An architect's impression of the  'New College' courtyard interior. Credit: WilkinsonEyre

Council green light for University's flagship 'New College'

On Wednesday 14 January, Fife Council approved a £142 million plan to renovate the former Madras College school building in South Street and construct new buildings on the site.

‘New College’, as it is currently known, forms part of our £300 million Making Waves fundraising campaign. Once completed, it will be home to the new University of St Andrews Business School and will accomodate the University’s world-renowned School of International Relations.

The Campaign appeal for ‘New College’ has already raised over £50m towards the capital build, with the biggest contribution so far being Oak Foundation with a £15m grant, the Garfield Weston Foundation with £5m, and a recent gift of $5m from long standing US supporters and St Andrews residents, George and Wendy David.

University Principal Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said: 'I am very pleased the plan has been approved; the former Madras College secondary school building has a very special place in the hearts of so many members of the St Andrews and North East Fife community, as well as our global alumni and donor network, and we are very grateful for their interest and support for the redevelopment plans. I know many people will now watch with interest as the vision become a reality.'

Robert Bullard, pictured matriculating for a Master of Studies degree at the University of Oxford

Donor Story: Robert Bullard

The academic freedom at St Andrews suited the ‘all-rounder’ Robert Bullard (BSc 1985), who matriculated in Geology and Chemistry, but graduated in Economics, and picked up a module in English along the way. 

Since graduating, his career has spanned overseas aid, local government, campaigning, journalism, and business writing. He has remained firm friends with his academic sister from St Andrews and now, 40 years post-graduation, he shares his story – including his decision to endow an undergraduate scholarship as part of the Making Waves Campaign.

Students in Washington DC were given a tour of the US Capitol

Winter break careers treks

Over the winter break, the University's Careers Centre hosted Employer Treks in the US, featuring student visits to offices in New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. The treks were planned in partnership with alumni and parent volunteers, who generously gave their time to help coordinate, lead, and welcome students to their organisations. The students were given a behind-the-scenes look inside top employers across the US, offering them first-hand experience of workplace culture, industry insights, and career pathways. 

Students were also invited to participate in alumni-student networking socials in each city, which encouraged graduates, students and friends of St Andrews to share advice and make professional connections.

Alumna Jessica Whiteley (MA 2018) hosted students at EY in New York City

If you are interested in supporting a careers trek during winter break 2027, please contact us at careers@st-andrews.ac.uk or alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Alumni Weekend 2026: save the date!

Join us in St Andrews for Alumni Weekend 2026 from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June. We'll have another packed programme of events. Whether you'd like to show off your golf game at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, enjoy a glass of fizz while browsing the Topping & Co bookshelves, or just relax at the Alumni Clubhouse, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you would like help to reconnect with former classmates and fellow graduates in advance of Alumni Weekend, we are always happy to help. Email alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Further details will be shared in due course. For now, please save the date!

Global Burns Night 2026

This month, we hosted our sixth annual Global Burns Night, where alumni, family, and friends from around the world joined to celebrate Scotland’s national poet with a showcase featuring music, poetry, and academic insights into the life and works of Burns.

In case you missed this fantastic event, it is now available to watch on our YouTube channel. 

Making Waves Lecture Series 

The Making Waves Lecture Series features talks from leading academics from across the University. Details of upcoming lectures are below.

• Wednesday 11 February, Royal Over-Seas League, London, with Professor Richard Whatmore, School of History

• Tuesday 21 April, Royal Over-Seas League, London, with Professor Peter Wahl, School of Physics and Astronomy

• Wednesday 10 June, Royal Over-Seas League, London, with Professor Rhiannon Purdie, School of English

We look forward to welcoming alumni, supporters, and friends to hear more about the big ideas taking shape at St Andrews and the ripples they are creating across society.

All lectures are free to attend. Please register via the link below.

