Principal’s Introduction
White
Nights
An extravagant array of costumes
evocative of the style worn by the
Russian nobility during the reign of
Catherine the Great (1729 – 1796).
These beautifully detailed costumes
were created by level 1, 2 and 3
Costume Design and Construction
students in 2012 and showcased at
The Albert Roux Dinner at QMU.
(see page 8)
I am delighted to be able to introduce our new look magazine, QMYOU.
I am confident that this refreshed, modern look will help to convey a
sense of what our University is all about - being distinctive, through
providing socially and economically relevant teaching and research,
which is responsive to the needs of society, and ultimately improves
quality of life.
This issue of QMYOU offers a great insight into our work in the area of
sustainable business. Our new East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism
Academy (pages 16-17) helps to show how we are working to improve
Scotland’s hospitality and tourism industry, a key economic priority area
for the Scottish Government. This partnership project is also a good
example of how education institutions can work together, and with other
business partners, to create excellent learning and training opportunities
for young people – an important step forward in our current economic
climate. Our drive to be responsive to the changing needs of society can
also be seen with the introduction of our condensed three year honours
business degree, which we believe will be attractive to Scottish students
who wish to graduate faster, and those from outside Scotland who wish
to reduce their spend on tuition fees.
Over the last few months, QMU has been involved in a number of
wonderful events. Most recently, both FEAST 2012,
our joint student-led food festival with Jewel & Esk
College, and our Albert Roux Dinner, have helped
confirm the University’s commitment to Scotland’s
food and drink industry. Both events have been
supported by some of Scotland’s finest chefs, have
showcased the very best of Scotland’s produce
and have provided outstanding hands-on learning
opportunities for our students.
We have also been celebrating the talents of our
media graduates and staff. Our graduate, Agata
Jagodzinska’s short film won a BAFTA – an
outstanding achievement, and Walid Salhab, a
media lecturer, has had his short film shown at the
Artisan Festival at Cannes.
We love hearing about our graduate
successes and, if you are a QMU
graduate, we invite you to keep in
touch with our Development and
Alumni Office. Tell us your news,
share ideas and contacts, let us
know how we can assist with your
business needs and, above all –
stay connected.
Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA
Principal & Vice Chancellor
Queen Margaret University,
Edinburgh
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QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction