Alumni Profiles

MEET OUR ALUMNI

Image of Ellinor Shore smiling

Ellinor Shore

"Bangor University opened a world of opportunities for me"

Ellinor Shore (Biomedical Science, 2020) pursued her science career after gaining her BSc in Bangor.

Headshot of Maria-Sosanna Vasileiou

Maria-Sosanna Vasileiou

"I was so lucky and blessed to be part of a vibrant academic community"

Maria-Sosanna Vasileiou (Applied Linguistics for TEFL MA, 2021) is enjoying her dream job teaching English to young children in Greece.

Alan Crofts

Alan Crofts

Alumnus Dr Alan Crofts, a Biochemistry undergraduate at Bangor, went onto seek adventure after leaving the University in 1990.

A group fo student nurses talking

Alumni in the NHS

On the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service, our School of Medical and Health Sciences celebrate our alumni and the NHS.

Image of Lauren Evans smiling

Lauren Evans

"I am grateful for the experiences and life-long friends I gained while at Bangor University"

Lauren Evans (Philosophy and Religion, 2017) immersed herself in student life at Bangor.

Prof. Julian Evans and his son in woodland

Prof. Julian Evans OBE

"Probably few alumni can claim still to be working on their PhD research topic 50 years after gaining the degree"

From Bangor to Swaziland, Prof. Julian Evans (Forestry, 1968, Forestry PhD, 1972 and Forestry DSc, 1988) tells us about his 50 years’ research in Forestry.

Headshot of Adrian Lee

Adrian Lee

"If any mature students are considering returning to university then Bangor University is the place to be, as they say it’s never too late to learn"

Despite being in his 60s, Adrian came to Bangor to study his MA and fully immersed himself in student life.

Lilian Balatsou

Lilian Balatsou

"I will always cherish my time and experiences at Bangor University"

Evangelina (Lilian) Balatsou won the British Council's StudyUK Alumni Award in Greece for Social Action in March 2023.

Black and white image of Zoe Perrenoud

Zoe Perrenoud

 "I wanted to give myself the best possible shot at becoming a writer, and Bangor seemed like a good place to start."

Zoe's decision to stay in Bangor to study her MA at the University set her on the path to becoming a published author.

Headshot of James Donaldson

James Donaldson

"I wanted to be a better therapist is all; but I think the Masters helped shape a broader person and, for that, I will be eternally grateful."

Following his MSc in Counselling at Bangor University, James Donaldson took part in the BBC's 'Reunion Hotel'. 

Image of Alumni Clive Donovan

Clive Donovan

I think pretty well all my tutors and professors were eccentric in their own way!

Poet Clive Donovan (Arts, 1969) shares his memories of his time as a student in Bangor in the late 1960s.

An image of Christian walking on a costal path

Christian M

"Going back to university wasn't an easy choice, but coming to Bangor was definitely the right one."

The Covid pandemic inspired Christian M (PGCE in Physics with Outdoor Education, 2022) to change his career path and he's not looking back!

Alumni Profile John Porter

Alumni Profiles Professor Dr John Porter

"Bangor changed my life and put it onto a path that meant I was paid for working on my hobby."

Alumnus and Bangor University Honorary Fellow, Prof. Dr John Porter (Agricultural Botany 1976 and Plant Biology PhD 1981) has had a successful career in crop ecology and physiology, biological modelling and agricultural ecology.

Image of Alumni Tasmin Lofthouse

Tasmin Lofthouse

“Bangor University helped shape my entrepreneurial spirit” 

Tasmin Lofthouse (Psychology, 2014) set up her own marketing agency after discovering her passion for Consumer Psychology at Bangor.

Image of Alumni James Otai

James Otai

"The journey to study at Bangor University was a thrilling one"

James Otai (MSc. Environmental and Business Management, 2020) chose Bangor to further his education to help him develop his social enterprise work in Uganda.

Jacquie Bloese author photo by Emma Croman.jpg

Jacquie Bloese

"As an undergraduate, I must confess I spent more time talking about writing than actually doing it!"

