From halls of residence to sports clubs and course crossovers to blind dates, so many of you have found love on Warwick campus. When we posted on Facebook asking for your love stories you didn’t disappoint, and we’re delighted to share them.

The Warwick Summer School (WSS) is a three-week experience for university students and professionals from around the world to discover (or rediscover!) the magic of Warwick, through a full academic and exciting social and cultural programme. With participants joining from more than 62 different nationalities, one of the main highlights for attendees is having the opportunity to learn and share insights with people from across the globe, as well as creating lifelong friendships with like-minded people.

Anita Chagar (BA English Literature, 2015), Samita Sall (Ba History, 2018) and Kerry Flora (BA French with Spanish, 2022) are all cousins and Warwick alumnae. We caught up with them to talk to them about their time on campus, their favourite memories from their time here and what they’re doing now.

Two Warwick alumni have scooped the win at the StudyUK Awards that celebrates UK higher education and achievements of alumni across the world.

"I'm running the London Marathon in memory of my brother (Matt), who took his own life earlier this year. He was only 29 years old. Matt had battled with his mental health for the majority of his adult life."

"Currently I work as a Senior Technical Lead for HCL attached to Deutsche Bank (DB). It’s an exciting job as my workstream deals with authentication and end user computing for DB. Since Cloud is the way of the future, I find this extremely relevant to the tech world we are living in. Everything is now being stored in the cloud or having back up in the cloud. I have also released my second volume of short stories titled Son of The Soil and Other Stories, which can be purchased from Amazon."

A chance meeting at Coventry Station led Sheena Harvey to a successful 40-year career in journalism. Those early years on the University’s newsletter created incredible memories for Sheena (BA Comparative American Studies, 1977), and paved the way for decades of writing and editing on magazines found in homes all over the UK.

In a world of uncertainty, where climate change looms large, the role of scientists becomes crucial. Whether the climate is changing or not, it is the responsibility of scientists to determine the truth. As individuals, we also have a role to play in shaping our future and making a positive impact on our lives and the lives of others.

"I work as the Department General Manager of the Special Assets Business at Beijing International Trust Company."

"My history book is published! Fighting Vichy From Horseback: British mounted cavalry in action, Syria 1941.

For those interested in military history - and in particular highly niche military history, look no further than this story of 7,800 horses and their riders in World War II."

"My book, Memorable Loss, is being released on 11 July 2023. I began it whilst writing in Prof Andrew Williams' non-fiction class, and developed it in the Memory Studies unit with Prof Alison Ribeiro de Menezes. Following encouragement from Alison, I was fortunate enough to be mentored by Prof Maureen Freely for a year, whilst I concentrated on crafting my book."

"I have been awarded the Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award for my outstanding contribution to horror fiction.

The Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious recognition in the horror genre. It is presented to individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the horror genre throughout their careers. Previous recipients include Stephen King, Christopher Lee, Peter Straub, Koji Suzuki, Robert McCammon, Ray Bradbury, and Anne Rice."

Balraj Dhingra (BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 2019) had knew sport would play a huge part of his time at Warwick. From meeting lifelong friends to lifting the 2019 Varsity Cup and becoming SU Sports Officer, his experiences helped him score his current role leading sport at UCL.

For Vera Okojie (BA Philosophy, 2020) choosing to come to study at Warwick was a decision made all the easier by our impressive alumni community.

When Jo Walker (BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2020) first met Vikram Grover (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2021) it was their mutual love of the theatre and performance that built a firm friendship. Working to establish BAME Creatives, a society dedicated to diversifying theatre at Warwick, they found themselves falling in love. Four years later they’ re still together and working in an industry that came to life through their time at Warwick.

From never running a long-distance race in his life to becoming New York’s fastest runner in his age group, David Hill (BSc Mathematics, 1978) garnered a brand-new hobby that he didn't expect to excel at. All thanks to a catch up meeting and drink with a fellow Warwick alum and friend, Piers.

"I look back on my time at university with fondness. As a blind person, I had extra challenges, but I found Warwick to be a friendly and supportive environment. There was a group of volunteers who read course material onto tape for me so it was accessible to me, and extra power points and bookshelves were put in my room, the former for the electronic equipment with synthetic speech I used to write essays on, and the latter for some braille books, which are a lot bigger and bulkier than print books. I'm grateful to the university for organising those things."

