Olivia Hare,
University of Warwick

Olivia Hare is a graduate of Keele University where she received a First Class Hons degree in American Studies and English. While at university she was President and Treasurer of the Keele Writing Society and became interested in the diversity and unique nature of a higher education institution.

Having grown up between the UK and South Africa Olivia became interested in the effect and impact of fundraising so very apparent in the vastly different lifestyles between the first and third world populations. This led to spending holidays working in aids orphanages and South African schools and a desire to become involved in the fundraising and development sector. She moved on to become a Fundraiser and Events Organiser for a local charity and planned large and small scale events and helped raise considerable funds towards the campaigns.

She looks forward to learning more and experiencing all aspects of Higher Education development and fundraising in what promises to be an informative and life altering year as a CASE Graduate Trainee.

Catherine Peach,
Loughborough University

Catherine Peach is a graduate of Durham University with degree in History. Her experience as Vice-President of her college enhanced her team-working and management skills along with cultivating her passion for the development of higher education. Her position as head of her college Charities Committee offered her invaluable experience of fundraising and engaging with donors and beneficiaries. She has organised several large social and fundraising events, strongly honing her organisational and project management skills. Catherine also took on the role as a student mentor during Open Days and Freshers Weeks, which provided her with experience in promoting the great range of benefits offered by universities to both students and the wider community. She received an Honorary Lifetime Membership of her college and was voted Durham University College Executive Committee Member of the year.

Catherine is excited about the opportunity to play her part in the development of higher education at a professional level, particularly at such a crucial time of change across the sector.

Jane Reynolds,
The University of Nottingham

Jane Reynolds is a graduate of the University of Liverpool with a degree in English and Hispanic Studies. Jane already has experience of working in higher education, after completing an internship at the University of Liverpool, where she helped conduct research into different ways in which the University contributes to and engages with wider society and was involved in organising and promoting a series of public events. A fluent Spanish speaker, Jane has also spent time studying and working overseas.

Jane hopes the traineeship will provide the foundation for a career in development in the higher education sector, giving her the chance to be part of a vital and growing profession.

"The training scheme is a great opportunity to join higher education fundraising at what promises to be a very exciting time. The CASE Europe annual conference was a fantastic introduction to the role and I'm looking forward to putting some of what I learnt into practice over the coming year."

Sophie Rivett,
King's College London

Sophie Rivett is a graduate of Warwick University where she studied English Literature and Italian.

During her time at Warwick, Sophie gained considerable experience in event coordination, through a leadership role as coordinator of Warwick's One World Week fashion show. Furthermore, she was actively involved in the Student Staff Liaison Committee for the Italian department, for which she was chair in her final year. Since graduating, Sophie has continued to develop her skills in team work and communication through a series of internships in PR, Marketing and Events. Sophie's desire to work in the higher education sector was sparked by her own fantastic experience at university, as well as through voluntary work in schools both in the UK, and during her year abroad in Italy.

Sophie believes that this is a great time to be joining the higher education development profession, and is excited about the wealth of opportunities that the CASE graduate scheme presents.

Ellen Robotham,
University of Manchester

Ellen Robotham is a graduate of the University of Manchester where she studied Art History and Visual Studies. Whilst there, Ellen worked as a member of the Alumni Relations team in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, helping out with the administration and events. These included a tour of Manchester's underground canal system, a trip to Gorton Monastery and a free annual alumni talk, the Cockcroft Rutherford Lecture.

In addition to her work at the University, Ellen volunteers for a community arts charity, Folk South West, with whom she worked for a year as their Events Manager. This work focussed on educating people through the use of the traditional song, dance and music of the South West and as a keen singer, Ellen was anxious to work to help others understand the benefits that music can offer. Throughout her work, Ellen has been keenly aware of the importance of high-quality education and believes this should be available to all. In light of this belief, Ellen is excited to start her career in development and looks forward to the many challenges that face her this year and beyond.

Robert Wayman,
University of Essex

Robert Wayman is a graduate of the University of Essex with a degree in Philosophy.

Whilst at University his employment experience as a Senior Student Ambassador developed his management, presentation and communication skills across a wide range of departments within External Relations from Marketing through to Widening Participation. Actively involved in the Students' Union during his degree and holding many positions including trustee, it gave him the opportunity to gain vital exposure to the workings of a large charity organisation. In his final year, as president of a national award winning society, he ran various awareness and fundraising campaigns as well as created, developed and delivered a project marking its 40th anniversary.

He believes that fundraising in Higher Education Sector has a vital role to play in the future of our institutions. He wants to work in development as it allows him to give something back to sector in which he gained so much from and wouldn't be in this scheme without. Being involved in the graduate scheme at such a time when the sector is going through major change really excites him as it allows him to play a crucial role within the institution where he is based and opens up many new opportunities.

Alex Weedon,
University of Oxford

Alex Weedon is a graduate of the University of Birmingham where he studied law. Whilst there, he worked as an alumni caller for the University's annual fund and was an active member of a student society which works to cultivate awareness of Birmingham's fundraising campaign amongst both students and staff. Alex was also Treasurer of the University's student law society, a registered charity, through which he gained experience of organising a wide range of events, producing consistent and effective marketing, and securing financial stability through sponsorship. In addition, from his employment within different organisations Alex has evolved a versatile skill set focussed on customer service, communications and event management.

He believes that the graduate training scheme is an exciting opportunity to gain experience of the many areas of higher education fundraising from which to establish a career in the sector.