What have you been up to since you graduated? Have you got an exciting career you want to shout about? Have you made some proud personal achievements? Maybe you got married and had children with your partner you met whilst studying? Are you still best mates with your classmates and have fond memories of student days? We want to hear about it all. Share your story here.
Emma Rogers, Social Work, class of 2014, Fusehill Street campus
“My family originate from Barrow in Furness so I would spend a week at Christmas and the summer holidays with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I've always loved Cumbria and have many happy childhood memories here. So when looking for a university, I knew I wanted it to be somewhere I could see myself living after graduating.
One of the reasons I also chose Cumbria was because the course at the time offered an international placement in the second year which I went on. In 2013 I studied in South Africa for four months which was an eye-opening experience.
I then returned to UoC in 2018 to study for my MA in Applied Social Science. I enjoyed my time so much the first time I decided to come back.
I remember all of my tutors but especially Kirsteen Laidlow and Carol Travers. During my second year I had a difficult placement and both of them looked after me so well. I owe my entire social work career to these amazing women. When I returned to study for my MA, I was very well supported by Ged Mcelhorne who was nicknamed "Gedders". He was my dissertation lecturer and helped me get a job a HMP Haverigg following the Learning Together module.
One of my fondest memories of student days was the car journeys to HMP Haverigg with two fellow students and Gedders. We had the most random conversations during those car rides which always make me laugh when I remember them.
I am now a social worker for Dumfries and Galloway Council in the Learning Disability Team. I love making a practical difference in people's lives, knowing you have made their life just that little bit easier for them. Whether it's getting them respite, financial support, housing, care package etc.
I've met some wonderful people through my time at uni. In my third year one of my friends passed away aged 33 and in his memory I raised £1400 for Samaritans in his honour by walking The Great Wall of China.
When I was working in the Kinship Care Team, I nominated some Kinship Carers for the prestigious Kinship Carer of the Year awards via The Fostering Network which they won in 2023, I’m really proud of this. I am also proud of the support packages I got my service users while working at CDA and in the Older Adults Team.
My third placement (while studying for my BA in Social Work) was with Cumbria Deaf Association. During this placement I learned British Sign Language and in March 2023 I qualified as a British Sign Language Interpreter.
I'm dyslexic so always struggled academically so I am immensely proud that I achieved both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree via the University of Cumbria.
In the future I would like to gain my PHD in Social Work.”
Charles Hodgson, Theology, class of 1974, St Martin’s College Lancaster campus
“I studied at St Martin’s because I was a student with the Society of the Sacred mission, who wanted members to have teacher training. SSM monks were chaplains at the College.
I remember Mr Gedge, he was a wonderful tutor along with Humphrey Prideaux. I stayed in touch with my friends; Chris Breese, Isobel Chen, Janet Miller and Rob Hyde.
In my spare time as a student I enjoyed music, and I was the elected Student Governor in my last year
I remember at our leaving Dr Hugh Pollard, the College Principal, made humorous comments about us as students, some were rather sharp observations and reflected his cutting wit.
My fondest memory of my time as a student was a concert with Elisabeth Söderström, a well-known Swedish Soprano. It was held in the Willie Tom Hall and I sat with Princess Margaretha of Sweden as I was one of the Governors.
I retired in 2012 but prior to this I was the Adviser for Sheffield Diocese then later CEO of Choices Advocacy. My role was the chief officer of the charity that provided independent advocacy for people with severe learning disabilities.”
Elsie-Marie Raith, International Business Management, class of 2019, Lancaster campus
“My tutors Sandy Murray and David Murphy helped me massively during my studies at University of Cumbria. Maria Mouratidou was also very supportive and always made sure I had everything I needed for the assignments.
I’m now Group Lead Buyer (Filtration Category) at JCB. I work closely with suppliers and other areas of the business to define a clear strategy for the category. My day-to-day tasks include attending engineering meetings, managing changes alongside the quality department, and liaising with suppliers to ensure we have good supply of product at the right price. Filtration is an important part of a diesel engine and it’s imperative that JCB can provide high quality engines in their machinery.
I get to travel to some amazing places with my job, meeting people from all walks of life and experiencing different cultures. I also get to work with some extremely impressive OEMs who inspire hard work within their teams, which in turn has a positive effect on myself as the customer.
University changed my life massively. I travelled to and from university from my home town daily, so I had a very different university life than most. It was quiet but enabled me to focus on my job whilst studying alongside.
Historically, only 6% of care leavers have gone to university, many not completing it. I’m so proud to say that I came from a disadvantaged background, fought my way through university and today I have an incredible job within a globally recognised brand.
In the future I’d like to carry on learning more about my category as well as other areas within JCB, and eventually making my way up through senior buyer, and to purchasing manager. The end goal would be to be to become a purchasing/category director.”