"I am delighted to announce that my debut book 'Drop the Fake Smile: the Recovering People Pleaser's Guide to Self-Love, Boundaries and Healthy Relationships' was published in September 2023 by Conscious Dreams Publishing."

"I miss the fun we had when we were students at Warwick- turning up to lectures dripping wet after water fights in the summer.

I remember Rag Week- students being followed by other students dressed as giant gnomes!"

Professor Mohammed Al-Amri (MA Art and Design Education, 1999) can look back fondly on his time at Warwick. Building on his Bachelor of Education and Postgraduate Diploma from Sultan Qaboos University and Helwan University respectively, he reflects on his highlights from his time as a Master’s student on campus.

"My 3 years in Warwick as a student were brilliant. Coming from a working class background, it is fair to say that obtaining a degree from Warwick opened up doors that otherwise would have stayed well out of reach."

Having joined as a trainee for just three months, Dr Andrew Whitehead (MA Social History, 1989; PhD History, 2013) went on to spend 35 years with BBC News. In his last role as Editor of BBC World Service News, Andrew was responsible for programming on the BBC's most widely listened to radio network with a global weekly reach of about 100 million listeners.

"I'm currently leading Service Lines, in IBM Client Innovation Center in Middle East & Africa, and located in Cairo, Egypt. I started my programme at Warwick in 2012 with graduation in July 2016."

"I experienced a very unforgettable time in Warwick and gained a lot from the experience. I currently work as Compliance Risk Control Director and Board Secretary at a PE fund Ever State Capital in Shenzhen, China."

"I recently started my own company. It's only because of my studies at WBS and the interactions I had with so many international students that I was able to make the decision to become an entrepreneur. I was lucky to have participated in groups with people coming from all over the world, who gave me new perspectives and ideas of what's possible."

"I met Sacha Wyszegrodzki (BSc Management, 2015) in his third (my first) year at Warwick and we got married 7 years later on 18th March 2022 in Brussels."

"In 2008, I suffered a traumatic brain injury after participating in a skiing trip during the Easter break. Despite the seriousness of the injury, I managed to recover my consciousness a year after the injury and started my long journey of recovery till today."

"I was in the first 3 year training course to go through Canley in the Sixties. Really loved it and moved down to London to teach for two years before marrying and moving down to Sussex. Even starting a family did not prevent me from teaching and I gradually worked up the promotion ladder to become a Primary Head in Lewes in East Sussex. After seven years in post I applied for a Primary Head position at the British School of Kuwait and worked there for four years before moving to a similar position in Fujairah in the UAE. I finished my teaching career there before retiring and returning to Sussex. I have loved every minute of my teaching!"

Ken Wharton has written 13 books in which he chronicled the troubles in Northern Ireland from 1969-98. Ken previously served in the British Army in the Royal Green Jackets regiment, serving two tours in Northern Ireland, giving him perspective and experience to produce such compelling work. His books share first-hand accounts from soldiers of all ranks. Two of his books are bestsellers and he has contributed to over 20 newspaper articles. Ken has also been interviews by the BBC and was an Associate Producer on a documentary for the History Chanel.

"After leaving Warwick in 1977 with a Mathematics BSc, I spent a year at Canley College of Education doing a PGCE in Mathematics and Physical Education, before deciding on IT as a career. Over my IT career I have held senior IT roles in leading UK & Global financial and legal organisations, and had many opportunities to represent these firms globally in many merger and industry forums."

"I am an ordinary office worker in a business development position. I spend time working, travelling, reading, doing sports, photographing and listening to songs and podcasts."

"One of my favourite memories from Warwick is related to the Easter weeks when I joined an extra-curricular activity of Warwick Business School (WBS). I spent a few weeks taking the exciting challenge at the Shard and brought in-depth insights into business. Nowadays businesses are realising the importance of their people in defining their brand, and I learned from Warwick how to brand myself. Every physical interaction, e-mail and voicemail builds my brand, and thus I consider consciously the impression I make."

