Generations at Exeter
1984–2022
The University of Exeter has forever been a place for forging life-long friendships, but for some the connection goes much deeper. We have heard from many in our alumni community about how they met their significant other on campus, or how their time here inspired future generations to follow them. But for some attending Exeter really is a family affair.
One such couple are Patrick McCall and Therese Kelly. They both joined the University in 1984, Patrick studying Economics and Therese to study French, and met during the first week of term when, according to Therese, “Somebody asked me to help move Patrick’s room out on to the lawn as a joke!”
So it may not have been exactly love at first sight but not only have Patrick and Therese now been happily married for 27 years thanks to meeting at Exeter, but their two children and other family members have followed in their footsteps.
Patrick says: “We’re still mates with so many people we went to Exeter with. We still talk about old stories, we still have a good time together. Exeter has been so significant in my life for introducing me to all these important people.”
Therese adds: “Once we left halls a group of us lived in this farmhouse in the countryside. You had to drive down a long farm track to get there – it was properly in the middle of nowhere – and we had to keep all our food in a basket in the middle of the kitchen because of the rats! It was definitely an experience, but thankfully one our children haven’t had to repeat!”
Therese and Patrick have had cause to return to Exeter in recent years as both their children, Phoebe and Oscar, also chose to study here.
Patrick says: “We didn’t suggest they come to Exeter, it was totally their choice but I guess we made it sound such a great experience! Both studied Sport and Health Science so in a way I was a bit worried about Oscar joining the same university as his parents and same course as his sister, but he loved it.”
Therese says: “Coming back and seeing campus has been interesting. Some elements are still the same and some are completely different. The Forum is obviously completely new to us and there are other new buildings, but the Great Hall and the Ram haven’t changed and the Amory Building is just as I remember it. Although campus looks a bit different, it still has the same feeling when you walk around. It’s all reassuringly familiar.”
One thing that’s very different is that girls now study Sports Science. Patrick says: “It seems crazy but back in the 1980s girls weren’t allowed to study Sports Science and now my daughter has graduated in it. I’m very proud!”
Patrick is really excited by the initiatives Professort Lisa Roberts is creating to increase diversity at Exeter. “It’s a fabulous university that everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from. We will look back in 30 years and the current situation will look equally unacceptable.”
2022 became a big celebration for the family as due to the pandemic, both Phoebe and Oscar actually celebrated their graduation two weeks apart. Not only that but they were joined by their cousin Harry who graduated in Economics at the same time. This makes six Exeter alumni in the family (so far!) as Patrick’s brother Will is also a graduate.
Patrick says: “It’s funny how one place can be responsible for so many connections and hold so many memories. Exeter made such a difference to my life, helping me kickstart a successful career, make lifelong friends and meet my wife! I hope it continues to be a life-changing experience for graduates for years to come.”
