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Semester 1 Issue |
Welcome to the latest issue of LINK – our dedicated newsletter for members of the Family Programme at the University of St Andrews. A warm welcome, in particular, to the families of our newest undergraduates, who have joined our global university community this semester and are getting to know St Andrews along with their students. You are very much part of this exciting journey too.
With the semester in full swing, your young people will be settling into new routines, new surroundings and making new friends. Perhaps they are discovering a new hobby, sport or interest having attended the Freshers’ Fayre, or are pursuing an existing passion here. Those who have already learned the ropes may be stepping up into leadership roles or placing additional focus on academic study.
We will continue to keep you in the loop with updates from St Andrews – including about our ambitious Making Waves Campaign – both here in LINK and through our monthly St Andrews in the News e-newsletter. You can also stay connected by volunteering as a parent mentor in our Coffee Connect careers initiative, and by registering with Saint Connect.
A reminder also of our Love from Home service, run in partnership with local baker Fisher & Donaldson – home of the famous fudge doughnut. You can use this to send cakes and treats to your student during term time.
I hope that you enjoy reading this issue of LINK.
With best wishes,
Robert Fleming Director of Development |
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Making Waves: The Campaign for St Andrews |
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The Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, with CBS News Special Correspondent Anthony Mason |
Making Waves: The Campaign for St Andrews launched publicly in September 2024 with the ambitious target of raising £300 million for four key projects that will ensure the continued development of the University through capital projects, enable world-leading research, and open doors to students, regardless of circumstance.
This month, we made waves across the Atlantic as Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Sally Mapstone visited our North American community in Boston and New York.
In Boston, alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the growing momentum of the Making Waves Campaign. The Boston event was held at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, where we were generously hosted by Partner and St Andrews parent Peter Pound.
In New York, the Principal joined University of St Andrews parent and Special Correspondent for CBS News Anthony Mason for a thoughtful on-stage conversation about the University’s global vision and the lifelong connection shared by our St Andrews community.
Thanks to the support of our alumni, families and friends, we have raised £144m towards our Making Waves Campaign target. Our families have played a huge part in this effort, and we are proud that the University of St Andrews is leading the way in the UK for parent giving. We are incredibly grateful for your support. |
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From our families: Helena Hu and Robert Wong |
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Helena with her son in St Mary's Quad |
Parents Helena Hu and Robert Wong became members of the University’s Family Programme when their son matriculated three years ago. Here, Helena discusses falling in love with St Andrews, hosting a Bejant Reception in Hong Kong, and her growing connection to the wider University community. |
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If you would like to share your family's story in a future issue of LINK, please get in touch at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk. |
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From the faculty: Dr Adam Bower |
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Dr Adam Bower is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Impact and Innovation in the School of International Relations, which is ranked number one in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2026. He shares his teaching and research interests, and gives his recommendation for families visiting their students at St Andrews.
In his work, Dr Bower explores how international norms and laws shape the behaviour of actors in the international system. His particular interest is in the regulation of armed violence. |
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Spotlight on... Halls Life |
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The University's Halls Life team |
In this issue of LINK we are shining the spotlight on our Halls Life team. The team is committed to providing a positive and supportive residential experience for students living in University halls of residence.
Scott Francis, Assistant Director of Halls Life, explains the aims of the programme and the support it offers to students at St Andrews. |
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Traditions in focus: Raisin Weekend |
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Raisin Weekend is one of the biggest traditions at St Andrews and takes its name from the time when academic children gave their academic parents a pound of raisins as a 'thank you' for welcoming them to the town. Academic parents would, in return, give their 'children' a Raisin Receipt, written in Latin (often on unusual objects ranging from road signs to boat sails and even a bath tub), to acknowledge the gift.
Spot your student in our photo gallery of highlights from this year's Raisin Monday foam fight. |
| Photo gallery |
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Careers and connections |
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The Development Office works closely with the University’s Careers Centre to deliver initiatives that support students into a range of career pathways, from online mentoring through Coffee Connect to work shadowing programmes.
Our alumni can access resources and support for up to three years after graduation. You can find out more about the Careers support available to students here and to alumni here.
This year, for the first time, we’ve opened up our Coffee Connect online mentoring programme to our global network of parents. Applications for this round close on Sunday 2 November.
Parents can also offer work shadowing opportunities. These experiences can take place in person or online, and can last for a day or more, depending on your availability. The scheme is open to all students and offers opportunities in a wide range of industries and roles around the world. Typically, a student would follow you throughout your day, attending meetings and observing you at work. All work shadowing communications, decisions and introductions are hosted online via our Saint Connect platform. The next round opens for applications on Monday 12 January 2026.
If you are able to mentor one of our current students via Coffee Connect, please register online, or to offer work shadowing, get in touch at alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk. |
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Alumni Profiles |
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St Andrews alumni Alan Wehrenberg and Beatriz Carboni |
Our alumni share profiles to inspire and inform current and prospective students about their experiences at St Andrews and their career pathways beyond.
Alan Wehrenberg (BSc 2023, Economics and Geography) works as an Investment Banking Analyst with the pan-European bank UniCredit. He recommends building a strong network and gaining as much experience as possible, which he did by joining the University’s Investment Society as a student. |
| Alan's profile |
Beatriz Carboni (MA 2015, International Relations and Management) has worked in Washington, D.C. at the intersection of gender, security, and Latin America, followed by a stint in the petrochemical industry in Germany. She now runs research operations for an executive search firm in Rio de Janeiro. Beatriz encourages students to fully immerse themselves in the St Andrews experience. |
| Beatriz's profile |
Learn from more from St Andrews graduates via our Alumni Profiles platform. |
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What our students say about... societies |
With over 190 sports and societies on offer at St Andrews, we asked students about their interests outside academia. |
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Maya4th year International Relations and Sustainable Development "I’m part of the Friends of Médecins Sans Frontieres, I started the Irvine Atlas Undergraduate Academic Journal (a peer-reviewed journal produced by students in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development), I’m a Student Ambassador, and I’m also Arts and Divinity President for the Students’ Association.
"My highlight so far has been giving a tour to the Minister of Defence and a group of his defence attachés on behalf of the Student Ambassadors." |
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Maya |
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Avery4th year Mathematics and Philosophy "I’m involved in the Philosophy Society, which I discovered at Freshers’ Fayre in my first year. I have loved getting to learn about new topics from the speakers – usually lecturers – each week and then going to the pub with famous philosophers to continue the conversations!"
Simone4th year Mathematics "I’m involved with the student-run charity fashion show DON’T WALK, which brings together creative students to drive and inspire positive change. I’m also part of People You Know Productions, a theatre group bringing you shows about the people you know.
"My favourite events have been the DON’T WALK shows in March and being part of the student-produced plays that People You Know host throughout the year." |
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L-R: Avery and Simone |
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University Shop |
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The University of St Andrews Shop is the place to find official university apparel, gifts, and memorabilia – perfect for treating your student! |
| Browse the collection |
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About the Family Programme |
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Families supporting their students at the start-of-semester Pier Walk |
Members of the Family Programme have access to a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, regular communications, and invitations to events. |
| Explore the benefits |
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Have your say |
If you would like to share feedback on LINK, or have suggestions for content you would like to see in future issues, we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with us at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk. |
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The University of St Andrews is not responsible for the content of external websites accessed via links in this e-newsletter.
Details of how the University makes use of your personal data and protects your privacy are available in the Development Privacy Notice. A printed copy is available on request. View our Gift Acceptance Policy.
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532. |
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