Big drama at
North Berwick
North Berwick High School recently celebrated receiving
a big donation of theatre sound and lighting equipment
from QMU.
David Fitzgerald, a QMU drama graduate, is the school’s first
ever dedicated drama teacher. However, although the school
had a long tradition of musical theatre, they had a severe lack
of drama equipment to support David’s teaching and student
productions.
Keen to support community projects and university graduates,
David’s former drama lecturer, Scottie Anderson, came to the
rescue. With QMU having upgraded much of its lighting and
sound system equipment, Scottie was able to organise a
substantial donation of equipment which had become surplus
to requirements.
Scottie Anderson said: “As David is a former QMU drama
graduate and a fellow thespian, we are delighted to be able
to support him in his new position and pleased that his
appointment means that more school children are able to
access drama training in East Lothian.” ❒
where he has just produced the annual UK American Football event. He
also discussed his involvement with many large scale events including
the American Super Bowl, the Olympic Games opening ceremonies, the
Goodwill Games and other major events across the globe.
David Zolkwer, the Executive Producer of the Glasgow 2014
Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies, talked to
students about the management of the event which will showcase
Scotland to the world. In his first public presentation in Scotland since
taking up his appointment, David discussed his involvement in various
global events, including the Athens Olympic Games opening and closing
ceremonies in 2004, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the Beijing
Olympics in 2008 and the development of the celebration sites in London’s
Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square which were created for the wedding of
Prince William and Kate Middleton.
M
Injured
ex-serviceman,
Phil Packer
inspires a
generation
any of you may be familiar with Phil
Packer MBE, the inspirational injured ex-
serviceman who has regularly appeared
on TV over the last year. Staff and students were
surprised and delighted when Phil asked to visit
the University to talk to young people about the
challenges he faces followin g his spinal cord
injury and his passion for his charity, The British
Inspiration Trust (BRIT).
Phil kicked off the day at QMU by raising awareness
of his work with young people. A target of £15 million
is needed to build the ‘BRIT Centre for Inspiration’ for
youngsters facing adversity. Phil was then joined by
students, staff and school children on a six mile walk
around the campus grounds. With a serious spinal
cord injury, for Phil, walking eight to ten miles is the
equivalent of running a marathon.
By the time he finished his 2012 mile challenge in
December last year, Phil had walked the equivalent of
approximately 310 marathons in 330 days across the
length and breadth of the UK.
Eve Davidson, Head Girl at St David’s High School
in Dalkeith, brought a group of pupils to hear Phil’s
talk. She said: “We felt really privileged to meet Phil,
to hear about his experiences and see how, every
day, he pushes himself to overcome his limitations.
He’s a great role model for young people and it was
inspiring to see that someone, who clearly faces a
lot of physical challenges, is dedicating their time to
helping others.” ❒
Professor Joe Goldblatt, said: “We have been privileged to have had
such an incredible range of event specialists at the University. This has
provided our students with an outstanding opportunity to learn from some
of the most respected professionals in the industry. Aside from developing
a greater understanding of the event management profession, the VIP talks
help students gain career tips, develop their aspirations and think about
what they might be able to achieve on a global basis. I like to encourage
them to think big so they can realise their full potential.” ❒
QMYOU / Community Engagement
7