Hello from Belfast – and welcome to the October edition of The eGraduate.

From running for fun to rowing at an elite level, the benefits of sport are huge – particularly at university. Along with boosting physical and mental wellbeing, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and develop new transferable skills, especially when you’re helping to manage a club or organise an event. But what happens when your hobby turns into an Olympic dream? Or a life-changing cultural exchange? Or a passion that you just can’t help but want to get your friends involved in? We spoke to Queen’s sportspeople at all levels to find out. 

Back in 2012, Rebecca Edwards was just a new student wandering around the freshers’ fair. That is until she came upon the Boat Club stall. She’d never done any rowing before, but she loved sport and it sounded like fun. So, she signed up. Just nine years later, she would join Team GB women's eight at the Tokyo Olympics, and in two years she hopes to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. What does it take to go from novice to Olympian? Find out here.

We should send Oxford. Not. When Field Marshal Montgomery was asked if a rugby team tour of Canada appealed, the assumption was that he would send Oxford. Montgomery pointed out that Queen’s beat Oxford every year – and a new tradition was born. When Queen’s Rugby Club went on tour to Canada this summer, we met up with Andrew Pinkerton to hear about the University’s first ever tour to North America in 1953.

We like to win. But we love to play. Yet even in 2022, not everyone gets the chance to experience all the benefits sports can bring. That’s why increasing female participation in sport is a key goal for Queen’s – and clubs are finding innovative ways of doing it, from community volunteers to crowdfunding. Here’s how our sports clubs are raising their game for everyone.

On these topics – and on all things Queen’s related – we look forward to your thoughts, reminisces and contribution to the debate: email us at editor@qub.ac.uk.

Have you got your Lanyon?

New alumni magazine has launched

This month we sent out the first ever issue of Lanyon, our new magazine for Queen's alumni packed with news, features, student life and alumni connections. If you have received it, we would love to hear what you thought! Please send us your feedback.

Queen's Graduates! How do we compare?

The reputation of UK and global universities

Got five minutes? You are invited to take part in a short online survey about university reputation. This is a project managed by The World 100 Reputation Network, a group of leading global universities, to which we belong. All those completing the survey will be eligible to enter a prize draw for Amazon gift cards too! To take part, please click here.

Sustainability – Giving back to the future

Online Discussion and Convocation Annual Meeting

We have gathered an expert panel to discuss what action we can take to help deliver the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by Sarah Travers and featuring Professor Michael Alcorn, Professor John Barry and Debbie Caldwell from Belfast City Council, the online event will precede this year’s Convocation Annual Meeting on Wednesday 30 November. Book your place here.