Alumni and Friends

Revisiting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

GCU Alumni Office — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:04:29 +0000

Paul Beltrami, Communications Studies, was one of the many graduates who attended the inaugural GCU Abu Dhabi Alumni event in November. He blogs his unique experience.

It was a great surprise to me when I received an invitation to the alumni event in Abu Dhabi. It was convenient too as I live and work in Al Ain, only 90 minutes away from the capital.

The evening itself was my first alumni event having graduated from what was then Glasgow College of Technology way back in 1989. I particularly enjoyed the speech from Sir Jackie Stewart who is a tireless campaigner for those with learning difficulties, particularly dyslexia. As a teacher myself I found his speech to be both informative and inspiring, I could have listened to him all night!I also enjoyed the presentation on the new Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit and I was surprised to learn that it was built by fellow alumni, Khalid Abdulrahim. I also had the opportunity to network with other former GCAL students living in the UAE.

The biggest surprise came when Pat Cassidy Head of Development Services at GCAL gave me two tickets to the Grand Prix. I decided to take my eldest son Max to the circuit and I don’t know who was more excited. I wasn’t prepared for the sheer noise of the event and I was glad that earplugs were available for free. A great day was rounded off with the Kings of Leon live in concert. This was my son’s first rock concert and I must admit he took to it just like his old man.

I’d like to say a big thank you to all members of the Alumni Team for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to visit the Grand Prix and hope that Abu Dhabi becomes home to an annual alumni event.

OBE for Alumnus David Sibbald

GCU Alumni Office — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:24:03 +0000

GCU alumnus and honorary graduate David Sibbald, who is Chairman of Sumerian Network, has been awarded an OBE in the 2010 New Year Honours List. He received the award for charitable services in Scotland and overseas.
Also appearing on the list was Professor Michael Wright, Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University and a previous Head of the Department of Law and Public Administration at GCU, who was awarded a CBE for his contribution to higher education and the community of Kent.

David pictured with the his Alumni Achievement Award in 2008.

Exclusive interview with Chief Economist of RBS

GCU Alumni Office — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:52:12 +0000

Few can offer such personal insight into the recent banking crisis as Andrew McLaughlin, Social Sciences ‘90, Group Chief Economist and Head of Communications of Royal Bank of Scotland. In an incisive interview with Adelle Hopkins, (BA (Hons) Communication & Mass Media ’07, currently studying an MA in Multimedia Journalism), Mr McLaughlin discusses his personal experience of the collapse of RBS, and offers his views on both the causes of the credit crunch and the prospects for economic recovery.

Tell us what you think about the banking crisis!

Click the links below to listen to Andrew

Has public faith in banks dwindled?

What has happened over the last 2 years?

Who has benefited from current economic crisis?

Who can we trust?

Could the crisis have been avoided?

Is there risk of the recession happening again?

What are the root problems of this current crisis?

Caledonian+ – Out now!

GCU Alumni Office — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:04:55 +0000

The latest edition of the alumni magazine, Caledonian+, will be hitting your door mats in the next few days.
If you do not recieve any communications from the Alumni Department then please update your details here

Wishing you the best over the festive period!

GCU Alumni Office — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Alternative E-card:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J33A_j9LuD4

Scottish Football Chief – Gordon Smith ’77

GCU Alumni Office — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:40:29 +0000

Chief Executive and GCU graduate, Gordon Smith ’77, visited the campus in later November to talk to students on the Sports and Active Lifestyles Promotion course on a new SFA initiative aimed at giving thousands of boys and girls advice and guidance as part of SFA approved football lessons.

“I am very happy to have had the chance to come back to Glasgow Caledonian University and talk to staff and students within the Department of Cultural Business. I have fond memories of my time here, and enjoyed informing students about the work the SFA does with regards to the organisation of football in Scotland, and in particular our continuing youth initiatives, which will play an extremelly important part in developing our national sport.”

Conclusion of the “Westenders” – Oran Mor – Thurs 10th Dec

GCU Alumni Office — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:47:19 +0000

The final episode of the popular live Soap “Westenders” will come to an exciting conclusion this Thursday at the Oran Mor.

The soap, sponsored by the Alumni Office at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been a huge success and we would like to invite all graduates to celebrate the conclusion of this popular soap at the Oran Mor.

To read what happened in the previous episodes visit:
http://www.oran-mor.co.uk/show_news.php?n_id=159

Date:                                Thursday 10th December
Time:                              6pm for a 6:30 start
Venue:                           Oran Mor – Byres Road, Glasgow
How to get there:    http://www.oran-mor.co.uk/

Badminton Doubles!

GCU Alumni Office — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:58:03 +0000

GCU graduates David Forbes, BSc Psychology ’00 and Stewart Kerr, MSc Rehabilitation Science ‘08 took part in Bank of Scotland International Badminton Championships in Glasgow last in November. The doubles pair reached the second round of the tournament before losing out to an Austrian duo. David and Stewart have been playing together for 4 years and have been capped for Scotland 5 times.

GCU Alumni Reception ’09 – Oman

GCU Alumni Office — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:40:47 +0000

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the Caledonian College of Engineering in Oman (CCEO) hosted an alumni networking event at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Oman for those about to graduate, giving them the opportunity to build relationships that will help them in their careers.

Powerlifting Champion!

GCU Alumni Office — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:28:55 +0000

Tom Moffett leads the project for the construction of the HMS Defender warship at BVT Surface Fleet, Glasgow. But what many don’t know is that Tom is a former Power-Lifting Champion and current world record holder! Tom, B.Eng (Hons) Business and Manufacturing Engineering ’99, represented Scotland in the 2009 World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPA) Deadlift Championships finishing a close 2^nd behind Ireland.

The World Championships, held in Bradford in September, attracted the best power-lifters from over 30 countries. Tom said; “I am a bit disappointed to finish second but I am happy with my performance and it was great to see my friends and competitors from around the world.” Tom has now started training for the Scottish Championships and the European Championships in Moscow next year, whilst of course, working on the HMS Defender.