67
Alan Roy,
Electronics, 1967
What was it about Napier Technical College that
made you want to study there?
“I didn’t have the university entrance qualifications
I needed when I left school; however, my employer
at the time, Ferranti, allowed students time off to
study and as Napier collaborated with industry
enabling students to study on a “day release” basis
this course seemed perfect.”
What part did Edinburgh Napier play in shaping your
career?
“Napier has played a huge part in shaping my
career. Without the opportunity afforded to me
by day release studies I wouldn’t have been
able to succeed in my chosen field of electronic
engineering. I also went on to gain my diploma in
computer science at Napier, which allowed me to
become a member of the British Computer Society
and attain a professional standing in my career. I
have fond memories of my lecturers, John Davies,
Computer System Programming and Mr Chuter,
Computer Science.”
What has been your greatest personal achievement?
“Starting work at the age of 15 with a school-leaving
certificate and to then go on, through on-going
study, to attain success in my chosen field of
engineering and computing, and as a result to hold
directorships in several large companies prior to
retiring.”
What are your favourite memories of being a
student?
“I have many fond memories of the University –
two that spring to mind are; the rather unusual
paternoster lift, which had no doors. At the top floor
the lift went up into the ceiling space – the question
was what happened to you if you didn’t step out of
the lift? No one dared to find out! I also remember
the introduction of the “student common rooms”
and the debate around whether they should be
mixed – how times have changed!”