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Who will be Durham’s new Chancellor? – Come to Convocation and be the first to find out!
It’s the best kept secret in the University, but Bill Bryson’s successor is about to be nominated. And alumni who come to the Convocation meeting on Tuesday October 11th at 6.30pm will be the first to find out who it is. Held at One Great George Street, London, this year’s Convocation will now include a recommendation from a joint meeting of Durham University Council and Senate for the appointment of the new Chancellor. This is a once-in-a-decade event so we really do urge you to come.
 
     
  General News
 
New Dean of Queen’s Campus, Professor Jo Phoenix talks about taking up her new role, and QC being a “special jewel in the crown of the University”.
In the summer of 1995, as a second year PhD student, I attended an Economic and Social Research Council and  British Sociological Association Summer School hosted by Durham and Teesside University at what I was to later find out was Queen’s Campus. Then, there was only John Snow College and the Holliday Building. During that summer school, we took an afternoon trip to Durham City and standing on Palace Green I thought how marvellous it would be to work for Durham University. In 2007, I was appointed as Reader in Criminology in the School of Applied Social Sciences. Two years later I was given the opportunity of becoming one of the Deputy Heads of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Health with a special remit for Queen’s Campus, and in that role I have been responsible for driving many of the changes to the programmes at Queen’s Campus in order to ensure that what is offered at Queen’s Campus remains as innovative as ever. (Click on title to read more)
 
     
 
Durham graduates among most sought after in the world, according to new global league table
Durham University’s graduates cemented their reputation as being among the most sought after in the world after thousands of leading employers cast their votes in an influential global universities league table published today (Monday September 5). The University was ranked 15th globally for employer reputation in the 2011 QS World University League Rankings, up from 24th position last year. Click through from title to read more.
 
     
 
Durham students among the most satisfied in UK
Students at Durham University are among the most satisfied in the UK, according to this year's National Student Survey (NSS). Durham registered its highest ever overall rating with 90 per cent of students expressing their satisfaction with the quality of their course compared to a national average of 83 per cent. As a result, Durham has risen thirteen places to eleventh in the NSS table and eighth among full-subject universities.
 
     
 
Public debate at Durham University on the future of energy
Durham University and the New Statesman magazine are holding a special debate on the future of our energy supply tonight (Tuesday, September 6).
 
     
 
Durham University Solar Car takes on World Solar Challenge
Students will be setting off on a sun-powered adventure this autumn when the Durham University Solar Car (DUSC) takes part in the World Solar Challenge. Using nothing but solar power, the DUSC team will travel 1,864 miles (3,000km) from Darwin in the north of Australia to Adelaide in the south.
 
     
 
Durham University Merchandise End of Summer Sale
Log on to the University’s online shop www.durham.ac.uk/shop to take advantage of the Summer Sale, with up to 50% off a selected range of clothing, gifts and stationery. This offer is available online only and runs until 5pm Friday 16th September.
 
     
  Events
 
Convocation and Dunelm Society Annual Dinner - Tuesday 11 October from 6:30pm and 7:15pm, London
All alumni, Durham University retired staff and their respective guests are invited to attend Convocation and the Dunelm Society Annual Dinner at One Great George Street, London, SW11P 3AA.  Convocation is free to attend, Annual dinner tickets are priced at £75. The ticket price includes a three course meal with wine, coffee and pre-dinner drinks. Please click through from the title for more information and details of how to book.
 
     
 
Lumiere, Durham – International City of Light, 17 – 20 November
Something extraordinary is happening in Durham this November as Lumiere – the event that brought 75,000 people to the streets of Durham in 2009 - returns to the city with a second festival that will be bigger and brighter than before. For four nights only, Lumiere will transform the historic city, illuminating its buildings, streets and bridges, with a nocturnal winter festival that will amaze residents and visitors alike. (Click through for more information and further dates for Autumn)
 
     
 
Palatinate Christmas Ball, Royal Courts of Justice, London – Friday 16 December 2011, from 7:00pm until Midnight
The Palatinate Christmas Ball is the inaugural Dunelm Society signature event of the year – a glittering alumni gathering on Friday 16 December 2011 at the prestigious and beautiful Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, London. Enjoy the company of fellow alumni at this festive occasion and say farewell to our beloved Chancellor, Bill Bryson. A drinks reception at 7pm will be followed by a three course dinner at 8pm with dancing and live entertainment until Midnight. Dress code is black tie. Tickets are £100 per person. There a few tickets remaining, so please do not delay in placing your booking to avoid disappointment. Please see the following link for Useful Information on accommodation and transport near the event venue. For further details on how to book and pay online, please follow this link. Book now for Palatinate Christmas Ball.
 
     
 
Alumni get-togethers in Boston and New York - Vice-Chancellor in North America
The Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Christopher Higgins, will be in the USA this month; during his visit he will be hosting informal get-togethers in Boston and New York. Professor Higgins is looking forward to meeting with any alumni and their guests living in the area or travelling through on business who are able to stop by. Please click through from the title for event details and how to register.
 
