Some of our Alumni in the Spotlight - June 2016
Stephen Snoddy, MA Fine Art 1983 and BA Hons Fine Art 1982, Belfast
Artist Stephen Snoddy has exhibited a series of new paintings at the Roberto Polo Gallery in Brussels.
The exhibition
Looking Out consists of approximately thirty paintings in acrylic, gouache, monotype, and watercolour on paper mounted on blockboard, and is accompanied by a 96-page illustrated catalogue, featuring an essay by Richard Cork, the legendary British art historian, author, broadcaster, critic, and curator.
Stephen Snoddy was born in Belfast in 1959, and graduated from the Belfast School of Art. He now lives and works in Manchester. Despite his undeniable artistic talent, for twenty years, he has pursued a career as Director of important British museums and contemporary art centres: the BALTIC in Gateshead; Milton Keynes Gallery where he was the Founding Director; Southampton City Art Gallery; and The New Art Gallery Walsall. In 2012, inspired by the discovery of sixty-four monoprints, which he had created thirty years earlier whilst at Belfast College of Art, Stephen resumed his artistic activity.
His paintings – although mostly modest in format – nevertheless possess great breath. By using layers of paint to create pentimento, he applies delicate washes, thus avoiding impasto, and resulting in exceptionally lyrical surfaces.
Divulging a passionate and yet methodical will play on permutations of lines and geometric shapes, his paintings thus generate multiple possibilities. Alternating between vertical and horizontal compositions, the artist invites the viewer to observe the relationship between his canvases and discern the slight variations from one to the other. The paintings work as polyptychs and series, according to specific architectural structures and clearly defined colour schemes. Fascinated by architecture, Stephen Snoddy meticulously treats proportions and the disposition of pictorial elements. The finished work springs from an intelligent balance between line, shape and space.
For more on Stephen's work follow this link to his website
Source: Graduate
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Hsiao-Yu Chen, PhD Life and Health Sciences 2004, Coleraine
Hsiao-Yu Chen, returned to Taiwan to work at the University of Science and Technology after graduating. In 2011 she was promoted to Professor within the Department of Nursing and was elected Dean of College of Health, National Taichung University of Science and Technology in 2015. She says: "I would like to take the opportunity to convey my heartfelt thanks to Ulster University for providing a wonderful environment for studying and all staff who were so helpful to a foreign student. I would like to give special thanks to my supervisor Professor Jennifer Boore, who I learned a lot from and has influenced me in the rest of my professional career. She is tough and has a rigorous attitude to research! She is a role model to me.
"Moreover, I also want to say thanks to Professors Kader Parahoo, Hugh McKenna, Vivien Coates, George Kernohan, and the English Teacher Ms Anne Hagan, who all assisted me. Since I graduated from university, I have had a grant from the Minister of Science and Technology, ROC lasting for eleven years. I also won the Ministry of Science and Technology Talent Subsidy Incentives for Faculty Members and Researchers for five years (2011-2015). I have also published more than 47 papers in reputable journals. In the future, I hope to advance university education in my home country, Taiwan, in order to improve the quality of teaching and nursing care."
Source: Graduate
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Tara Cunningham, BA Hons Management 2008, Coleraine
Tara Cunningham, a mature student of Ulster University, has now gone on to open her own public relations, public affairs and events business called IslandSky. Tara was previously a PR manager in the health service, and led on the communications for commissioning Causeway Hospital. She later became Director of Communications for the NI Local Government Association, and then Head of Communications for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
I have always believed that education is important, and knowledge of one’s own interests is equally important, as you never know where your career and interests will take you”, said Tara.
She continued: “I took the opportunity to go to university and complete my degree in Business when I moved to Coleraine in 2000, just around the time I was involved in the opening of Causeway Hospital. I specialise in public relations and events, and absolutely love what I do, particularly working with so many different types of people and businesses.
“My proudest moment was when I designed a programme to recognise the borough’s involvement in the First World War, which secured a visit from HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. I organised the full visit from start to finish, which included working directly with Buckingham Palace and the security teams, plus so many wonderful people from the communities all over Ireland who attended. It was amazing to welcome the Queen to Coleraine and be the first ever to have designed and led on a visit.
“I also enabled the visit for the UK Prime Minister David Cameron to Coleraine during the Olympics as I had been very much involved in the Olympic torch route in Northern Ireland. I look forward to supporting our rowers in the next Olympics!
“Now with IslandSky, I plan to take the business across the UK and Ireland, promoting other businesses and their services. I also plan to develop my European links in Brussels as it is such a hot topic right now, particularly as so much funding is available for communities and businesses.”
