impossible to ignore all the negative stories that we hear in the media relating to the cost of living crisis and world events . We are living through challenging times , but our history shows us that when the going gets tough , QMU gets going !
Since our beginnings in 1875 , QMU has always responded positively in dealing with the most pressing issues that affect our society . Indeed , that has been evidenced through our work in assisting the country ’ s recovery from the pandemic . It has been heartening to see how staff , from across the University and Students ’ Union , have pulled together , in true QMU style , to support students with the cost of living . Our Thank Goodness It ’ s Thursday ( TGIT ) events , which provide free food and social opportunities , are proving to be a real boon for cash-strapped students . But with an eye on the bigger picture , TGIT is just part of QMU ’ s wider response to building a stronger community and supporting students through the current situation . On page 29 , you can read more about why Thursday ’ s are now the best night of the week for QMU students . In this edition of QMYOU , we are also sharing stories about a range of graduate careers – focusing on the roles that some of our healthcare students have moved on to since graduation . Find out more about where a career in podiatry ( p6-7 ) or nursing ( p8-9 ) can take you . The student experience encompasses much more than what individuals learn in the classroom . Often , it is the extracurricular activities that develop a student ’ s confidence and shape their future career . That ’ s why it ’ s very rewarding to see how the Student and Vice-Chancellor ' s Development Fund is allowing students to benefit from opportunities which may otherwise not be open to them . On page 23 , Ellen Clark shares her passion for sailing and tells us how the Fund has allowed her to compete in a national sailing competition . One of the main driving forces of our work at QMU is to develop graduates and staff who want to make a difference in the world around them . It is difficult not to be moved by the story of our media practice lecturer , Walid Salhab . Walid had to flee Lebanon in the 1970s when the civil war was raging . On pages 18-16 , you can find out how Walid is now taking the international film festival circuit by storm with his new animation film ‘ Sea of Hope ’, which aims to raise awareness of the plight of refugees escaping conflict . No-one could fail to be impressed by the story of Mostafa Salameh , who received an honorary degree from QMU last year . Mostafa , a graduate of QMU ’ s BA Hospitality and Tourism Management , has achieved extraordinary things in his life . Find out on pages 16-17 about his adventures as a mountaineer , charity fundraiser and motivational speaker , and his work inspiring and transforming the lives of hundreds of people . I hope you enjoy reading this issue of QMYOU and take inspiration from some of our news , initiatives , student stories and graduate interviews . If you ’ re a graduate , stay connected with QMU through our alumni office E : alumni @ qmu . ac . uk , and if you are a member of the public or are new to the University and want to connect , please talk to our Development team or email development @ qmu . ac . uk about ways you can get involved and support our work .
With very best wishes Sir Paul Grice FRSE , FAcSS
2 QMYOU / Principal ' s Welcome