Memorial service for Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

A memorial service for the late Chancellor, The Right Honourable Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, will be held at St John’s Episcopal Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh at 2.30pm on Friday 20 February. 

A reception will follow immediately afterwards at the Caledonian Hotel, Princes Street. 

John Wallace. Credit: The Wallace Collection

Remembering Professor John Wallace 

We were saddened to hear of the death of Professor John Wallace CBE, one of Scotland’s most influential and beloved musicians, and friend of St Andrews. 

Internationally renowned as a trumpeter, educator, scholar, and cultural leader, John remained deeply and proudly connected to his native Fife and to St Andrews, where his remarkable musical journey began.

John was appointed Honorary Professor of Brass by the University of St Andrews in 2015, 50 years on from his first concerto performance in Younger Hall. He was a passionate champion of musical inclusion and, with colleagues at the University's Music Centre, was a founder of StAMP (St Andrews Music Participation) Brass, which between 2020 and 2025 introduced more than 1,000 Fife children to the world of brass instruments.

John's passion for excellence and his generosity of spirit touched countless musicians and audiences alike. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew, worked with, and admired him.

Work Shadowing Programme 2026

We invite alumni to inspire the next generation through our Work Shadowing Programme, running worldwide from February to April 2026. This initiative gives students a unique opportunity to explore career paths, gain insights into your day-to-day work, and learn more about your organisation. Whether in-person or online, hosting a student can make a real difference to their future.

This year, the programme will run via our Saint Connect platform, making it simple to manage applications and communicate with students. If you’re willing to share your time and experience, please register by Friday 30 January 2026.

Alumni Story

Jessica (centre, bottom row) with the 2018 Charities Committee

Jessica Whiteley (MA 2018) is President of the University of St Andrews New York Alumni Club. She reflects on cherished St Andrews traditions, her time with the Charities Campaign, and her enduring connection to the University.

To share your Alumni Story, please contact us at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Alumni Profile

Alumni Authors

Dr Chris McKnight, School of Biology

Saints Spotlight: Dr Chris McKnight

In this month’s Saints Spotlight, Dr Chris McKnight of the School of Biology discusses his research into the evolutionary adaptations of seal physiology. 

Following a recent publication in Science, Chris explores what we can learn from seals’ ability to sense their blood oxygen levels and what this can teach us in relation to human health issues.

Alumni Referral Programme

Our new Alumni Referral Programme has been created by the Careers Centre in partnership with Alumni Relations. Alumni are invited to share referral opportunities in their organisation with St Andrews students and recent graduates via Saint Connect. 

In today’s competitive job market, connections and networks are more important than ever. Our Alumni Referral Programme will help to support students and graduates on their career journeys. 

By participating, you can:

• Open doors to career opportunities for the next generation of St Andrews alumni

• Raise your organisation’s profile within the St Andrews community

• Give back meaningfully, supporting students as they navigate competitive job markets

• Access your organisation’s referral benefits

Read the latest Alumni Referral Guide online.

St Andrews Music Society: 150 years of music 

The University of St Andrews Music Society will celebrate its 150th Anniversary with a four-day festival from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 April 2026.

There's a packed schedule of events, including a dinner for members and alumni, a ceilidh, opportunities for alumni and community members to get involved and perform, and concerts from all six of the Society's music groups.

The full event schedule and updates on ticket releases can be found on the the Society's Instagram page. 

University Shop

Following this month's Burns Night celebrations, discover our range of bespoke tartan and heritage-inspired gifts from the University Shop. View the collection in store or online.

SaintsFunder: St Andrews Volleyball Club 

The University of St Andrews Volleyball Club introduced the competitive development programme three years ago with the aim of bridging the gap between the existing competitive and development squads. The Club hopes to enable the competitive development team to participate in the Dundee Volleyball Local League for the 2026-2027 season. 

Participation in the 2026-2027 season would establish a clear-cut path of progression across different levels of play from recreational to competing at the highest levels in Scotland.

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