     
 
Durham After Hours in Bristol
The Durham After Hours in Bristol will take place from 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday 21st September at the Slug and Lettuce, 26-28 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UB. The event is free to attend and a cash bar will be available. Please register your attendance here and you can see who else will be there at this link. Vicky Ridley, the Alumni Relations Officer at Durham University will be attending the event and looks forward to meeting you there.
 
     
 
Durham get-togethers in Latin America
Durham graduates and guests were invited to the inaugural Durham get-together in Argentina on Thursday 1st September 2011 from 6:00-8:00pm at Havanna, 324 Scalabrini Ortiz. The event was free to attend. The Alumni Office would like to thank James Monroe (College of St Hild & St Bede, Classics, 2003-07) for organising this event. Click through from title for details of event in Mexico on 14th September. 

 
     
 
Durham After Hours in Norwich - 20th October
The Durham autumn get-together in Norwich will take place on Thursday 20th October 2011. An area has been reserved at the Red Lion, Bishop's Bridge, Norwich to meet for drinks from 5:30pm with a view to eating at 7:30pm. The event is free to attend with drinks and food to be paid by the individual on the evening. Please register your attendance here and see who else will be attending here. For more information please email alumni.office@durham.ac.uk.
 
     
 
Durham After Hours in Hale
The recent alumni get together in Hale had a very sporty theme with Mark Chilton and Carl Hey (both cricket, until recently mark captained Lancashire) Colin Nicholson (rowing and shooting) and Peter Booth (shooting). It was an evening of much laughter with attendees coming from both the Durham and Stockton colleges. Graham Brady MP and his wife Victoria found time in their busy schedule to pop in for an hour. The American Bar in Hale provides a very convivial setting look out for further information on up-and-coming Aututmn events in the Hale and Manchester areas coming soon. The Alumni Relations Team would like to thank Peter Booth (History, Van Mildert 1980-84) for organising these alumni events. Please click through from title for future events in Hale and Manchester.
 
     
 
World Heritage Site Weekend 4th to 6th November 2011
As part of the Durham World Heritage Site celebrations this weekend (which include tours, talks, concerts, children’s activities and interactive theatre experiences), Durham University (Musicon) and Durham Cathedral are jointly hosting: Concert of Górecki: Polish Spirituals Performed by the Polish Radio Choir, and conducted byArtur Sędzielarz on Saturday 5th November 2011, 7:30pm, in Durham Cathedral. Please click through from title for more information.
 
     
 
Events Diary 2012
Please click through from the title to read more about events in your area.
 
     
 
What's on in Durham: public lectures, seminars, exhibitions, music, sport, student productions and more!
Alumni living in the Durham area or visiting Durham may like to view the University's event listings for the local area. Please see the 'What's on' guide here.
 
     
 
Stay connected
Dunelm Society is a global family, a world-wide alumni support network which transcends cultures and continents. Please keep your contact details up to date so we can stay in touch with you wherever in the world you go. We will send you Newswire, information about relevant alumni associations and events in your area, along with news and updates from the University and your fellow alumni. If you change email or postal address, please let us know alumni.office@durham.ac.uk or join our LinkedIn and Facebook groups.
Thank you.
 
     
  Alumni
 
Durham +20 - Alumni Gathering in London
Ben Thomas (University College, BA English Lit, 1988-91) had a 'vague plan' to meet up with a few friends from the 'class of 91' twenty years after leaving Durham. This has evolved into what promises to be a phenomenal event, dress-code - black and white glam, with over 130 signed up to attend. Drinks and dinner at Quaglino's SW1 to start followed by "reliving the Q-Ball experience" with either cocktails at Mahiki nightclub on Dover Street ("a favourite of the young royals" prices may be a little steeper than Q-Ball...) or for a post-dinner pint, some may prefer the Red Lion pub round the corner.
The night hints at being legendary already. (Editor's note: Quite frankly, I wish I was going!) The Alumni Relations Team would like to say a huge thank you to Ben Thomas for organising this event. Ben is Principal at Thomas's London Day Schools www.thomas-s.co.uk.
 
     
 
The Phillip Tate Golf Day – September 23rd at Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds
Phil Tate (Natural Science, Hatfield 1994-97) tragically died on March 2nd 2008 in a snowboarding accident whilst holidaying in France with family friends. Three years on family and friends have decided to organise an annual golf event in memory of Phil but also to raise money for the family’s chosen charity - the NSPCC Child’s Voice Appeal.
 
     
 
The Spitalfields Candle Company - special offer for Durham graduates
The Spitalfields Candle Company - an independent English candlemaker co-founded by Nick Rattray (St Aidan's, Economics 1985-88 - is offering all Durham Alumni 20% off its current range for a limited period, 1st September until 31st October 2011. Their handmade candles are 100% natural and poured in small batches using an eco-soya wax from a sustainable source and only the finest aromatherapy grade essential oils. To take advantage of this offer please visit the www.spitalfieldscandles.co.uk and use discount code "ALUMNI" at the checkout page when purchasing from the site.
 