A love of creative writing and career in teaching and publishing has led to a two-book deal for Jacquie Bloese (English Literature and French, 1993). 

Michelle Daniel and company staff

Michelle Daniel

“Bangor provided lots of opportunities for me” 

After spotting a gap in the market for online luxury gifts, Michelle Daniel (French & Business Studies, 2009) went on to co-found of an online gifting company.

Ryan Eddows with a dog

Alumni Profiles Ryan Eddowes

“I’m celebrating 10 years of working with animals after being told by medical experts that a life with animals would not be possible”

Alumnus Ryan Eddowes is raising awareness of clubfoot and Save the Rhino through a fundraising challenge on the Jurassic Coast.

Image of Tom Hindle Author

Tom Hindle

 "I’d often tinker with the script in my room on Ffriddoedd Site"

From Main Arts to Penguin Random House: How Bangor made Tom Hindle (English, 2014) an author.

Pete Atkinson

Pete Atkinson

“I learned to dive in winter, in a home-made wetsuit..."

From Bangor to Phuket, Pete Atkinson's (Zoology with Marine Zoology, 1978) photographic career has taken him around the world.

Jamie Smith cropped

Jamie Smith

“My time at Bangor University gave me such enormous confidence, independence and a belief in my abilities” 

A degree in History with Journalism (2006) at Bangor led Jamie Smith to fulfil his lifelong dream of writing and publishing a novel.

Image of Gareth Newman
Credit:© Benjamin Ealovega

Gareth Newman

"Bangor University played a significant part in shaping my future career, many years before I became a student there."
 
Alumnus Gareth Newman (Music, 1977) has gone on from Bangor to become one of the leading bassoon virtuosos in the UK.
 
Chloe Roberts

Chloe Roberts

“My nursing placement in Pokhara helped me become a better Nurse and helped prepare me for working through the COVID-19 pandemic” 

As part of her degree in Nursing, Chloe Roberts (Nursing, 2020) did an overseas placement in Pokhara, Nepal.

Profile photo Chris Dennis

Chris Dennis

"I still look fondly at my times studying in the fens of Anglesey and the bogs of Snowdonia"

Bangor provided the perfect environment for Chris Dennis (Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology, 2011) to pursue his interest in nature.

David Scarisbrick

David Scarisbrick

“My first date with my wife Chris was in the cafe at the end of Bangor Pier!” 

Studying Agricultural Botany at Bangor started David Scarisbrick's (Agricultural Botany, 1965) career in the field.

Ian Gray

Ian Gray

"Bangor helped me establish a foundation for lifelong learning and learn the need for a keen work ethic"

The University's soccer club played a big part in Ian Gray's (Economics, 1973) student experience at Bangor.

Matt Ruglys

Alumni Profiles Matt Ruglys

“I had dreams of being the next Jacques Cousteau!” 

During one of his breaks from the Royal Navy,  Matt Ruglys (Zoology with Marine Zoology, 1978) worked as an underwater wildlife cameraman on programmes such as Blue Planet.

Alumni Peter Montgomery

Peter Montgomery

"The course made me feel younger than I was at the time, and I relished the challenge"

In his fifties, Peter Montgomery (Sociology with Social Policy, 2002) returned to education to study at Bangor University.

Peter Curle

Peter Curle

"I guided the team to the wooden spoon in the UW Championship!"

Pete Curle (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Soil Science, 1968) shares his sporting memories as a student.

Tony Vickers-Byrne

Tony Vickers-Byrne

"... leaving Bangor and moving to London was the most difficult decision I ever had to make and I still think about my time at university and living in Snowdonia every day." 

Forty years after leaving Bangor, Tony Vickers-Byrne (English and Drama 1981 and PGCE 1982) still feels the strong pull of North Wales.

Alumni Amelie Edwards

Amelie Edwards

"I knew Bangor was the place for me and I was not going anywhere else!"

Amelie Edwards' (Medieval and Early Modern History, 2012) time in the Bangor English Dramatic Society as a student led her on the path to writing and acting.

