Lincoln Bishop Voices

Attendees were welcomed to the event by our Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Gower, alongside Secretariat, Alumni Relations and Ceremonial Officer, Craig Ferguson. 

Our alumni then headed out on a tour of the university campus to explore buildings, both old and new, alongside Craig, and our Students’ Union President, Stephan Bolton. After returning to the Robert Hardy Building for refreshments, alumni had the opportunity to reconnect, network, and review a library of original Students’ Union handbooks dating back to the 1970s. 

Craig said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of our alumni and welcome them back to campus, providing them with the opportunity to reminisce about their time as a student here. 

“Alumni remain a part of our university community and events such as this showcase our dedication and commitment to all those within our university community.”

Pamela and Rita are two of our university alumni who were thrilled to attend our Tea and Tour event. They studied at the University from 1967 to 1970, and both specialised in History whilst studying to be teachers. During the day, they reminisced about taking part in a dig, which our Archaeology and History students still enjoy today, and a field trip they took to Gibraltar Point. 

Pamela said: “We had a wonderful time here! We were taught to a very high standard by all the tutors – they were brilliant. 

“It has been lovely to come back after all this time!”

Providing inspiring opportunities and transformative experiences to our students extends to our alumni community beyond graduation. 

To find out more about our Alumni Relations and to join our mailing list to hear more about future events like these, please click here!

Originally from South Africa, Ivan has lived in the UK since the age of 30 and currently resides in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

In search of significant life changes, having lived within a high control cult for many years, Ivan started his studies here at BGU in September 2021.

Ivan says: “BGU has been more than a small part in the process. Anything is possible by studying here – I loved my experience, and it opened my eyes.

“The tutors have helped and guided me throughout the entire process of my studies.

“Through the support offered at the university, they enabled me to be diagnosed with dyspraxia, which was life changing.”

To financially support himself and his family throughout the undertaking of his studies, Ivan works in a part-time role as a refuse collector.

Ivan explains: “Coming from a different world, I had to make a huge amount of effort with my study.

“I believe that nothing can be done without hard work, and I was absolutely prepared to work and study as hard as possible in order to succeed.”

The youngest and oldest members of society were Ivan’s joint points of inspiration that motivated the commencement of his writing.

During his time working as a refuse collector, Ivan noticed children’s fascination with his role and in particular, the lack of preconceived judgement from them, when compared to the rest of society.

Alongside the kind, generous and often, lonely nature of older generations, Ivan begin writing in June 2024, on the topic of his current life and work, with a sole purpose of hoping for the book to inspire others.

Ivan continues: “It took me only three weeks to complete a first draft. Writing through many late nights and early mornings, by the time I returned to university after the summer holidays, the book was complete.

“I presented my book concept to several publishers, and despite 6 offers for publication, I couldn’t afford to pay their fees.”

After seeking advice, Ivan perused the route of self-publication and officially published his book on Friday 23^rd August 2024.

Since publication, Ivan has achieved national coverage of his story, global readership across USA and Australia, and features in bookshops across Lincoln – including Lark Books and Loved from Lincolnshire.

Ivan has also planned a local book signing for Thursday 16^th January 2025 in Blyton Village Hall at 2pm.

Ivan shares an insight into his next steps: “I want to continue sharing my book with others, focusing on the message of not being scared to achieve and the importance of trying to see the best in everything.

“I am already planning to write my second book, which will focus on the earlier time in my life living in a cult and in particular, the positives that can be taken away from that experience.”

Ivan’s academic and personal development perfectly embodies our social purpose at BGU – “We support individuals to realise their ambitions and create positive change in their communities and beyond”.

In 2017, Mariya moved to the UK at a time when she said she was “barely able to speak English”. Whilst developing her proficiency in the language and studying for a Teaching Assistant Diploma, Mariya first heard of BGU by recommendation from her private English teacher. 

Mariya said: “I met with Dr. Kay Johnson (TESOL Programme Leader) on campus. She stayed after her working hours just to explain my options and help me understand how the university system in England worked. I had no clue what to expect or what I was capable of, but that conversation changed everything.

“I felt recognised and supported by someone who didn’t have to help me but chose to do so with kindness and no hesitation. As individuals, sometimes all we need is to be seen, heard, and supported and that’s why I chose BGU.” 

Mariya enrolled onto the University’s TESOL programme in September 2022, with the initial ambition of improving her English and understanding how language works. Except, Mariya says, the course went far beyond that and was better than she expected!

She said: “TESOL at BGU is not just about theory – it’s about becoming the kind of teacher who can make a difference. If you care about inclusive education and you want to understand people as well as language, this is the place. 

“I had the opportunity to participate in a memorable international trip to Madagascar, which reminded me that learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms.” 

Describing her tutors as “supportive, knowledgeable and encouraging”, Mariya shared more about the support she received throughout her studies. 

Mariya said: “The support was outstanding, and every tutor treated me as an individual. At BGU, support is ongoing, not just from tutors but from every part of academic life. The University feels cosy and familiar, like a big family. You always know who to go to – you just need to ask.” 

After graduating from the University at the prestigious Lincoln Cathedral in July 2025, Mariya is continuing her career development with postgraduate study and the future goal of teaching English both in the UK and internationally. 

Dr Kay Johnson, Programme Leader for TESOL at the University, who has been a part of Mariya’s journey right from infancy, commented on her wonderful achievement: “The TESOL team are absolutely delighted for Mariya. For the last three years, she has dedicated herself to academic study - in a language which is not her first - alongside career responsibilities and family commitments. 

“Hard work and engagement with study and tutors paid off;  her academic trajectory skyrocketed, culminating in a robust, original and creative piece of research for her dissertation that was awarded a first-class grade. We know she will go on to further success in her master's degree. Congratulations!” 

To find out more about English Language and Teaching, please click here!