Development and Alumni Relations

The Standing Committee of Convocation (Alumni Association)

The Standing Committee is a channel of communication between the University and the Alumni Association (which is formally known in the University's Constitution as Convocation). It also offers advice and support to the Development and Alumni Relations Office on the Alumni Relations programme. Members take an active part in helping to arrange and host events.

The Committee, which generally meets quarterly, also deals with all the formal business relating to Convocation. Following recent changes in the University's governance, the Committee (rather than the membership as a whole) will be consulted on any future proposed amendments to the University's Charter and Statutes.

The Annual General Meeting, which is open to all members, elects new members of the Standing Committee, including the Chairman, receives a report on the activities of the year, approves the annual accounts of the Association's own funds, and provides an opportunity for members to ask questions and make suggestions. The AGM is usually held as part of the Homecoming event in June.

The Standing Committee is made up of a Chairman, the immediate past Chairman (if they so wish) and up to ten other members, all of whom also serve on the University Court. There may also be up to five co-opted members. The President of the Students' Union is always a member of the Committee.

All University of Leicester graduates, including those holding a Diploma or postgraduate qualification, are eligible to stand for election to the Committee.

The Standing Committee for 2008 - 2009 is listed below. Figures in square brackets denote the year in which a term of office expires. Membership is normally for three years, but may be renewed.

Chairman

Ms Anita Linsell (BA History of Art, 1997) [2009]
She began her working life in banking but was later drawn into the world of international marketing where she spent most of her career. During that time she held Senior Executive positions with multinational companies in Japan, South Africa and the UK. She serves on several committees and is currently Chairman of the Management Committee that oversees the running of Dingley Hall, near Market Harborough. She gained a private pilot's licence in 1976 and is able to combine her love of travel with her interest in art collecting.

Committee Members

Mr Peter Burke (MBA, 2004) [2011]
Peter is Managing Director of IXL Trading Limited.

Mr Martin Cullen (LLB Law, 2006) [2010]
Martin was President of the University of Leicester Students' Union.

Miss Kirsten Dyer (BA Economics, 2008) [co-opted 2009]
Kirsten is the Students' Union Academic Affairs Officer.

Mr Michael Hammond (MA Professional Studies in Education, 1998) [2009]
After leaving school Michael studied Physics for five years and had three careers: industrial research and development (1959-70); publishing, information work and administration (1970-86); teaching in four further education colleges and eleven schools (1986-2000). In retirement he was Director of Music at Elstow Abbey, Bedfordshire for three years. He is a member of the witness service in the Bedfordshire courts and a director of Victim Support Bedfordshire. Married with four children and three grandchildren, Michael and his wife Ursula live in Bedfordshire and Norfolk.

Mrs Marion Kinshuck (LLM European Management and Employment Law, 1999) [co-opted 2009]
Marion works as a Solicitor for Harvey Ingram LLP, as part of the Commerce & Technology team.

Mrs Vivien Lewis (BA Geography, 1967) [2009]
Mrs Lewis taught geography at secondary level in Lancashire and Leicestershire and subsequently at the former Leicester Polytechnic. She is married to Professor Gareth Lewis and has two children, one of whom is a Leicester Physics graduate. She is Past President of the University Women's Club and is a Justice of the Peace. She lives in Great Glen, Leicestershire.

Mr Patrick Mulvihill (BA Economics, 1987) [2009]
Patrick is a former resident of College Hall who graduated in Economics in 1987 and has since returned to the University to complete an MBA between 2000 and 2002. Patrick is currently Development Director of Uppingham School dealing with all aspects of alumni relations, having previously spent the majority of his career in the charity sector with the National Trust, RNIB and Relate. Patrick lives in Newtown Linford, Leicestershire.

Mr Stephen Swanton (LLB Law, 1973) [2009]
Currently partner with solicitors C Norman Astill & Sons, where he has worked since 1979. Actively involved in a number of committees, including serving as Honorary Advisor and member to the Leicester Legal Advice Centre and Board member of the Leicestershire Law Society. An enthusiastic rugby supporter. He is married to Pauline who also attended the University (BA French, 1974) and they have three sons.

Ms C F Taylor (BA Economic & Social History, 1987) [co-opted 2009]
Clare is Senior Welfare Officer at the University. She manages the Welfare Service which provides practical advice, support and guidance for students; in particular financial advice, assistance for international students, information on childcare, and health promotion issues. The Service is also responsible for the recruitment and selection of Sub-Wardens, and for the pastoral care of students living in self-catering accommodation. Clare serves on several University Committees and is an elected member of the Chaplaincy Council.

Outside the University, Clare is Chairman of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Sub-Committee for Ashby and Market Bosworth, this committee is responsible for conducting recruitment activities, selection interviews, and making recommendations for appointment of Magistrates for this area.

Mr Richard Watts (BA History and Politics, 1987) [co-opted 2009]
Richard is a Publishing Director for Haymarket Publishing, producing magazines in the public & voluntary sectors. In 2001 he was a Labour candidate in the general election.