{"id":1341,"date":"2025-07-09T14:07:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/alumni-news\/?p=1341"},"modified":"2025-07-09T14:07:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:07:31","slug":"celebrating-milestone-graduation-anniversaries-exeter-alumni-reflect-on-their-journeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/alumni-news\/2025\/07\/09\/celebrating-milestone-graduation-anniversaries-exeter-alumni-reflect-on-their-journeys\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating milestone graduation anniversaries: Exeter alumni reflect on their journeys\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we celebrate this year\u2019s graduating class of students, we\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kevin Wu (LLB Law, 2015)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s 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. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter graduation, I trained as Barrister and was called to the Bar at Lincoln\u2019s Inn, then returned home to Malaysia where I began practice at a leading law firm before founding my own.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/em>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.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kevin\u2019s advice to new graduates: \u201cBe open to the non-linear path. You don\u2019t have to figure it all out immediately. Stay sharp, stay kind, and don\u2019t be afraid to bet on yourself – especially when the road ahead is unclear.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more from Kevin.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Italian, 1995)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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 \u2013 that\u2019s the only way to describe it.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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\u2019 teacher at Cardiff University, which followed with a<\/em> fantastic 20-year career in teaching.<\/em>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIn 2017 I got voted in by the people of Gower to be their Member of Parliament and I\u2019ve 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 \u2013 in the Commons I chair the All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGS) on all three of them.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Tonia\u2019s advice to new graduates: \u201cFirstly, get out there and experience life \u2013 never turn down an opportunity to meet new people and do something different. Secondly, find your USP and finally, don\u2019t settle for second best!”<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear more from Tonia.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo credit: House of Commons<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Eldridge (English and Drama, 1995)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cI 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 \u2018<\/em>Serving it Up\u2019 in February 1996. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As we opened, I was pinching myself; only a year previously I\u2019d been in the Drama Department\u2019s Roborough Studio with my year group preparing for our final year assessments.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

“‘<\/em>Serving it Up’ was a hit and the first couple of years after graduation were dizzying and full of opportunity.<\/em> 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. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But the start of 2000 was a turning point when my play \u2018<\/em>Under the Blue Sky\u2019 premiered at the Royal Court Theatre and my first radio play \u2018<\/em>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.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

David\u2019s advice for new graduates: \u201cThe drama department at Exeter always prized \u201cdoing\u201d over \u201ctheorising\u201d and that\u2019s all I\u2019ve tried to do in the last thirty years.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about David and his work.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo credit: Claire McNamee, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samantha Smith (History, 1995)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201c<\/em><\/strong>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.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter 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.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSix years ago, I received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I\u2019m very involved promoting awareness of neurodivergence with various ND charities, and currently I am Vice President of the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samantha\u2019s advice for new graduates: \u201cI would say to any graduates – trust your instincts! You never know where they can take you.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more about Samantha.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Ellis (MA English Studies, 2010)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cMy time at Exeter gave me the confidence to back myself – even when things felt uncertain.<\/em> Since completing my masters at Exeter 15 years ago, I\u2019ve spent most of my career in international TV and film distribution. Starting as an assistant, I\u2019m currently Executive Director at Lionsgate, overseeing unscripted sales across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

“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\u2019m an advocate for inclusion, a mentor, and I try to be an active alum.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam\u2019s advice to recent graduates: \u201cWhen you get an opportunity, run with it. Be curious and interested. Be honest with yourself. Be prepared to start at the bottom (I\u2019ve 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\u2019s not always the easiest thing to do. Oh \u2013 and enjoy it as best you can.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more from Sam.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Daniel Olaiya (MBBS Medicine and Surgery, 2015)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to believe it\u2019s been a decade since graduating from Exeter Medical School! In that time, I\u2019ve built an unconventional but deeply fulfilling career, expanding the definition of what it means to be a doctor.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter 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.<\/em><\/em> 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. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cAt the same time, I\u2019ve pursued a parallel path in science communication. Since 2020 I’ve been a presenter on\u202f\u2018<\/em>Operation Ouch!<\/a>\u2019, the BAFTA-winning BBC children’s and family TV show exploring the human body, emergency medicine, and science. I\u2019ve also taken my passion for education on tour \u2014 creating and performing\u202f\u2018<\/em>How to Survive in Space\u2019, a live science-theatre show. <\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daniel\u2019s advice to recent graduates: \u201cMedicine is one of the most powerful foundations you can have \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t have to look like one thing. Be bold enough to carve your own path. Whether it\u2019s through hospitals, helicopters, or television studios, what matters most is that you bring purpose, creativity, and integrity to whatever you do.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about Daniel\u2019s journey.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elaine Tan (LLB Law, 2000)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cMy 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\u2019d always known.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince graduating, I completed my Legal Practice Certificate and continued acting. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019ve enjoyed traveling, living abroad and working in tv, film, commercials, animation and at the Royal National Theatre (which is still a highlight). I\u2019ve loved working on different projects, and have continually had to try to keep growing, adjusting and keep my mindset in check<\/em>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elaine\u2019s advice to recent graduates: \u201cStay curious, keep learning, don\u2019t 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. \u202fCongratulations!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear more from Elaine.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Abell (Exercise and Sport Sciences, and French, 2015)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy 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.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow along with Tom\u2019s journey. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Felix Barrett MBE (Drama, 2000)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019re heading in.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Felix is the founder of Punchdrunk<\/a>, an immersive theatre company known for its pioneering and boundary-pushing performances.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPunchdrunk is taking our show \u2018<\/em>Viola\u2019s Room\u2019 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!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Felix\u2019s advice to current students: \u201cMake as many mistakes as you can and enjoy doing so in the safety of the department.\u201d<\/em> To graduates: \u201cRemember that theatre is collaborative. Find like-minded people who you share a creative impulse with as together you\u2019re stronger. And always lean on the department for support.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more from Felix.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo credit: Stephen Dobbie<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emma Priestley (Minerals Surveying & Resource Management, 1995)<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cI 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.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter three fabulous years at Crofty, I went to GVA Grimley in London, primarily for valuation work with the then Hanson Trust.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting 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.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn 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. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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\u202fNon-executive Director to\u202fCrossInvest 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.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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,<\/strong> then we would love to hear from you! Our DMs are always open on socials (<\/strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a>, and <\/strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a>), or you can email us at <\/strong>alumni@exeter.ac.uk<\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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