     
 
Lattitude Global Volunteering, formally GAP Activity Projects, is celebrating 40 years and 40,000 volunteers in 2012
Keen to reconnect with former volunteers, Lattitude Global Volunteering has many things happening throughout their anniversary year, including an alumni event. As an international youth development charity, their mission has always been to educate and develop young people worldwide by providing inclusive opportunities for them to make a positive difference to the lives of others through a distinctive, challenging, structured and supported international volunteering experience in a culture and community different from their own. From 1972 to present day, if you volunteered with Lattitude Global Volunteering, please get in touch by contacting them at volunteer@lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914 or alternatively update your details direct at:
http://www.lattitude.org.uk/returned-volunteers.
 
     
  Academic
 
Red is the colour of success
Scientists have unlocked the hidden power that colours can have over your life - how red can make you a winner, how blue makes time speed up, and more. Dr Russell Hill, Department of Anthropology, appeared on the Horizon programme, BBC Two, to explain the amazing effects of the colour red.
 
     
 
Simple blood test at high street opticians could help to diagnose diabetes
A simple finger prick test during routine eye examinations at high street opticians could help to identify millions of people with previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The researchers suggest earlier diagnosis could set people on the road to better management of the disease, which is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population, and that this could ultimately result in cost-savings for the NHS. The Durham University study suggests that screening for the condition in unconventional settings, such as opticians, chiropodists or dentists, could find those people who would not routinely visit their GP, and could have potential worldwide.
 
     
  Sports
 
News from Sport
For more news from Sport please see www.teamdurham.com.
 
     
  College
 
News from the College of St Hild and St Bede – Reunion Event news and the New Development and Alumni Relations Sabbatical Officer
All former members of Bede and St. Hild’s Colleges & College of St. Hild & St. Bede are warmly invited to attend the College Reunion on 23rd and 24th September 2011.  Overnight accommodation can be provided on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at £25.50 per night for Bed and Breakfast, including tea-making facilities. Please note that everyone is welcome at the Friday Night Dinner. For more details about the programme and how to book, please see this link. For updates and photographs from the summer reunion please click through on title.
 
     
 
News from Hatfield College
Please click through from the title to read of news and events from Hatfield College.
 
     
 
News from Josephine Butler College – New Student Community and Development / Alumni Relations Sabbatical Officer
A new addition to the College staff team is Andy Hodgetts (a Butler alumnus) who is the new Student Community and Development/Alumni Relations Sabbatical Officer for Josephine Butler. Andy will be working with the College for 12 months and will be responsible for supporting the college’s student community development, working closely with the JCR and supporting alumni relations activity. For more information about how you can stay involved with your college, please contact Andy on andrew.hodgetts@durham.ac.uk
 
     
 
News from St Chad's College
The St Chad’s College Advent Procession 2011 will take place on Sunday 4th December, 7.30pm,  in Durham Cathedral. Organ music from 7.00pm. For more information please contact Revd Dr Ashley Wilson at ashley.wilson@durham.ac.uk.
 
     
 
News from St Mary's College
St Mary's College Annual Reunion Weekend - September is upon us, and so we would like to remind members of the forthcoming annual reunion weekend of St Mary’s College Society. We hope to welcome as many members as possible between 23rd - 25th September 2011. If you join us - and we hope you do - you will see lots of changes, not least the explosion of art in the shape of paintings and statues adorning the walls and grounds respectively, but you will also immediately feel at home in the still familiar surroundings. The food and the new, specially commissioned College wine are also highly recommended.
 
     
 
News from Trevelyan College - 45th anniversary reunion, 23-25 September
Trevelyan will be holding a Reunion Event for all alumni on 23/24/25th September here in College. Alumni are welcome to come for the whole weekend, a day, or anything in between to help Trevelyan celebrate its 45th anniversary! Saturday afternoon sees a meeting of the Trevelyan Society and on Saturday evening there will be a formal dinner. During Saturday there will be tours of College led by current students at 11:00 and 1:30. For more information, including how to book, please see Trevelyan College website, then to Reunions and Events or return the booking form found in your copy of Hippocampus by 8th September.
 
     
  Department
 
News from English Department
This is a monthly digest of Durham University and public events which may be of particular interest to those involved in English Studies in the Durham region. Departmental Events are also updated regularly on the website. Please circulate this newsletter to others who may be interested, or email alistair.brown@durham.ac.uk to be added to the mailing list. Please click through from the title for list of events.
 
     
 
News from Durham Business School
Please click through from the title to read of news and events from Durham Business School.
 
     
 
News from Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience
Tipping Points Annual Report, a new annual report from IHRR’s (Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience) Tipping Points project is available online here. The term ‘tipping point’ refers to a critical point in time when everything changes at once and has been ascribed to everything from global financial crises, to impending environmental disasters. Tipping Points, funded by The Leverhulme Trust, provides the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience with an opportunity to provide a fresh and original exploration of a term increasingly used to describe the world in which we live.  Further information about the project is available at this link.
 
     
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