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Class Notes
We continue to be inspired by our alumni. Each month, we highlight a selection of your achievements to share with our community.
Explore by month:
February 2025
Alumni recognised in the Parliament 2024 Awards
The Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP (History, University College, 1972-83), pictured left, won the Parliament Lifetime Achievement Award:
“This is a delightful honour. I am very touched and it’s always nice to be appreciated. But there is still more to be done so we’d better keep going!”
Peter Hornsby (BA in Combined Social Sciences, 2013-16; MSc in Management Studies, 2016-18, St Cuthbert's Society), pictured right, was also awarded the Parliamentary Staffer of the Year Award.
“It was an immense honour to have been nominated for this award, let alone being the winning recipient. Parliamentary staffers work extremely hard, so it is great that their efforts are recognized."
Peter also captains the Durham Alumni chess team, who were joint top of the World Chess League in January.
The club meets for in-person tournaments and events and are always ready to welcome new members. If you are interested, please contact Peter..png)
Staycie Domzalski (Education, University College, 2017-18) has received the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) Pearl Award alongside her team, the AI-Teach-nicians. This award recognises outstanding Innovative Teaching Practice in a pan-Asian-European school collaboration. Staycie and team were presented the award for a project focusing on creating an easily scalable open resource for school pupils to learn with and about AI using Problem-Based Learning to address global challenges and equip students with future-ready skills.
Dr Ian Robert Gomersall (Physics, Van Mildert College, 1969-72) has written his first book - 'Worthwhile Wealth: an entrepreneur's guide to success that satisfies', focusing on entrepreneurs who wish to create worthwhile lives as well as profitable businesses.
Since his time at Durham, Bob has created multiple education and healthcare technology companies, including Surpass Assessment, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year.
Patricia McGarrahan (MA in Archaeology, Ustinov College, 2013-15) has published her debut fiction thiller novel 'Saint of Lost Souls' as a paperback and e-book. The story follows protagonist Kate Barrow, as she pursues the truth following a colleague's death.
Antonios Tsalikis (MA in International Relations (Middle East), Ustinov College, 2019-20) co-authored an article entitled 'Debating the Yemen Conflict: Toward a Synthesis of Debates and Diverse Perspectives on Causes and Actors', which has been published in the Digest of Middle East Studies.
Dr Anthony Wells (BA in Modern European History, 1962-65; MA in History, 1965-69, St Cuthbert’s Society) has published two new books - 'Never Too Late: A Story for Every Family and Young Person' and 'The Pursuit of Peace and Freedom 1939-2025'.
Dr Nussaibah Younis (MSc in Arab World Studies, 2008-11; PhD in Government & International Affairs, 2011-14, Ustinov College) releases her debut novel this month. 'Fundamentally' is a dark comedy about a heartbroken academic who accepts a UN job in Baghdad, where she is tasked with deradicalising ISIS brides. The TV rights have also been purchased by Boffola Pictures.