Three very different stories were on show when the Armidale Alumni Association hosted the first of this year’s “What Makes Me Tick?” on Friday night.  ERS academic, Karl Vernes, highlighted his research in Bhutan, India and Mexico, wowing the audience with night time video footage of large predators in urban environments, and tales of exotic locations. Thirty five year old graduate, Patrick Crick, CEO of the Armidale Bowling Club, talked of the challenges of being the youngest person at the table, and managing change in an organisation that’s over 100 years old. The formal part of the evening was rounded off by current student, Crystal Phillips, one of the senior leaders in Earle Page College. This was the first time she’d reflected on what drove her to immerse herself in new experiences, and her motivations for making the best of these opportunities. One of the guests remarked how much she enjoyed the night as “the stories are overwhelmingly positive and they are such a good showcase of the many facets of UNE”.

Photo caption (L to R): Patrick Crick, CEO of Armidale Bowling Club, Crystal Phillips, Earle Page College Senior Leader and A/Prof Karl Vernes, Environment and Rural Science.