UWS Alumni Blog

Tag: Computing

Talking AI with Prof Mark Girolami Chief Scientist at the Turing Institute
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Alumni Stories, Honorary Graduates

Talking AI with Prof Mark Girolami Chief Scientist at the Turing Institute

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Honorary Doctorate Masterclass has given students, staff and the public an insight into the work of the Alan Turing Institute and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Professor Mark Girolami, Chief Scientist at The Alan Turing Institute and UWS alumnus, delivered a masterclass at the University’s Paisley campus on Tuesday 9 December exploring the challenges related to the speed and unpredictability of AI developments. During the session, which attracted around 70 attendees, Mark spoke about his early career and taking an opportunity to undertake his PhD at University of Paisley (now UWS) after a ten-year career as a Chartered Engineer within IBM. He also spoke about his current work as Chief Scientist at The Alan Turing...
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UWS Giving Day 2025
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UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...
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Forty Years of Friendship Formed in Paisley
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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...
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Become a Mentor at UWS
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News

Become a Mentor at UWS

Can you motivate people? Do you like helping people to develop? We are looking for inspiring professionals to mentor our students! The UWS mentoring programme is about to kick off for 2025-2026 and we are looking for alumni to get involved in the programme. Alumna and mentor Sarah said: “If I was to give one piece of advice for people thinking about doing mentoring… It would definitely be just to go for it. I got a lot out of it, passing on advice to my mentee and keeping my connections with UWS alive.” As a mentor, you will share your experience of work to help motivate and inspire your mentee and practice many skills including coaching and leadership. “Why did I become a mentor at UWS? First of all it was to give something back. I really enjoyed my time at UWS, it was an extr...
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Brothers graduate from the same course with first class degrees
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Brothers graduate from the same course with first class degrees

A pair of brothers are celebrating their graduation – after both graduating from the same course. Balint and Peter Kaszap-Nagy both graduated from the BSc (Hons) Web and Mobile Development course at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) with a first class degree. Balint, 32, said: “We decided to enrol on the same course because both of us have always been interested in programming and technology, so choosing this course felt like a natural fit. It also gave us an opportunity to develop skills that we knew would be valuable for building something together in the future.” The brothers are originally from Hungary but have lived in Scotland for the past nine years. They found studying at the same time made their university experience more enjoyable. Peter, 36, said: “Studying at...
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Retro Games Room Supporting Student Wellbeing
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Retro Games Room Supporting Student Wellbeing

Article written by: UWS Computer Games Development student Christopher Abraham Staff and students on the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme at University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have introduced a retro games room designed to enhance the student experience, wellbeing and belonging. In the Computer Games Development programme, students are given the chance to engage with a wide variety of activities as part of their academic journey. One exciting feature that has been introduced recently is the new retro games room, which opened in October 2024. This unique space allows undergraduates to immerse themselves in a nostalgic gaming experience, featuring a vast collection of classic consoles. These include iconic systems such as the GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 1, a...
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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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Business Technology Lecturer Retires
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Business Technology Lecturer Retires

After 43 years working in the IT and Education sectors, Senior Lecturer Tom Caira has retired from University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Tom, who started at the then University of Paisley in November 1994, will be well known to numerous former students who studied Business Technology at the University. “If you were a student of mine, I feel very privileged to, hopefully, have played some small part in helping to shape your career. If you have been an industry mentor or placement provider for any of my students, or if you have been involved in some other way with supporting or guiding my students over the years, you have my eternal gratitude. “I have been working non-stop (and I mean that literally!) for the last 43 years, and I am very grateful for having had such a rewarding ...
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Where Did You GlasGOw? Be part of Glasgow’s 850th celebrations
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Where Did You GlasGOw? Be part of Glasgow’s 850th celebrations

This year, Glasgow City Council is celebrating its 850th birthday, and you can join the party! The Where did you GlasGOw? campaign is creating a special living remembrance book to commemorate Glaswegians who have taken the city’s spirit around the world. The book will feature names, memories, and images that tell the story of those who may have left Glasgow but still consider it ‘hame.’ If you would like to appear in the book and be part of history, submit your story or nominate someone here. Alongside this campaign, a yearlong programme of events is taking place, including Taste the Place, a scheme providing the chance for locals and visitors to learn more about the history of Glasgow’s hospitality scene by eating their way around the city, Clyde Chorus, a three-day music extrava...
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Revlon Appoints UWS Graduate as Chief Information and Digital Officer
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Alumni Stories, Profiles

Revlon Appoints UWS Graduate as Chief Information and Digital Officer

One of the leading global beauty companies, Revlon Group Holdings LLC, has appointed a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate to the role of Chief Information and Digital Officer. Ralph Marshall, computing graduate (1992) from the then University of Paisley, now UWS Paisley Campus, will join Revlon in April 2025, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Michelle Peluso. Ms Peluso said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ralph to the Revlon team. Ralph brings a robust global perspective from his many leadership roles at well-known, global brands, in addition to a passion for coaching and mentoring teams. His end-to-end technical expertise and deep understanding of how to leverage technology to strengthen the consumer experience will be critical as we work to unlock the lo...
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