Our global community of alumni

I had the opportunity to do an Erasmus at the University of Birmingham back in 2019. Even though it was cut short because of the pandemic, I made so many new memories, made new friends and travelled a lot. Studying there itself was amazing! Wishing all the best to the students.

Joining the alumni community as an MBA graduate after 20+ years building global connections for University of Birmingham in the International team. A fantastic memorable moment in the Great Hall with family and friends.

My best memory is how warmly people helped one another—especially international students. The support, kindness, and sense of community gave me confidence and belonging. I’m beyond grateful to the University of Birmingham for this life-changing experience.

The story involves myself as an inspiration to others.

I read medicine at the Birmingham University Medical School from 1972 to 1977. I was a political refugee from Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) because I was one of the pupils who had to escape the country after rioting against the Ian Smith government. After escaping via Malawi, sponsored by a member of the Quakers I completed my A level studies in London in 1971.

My study of Medicine was funded by a scholarship from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). After qualifying, I worked in the UK National Health Services until 1983 when I returned to an independent Zimbabwe to work in Ministry of Health as well as in the Zimbabwe National Army as a clinician, researcher and trainer, mainly in the area of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

At the onset of HIV, I returned to England for 18 months in 1988 and obtained a Diploma in Venereology offered by the Apothecaries Society of London and a Diploma in Dermatology at St John's Institute of Dermatology (at 5 Lisle Street, London) and St Thomas' Hospital. St John's Hospital has since been closed and relocated to St Thomas' Hospital.

In 1996 I was recruited from Zimbabwe to join the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Geneva as the STI and Reproductive Health Advisor. Subsequently, in January 2000, I joined the World Health Organization in Geneva where I served as Medical Officer and, subsequently, the Coordinator for WHO's work in the area of Controlling Sexually Transmitted and Reproductive Tract Infections (STI) at the global level.

In February 2012, when I reached the mandatory age of retirement in the UN, I returned to Zimbabwe where I currently work as a Dermatologist & Venereologist at the Skin & GU Medicine Clinic in Harare. I also serve as the Regional Director of the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) Africa & Middle East and North Africa (IUSTI Africa-MENA) Region.

In 2022, I completed my postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham. It was a wonderful year filled with many unforgettable memories. During that time, I met four lovely girls—Sisi, Azhai, and Fengdan—and we formed a lasting friendship. Although we now live in different parts of the world, I believe that distance cannot break the bond we share.

As an international & disabled student, Birmingham gave me lifelong friends, unwavering support, and unforgettable memories. Graduating in 2022 was a personal triumph, thanks to this inclusive and inspiring community. Given a chance, I will definitely choose Birmingham again!

My fond memory is that of when it started snowing in Nov 2023, it was my first snow! I remember me and my friends took a stroll inside the University premises and built snowman in Jarratt Hall which was where I was staying. This holds a very special place.

I am a graduate at University of Birmingham session 2009/2010 MBA-SPM programme.

I graduated on 15th Dec 2010 and was awarded MBA-SPM and granted full membership of CIPS-UK (MCIPS).

The programme gave me an in-depth knowledge of strategy and procurement and turned me to an all around manager shortly after completing the MBA, I was offered a role in African Development Bank (AFDB) as a procurement specialist for a contract of three years .

The Birmingham MBA is a qualification which will challenge you professionally and academically. I consider the concepts from the programme as valuable tools which I will utilise throughout my career.

Special respect to all University of Birmingham Business School for their courage and directives to attain this credible achievements. Some of these lecturers include:
1. Professor Christopher Lonsdale
2. Professor Joe Sanderson
3. Professor Gryn Watson
4. Professor Andrew Cox
Without forget the programme secretary Carol Levy and Naomi.

Thank you my lovely lecturers for changing my life. Now is an unbelievable investment obtained from the University of Birmingham.

Currently after being a government servant for 32 years, I'm now retired and self-employed at my own company named Stella GEM EXPORT CO LTD in Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania.

On behalf of my family and my sons living in Birmingham in the UK, we appreciate the lovely life at Birmingham city and all the time while on my studies.

Thank you and best wishes to the coming anniversary of 125 years of Old Joe.

I am Lan Yao, a 2024 MSc Financial Management graduate from the University of Birmingham. This is my journey of responsibility, perseverance, and hope.

Carrying Forward the Birmingham Spirit

In 2025, the University of Birmingham celebrates 125 years of academic excellence and global impact. Beyond education, Birmingham instils in its graduates a deep sense of social responsibility. As an alumna, I hope to honour this legacy and inspire action.

From International Healthcare to Public Welfare
Before the University of Birmingham, I worked in international healthcare sector, helping Chinese patients access treatment abroad. Witnessing their struggles, I wanted to create a non-profit to support rare disease patients but lacked the expertise to do so.

