Celebrating 25 years with a return to campus
Sports broadcaster Rob Walker graduated in English and Drama in 1997 before spending a fourth ‘very happy’ year at Exeter as Guild President (97-98) – one of his proudest achievements.
After more than two decades in a very precarious industry, Rob has forged a strong reputation in TV broadcasting and in June 2022 Rob came back to campus with his family and friends as our very first ‘VIP alumni guest’ to give a speech during the graduation ceremony for English and Drama students.
It’s not the first time Rob has returned to Exeter though. He has willingly given up his time to support our current and prospective students in a number of ways over the past few years. Including, just before the pandemic hit, delivering a focused workshop for budding sports journalists alongside Sky Sports F1 reporter, Ted Kravitz.
Rob looks back on his years at Exeter with incredible fondness and is adamant he would not be where he is today without the friends he made at Exeter and his understanding of the written and spoken word which was refined here. He says: “This is where the journey began for me. I had four of the best years of my life, I made some fantastic friends and when I think about things I’ve gone on to learn and the principles I’ve used from my time at Exeter in many ways it was the making of me. It’s brilliant to come back and great to have the opportunity to talk to students who are thinking about this industry, to give them an insight into some of the mistakes I’ve made and fortunate breaks I’ve had. It’s always great to come back to Exeter; I never need an excuse!”
In recognition of all he’s done for Exeter, we thought we’d give him an excuse anyway! This summer Rob was invited to give a speech during the graduation ceremony for English and Drama students and it went down a storm. Taking to the stage on the 25th anniversary of his own graduation, he delivered an inspirational message to the class of 2020 who had waited so long for their celebrations.
After congratulating them on “graduating from the greatest university in the world” Rob shared encouragement for all students: “follow your passion for the next 25 years and you will be amazed at where it will take you and who you will meet. It’s your turn. Get back out there, seize every opportunity and make the most of every day.” Something that Rob has definitely done in his career and life since graduating from the University of Exeter.
After his speech Rob and his guests enjoyed a trip down memory lane with a tour of the drama studios, the English department and of course a few drinks in the Ram bar.
He also spoke to the alumni team for a video interview where he talked about how it felt to return to campus and his message for graduates: “Do a job you love. It doesn’t matter what it pays you have got to pursue your passion... whatever you do for a living you’re going to have to do it for a very, very long time, so you damn well ought to make sure it’s something you like.”
Rob is a great example of the impact alumni volunteering can have. His 2022 return wasn’t actually the first time Rob was involved in graduation. In the summer of 2021 when we were unable to hold in person ceremonies due to Covid restrictions, he recorded a congratulatory video message for our 2021 graduates that was shown at the ‘virtual conferment’s’ alongside other recorded videos from well-respected and well-known alumni.
Also during lockdown Rob gave a virtual talk to local GCSE students to help motivate them to keep going with their studies during that difficult time. He was able to inspire these students with regards to education and developing a passion for their interests. This was part of the University’s outreach work to engage local schools with our activities.
Plus he took the time to chat to us about his career in sports journalism and his new online show ‘Lockdown Live’ as part of our own series of video interviews with University of Exeter academics and alumni which started during the pandemic.
We’re exceptionally grateful for the support, time and advice Rob has given to students and fellow alumni over the last 25 years, delighted to have hosted him to celebrate that special anniversary, and look forward to continuing our connection and celebrating his career in the years ahead.
Rob’s speeches can be watched online:
