Introducing… alumni cameos in our graduation film
Take a look at some of the alumni who featured in our film welcoming the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to the alumni community.
Our graduation film shown in the Principality Stadium during the recent Graduation ceremonies (what do you mean you haven’t seen it yet? Watch it now) contains a number of cameos from members of our alumni community, as well as staff and students.
We thought we’d focus in on a couple of the interesting stories behind the stars of the big screens.
Liz Clements (BA 2017)
BBC Wales News journalist and Cardiff graduate Liz Clements took the starring role in our graduation film, as our narrator.
Liz helped bring our film to life, seamlessly blending English and Welsh together in our specially commissioned script.
Liz came along to the Class of 2022 Graduation ceremony to see the film on the big screen, and the reaction of graduates, and their families in the stands.
Liz told us: “It was a real trip down memory lane, and I felt so nostalgic and fond looking back at life at Uni through this beautifully written poem. It was both a pleasure and a privilege to be involved.”
Dr Numair Masud (PhD 2021)
Senior Research Technician Numair came to Cardiff to study for his PhD in Biosciences and was just one of the graduates featured in the film, celebrating a key moment of achievement as it appeared on the big screen.
As well as his work as a scientist, Numair is also an LGBTQ+ activist, and alongside Vishal Gaikwad, helps run the activist group Glitter Cymru after noticing a lack of spaces for LGBTQ+ ethnic minorities.
Whilst studying for his PhD, Numair successfully claimed asylum, unable to return to his home country of Pakistan for fear of persecution because of his sexuality.
Jane Goodfellow (BScEcon 1991)
After graduating in 1991, Jane went on to do an MSc before returning to Cardiff to work in the university’s Careers Service.
Now, nearly 20 years later, as Head of Student Futures, Jane oversees the university’s Student Futures service, supporting the next generation of Cardiff alumni as they prepare for the world of work and life after university.
Sanjiv Vedi (BSc 1984)
After graduating from Law and Politics in 1984, Sanjiv has held a number of high-profile roles in Welsh Government.
He joined our film to represent our alumni from (believe it or not!) 40 years ago and is part of the planning committee for a 1980s alumni reunion in September.
Cardiff University alumni (including UWIST, UCC, and University of Wales College of Medicine) who started or completed their studies between 1980-1989 are invited to turn back the clock for the “80s Re-Fresher Night” on 10 September.
Ali Shaheed (BSc 2022)
From our most senior, to the newest graduate in our film. Ali recently finished his BSc in Accounting and Finance after coming to study in Wales from Pakistan.
Ahead of his actual graduation day, Ali had a practice run at gowning-up, as he took part in our filming.
Ali has been an enthusiastic student throughout his time at Cardiff, joining the university’s Welcome Team to greet new students, the same day as he arrived in the city!
Huw Edwards (BA 1993, Hon 2005)
Huw Edwards is a well-known BBC news anchor and graduated from Cardiff University in 1993 with a degree in French and Italian.
He was recognised with an Honorary Fellowship in 2005 and is a long-term supporter of the university.
Huw was the Graduation speaker for the Class of 2021 at their ceremony in the Principality Stadium, having previously shared his congratulations and advice for the future with them, at their virtual ceremonies last year.
Vaughan Gething (LLB 2001)
Vaughan Gething MS is the Minister for the Economy, and was formerly Minister for Health through much of the pandemic.
He was the first black President of the NUS Wales and the youngest President of the Wales Trade Union Congress.
L E M F R E C K
Lemarl Freckleton (PgCert 2016) – otherwise known as L E M F R E C K – is a Welsh artist and producer hailing from Newport.
Since graduating in 2016 he has gone on to become one of the premiere rap artists in the Welsh music scene, regularly getting plays on platforms such as BBC Radio 1Xtra.
He is also creative director for Noctown Collective, a creative platform encompassing music, journalism, fashion, and film.
Jessica Oliver (BSc 2014) and Charlotte Harris (BA 2013): Team Wild Waves
Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris make up Team ‘Wild Waves’, a duo who set a new world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in 2022.
Despite having no previous rowing experience, Jess and Charlotte became the fastest female pair to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a feat which took them 45 days, 7 hours, and 25 minutes.
The pair met at Cardiff University 10 years ago when Jess, who studied Biomedical Sciences, and Charlotte, who studied History, both joined the Hockey Club.
Richard Browning (BSc 2001)
Richard Browning is the founder and chief test pilot at Gravity Industries, the company that designs and builds his unique invention, the Daedalus Flight Pack.
Browning – a graduate in Exploration Geology – went on to invent the “jet suit” which was seen by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2018.
Support our newest graduates
Our graduation film celebrated the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, welcoming them to the Cardiff alumni community.
You can do your bit to support our newest graduates by joining our alumni networking platform Cardiff Connected. It’s quick to register and easy to set your profile to show you’re willing to help with answering questions, making introductions, offering internships or mentoring.