"I am currently working as an Agile Coach. I had a passion for technology which fed into my career choices. This landed me in a number of great IT companies over the years."

"Being at Warwick was the best time ever! Before, I’d been a stage designer and illustrator and never dreamed, coming from a working class background, and the depths of darkest Coventry, that I’d ever be accepted into a university. I’d been told, in Sixth Form, that “girls from Secondary Modern Schools don’t go to university”, so getting that acceptance letter changed my whole life!"

"Warwick as I read years back is a centre for Excellence in Creativity and a perfect educational hub.

Being there to learn the art of ART/IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) was total ecstasy. The IVF Unit and the teaching faculty were top-level and they were kind enough to transfer the valuable knowledge to deserving students without any quid pro quo. Presently my practice of ART/IVF at Mothercare Hospital, Pune India has grown, not because of my strength, but the tips that I cultivated at Warwick. Thank you."

Alicia’s book, Communicating Through Change, is based on her personal experiences and offers lessons learned and practical exercises for coping with issues of divorce, bereavement, career change, study changes, relocation, living through a pandemic, and other shared experiences. She launched the book on January 19th 2021 and it was immediately listed as No.1 Bestseller on Amazon in the US, UK, France and India.

"I am extremely grateful for the teaching I received at Warwick. Thank you to Geraldine Hartshorne, Rina Agarwal, Sue Montgomery and Sarah Drury. I have been doing great, the course was very helpful. I have since referred doctors from India to this course."

"I am an entrepreneur, best-selling author, qualified lawyer, career coach and commercial/creative consultant.

Before university, I was a full-time musician for a number of years, but after our singer quit, I joined Warwick to study Law & Business. I really enjoyed my degree, from the social aspects and my time running societies, to the broad mix of modules that I was able to study."

"I am a graduate from many years ago – 1986. My journey has been wayward starting out with a degree in Theatre Studies with all good intentions, but then I was lured to the dark side and into the depths of taxation. First becoming an Inspector of Taxes for HM Revenue & Customs and then training as a chartered accountant with Big Four firm E&Y in London qualifying in 1992 as the first and at that time, only graduate from Theatre Studies."

John Mason (Man.Sci. 1979-82), Paul Sullivan (Physics 1979-82) and Mark Rogerson (Man.Sci. 1979-82) are University of Warwick graduates who, in their final year, collaborated and performed in a rock band along with two fellow students. The five-piece called themselves "The Interviewees” and played at a few parties in the old SU building and featured in the talent contest organised by the Events committee in March 1982. That talent/song contest did end in controversy and the Warwick Boar issue of the following week famously carried the front-page revelation of result "fixing" allegations.

It was Frisbee that drew me to Warwick. The University Frisbee Club started in 1976 and must be one of the oldest clubs in Europe. It also had the only Disc Golf course in the country, albeit with wooden posts as targets rather than the basket with chains. The course has long since disappeared as it was incrementally dismembered to make way for new buildings. My love of flying discs never waned. It's many years since I played Ultimate but I'm still in touch with players from my era and subsequent years. I worked at the University from 1987 to 2017 in various roles including implementing two financial systems.

Learn about Eloise's experience studying Physics at the University of Warwick and her life after graduation.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Warwick. I grew up in a small village in the countryside where I didn’t have the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, or other countries. Warwick has a strong international student base and I learnt a lot from meeting people from all walks of life and seeing the world outside of my sleepy Gloucestershire village!"

Philanthropist Doug Miller, who with his wife Audrey founded the Multicultural Scholars Programme here at Warwick, has created a global venture philanthropy network with more than 1,000 members and 100 team members across four continents.

Over the last 4 years after graduation from the University of Warwick in 2017, Nak has been actively volunteering his personal time apart from his full-time professional work to share his expertise and experiences through various mentorship programs and activities to support young women in Asia. Apart from being a mentor, he has a strong passion in volunteering and supporting STEM Education in Cambodia as a robotic trainer, a judge for various STEM and Robotic competitions, Chief STEM Project Supervisor. He is also a member of Southeast Asia Research Academy.

"I have not had a career. I’ve simply had a long list of fascinating projects."

