Graduate becomes fifth Salford alumnus in his family

Gabriel Njie graduated with a degree in Media and Performance during a ceremony at the Lowry, Salford Quays, this Summer.   

His mother, Joanna Davies-Njie, graduated with a degree in Geography from the University of Salford in 1982. Over the years three of Joanna’s cousins have also graduated from Salford across a range of courses from Russian to Applied Chemistry.  

Joanna said: “I received the alumni leaflet at work and flicked through it, I saw the Media and Performance course and thought that would be something that Gabriel would be interested in. 

“So, I went home and showed it to him.”

Gabriel said: “I liked how the course combined all aspects of media, the performing side as well as the production side.” 

Joanna explained that when she attended the open day with Gabriel, she was surprised to see how much the campus had changed with old buildings gone and new ones being built. 

Joanna added: “I’ve always said that studying somewhere like Salford is brilliant, you get the campus which is close to the city but there is also an oasis of green and community. 

Joanna has worked as a teacher all her life but has recently returned to university closer to home to study to become a psychotherapist.

Gabriel is currently carrying out a placement with BBC Sport whilst looking for further experience in acting and videography.

Gabriel added: “I loved my time at Salford, the facilities were great, I could get filming equipment out whenever I wanted, and the staff were all very well informed and happy to help. I made some great friends and gained skills that will undoubtedly help me in my career path. 

“I came to Salford hoping to become solely an actor, but now I feel as though I could succeed as a cinematographer, lighting tech, editor, sound tech and many more. It broadened my thinking and skill base in ways I wasn't even thinking about before I started.”