Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni

🎉 GCU 150th Anniversary Weekend | 28–30 August 2026

Join us as the University throws open our doors for a vibrant, celebratory weekend, marking 150 years since our founding institution, the Glasgow School of Cookery, first welcomed students.

Across three days, our campus will come to life with a dynamic programme designed to welcome alumni, students, staff, partners, neighbours and visitors of all ages. Whether you have a lifelong connection to GCU or are visiting for the first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

From inspiring conversations and behind-the-scenes tours to live music, exhibitions and hands-on experiences, this is your chance to explore GCU and be part of our story.

Highlights include:
✨ A sparkling Afternoon Tea where you’ll hear from some well-known faces
🎶 Alumni Reunion Evenings with live entertainment
🔍 Interactive tours and behind-the-scenes experiences
💡 Conversations, panels and Caledonian Talks – short, TED-style talks designed to inform and inspire
🖼️ Exhibitions, archive showcases and a lively Sunday marketplace

With a mix of free and ticketed events across the weekend, there’s plenty to discover. Visit the GCU Anniversary Weekend Platform to find out more.

👉https://weareeventpal.com/GCUEvents2026

More events will be announced in the coming weeks – stay tuned.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus.

A Scottish heart beating under an Italian jersey ⚽

On the eve of Scotland’s first game in the 2026 World Cup, we’re celebrating a pioneer who changed the path of women’s football - Dr Rose Reilly MBE, GCU honorary graduate and Scotland’s only World Cup-winning footballer.

Rose’s story began on the streets of Ayrshire, where she played for a boys’ team and was even scouted by Celtic - until they realised she was a girl. Undeterred, she went on to help Stewarton Thistle win the first-ever Scottish Women’s Cup in 1971, before dominating the Scottish game with Westthorn United.

But at a time when opportunities for women in football were limited in Scotland, Rose made a bold move abroad at just 18 - signing for French side Stade de Reims before being snapped up by AC Milan. It was a decision that would change her life.

In Italy, women’s football was more developed and - crucially - more open. At the time, eligibility rules in the women’s game were far less restrictive than they are today. Because Rose was playing professionally in Italy, she was able to be selected for the Italian national team, despite being proudly Scottish.

She didn’t just play - she thrived.

Rose went on to win 8 Serie A titles, 4 Italian Cups, and the Golden Boot, becoming one of the best players in the world. In 1984, she captained Italy to World Cup victory and was named the tournament’s best player - a Scottish footballer leading another nation to global glory.

Her dedication was extraordinary - famously playing in Italy on a Saturday, then travelling to play in France the very next day, winning league titles in both countries in the same season.

Despite earning 10 caps for Scotland, including playing in their first official international in 1972, her greatest achievements came abroad - highlighting both her brilliance and the barriers women faced at home.

Rose retired at 40 but never stepped away from the game. Today, she is a passionate advocate for investment in women’s football and for encouraging girls to play - using her story to inspire others to push beyond limits placed on them.

Her legacy is unmatched:
🏆 Scotland’s only World Cup-winning footballer
🌍 Named the world’s best female player in 1984
🏅 Scottish Sports Hall of Fame & Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductee
“Don’t just jump over barriers - smash them down.”

As Scotland take to the pitch, we honour those who paved the way - and few did it quite like Rose Reilly.

Ten years ago in July, Glasgow held the homeless world cup in George Square, with 80,000 spectators attending over 6 days.

Social entrepreneur and GCU honorary graduate, Dr Mel Young founded the games in 2003 along with Harold Schmied, with the ambition to improve the lives of homeless individuals' access to “global inspiration, community and opportunity”.

This year marks ten years since the games were hosted by Glasgow, when players from around the world were based at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Did you attend the games in 2016?

🚀 Day Two of our Entrepreneurial Hub Summer LaunchPad is complete!

We’ve continued the momentum with another inspiring day, bringing together our talented cohort of students and graduates as they build on the foundations set last week 🌱

A huge thank you to our fantastic Business Partners - Business Gateway, Social Shifters, Techscaler, and Firstport - who joined us for an insightful panel discussion. They shared invaluable guidance on the wide range of services, support, and opportunities available to entrepreneurs across Scotland, giving our participants a clearer pathway to turning their ideas into reality.

We were also delighted to welcome Evelyn McDonald, Chief Executive of Scottish EDGE, who delivered an engaging and practical pitching masterclass. Her expertise and advice have equipped our participants with the tools and confidence to communicate their ideas with impact 🎤✨

The energy across the room continues to grow – and it’s fantastic to see ideas evolving and confidence building with each session, expertly guided by Frank Gormanley (Forever Great), whose facilitation continues to bring real focus, momentum, and energy to the programme.

We’re excited to see what comes next! 💡📈

As world cup fever spreads the nation – GCU alumna Rachel is helping to coach the next generation of football talent whilst pursuing her own ambitions, thanks to the support she received at GCU.

