2015

GCUALUMNI Summer The magazine for graduates and friends of Glasgow Caledonian University

Dr Kerry Kennedy University welcomes President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Pages 4-5

GCU boosts UK’s economy by £1bn Page 10

Page 04 Football legend Pat Nevin retraces his steps to GCU Pages 18-19 Welcome Contents

It is with great 4 Honoured by GCU pleasure that I Five outstanding individuals awarded honorary degrees this summer. welcome you to the 6 Students have the power 2015 issue of GCU’s GCU Chancellor Professor Muhammad Yunus’s philosophy on education and Alumni magazine. Over how it can shape the future. the past year, GCU has 9 Entrepreneurial hub at GCU is launched been recognised as the UHatch is officially launched. top modern university 10 £1bn boost to economy in Scotland by research A report shows GCU contributes £1billion to the UK economy. power, we became the 11 Set for great things first university to We catch up with Professor Bob Clougherty, Founding Dean of GCU New York. receive the Business in the Community’s prestigious Unilever International Award in 12 Now is the time to aim even higher Planning for REF 2020 is already under way. recognition of the impact being made by the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing and it 14 Let me tell you a story or two about Mandela Honorary graduate Brian Filling on his involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle. was reported that GCU generates economic and social benefit worth nearly £1billion to the 16 Alumni Achievement Awards UK economy. Honouring three inspiring graduates for their career success and contribution to society. Of course, we couldn’t achieve this without the continued support of our alumni, friends and supporters who share our commitment and 18 Trying to make the world passion for our mission “for the Common a tiny bit better Good” and play an active role in supporting our Alumnus and football pundit students and communities locally and Pat Nevin talks about his time internationally. at GCU. In this issue, you can read interviews with honorary graduates Dr Khalid Abdulrahim, founder of the KAR Group and sponsor of GCU’s KAR Scholarship; Dr Kerry Kennedy, 20 Award recognises role to empower women International acclaim for Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing as latest President of the Robert F. Kennedy Centre for graduates arrive from Bangladesh to continue their studies. Justice and Human Rights and Professor Eva 22 Back where it all began and Dr Yoel Haller, philanthropists and Having earned his degree at GCU, Mark Saunders returns to the University to ambassadors for the Common Good agenda. oversee its biggest transformation. We also catch up with some of our alumni, 24 Alumni events including former Scotland footballer Pat Nevin, Busy times for our alumni, gathering together across the globe. and Mark Saunders, who is leading the University’s Heart of the Campus 26 Magnus Magnusson Awards 2015 Inspiring and talented GCU students realise their dreams to make a difference in redevelopment. In addition, we hear how gifts the world. from some of our generous supporters are helping to nurture new talent at GCU, including 27 Making a difference Caledonian Club gets Morgan Stanley support. a generous £150k donation from retailTRUST for students undertaking our new MSc in 28 Putting engineers in the driving seat Khalid Mohammed Abdulrahim credits GCU with helping him deliver Bahrain’s Fashion Business Creation. F1 circuit. We hear the honorary graduate’s fascinating story. We at the University are proud of the achievements of our alumni and friends and we 30 Matching creativity with business skills New GCU London senior lecturer Maggie Smart talks fashion and family. look forward to welcoming many of you to our campuses in Glasgow, London and New York The Big Picture 32 Keep in touch over the coming year. From the 1970s to the 2010s, where are they now? Comedian Billy Connolly and Breaking Bad actress Laura Fraser grab a seat with Glasgow artist Gerard Burns. They were just a 34 Inspiration to others Philanthropist and GCU Honorary Professor Eva Haller visits Glasgow and few of the Scottish stars to gather at GCU New York during GCU London. Scotland Week and were among 16 prominent Scots to be Jillian Watt depicted in an exhibition of portraits 'A Brush with Inspiration' 35 Alumni benefits and services Director of Development & Alumni Relations Exclusive benefits for GCU alumni, including postgraduate study discount, by Gerard himself. discounted gym and career support. [email protected]

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02 03 HONORARY DEGREES Anna Sloan Anna Sloan, an Olympic medal-winning curler and a graduate of GCU, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University. Accepting her award, Ms Sloan said: “GCU and its values have undoubtedly played a very important role in the success I have had in my curling career.” Originally from Lockerbie, Ms Sloan juggled her two main sports of horse riding and curling until she attended GCU between 2008-2011, where she studied Sport and Active Lifestyle Promotions.

Brian Molefe Dr Christopher To Brian Molefe, Acting Chief Executive Dr Christopher To, a GCU alumnus, of South Africa’s Eskom, was awarded received an Honorary Degree of Doctor an Honorary Degree of Doctor of of Engineering in recognition of his Engineering. global work on dispute-resolution. Mr Molefe congratulated his fellow He has handled a variety of complex graduates and dedicated his award to international cases as mediator and the people of South Africa. arbitrator and is currently the Executive He said: “I wish to reiterate Director of the Construction Industry President Mandela’s words and Council. express our gratitude to the people of Dr To congratulated GCU’s Glasgow in general and the University graduates, adding: “You have worked in particular. extremely hard to achieve what you “Thank you for the role that you have achieved today. The next stage in have played in the liberation of my your life may lead to greater success.” mother land. But more importantly, thank you for your continued friendship and partnership with us in South Africa as we engage in the sacred task of rebuilding a nation Dr Rawya Saud AlBusaidi after the trauma of apartheid.” Role of honour Her Excellency Dr Rawya Saud AlBusaidi Previously at the helm of South was awarded an Honorary Degree of Africa’s Transnet, Mr Molefe worked Sharing GCU’s mission to promote the Common Good, five outstanding individuals were Doctor of Laws, in recognition of her with GCU to deliver Transnet Freight awarded with honorary degrees from the University this summer. significant contribution to the Rail employees a formal qualification development of education. in railway operations management, Since 2004, she has been serving as the first programme of its kind in The ability of individuals to create powerful just world, with programmes creating Amnesty International in Washington, Oman’s Minister of Higher Education, South Africa. and lasting change was a common theme lasting change worldwide through litigation, assigned the task of documenting abuses Deputy Chair of the Council of While at Transnet, Mr Molefe led during Glasgow Caledonian University’s advocacy, education and training, and committed by American immigration Education, and Chair of the Sultan the first graduation ceremony for summer graduation celebrations this July. sustainable investment. officials against refugees from El Salvador. Qaboos University Council. In 2005, she Transnet employees who completed GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor One example that the centre uses in its Receiving her Honorary Degree, Dr was appointed as Deputy Chair of degrees, diplomas and certificates in Professor Pamela Gillies CBE spoke of her courses is of GCU Chancellor Muhammad Kennedy highlighted that people have fought Oman’s Research Council. railway operations management, as “delight and privilege” in honouring Dr Yunus. Professor Yunus was honoured with for human rights with nothing beyond their University Secretary and Vice- the company intensified training to Kerry Kennedy with an Honorary Degree of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights 2013 own determination. Principal Governance Jan Hulme said: boost its service. Doctor of Laws for her work in the Ripple of Hope Award, and Dr Kennedy has She said: “Individuals created change. “Dr AlBusaidi has driven ground- Principal and Vice-Chancellor promotion of human rights around the described the Chancellor’s efforts to They harnessed the dream of freedom and breaking projects for the reform of Professor Pamela Gillies CBE world. transform lives as “the single most made it come true. education in Oman, including access to described the partnership as an Dr Kennedy, daughter of Robert F important development in the third world in "And their efforts created a ripple effect, higher education, gender equality and “outstanding example of our Kennedy and President of Robert F. the last 100 years”. encouraging others, building a tidal wave benchmarking education to University’s enduring commitment to Kennedy Human Rights, seeks to help Dr Kennedy started working in human which swept down some of the mightiest international norms.” work for the Common Good”. realise her father’s dream of a peaceful and rights 30 years ago, as an intern at walls of repression.”

05 04 INTERVIEW: CHANCELLOR YUNUS Students have the power to change world

GCU Chancellor Professor Muhammad Yunus talks to Peter John Meiklem about his philosophy on education and how it can shape the future.

n a sunny day at Glasgow Caledonian As graduates, Professor Yunus believes OUniversity, Professor Muhammad students should use their skills, talents and Yunus turned conventional wisdom on experience to create the social its head. businesses which will, in turn, generate the In the speech which accompanied the change required to improve the world, Nobel Laureate’s installation as Chancellor tackling poverty and other forms of of Glasgow Caledonian University in inequality. October 2012, he said that students should Professor Yunus’s views mirror his no longer be content to study hard and get equally radical approach to finance. He has the best job available to them. They should made his name making loans to the poor, instead focus their talents on “big things”, helping millions to fight poverty in the namely unlocking their inherent process, even though banks and entrepreneurialism and becoming “job governments told him his ideas would not givers, not job seekers.” work. Returning to campus for summer The Chancellor continues to believe graduations, GCU’s Chancellor is more human ingenuity and talent, unfettered by insistent than ever that his radical message bureaucracy, can solve the world’s most to students, and to higher education in pressing problems − especially if that talent general, should be acknowledged, no is properly supported by universities. matter how frightening it may seem. “They must be a reservoir of knowledge “Students should be frightened − it’s the which is useful to people − particularly the natural reaction. Nobody told them about neighbours,” he says. this. For the first time there’s light outside Professor Yunus’s academic career and the students say, ‘oh my god, what’s began at Chittagong University in light?’ I have lived all my life in the Bangladesh, where he served as a darkness, so light is a scary thing. Professor of Economics. It was not through “Students have always been told, academia, however, that he distinguished work hard, get a degree, then go get himself, but by making a loan of $27 in 1974 a job, and see if you can get the to 42 basket weavers who worked in best job with the best company. villages next to his university. That gesture They were never told they have would ultimately grow into the Grameen creative power or that they Bank, the methods of which are now used can create their own in 59 countries, including the UK, to help businesses.” families fight poverty. For this, he >>>

