Life Cycle 2’s £250,000 to widen access to university

Life Cycle 2 — the University team who cycled the length of Britain —  raised more than £250,000 to widen access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The 14-day, 1,100-mile challenge was on behalf of Nottingham Potential, the University’s commitment to transform the lives of young people.

During a community day on the Lincoln to Nottingham leg, 47 volunteers accompanied the team, while more than 100 people walked or cycled around University Park, raising £5,000.

Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway, who led the cyclists, said: “I am very proud of what the Life Cycle 2 team have achieved in raising more than a quarter of a million pounds for Nottingham Potential. The funds raised will help transform lives.”

Airlines chief Walsh guest speaker at Business School

Businessman Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Airlines Group, gave a talk at the Business School. Mr Walsh, the former chief executive of British Airways, appeared as part of the School’s Business Leaders Series.

Dr Sophia Taylor, External Relations Manager at the Business School, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our MBA students to hear from one of the world’s top business leaders and a unique chance for our alumni, business associates and visitors.”

Other scheduled speakers include Korneel Koster, Director of Safety and Operations at Virgin Atlantic, on February 11, fashion designer Sir Paul Smith on March 20, Mark Ovenden, Managing Director of Ford UK, on May 1, and Dr Peter Poon, Chief Executive Office of Romax Technologies.

From bellyrobics to zumba, students try healthy lifestyle

Students enjoyed exercise taster sessions  — including touch rugby, zumba and bellyrobics — and got advice on bike schemes, sports centre membership, the counselling service, and sexual health testing as part of HealthyU week.

The event encouraged students to be healthy during their time at Nottingham — and reminded them that wellbeing is not just linked to exercise and diet – it’s about sexual, emotional and mental health too.

Diane Hardwick, Deputy Director of Sport, said: “It is really important that students maintain a healthy lifestyle whilst they are at university. Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression and dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later life.

“We are pleased that so many people took up the chance to come to the free taster classes and be active over the HealthyU weeks and we hope they may convert this into a regular exercise opportunity in the future.”

Death of former Lecturer in Accounts Rodney Mitchell

Rodney Mitchell, a former Lecturer in Accounts, has died. He was 69. Mr Mitchell graduated from Bristol University in 1964 and spent five years at LSE before joining the Industrial Economics Department at Nottingham.

After his retirement, he spent much of his time on campus in the Social Science Library and pursuing his passion for all things French. Mr Mitchell, who died on 30 November 2012, will be missed by all those who knew him.