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Under the Arches
A space for alumni to share their updates and bitesize news with fellow Newcastle graduates
Your alumni news noticeboard
Under the Arches is the baby sibling of our bi-monthly alumni newsletter, Arches. Here, you can read bitesize news and life updates from your global alumni community, and celebrate your own achievements with your fellow Newcastle graduates and those on campus.
"The biggest honour of my life"
Congratulations to Dr Donna Wakefield (MClin Res, 2021) who has won the prestigious 'Wakley Prize Essay’ award from The Lancet - one of the world's oldest medical journals - for her personal essay about the impact social class has on healthcare.
Business School graduate makes final four in BBC's The Traitors
We were excited to see Newcastle University graduate Faraaz Noor (BSc Accounting and Finance, 2024) make it to the final endgame of BBC's iconic The Traitors in January 2026. Sadly, Faithful Faraaz didn't win the competition with fellow Faithful Jack, having been outplayed by Traitors Stephen and Rachel. Hard luck, Faraaz!
Alumna recognised by The Society of Photographers
Congratulations to Class of 2020 graduate Cecilie Stuedal who was named Photographer of the Year in the 'Wild Animals' category at the 2025 Society of Photographers Awards, and named runner up in the overall Photographer of the Year category! Since graduating, Cecilie has moved to northern Norway and works full-time as a journalist, pursuing her interest in wildlife photography on the side.
Graduate's debut novel a 'love letter to Wearside'
Newcastle University alumna Nicky Moon is celebrating the release of her debut novel 'Ponies on the Riviera', described as a "kitchen sink" story set entirely in Nicky's hometown of Sunderland. The book (which is available to order now) tells the story of Paula, a girl growing up on Wearside in the 1970s and 80s who dreams of freedom, symbolised by her love of horses, while navigating poverty, family struggles, and the rough edges of life in post-industrial Britain.
Launching a bespoke lash business
Digital Marketing graduate Skyler has recently opened a personal manga-style lash studio in Newcastle city centre. She told us:
"My inspiration came from noticing how the right set of lashes can instantly boost a woman’s confidence while also saving time in daily life – whether for work, study, or travel. Beyond the studio, I also offer training courses to give people practical skills they can use to earn extra income.
My goal is to share both beauty and opportunity: helping people feel more confident while also empowering others to start their own journey in this field."
You can follow Skyler's lash studio @Hehebeautybar on Instagram.