Pippa Joyner

Pippa Joyner

"Bangor opened up so many opportunities to me"

Pippa Joyner (French, 1996) has become a published author with stories inspired by her time in Bangor.

Graeme Patterson

Graeme Patterson

“I am ever grateful to the University and the City for my experience and the knowledge that I use to this day”

Graeme Patterson (Botany with Marine Botany, 1978) shares his memories of student life in the 1970s.

Gaz Williams

Gaz Thomas

"I set up my business in my spare time whilst studying at Bangor"

Gaz Thomas (MEng Electronic Engineering, 2004) took advantage of Bangor University's support to set up his business during his postgraduate studies.

Sara Rawoot

Sara Rawoot

“My 4 years at Bangor were the best 4 years of my educational life”

Sara Rawoot (Psychology with Neuropsychology, 2019) is closer to fulfilling her dreams after completing her degree at Bangor University.

Graham Newman

Graham Newman

"My 3 years there were the making of me, and the experience moulded me into the person I am now"

Graham Newman (Mathematics, 1976) shares his memories of his time at University.

Susie Thompson

Susie Thompson

Bangor Alumna's Psychology Degree takes her to Facebook HQ

You’ll find Bangor graduates working at every major company across the globe. Facebook, the world’s largest social media company, is home to Susie Thompson, a 2004 Psychology graduate who has found her dream job in California.

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

Prof. Vanstone, Zahra Al Shamma and Prof. Edwards in Bahrain

Alumni Profiles Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year 2022

Congratulations to Zahra Al Shamma (Banking and Finance, 2013) who was announced as the 2022 Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year at a reunion of Bangor graduates in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 8 November 2022.

Frankie Hoboro

Frankie Hoboro

Alumnus of the Year 2019

Frankie Hobro (Marine Environmental Protection MSc, 2002) was named Alumnus of the Year 2019 during the School of Ocean Sciences’ graduation ceremony.

Yingying Liu

Yingying Liu with Professor Andrew Edwards

China Alumnus of the Year 2019

Congratulations to Yingying Liu who has been named as Bangor University’s China Alumnus of the Year 2019. 

Gwilym Rees-Jones

Gwilym Rees-Jones

Alumnus of the Year 2018

In July 2018, Gwilym Rees-Jones (Maths, 1963) was presented with Bangor University's Alumnus of the Year award. The Alumnus of the Year award highlights the achievements of our alumni, acknowledging those who have excelled in their chosen career and remain engaged with their University

Michelle Han

Michelle Han

China Alumnus of the Year 2018

Prof. Andrew Edwards, Dean of the College Arts, Humanities and Business, presented Michelle Han (MBA, 2004) with the China Alumnus of the Year 2018 award at during an alumni reunion in Shanghai.

Ray Footman

Ray Footman

Alumnus of the Year 2017

Ray Footman is Bangor University's Alumnus of the Year 2017. The Alumnus of the Year award recognises the achievements, both professional and personal, of our graduates, especially highlighting those who have chosen to remain engaged with their alma mater and give back, either through service, philanthropy, or both to the University.

Mohamed Al-Mahroos

Mohammed Al-Mahroos

Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year 2018

Mohamed Al-Mahroos (Banking and Finance, 2012) was named Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year in September 2018.

Mohamed Hasan

Mohamed Ashoor

Bangor University / BIBF Alumnus of the Year 2017

Mohamed came to Bangor University to complete his BA Hons in Business Studies and Finance in the 2010-2011 academic year and earned an upper second class degree.

Yangjing Wu

Yanjing Wu

China Alumnus of the Year 2017

The University's Main Arts Building

Because of Bangor

Do you feel that you wouldn’t be where you are today without your time at Bangor? Do you have a particular memory of a location or event at the University that has always stayed with you? Did you make friends for life, establish traditions or meet your future partner here?

Read some of our alumni stories on why Bangor University is so special to them and where they are today ‘Because of Bangor’.

Huw Edwards - Honorary Fellow

Honorary Fellows

An Honorary Fellowship is a highly prestigious award which the University bestows to distinguished individuals who have a connection with the University or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field. We are especially proud of our alumni Honorary Fellows.

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