06 07 has been celebrated many times over, further example of a university looking at UHATCH receiving the highest civilian honour the problems around it and doing its best to bestowed by the US Congress, the solve them. Congressional Gold Medal, shortly after “Glasgow needs microcredit very badly being installed as Chancellor of GCU. Not as there’s lots of unemployment and that his impressive roll call detracts from his welfare-dependent people,” says Professor determination to change the world from the Yunus. “If the University has nothing to do ground up, rather than interpret it from the with these people then its knowledge looks lofty position his celebrity allows (he good in the books but it has absolutely appeared on the front cover of a Forbes nothing to do with people’s lives.” magazine philanthropy issue with Bono and And for him, this is a bottom-up, Bill Gates). global revolution, fuelled not by the grand “I think universities have to be, by their The Chancellor with fellow Nobel Laureate Daw Aung plans of leaders such as himself, but by very nature, close to people,” he says. "The San Suu Kyi. young people, students, and their desire to ivory tower university is a meaningless Professor Yunus accepted an honorary build a better world. He says universities thing. If you want to be relevant to people’s degree from GCU in 2008. His relationship must pay attention to this change, or pay lives you’ve got to get involved, you’ve got with the University, and its Principal, the price. to wet your feet and find out what this is all deepened and he was installed as “Young people are not satisfied by about." He likens the effective university to Chancellor in October 2012. When he simply learning chemistry, biology or history a doctor who cures a patient, in the process opened the New York campus last year, he − they ask about the future. So you’ve to tell helping the patient and widening the told guests he had “fallen in love” with the them what maths has got to do with doctor’s pool of knowledge. Learning for University. building the future or what physics has to learning’s sake, it appears, is not in the In particular, he is impressed by the way do with the future of the world they want to Professor’s textbook. microcredit, and the ethos behind social live in. Universities will have to find ways to GCU fits in this tradition, he says. The business, have been embedded in the University’s commitment to the common curriculum, by the way GCU ‘walks the good meshing seamlessly with his own faith walk’ through initiatives such as the GCU ‘walks the walk’ in the university that “wants to get involved widening participation and community through its community in action.” engagement initiative the Caledonian Club He explains he knew nothing about GCU Entrepreneurial hub and by running the Grameen Caledonian initiatives until he met the Principal and Vice- College of Nursing in Bangladesh. “ Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies, who “It [GCU] gives me inspiration that a make themselves relevant to young people. was interested in his work and “wanted to university can be orientated to creating a “It’s a process that’s showing up − it’s get things done rather than sit there and new kind of framework, a new kind not happening everywhere − but young be nice.” at GCU is launched of world… it’s not one whimsical people want to know what relevance their stab and let’s forget all about it. It’s education has in their life. Is it just a piece of The Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf MSP addressed a continuous effort in trying to paper at the end of their studies or is it redesign and reshape the minds because young people are preparing for students, staff and alumni at the official launch of the University’s entrepreneurial hub, of young people.” something?” UHatch, hosted by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE. For him, the introduction of Professor Muhammad Yunus answers the Grameen system of his own question of course. In a way, his r Yousaf spoke of the importance of entrepreneurial skills and give them the working with 15 students and four microcredit in the UK, which whole life has been an answer to it. And it’s Mstart-ups to the growth of the opportunity to flourish.” businesses. the University has been an answer he hopes all GCU students, and economy and the vital role initiatives such Budding entrepreneurs attended the Professor Wood said: “UHatch is a space facilitating since 2010, is a young people, can emulate. as UHatch has to play. He congratulated event, including Stephen Chalmers, whose where people can investigate their ideas GCU on becoming the first Scottish company Altogether Travel Ltd offers and take action. It will help students, staff university and only the second in the UK to tailored holidays to those who need and alumni to develop their ideas into be awarded Ashoka U Changemaker status round-the-clock care. robust businesses. Our ambition is to make which links GCU with a global network of Stephen, a second-year BA (Hons) UHatch innovative and entrepreneurial in its like-minded socially entrepreneurial Business Studies student, said: “I have been outlook, engaging with our University institutions. working with UHatch since it started. You community and our wider stakeholders. Mr Yousaf said: “The launch of UHatch need people to bounce ideas off and that is “UHatch provides budding entrepreneurs shows GCU’s commitment to ensuring all what UHatch provides. Students have with access to specialised research, its students, graduates and staff have the helped me and I have helped them, it is mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, resources they need to fulfil their potential. about collaborating and building networks collaborative workspace and support from “The Scottish Government is committed with likeminded people who can help your the University, as well as networking to Scotland CAN DO, our national business progress.” opportunities, nationally and statement of intent towards becoming a GCU’s Professor Bruce Wood, the internationally.” world-leading entrepreneurial and academic lead for UHatch, highlighted For more information or to get involved, innovative nation. Facilities such as UHatch the ongoing work of UHatch which opened email [email protected] help our enterprising people develop their its doors in June 2014 and is currently Chancellor Professor Muhammad Yunus met Pope Francis in June 2014 and appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine.

08 09 BIGGAR ECONOMICS GCU NEW YORK Set for great things SCOTLAND GLASGOW 14.75 Linda Robertson catches up with Professor Bob Clougherty, Founding Dean of GCU New York. 14,000 FOR EVERY £1 £880 MILLION £0.5 BILLION UK JOBS £ FROM FUNDING BODIES 12,400 JOBS 6,000 JOBS I love this campus, you can really feel Professional Studies and that doesn’t have “the vibrancy, and I’m excited to have the same level of focus – it’s based more that at GCU New York. There’s no better upon the internship experience as opposed o environment in which to work than one to the actual research component that we N o where people are committed to learning.” offer with the dissertation requirement.” N Professor Robert Clougherty, And, he adds with a laugh: “Choosing Founding Dean of GCU New York, GCU New York is also an opportunity to get is speaking while on a week-long visit a UK degree without having to go through FOR RESEARCH1 DEGREE to Glasgow, and his enthusiasm for the JFK airport.” POWER IN GLOBAL COMPLETION University and the US campus is evident. Prior to GCU, Bob was Acting Vice LEADER 1 GCU New York during Scotland Week IN WIDENING SCOTLAND IMPACT THROUGH IN SCOTLAND “I want to see GCU New York achieve Provost for Research, Innovation, and Open ACCESS FOR A MODERN UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP WORKING FOR A MODERN UNIVERSITY greatness and to be a model school,” Education at Empire State College in traditionally a postgraduate Masters degree he says. Saratoga Springs, NY, and Dean of the is a two-year programme. “The world is changing very quickly, School for Graduate Studies. He was “Also, if you look at institutions which as are the needs of students. Given our Director of the Institute for Technological offer similar programmes in New York at mission and our values, I think we can do Scholarship at Tennessee Technological the Masters level, instead of giving a incredible things.” University, where he was also a professor Master of Science which is a research- GCU New York will initially offer a range of English. based degree, they’re doing a Master of GCU’s £1billion boost of non-credit and non-degree executive Now in his second year with GCU – he education programmes and masterclasses, took up his post in January 2014 – he says including the business of fashion, luxury it has been very much a learning process. brand management, social business and “I've had to learn about GCU and how finance and risk management. This will education works in the UK, and how it to the UK economy be extended to include a range of applies in the United States. full-time and part-time Masters degree “There are significant differences in the lasgow Caledonian University The 2013/14 economic impact Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor programmes, subject to approval by the way education is delivered, including the Ggenerates economic and social benefit report carried out by Biggar Economics Pamela Gillies CBE said: “GCU is education authority NYSED. nature of the curriculum and the way that worth nearly £1billion to the UK economy shows that: determined to challenge the traditional Robert, who is known as Bob, students choose programmes. In the US it’s and supports 14,000 jobs, an independent • The University contributes perceptions of a university, how it works says there are many reasons for more and more common for students not to report has found. £560.6million to the UK economy and, and the impact it has on society. We are students to choose GCU New York. do all of their learning at one institution. The study also notes that, for every £1 when graduate productivity is included, proud to have been cited as an example of “The most obvious one is that we do “At the moment, we’re setting things up received from funding bodies, GCU returns the return to the UK economy rises to how a university can create social benefit have very much of a niche,” he says. at our building in Wooster Street and £14.75 to the UK economy and £13.13 to the £990.2million. while at the same time contributing “If you look, for example, in fashion, working on governance. We’ve identified economy in Scotland. • In Scotland, it generates more significantly to the economy. there are lots of design schools but we talented people for potential faculty The news comes as GCU prepares than £880million, including graduate “The report particularly noted the provide a unique opportunity for fashion positions who are very committed to the to launch its Strategy 2020, reinforcing productivity valued at £399million. global social and economic impact created for the common good and the ethical University’s mission and what we want its commitment as a University for the • In Glasgow, the University generates by our partnerships at home and overseas, practice of a business.” to achieve. Common Good and building on its position £492million, including graduate including those with the Grameen He believes a one-year degree has "I see only great things as the top modern university in Scotland by productivity of nearly £250million. Caledonian College of Nursing in a high level of appeal: getting ready to happen.” research power. This is allied to the fact • 14,113 jobs in the UK, 12,437 in Bangladesh, with the Mary Robinson “If you look at the US, GCU is also the top-performing modern Scotland and 6000 in Glasgow are Foundation for our contribution towards university in Scotland for UK full-time supported by GCU. climate justice, and with the Scottish students completing their first degree, These figures are expected to rise Ambulance Service.” according to the Higher Education further in the coming years as analysts GCU’s key role as a driver of health Statistics Agency (HESA). Figures show a predict the University will continue and social care innovation and its success low drop-out rate of 8.8 per cent, compared to strengthen its position to tackle in widening access to higher education to a Scottish sector average of 10.2 per cent. society’s challenges. were highlighted in the analysis.

