The Difference You Make
For over five-hundred years, the University has benefitted from the generosity of supporters like you.
Your support helps us consolidate Glasgow as a world class centre for study, scholarship and innovation, and a major centre for advances in medical research and the diseases that affect us all.
Scroll through to read about some of the projects and people your gifts have helped support. Thank you for the difference you make.
Past generations of Giving to Glasgow...
The 19th campaign to build 'a University worthy of the city'
"The Sub-Committees of the Senate, of the General Council, and of Gentlemen unconnected with the University, appointed to obtain subscriptions for erecting the new University Buildings and Hospital, beg leave to enclose for your perusal an Explanatory Statement by the Senate ... the joint Committees feel satisfied that they may rely with confidence upon the liberality of the alumni of the University, of the inhabitants of Glasgow and the West of Scotland, of the public at large, and of those Scotchmen who, though now absent from their native country, retain a regard for her Institutions and have been so prosperous in life as to be able to contribute."
In the 1860s and 70s, Glasgow alumni and received an appeal to support the vision to build ‘a University worthy of the name of the city’ – a new campus at Gilmorehill.
Read more…
Orleans Mfune
Glasgow Centre for International Development (GCID) PhD scholarship holder
"My name is Orleans Mfune, I come from Zambia. I’ve been here for three years studying at our university in the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences. My field of study is environmental management so I specialise in issues of sustainable development and the management of the environment.
"Having a scholarship has made a big impact on myself. As a person who is coming from a developing country, where it is very difficult to get into postgraduate studies without resources, I think this has gone a long way in assisting me to get into a very good university and to simply concentrate on my studies without worrying about work.
"Well, my research will make a big impact. As you know, in developing countries, particularly in my country, over 60% of the people live in rural areas and they are directly dependent on the environment. Also, environmental change is likely to impact negatively on their livelihoods and so my research will help in the design of policies and strategies that will assist these people in the rural areas."
"For anybody who wants to make a donation to this scholarship, I must simply tell them that they are making the right decision because it will have an impact beyond the particular student they are helping. It will have an impact on a lot of people in the south that require help."
Victoria Keir
Bachelor of Law student and Talent Scholarship holder
“I am extremely grateful that I have been awarded the Charlotte Pache Talent Scholarship. Thanks to the scholarship, the financial pressures of being a student are eased and I am able to concentrate on my studies and experience the different aspects of university life. In these times of economic uncertainty and of rising costs, it is reassuring to know that there are people out there willing to support students with their education.”
Victoria Keir, recipient of the Charlotte Pache Talent Scholarship
“I loved my time at Glasgow and, coming from a less affluent background, I didn’t have financial support to get through my degree. I want to enable others facing similar challenges to have the opportunity to complete their studies without the same pressure.”
Charlotte Pache LLB 1991, DipL 1992
Janetta Gould, MA 1947
Supporter of an annual bursary to a student studying Music
“The courses I followed in the University Music Department entirely changed my musical awareness. Being a student there, and eventually a graduate, steered me towards ever changing and expanding horizons. I regard my gift as going some way to repaying the debt I owe to the Department for the life-changing experiences I encountered there.” Janetta Gould
Dr Tan Hwa Luck, BVMS 1969
Dr Tan Hwa Luck gifted the Dr Tan Hwa Luck Mobility Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine in memory of Sir William Weipers
“I want to give an opportunity to a student to have the same experience I had 40 years ago. The experience of studying abroad and the opportunity to be immersed in another culture has been very influential in my personal development. These factors have contributed in no small measure to the success of my career.” Dr Tan Hwa Luck
Ian Sword, BSc 1964
Ian Sword gifted the Ian Sword Postgraduate Studentships and Lectureship in Chemistry
"My arrival at the University of Glasgow to study Chemistry in 1960 was a bit fortuitous, but it almost certainly saved me from an otherwise dreary career and for this I shall be eternally grateful.
"It was difficult not to be hooked by the sheer drive and enthusiasm of the Chemistry Department and I simply could not get enough Organic Chemistry. I firmly believe that the rigorous education and training which I received made my subsequent career not only possible, but, by most standards, successful.
