26 QMYOU / Graduates ’ Assocoation
GRADUATES ’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
By Maureen Paterson , Graduates ’ Association President
MEMBERSHIP
The QMU Graduates ’ Association ( QMUGA ) is open to all alumni members of Queen Margaret University and Associated Educational Establishments . A one-off payment will give Life Membership . Membership allows you to attend networking lunches which usually take place on the last Saturday of the month from September to November and January to April plus the AGM . in June . Membership also provides the opportunity to enjoy the comfortable ambience of our seaside house , Madras Lodge , Gullane , which is available all year including Christmas and New Year .
Membership is open to all graduates and present or former staff . Membership costs £ 35 at the time of graduation or £ 45 for staff and alumini at other times .
To become a member contact : - Helen Kerr 26 / 6 Hawthornbank Lane , Edinburgh , EH4 3BH T : 0131 220 2714 , E : hkerr @ googlemail . com
EVENTS Networking Lunches 2012
Lunches were enjoyed by several members at a variety of venues including tapas and Italian restaurants . Highlights included a traditional Christmas lunch prepared and served by QMU students at The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School on 10 December 2012 . This is the second year that members have enjoyed a traditional fare prepared by students under the guidance of Fiona Burrell , Principal of The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School at 7 Queen Street , Edinburgh . Fiona herself is a former QM student and member of the Graduates ’ Association .
AGM 2012
The 2012 AGM took place at The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School at the beginning of June . The guest speaker was Craig Rutherford , Development and Alumini Manager at QMU . He was glad to report that under the good influence of the Principal , Professor Petra Wend , the University was officially “ in the black ”. Craig also reported that QMU ' s management team had won the ' Outstanding Leadership and Management Team ' category in ' The Times Higher Education Award 2012 '. In addition , QMU achieved a first class award and was ranked 2nd out of 14 Scottish Universities in the People & Planet Green League 2012 . Craig answered various questions at the meeting including one on employment opportunities and he was pleased to report that QMU was in the top three Employment Opportunity Groups .
Graduation
In July 2012 Pat Denzler represented the Association at the graduation in the Festival Theatre . Pat attended both the morning and afternoon ceremonies as well as the evening reception at QMU .
Madras Lodge Holiday Home
Are you a golf enthusiast ?
If so , you will know that the Open returns to Muirfield , Gullane in July 2013 . As we go to press , we can still offer accommodation during the golf period to GA members with family and friends at Madras Lodge in Gullane - the House ( sleeps 5 ) or the Loft ( sleeps 4 ). Off street parking available .
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing holiday with beach walks , visits to North Berwick and walking or cycling the John Muir Trail , then Madras Lodge is ideally situated . The Graduates ’ Association has recently completed an upgrade of the House entrance hall , following recent upgrades of the kitchen and bathroom facilities .
New in 2013 – The Graduates ’ Association is offering a third night free for bookings during the low season so why not take a February break ( from just £ 90 for three nights in the Loft including handover charge ) or sign up to the regular e-news from Bookings Secretary , Anne Vokes . For all enquiries on rates and how to book Madras Lodge , contact Anne on : E : mlbook @ qmuga . org . uk ❒
Atholl Crescent Prize
This year , the Atholl Crescent Prize was awarded to Eilidh Daniels who graduated with a BA in Drama and Performance . Unfortunately she was unable to attend the graduation due to weather conditions . The prize is awarded each year to one student for showing great determination to succeed . Eilidh ' s career has got off to a great start - she conducted a summer placement with BBC ALBA as an on-screen continuity announcer .
AGM 2013
The AGM for 2013 will be on Saturday 8th June at QMU . As a result of an amendment to the Constitution , due to the increase in postal costs , the Constitution now reads : -
‘ The Secretary shall send a copy of the Agenda by Electronic Mail at least 14 days before the meeting . The date will be published in the alumini magazine . Those wishing to receive information by post can do so by sending a SAE to the membership secretary .
Lennoxlove Book Festival Reception
Maureen Paterson and Pat Denzler attended the Lennoxlove Festival on behalf of QMU in the Chapel at Lennoxlove where the opportunity arose to meet the Director of the Festival , as well as QMU members and students . Both very much appreciated being included in the most enjoyable event .
COMMITTEE
There will be six committee meetings during 2012 / 2013 prior to the AGM on 8th June 2013 . ❒
26 QMYOU / Graduates ’ Assocoation