Alumni
Pr at paragon opening
Alumni e-newsletter - Spring edition
Alumni Perspective - Peter Ralph attends Paragon Opening
BSc Psychology alumnus Peter N Ralph (class of '04) was invited back to the base of his former faculty at Paragon House for the official opening by Her Majesty the Queen; here Peter gives us his account of the day's events.
When I received an invitation to attend the opening of Paragon House as an alumnus of the University, I accepted without hesitation. To be able to represent the past students at such an auspicious occasion was an honour that I could not pass up.
I had only visited Paragon House once previously, during the transition for the Psychology department from St Mary's Road to the new site. The whole building had been a mass of boxes and semi-constructed furniture, with lecturers and staff looking, in the main, somewhat anxious and perplexed. In contrast, when I arrived at the site on Friday 20 February 2009 I was presented with an extremely impressive and efficient welcoming experience.
I was first given a tour of the facilities and was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art equipment provided for the students; it surpassed the high expectations that I had. If only I had studied my degree a few years later!
We were then treated to a splendid lunch which also gave me the opportunity to meet some 'old faces' and to make new acquaintances. The view from the top floor is superb and it served to enhance the whole experience. After lunch we were led to a lecture theatre to await the arrival of The Queen and Prince Phillip.
The royal guests arrived on time and we were then entertained with an enthralling presentation by students of the Faculty of Arts. After the presentation the Royal party went on a tour of the facility whilst we remained for a further musical treat.
The Queen's tour of Paragon House overran somewhat, a testimony to how interested and impressed the Queen was. After a short speech the Queens and Prince Phillip posed for photographs and then made their way out. Since there were only approximately 100 guests we had an excellent view of the royal party and were able to record the moment with a photograph. We were soon on our way home, complete with a small cake bearing the Royal Emblem to commemorate the occasion. Definitely a day to remember and to be proud of - well done University of West London!
Alumni Perspective - Peter Ralph attends Paragon Opening
BSc Psychology alumnus Peter N Ralph (class of '04) was invited back to the base of his former faculty at Paragon House for the official opening by Her Majesty the Queen; here Peter gives us his account of the day's events.
When I received an invitation to attend the opening of Paragon House as an alumnus of the University, I accepted without hesitation. To be able to represent the past students at such an auspicious occasion was an honour that I could not pass up.
I had only visited Paragon House once previously, during the transition for the Psychology department from St Mary's Road to the new site. The whole building had been a mass of boxes and semi-constructed furniture, with lecturers and staff looking, in the main, somewhat anxious and perplexed. In contrast, when I arrived at the site on Friday 20 February 2009 I was presented with an extremely impressive and efficient welcoming experience.
I was first given a tour of the facilities and was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art equipment provided for the students; it surpassed the high expectations that I had. If only I had studied my degree a few years later!
We were then treated to a splendid lunch which also gave me the opportunity to meet some 'old faces' and to make new acquaintances. The view from the top floor is superb and it served to enhance the whole experience. After lunch we were led to a lecture theatre to await the arrival of The Queen and Prince Phillip.
The royal guests arrived on time and we were then entertained with an enthralling presentation by students of the Faculty of Arts. After the presentation the Royal party went on a tour of the facility whilst we remained for a further musical treat.
The Queen's tour of Paragon House overran somewhat, a testimony to how interested and impressed the Queen was. After a short speech the Queens and Prince Phillip posed for photographs and then made their way out. Since there were only approximately 100 guests we had an excellent view of the royal party and were able to record the moment with a photograph. We were soon on our way home, complete with a small cake bearing the Royal Emblem to commemorate the occasion. Definitely a day to remember and to be proud of - well done University of West London!
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