"As a token of my appreciation, I wanted to put something back into Chemistry at Glasgow to help keep Chemistry vibrant. It soon became clear that the greatest need at the time was for additional staff and studentships, so with no fuss and great support from the Alumni Office, that was quickly arranged.
"Visits for updates on progress are always a delight – the infectious buzz is as palpable as ever." Ian Sword
Sandy Black, LLB 1972
“I graduated from Glasgow with an LLB in 1972, and have been involved as a friend and supporter of the University for some time; my first gift was in support of the University's Donald Dewar Memorial Appeal in 2003.
“I decided to support the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre campaign because of my interest in cardiovascular medicine and to support the expertise concentrated in the West of Scotland which benefited my father, Alec, and many others.
“I made the gift towards funding the medical equipment needs of the Clinical Investigation Suite at the Centre because I felt it was time for me to give something back to both the University and the city of Glasgow. I knew that my gift would make a difference and I am delighted that my support will help the University of Glasgow to remain at the forefront of teaching and research for many years to come.” Sandy Black
Alastair Bryson, BSc 1947, MEd 1951
“The years I spent at the University of Glasgow have left me with a feeling of gratitude and great affection for my alma mater. This has only increased with the passing of time. I spent many years in Canada where the continuing link with the University was even more meaningful and necessary.
“The University has made its mark on the world stage both in the field of teaching and in research. I feel proud to have attended such an outstanding and historic seat of learning. So it is not surprising that I have arranged for legacies to enable the good work of the University to carry on with research into cancer relief, and also to the general upkeep of the University. My hope is that future students and alumni will have cause to feel the same pride in their University as I do, and be inspired to do the same in their turn.” Alastair Bryson
Peter Holmes BVMS 1966
Peter Holmes and the class of 1966 clubbed together to support the Vet School.
"I was delighted when several key members of our year agreed that we should mark our life-long gratitude to the Vet School by arranging a class gift in 2006 when we celebrated our 40th reunion. To start the ball rolling a few of us made commitments and these were quickly followed by many other members of the year. As a group we raised in excess of £70k for the campaign. I am also pleased to see other year groups demonstrating their commitment to the Vet School through a gift to the Small Animal Hospital Fund." Peter Holmes
Find out more about supporting Veterinary medicine and animal care
Contact us about making a class gift.
Melville (BSc 1955) and Sheila Tuck
Bequests can make a significant difference to the University, its Colleges and Schools. Melville and Sheila Tuck left a very generous bequest in support of mechanical engineering.
The bequest of Melville Tuck (BSc 1955) and his wife Sheila will make a remarkable difference to the next generation of engineers, creating an undergraduate teaching laboratory for mechanics, a student workshop and a prize for the best Mechanical Engineering student.
Mr Tuck matriculated at the University of Glasgow in 1947. He postponed his studies in 1949 to complete his National Service and graduated with an ordinary degree in Engineering in 1955. Mr and Mrs Tuck subsequently married at the University Chapel.
After Mrs Tuck passed away, she ensured that a bequest was made in memory of her husband who had enjoyed and highly regarded his degree from the School of Engineering.
Angus Mitchell (PhD 1964)
Miriam Mitchell made a bequest to endow a postgraduate scholarship in Geographical and Earth Sciences in the name of her geologist husband, Dr Angus Mitchell (BSc 1958, PhD 1964).
The School of Geographical & Earth Sciences is very well equipped in terms of analytical facilities and has an excellent staff with a wide range of expertise. These two important aspects ensure that PhD students in the School enjoy excellent training provision within a thriving research environment. It costs a significant sum of money to train a PhD student and we are therefore extremely grateful for the bequest that will enable us to provide such support for many students over the years.
The first Angus Mitchell scholar, Emma Fairley, has commenced her PhD studies under the supervision of Dr Tim Dempster. Both are delighted to have the opportunity to research rare minerals of economic importance.
‘Thanks to the Mitchell family's generous bequest, I am able to undertake valuable research at a world class institution. Without their donation, my work, that will advance our understanding of economically valuable minerals, would not be possible.’
Emma Fairley
Find out more about supporting Geographical and Earth Sciences
John McGuigan
Team McGuigan have generously supported Leukaemia research at the University since 2003.
