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Kaleidoscope Alumni Network Newsletter
Semester 2 – Summer 2025
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Welcome to the latest issue of the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network Newsletter, which comes to you as we round off a week of summer graduation celebrations, which were preceded by a fabulous Alumni Weekend here in St Andrews.
Our Kaleidoscope Courtyard Receptions were held outside Development at 91 North Street to a backdrop of jazz music, and we welcomed our newest alumni to our community with free graduation photo prints from Squareshare and our summer must-have – a limited edition reversible KAN bucket hat, complete with University of St Andrews tartan!
If you were in town for these occasions, we hope that you had a special, memorable time reflecting on your achievements, experiences and connections to St Andrews.
We hope that you will find time to tune in to the latest episodes of our Ad Lib and 15 minutes with... podcasts. In these conversations between alumni and supporters, we're looking to expand the dialogue, building on the rich discussions and insights that are happening within the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network community. We'd love to hear your feedback so we can build on these foundations together and ensure the network continues to reflect the interests and experiences of its members. The latest episodes feature Professor Patricia Hill Collins, and alumni Darran Milne (MPhys 2008, PhD 2012), Jade Mkparu (MA 2024) and Crispian Riley-Smith (MA 1989).
You'll also find contributions from alumni in this newsletter in the form of reflections, interviews and opinion pieces. We're asking you to get involved here, too, as we give a platform to the perspectives of our Kaleidoscope Alumni Network members as thought leaders.
In this edition, Elizabeth Reed (MA 2024) gives her perspective on nuclear energy, and Rebecca Crawford (MA 2003) shares her thoughtful personal journey from Scotland to New Zealand. We're looking for you to participate with the intention of inspiring others, sparking ideas, and encouraging healthy debate and conversation. We want to reflect on the topics that matter to us, whether it's nuclear energy, entrepreneurship, international adventures, or access to the services that make you feel at home.
If you would like to contribute to a future newsletter or get involved in the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network in another way, we would love to hear from you at stakan@st-andrews.ac.uk.
This is my last newsletter as Alumni Relations and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Engagement Officer. I've thoroughly enjoyed building this initiative and getting to know so many of you. One thing we all have in common – regardless of which way the winds are blowing – is our shared connection to this special university by the sea. As I leave the University and return to the alumni community, I am grateful for all your support, and look forward to seeing the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network continue to grow and develop.
With best wishes,
Dr Catherine Dunford (she/her/hers)
Alumni Relations and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Engagement Officer
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Members of the Development team rounding off graduation week at the KAN Courtyard Receptions – the last for Catherine Dunford (centre) as she moves from University staff back to our alumni community
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Alumni Crispian Riley-Smith and Jade Mkparu
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Art, identity, and the business of belonging
One of the great joys of the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network is the sense of community that it fosters, bringing alumni together from around the world, from different cultures, sectors, careers, and walks of life.
One of our new Ad Lib podcast episodes features alumnus Crispian Riley-Smith (MA 1989) in conversation with alumna Jade Mkparu (MA 2024). Crispian founded the nightclub, Katie's, in St Andrews in the 1980s and has gone on to have a successful career in the art world. He is the founder and owner of Art Advisory Group. Jade is a recent graduate and entrepreneur, who balances her day job as a management consulting analyst with growing her business, BRAIDAR.
We've brought you a 'long read' featuring interviews with Jade and Crispian as they delve deeper into their experiences of studying at St Andrews, and their journeys beyond.
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You can also hear them in conversation via Spotify or Apple podcasts, discussing entrepreneurship, books, braiding and more.
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The Aurora Australis – the Southern Lights – over Dunedin, New Zealand, where Rebecca now lives
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Notes from the bottom of the world
With Matariki (Māori new year and a time for reflection, remembrance and renewal) on the horizon last month, Rebecca Crawford (MA 2003) took the opportunity to reflect on her journey from Scotland to New Zealand, and from a degree in International Relations and Middle East Studies to graphic design and law, via marketing en route.
She challenges readers to find the next interesting thing and do it, concluding: 'Who knows where you might end up?'
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The growing world of nuclear
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The power we need: on why nuclear matters
Elizabeth Reed (MA 2024) graduated with a degree in Geography last year and now works at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. She’s also a parliamentary influencer for the Next Gen Nuclear Industry Council.
In her article, Elizabeth discusses the importance of the sector and the public perception of nuclear energy, which remains a key barrier to progress.
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Tune in to our latest episodes
In one of our new episodes of Ad Lib, we hear from alumnus Darran Milne (MPhys 2008; PhD 2012), who is the founder and CEO of VividQ, a UK-based tech start-up which is pioneering the integration of immersive 3D holographic display technology into every consumer device. A self-proclaimed 'huge quantum theory geek', Darran talks to Dr Akira O'Connor, Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, about his journey from Scotland to the world.
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Darran Milne (MPhys 2008; PhD 2012), founder and CEO of VividQ
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We are also excited to bring you Ad Lib featuring Patricia Hill Collins, Distinguished University Professor Emerita of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Charles Phelps Taft Professor Emerita of African American Studies at the University of Cincinnati. She is also the author of Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness and the Politics of Empowerment (1990).
Patricia joined current students and recent graduates for a recording session during a visit to St Andrews in October 2024 to give a lecture as part of the Andrew Carnegie Lecture Series.
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Patricia Hill Collins
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You can listen to Crispian Riley-Smith (MA 1989) and Jade Mkparu (MA 2024) in conversation here, and catch up on all the podcasts from the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network here.
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Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow the Kaleidoscope Alumni Network on LinkedIn for news, events and regular spotlights on cultural and religious festivals and traditions from around the world. We're keen to share think pieces, industry insights and commentary with the LinkedIn community.
If you would like to contribute a piece, we would love to hear from you. Contact stakan@st-andrews.ac.uk with your suggestion.
Everyone's voice matters and our St Andrews community is here to listen.
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Share a song
Our dedicated KAN Spotify playlist is the perfect space to share your favourite songs with fellow alumni, staff, students and friends of the University.
Click to submit a song.
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