Vera, Michael and Priscilla

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. Fast forward a few years and it was Vera’s experiences that inspired her younger siblings Michael (BSc Psychology, 2022) and Priscilla (BSc Psychology, 2024 and currently on a placement year at Microsoft) to study here. On a recent visit to campus, we caught up with the Okojieto talk about their time at Warwick and their family connection to the university.

Will and Josephine Fowler-Allen

BSc Maths, 2017 and BA History, 2017

Jo and Vikram

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.

Ellie Smith

BA French Studies, 2019; MA Research in French and Francophone Studies, 2021

After leaving Warwick with a BA and MA in 2020, I am back to pursue a PhD on the psychology of lesbian women in contemporary French cinema.

For three years following my graduation, I worked in local government, always considering further study but unsure whether a PhD was suited to me. I decided to spend a year teaching at the Université Côte d'Azur (for the sun and sea as much as the work!), where I levelled up my French and experienced university life from a staff member’s perspective. Within a week, I was set on a career in academia.

Coming back to Warwick was an easy decision. I had a positive experience in my MA with supervisors who pushed me and provided opportunities that were above and beyond what was expected. It was therefore not surprising that I received similarly invaluable support when applying for my place and funding.

Now that I am here, I spend most of my time in the Faculty of Arts building, looking out at the autumnal colours from the fourth floor. The PhD community has been so welcoming. It is inspiring to witness how much value postgraduates bring to the university through their research and teaching. Their commitment to providing a quality experience for students alongside their own projects motivates me to become a better professional while I am here. I am excited to see what the next three and a half years will hold!

Yu Tang

MSc Business (Marketing), 2016

Mr. Yu Tang, a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), currently serves as Vice President and economist in the investment banking division of a Global 500 bank, where he manages projects involving cash-equivalent assets of up to £2.5 billion in the Debt Capital Markets (DCM). In addition to earning his ACCA charter in London, he joined Guangzhou’s government-led Highly Skilled Talents program. He also received the prestigious Statewide Poverty Alleviation Honours in Lhasa, an achievement etched into the region’s history.

As a Chartered Certified Accountant, Mr. Tang is fully qualified to exercise the statutory rights and obligations granted under the Royal Charter and ACCA’s Codes of Conduct.

Originally from Guangzhou.

Rohish Mirje

MSc Programme and Project Management, 2021

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 have always harboured a deep desire to be a part of the solution, to contribute towards creating a better future for all. This motivation has driven me to acquire industry knowledge and work with a reputable company that shares my vision. Through this experience, I have gained valuable insights into the complexities of climate change and the steps that need to be taken to address it.

However, my commitment to combating climate change extends beyond my professional endeavours. On a personal level, I make a conscious effort to apply what I have learned in my daily life. I believe that actual change starts at an individual level, and each of us has the power to make a difference. From embracing sustainable practices in my home to advocating for environmental awareness in my community, I strive to be an agent of change.

Climate change may be a daunting challenge, but we must face it head-on. The future of our planet and the well-being of future generations depend on our collective efforts. By combining scientific expertise with individual action, we can pave the way for a better future.

As scientists continue to determine the truth about climate change, let us all play our part in preserving our planet and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous world for all. Together, we can make a difference and forge a path towards a brighter tomorrow.

Fei Xiao

MSc Programme and Project Management (China), 2015

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

Balraj Dhingra (BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 2019) knew sport would play a huge part in 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.

"Ever since I visited on an open day, I knew I wanted to get involved with sport at Warwick. It had always been a big part of my life and I wanted to carry on. So, that first week on campus I went along to the SU sports fair and found out about all sorts of clubs and attended trials and tasters, including badminton, football, mixed netball, and dodgeball."

Karen Martin

MA Writing, 2020

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.

It focuses on friendship and its changing dynamic once a diagnosis of dementia is received. It examines the neurology and psychology of dementia and the way we can respond to friends who are living with the disease.

It's narrative non-fiction - it tells our story and shows readers how we overcame some of the difficulties thrown our way. Dementia touches the lives of many of us - those of us diagnosed and those of us living alongside a friend, spouse or loved one. I hope this book will make you laugh and make you cry. I hope it is a tool to help as many people as possible to live well with dementia.