Alumni Stories – Page 3 – WEST

Alumnus Named Chief Growth Officer at Dalrada

24Nov

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Alumni Stories

Alumnus Named Chief Growth Officer at Dalrada

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been appointed Chief Growth Officer at Dalrada Technology Group. Martin Neill, who graduated from the former University of Paisley (now UWS Paisley Campus), joins Dalrada Technology Group after a successful career in both industry and government. During a 20-year career with the UK Ministry of Defence, Martin rose to the rank of Senior Civil Servant and undertook many challenging leadership positions. Over the course of his career, he gained the unique experience of acting as a senior executive in both the British and American governments. Graduating with a BSc (Hons) degree in Physics in 1992, he started his career as a physicist, joining the Ministry of Defence to conduct electro-optical research for the British Army. As a ...

UWS Alumna in Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 List

12Nov

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Alumni Stories

UWS Alumna in Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 List

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been named on the Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields. Lucy Beth, who graduated from UWS in 2020 with a BA (Hons) degree in Performance is an award-winning performer, theatre-maker, and drama lecturer from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. A native Doric speaker (the traditional dialect of the Scots Language spoken in the North East of Scotland), Lucy seeks to make and perform work in Doric as a means of continuing to render the dialect present. Her show Ma Name Is Isabelle won an Edinburgh Fringe Theatre Award and received 5-star reviews from Broadway Baby & Binge Fringe Magazine, alongside four-star reviews in T...

New Book Inspired by Tam o’ Shanter Released by Alumnus

3Nov

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Alumni Stories

New Book Inspired by Tam o’ Shanter Released by Alumnus

A new version of a Scottish classic for the ears and eyes and hearts of today has been released by Carnegie-nominated author and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate Simon Lamb. Tam o' Shanter is one of the world's most famous poems. Written by Robert Burns in 1790, the narrative epic continues to enchant audiences the world over more than two hundred years after its composition. “Whereas the original poem was set mostly in Alloway where Burns grew up, my version is set in Prestwick where I grew up,” said Simon. “The book predominantly presents a long-form poem inspired by the narrative beats of the original, alongside an introduction to the original poem and poet, a glossary, and an author’s note in which I explore growing up on the west coast of Scotland and struggling...

First Solo Exhibition for Artist and Alumnus

24Oct

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Alumni Stories

First Solo Exhibition for Artist and Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate is set to open his first major solo art exhibition in Ayrshire. Euan Tait, who graduated from UWS in July 2024 with a BA (Hons) Degree in New Media Art, is an emerging visual artist based in Irvine. His first major solo exhibition will feature a vibrant mix of analogue and digital prints, along with a selection of original paintings. “It’s a body of work I’m really proud of, and I can’t wait to share it,” commented Euan. He credits his time at UWS as helping him develop as an artist. “Studying at UWS was an incredibly rewarding experience,” he explained. “It served as a vital stepping stone in my journey as an artist, helping me grow both creatively and professionally. Euan Tait, BA (Hons) New Media Art 2024 “Developing my...

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

23Oct

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Alumni Stories

Canadian TEDx Talk Delivered by UWS Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has delivered a TEDx talk in Canada on the theme of kindness being a core leadership competency. Robin Young is a Canadian native who studied Commercial Music at UWS Ayr campus as part of the partnership with Harris Institute in Toronto, Canada. Graduating in 2013, he also subsequently completed his MBA at UWS in 2021. At TEDxOshawa his presentation explored how small, compassionate actions can create a powerful ripple effect in personal and professional environments. “Earlier this year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and delivered a talk on leading with kindness,” explained Robin. “In the talk I encourage leaders to pause, reflect and choose kindness in times of stress and negativity, in order to create positive and lasting ch...

14Oct

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Alumni Stories

BAFTA Scholarship for UWS Graduate

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been named among the UK’s most promising new filmmakers after securing one of only six BAFTA Scholarships awarded across the country this year. Daniel Kelly, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Filmmaking & Screen Writing programme in Ayr and returned to UWS to complete his MA in Filmmaking, will now receive financial support and mentoring and industry access through the prestigious BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme. The scheme is designed to break down financial barriers for emerging creatives and give them a direct pathway into the screen industries. The announcement was made at BAFTA’s London headquarters in Piccadilly, where the 2025 recipients of the UK Scholarship Programme and the Prince William BAFTA Bursary Fund were ...

Forty Years of Friendship Formed in Paisley

19Sep

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Alumni Stories

Forty Years of Friendship Formed in Paisley

Two graduates returned to Paisley Campus recently to mark the beginning of a friendship that has lasted forty years. Mags Easton and Fee Mackinnon met on the first day at the then Paisley College (now UWS Paisley campus) whilst enrolling on the BSc (Hons) Computing Science degree in 1985. Mags commented: “We met as first years in Paisley when I was just sixteen, became best friends and have been a big part of each other's lives ever since. The pair had been talking about how to celebrate the 40th anniversary since they met and got in touch with Ewan in the alumni office to organise a visit to campus. “It was a great way to celebrate our 40 years of friendship, and we were filled with amazing recollections,” said Fee. “I have fond memories of nights out with fellow classmates in...

12Sep

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Alumni Stories

From Radio Dreams to Podcast Reality

Jeicy Kivuyo is an MBA graduate from UWS who, alongside her career in tech, is the founder and host of Stories Next Door - a storytelling platform that shines a light on everyday people with extraordinary stories. Through engaging interviews, cinematic visuals and grassroots storytelling, the podcast explores themes of identity, resilience, culture, and community. We caught up with Jeicy to find out more. The Stories Next Door podcast is one year old this month. Can you tell us how the podcast came about? There’s an African proverb that says, ‘Little by little, the bird builds its nest.’ It means big goals are achieved through small, consistent efforts over time. That proverb sums up my journey with storytelling. I’ve always loved radio. I worked ...

WEST Scholarship Inspires Graduate to First Class Honours Degree

3Sep

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Alumni Stories, News

WEST Scholarship Inspires Graduate to First Class Honours Degree

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has credited the WEST Scholarship he received during his studies as inspiration for him to pursue his dream of becoming a university lecturer. Brian Boyd recently graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Business and Marketing and was awarded the Court medal for his academic achievement. He has now returned to UWS to study MSc Digital Marketing, pursue a PhD, and inspire others as a lecturer. Brian is the first person in his family to earn a university degree, but it wasn’t a straight-forward journey to his graduation in July 2025. Brian explains how a WEST (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) Scholarship helped “change my whole outlook on university.” In the third year of his undergraduate degree, Brian ...

UWS Alumnus Announced New CEO of basketballscotland

18Aug

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Alumni Stories

UWS Alumnus Announced New CEO of basketballscotland

basketballscotland’s Board has announced a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). UWS BSc (Hons) sport development graduate David Fallon will be joining basketballscotland, the recognised National Governing Body for basketball in Scotland, from Scottish Athletics. David commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to the Chief Executive Officer role at basketballscotland. Basketball is a sport that I enjoyed throughout school, and have experienced and supported in recent years as my nephews begin their journey at club level. "I look forward to continuing the great work of Kevin Pringle and to working with the Board, staff, and partners to deliver on the vision, values, and strategy for basketball in Scotland. "I am e...