Blog post

Annual Review 2017/18: Our Alumni

University is a profound experience for many people - a journey of excitement, hard work and making friends for life. For many of our students, we're much more than a place to learn; we're a home from home. Whatever path they decide to choose, we are proud of all our alumni.

Here, we share some of their successes with you.

By The Corporate Communications Team - 6 October 2018

Alumni highlights

Ed Hollands graduated with a First Class honours degree in Business Studies at the University in 2015 and now owns DrivenMedia, a company working with hauliers, advertisers and marketing agencies to use the sides of lorries as advertising space. Ed appeared on Dragons' Den in February, and secured a £30,000 investment from Dragon Jenny Campbell in exchange for a 20% share in his company.

In November, Robert Ward graduated with a Distinction from the University's very first Behaviour Change Masters programme. Now, as a result of his research, submarine manufacturing workers are using protective skin creams after his findings changed the way a global defence company approaches aspects of employee health and safety. Robert is a full-time Safety, Health and Environmental Advisor at BAE Systems, and has designed a multi-faceted approach to integrate skincare into daily life at the firm to prevent contaminants from entering the skin of workers after a day's work.

International Spa Management graduate Melanie Gullett has become the General Manager of the Gin Spa in Glasgow, the world's first botanically inspired day spa, which opened in December 2017. The spa uses botanical products, inspired by gin, in all of its treatments and serves complimentary gin cocktails to guests.

When our alumni leave Derby, we want to continue to support them as they navigate their way through the future, and help them stay connected with the University and each other.

Stay connected

Register to receive your monthly e-newsletter for the latest benefits, news, events and continuous professional opportunities.

Visit our Alumni hub.

Connect on social media:

Facebook: /DerbyAlumni
Twitter: @DerbyUniAlumni
Instagram: /derbyunialumni
LinkedIn: University of Derby

Contact us:

T: 01332 591368
E: alumni@derby.ac.uk

For further information contact the press office at pressoffice@derby.ac.uk.

About the author

The Corporate Communications Team
University Press and PR

The Corporate Communications Team manage the University's Press and PR, putting forward academics, support staff and student representatives for 'expert comment' on different topics to local and national broadcast media. The team is highly experienced in communications and journalism - locally, regionally and nationally - as well as in-house and agency public relations.

Email
pressoffice@derby.ac.uk