University of Brighton Alumni Association

Business Management to Head of Marketing

We caught up with Neil Dagger who studied Business Management with Marketing in 1985. He’s now working as Head of Marketing, Planning, Insight and Analysis at Nominet. “I can tell you that I only have happy memories of my time at Brighton. The course was excellent as were all the tutors, from the legendary Mike Barber…

Brighton graduate in contention for top photography prize

A Brighton graduate’s photography book has made the shortlist for a prestigious prize. Jacob Clayton, who graduated from the University in 2017, has been nominated for the MACK First Book Award. Jacob completed his book, E2-E4, which contains a range of work from photographic studies to recorded performance, as part of his final year BA…

Vanessa O’Shea tells us about her book on workplace culture

Vanessa O’Shea graduated in 1992 with a PG Diploma in Human Resources. Following 2 decades of working in the field of HR, she now works as a Consultant, and has just published a book/guide on how to shape a positive workplace culture. We caught up with her to ask a few questions… What have you been…

Brighton graduate hits screens in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year award

A University of Brighton alumna is to star in the prestigious Portrait Artist of the Year competition on Sky television. Sara Lavelle, who graduated with first-class honours from her illustration degree last year, will feature in the episode broadcast on the Sky Arts channel on Tuesday, February 26, 8pm. Judges Kate Bryan, Kathleen Soriano and…

Winter Graduation as told by Sam Davies – Director of PAE

At the end of March, I will leave the University of Brighton after just over a decade. There are many things I will miss – the people, the collegiality and the creativity, culminating in the amazing work inside and outside lecture theatres and labs. When you look at the Higher Education environment today, it’s a…

Snapshot from alumni photographer Simon Fazackarley

Simon tells us in his own words what he’s been up to since graduating and how his degree helped him: “I’m Simon Fazackarley; I studied Multimedia at University of Brighton around 2005. Since leaving University, I set up my own business – I’m a Wedding Photographer. I’ve photographed over 400 weddings, and my work has…

New year honours for our talented graduates!

We are very proud to say that two University of Brighton graduates were recognised in the New Year’s Honours. Andria Zafirakou, who teaches art and textiles at Alperton Community School in Brent, has been honoured with an MBE for her services to education and young people. Andria, who was awarded a degree in Fashion Textiles…

From sculpture to bagels!

Julian Engelsman was awarded a BA(Hons) in Fine Art Sculpture in 1994 and today finds himself running Joyful Foods, selling all-natural, plant-based, gluten-free energy bars under the brand Joyfuel. So where’s the link? Julian started selling bagels to help finance his studies at the University of Brighton: “You’d be surprised how my sculpture degree impacted…

Hannah is one to watch

Major fashion brands are keeping a close watch on University of Brighton graduate Hannah Croft. Hannah is fast developing a reputation as a “material futurist”, creating unusual and unique concepts including one new fabric which has crystals “growing” in it. She has exhibited in Italy’s fashion capital Milan and will be showing at the Surface…

The Gritterman’s back

A Brighton graduate and former member of indie rock band The Maccabees will see his children’s story about a man who grits roads performed on stage next month. The tale of a seasonal hero and the work he loves will be playing in theatres in London and Manchester with Fast Show comic Paul Whitehouse narrating. The…