Marcus Booth, centre, with his wife, Emma, and scholars at the launch of the Booth Family Scholarship. Credit: Charlotte Davies Photography

Making Waves Campaign: Donor Stories – The Booth Family

We are delighted to celebrate the support of alumnus Marcus Booth (MA 2000) and his wife, Emma, who have generously established the Booth Family Scholarship with a donation towards the Making Waves Campaign.

The Booth Family Scholarship was formally launched last month and is already supporting an undergraduate student who may not otherwise have been able to access a St Andrews education.

Marcus said: “St Andrews – in so many ways – made me who I am today. I wanted to be able to support someone who otherwise might not have had the wonderful opportunities that St Andrews has given to me. I am delighted to be able to establish the Booth Family Scholarship as our way to give back."

Tim Allan, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger

Talking with the Terminator

The Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, met with the former Governor of California – and Terminator actor – Arnold Schwarzenegger, thanks to an introduction by alumnus Conyers Davis (MA 2003), who has worked with Mr Schwarzenegger for over 20 years.

Accompanied by Robert Fleming, Director of Development, and Tim Allan (MA 1988), Chair of the Making Waves Campaign Committee, they discussed the University's sustainability programme and the Austrian World Summit – founded by Mr Schwarzenegger – as well as the Making Waves Campaign and our 'New College' project, which prompted wide-ranging conversations about ethical leadership and geopolitics.

Robert Fleming with Arnold Schwarzenegger

It was the second time our Director of Development has met Mr Schwarzenegger while fundraising for the University of St Andrews. We're sure Arnie had Total Recall of meeting Robert, who said "I told him I’d be back".

The Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, with Dr Renée Powell

Golfing great returns to St Andrews

Trailblazing American golfer and honorary graduate of the University of St Andrews Dr Renée Powell returned to the Home of Golf to deliver the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Lecture Series.

Renée spoke to the Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, about her life, her inspirational career, and her long association with St Andrews. She also unveiled a plaque installed in her honour at Powell Hall and met with students and golf scholars.

You can watch the recording of Renée Powell’s Carnegie Lecture below.

Dr Peter Mackay. Photo credit: Annette Mueck

Saints Spotlight: Dr Peter Mackay

This month we feature Dr Peter Mackay, who is a Senior Lecturer in the School of English, and was announced as the new Makar – the National Poet for Scotland – in December. He discusses his interests in Scottish and Irish literature, his Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) funded research fellowship, and being the first Makar to write in Gaelic.

New York Alumni Club: Tartan Day Parade 2025

The St Andrews Alumni Club of New York joined the 27th annual Tartan Week Parade in Manhattan earlier this month. Many also enjoyed a brunch for alumni, families, and friends of the University before gathering for the main event.

L-R: The Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Dame Joanna Lumley, and journalist Wendy Mitchell

Sands 2025 wraps with a stand-out fourth edition

This year's Sands: International Film Festival treated audiences to a three-day programme of international films and industry talent, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and championing diverse voices. 

Stars in attendance included the actress, presenter and honorary graduate of the University of St Andrews Dame Joanna Lumley; Sands founder Joe Russo, with his siblings Anthony and Angela, who between them have shaped some of the biggest films of all time; music supervisor Kathleen Wallfisch; and casting director Kharmel Cochrane.

The programme – which was crafted in collaboration with Film Studies students from the University – featured some of today’s most compelling and fresh cinematic voices and attracted a 35% increase in attendance on last year's festival.

Festival director Ania Trzebiatowska said: "This year has been a real milestone for Sands. Audience numbers reached the levels we always believed were possible. The community's support for both the films and the filmmakers has been truly wonderful."

With thanks to all our donors and partners who so generously support Sands IFF, including lead sponsors AGBO. 

Alumni discount for postgraduate study

An exclusive 15% discount on tuition fees is available for St Andrews alumni who are looking to undertake further study at the University. The discount is available to alumni who graduated within the last three years or who completed a Global Summer School, Study Abroad or Exchange programme and would like to pursue postgraduate studies.

Inscription opportunities: leave a lasting mark

Become part of the ceremonial heart of St Andrews with an inscribed seat plaque inside – or a flagstone outside – the Younger Hall. In addition to our seat plaque opportunities, a limited number of flagstones have just been released, and can be inscribed as a lasting memory of your time at the University – or as a gift to one of our graduates.

Contact Katie Birrell, Development Officer, at kjb21@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

Judd Sundelson and Judy Joo

Golf scholars claim historic double in R&A Student Tour Series

University of St Andrews golf scholars Judd Sundelson (MSc Banking and Finance) and Judy Joo (1st year Economics and International Relations) have made history by claiming both the men’s and women’s Order of Merit titles in the 2024-25 R&A Student Tour Series – Europe’s premier university golf circuit.

It is the first time that University of St Andrews students have topped either the men’s or women’s Order of Merit table.

The University of St Andrews Performance Golf Team

Performance golf team reclaim national championship title

The University of St Andrews Performance Golf Team has been crowned British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) national matchplay champions for the third time in four years. St Andrews faced the University of Exeter in the semi-final, followed by the University of Stirling in the final. The semi-finals and finals were hosted at the prestigious Woodhall Spa Golf Resort.

