Latest Alumni Updates
Connections: Stephan Le Marchand
"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."
Connections: Tanya Kempston
"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."
Connections: Zoe Dun
"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."
Connections: Iulia Costinescu
"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."
Connections: Elizabeth Connolly
"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!"
Sam Steiner
From working in a fish and chip shop to writing a play that’s been performed all over the world, Sam Steiner (English Literature , 2014) learned at Warwick how to take his stories in new directions. Most recently, he’s penned the script for Morning, a film starring Laura Dern and Benedict Cumberbatch set for release later this year. We spoke to Sam about his experience of breaking into playwriting for stage and screen.
Aishwarya Maurya
"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."
Ella McLeod: from dissertation to published book
Ella McLeod’s debut novel Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair started life as a poem written during her studies at Warwick. We asked Ella (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2017) how she was inspired to evolve the idea from its beginnings to her dissertation and now, her first book.
World Book Day: Librarian Jane Burke
“World Book Day is about literacy and its place in a modern, equal society.” So believes Jane Burke (BA History, 1975), whose career has fuelled a passion to promote the joy of reading and access to books for all.
World Book Day Profile: Children’s author, Christy Kirkpatrick
Children’s author Christy Kirkpatrick (BA Philosophy and Literature, 1995) has worked with a number of publishers, including BBC Worldwide, Ladybird and Flying Eye Books. We chatted with her on World Book Day about her career, her advice to budding authors and her co-authored book that uses relaxation techniques to help with bedtime.
Interview with Bestselling Author Sarah Pearse
Having written from a young age, bestselling author Sarah Pearse chose to study English and Creative Writing at Warwick, giving her a safe and supportive space in which to pursue her passion. We spoke to Sarah in between a book tour for her debut novel The Sanatorium and editing her next thriller The Retreat.
Once Warwick, always Warwick
Hear from Warwick alumna and former professional services staff member, Charlotte Beesley (BA History and Sociology, 2014)
Profile - PGT alumnus William Harrop
Hear from recent PGT alumnus William Harrop (MA Global and Comparative History, 2022)
Lanaire Aderemi
Poet and playwright, Lanaire Aderemi tells us about her new podcast, Story Story. It currently ranks #1 in the History Category of Nigeria’s Apple Podcasts despite being produced in the UK.
Ruth Adesanya
Warwick Scholar and student, Ruth Adesanya is studying at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, USA.
Spotlight on: Jo Walker
Recent graduate Jo Walker (BA Theatre and Performance Studies, 2020) is busy producing original plays and short films with black female empowerment at her core.
Spotlight on: Claudia Lussana
To celebrate European Day of Languages we asked our languages alumni to share their stories about Warwick and travels! Claudia Lussana (BA, Hispanic and Italian, 2017)
Brinda Gulati
Brinda Gulati is a writer and founder of Instagram shop @ThriftyBrinda. Her extensive scope of writing includes opinion pieces for the Kashmir Times, Jammu, freelance projects and now her first novel.
Annie Garthwaite
"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."
Guardian Article: French senior citizens link up with language students in lockdown
Around fifty Warwick language students are taking part in the programme ‘ShareAmi’. They are paired with a French senior citizen to help improve their language skills and provide company to older people in these times of increased loneliness.