Keep in touch www.lancaster.ac.uk/alumni 1 In many ways, the last twelve months have been a period of catch up, a theme that will continue through the summer as we welcome back graduands whose ceremonies were cancelled in 2020 and 2021. Our extended graduation programme will see over 7,000 people cross the stage to receive their degrees; a reminder of just how significant a rites of passage occasion this is. The feedback we got after last December’s first in-person ceremonies for two years was highly encouraging, and in some cases deeply moving. It was clear that everyone had missed the direct contact involved, the chance to celebrate success with friends and family. Delivered, with great care, at the height of the omicron outbreak, the winter ceremonies were also a testament to the hard work and commitment of many colleagues across the institution; a quality that has been evident time and again throughout the Age of Covid. We have also been catching up in other ways. The delayed results of the Research Excellence Framework – REF2021 – which measures the quality and impact of UK university research, were announced in May, with our departments performing well and the overall value and significance of Lancaster’s work receiving welcome recognition. The University also played an important role in helping to attract the National Cyber Force to Lancashire, a move that could have profound economic benefits for the region. The playing fields of Roses were in action once again with another home triumph after the competition’s two year sojourn. It was a fabulous occasion that showed off Lancaster and its students at their best, although whether or not this Vice-Chancellor’s prowess at penaltytaking added anything to proceedings I will leave for others to judge (if you’re wondering, though: yes, I scored). On a more sombre note, global crises continue to come thick and fast, not least the chaotic withdrawal of the United States and its allies from Afghanistan last August. On Page 9 you can read how a Lancaster connection saved the day for one alumnus caught up in the turbulence of Kabul. Events closer to home in Eastern Europe have shown the fragility of civilisation and the need for universities like Lancaster to work hard in the cause of fairness, justice and academic freedom. Last year, I expressed my eagerness to see alumni in person, and not just online. It was a great pleasure, then, to attend my first London reunion in May. The warmth and enthusiasm of everyone present, their commitment to the University and to our alumni network was humbling to witness. I look forward to meeting even more of you in person over the coming year. Professor Andy Schofield Vice-Chancellor Lancaster University Welcome Contents Last year, I finished my inaugural introduction to Steps Magazine by saying how much I was looking forward to a return of normal service. In welcoming you to the 2022 edition, I’m delighted – and relieved – therefore, to be able to report on a Lancaster year much closer in character to those which preceded the pandemic. 03 The Buzz of Live Sport Amy Scarisbrick tells of her move from Bailrigg FM to BBC Radio 5 Live Alumni in Print 05 A round up of books published by Lancaster alumni The Big Day 06 Your wedding celebrations over the past twelve months
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