Class of 1990s

Rob Lines BSc(Hons) Computer Science 1992
I graduated in 1992 in a recession. My first IT-related job was found January 1993 and I stayed there for almost seven years. I moved on to a data network distributor in 1998 for three years before moving to Norwich Union (now Aviva).

At college I was involved with the canoe club and became president in 1989. After graduating I kept the kayaking going and was in the England Surf kayak squad that won the world championships in 1995 and 1997. I retired from the sport after that, but put on weight quickly and didn't like being unhealthy and so in 1998 on my 30th birthday I set a goal of completing an Ironman by the time I was 40. It wasn't easy whilst pursuing a career and driving 1,000 miles a week.

A move to Norwich helped and in 2000 I started kayaking again but flatwater racing this time rather than surfing and whitewater. Started running in 2002 with the great North run and then London Marathon 2003. In 2004 I finished 9th in the 125 mile International Devizes to Westminster canoe race. I then bought a bike and rode to London for charity.

I've now completed seven Ironman triathlons, five straight marathons including Brighton 2010 and two Ultra marathons including 85th edition of comrades in 2010 (89 km is a long way to run!).

I'm now chairman of Tri-Anglia triathlon club, the Eastern region's largest club boasting over 400 members. And I'm a level one kayak coach, a level two cycle coach and pursuing more coaching qualifications. I have even started investigating sports science degrees via the Open University.

Stephen Emmitt BA(Hons) Architecture 1982, Diploma Architecture 1995
After graduating from the School of Architecture I worked in architectural practice, primarily as a design manager. I completed a PhD at the University of Manchester in 1998 and decided to move into teaching and research on a full time basis. I was awarded the Hoffmann Chair of Innovation and Management at the Technical University of Denmark in 2003, returning to the UK in 2007 as Professor of Architectural Technology at Loughborough University. I am the author of over 100 papers and 14 books on architectural technology and architectural management.