With thanks to sponsors Ping, The Rusacks, and Eden Mill, and to The R&A for their support.

Zambian children benefit from Athletic Union donation

Children at the Fountain of Hope orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia, will benefit from a new five-plate gas stove thanks to a donation from the University of St Andrews Athletic Union and students from the University. The stove was installed through the University's long-term partnership with Sport in Action (SIA) as part of the Wallace Group. The seven Wallace Group universities have been working with SIA for 20 years through the Volunteer Zambia project.

Fraser Smith (centre), founder of EH9 Espresso, and professional rugby players Zander and Matt Fagerson

Fuel up at ZONE.ONE 

Students, staff and community members have welcomed the arrival of a new coffee shop, ZONE.ONE, at Saints Sport, serving speciality coffee and convenient 'grab-and-go' items in collaboration with CombiniCo, which was founded by alumnus Juno Lee (BA 2018). The team, pictured, is well placed to understand the needs of performance athletes and members.

Events

Alumni Weekend and Annual Public Meeting

We are looking forward to catching up with alumni and friends at Alumni Weekend 2025 over a glass of fizz at Topping & Company Booksellers, a round of golf at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, or our popular barbecue dinner at the Students’ Association.

We also have a quiz night, our new Three Minute Thesis competition with buffet lunch, wine tasting with Master of Wine, Rose Murray Brown, and more.

Book your accommodation now – there’s a special alumni discount at David Russell Apartments or McIntosh Hall.

Please contact the Alumni Relations Team at alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk if you have any questions or would like help to contact friends and classmates.

View the full programme and register online via the link below.

Patrons' Programme 2025

Our Patrons' Programme offers parents, donors, alumni and friends the chance to soak up the full St Andrews experience through an exclusive schedule of talks, tours and events, including a lecture on The St Andrews Chronicles, delivered by the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone. This year's programme also features dinner and a private art viewing at nearby Balcarres Estate. 

Book now to join us on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September, when we will be delighted to welcome you for a 'behind-the-scenes' look at life in St Andrews.

Making Waves Campaign Impact Tour

Details of our next Making Waves Impact Tour Events can be found below: 

• Hong Kong – Wednesday 7 May at 7pm – Join the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, and Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations), Professor Brad MacKay, at The Hong Kong Club. Registration for our Hong Kong event is online: RSVP – Hong Kong

• Dubai – Friday 9 May at 7pm – Join the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, and Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations), Professor Brad MacKay, at Dubai International Finance Centre. Register here

We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with alumni and friends at our recent event in Toronto. Thanks to all those who joined us at the University Club for this occasion. Photographs can be viewed below.

Making Waves Lecture Series: London

The Making Waves Lecture Series features leading academics from across the University and showcases the groundbreaking research taking place at St Andrews. Please see below details of our upcoming Making Waves Lectures.

• Wednesday 14 May – Dr Margaret McCartney, School of Medicine – with Dr Chris van Tulleken
• Tuesday 17 June – PhD Student Showcase

Photographs from our recent Making Waves Lecture given by Professor Simon Dobson of the School of Computer Science can be viewed below.

Saints Talk: Dr Marcel Lukas

Our next live online Saints Talk will be given by Dr Marcel Lukas, Vice-Dean (Executive Education) and Senior Lecturer in Banking and Finance in the University of St Andrews Business School at 5.15pm on Tuesday 29 April. 

Entitled The impact of generative AI on work and education, Dr Lukas will explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from the increased integration of AI tools in professional and educational settings.

Save the date: 50th anniversary celebration

The Bobby Jones Programme will celebrate half a century of academic excellence, growth and community building in 2027. A special programme of events will be hosted at Emory University in Atlanta from 29 July to 1 August 2027, to which all former Bobby Jones Scholars are warmly invited. Please save the date!

Alumni Stories

Elaine Whiteford

Elaine Whiteford (née McPherson) (MA 1986) had a successful career in local government before becoming a published author and pursuing her passion for scuba diving and underwater photography.

June Graham, centre, with Laura Burdick and Anita Apted (both JYA 1991-1992)

June Graham (née Morland) (BSc 1993) talks about physics, firewalking and an international career in scientific research. Learning her father’s native language, Gaelic, opened doors to the arts and led June to a change of direction.

If you would like to share your Alumni Story, please email deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Alumni Authors

SaintsFunder: Cedric Thorpe Davie – a legacy recording

Cedric Thorpe Davie was Master of Music at the University of St Andrews from 1945 to 1978. He trained choirs and orchestras, gave recitals, taught and composed, and built the Department of Music.

Alan Munro (MA 1977) was one of his students. He is collaborating with Bede Williams (Deputy Director of Music) and the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra to record an album of orchestral music by Thorpe Davie to reaffirm his place in – and contribution to – the musical life of St Andrews, Scotland and the world.

University Shop: Alumni Collection

Did you know, our exclusive print-on-demand alumni collection is available to order online via the University Shop? Browse the full range below.

Laidlaw Live

Look out for the latest Laidlaw Music Centre live-streamed concerts and access high-quality music – wherever you are in the world.

Reconnect!

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for St Andrews in the News, they can do so using the links below:

Alumni: Update your contact information

Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme