Global Gathering rodeo party ropes for FSE students

More than 150 students and staff enjoyed an evening of rodeo-themed fun and games at the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s first Global Gathering mixer event of 2024.

Students from countries including Nigeria, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, Iran, Uganda, Granada, Sudan, and the UK descended on Springfield Campus on Tuesday February 13 for the FSE Global Gathering Rodeo Party.

Watch the student made round-up video from the rodeo party. 

Students took part in a rodeo bull ride competition, where prizes, including a Wolves football shirt, Wolverhampton Racecourse tickets and Costa vouchers, were awarded to those students who stayed on the mechanical bull the longest.

MSc Construction Project Management student, Doton Fashogbon, was awarded student rodeo champion for hanging on for 24 seconds. Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dr Liam Naughton, was the staff champion, clinging on for 17 seconds and beating his School of Mathematics and Computer Science colleague Dr Andrew Gascoyne by three seconds.

Dr Naughton said: “I was delighted to be crowned staff champion for 2024, and I’m already looking forward to defending the title next year!”

Students from the Faculty’s four schools attended and feasted on burgers, candy floss and popcorn, captured memories at the event’s VIP photobooth, enjoyed music from a variety of cultures, and played giant-sized party games.

Kate Faulkner, FSE Assistant Faculty Registrar (academic), who organises the monthly Global Gathering events for students, said the themed get-togethers were going from strength to strength.

 “Our Faculty’s students really value these regular get-togethers, especially our international cohort,” Kate said.

“I always collect feedback after the event to find out what students have enjoyed and also ask them to make suggestions for next month’s activity or event, and we receive so many positive comments. Many students have told me that they love coming to the FSE Global Gathering because they get to meet everyone outside of the classroom and form stronger friendships. Interestingly, others have highlighted how Global Gathering makes them feel valued and respected by their lecturers, as though they are colleagues catching up outside of the workplace.”

Professor Gill Knight, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Leadership and Student Experience), said she really enjoyed taking part in her first Global Gathering event.

“There was a fantastic turnout for Global Gathering, and it was great seeing students and staff having fun together,” she said.

“The Faculty has a large number of international students and it’s great to give them an opportunity to meet other students and staff outside of the classroom. Global Gathering is an important part of our commitment to student retention.”

For more information about Global Gathering, please contact Kate Faulkner: kate.faulkner@wlv.ac.uk