Alumni Profiles

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.

"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!

“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.

"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.

"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). 

“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.

 "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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

"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.

“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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"... 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.

"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.

"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.

“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.

"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.

“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.

"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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.