Last month, we celebrated the 50-year anniversary of the OU's first graduation ceremony, held at Alexandra Palace in London. In response to requests from alumni, our colleagues in the OU Library have kindly made the full footage of the day, originally shared on BBC2 in 1973, exclusively available. If you have any questions, please email university-archive@open.ac.uk.
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In this issue of OpenMinds e-News, we celebrate three recent OU graduates, Lucy, Scott and Audrey, who perfectly demonstrate the transformational power of OU study 50 years on.
Plus, we invite you to join Judy Murray (in-person or online) and Greta Thunberg (online) at events proudly sponsored by the OU in Scotland; introduce a range of new short courses; and invite you to save the launch date of a major new public health initiative led by The Open University, Take Five to Age Well.
It certainly is a packed issue and we hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news from your University. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful summer. Thank you for being such a valued member of the OU family.
With very best wishes,
Heidi McCafferty Alumni Engagement Manager, The Open University
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Springwatch 2023: Introducing 'quiet climate activism'
Were you able to enjoy the OU/BBC co-production of Springwatch last month? This year, the team explored the restorative power of nature, and showcased the very best wildlife the British Isles have to offer.
In additional content from our OU academics, you can now learn about getting involved in 'quiet climate activism', watch an exclusive short film about regenerative farming and learn about wildflower nomenclature. You can also take a look back at the OU's pollinator-watching initiative and discover the amazing bird-life hidden within our cities.
Pictured are the presenters of Springwatch: Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Gillian Burke
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The Open University launches the UK’s first ever Ageing Well Pledge
On 1 September, The Open University will be launching a free, UK-wide public health campaign: Take Five to Age Well. Taking place during the UN’s Decade of Healthy Ageing, the campaign will invite people to join a community making small daily changes for better ageing across 5 categories: Eat, Drink, Move, Connect, and Engage and Think. Pledgers sign up online and commit to 30 days of healthy ageing habits that will boost their health and wellbeing now and into the future.
The project is being led by Dr Jitka Vseteckova in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. All content is evidence-based and expert-led, helping to bring a lasting positive impact. We would love to have you join us and take part!
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Attorney General champions government legal career at The Open University
Attorney General, Victoria Prentis KC MP, visited The Open University campus in Milton Keynes this month as part of the Law School’s 25-year celebrations. She spoke to more than 260 people – online and in-person – about her role as the top legal advisor to the government, her professional background, and championing government legal careers.
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OU Sustainability Research Festival 2023 highlights the need for collaboration
Participants in the OU's first Sustainability Research Festival highlighted willingness to collaborate as a key requirement to tackle environmental challenges both locally and globally.
In the video below, Dr Kadmiel Masyek discusses why we need to engage a range of disciplines, people and ideas and what role universities can play in doing this.
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OU research informs new end of life care guide
A new guide to support palliative and end of life care has been informed by OU researchers. One of the OU’s key research themes: Living Well, empowers people to live well into later life.
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Celebrating our inspiring OU alumni |
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Last month marked 50 years since the OU's first graduation ceremony. In this edition of OpenMinds e-News, we celebrate three recent graduates who were so inspired by their studies with The Open University, that they have gone on to dedicate their lives to sharing their passion for education with others.
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Scott is Mad About History
In this video, self-confessed 'history nerd' Scott Webber, explains how his studies with The Open University inspired him to set up his hugely successful Mad About History TikTok channel, now one of the most popular history TikTok channels in the UK!
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Introducing Mrs Edwards, 'English Teacher'
Teacher Lucy says 'my degree in English has taught me to think deeply and write clearly and I am so excited to be able to pass this vital skillset on to young students. I love my new identity as ‘Mrs Edwards – English Teacher’ and I look forward to continuing to learn, love, and live my subject every day.'
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Audrey is now 'supporting young people to believe in themselves, thanks to the OU'
Masters student Audrey had a thirst for learning from a young age, but always felt stifled by the education system. Audrey recounts how studying with the OU inspired her to pursue a career in education and support young people to find their confidence and self-belief. Flexibility and support were a winning combination for Audrey, who achieved a first-class degree.
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Gain new skills with an OU short course
Whether you want to upskill for the workplace, boost your CV, or pursue a personal interest, the OU’s choice of short courses is now bigger than ever.
Our continuing professional development courses and microcredentials cover in-demand subject areas such as business and management, computing, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and counselling. Courses are created by the OU’s expert academics and many are endorsed by or created in collaboration with leading industry partners.
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Edinburgh International Book Festival |
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Greta Thunberg: It’s Not Too Late to Change the World
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2023, Sunday, August 13, 2023 - 17:30 to 19:00
Tickets are available here (please note only tickets for online admission remain)
Judy Murray: The Wild Card
Edinburgh International Book Festival 2023, Monday, August 14, 2023 - 15:15 to 16:15
Tickets are available here
Both events are proudly sponsored by the OU in Scotland.
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Record 1,183 participants in Graduate Futures Skills Award
The OU’s Graduate Futures Skills Award helps soon-to-be and recent alumni transition successfully to career confident graduates. This summer’s edition started 5 July. A record 1,183 participants signed up!
The OU’s Careers and Employability Services offers many other ways to help you make your OU qualification work for you for three years after you graduate, whatever your background, ethnicity, ambitions, disabilities and abilities, identity and differences. Just bring yourself.
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Become a school governor and help shape education
Interested in volunteering as a school governor or trustee? Governors For Schools is a skills-based matching service, meaning that your unique background and experience will be put to good use in a school in Wales or England that needs you most. See how to volunteer on the Governors For Schools Opportunity Hub page (access is still available for alumni who graduated in the last three years, below) or via the GFS website.
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Have you visited your alumni website recently? If not, why not have a look today? Here you will find information on events, downloadable versions of all of our fantastic magazines and ways to keep in touch.
Here's a reminder of your PI number:
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What inspired you to become a student? Did you have any extraordinary moments while studying? Has completing your qualification changed your life or helped you discover a new self-confidence?
We want to hear from all OU alumni of different ages and experiences, identities and backgrounds, diverse ethnicities and cultures, abilities and disabilities, mental and physical health conditions and intersectionalities.
Please get in touch and share your story with the rest of the OU community.
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The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our latest privacy policy at open.ac.uk/privacy sets out how the Development Office obtains, manages, uses and protects your data.
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