Born in September 1964, in the same week that Lancaster University opened, Nick Fragel spent almost two decades as one of its proudest ambassadors.

And with retirement from his role as Director of Philanthropy, Alumni and Supporter Engagement, another chapter in his life story has begun – as a writer.

It’s an interest which started as a school boy growing up in Axminster, Devon, and has never left him throughout his high flying working life which began in the RAF.

Now he has four books to his name with more on the way in the Merlin Commando young adult fiction series, based around the Arthurian legends, reflecting Nick’s passion for history.

It’s a long way from his original ambition – to be a pilot. After achieving an A-Level scholarship into the RAF, Nick passed his general flight test before his driving test but was medically grounded, instead serving six years in administrative roles including press, pr and community relations which would stand him in good stead later in life.

In 1991, he became the first in his family to go to university when he began studying for a degree in modern history at Oxford.

“My very strong commitment to widening participation into all levels of education is driven by being a kid who grew up on a council estate in the Seventies, for whom the 11 plus opened various academic doors, including Oxford.”

After graduating, he became Development Officer at Lincoln College and then Development Director at St Anne’s College, both at Oxford, early steps in a career which eventually would see Nick become one of the longest serving Development Directors in UK higher education. He’s also a past chair of the 94 Group Development Directors’ Forum.

“I have a passion for education, it’s a game-changer, I saw that every day at Lancaster. Education opens doors and universities like Lancaster are so important in terms of social mobility, providing inspiration and opportunities.”

That passion will continue in Nick’s retirement when among the organisations he plans to continue supporting is Lancaster Royal Grammar School’s charity board.

Although still a proud West Countryman and Somerset cricket fan, when Nick arrived at Lancaster in 2009, he thought the campus certainly had the wow factor and benefitted from friendly, welcoming and positive staff in a city which was historically interesting too.

“I thought I would stay about five years but it turned into more than 17!”

And in Nick’s time at Lancaster, the university has grown significantly, increasing student numbers by 40% and an international footprint including Malaysia, Germany, China, Ghana and Indonesia, far away from Nick’s Garstang home which he shares with his partner Catherine and son, Thomas.

“It has been a huge privilege to meet so many amazing alumni, donors and volunteers from all over the world. Universities like Lancaster can only flourish if these extended and growing networks are nurtured and maintained.

My work has also brought me into contact with amazing academics who really are changing the world for the better. Their work deserves to be supported.”

Nick’s role has been to lead a team not only responsible for keeping in contact with 190,000 alumni across the world but also for philanthropy and fundraising for vital research, student support, buildings and facilities whether that be among those alumni or via charitable trusts, foundations and other individuals.

Nick’s advice to anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps is to find out whether there are any opportunities for casual employment or volunteering at the university’s development office and get involved with the annual telephone fundraising campaign.

“Development work offers all sorts of opportunities to make a difference. You could be writing a report for the council one moment and fronting a big alumni event the next.”

And in what other jobs could you also share a stage with some of its most famous alumni and honorary graduates - Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis - or play pool with Top Gear’s James May but Nick has done it all as well as participating in more than 140 graduation ceremonies.

“I’m very proud to have been an ambassador for Lancaster University and if I’m remembered at all, I’d like it to be as a compassionate, caring, and considerate manager and colleague who always sought to bring out the best in people.”