Engineering – WEST | Alumni Blog

From Students to Supporters: George and Lynne Glasgow Give Back

5Mar

By uwsalumniNo Comments

Alumni Stories, Featured

From Students to Supporters: George and Lynne Glasgow Give Back

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. Lynne and George Glasgow 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 indus...

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

10Dec

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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...

2Dec

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News

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...

9Sep

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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...

Exceptional Engineering Graduate Awarded for Achievements at Graduation

11Jul

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News

Exceptional Engineering Graduate Awarded for Achievements at Graduation

A civil engineering graduate has been recognised for his significant commitment and contribution during his studies at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Stephen Cardwell, from East Kilbride, graduated with a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering from UWS, and was awarded the Hutchison Prize for Engineering. The Hutchison Prize for Engineering was established in 2013 by UWS alumnus and retired Lanarkshire-born businessman, Dr Les Hutchison. The award recognises the best performing undergraduate engineering student graduating from the University's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. On being recognised with the award, Stephen, who now works as a graduate Civil Engineer at Scottish Water, said: “I’m delighted to be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Civi...

20May

By uwsalumniNo Comments

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...

Where Did You GlasGOw? Be part of Glasgow’s 850th celebrations

26Mar

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News

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...

Space Network Appoints Engineering Expert and Alumnus as CTO

21Feb

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Alumni Stories

Space Network Appoints Engineering Expert and Alumnus as CTO

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate Gary Kerr has been appointed as Space Network’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to drive strategic growth and industry connectivity. A highly experienced Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, asset management specialist, and business leader, Gary brings over 30 years of experience in engineering, infrastructure, and technology development. Graduating from the then University of Paisley (now UWS Paisley Campus) with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Gary founded and led EPM Solutions for over two decades before successfully exiting the company in 2024. His appointment reflects Space Network’s commitment to enhancing its technical leadership and creating greater opportunities for connectivity an...

Alumni Offer: 20% Discount on Accredited CPD Courses

19Feb

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News

Alumni Offer: 20% Discount on Accredited CPD Courses

The UWS Centre for Continuing Professional Development are giving alumni the opportunity to enrol in accredited project management and quality management short courses at a reduced fee. Between now and May 2025, UWS Alumni can access a 20% discount on the following courses: · Certified Lean Six Sigma- Yellow Belt · Certified Lean Six Sigma - Green Belt · Association for Project Management’s Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) · Association for Project Management’s Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Alumni looking to benefit from the discount should apply on the UWS CPD website and complete the application firm, confirming that they are a previous student at the university. This will allow the CPD Team to easily supply applicants with a discount code. To find o...

Former University Staff Group Founding Members Stand Down after 25 Years

11Dec

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News

Former University Staff Group Founding Members Stand Down after 25 Years

A former staff group recently saw two of its founding members stand down after 25 years of organising lunches and get togethers for former employees of the university. The Paisley Academic Lunch Society, or PALS as it’s better known, is the name adopted by a group of retired members of staff. The group has origins going back to 1997 when a small number of former staff from the then University of Paisley, including John Wylie MBE, Professor Willie McEwan OBE, Harry Adams, George Haig and Samuel Monaghan, started to meet on a regular basis for lunch. Word spread of the retired staff group lunches and very quickly the membership grew. Most of the members of PALS were former business, engineering and science academic staff but membership was open to any former member of staff. At its pea...