UWS Alumni Blog

Month: May 2025

Alumnus Named in the Top 10 Australian Franchise Executives
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Alumni Stories, Profiles

Alumnus Named in the Top 10 Australian Franchise Executives

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been named number 9 in the Top 30 Franchise Executives Report that showcases exceptional individual performance by Australia’s franchisor professionals. UWS Computer Animation graduate John McDougall is the Marketing and AI Manager at Think Water, an international franchise group made up of independent locally owned and operated businesses located throughout Australia and New Zealand who specialise in delivering innovative and sustainable irrigation, pumping, filtration and water treatment solutions. John’s recent focus has been on driving commercial success through the development and implementation of a pioneering AI solution. John commented: “I’m grateful (and very excited!) to be listed in this year’s Top 30 Franchise...
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UWS Graduate Represents Inverclyde Region at UK Parliament
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Alumni Stories, News

UWS Graduate Represents Inverclyde Region at UK Parliament

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has given evidence before the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster, representing the voice of Inverclyde’s business community. UWS BA (Hons) Law graduate (2022) Corey Beaton, is Business Development & Membership Executive at Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and spoke on behalf of the Chamber, contributing insight into the region’s economic evolution over the past four decades. Corey Beaton BA (Hons) Law 2022 Corey said: “It was a privilege to have been given the opportunity to give evidence before the Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee on Inverclyde’s industrial transitions over the past 40 years.” “We highlighted the opportunities presented by our existing infrastructure and that they can be nurtured and developed for...
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Alumni interview: Ian Young
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Alumni Stories, Profiles

Alumni interview: Ian Young

Alumnus Ian Young, now Director of Development at Parkland Communities in the United States, tells us a little about his career, moving from the Highlands to Paisley to study Civil Engineering in 1989. Ian Young BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (1993) Tell us about your time at the University and how a lad from Dingwall ended up in Paisley. I chose Paisley College (now UWS) because the BEng Civil Engineering course allowed work placement. I studied for 6 months and then worked May-August getting real life work experience. I wanted to move south from the Highlands, back then Glasgow was the big city! I had a great time at Paisley. Weather could be rough, but you got used to it and the accommodation was a lot different when I was there, but that was all part of the experience. The f...
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UWS Graduate Named Executive Director of The Salvi Foundation
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Alumni Stories, News

UWS Graduate Named Executive Director of The Salvi Foundation

The Salvi Foundation has welcomed a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate as its new Executive Director. UWS alumna, Dr Greis Cifuentes, will lead a phase of national and international expansion at the Salvi Foundation, a non-profit institution operating in the cultural sector in Colombia and actively dedicated to disseminating, promoting and developing the musical culture of the country and Latin America. Greis commented: “I assume this responsibility with profound respect for the legacy we have built and with the conviction that music can continue to be a bridge between people, territories, and generations. “My goal is to strengthen musical access and training processes, connect the Salvi Foundation with national and international networks, and join forces with those...
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Alumna and Scotland star Wins Writers Award
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Alumni Stories, Honorary Graduates, News

Alumna and Scotland star Wins Writers Award

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) former student Erin Cuthbert has been confirmed as the Scottish Football Writers' Association Women's International Player of the Year. Erin, who studied at the University before signing a professional contract, has been awarded the prize for the second season running. The 26-year-old, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2023, has amassed 74 caps for her country, scoring 23 goals along the way, pipping fellow nominees Rachel Corsie, Sophie Howard and Martha Thomas. Erin said: “I'm honoured to receive the award. Thanks to everyone who voted for me, and my friends, family, staff members and, most importantly, my team-mates who push me on every single day. "I'm proud, but it comes as a result of being part of a team and being successfu...
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