“GCU Foundation made me feel like I wasn’t just a person. They made me feel like a human being. And that’s the most valuable thing in life.”

Having graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Nutrition, Rachel is now carving an impressive dual career as an NHS Dietetic Assistant and a Coach at Heart of Midlothian.

Rachel had been coaching young footballers since she was 16 so she couldn’t imagine leaving the pitch behind when she enrolled to study Applied Nutrition at Glasgow Caledonian.

However, during her studies, Rachel faced a particularly difficult period in her personal life which left her in a position where she feared she would have to drop out of university to seek full-time work – that was, until she reached out to GCU Foundation for help.

“The scholarship really was a turning point in my life. It took me from such a dark time to such a really high time. Getting that scholarship just showcased that if you actually ask for help and you just take yourself out of your comfort zone, you will get the help.”

Rachel went on to receive a Sir Alex Ferguson Magnus Magnusson Award which funded her UEFA B license resulting in Rachel being selected as one of just 7 candidates from 100 applicants in the Scottish FA’s Elite Coach Development Programme.

If you’d like to help create opportunities for future students, you can learn more about our 150th Anniversary Campaign and how to support it by watching our campaign video here:
🔗 https://youtu.be/Rp7EsIfoVsg?si=M3UIhkM7g5AMay7d

🚀 Day One of our Entrepreneurial Hub Summer LaunchPad is complete!

We were excited to welcome students and graduates joining us to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey 🌱

Designed and delivered by GCU Entrepreneurial Ambassador Frank Gormanley, the LaunchPad is all about turning ideas into action - and today set the tone perfectly.

A huge thank you to our guest speakers, Grant and Jordan from SENGUARD, for delivering an inspiring “Idea to Implementation” masterclass. Their insights gave our participants practical tools - and the confidence - to take those first steps from concept to reality 💡➡️📈

This is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see how these ideas grow over the coming weeks!

Did you know that the Dough School was one of the first places to have electrical training courses aimed at women?

Principal Dorothy Melvin had close connections with the Electrical Association for Women, from 4-8 July 1932 the College hosted the EAW Glasgow and District Branch Summer School, a 5 day course in Electrical Housecraft.

Interested to learn more? Find out more about GCU's 150 years of history:
🔗 https://www.gcu.ac.uk/aboutgcu/commongood/foundation/150th-anniversary/ways-to-get-involved/digital-archive

Tickets are still available for a FREE masterclass for the Fashion Advisory Board!

📍 GCU Entrepreneurial Hub
🗓️ 9 June 2026
🕑 12 – 1pm

Sign up now to hear from highly influential leaders from across the fashion industry:

Dr Tessa Hartmann CBE
➡️ Honorary President, British School of Fashion | Founder, HartiSWIM | Joint MD, Hartmann House Ltd

Dr Jonathan Chippindale
➡️ Co-Founder & CEO, Holition

Dr Mark Hogarth
➡️ Brand Ambassador, Harris Tweed Hebrides

The Fashion Advisory Board brings a range of unique expertise spanning luxury, sustainability, digital innovation, and brand storytelling.

Gain insights into the future of fashion - exploring innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and building successful careers and businesses within the industry.

Following the session, join us for a complimentary networking lunch from 1–2pm.

Sign up now:
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/entrepreneurial-hub-fashion-advisory-board-entrepreneurs-in-residence-tickets-1988899163939?aff=oddtdtcreator

⚽ GCU at the World Cup: What a night!

Last night, we welcomed over 100 alumni, staff and students to campus for a fantastic celebration of GCU’s global impact on the beautiful game 🌍

With football fever building - and plenty of lively debate about Scotland’s chances - there was a real buzz in the room, bringing together a shared sense of excitement, hope and belief.

Our brilliant alumni panel - Lewis Irons, Amy Irons, Craig Telfer, Jim Delahunt and Liam McLeod -shared expert insights from tournaments past and gave us a flavour of what’s to come as they guide audiences through every twist and turn of this year’s World Cup.

We also heard fascinating reflections from GCU alumni and football legends Dr Pat Nevin and Gordon Smith, who offered their expert take on the key stories to watch in the tournament ahead.

The evening closed with an inspiring conversation between Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson and Dr David Duke MBE, GCU honorary graduate and Founder of Street Soccer Scotland, exploring the power of football for the Common Good.

The University is a proud partner of Street Soccer’s Kitback, an initiative that collects and resells pre-loved football shirts to fund life-changing programmes that create opportunity, strengthen communities, and change lives.

💬 Jillian Watt, Director of Advancement and Communications, said: "GCU’s impact on sport - especially football - is far-reaching. From global broadcasters to graduates working across physiotherapy, coaching, performance analysis and psychology, our community is shaping the game at every level. It was brilliant to share in the excitement of the build-up. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event such a success 👏"

Go on, Team Scotland - the GCU community, and the nation, are right behind you!