10 11 RESEARCH

classed as world leading was given a major judged to be in the highest categories, The Times Higher Education, which uses boost by the inclusion of impact in the ranking GCU as one of the leading the REF results to compile its own league assessment – The Times Higher Education universities in the UK for the societal table, ranked GCU as 75th equal by its suggests 30 per cent of UK research was impact of its applied research in health. grade point average of 2.67, up from 93rd Now is the time classed as world leading, compared to just Research in areas including increasing HIV equal in 2008. 17 per cent in the 2008 RAE. testing among vulnerable populations, Though Times Higher Education’s A number of key areas of research healthcare associated infections, ranking of institutions based on the grade excellence stands out for GCU. Almost effective treatments for women with point average of their results continues two-thirds of GCU’s social work and social prolapse, and personalised foot orthoses to be dominated by traditional research to aim even higher policy submission is rated world-leading or highlights GCU’s significant impact on powers, GCU emerged as the best internationally excellent, with 80 per cent of health policy and services, commercial post-1992 university in Scotland by impact in this area rated at world-class organisations and patients overall in the UK. research power. The results of the Research Excellence Framework 2014 saw GCU rated top modern university levels. GCU research in the built Some 80 per cent of GCU’s history impact There have been significant in Scotland by research power. Fiona Ramsay finds planning for 2020 is already under way. environment also performed strongly. is world-leading or internationally excellent, improvements since 2008, but Professor The University’s social work and social while 80 per cent of GCU’s communication, Mannion says GCU cannot rest on its policy research focused on significant cultural and media studies impact is laurels. He now has targets in mind for impacts on intimate partner violence world-leading or internationally excellent. 2020, including a lift in GCU’s grade point t may seem so far away, but, just three disciplines and is being used by the and this is vital for the economy and for practice in Scotland, including the “We are delighted that this peer review average from 2.67 to 3. The targets may months after receiving the results of the UK higher education funding bodies to the health and wellbeing of our citizens,” I development of new interventions for process has demonstrated and confirmed be tough, but, says Professor Mannion: Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, inform research funding for 2015. says Professor Jim Woodburn from the offenders, and on challenging perceptions what we already knew; that our research “The strategic direction is in place and the GCU is already planning for the next The Scottish Funding Council’s School of Health and Life Sciences. of poverty. has a significant impact on society," says implementation of that will follow.” assessment in 2020. (SFC) initial decisions on the Research Professor Mannion says although the All of the University’s impact submission Professor Mannion. Working closely with the three academic Excellence Grant (REG) and the Research guidance for 2020 could change between for allied health professions research was schools, Vice-Principal and Pro Vice- Postgraduate Grant (RPG) indicate that now and then, GCU’s new Research Chancellor Research Professor Mike GCU’s funding allocation will increase Strategy 2020 is currently being rolled out Mannion is in 'REF mode'. Impact case for the next three years. to put the University on the right path for studies and environment statements to strategic progression towards the next REF. support key research strengths are being The Research Strategy 2020 addresses planned as live, evolving documents to three major societal challenges, enabling ensure that GCU is as prepared as it can be communities in the UK and internationally for the next submission. to build inclusive societies and live healthy At the end of 2014, Principal and lives in sustainable environments. These Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies broad themes encapsulate GCU’s research CBE and Professor Mannion spoke in the across the schools. University's Deeprose Theatre of their pride For REF 2014, GCU made submissions in the REF 2014 results, which reaffirmed to nine of the 36 areas of assessment, the University’s position as a world-class spanning allied health; computer science; research institution. general engineering; architecture and the GCU performed particularly well in built environment; business and its allied health research submission. management studies; social work The results demonstrated that 89 per Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Mike Mannion. and social policy; education; history; and cent of the University’s research activity communication, cultural and media studies. in the allied health professions is in the Not only is the REF important to highest categories of world-leading secure the University’s research funding, (4*) and internationally excellent (3*). the inclusion of a measure of the wider We are delighted this Overall, the University is ranked in the societal impact of research for the first top 20 in the UK for health research time has provided evidence of GCU’s process confirmed at world-leading and internationally commitment to work towards solving our research has a excellent standards. real societal challenges through its “ “This was a strong REF performance research priorities. significant impact and highlights our continuing journey It is expected that, having successfully on society towards world-class research across our key piloted the impact assessment, impact will research themes,” says Professor Mannion. account for a higher percentage of a Assessors analysed the research Replacing the Research Assessment university’s submission in the next research submissions from 154 UK universities, Exercise (RAE), which was last carried exercise in 2020. which covered a staggering 52,077 out in 2008, the REF was a year-long “We are well placed because of the academic staff, 191,232 research outputs assessment of the quality and impact of UK nature of our applied research to and 6975 impact case studies. higher education institutions’ research in all demonstrate its impact beyond academia The overall proportion of UK research

GCU researchers are transforming the development of 12 orthotic devices through use of digital technology. 13 INTERVIEW – BRIAN FILLING

Brian was there to see Mandela receive African Senate in 1994 and the building Education and Reconstruction Training), his honorary degree. “I had been asked was formally opened in June 2001 by which supports projects in southern Africa, by the Principal to prepare a suitable Govan's son, President Thabo Mbeki. including a book appeal which has sent greeting. Mandela was very pleased Brian remained in the role of chair of the three million books to South African Let me tell you to be greeted in Xhosa during the Scottish Committee of the Anti-Apartheid libraries and schools. formal presentation.” Movement until its dissolution in 1994 with It was founded by GCU honorary As promised, GCU honoured its the ending of apartheid. He was a guest graduate Professor Denis Goldberg, commitment to South Africa − a legacy at the inauguration in Pretoria of Nelson who fought alongside Mandela in the that lives on today − and health projects Mandela as President of South Africa. anti-apartheid movement and served 22 a story or two followed, particularly in the Eastern Cape. He is chair of the successor organisation, years in prison before his release in 1985. “It was the poorest province, and really Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) “He came here on a speaking tour in out of the way,” says Brian. Scotland, which works for peace, 1985, which I organised, and we became “Yet staff would go out there for development and democracy across good friends. In 1994, with the ending of three-month tours, particularly nurses. southern Africa. apartheid, he said he was thinking of They rewrote the nursing curriculum which, He is also vice-president of the UK setting up this charity and asked if about Mandela under apartheid, had been rote learning. charity, Community H.E.A.R.T (Health, I would assist.” It was changed to a problem-based Brian is currently Honorary Consul Honorary Consul for South Africa in Scotland Brian Filling was awarded an Honorary Degree curriculum and was eventually taken for South Africa in Scotland, a role he has across South Africa.” held for seven years. Prior to that, he was of Doctor of Letters at GCU's winter graduations. He speaks to Linda Robertson about his GCU’s health building was named after Vice-Principal of what was then Glasgow involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle and his memories of the African leader. Govan Mbeki, one of the Rivonia trialists Metropolitan College, now City of who was imprisoned with Mandela on Glasgow College. Robben Island. Mbeki became the first He was also a member of GCU’s Senate t is a question Brian Filling has been asked “Mandela came into the room, and I They gave him a standing ovation at the Vice-President of the new South for eight years. Imany times over the years − just what was accompanying him. It was torrential end. Mandela would never have said he kind of man was Nelson Mandela? rain outside, worse than normal Glasgow was separate or different, he wouldn’t “I’ll tell you a story about him, maybe weather,” recalls Brian. like being sanctified, but he was a leader two, which I think will give an idea about “Mandela went to the first councillor among leaders.” the type of person he was,” says Brian, and said, ‘Thank you so much for coming in In 1996, GCU conferred an honorary who was the founding chair of the this dreadful weather from the Granite City.’ degree on Mandela, which was presented Scottish Committee of the Anti-Apartheid Now, we’d briefed him about each city, Movement in 1976 and who got to know but I don’t remember telling him that. Mandela over the years. “He went down the line of city GCU staff rewrote GCU's archive contains much of Let’s set the scene. Glasgow was the representatives and shook everyone’s Brian's anti-apartheid literature. first city in the world to bestow Mandela hand and said something to each of them, the curriculum which, with Freedom of the City in 1981, while he then made an impromptu speech about under apartheid, was still imprisoned on Robben Island. how he had a fondness for Aberdeen “ Eight others in the UK followed suit. because it was one of the first cities to had been rote When Mandela was released from prison boycott South Africa in the 60s. learning on February 11, 1990, after serving more “At the end, the council leader said than 27 years, Local Authority Action to me, ‘That was the most wonderful at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Against Apartheid began to discuss inviting five minutes of my life’. And I said, ‘Actually, It was one of eight honorary degrees him to receive the freedoms of all nine once you see the video, it’s only three-and- awarded to him that day. UK cities. a-half-minutes’. In that short space of time, “When Mandela got the Freedom of the It was proposed that Mandela should Mandela made such a deep impact − and City, myself and the late GCU Professor be invited to receive the awards at a single he was like that with everybody.” David Walsh, who was Dean of the Faculty ceremony. Brian was appointed to make it The next day, Mandela held a press of Health, talked about him getting an happen, liaising with the ANC, Mandela’s conference and he flipped convention. honorary degree,” says Brian. office and representatives from each city, “Mandela said to them, ‘What I’m going to The University agreed and Brian a process which took two years of do is answer the questions you have first. approached Mandela in South Africa negotiations. You’ll want to know about my personal to see if he’d accept it. Eventually it was agreed that Glasgow relationship with Winnie and my political “Typical of Mandela, he said yes, should be the host city. relationship with Chief Buthelezi’. of course he would be proud to The ceremony was held on Saturday, "They were gobsmacked because he was accept it, as long as the University October 9, 1993, in Glasgow City Chambers. candid. He went on to talk about the issues committed itself to the Each city was allocated five minutes with facing South Africa in the run-up to the reconstruction and development of Mandela, with Aberdeen up first. first democratic election in the country. South Africa.”