At 26, Sharon Plant was the youngest independent gallery owner in the country. She went on to become an art consultant; interviewing prominent creative figures, including Yoko Ono. She helped launch and direct the New Designers exhibition and was Festival Coordinator for the inaugural London Design Festival.

She is a painter, jazz musician and novelist. She looks back at her working life and shows how a career doesn't have to follow a traditional path.

"After three wonderfully fulfilling years at Warwick, I decided not to follow my peers into the banking, insurance or accountancy fields, opting instead to teach English as a foreign language for many happy and interesting years. During this time, I developed a passion for languages, and went on to gain an MA in Applied Linguistics. I recently made my publishing debut with a light-hearted take on how smartphones and channels of communication such as Twitter and Instagram have so dramatically changed the norms of social interaction, as evidenced almost everywhere we care to look."

"My favourite memories of Warwick include One World Week where I participated in cultural dance events on stage. I remember performing three dances, which were all from different parts of India. As a British Indian this was a proud moment as I celebrated along with thousands of other students the diverse culture and background that make up Warwick University. The event represented students from across the world and celebrated the One World in which we live in today."

Neil remembers being a programme engineer on Warwick's radio station in the 1970s when it was based in ‘The Shed’ next to Rootes D Block. His job was to have everything ready for the radio presenter. On one occasion, the presenter for a pop music programme never showed up, so he had to go on instead when he had to scramble between the studio and the storage cabinet to find a new song to play before the one I had just launched was over.

"I studied at Warwick more than 20 years ago but I still keep in touch with flatmates at Claycroft. It was so impressive, enjoyable and also a hard time during my life."

"I miss the creative atmosphere of Warwick campus, that feeling that something big in going on in this place. This inner talk that pushed me inside to be as good as possible in order to be part of this ''big'' going on."

Calum is a political media writer and entrepreneur, setting up a youth-orientated media company, The Speaker, in 2018, seeking to inspire the next generation in politics. Part of his work for The Speaker, has also seen Calum and his co-director write a book, 2020 As It Happened, which was published in early 2021 and looks back at the major stories of the previous year and some of the more bizarre news stories that we might have forgotten.

"I started studying martial arts at age 65. Now, eight years later, I have black belts in eight martial arts and am a World Champion in taekwondo (sparring, forms & weapons), karate (sparring, 2017, 2018, 2019), kung fu (forms & weapons), Yang Style Tai Chi (forms & weapons), Sun Style Tai Chi (forms & weapons) and qigong (forms). My career gold medal count is 500+, hopefully with more to come."

"I am entrepreneur from Mumbai, India. I have recently switched gears in my life to become an author.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I wrote my first, fast-paced, reality-based fictional thriller called ‘Lynchpin: The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men.'"

"I think I was the first student Entertainment Secretary at Warwick. I helped to get the student discos off to a flying start with many top bands at the time, such as Cream, Pink Floyd and many others performing there."

"After graduating, I spent two years at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and then the next two years working (and resting) as a professional actor. In 1983 I started teaching English at The King's School in Worcester, staying there for my entire career until retirement in 2018. I was a housemaster for 21 of those 35 years and was involved in school sport and especially school drama, directing nearly 50 productions. I completed an MA at The Shakespeare Institute in 2012. I married Sarah in 1984 and we have two daughters, one a teacher and the other a lawyer."

"I started at Warwick in 2014, and a quick four years later, I graduated as a Master of Mathematics. While my degree was in pure and applied Mathematics, I knew that I always wanted to go into tech after I graduated. A lot of my friends were looking for jobs in finance, but I knew that wasn’t for me. I heard about an event that TPP were running at the University with a speaker that I was interested in going to see. I went along to see the speaker, make the most of the free food, and learn a bit more about TPP."

After graduation, Nat worked in the finance and legal industry. She then founded Mochy Group (STEM specialist that provides kids workshop services and designs educational toys) and OhMyClass (course finding tech platform that connects teaching providers with learners). Being nominated for AmCham Women of Influence Awards (Leading Woman in STEM), her go-to motto is 'try and fail, but never fail to try'!

"I have recently written a book on commercial banking, "Banking Matters: An essential guide to commercial banking in an age of disruption".