At University of Birmingham Business School, I gained the knowledge I needed. A course on Ethics, Governance, and Regulation in Treasury reinforced the importance of social responsibility, inspiring me to turn my vision into action.

DT Solutions — Bringing Hope to Rare Disease Patients

This led to DT Solutions, a non-profit focused on Desmoid tumours, a rare disease affecting 5–6 people per million. Patients suffer not only physically but also from misdiagnoses and lack of resources.

Since November 2024, DT Solutions has supported nearly 2,000 patients globally. With 7,000–8,000 estimated cases in China, awareness and research are urgently needed. Rare diseases often receive little attention, leaving patients without adequate care.

125 Years of Birmingham — A Legacy of Impact

As the University celebrates its 125th anniversary, this milestone is not only a tribute to the past but also a vision for the future. As an alumnus, I sincerely hope to leverage the University’s platform to increase public awareness of Desmoid tumours, encourage research into rare diseases, and connect with alumni in the medical and pharmaceutical fields who share this mission. Together, drive progress and bring hope to patients worldwide.

This is a story about the pursuit of philosophy. This is my story with the University of Birmingham. This story is about me, a simpleton and a novice student, who got admission into the prestigious MA Philosophy program at the esteemed University of Birmingham.

I had always studied Philosophy informally before been granted admission into University of Birmingham. When I joined the program, I received the warmest welcome by the Department of Philosophy. The institute exhibited great hospitality and then it became my Home away from Home. The University of Birmingham, and Philosophy department in particular became my extended family.

I was an international student with an Indian citizenship and hence was suffering from cultural shock in a new country. My faculty, staff and peers were very understanding in this regard and gave me counsel, support and motivation at every step. Soon the journey of philosophical inquiry became easy and fabulous.

The subjects that were taught and the pedagogy that was followed instilled in me values that will remain with me throughout life. The constant support made it a surety that I become a lifelong learner and an autodidactic student.

For example, in Professor Yujin Nagasawa's classes, the main topic of discussion was 'Meaning of life' and 'What is God?'. The animated debates and rigorous research made the whole scenario very lively, and the systematic imparting of education was very zealous.

Secondly, in Professor Scott Sturgeon classes, I was mentored and given personal attention. I still remember very clearly and distinctly how Professor Scott used to bear with me and got me in shape with his worldly-wise style of teaching and dialogue. There was no scarcity of encouragement regarding me succeeding in life and moreover they helped me understand the terrain of having a career in Philosophy.

Thirdly, Professor Nikk Effingham was my dissertation supervisor and one of the most brilliant persons I have ever met.

My journey with the University of Birmingham has been a transformative chapter in both my personal and professional life. Originally from Pakistan, I brought over seven years of experience as a network engineer with the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) and MSC Shipping in Italy. Building on my technical foundation with an MS in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, I pursued a second master’s in Engineering Management at Birmingham to refine my leadership and strategic skills. The University’s world-class teaching and supportive academic environment have equipped me with the tools to navigate complex challenges and grow as a well-rounded professional. I am proud to be part of the University of Birmingham’s global community and legacy of excellence.

In my final year as an undergraduate in the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts ('85-'88), I performed Frank Wedekind's European classic LULU in the Allardyce Nichol Studio. 37 years later, I'm playing Wedekind's wife-muse, Tilly, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer in TILLY NO-BODY: CATASTROPHES OF LOVE - a play that is steeped in and inspired by my practice-as-research in the performing arts. The interweaving skills of acting, writing and scholarly research were instilled in my during my exquisite years at Birmingham University. I am indebted to my brilliant mentors, inc. Drs Robert Leach and Chrissie Poulter, as well as my extraordinary student-peers. In so many ways, Birmingham University launched my entire life and career: after graduating in 1988, completing my PhD there in 1997 (under Dr Leach's mentorship), returning as a lecturer in the department for five years from 1998-2003 (during which time I took my Certificate in Higher Learning and Teaching - another invaluable experience), I am now a distinguished professor in acting and directing (University of Califorrnia, Riverside. As an actor-scholar, an area of research is Konstantin Stanislavsky (my love for whom first began in Professor Gerry McCarthy's classes). I've published widely - in no small part thanks to the encouragement of Professor Maggie Gale (who mentored a chapter on Tilly Wedekind,  published in 2004). The impact of Old Joe and its environs will head to Edinburgh with me this summer, especially since my first experience of the Festival Fringe was three summers as an undergraduate, when we took a diverse repertoire of modern and contemporary classics - and our own (wild) cabaret. Professor Jocelyn Powell (Head of Department when I first arrived) encouraged adventure and curiosity in all of us. I try to do the same with my own students in California, two of whom will be coming to Edinburgh this summer to taste what I experienced as a proud Birmingham undergraduate. Happy 125th Birthday!