Joe Bulmer

Recalling the early years of Teesside University

What your first job at Teesside University and what you do now?

My first job was in the Typing Pool working for various teams including Legal, Student Support, Student Administration, and the University Secretary. I started in November 1990, and we had a shared office on the ground floor of the Constantine Building. One of the other people in the office is still working at the University - Sandra Thompson from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

I now work as a Donor Relations Officer, providing effective stewardship of individual and corporate donors and wider stakeholders. I oversee the University’s scholarship portfolio and develop alumni engagement activity.

Why did you want to work at Teesside University?

Way back then, it seemed a huge and exciting opportunity. Previously, I’d worked for a local engineering company in the next village and to take the leap to work at the University in the nearest town felt quite daunting at the time but I hoped it would lead to brighter prospects.

What was the University like in 1992, and how has it changed over the past 30 years?

Teesside University was, and still is, a great place to work. Obviously, it has grown its footprint but the ethos and even some of the people remain. Many things have moved on, the typing pool, the staff club, setting up meetings via paper memos, smoking in buildings and so on have all long gone.

The main reception at the time in the Tower was a great focal point for the University - everyone used to stop for a chat to the team from Campus Services who covered it at the time (including myself).

The library was in the Clarendon building, along with reprographics and the floor used to shake at times! We also had part of the Business School over at Flatts Lane, and we would often cover reception there too.

The University attracts a great bunch of people to work with, and that’s reflected in the number of people who have worked at the University for many years.

What's your fondest memory of your time at Teesside University so far?

There have been many. For ten years, we ran a Raising Aspirations Programme called the Meteor Programme and it received national recognition for its work.

I loved how we made our community feel like Teesside was their University, breaking down barriers and planting the seed early that higher education could be for them.

Seeing 500 young people attend our Summer School each year and participate in our mini graduation ceremony and procession down Albert Road every year, led by the Vice-Chancellor and all the academics, made me glow with pride.

Also, being nominated to carry the Olympic torch, achieving my long service award, and finding my lifelong friend Angela Wood are some of the other highlights.

What do you think you would you be doing now if you hadn't joined Teesside University in 1992?

Who knows? Something more creative maybe, like an Interior Designer? In any case, I have no regrets about joining the University.

What advice would you give to your younger self about working at Teesside University today?

Seize every opportunity, it is a big place to work and learn.

What makes you proud to be a member of Team Teesside today?

I absolutely love that my roles have always been so rewarding and allowed me to see others succeed, including Raisings Aspirations, recruitment for pre- and post-16, alumni and now stakeholder development.

It gives me enormous pleasure to support and watch future generations grow through the many opportunities the University has to offer.