"I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in 1999 and was fortunate to receive a bone marrow transplant from my brother Jamie in 2000. This was, for my family and I, better than winning the lottery!
"During my hospital stay doctors, nurses and other associated staff were incredibly understanding and highly supportive. It was seeing the dedication of staff and how hard they worked for others that spurred Team McGuigan on to help in any way they could, so the first sponsored cycle event was an ideal opportunity for us to start raising funds!
"We encourage others to come along to events such as Cycle Glasgow where they can enjoy a fun day out and raise funds at the same time.
"We entered the first sponsored cycle in 2003 and have returned year on year. To date we have raised £41,495 in sponsorship, a great total I am sure you will agree. I am delighted that in recognition of this fabulous amount, Glasgow University have named a student scholarship "The Team McGuigan Summer Scholarship". My family and I were introduced to the students in July 2010 to find out how our sponsorship money was used to resource their project work. We all found the visit very impressive. The students hard work and dedication was amazing, it was great to see their presentations and have a look around the labs. I hope other families have the opportunity of the same visit.
With the help, support and dedication of hospital staff and my family, I continue to keep well."
John McGuigan
Yvonne MacDougall
Yvonne took part in a sky dive in New Zealand to support the Beatson Pebble Appeal in memory of her mum.
She says, "Do what you want; go where you want; do everything! was one of my mum’s sayings; she loved life and was fearless. Over a 10 year period my mum received treatment and care at the Beatson Oncology Centre so it seemed fitting to raise funds for The Pebble Appeal. During a trip with my dad to visit my sister and new nephew in New Zealand I did a skydive over the Abel Tasman from a height of 16,500 feet. What an experience! My pledges raised £1,325 for the Appeal. I know if my mum was here, not only would she have done the jump too, she would have been first out of the plane".
The Andrew Tannahill Fund in Scottish Literature
The Andrew Tannahill Fund for the furtherance of Scottish literature was established in 2006 by Dr Mabel Tannahill, herself a Glasgow graduate, in memory of her father Andrew Tannahill (a descendant of Robert Tannahill, the Paisley poet).
The fund was launched with a publication of his selected poems, songs and translations, A Tapsalteerie Touer (Kettillonia), and it has allowed the University to begin work in a number of different ways to develop the subject of Scottish literature further.
Through a range of activities, the fund has supported the engagements of contemporary writing and cultural debate, historical scholarship from the twenty-first back to the fourteenth centuries and further, as well as various forms of publication. The launch preceded the first of a series of lectures marking the initiation of the celebrated Robert Burns Centre at Glasgow University, and endorsed the connections between Burns' eighteenth-century and Andrew Tannahill’s twentieth-century work as popular and politically-engaged song-writers.
The Duncan and Morag MacLean Studentship in Celtic & Gaelic
Anne F MacLean made a provision in her will to fund a scholarship for talented individuals studying Celtic at the University of Glasgow. The gift was made in memory of her parents who originated from Skye and Mull.
Miss MacLean’s bequest allowed the University to endow an annual postgraduate studentship, known as the Duncan and Morag MacLean Studentship, which was launched along with the department’s new interdisciplinary Masters in Celtic Studies programme, ensuring that talented postgraduate students with an interest in Celtic and Gaelic Studies will be attracted to Glasgow.
Miss MacLean had a passion for learning and graduated from the University of Newcastle qualifying as a Medical Social Worker. She came to Glasgow around 1970 and held many positions in the Social Work Department where she eventually became Head. During her early years in Glasgow she also served as an Assistant Warden at the student residence of Wolfson Hall.
Cancer research
Glasgow is a strategically important centre for cancer research. Thousands of individuals, trusts and companies have supported Cancer at Glasgow.
This support has helped us build the Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, helped to support breast cancer and brain cancer research and supported the construction of the Beatson Translational Cancer Research Centre which will open in 2013.
Find out more about how you can help us in the fight against cancer
The Small Animal Hospital
Alumni and hospital clients played a huge part in making our new Small Animal Hospital a reality.
The Vet School is well-loved throughout Scotland and our hospital has always played an important role in treating sick and injured animals from all over the UK as well as providing the best training for current and future vets and nurses.