The book provides an overview of commercial banking and the role that banks play in the economy, and would be useful for anyone starting a career in banking, hoping to challenge incumbent banks, or providing services to banks. It briefly reached #1 for banking books on Amazon in the UK, and was #2 in terms of ratings for such books. It has been publicly endorsed (on LinkedIn) by senior bank executives as a useful resource."

"I left Warwick in 1982 and took up a career in teaching. After a couple of years in Basingstoke, I became a Head of Department in a school in Nuneaton. After six years in this job and a promotion, I was headhunted to become a senior teacher at the prestigious City Technology College in Kingshurst. During this time I was directly involved in writing sections of the then new National Curriculum."

"I am now a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong. I recently received my Faculty’s Emergency Remote Teaching Award for my work in 2019-20 - the first time this Award has been given. One thing the Panel though especially worthy of mention was a project I set up in May 2020 called Hear This! A Festival of Radio Drama on Zoom."

"Having published several novels, short stories and picture books for children, I have just published my first novel for adults, Death at Friar's Inn, in eBook! I'm hoping a paperback will follow."

"I am MBA graduate of the 1990s and at the age of 74 I completed my 300th marathon and the earned rare achievement of the UK’s 100 Marathon Club ‘Triple Crown’ award. I started my marathon adventure over 40 years ago when I set myself the goal of completing two marathons during my thirties. After a huge life change when my wife sadly passed away, I returned to running. Despite several set-backs along the way, I have run 9,192 miles during 100 road marathons, 100 trail marathons and 100 ultra-marathons."

"Absolutely irreplaceable memories from all four years at Warwick, start to finish.

Fantastic experiences with amazing people that I will treasure forever, cumulating in meeting my future wife (Rebecca Jones, PGCE 2003) in our shared accommodation whilst both training at Warwick to become teachers."

"I have recently retired from a rare career, designing the acoustics of international opera houses, concert halls and theatres.

This has traceable routes to my time at Warwick, lighting student plays in Benefactors Hall and then the (new) Warwick Arts Centre, running the disco on the roof of the Senate building during the 1975 occupation, doing a noise-related summer placement and a project on the physics of concert halls."

Mohamed is a Somali diplomat, politician and academic currently serving as the Chief Representative of the Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan. Mohamed combines considerable distinctive feats of being a professional person with extensive experience in the various fields of diplomacy, academia, policymaking programmes, and strategic governance systems.

"After a working life teaching, I have turned my attention to research and writing about the late medieval/early modern period of history. I founded a Facebook page and group called British Medieval Christian Tradition."

"I was born in South Africa, although all my education was in the UK, having attended Winchmore Hill Secondary Modern and Southgate Technical College in North London prior to a bachelor’s degree at Hull University."

"My year at Warwick gave me a fantastic boost of my research in Algebraic Topology. Moreover the teaching of Colin Rourke and of Sir Christopher Zeeman were the keystone for my way of teaching once back in Italy."

"I studied Film and Literature at Warwick from 2004-2007 and I have to say it truly was one of the best experiences in terms of setting me up for my future career. I lived at Whitefields and was the girl who took photos and videos of every night out or night in and suddenly realised I should do something with all the media and memories I was acquiring. After my very first term, over the Christmas break, I decided to edit together a short movie with all the material I had shot - just for my housemates - and everyone loved it, so I carried on doing it each term."

Saachi is a marketing communications professional with 11 years' work experience across both MNCs and start-ups in the UK and India. She started her career in London and currently leads brand marketing for the National Geographic network, part of The Walt Disney Company in India.

"My two Masters years at Warwick passed so quickly, but I have many fond memories from them and I reminisce often of my classmates, the seminars, evening drinks at Fusion, the yummy treats and hot drinks at Curiositea, and the campus in general, where I’d spend many walks around and never get bored."

"I have many memories from my too-quickly-passed years at Warwick.

I played in the 1st X1 football team, was Athletics Union Chairman and was many times 'tired and emotional' in the AU bar celebrating wins (draws and losses as well)."

"Delighted to say I am still in touch with some very valued friends I met during my first few days at Warwick. I miss Rootes Hall bar most, as that is where I spent a great deal of my time during my first two years there!"

"I am excited to announce that I have just published my third book on Astronomy in 2021."