14 15 ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT Our alumni are enhancing the reputation of GCU far and wide The annual Alumni Achievement Awards (AAA) recognise and celebrate the successes and contributions that our alumni make to society in their chosen path.

he awards are given to graduates she says she would not have secured a Alex Clark joined the fire service aged 18. Tfrom GCU and its founding institutions senior biomedical science position within who have excelled in their chosen field, the Department of Haematology and Blood ALEX CLARK - BSc (Hons) Fire Risk made contributions to society, the Transfusion at the Royal Hospital for Sick Engineering (2001) community, humanitarian issues, the arts, Children, Yorkhill, in 2004. Deputy Chief Officer, Scottish Fire sport or charitable work, or special This post came with a responsibility for and Rescue Service contributions to the life and development of training and education within the Alex received the award in recognition of his the University. department and it was, in Jacqueline’s significant contribution to the Scottish Fire We were delighted to award this to three opinion, pivotal to her successes that and Rescue Service. very deserving alumni of GCU: followed. It was through this role that she He said: “When I was told that I had became involved with the University again, received this prestigious award, I was JACQUELINE WALES - PgD supporting the Applied Biomedical Science surprised and delighted in equal measure. Biomedical Science (1999) programme, which she continues to do. Her While I am the one receiving the award, for Laboratory Manager, Golden involvement with GCU has given her which I am extremely grateful, I have to take Jubilee National Hospital valuable experience and opened doors, this opportunity to express my gratitude to Jacqueline received the award in recognition which has been instrumental in the rate of the University for creating the platform that of her significant contribution to the Jacqueline’s promotion to head of enabled me to pursue my career goals.” biomedical science industry and dedicated laboratory services in 10 years. Jacqueline Alex joined the then Lothian and Borders support of higher education. was awarded the inaugural HCS Scientist of Fire Brigade as a fire fighter in February She said: “When I received the letter the Year accolade in 2013 for her 1987 at the age of 18. He served as a fire

informing me of the award, I was absolutely outstanding and sustainable contribution to Jacqueline Wales with award winners at the School of Health and Life Sciences prizegiving ceremony. fighter for seven years at Sighthill fire delighted and a little humbled when I the profession and was also presented the station in Edinburgh, before progressing realised that the very institution which has Scottish Quality Managers Group Quality through the ranks. He realised that, in order played such a big part in my success wants Award 2013 for her approach to method experiences, so I am delighted to receive Holocaust Survivor, was started in 2006 for to fully develop his potential, he needed to to reward me, when perhaps it should be validation. this award from GCU, whose work for the “cathartic reasons”, and she was expand his horizons and pursue academic the other way around.” Common Good is as integral to its agenda, overjoyed when it finally made it into print development. This led him to the doors of Jacqueline has worked in the biomedical as it is to mine. The support it gives to last year. GCU and enrolment on the BSc Fire Risk science profession for almost 30 years, in SASKIA TEPE - PgD Knowledge educational charities like the Gathering the Saskia blogs and speaks regularly to the Engineering programme. the field of haematology and blood Management (2003) Voices project ensures that society will public about her and her mother’s Having successfully attained the BSc transfusion. Author, Surviving Brigitte’s Secrets never forget the lessons learned from the remarkable experiences, as well as sharing (Hons) in 2001, this provided an excellent Originally from Scotland, her career ‌Saskia received the award in recognition of Holocaust.” her story alongside other oral testimonies springboard for further career development began on the south coast of England, where her commitment to the Common Weal Saskia Tepe was born in 1954 in from those who escaped the terror of and he quickly rose through the ranks to she completed her training, including an through her inspiring work in educating Germany. She and her mother immigrated Nazi-dominated Europe and found take up several senior roles prior to HNC and Part 1 of the Fellowship of the communities about the Holocaust. to the UK in 1961 under the auspices of sanctuary in Scotland on becoming Acting Chief Fire Officer of Institute of Biomedical Science. After eight She said: “My PG Diploma in World Refugee Year 1959. She has taught www.gatheringthevoices.com. Lothian and Borders in 2011, a post he held years, Jacqueline returned to Scotland and E-commerce and Knowledge modern languages and worked in the Since retiring to the USA, the until the creation of the Scottish Fire and gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Management gave me the impetus to whisky, computer and banking industries. opportunities to tell her story have Rescue Service in 2013, where he was Biomedical Science at GCU, without which research and document my mother’s Her memoir, Surviving Brigitte's Secrets: A broadened considerably. Saskia Tepe, pictured with her book, Surviving Brigitte’s appointed Deputy Chief Officer. Secrets.

16 17 INTERVIEW – PAT NEVIN Trying to make the world a tiny bit better

Craig G Telfer talks to alumnus and football pundit Pat Nevin about his time at GCU, his political motivations and life after playing.

When I came back, I didn’t expect to more. It’s a university now, apart from part of the afternoon with the University’s “feel anything,” says Pat Nevin as he anything else.” archivist Carole McCallum sifting through takes in his surroundings. “But soon the Pat has enjoyed an interesting career. He various badges and leaflets. memories began to spark. I thought, ‘This spent 20 years as a footballer, playing for “That could have been me in there,” he is great!’ It’s all come back to me.” Chelsea, Everton and Motherwell among says as he looks back at a photograph of a This is the first time Pat has been on the others and winning 28 caps for Scotland. demonstration on campus before discussing GCU campus in over 30 years. One of the After retiring in 2000 he moved into the his activism. University’s most well-known alumni – the media and is now a highly regarded pundit, “I wasn’t politically active for a party,” he former footballer studied at Glasgow as well as a respected club DJ. explains. “I was involved with campaigns Polytechnic, one of its founding institutions His association with GCU goes back to – anti-racism, anti-Nazi league, that kind of – he is accompanied by BBC cameras as he the 1970s. After being released by Celtic at stuff. It was as little as debating, wearing a takes a stroll down memory lane. the age of 17, Pat chose to study commerce badge or going to a rally. It was a very Pat has spent the morning visiting his old at Glasgow Polytechnic. “I was very logical culturally active place.” clubs but he describes GCU as being “like about it,” he asserts. “I wanted to be able to Pat was heavily involved in the home”. keep up with all my hobbies and I wanted to anti-apartheid movement and he is “Within five minutes of being here, I met study something I could get a job in. It particularly fascinated with the number of four people I knew,” he laughs. “I didn’t covered so many areas and left my options items in GCU’s archive that relate to the expect to meet anyone! Bits of the place open – it was exactly right for me.” late Nelson Mandela, an honorary graduate have changed – I’ve driven past it and Like many students at the time, Pat was of GCU. wondered, ‘Where’s that building come heavily involved in activism and took part in “Nelson’s name was always involved,” he from?’ – and I know GCU is offering a lot rallies and demonstrations. He has spent says. “He was our fight. Carole opened my eyes to some things about him I knew nothing about.” While Pat threw himself into his studies and activism, he continued playing football how seriously he took it. “This is the bit you "I knew I could cruise a bit. You can’t get thought I’d just stick with Chelsea for the with his local side Gartcosh United. His have to get right – I was really dedicated to away with that today. If you’re working time being. I never went back.” Pat goes on impressive performances drew the attention it. I used to go for 10-mile runs after the through a decent degree, you have to put to talk about his success at Stamford Bridge of Clyde’s Craig Brown, and the future game on a Saturday. I was a fanatical trainer. the effort in.” but the interview is suddenly cut short; I Scotland manager arranged a friendly It might seem like I was lazy but that was Pat’s good form at Clyde had alerted haven’t realised we’ve been speaking for between the two teams. After another not the case.” Chelsea but he had little interest in playing more than half an hour. With old friends remarkable display, Pat was offered terms He didn’t tell any of his friends he was a waiting to take him for dinner, I clumsily ask with the Shawfield outfit. footballer, however. “I didn’t see it as a final question. “I told Craig I was studying and that anything other than fun. I didn’t think it was I’ve seen GCU’s growth How do you feel when you look back on football wasn’t really my thing, but he just cool – being cool was going to see an indie through the alumni your career, Pat? got it. He’d been in education himself and band!” “I just kicked a ball around and got paid knew where I was coming from. He told me I ask Pat how he managed to balance his association, who have for it and had fun,” he says. “I work in the it was part-time, two nights a week and the studies with his football. “Piece of cake,” he “been in regular contact media because I like doing it. But they’re game on the Saturday, and I’d get paid. I smiles. “I didn’t fail any exams when I was just jobs – what’s important is friends and said, ‘Where do I sign?!’” here. I scraped through a few of them but it on a full-time basis. family. That’s where satisfaction comes Pat talks about his playing career in an wasn’t football that got in the way – the “I wanted to continue my studies,” he from. And, if you can, trying to make the offhand manner – at one point he says “I reason I didn’t get A-grades was because I says. “I thought I’d go to Chelsea and take a world a tiny wee bit better. didn’t want to be a footballer! I just wanted was part of the generation where we just two-year sabbatical then come back and sit “And getting the songs I want on Pat Nevin takes on England's Chris Waddle and Paul Gascoigne while playing for Scotland. Pic: The Herald and Times. to have fun” – but he is keen to point out did enough to pass. my exams. But after I did my pre-season, I Spotify,” he grins. “That’s the main thing.”