The old Small Animal Hospital was outdated, cramped and at the end of its useful life, and so our campaign to build a new hospital began. The aim was to provide a world class teaching centre for veterinary medicine, delivering the highest levels of care and pioneering future standards in animal treatment and welfare.
The University of Glasgow's new Small Animal Hospital opened in September 2009, thanks in no small part to our supporters.
Margaret Stuart’s dog was a patient of the Small Animal Hospital. She told us why she supported the Small Animal Hospital campaign:
"I wanted to repay the kindness I received from the hospital staff by raising money for the new hospital. I’ve now got an inscription on the new section of the Donor Wall in the hospital. It means a lot to me as my gift, in memory of my lovely dog, will never be forgotten."
Find out more about supporting Veterinary medicine and animal care
Medical research and education
As well as helping us build important facilities for cancer and cardiovascular research, your generous support of the Medical Fund has contributed £4.9 million to medical research and education at the University since 2005.
Your support is making a real difference, and has enabled us to purchase pieces of equipment for research into immune, inflammatory and infectious diseases, heart disease and diseases of the nervous system and helped us support research projects in a number of areas, including kidney disease, diabetes and mental health.
Our Medical Education Fund has bought prosthetics for student self-study, supported scholarships and purchased equipment for the Wolfson Medical School Building.
Your donations really make a difference, furthering our understanding of disease, helping to improve diagnosis, produce more effective treatments, and support disease prevention.
"With funding from the Medical Fund we have been able to set up a research collaboration between neuroscientists, immunologists, neuroradiologists and physicists to investigate stem cells and the role they play in stroke recovery. We hope to translate this research into meaningful patient treatments and the money from the Diseases of the Nervous System Fund will help us to achieve this aim."
Mhairi MacRae, Professor of Neuroscience
Find out more about supporting medical research and education with a gift to the Medical Fund
The Wolfson Medical Building
Over 1000 trusts, foundations, graduates and friends of the University donated to the campaign to construct the Medical School's first purpose-built home on campus. Over £11 million was raised, with the largest gift generously donated by the Wolfson Foundation. An etched glass Donors' Wall has been erected in the foyer of the new building to commemorate all gifts to the appeal of £500 and over.
The Wolfson Medical School Building which received its first intake of students in August 2002 provides both students and staff with unrivalled teaching and learning facilities and will ensure that the University remains at the forefront of medical education in the future.
Edinburgh-based firm Reiach and Hall Architects designed the new building which boasts a wonderful atrium with glass ceiling. The building makes a significant architectural contribution to the West End, combining modern and traditional materials which enhance the character of the area.
The new Wolfson Medical School Building was officially opened in Spring 2003.
Cardiovascular research
In April 2006, the University of Glasgow was delighted to host Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, to open officially two new major research facilities: the British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre and the Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre Sir Graeme Davies Building.
1,200 donors, joining with the University and the BHF, made the £12 million BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre possible.
The BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre enhances Glasgow's track record of research excellence enabling teams of international standing to engage in crucial collaborative work within state of the art facilities. Modern laboratories and a clinical investigation unit enhance the integration of research and clinical practice, so that patients benefit more rapidly from advances in cardiovascular medicine.
Dr Jim Gatheral, BSc 1979
Dr Jim Gatheral gifted the Jim Gatheral Scholarship to fund doctoral students to travel and study at other institutions that excel in mathematical modelling.
“It has been a continuing pleasure for me to see how effectively my contributions are being used to fund such a variety of students and projects. Students get to expand their horizons and deepen their skills by spending time abroad, strengthening links between the host research group and Glasgow in the process.”
Dr Jim Gatheral
The Scholarship has allowed Glasgow students to spend time at institutions in the USA, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Spain and Australia
The Hunterian
The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum. Established in 1807, following the bequest of the collections of the eminent Scottish physician and obstetrician, William Hunter (1718-1783), it is home to one of the top five collections in Scotland. Over the years, the Hunterian collection has been further enriched by the generosity of subsequent generations of donors.
Mackintosh
The University houses the world's largest collection of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. These holdings are centred on the architect's Estate and the Davidson Gift.