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South Essex Colleges Group Launches Inspiring New Alumni Magazine for Higher Education Graduates
South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new Higher Education alumni magazine, celebrating the achievements, resilience and career journeys of graduates from the University Centre South Essex (UCSE).
The publication brings together inspiring alumni stories, career insights and community initiatives under the central themes of Resilience, Personal Growth, and Opportunity — reflecting both the challenges graduates have overcome and the impact they continue to make in their industries.
A platform for connection and growth
In her foreword, Sharon Dunphy, Deputy Executive Director – HE and Quality, highlights the importance of resilience in shaping successful careers: “As we reflect on the theme of Resilience and Personal Growth, it is clear that the paths our alumni take are rarely straightforward. Each of you has faced challenges, whether in study, work, or life that have tested your determination and adaptability. Yet it is through these experiences that resilience is forged.”
Sharon emphasises that the magazine is more than a publication - it is a platform for connection. By sharing real experiences, practical advice and career pathways, the newsletter aims to inspire graduates to embrace lifelong learning and seize new opportunities in an ever-evolving world of work.
“Your resilience, growth, and contributions are what make this network strong and vibrant. We look forward to growing this community with you and to sharing many more opportunities, stories, and successes in the future.”
Showcasing innovation, creativity and leadership
Edited by Careers Coordinator Nick Smith, the magazine reflects the strength and diversity of the UCSE alumni community: “This issue showcases the diverse and inspiring paths of our graduates,” says Nick. “From Hannah Wilkins’ perspective-shifting kinetic art to Jessica Bernard’s award-winning work humanising automotive technology, these stories highlight how a UCSE education serves as a launchpad for innovation and impact.”
The edition also celebrates personal resilience. Steph Ruler’s powerful poetry explores navigating ADHD in professional life, while Sammy Tyler’s journey from Early Years education into strategic leadership demonstrates how perseverance and continuous growth underpin long-term success.
Community engagement also features prominently, with alumni contributing to local school reading schemes and strengthening partnerships with organisations such as the Learning in Harmony Trust.
Nick adds: “Your achievements are the heartbeat of UCSE, and we look forward to celebrating many more in the years ahead.”
Diverse stories across every sector
The inaugural edition includes features on alumni from a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Lilian Onyango – Making a reflective leap into the SEND sector
- Jake Hall – Achieving Game Jam success
- Vladyslava Zabielina – Finding creativity through adversity
- Sammy Tyler – From Early Years to strategic leadership
- Sylak Ravenspine – From graduate to entrepreneur
- Hannah Wilkins – The art of self-discovery
- Pat Higgins – Upskilling mid-career
- Jennifer Muttock – Nurturing the future of teaching
- Owen Williams (sixredsquares) – Creative enterprise
- Royal Ballet & Opera – Celebrating 10 years with the RBO
- Edward Mortimer – Bringing animation to life
- Steph Ruler – Rhyming through the noise of ADHD
The magazine also includes practical resources such as alumni discounts, guidance on continuing career development with UCSE, opportunities to join student collectives, and ways to stay connected with the growing alumni network.
Strengthening the Alumni community
The launch marks a significant step in strengthening engagement between SECG and its Higher Education graduates. By providing a dedicated space to celebrate success, acknowledge challenges and share professional insights, SECG aims to create a lasting and supportive alumni community.
Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch and share their news for future editions. Alumni can contact Nick Smith at nick.smith@southessex.ac.uk
or follow South Essex Colleges Group on social media to stay updated.
As the first issue makes clear, the UCSE alumni network is built on resilience, ambition and community - and this new magazine ensures those stories continue to be heard.