18 19 SUCCESS STORY enjoying immersing myself in a new having a huge impact on the nursing community, learning about a new culture, in profession. It is showing that Bangladesh’s which I have never worked before, and I’m nurses can undertake education at an learning Bengali. It really helps that I have international level and demonstrates that been associated with the College for many an international level of education makes a years, although when I was helping major difference. None of our nurses has a GCU first in UK establish GCCN and supporting it over the problem getting a job. They have a great years, I never expected to become Principal. reputation and employers are literally It was my long-term plan to work here; I queuing at the door when they know would have done this voluntarily in my graduations are coming. retirement. “Our goal over the next three years is to to win global award “It’s challenging, though. It is hard to be grow to 500 students, to move to a separated from my partner and children Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing earns international acclaim as latest graduates arrive – who, like the University, have been extremely supportive. There are other I want girls in my from Bangladesh to continue their studies. Lynn McGarry reports. "Within two years at GCCN they are challenges, too, particularly adapting to the bilingual, competent professionals and can pace at which things happen here, but my country to have this rameen Caledonian College of Nursing the UK’s 680,000 registered nurses caring Professor Barbara Parfitt in January, said: demonstrate that you can achieve just experience so far has been fascinating. opportunity Ggraduates Lutfa Akter and Uhatuna for a population of 60million. “Those goals absolutely reflect GCU’s about anything with the right support and Obviously there are extremes of poverty “ Zakeya have made the 5000-mile trip from GCCN’s impact on healthcare and motto, For the Common Good, and its the right education.” and wealth but the people of Dhaka are purpose-built college in 18 months and to Dhaka to Glasgow to begin a new chapter in education was recognised in 2014 when commitment to providing opportunities to Professor Crossan has long-established wonderful. They want this college so badly keep demonstrating that you can achieve their studies. It’s the next stage in a GCU became the first university to win the students, whatever their background, as links with GCCN and further international and are so proud to be home to an just about anything with the right support life-changing journey for the outstanding prestigious Unilever International Award well as using its expertise for the practical experience working on GCU projects in, for international college that keeps on winning and the right education.” students, originally from remote villages in (supported by Business Fights Poverty) for benefit of communities around the world. example, Kosovo, China and South America. awards." Rokeya agrees: “My niece and the other northern Bangladesh. its work with Grameen to establish and “The UN and Unilever want to break He is thrilled to be overseeing the He continued: “Our impact in some ways girls in my village are copying me now. I They are following in the pioneering support GCCN. poverty and GCCN does that through College and is busy adapting to life in is still small. So far, just 138 of our nurse- want them, my friends and every girl in my footsteps of four GCCN alumna who The business-community led charity’s education. We educate girls to get good Bangladesh. He said: “These first months midwives have graduated to serve an country to have the same opportunity to graduated from GCU July 2014. After “Big Tick” awards recognise businesses that nursing jobs and lift not only themselves but have been absolutely fantastic. I am enormous population, but GCCN is already change their lives that we have had.” completing BSc Professional Studies in are making an impact on the UN’s their families out of poverty, while setting Nursing, Popi Bhowmik, Rokeya Bristy, Satu Millennium Development Goals - targets an inspirational example to their peers. Mondal and Rafiqun Nesa have since designed to promote development in areas “We are a social business, we are not for returned to Dhaka to undertake research such as education, healthcare and child profit. Our profit, if you like, is our young Lutfa Akter and Uhatuna Zakeya, and share the cutting-edge skills learned in poverty. Unilever’s Keith Weed, who chaired women graduates. We have young women graduates of GCCN. Glasgow with the college’s 150 students the judging panel, said: “The College is run arriving from very poor villages looking like - while juggling nursing careers at a city with passion, belief and complete cowering wee girls; eyes down. By second hospital. understanding of the cultural context. It is year they are telling me how they think I Speaking before travelling home to transforming nursing in Bangladesh and should be running things. They are Bangladesh, Rokeya said: “Before GCCN, I adding social value to women.” unrecognisable and illustrate how we are had no idea about Professor Frank Crossan, who took over helping to break a cycle. They recognise in nursing, I just as GCCN’s Principal from founding Principal themselves that they can be empowered. dreamed of helping people. My studies there and the wonderful opportunity to come to GCU helped me see my dream Rokeya Bristy career. We have all changed and learned so much at the University. All four of us want to continue our studies. I’ll see where my career takes me, maybe to a PhD, maybe helping other students.” These six young women exemplify GCCN’s ambitions to transform healthcare and the lives of young women across Bangladesh, where 87 per cent of mothers give birth without professional medical support and just 23,000 registered nurses serve 156 million people - compared with Satu Mondal, GCCN scholar, leads the way to collect the Unilever Big Tick Award, followed by Professor Frank Crossan.

20 21 HEART OF THE CAMPUS Mark returns to where it all began Having earned his degree at GCU, it seems only fitting that Mark Saunders should return to the University to oversee its biggest transformation. Linda Robertson reports.

hile he was poring over books and is carefully structured around exam with the introduction of three landscaped Wlistening to lecturers in the timetables.” courtyards. classrooms of the George Moore building, Work started on the George Moore “There have been so many changes Mark Saunders never imagined that one building in June 2014 and is expected to be since I was here and the Heart of the day he’d be back to oversee one of GCU’s completed this summer. The ground floor Campus will make a huge difference to the An artist impression of how the finished campus may look (subject to change). biggest transformations yet. will be home to the University’s new University and how it operates — it will The former Construction Management restaurant while the first floor is dedicated look amazing,"says Mark. union and the Saltire Centre hadn’t been to Construction Management in my second come in to the University and pick students student is at the forefront of the Heart of to Student Support Services. The campus has built. A smaller, lower-level building was in year.” from the Construction Management course. the Campus project and he admits it felt Then, the focus will shift to the Hamish grown substantially its place. I think the Arc was being The Robertson team has become a “Half of my second year, and right rather strange to return to his old university Wood building, which will be under since Mark graduated in built at the time. It’s also a familiar sight on campus - they're in through the summer of my break into third to take the lead on such a landmark construction until 2016. The creation of a 1999. much busier place since I the blue cabins at the rear of the Saltire year, I was lucky enough to get a placement development. glass pavilion will provide a gateway to the “The grass in front was here.” Centre. at Henry Boot construction.” “I was based in the George Moore so it University and a clear identity for the of where we’re sitting The landscape may “Everyone has made us feel welcome While he said the cash came in handy, it was quite odd to come back to work on the Glasgow School for Business and Society. It now, in the staff have changed but does and the number of dissertation students I was an invaluable experience that made building,” he says. “However, I’ve seen a will lead to multi-purpose classrooms and a social space, having that familiarity now know is staggering,” laughs Mark. him more rounded and employable. couple of my former tutors since and it was 500-seat flexible lecture theatre for exams, used to be with the campus make “They chap the door and come in to the site “When I started at Henry Boot, an older like I had never been away, which was nice.” graduations and events. the his role easier? offices. gentleman, who was the site manager, For the next two years, until the Outdoor space will also be revitalised student “Definitely,” he “Having access to a contractor on their could see that I was being bogged down project’s completion in 2016, Mark will lead says.“There’s a doorstep gives them great research with all the jobs like paperwork and racking a team from Robertson Construction. As bedding-in period at the drawings, and he said, ‘stop what you’re senior project manager, it’s his job to the outset of any doing, for three hours every day, you’re ensure all the pieces of the Heart of the project but it’s helpful We’re really keen walking about with me’. Campus jigsaw fit together. when people mention “I’ll never forget that, it was the best Every day, he’s out on site liaising with certain places and you on getting experience I could possibly get, so we’re tradespeople and sub-contractors and know exactly where placement students keen, as a business, to offer youngsters the working closely with the project design they are.” “ same chances that we all had.” team and the University’s Estates Dad-of-three Mark on stream It’s almost time for Mark to return to the department. joined Robertson site and do one of his daily walk-rounds to “There’s managing the contractors who Construction Group material and I would have done exactly the ensure that everything is moving as it are in front of you on site and constantly two years ago and same. That’s what it’s all about.” should be. How does it feel when a project, thinking about what needs to be done the prior to that, was Mark, and Robertson, recognise the especially one that takes up two years of next day, week and month,” he says. “We with Miller importance of developing links with his life, comes to an end? have something to achieve each and every Construction for 13 students and giving them the opportunity “Relief!” he says with a smile. day.” years. to gain practical experience in their chosen “The pressure is so intense in the run up And, of course, there’s the added “I always knew I field. to a handover, so it’s a mixture of emotions. challenge of working on a live campus: “The wanted to work in “One of the things we’re really keen on The immediate one is relief and once the logistics, how we interface with staff and construction and is getting placement students on stream,” dust settles, we begin to reflect on what students and how we make sure we don’t enrolled on the says Mark. we’ve achieved. dilute the learning experience in any way is Building Engineering “I remember being a student here and “The most rewarding part is when the fundamental to every activity we plan and and Management one of the things that made me people who use the space move in and execute. course at GCU. The immediately useful to an employer was the seeing the difference it makes to them and “We’re sensitive to the workings of the programme industrial placement on my course. A who’s the way they do business. It’s the greatest University and the construction programme changed its name who of every contractor in Scotland would comfort you take.”

