The University of Gloucestershire highlights its brilliance and reveals exciting plans for new campus.
Held in the Hall of Fame, the exhibition took place on 15th November, with the aim of the evening being to showcase the useful opportunities that the University has to offer for students.
The exhibition included a variety of student run stands displaying coursework on interactive screens. Lending a voice to students who could talk about their courses, answer questions from Cheltenham locals and show off their work.
Stephen Marston, the University Chancellor began the proceedings with an opening speech expressing his excitement to inform a wider audience of Cheltenham representatives about the Universities current and future developments.
Noticeable interviews during the event came from two of the University’s Journalism students, Aoife Harkin and Ulani Mae and Sport Journalism student Lewis Holman. Each of them were tasked with interviewing Heads from three main sectors of the university -Health and Social Care, Business and Computer and Engineering.
Lorraine Dixon, head of Health and Social Care was first to take to the stage. She talked about the challenges and opportunities her school faced during the pandemic and gave mention to the school’s timely move to the new campus based in the old Debenhams store, Gloucester.
Pleased about the new addition, she said that the new campus is a “fantastic new opportunity, with more specialist facilities and social learning spaces for academics, practitioners and students”.
Ulani Mae spoke to Dom Page, Head of the University’s Business School. He explained that the business school is making the most of international links and are excited to expand.
Lewis Holman was last on stage and interviewed Professor Kamal Bechkoum, head of Computer and Engineering.
Lewis commented, “it was such an amazing experience, not only did I get to speak to industry professionals and grow my own contacts, but I got to meet students from all other courses as well which was fantastic!”.
An interval then took place which included a musical performance, with singing that was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
Overall, the evening concluded with a speech from Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Jackie Labbe who gave an overview of the Universities future aims, one of which was the hope to increase the universities student uptake by 31% in up coming years.
Relatively new to the role, Jackie understands there are learning curves she must take but remains passionate about drawing focus to the university’s key values and various industries.
Stephen Marston also wanted to shed some praise to the students,
“I think it was a great event and thank you for all the care and effort that went into it”.
Rennie Fritchie, an attendee, said that the event was “beautifully organised and there was a palpable sense of energy and excitement from both students and staff.”
The University hopes to maintain this positive outlook into the future, with even more development yet to come.
By Anna Preece and Aoife Harkin
