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Alumni stories

Discover fascinating stories from our alumni community. Read about their impact and achievements, helping to shape the world and the lives of people around them.

Campaigning for excellence not empire – For Alumni, By Alumni

Campaigning for excellence not empire – For Alumni, By Alumni

20 April 2023

Simon Blake OBE (BA 1995) has spent the last thirty years working for organisations that tackle social justice, equality and stigma. He is now spearheading a campaign to break the link between the UK Honours system and Britain’s legacy of colonialism, to make it more inclusive.

Investing in the next generation of female founders in Wales

Investing in the next generation of female founders in Wales

31 March 2023

Women Angels of Wales (WAW) is a newly launched, female-led angel investment syndicate, supported and facilitated by the Development Bank of Wales. Co-founder Jill Jones (MSc 2020, Business Studies 2019-) and fellow member Helen Molyneux (LLB 1987) told us about their plans for WAW and the inspiration behind the project.

King’s Counsel alumna returns to Cardiff to inspire next generation

King’s Counsel alumna returns to Cardiff to inspire next generation

17 March 2023

Nneka Akudolu (LLB 2001, PgDip 2002) was sworn in as a King’s Counsel in 2022, joining a select group of law practitioners appointed by the monarch. As a KC specialising in criminal law, Nneka works on the most serious cases that are dealt with in the Crown and Appellate courts, and is one of only seven Black female KCs in the UK.

What the Eisteddfod and the Welsh language mean to me – For Alumni, By Alumni

What the Eisteddfod and the Welsh language mean to me – For Alumni, By Alumni

14 March 2023

Dr Matt Jones (MA 2017) moved to Cardiff from Connecticut with a desire to immerse himself in Welsh culture and the Welsh language. During the 2018 National Eisteddfod held in Cardiff Bay, he was able to truly engage with this culture and see the language in full flow.

Meet the Researcher – Dr Huw Morgan

Meet the Researcher – Dr Huw Morgan

14 March 2023

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world with thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. Dr Huw Morgan (BSc 2012, PhD 2018) is looking at how stem cells behave around cancer cells, with the aim of developing simpler, and less invasive treatments for skin cancer.

Bursaries’ positive impact on student experience – Thomas Hill

Bursaries’ positive impact on student experience – Thomas Hill

8 March 2023

Thomas Hill (Accounting and Finance 2022-) is a recipient of the ICAEW Foundation student bursary. In this account, Thomas tells us about growing up in Rhondda, and how bursaries such as this have helped not just him, but countless other students at Cardiff University who require additional financial support.

Supporting life-changing cancer research – Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022)

Supporting life-changing cancer research – Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022)

8 March 2023

Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022) is running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October to help raise funds for the life-changing cancer research carried out at Cardiff University. As it’s her first time running a half marathon, Mollie shares her insights on getting into running as well as the amazing support she has received from family, friends and #TeamCardiff.

Lifting, talking and standing tall – For Alumni, By Alumni

Lifting, talking and standing tall – For Alumni, By Alumni

23 February 2023

Mental health professional Paul Regan (BN 2016) wanted to find a way to help men open up about their mental health. After teaming up with friend and fellow alum Charles Needham (BSc 2008), together they developed Stand Tall, a non-profit bringing free exercise and mental health seminars to their local community.

Events internship inspires future career – Rosy Turner (BSc 2021)

Events internship inspires future career – Rosy Turner (BSc 2021)

20 February 2023

In summer 2021, Rosy Turner (BSc 2021) completed a paid internship with Green Man Festival through Cardiff University’s long-running partnership programme. Rosy explains what she gained from the placement and how it’s helped her on the path to her perfect career.

Gair Rhydd – Celebrating 50 years

Gair Rhydd – Celebrating 50 years

27 October 2022

Gair Rhydd celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. From writing articles on typewriters and pinning them to layout boards for print, to publishing the paper online seamlessly, Gair Rhydd has been through many changes since its first edition on 3 October 1972.