22 Mark oversees work on the 23 Heart of the Campus project. EVENTS

NIGERIA ALUMNI EVENT – Resource Management and Organisational MARK MILLAR MASTERCLASS MARCH 2015 Behaviour at Manchester Metropolitan – APRIL 2014 A group of 12 alumni got together in Abuja University, spoke to an audience of over 70 Seventeen lucky alumni got the chance to to reminisce about their time at the alumni at his motivational masterclass. meet comic book and film writer Mark Millar Busy times at GCU University, to network and to discuss future Damian provided an insight into the at a drinks reception before his sold-out ideas for events they can hold in Nigeria to practices and methods used by elite GCU masterclass. They had the opportunity NEW YORK ALUMNI RECEPTION SINGAPORE ALUMNI EVENT – LONDON FASHION ALUMNI help to build a useful network going forward. sportspeople and entrepreneurs in the world to have a chat with him and ask questions – APRIL 2015 MARCH 2015 RECEPTION – MARCH 2015 of business, and how these can be applied in about his successful career. GCU alumni attended a Scottish Around 20 alumni and prospective students GCU alumni who graduated from one of our academia as well as in life. He shared An honorary graduate of GCU since Government Alumni Reception at the GCU got together at the Carlton Hotel in fashion-related courses and are living in the WELLPARK (TENNENT’S) anecdotes from his experiences of 2012, Mark is the award-winning creator of New York campus along with alumni from Singapore. Alumni enjoyed the chance to London area had the chance to network as BREWERY TOUR – OCTOBER 2014 shadowing Sir Richard Branson, drawing on the Kick-Ass comic book and movies, the other Scottish universities. The event was network with each other as well as to pass well as hear from Maggie Smart and Karinna GCU alumni had the opportunity to see his mind-set and the positive psychology creative consultant for 20th Century Fox in hosted by Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet on their experience of attending GCU to the Nobbs (two of our Fashion Lecturers at GCU behind the scenes at the iconic Tennent’s and culture Branson applies to business. Los Angeles and is responsible for one of Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and prospective students who were in London) about two new and exciting MSc Brewery in Glasgow’s east end. During the Marvel’s most successful series. Cities and afforded the alumni attending a attendance. Many of the prospective programmes they have just launched – MSc 90 minute tour, 34 alumni heard the history first-hand look at our latest campus as well students said they were giving much more Fashion Business Creation and MSc Digital of the brand, saw the sophisticated ABU DHABI/DUBAI ALUMNI as letting them enjoy a great networking serious consideration to attending GCU as a Fashion Strategy. production process and sampled some NETWORKING – MAY 2014 GRAMEEN CALEDONIAN opportunity. result. export products. Graduates based in the UAE got the chance COLLEGE OF NURSING (GCCN) to meet up with students and staff who were ALUMNI DINNER – FEBRUARY in the country on the KAR Scholarship Study 2014 Tour, hear the latest news from GCU and do The first GCCN Alumni dinner took place in a spot of networking. February with distinguished guest Professor DENISE RESTAURI Muhammad Yunus, Chairman of GCCN and MASTERCLASS – MARCH 2015 Chancellor of GCU. The dinner was well attended by alumni as well as all staff of Author and CEO of GirlQuake Denise Restauri GCCN and several guests from the Grameen presented a masterclass at the University, where family. The event also saw the election of almost half of the audience was made up of alumni. GATHERING THE VOICES alumni association members. Entitled ‘In Business, it's Personal: Brutally EXHIBITION LAUNCH – AUGUST Honest Tales of Successful Women’, the 2014 inspirational masterclass told stories from female Our Alumni Relations Team supported the professionals, providing a perspective on the launch of the Gathering the Voices challenges they face, along with their advice on Association Mobile Exhibition Stand to over how to succeed professionally and personally. 100 invited guests. The event featured GCU GCU FASHION SHOW – MAY 2014 Ms Restauri said: “I am really excited to be alumna Saskia Tepe introducing her book, It was VIP treatment for the alumni who here at GCU. I love innovation and the Surviving Brigitte’s Secrets, and a team of four attended the drinks reception prior to GCU’s University is filled with innovation, doing recent graduates showcasing a game they annual Fashion Show. With front-row seats, things differently and it is filled with success. have designed based on the story of a our guests got to enjoy show-stopping GCU really helps its students to make their holocaust refugee. To find out more about designs from the BA (Hons) Fashion future a reality.” Gathering the Voices, visit Business programme, who launched their Ms Restauri has since been appointed www.gatheringthevoices.com 2014 collection in the University’s Saltire an honorary professor by GCU. Centre. On the catwalk, there was a bold ‘upcycled’ collection, a range of gowns UPCOMING EVENTS GLASGOW SHERIFF COURT TOUR designed for leading luxury retailer Eleganza For further details on upcoming events – JUNE 2014 Sposa, and a collection of shirtdresses, please visit www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/events. A group of 16 graduates experienced a which drew inspiration from childhood New events are added regularly. You can fascinating tour of Scotland’s busiest court memories. also follow our Facebook and Twitter pages – Glasgow Sheriff Court. They were given a for up-to-date event information. behind-the-scenes insight into the workings of the court and had the opportunity to sit in www.facebook.com/CaledonianAlumni the public gallery and watch some of the trials taking place. @CaledonianAlum

To ensure that you are kept informed of local DAMIAN HUGHES MASTERCLASS events, please update us with your current email – JUNE 2014 address (most event invitations are via email) by Professor Hughes, a Sports Psychology registering your contact details at www.gcu. Consultant and Professor of Human ac.uk/alumni/update

24 25 MAGNUSSON AWARDS YOUR SUPPORT Making a difference Morgan Stanley supports new family-focused Caledonian Club Project.

lasgow Caledonian University (GCU)’s Club’s five partner primary schools along we’re now able to work even closer with Gwidening access programme the with parents and family members to GCU’s some of the families who need our support Caledonian Club launched a ground- campus for a week of educational activities, most.” breaking family-focused engagement designed to encourage positive family John McGrory, General Manager of project ‘Families Learning Together @ GCU’ relationships and healthy life choices. Morgan Stanley’s office in Glasgow, said: thanks to a £60,000 donation from Families benefited from free educational “Giving back is a core value of Morgan Morgan Stanley. activities such as cookery and nutrition, as Stanley and its employees, and we are The Caledonian Club works with nursery, well as social activities such as a family and proud to be able to provide this vital funding primary and secondary school pupils and child sports day. and support to the Caledonian Club’s their families to help raise aspirations and Eleanor Wilson, Director of Outreach Families Learning Together @ GCU address perceived barriers to education by and Community Engagement at GCU said: programme.” providing positive and rewarding “Family engagement is a vitally important If you would like more information on the experiences in a University setting. element of Caledonian Club activity, with projects we support, or would like to In the first week of July, the Families parents playing an integral role in raising contribute, please contact the Development Learning Together @ GCU project brought children’s aspirations. and Alumni Office on 0141 331 8769 or Inspiring projects together 100 pupils from the Caledonian "Thanks to funding from Morgan Stanley, [email protected] Magnusson Awards allow GCU students to make a difference at home and abroad.

ach year the Magnus Magnusson with: “When I think back to Tanzania, I am Olympic Games and delivering a cookery EAwards support and cultivate the still overwhelmed with emotion even project for families in Glasgow. In 2015 ambitions and dreams of talented young months on; it was an experience that has alone, eleven student projects are being people at GCU, such as MSc Public Health certainly humbled me by the kindness and supported by the Magnusson Fund, student, Gillian Murray. Gillian was just one hope of the people, and the resilience and including an expedition to the Peruvian of the 2014 Magnusson Award winners, determination of the staff and mothers. Amazon rainforest to promote the selected by a panel of judges including Without the funding from the Magnusson protection and welfare of rescued wildlife Sally Magnusson. award, I would not have been able to go out and a project to help children to develop The Awards were established in 2008 in to Tanzania to help implement this leadership skills at an early age to equip honour of the late Magnus Magnusson, technique.” them for future career success. former Chancellor and Ambassador of the Magnusson projects have included travel To find out more about the Magnusson University to recognise his passion for to Zambia to provide vision screening Awards visit: www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/ learning and knowledge, his contribution to training, being part of the press team at the magnusmagnussonfund Scottish education and in particular his contribution to GCU. Last summer, Gillian travelled to Tanzania as part of the Kangaroo Mother Care project where she taught mothers how Generous donors to keep their babies warm through continuous, 24 hours per day, skin-to-skin To date, almost £300,000 has been raised for the Magnusson Fund thanks to the contact. This form of care has been used to kind contributions of alumni, friends and organisations who have supported save preterm and low birth weight babies in more than 50 awards so far. low-income areas by regulating The Merchants House of Glasgow is one such supporter. Their generous temperature, breathing and brain activity as donation is sufficient to fund at least five Magnusson winners over the next five well as preventing infections. years, allowing many talented students to realise their dreams. It was a truly life changing experience for both Gillian and the families she worked Families Learning Together @ GCU brought 100 pupils and family members from the Caledonian Club’s five partner schools on to campus during the first week of July.

26 27 IN FOCUS: KHALID ABDULRAHIM Putting engineers in the driving seat Khalid Mohammed Abdulrahim credits GCU with helping him deliver Bahrain’s F1 circuit. Chris Fitzgerald moves through the gears of the honorary graduate’s fascinating story.

