Four-time BAFTA nominee returns to Wolverhampton for 50-year reunion with former classmates

Four-time BAFTA nominee Liz Doody and multimedia pioneer Phil Ogden, whose award-winning work has been recognised internationally, returned to Wolverhampton to celebrate 50 years since beginning their studies.

A group of University of Wolverhampton alumni reunited to mark five decades since starting their studies in Visual Communications and Graphics at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, celebrating lifelong friendships, shared memories and distinguished creative careers.

The gathering brought together former students and staff, including reunion organiser Neil Christie, whose career has spanned major exhibitions, events and immersive experiences for organisations including the Science Museum, British Airways and Ford.

Phil Ogden, another member of the cohort, built an international career in design, animation, multimedia and visitor attractions. His work has received more than 30 industry awards worldwide, earning him induction into the American Association for Multimedia Hall of Fame and a Fellowship of the British Institute of Professional Photographers.

After graduating in 1979, Liz Doody (née Edwards) began her career in graphic design before joining the BBC at Pebble Mill, where she worked on programmes including Top Gear, Telly Addicts and The Clothes Show. Her work on The Clothes Show earned her consecutive BAFTA nominations for Best Graphics, placing her among the final four nominees in successive years.

The group was joined by former members of University staff John Lowe and David Knight and returned to the University for a tour of the MK George Wallis Building, led by Graphic Design Course Leader and alumnus Marc Austin, alongside principal technical staff and alumni Martin Evans and James Abernethy.

The celebrations concluded with an evening meal in Wolverhampton, providing an opportunity to reflect on careers, friendships and the experiences that first brought the group together.

Neil Christie said: “The class of 76-79 are very grateful for the tour of the building and for the time that you and your colleagues spent with us. It really brought back memories and many names lost to time.”

The reunion highlighted the lasting impact of studying creative subjects in Wolverhampton and the diverse careers pursued by graduates over the past five decades.

The University’s Graphic Design course is currently ranked fifth in the Guardian Subject League Table 2027 and continues to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

Find out more about Graphic Design at the University of Wolverhampton: Graphic Design course