As we celebrate this year’s graduating class of students, we’re also marking milestone anniversaries for alumni from the past three decades. We spoke to ten graduates from across disciplines, continents and decades, who shared reflections on their time at Exeter, career highlights, and advice for those just starting out on their own journey.
Kevin Wu (LLB Law, 2015)
“It’s been a decade since I graduated, but my time at Exeter continues to shape my professional journey. Exeter gave me not just academic grounding, but also the quiet confidence to navigate uncertainty and pursue my own path.
“After graduation, I trained as Barrister and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, then returned home to Malaysia where I began practice at a leading law firm before founding my own.
“Today, I manage a growing litigation practice focused on commercial disputes, leading a team of lawyers with a shared drive for strategic, results-oriented advocacy.”
Kevin’s advice to new graduates: “Be open to the non-linear path. You don’t have to figure it all out immediately. Stay sharp, stay kind, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself – especially when the road ahead is unclear.”
Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Italian, 1995)
“I graduated 30 years ago, and I have fond memories of my time at Exeter, mostly the rugby and the friendships! Life since graduation has been a journey – that’s the only way to describe it.
“I was determined to play rugby to the highest level. Proud to be awarded full sporting colours from the University having represented Welsh Students in my final year, I went on to play rugby for Wales. At the same time, I trained to be a languages’ teacher at Cardiff University, which followed with a fantastic 20-year career in teaching.
“In 2017 I got voted in by the people of Gower to be their Member of Parliament and I’ve been a Labour politician ever since. My passions while at Exeter were rugby, languages and beer. Those passions have never faded. They are still a massive part of my life – in the Commons I chair the All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGS) on all three of them.”
Tonia’s advice to new graduates: “Firstly, get out there and experience life – never turn down an opportunity to meet new people and do something different. Secondly, find your USP and finally, don’t settle for second best!”
Photo credit: House of Commons
David Eldridge (English and Drama, 1995)
“I was lucky. In August 1995, a month after I graduated, I bagged myself one of the best new play agents in London and a month after that, my new agent called me to tell me the Bush Theatre would premiere my first full length play ‘Serving it Up’ in February 1996.
“As we opened, I was pinching myself; only a year previously I’d been in the Drama Department’s Roborough Studio with my year group preparing for our final year assessments.
“‘Serving it Up’ was a hit and the first couple of years after graduation were dizzying and full of opportunity. But things were a little tougher after that. I found it harder to write and became less sure if I really wanted to be a writer.
“But the start of 2000 was a turning point when my play ‘Under the Blue Sky’ premiered at the Royal Court Theatre and my first radio play ‘Michael and Me’ was broadcast. I finally felt secure in my vocation. I now make plays and adaptations for theatre and radio and write original screenplays and adaptations for TV and film.”
David’s advice for new graduates: “The drama department at Exeter always prized “doing” over “theorising” and that’s all I’ve tried to do in the last thirty years.”
Find out more about David and his work.
Photo credit: Claire McNamee, 2019
Samantha Smith (History, 1995)
“I loved my time at Exeter! In my first year I was housed in Lopes Hall and I am still in regular contact with friends from my corridor. On graduating I returned to my career as a professional tennis player and reached the last 16 at Wimbledon, represented Great Britain and rose to a career high world ranking of 55.
“After hanging up my racket, I moved into broadcasting and for more than 25 years I have commentated on tennis and other sports for networks all over the world. I have recently completed my fifth Olympics for the BBC.
“Six years ago, I received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I’m very involved promoting awareness of neurodivergence with various ND charities, and currently I am Vice President of the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust.”
Samantha’s advice for new graduates: “I would say to any graduates – trust your instincts! You never know where they can take you.”
Sam Ellis (MA English Studies, 2010)
“My time at Exeter gave me the confidence to back myself – even when things felt uncertain. Since completing my masters at Exeter 15 years ago, I’ve spent most of my career in international TV and film distribution. Starting as an assistant, I’m currently Executive Director at Lionsgate, overseeing unscripted sales across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
“My journey has taken me from the family-run company Zodiak to major studios Warner Bros. and now Lionsgate. My role involves a wide variety of tasks, from negotiating deals and analysing contracts to meeting clients, reviewing marketing, and (occasionally!) screening the latest titles. Alongside my day job, I’m an advocate for inclusion, a mentor, and I try to be an active alum.”
Sam’s advice to recent graduates: “When you get an opportunity, run with it. Be curious and interested. Be honest with yourself. Be prepared to start at the bottom (I’ve seen CEOs empty dishwashers when it’s a job that’s needed doing). Have the confidence to fail. Most importantly, be kind to others and yourself, even though it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Oh – and enjoy it as best you can.”
Dr Daniel Olaiya (MBBS Medicine and Surgery, 2015)
“It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since graduating from Exeter Medical School! In that time, I’ve built an unconventional but deeply fulfilling career, expanding the definition of what it means to be a doctor.