he fact that Khalid Mohammed theory behind the process he was already Masters. Applying his learned theory, he TAbdulrahim owns the Mini Cooper so familiar with. This proved invaluable was able to go back to the Crown Prince to driven by Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther when his F1 project hit a potential skid. give a confident ‘yes’. Needless to say, he film shouldn’t come as a surprise. The man “The brief stated the project had to be went on to deliver. is as obsessive about collecting cars as he is completed by May 2004,” says Khalid. “It “The Bahrain government had even about construction and philanthropy. had to be ready for the first race of the asked international contractors to prepare a Khalid Abdulrahim and some of the GCU students who have benefited from the KAR Scholarship scheme he supports. And while it is the latter two that season. The penalty for being late was report on the project and all of them said it resulted in him being awarded an honorary £30million. So when F1 suddenly told me could not be finished on time. The word was not so fortunate,” Khalid says, referring international construction first hand. Now What little spare time he has, he devotes degree by GCU in June last year, the point they used was impossible. to his first attempt at studying a degree, entering its fifth year, the KAR Scholarship to his car collection, which includes unique serves to highlight that Khalid applies the “When I collected my Award for Services which was cut short when he was asked to continues to enhance students’ preparation and rare vehicles from supercars to the same level of dedication to anything he I am beholden to to the People of Bahrain from the King, I return from St Edwards University in Austin, for the working world and create new aforementioned Peter Sellers Mini Cooper. pursues. smiled at that word impossible. That Texas, to Bahrain and the family business. networks for GCU. “My chief executive [ironically, also Founder and chairman of the KAR Group GCU for all it has success has now become my brand.” “My father owned a company that was “The KAR scholarship helps keep my called Peter Sellers] read an article on the headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, taught me It is a success he says he owes to one concerned with earthworks and roadworks. relationship with the University active,” most famous Mini Coopers in the world,” Khalid is predominantly concerned with the “ place. Glasgow Caledonian University. In 1979, he left the company to me and my Khalid says. Khalid explains. “One of these belonged to property and construction industries. “A friend of mine told me it was the place three brothers. The two elder brothers took “It helps create the engineers of the late actor Peter Sellers. My chief exec they now wanted the circuit ready for April With a string of inspiring projects under to go. Thank God I listened to him. My over but there was family pressure, so I had tomorrow. Engineers who may one day joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if you owned instead of May, I was faced with a crisis.” his belt, it is the £100million construction of education at GCU allowed me to take that to return. I worked with my brothers as I come to work for me.” this’. I said, ‘Yes it would, buy it’.” The project was the brainchild of the the Bahrain Formula 1 circuit in 2004 that calculated risk with the F1 circuit. It gave me wanted to expand into construction, but Away from his business, Khalid is Khalid’s collection also boasts an Aston Crown Prince of Bahrain, who had sought he counts as his most impressive. the confidence to commit because I had they didn’t. They said it was too risky. I something of a philanthropist, supporting Martin DB5 that belonged to Mark Knopfler advice from another GCU honorary “I submitted the tender in 2002,” he considered all eventualities in a structured wanted to do something big, so I took my charities, societies and sports development, of Dire Straits; a Lamborghini that graduate, Sir Jackie Stewart, on how to recalls. “The project was 10 times larger and methodical way. I am beholden to GCU share from my brothers and started my own all of which chimes with the University’s belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the promote the circuit. than anything I had done before. In fact, for all it has taught me.” company. That is how the KAR Group commitment to the common good. late Shah of Iran; and a Jaguar that belonged “His Highness asked me outright, ‘can it people said it was too big for me to take on, As a token of gratitude, Khalid has been eventually came into being.” “I believe in giving back,” he says. “I to Phil Hill, the only American-born F1 be achieved, yes or no?’,” Khalid that I would fail. I took this as a challenge. I a generous contributor to the University for Perhaps the most significant use of support the Red Crescent Society, Al Noor champion. remembers. “He gave me one week to find nothing more motivating.” the past decade or so. His donations have Khalid’s donations has been the Institute of the Blind and several other “I’ve always had a passion for cars, but answer.” Despite the complexity of the project, helped fund prizes, study trips and even an establishment of the KAR Construction medical-related societies, as well as the working with F1 people really increased my Late nights of scheduling, planning and Khalid decided simultaneously to study a Arabic language and culture course for Scholarship Programme within the School of development of places of worship – education and love of these vehicles. It’s not productivity followed, all of the things Masters in Construction Management at students planning to study in Dubai. Engineering and Built Environment, which Muslim, Hindu and Christian, among a frivolous, though. They are an investment as Khalid had learned while studying his GCU, to help him better understand the “I want to give students every chance. I enables GCU students to experience great many others.” well as a hobby.”

Significant KAR projects

• Abu Dhabi F1 - £700million • Bahrain F1 - £100million • Bahrain City Centre Mall - £200million • Durrat Highway - £30million • 2000 Bahrain social housing units and infrastructure - £176million

28 29 GCU LONDON Matching creativity Charity to support with business skills BSoF As co-founder of leading fashion wholesale agency Macandi Showrooms, GCU alumna and students new GCU London senior lecturer Maggie Smart talks fashion and family with Linda Robertson. retailTRUST, a leading UK charity, will fund annual awards of £20,000 for the next five years to support students on hile a teenage Maggie Smart may terminally ill. My dad had died just before “The programme will appeal to a variety the MSc Fashion Business Creation not have saved much money from my mum, so I lost both parents in the same of people including those who have studied W programme, which begins at GCU her first Saturday job, it did spark a lifelong year. design, who are creative, but want the London in September 2015. love affair with fashion. "I’m a big believer that good things came business skills. The harsh fact of our In addition, retailTRUST is A generous staff discount in the Glasgow out of bad, and, while we were not wealthy, industry is that some people go in to committing £10,000 each year for five clothing store Ichi Ni San meant her wages we were left a little bit of money. Cathal and business too early. were blown on labels such as John Galliano I went to our favourite restaurant one night “Every day at my agency I receive emails and Vivienne Westwood. and he wrote a business plan on a napkin from brands saying they’d like us to “I spent every penny I earned on clothes and said, 'Do you want to start a business represent them but 50 per cent aren’t able – which was probably £2.65 an hour back together?'. I thought, ‘Why not, what’s the to produce an order." then," she laughs. worst that could happen?’ The worst had Talented designers, she says, are often "I remember buying a John Galliano just happened." not equipped with the tools to move into years in seed funding loans, which is t-shirt and thinking I was the coolest thing Macandi Showrooms was established in the business world. being matched by GCU. MSc Fashion ever. Then it got stolen off my mum’s 1999 and is now one of the UK’s leading "While they’re producing beautiful, Business Creation students who will be washing line in Cumbernauld!" out-there creations, they don’t know how to invited to pitch for a share of the annual Her older brother, Cathal McAteer, The dream? To see our price a garment or create a timeline for £20,000 investment pot before a panel designer at fashion label Folk, which he and production. The British Fashion Council has of leading industry figures. Maggie launched in 2001, worked in the alumni with really identified a huge gap in that area – the The partnership is the first initiative Merchant City shop and got her the job successful businesses business of fashion. What we’re doing at to be launched under the when she was just 13. the British School of Fashion is niche but it’s retailENTERPRISE banner developed by "I loved how clothes could make you feel “and we can say ‘They’re responding to a definite industry need.” retailTRUST to support the industry’s and how they could change your mood. I There will be classes in the Macandi rising stars and innovators. one of ours’ Maggie Smart on the roof of GCU London with Professor Christopher Moore, Director of the British School of Fashion. loved going to work.” showroom, where students can work with “The retail sector depends upon Fashion, it seems, is woven into Maggie's wholesale agencies for contemporary Maggie’s team, and she’ll also bring innovation, creativity and inspiring life. Her grandmother was a seamstress and fashion labels. Then came Folk, which began Macandi on to campus to enhance student Maggie’s son, Finlay, came along 18 evidence gathering, which I’m taking back ideas,” says Richard Boland, Chief her uncle a tailor. Yet it was hospitality that as a menswear brand and has grown to experience and industry links. months ago. "I was chatting to Christopher, to my own business.” Executive of retailTRUST. she studied at GCU, graduating with her include footwear and womenswear. “When I look at some of the people who saying how having a baby had changed my She can’t wait to get started on helping “This programme is a core part of our degree in 1996. “I’ve always been the more businessey, have worked with us, and the roles they’re perspective and how I wanted new to shape the fashion business leaders of the commitment to put resources behind “A module in entrepreneurship in my organisational person, while Cathal is in now, I want the same for our students. I experiences. future, preparing them for one of the most those individuals aspiring to create an third year made me interested in owning my creative and has a really strong sense of want them to leave with the ability and About a month later, he said, ‘Do you dynamic – yet hugely competitive – inspiring retail scene.” own business." style." knowledge to get a fashion company off the know that chat we had…’ I have so much industries. The dream? "To see our alumni Professor Christopher Moore, She spotted an advert in the University Maggie, who joined The British School of ground." respect for him and it’s an amazing with really successful businesses and we Director of the British School of Fashion, for a job-training scheme with a London Fashion in October last year, is developing a Maggie's relationship with GCU London opportunity to work with him. The team at can say ‘They’re one of ours’." adds: “The new MSc Fashion Business company with restaurants and franchises Masters programme which will launch in stretches back to its launch in 2010. GCU London is superb and so supportive." Students on Maggie’s programme will Creation is an exciting addition to the around the world. They took on 12 people a September. It will prepare students for a "The Alumni magazine had a piece about Maggie will spend three days on campus also benefit from a GCU partnership with British School of Fashion portfolio and it year – including Maggie. career in the fashion industry, whether the London campus and they wanted to and two days in her own business. retailTRUST, which provides £100,000 of is a real honour to have retailTRUST "It was an amazing grounding in how to helping them to launch their own hear from former students. I emailed and "I’ve only been in the role a few months scholarships at the British School of Fashion partnering with us and providing this run a business. I was about to be fast- businesses, giving established brands the Professor Christopher Moore got me but the way I think about my business is and an additional £50,000 in seed-funding generous support.” tracked but after 18 months in London I tools to grow, or supporting those who wish involved in mentoring and masterclasses different. So much in the fashion industry is loans to help students develop and launch came home because my mum was to develop e-commerce. with students." done on a whim, so I love the research and their own businesses.

