When George and Lynne Glasgow look back on their university days, they remember them as some of the most formative and rewarding years of their lives. “Five days a week with a regular schedule, evenings in the library, and that sense of excitement about the opportunities ahead,” George recalls. There were moments of creativity too, including working on a weekly student information television programme in the college studio, being recognised with awards at the end of his studies and, of course, the occasional visit to the much-loved Storie Street chippie.
Those years at what is now the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) played an important part in shaping George’s future career. “The sandwich aspect of my degree was very helpful in preparing me for industry,” he explains. “I had the chance to work at Burroughs in Cumbernauld, a large multinational computer company, and at Icthus Instruments in Gateshead, a tiny six-person business. Those two opportunities, at opposite ends of the scale, set me up for an easier transition from education to employment.” A sandwich degree is a course that combines academic study with an extended period of full-time work experience in industry in the middle.
Decades later, George and Lynne began looking for ways to give something back to the university that had given them so much. Four years ago, they became donors to the WEST Scholarship Programme, helping students who might otherwise find it difficult to fund their studies. “Lynne and I had both thought and talked about how we could give back, and that opportunity came along four years ago,” George says. “We have always been helpers, whether it be family, friends, or someone we don’t know. The opportunity to take part just seemed quite natural to us.”
Their own experiences of financial support during their studies played a part in that decision. Studying in the 1970s, George benefitted from the student grant system that supported Scottish students at the time. “I look back on that as an altruistic approach to higher education,” he says. “I believe it was one of the big factors that helped establish Scotland’s strong reputation in global education. It was also key in allowing both of us to go to Paisley College of Technology (me) and Bell College (Lynne).”
When asked why scholarships like WEST are so important, George’s answer is as thoughtful as it is direct: “Everyone has varying life circumstances. For those students who are talented but lack the necessary funds to support themselves through full-time education, I think that WEST provides a kind of lifeline to help them along. I think that the four-year commitment approach is important too, because it ensures students know they’ll be supported throughout their course. That knowledge helps them to relax into their studies and, perhaps as a result, perform better.”
George and Lynne have also taken great joy in meeting the students they’ve supported. “We’ve met all three of our students and we’re obviously pleased that they’ve progressed well,” George says warmly. “There will be nothing better for us than seeing them complete their studies and move onwards into improved job opportunities and the rewards that will bring in their future.”
Supporting the WEST Scholarship Programme has been deeply rewarding for the couple. “The pride that we take from helping our fellow human sits foremost,” George shares. “Anyone who takes on the WEST commitment will find their own level of pride and self-satisfaction. It offers a warm feeling inside, knowing you’ve helped someone who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.”
As for their hopes for the students, George sums it up simply: “Number one is that they grasp the opportunity, work hard, and smile broadly when they graduate. Take the experience from being at UWS and, when the time comes, use it to help others in the future.”
You too can transform a student’s life by supporting the WEST Scholarship Programme from £1000 per year (or £84 per month) plus Gift Aid. Please contact claire.darragh@uws.ac.uk to arrange your scholarship today.