“After completing my medical training, I completed foundation training in Scotland and developed a passion for Extreme and Aviation Medicine, completing the Diploma in Aviation Medicine. I then applied my experience as a pre-hospital doctor in expedition medicine and as a flying doctor on fixed-wing Medevacs and repatriation across Europe and Africa.
“At the same time, I’ve pursued a parallel path in science communication. Since 2020 I’ve been a presenter on ‘Operation Ouch!’, the BAFTA-winning BBC children’s and family TV show exploring the human body, emergency medicine, and science. I’ve also taken my passion for education on tour — creating and performing ‘How to Survive in Space’, a live science-theatre show.
“More recently, I’ve found myself back at Exeter working with the medical school on an interactive resource, which explores how medical students in the clinical environment can deal with instances of discrimination and abuse, due to be launched in September 2025.”
Daniel’s advice to recent graduates: “Medicine is one of the most powerful foundations you can have — but it doesn’t have to look like one thing. Be bold enough to carve your own path. Whether it’s through hospitals, helicopters, or television studios, what matters most is that you bring purpose, creativity, and integrity to whatever you do.”
Find out more about Daniel’s journey.
Elaine Tan (LLB Law, 2000)
“My years at Exeter were a time of discovery and fun. It was a brilliant place to find out more about who I was becoming as a person, outside of the comfort zone I’d always known.
“Since graduating, I completed my Legal Practice Certificate and continued acting.
“I’ve enjoyed traveling, living abroad and working in tv, film, commercials, animation and at the Royal National Theatre (which is still a highlight). I’ve loved working on different projects, and have continually had to try to keep growing, adjusting and keep my mindset in check.”
Elaine’s advice to recent graduates: “Stay curious, keep learning, don’t be afraid to make mistakes (we all do), and do what brings you joy. Life is about learning: stay open, keep growing and trust your instincts. Congratulations!”
Tom Abell (Exercise and Sport Sciences, and French, 2015)
Tom made his professional cricket debut for Somerset while still studying at Exeter, scoring 95 against Warwickshire, starting a fantastic career which, to date, has seen him score more than 7,000 runs and take upwards of 50 wickets. To top this off, 18 months after graduation he was appointed captain of Somerset, aged just 23.
“My time at Exeter and the support I received has had a huge impact on shaping me and my career. The University and the High Performance Programme always ensured that I had everything I needed to succeed, both in the sporting and academic fields.
“I was fortunate enough to be part of some great hockey and cricket teams, and some of the people and friends that I made had a big influence on me and my leadership.”
In 2019, Tom led Somerset to their first silverware in 14 years, securing victory over Hampshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup final. He has represented England Lions numerous times over the years and occasionally captained the side too.
Follow along with Tom’s journey.
Felix Barrett MBE (Drama, 2000)
“It’s a privilege to still be working in theatre 25 years after graduating, and I owe my entire career to the Drama department at Exeter. It instilled in me a sense of rigour, curiosity and the importance of a strong work ethic, and taught me that you have to take risks and fail to come out on the other side and see what direction you’re heading in.”
Felix is the founder of Punchdrunk, an immersive theatre company known for its pioneering and boundary-pushing performances.
“Punchdrunk is taking our show ‘Viola’s Room’ to New York this June. It originated in Exeter 25 years ago and was first performed for one night with a single performer, supported by the department and close friends. Now, it will run in New York for six months!”
Felix’s advice to current students: “Make as many mistakes as you can and enjoy doing so in the safety of the department.” To graduates: “Remember that theatre is collaborative. Find like-minded people who you share a creative impulse with as together you’re stronger. And always lean on the department for support.”
Photo credit: Stephen Dobbie
Emma Priestley (Minerals Surveying & Resource Management, 1995)
“I began my career in 1993 at South Crofty Mines Ltd, just across the road from the Camborne School of Mines, working full-time as a Mine Surveyor and Conveyance Surveyor while studying for the new Mineral Surveying and Resource Management degree.
“After three fabulous years at Crofty, I went to GVA Grimley in London, primarily for valuation work with the then Hanson Trust.
“Getting a little bored of deskwork, I began at IMC Mackay & Schnellmann, taking roles in Indonesia, and then in Central America and Africa with the World Bank.
“In 2005, I joined the main board of Lonrho Plc, a company focused on developing infrastructure and natural resource projects across Africa. My role developed from analysing business opportunities and attracting investors to them, to acting as COO until its successful takeover in 2014.
“I am currently CEO of Goldstone Resources Ltd, an operational gold mine in Ghana. I am also Non-executive Director to Oracle Power Plc, focused on clean technologies in Pakistan, and Non-executive Director to CrossInvest Global Management Services Ltd in Mauritius. I continue to work with the World Bank, currently advising and reviewing the regeneration of the distressed economies in Central Asia and Africa.”
Emma studied at the Camborne School of Mines during its merger with the University of Exeter and described her time as memorable, saying she would happily do it all again.
Congratulations to all ten alumni, and thanks to all of them for sharing their journeys, insights and advice with us. If you have news to share, or a memory worth revisiting, then we would love to hear from you! Our DMs are always open on socials (Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook), or you can email us at alumni@exeter.ac.uk.