Alumni News
Claudia directed documentary on Sven-Göran Eriksson
Claudia Corbisiero (Classics with Politics, 2012) directed a documentary on former England football manager Sven-Göran Eriksson – ‘SVEN’ – which was released on Amazon Prime Video in August 2024.
The film features many figures from his career including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Kasper Schmeichel and Sven’s family. She shared: “It was a real privilege to be able to spend the last year with Sven and to tell his story in this film. The success in a film like this depends on the openness of the characters and the trust they have in you – and I’m very grateful to the whole Eriksson family for letting us into their lives and trusting us during an especially difficult time given Sven’s terminal diagnosis. It was an incredibly unique opportunity to document someone coming to terms with the end of their life, and trying to make sense of their legacy in the face of this.
Art Rooney II honoured by the University
Globally acclaimed sport and business luminary, Art Rooney II, was awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Exeter in a special ceremony, held in Pittsburgh on 23 September 2024.
The ceremony was presided over by our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Lisa Roberts. Art is Team President of the hugely successful Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team and the degree was bestowed in recognition of his achievements in the sporting and business worlds, as well as the impact his philanthropy has had, particularly on the community of Pittsburgh.
Art’s connection to the University dates back to 1981 when he spent the summer studying at Exeter as part of his Law degree from Duquesne University’s School of Law.
His philanthropic work includes funding research into concussion in sport through the Chuck Noll Foundation, and he has established the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, which provides an annual grant to North Catholic High School students.
Alumni couple gain world record for cycling and complete Arctic Challenge
Congratulations to Exeter alumni, Adam Baker and Charlie Fleury who both graduated with a masters in Extreme Medicine in 2020, also known as Emergensea Duo, who have completed the longest static cycling class, which took 31 hours and 34 minutes.
This incredible charity challenge placed the married couple in the book of Guiness World Records. They then, in autumn 2024, swam an official ‘Ice Kilometre’ in the frigid waters of both the Arctic Circle and Antarctica in nothing more than a standard swimming costume. This feat cemented them both as part of only a handful of people to hold this accolade! In addition to this, Charlie’s Antarctica swim is also currently the coldest EVER official International Ice Swimming Association swim at –1.4°C.
Elliott Hasler’s British-cult film, Vindication Swim, shone at the Cannes Film Festival
Alumnus Elliott Hasler (History, 2022) became the first writer and director born this century to debut in the Cannes Film Festival️ with his new British-cult film, ‘Vindication Swim’ in 2024. The award-winning biopic dives into the life of Mercedes Gleitze, a pioneer in the world of open-water swimming, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. For an independent film, what Vindication Swim has achieved, playing in more than 300 cinemas and breaking top 20 at the box office, is extraordinary.
Success at Study UK Alumni Awards 2025
We were delighted that several Exeter alumni shone in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2024/25 which recognise outstanding international alumni, who studied in the UK for all, or part of, their degree.
Many congratulations to:
- Yu-Chin Hsiao (MA Applied Drama, 2009) Social Action Award (Taiwan) – WINNER
- Ana Núñez-Lagos Wodnik (Politics & International Relations, 2019) – Social Action Award (USA) – WINNER
- Igazeuma Okoroba (MSc Sustainable Development, 2009) – Science and Sustainability Award (Nigeria) – WINNER
- Dr Grisana Punpeng (PhD in Performance Practice (Drama), 2012) – Culture and Creativity Award (Thailand) – WINNER
Well done also to Dr Anna Tzakou (PhD in Performance Practice (Drama), 2017) and Dr Dong OK Lee (PhD in Politics, 2009) who were shortlisted for the Culture and Creativity Award (Greece) and the Business and Innovation Award (Korea) respectively. Exeter is very proud of you all!
Alumni mark graduation anniversaries
In July 2024, we welcomed back four of our alumni – Frank Gardner OBE (Arabic and Islamic studies, 1984), Paul Hammersley (Politics and Economics, 1984) Oussama Kardi (Politics and International Studies, 2016), and Sarah Dusek (Law, 1998) – to celebrate the anniversary of their graduations.
As part of our graduation ceremonies, we hosted Frank, Paul, Oussama, and Sarah in Exeter and Cornwall to mark the years since their respective graduations. During their visits, they reminisced about their studies, shared stories from their careers, and passed on words of encouragement for the graduating students from the Class of 2024.
Rhod Gilbert takes comedy tour on the road covering his cancer diagnosis and recovery
In 2024, alumnus Rhod Gilbert (French, 1991) took to the road again with his latest live tour: ‘Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit’.
Candid, hilarious and uplifting, the show is about navigating the dark bits and turning life’s giant grapefruits into something approaching lemonade. In October 2024 he also won a BAFTA for his candid documentary, ‘A Pain in the Neck’. Rhod was named ‘Best Presenter’ at the 2024 BAFTA Cymru Awards for the documentary which followed him during his diagnosis and treatment for head and neck cancer.
Ayesha and Simon win at Royal Meteorological Society awards
Congratulations to alumni Ayesha Tandon (MSci Natural Sciences, 2019) and Dr Simon Clark (PhD in Maths, 2018) who were recognised for their passion and knowledge in driving science forward and engaging with new audiences in innovative ways to help find solutions to addressing climate change. They jointly won the Royal Meteorological Society’s 2023 Emerging Communicator award, presented in May 2024. The annual Awards of the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) are considered one of the most prestigious accolades in meteorology, with a history dating back to 1901.
Alumnus embarks on epic around the world cycle tour for mental health charity
Since January 2024, Ben Clark (Management with Marketing, 2021) has been undertaking a remarkable 35,000km solo cycling expedition around the world to raise funds for ANDYSMANCLUB, a UK-based men’s mental health charity and support group.
Named ‘worldbybike’, the ambitious journey showcases Ben’s drive to push boundaries and explore the world’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and challenges.
Driven by a passion for meaningful experiences making true lasting memories, Ben has used this adventure as a unique and cost-effective way to connect with the world.
The first leg of his journey spanned from Wrexham to Istanbul, followed by a demanding route across Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, before tackling India and Nepal. His final stretch will take him across Canada and the USA, finishing in Boston. Ben is also sharing Instagram reel vlogs of his trip in an effort to inspire others to do similar trips.
Ben’s goal is to complete the expedition within 36 months, before returning to the wearable and sports tech industry with a fresh perspective inspired by his transformative journey!