Recently opening offices in Belfast and Coleraine, Tara is focused with her business development plans and continues her studies to fulfil her CPD, as a full member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in London.
For more details on IslandSky visit: www.islandsky.co.uk @Islandskypr or #islandskypr
Source: Graduate
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Paul Dennett, BA Hons International Business Studies 2004, Coleraine
Growing up in the shadow of domestic abuse and coming to terms with being gay – it’s not always been easy for Salford's new mayor.
Paul Dennett says the experiences have made him strong - and he will need to be as he starts his four-year term.
He may have become one of the region’s most powerful politicians but Salford’s new mayor has overcome extraordinary obstacles to claim this job.
As a child he witnessed his parents’ marriage disintegrate into domestic abuse and divorce. On top of his traumatic home life he struggled with an ‘inner conflict’ about his sexuality throughout his teens before becoming comfortable about being gay whilst at university. The 36-year-old says these experiences have made him strong - and he will need to be as he starts a four year stint in charge of Salford.
He and his two brothers were raised in Warrington, by a father who was a power station fitter, and their housewife and part-time cleaner mother. His father later ran The Engine pub in Prescot, Liverpool.
Councillor Dennett said: “Living in a pub as a kid I saw people that had next to nothing to live on. They would live for the pub on Friday afternoon - bringing in their wives and kids. That would be their sole enjoyment.
One of his pledges to the electorate is to be committed to equalities and fairness to all.
“I don’t think my sexuality has any bearing on my commitment to equalities. It comes from a host of different influences - my mum, my family, and church Sunday school, developed that moral compass.
“It came too from my education - I am an internationalist - I welcome diversity. Education allowed me the opportunity to not be so tough on myself, and I realised it was OK to be gay.”
But after working in a BT call centre ‘sweat shop’ he took the initiative and gained a first class honours degree in International Business at Ulster University.
He gained a master's degree in industrial relations at Manchester Business School and a Phd at Manchester Metropolitan University.
“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth,” he says. “I got to university by debt, and doing well for myself and getting a scholarship.”
While studying he worked as an HR adviser and a lecturer. Councillor Dennett lives in Albion Towers, a housing association block in Pendleton, and began his political career as an active tenants' leader. He joined the Labour Party in 2007 and after becoming a councillor for inner-city Langworthy ward he triumphed in a bitter, party-splitting contest to choose a mayoral candidate in February.
For more on the story: Manchester Evening News
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David Henderson, BSc Hons Interactive Multimedia Design 2008, Jordanstown
David Henderson Design (DHD) is set to become the exclusive design partner for LA based ‘Wonka Lab’ as they embark on a global entrepreneur support programme. DHD will provide consultancy, branding solutions, graphic design, web development and animation for 25 global start-ups this summer.
The exciting ’Dream Builder’ programme by Wonka Lab aims to create joint economic development opportunities (between the US, UK and ROI) and lead to job creation and lasting economic impact. The programme will achieve this by bringing entrepreneurs together from around the world, and giving them access to the best resources available.
Mike Murphy, CEO of Wonka Lab talked about why they chose the Kilkeel based firm to act as exclusive partner:
“As Wonka Lab’s core focus is to seek out the best talent around the world, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to work with agencies like DHD. After the first interview with DHD we immediately knew that they were the right fit. What stood out most was their attentiveness, due diligence, drive, and willingness to get creative. Upon the completion of an initial new logo and brand, the Wonka Lab team decided to approach DHD to take on our biggest project yet. Dream Builder.”
David Henderson, Managing Director of DHD spoke of his delight at winning the contract: “We are very excited to be working with Mike and the team at Wonka Lab. The fact that these guys wanted to assist start-ups and provide solutions that have a positive impact on the world around them struck a real chord with us and was something we wanted to get involved with immediately. We were delighted when Mike asked us to become their exclusive design partner."
For more information on David Henderson Design visit: www.davidhendersondesign.com
Image: From left to right: David Henderson, Creative Director, BSc Hons Interactive Multimedia Design 2008 with other graduates from Ulster University; Ryan McKinley, Junior Designer and Placement Student, Multimedia Web Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology; Paul Smith, Web Developer, BSc Hons Interactive Multimedia Design 2014 at Ulster University; Ciara Topping, Junior Graphic Designer and Placement Student in Graphic Design & Illustration at Ulster University; Melissa Henderson, Digital Marketing Manager, BSc Hons Criminology and Criminal Justice 2009 at Ulster University.
Source: Graduate
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Paul McElvaney, BSc Hons Communication Studies 1997, Jordanstown
Paul McElvaney, founder and chief executive of Derry~Londonderry-based Learning Pool, received the award for SME Director of the Year at the 2016 Institute of Director Northern Ireland First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards.
