News

BUCKINGHAM WELCOMES FRESHERS WITH POETRY!

Tuesday 15th July 2003

On Thursday evening last week, new students arriving to join our July-start programmes were welcomed at a reception hosted by the Friends of the University. The Friends - members of the local community with a keen interest in the University - were there in good number, as well as academic and support staff, student Residential Assistants and other students (some newly returned from holiday) who had volunteered to show a friendly face. Indeed, the freshers were probably outnumbered by the old hands!

The informal welcoming address was given by Irving Stevens, the Students' Friend. Having set himself something of a standard by delivering his January welcoming address in the form of a rap, Irving didn't disappoint on Thursday, composing four haiku for the occasion. As Irving explained before his triumphant delivery, haiku is a traditional Japanese poetry form, comprising a 17-syllable verse, divided into groups of 5, 7 and 5 syllables and with a seasonal theme. Irving's four haiku were appropriate to our 4-term academic year. The one likely to stick in the memory longest, and dedicated to our Marketing Director Hilary Baxter, featured our symbolic swan. We eagerly await next January's freshers' reception!

Learn more about:

• the Friends of the University
• Buckingham's 2-year degree with more than one entry point

Report by Eddie Shoesmith