30 31 KEEP IN TOUCH Neil MacDonald Firas Al Issaei Obituaries BA (Hons) Social Sciences 2005 BSc (Hons) Electrical Power Engineering 2011 Being a college lecturer in sociology and After graduation from Caledonian College politics (my Hons Degree subjects) was of Engineering, Oman, I worked for a obviously a direct result of gaining my degree construction company then moved to Where are they now? and it definitely beats warehousing! Going to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the GCU was the best decision I ever made. biggest oil and gas company in Oman, to The complete list of all those who contributed updates is available on our website: work as a power generation engineer. www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/keepintouch/tellusyourstories Callum Urquhart BSc Computing with Interactive Vipul Modak Multimedia 2006 MSc Clinical Microbiology (Des) 2012 In 2009, I took a risk and began contracting. After completing my MSc, I opted for a PgD 1970s Mary Sheerin McLuskey Adam Gordon It has its up and downs, but the flexibility and course in Clinical Microbiology at GCU. After Derek Elder MBA 1993 BA (Hons) Social Sciences 1999 variety suits me. I owned a Nissan GTR super completing the course, I joined UOP as a HNC Civil Engineering 1977 Now leading a national charity, I bring all of In 2009, I started my own social-media car for a while, so I must be doing something junior research fellow, and I am currently Varied career from engineering to policy, to my learning to this exceptionally important services company, helping clients use LinkedIn right! undertaking a PhD. public affairs to semi-retired consultancy. I've role with, I hope, humility, knowledge and fun. for business development, strategic networking been able to visit some interesting parts of the Without doubt GCU is a place to explore your and recruitment. I took the business into a joint Christos Matskas Dr Jack Bruce world in the process. ability. venture with Norman Broadbent plc. Three MSc Advanced Computer Networking 2007 Scottish musician Jack Bruce, bassist in blues- years later and we've grown to 20 people in An entrepreneur rock group Cream, died in October 2014 aged Paul Scott Newman London and Glasgow, servicing some of the of sorts, I run my 71. He received an honorary doctorate from BSc Quantity Surveying 1994 world's biggest organisations. 1980s own software GCU in 2009. Principal Professor Pamela Gillies Stephen Kerridge As I enter my sixth year consultancy that CBE said: “Jack Bruce crafted and performed Kamlia Almawaali (née Rashid) BSc (Hons) Applied Biology 1981 in the Middle East, I provides tailor- some of the most memorable rock songs of all have recently taken BSc (Hons) Applied Biosciences 1999 time. He was also a gentle, warm, modest and I am a corporate adviser to a Japanese made solutions to up a new role as the In 2000 I became humorous family man. A wonderful role model pharmaceutical outsourcing company, which is clients. I blog, tweet Director of Commercial a senior biomedical for our students, he will be sorely missed." very interesting work. and try to help Properties for DMCC. scientist in Oman, the community as One of their most in charge of the Sandra Cayless (née Stronach) much as possible. challenging projects is immunohistochemistry BSc (Hons) Applied Biology 1984 the construction of the section. During that Fiona Reynolds (née Craig) I worked in cancer research and then wrote Burj 2020, a tower launched to commemorate time, I have been MSc Biomedical Science 2008 two science-fiction books. Now back at GCU the award of Expo 2020 to Dubai. It’s targeted involved in eight I work as the Laboratory Operational Manager working on a short-term research project. Next to be the world’s tallest commercial tower. research projects at the College of Medicine Lorna Grant (née Jain) in Clinical Microbiology at the new South book is on the back burner! and Health Sciences. In 2012 I was appointed MSc Advanced Nursing 2013 Sector Laboratory medicine building at the John Keeman as laboratory superintendent. I currently work as a therapist with eating Craig Paterson Southern General Hospital. BA Law with Administrative Studies 1995 disorders in an inpatient service undertaking BA Risk Management 1986 I graduated as a mature student in 1995 and I Lewis John McGibbney individual therapy and group work. I won If there are any risk management alumni here in went on to work with the BBC Radio Helpline 2000s BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying 2009 the Therapist of the Year Award at Scottish Singapore let me know and we can meet up. until I retired in 2006. Now, at the age of 70, Health Awards 2014. James Tait I now work at NASA's Jet Propulsion my first novel is to be published. BSc (Hons) Computer Studies 2001 Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where I Jan Breytenbach Now self-employed as an IT contractor. I have work as an engineering applications software Dr Margie Moffat OBE 1990s BSc Railway Operations Management 2014 great memories of GCU and look back fondly at engineer on projects relating to earth and Margie Moffat, founder of AT Mays travel June Grindley (née MacBain) my time there. plantetary science as well as defence and I am a full-time shop steward for the United agents chain and supporter of GCU’s travel and BA (Hons) Business Studies 1990 research. National Transport Union, working for Transnet tourism scholarships, passed away peacefully I did various jobs Sandra Ostermann (née Wienarick) Rail Operations in Ermelo Mphumalanga, South in October 2014. Margie was awarded an before taking a MBA 2002 Africa. Currently, my focus is to enhance safety honorary doctorate by GCU in 2012, in within Transnet. recognition of her outstanding charitable career break to have I took time out of my career due to my little 2010s a family. I moved giving and support for a range of causes via the daughters and my current maternity leave. I Lucy Rothwell back to Scotland, Moffat Charitable Trust. was a manager with Lidl in the UK, Amazon in BA (Hons) Business Management 2010 completed an MSc Germany and Airberlin in Berlin. in Autism and have I was promoted to global head of production Since 2000, the Trust has donated more than of the company I work for, responsible for Due to the overwhelming response we are £1.4million to the University and supported recently set up a Eilidh Fleming Robert McAllen the entire production department - four unable to publish all updates in the magazine. more than 160 students. The Trust also social enterprise BA (Hons) Psychology 2004 supporting families BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication 1998 managers and 16 producers. I directed To view all updates from the past year or supports the work of the Moffat Centre, a I have worked my way up through the ranks at who have children Manager for Blackbaud in Austin, Texas. Led the launch of the business in Argentina, submit an update of your own please visit: unique University-based consultancy for the Scottish Prision Service to manager level on the autistic products to success across geographies for the Colombia and China and helped grow the www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/keepintouch/ Travel and Tourism Business Development and and hope to one day be known as 'Governor'. spectrum. past 15 years. business by 300 per cent. tellusyourstories research centre.

32 33 IN FOCUS: EVA HALLER 20% Alumni Discount Helping inspire others on Postgraduate Programmes A discount of 20% off taught or research Philanthropist and GCU postgraduate programmes is available to Honorary Professor Eva Haller students starting in 2015/16 who have is inspired by the University’s received their undergraduate or postgraduate work to raise educational and taught or research degree qualification from social aspiration. GCU (or one of our founding institutions). Glasgow Hotels Discount You are entitled to a 20% discount off the privately-funded part of your fee for every nternationally renowned activist, GCU has corporate rates with a number of IHonorary Graduate and Honorary hotels in Glasgow, including the five-star year of study. Professor of GCU, Professor Eva Haller Blythswood Hotel, and we are happy to made a couple of poignant visits to the offer these rates to our alumni. For more How to apply: University last year. information on the hotels and rates, Simply mention you are a GCU graduate when Now living in the US, where she and her please visit: applying for your course and the discount will be husband work with organisations dedicated deducted from any fee you are charged (after any to helping young people across the world, www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/alumnibenefitsservices third-party funding has been deducted). The fee she was keen to meet Caledonian Club and applies to taught/research masters programmes GCU London Club members to find out and PhD programmes, both full-time and part- more about the University’s work to raise educational and social aspiration. time. Accompanied by her husband and fellow honorary graduate Dr Yoel Haller, Professor Please note: Haller, 83, spent a busy week at GCU, Additional • CPD and all short courses are not eligible including a day at GCU London. During their for this discount. time here, they met members of staff, • Qualifications ainedg through INTO do not students, children and parents from the Alumni Benefits qualify as an undergraduate qualification Caledonian Club. from GCU, in relation to this discount. • Dedicat ed Career Coaching platform Professor Haller also took centre stage at • Where a student is eligible for both an a Magnusson Fellowship event, hosted by Professor Eva Haller: stained-glass window helped put • Discounts on conference facility hire at GCU Alumni Fee Discount and another honorary graduate and BBC presenter Dr past into perspective. Glasgow and London Scholarship, the highest discount applies. Sally Magnusson. Students, staff and guests • Discounts cannot be backdated. were enthralled with stories of Professor many Jewish people. During her visit to • Discount on GCU library membership Haller’s childhood experiences working for GCU, Eva made a quiet pilgrimage to • Discount on membership at the Arc Gym, the Hungarian Resistance, her escape from Queen’s Park Church in Glasgow, which For more information: SS officers and the incredible career success features a stained-glass window dedicated Glasgow campus www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni/alumnibenefitsservi that has enabled her to devote herself to to Jane. There she met Morag Reid, a This sculpture, by American sculptor and painter • Two years' free careers support, post- ces/20alumnidiscount philanthropy throughout her life. church elder, who shares Eva’s admiration Fletcher Benton, was donated to GCU by the Hallers. graduation But it was a trip off campus that was to for Jane. provide one of the most unforgettable Morag has been fascinated by Jane since where she and other women worked 14 • Purchase graduation merchandise including New programmes for moments of the visit. she was a child. She has carried out hours a day in terrible conditions. It is widely DVDs September 2015: Eva was 12 years old in 1942 when she, extensive research, helped a successful presumed that Jane died in the gas • GCU credit card along with her brother John, joined the campaign for Jane to be recognised with a chambers but, according to a death MSc in Fashion Business Creation Hungarian Resistance and helped to print place among the Righteous Among the certificate later sent by German legation in • Discounted theatre tickets in Glasgow and and distribute anti-Nazi leaflets in Nations in Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Budapest, she died of ‘cachexia following London MSc Digital Fashion Strategy Budapest. She was forced into hiding when Martyrs and Heroes Memorial in Jerusalem, intestinal catarrh’.” MSc Climate Justice German forces occupied the city and was and continues to deliver talks to Professor Haller said: “I had no idea • Discounts at florists, car rental, airport taken into an orphanage and protected by organisations and church groups. about the stained-glass window and I never parking, cottage holidays and more MSc Water Resource Engineering and the famous Dumfries-born Church of Professor Haller listened as Morag gave really knew what had happened to Jane. The Management Scotland missionary Jane Haining, who later her details of the Scotswoman’s fate and revelations that have come with each new died in Auschwitz for helping Jewish showed her a copy of the last letter ever piece of information have become another For more information: www.gcu.ac.uk/ MSc Sustainable Urban Environments children. written by Jane. way of mourning for her, and being grateful alumni/alumnibenefitsservices MSc Big Data Technologies (Jan 2016) Eva believes that Jane’s courage saved Morag said: “Jane was taken to to her. I am enormously moved by the her from the terrible fate that awaited so Auschwitz and sent to work in the mines, experience.”

34 35 University for the Common Good

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