The awards, sponsored by Ulster University Business School, highlight the success of directors from across the private, third and public sectors who have been recognised for setting exceptional standards of leadership and demonstrating good corporate governance.
Each local winner now has the chance to be shortlisted for the UK Director of the Year Awards which take place in London later this year.Commenting on Mr McElvaney’s success, the judges said: “Paul clearly believes that his firm’s greatest asset is its people.
“Achieving Gold Standard accreditation for Investors in People and also being listed in the Sunday Times Best UK Companies to Work for in the same year demonstrates his commitment to his team, as does his collaborative approach and ethos of continued learning and progression.”
For more about the story: Learning Pool
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Gretta Mulrooney, BA Hons English 1973, Magee
Gretta taught, then trained as a social worker and worked in social care until she retired three years ago.
She says “I started writing for children in my thirties and had five books published with Poolbeg Press. My first published literary fiction novel Araby was with Harper Collins, followed by Marble Heart and both books gained critical acclaim. I have published three more novels and short stories and I have had work commissioned by Radio Four.”
I have always been an avid reader of psychological thrillers and crime fiction and decided, in retirement, to turn to crime. My first novel featuring private detective Tyrone Swift The Lady Vanished was published in 2015 by Joffe Books. The second in this series Blood Secrets is being published in spring 2016. I am currently planning a third novel in this series.”
For more information visit her website, grettamulrooney.com or on Amazon
Source: Graduate
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Eóin McGrath, BSc Hons Business Psychology 2012, Coleraine
Business Development Manager, Eóin McGrath, a first class honours graduate, has recently secured a position within Northern Ireland’s largest family owned Hotel Group, Hastings Hotels. Work experience during his third year of university introduced Eóin to the hospitality industry, in various sales, marketing and event roles within La Mon Hotel and Country Club. After spending just under five years in this position, Eóin stepped out of hospitality to enter the property industry. Two years in this role as residential sales and lettings valuer and negotiator at a prominent estate agency, he has returned to hospitality, to a senior management position within Hastings Hotels, as Business Development Manager at the Stormont Hotel.
Hasting's Stormont Hotel boasts an unequalled location, overlooking Belfast’s Royal Mile and gardens leading up to Stormont Parliament Buildings. The leafy suburban setting is just minutes away from Belfast city centre, bringing unique advantages that make the Stormont Hotel an ideal base for business or leisure.
“I am delighted to be working in an excellent, recognised and award winning hotel group – I am passionate about customer service, and the link between it and sales. I have the upmost confidence in assuring all clients that Stormont Hotel is a superb host venue with excellent facilities." Eóin’s role involves proactively promoting and selling every aspect of the hotel including accommodation, conference and banqueting, and other sales generation avenues, through the development and nurturing of new accounts and existing clients. The role is centralised on relationship building within the corporate sphere.
My motto is, 'people buy people', and hospitality is a people industry. Promoting myself firstly as the hotel, and the brand personified, then comes the selling. Creating first impressions, developing rapport and showing attentiveness, are key attributes to this role.
Eóin is set to begin a guest lecture in the Ulster Business School, and soon begins a volunteer position with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland.
Source: Graduate
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Natasha (nee Eames) MSc Geographic Information Systems 2003, Coleraine
Charlie McQuillan, MSc Environmental Business Administration 2003, Coleraine
Natasha and Charlie are both former graduates who met while they were studying for their degree in Geography.
Following graduation, Natasha went straight into a job working for a private company that supported the Land Registry Northern Ireland. She stayed with that company until she started her family.
Charlie and Natasha now have two children and they felt that it didn’t make sense for Natasha to return to work either financially or because in effect it would mean that she would miss out on so much of their upbringing.
So Natasha began to consider other ways to make money while being at home. She had no idea where to begin until she baked a cake for her daughter’s christening. She found that she enjoyed making cakes for family and friends, and continued until she was able to establish her business, Sugar Flower Cake Company and now specialises in wedding cakes and the business is doing well!
Charlie runs a very successful Environmental Consultancy business called Elan Environmental. For over 12 years he has been providing environmental consultancy experience in a wide range of disciplines, including: Asbestos services, energy consultancy, BREEAM, H&S services, Legionella consultancy and LEV assessments. Elan Environmental work all over Ireland and the UK and provide support and assistance to ensure that organisations can achieve, maintain and demonstrate compliance in environmental and health and safety management.
For more on their businesses visit their websites: Elan Environmental and Sugar Flower Cake Company