"I started a podcast called I Can Relate with Jessica Burns, the intention is to help others feel less alone in what they are going through and to understand what it’s like to walk in the shoes of others."

With a background in Computer Science (a degree at Coventry University, PGCE teacher training at Warwick and Masters in Leading Innovation and Change at St Mary's University, Twickenham), alongside her experience working with international schools, Halima joined the Ursuline High School as Director of Digital Learning and Head of Computing, where she has continued to share her passion for technology and encouraging a diverse range of girls to study and pursue careers in computing.

After Warwick, James moved to the Big Apple to start his career on Wall Street in 2004. Eighteen years later, he is a Senior Partner at a Multi Family Office in Zurich focusing on Quantamental investing across several asset classes. James misses great Friday nights at the Students’ Union and his walks on Campus between the Business School and the Maths Institute.

"Currently employed as Managing Director at Harrisons Sarawak SB (staff strength more than 500).

When I was at Warwick, tutorial classes were weekly and comprised a lecturer with five or six students."

"Loved the chance to network with such a high standard of international learners from all professions. It gave me a deep interest in the various cultures around the world. The standard of lecturing and guest speakers was something that I learned a lot from. I'm very proud of my Warwick MBA."

"After more than 20 years of working with Multinational CPG companies, I've launched PRAXIS121, my own consulting business. I specialise in Commercial and offer solutions for Category Development, Channel Strategy and Capability Development."

"Doing a PhD at Warwick University has significantly changed my life. Finding friends from more than fifty different countries across the globe which we are still in touch was a unique opportunity that I could never achieve anywhere else in the world."

"What I really miss is the campus. I have had a wonderful time there walking around and feeding the ducks. Wandering in the nearby woods is also something I liked most; in the evening I used to attend movies and events at the theatre."

Dr Dunya Abdulla Ahmed is now Assistant Professor and Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Bahrain & Strategic Planning & Development Adviser in Supreme Council for Women.

Yemi is a Legal-Tech Intrapreneur and Future Trainee Solicitor at Clifford Chance. He founded a social enterprise called Project Access (PA) Midlands, which fights inequalities in higher education by widening access to top UK universities for untraditional students, through a tech-enabled mentorship platform. He has been identified by Google as a Top Black Talent and by UNDP as an SDG Global Talent.

"I recently participated in the migration of the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board from in-person to online, virtual operations. I miss the coffee mornings with the other students on the course."

"Warwick was where I met my wife. She was in the MBA group a year in front of me. We both went to work in South Africa shortly after finishing the course and wrote our dissertations whilst living there. I based my dissertation on the work I was doing in SA - establishing the Marketing concept of driving experiences as a way of building and promoting a brand profile."

Bank of America, Global Markets Electronic Trading

Product development across Fixed Income, FX and Equities Electronic Trading businesses, globally.

I run the new product division (right hand of the CEO) at Lonestar Industries, India's largest Metal Expansion Joint manufacturer. I am also pursuing my Doctorate in Industrial Engineering Technology at Purdue University. With my study, I hope to help contribute to the manufacturing space in India and aid small and medium enterprises in the country. During the pandemic, I was able to help aid the families of our female and male employees equally. I hope to make this EPC/ manufacturing space more inclusive and safe for all.

"Every person has to face that moment in life when certain decisions have to be made as they have vast implications. It is in this context that after much deliberation and introspection, I decided to pursue my Masters in Global Media and Communication."

"Last month, I published my first Children's book titled Durotimi the Champion written to inspire children to become whoever they choose and that all roles are available to them."

"I have published up to 10 books for different genres including my latest book, which is a memoir about my experiences following a road traffic accident at the age of 6 that broke off a large portion of my skull."

"In 1966, I joined the first group to read physics at Warwick. It was only later that I discovered why the department was a year behind in getting started. There was no Physics building and we camped out on the East Site throughout my time there. Head John Forty concentrated on solid state physics and I developed a strong interest in electron microscopy."

"I joined the MA Writing with a mission - to write the novel that has been in my bones and in my head for as long as I can remember. I'm happy to report - mission accomplished! My novel, CECILY will be published by Viking (Penguin Random House) on 29 July 2021."