From parents, to parents
Letter from parent members of the University of St Andrews' Family Programme, as part of the Principal's Family Programme Appeal 2025, in support of the Making Waves Campaign.
Dear parents and family members,
Our St Andrews story began the moment our daughter, Delara, informed us of her decision to attend the University. Home for us is in California, and we weren’t familiar with the institution. As we took the time to learn more, we became increasingly impressed, and we are genuinely delighted that Delara has chosen such an outstanding place for her higher education.
Our daughter is now in her fourth year studying Mathematics and we have had the pleasure of meeting some of Delara’s professors and friends. From the beginning, she developed close bonds with fellow students both in her subject and beyond, and she has benefited greatly from the diversity of the community at St Andrews. She is involved with the French Society and is part of an academic family – one of the many wonderful traditions at the University – which has supported her continued growth.
Upon arriving in St Andrews with Delara three years ago, we were immediately struck by its rich history and couldn’t help but notice the friendliness of the students, who spoke with such confidence and belief in the University as the ideal place to learn, and to build their futures. Since then, we have developed a profound appreciation for its distinctive character and strengths. We are particularly drawn to St Andrews’ dedication to encouraging and achieving excellence in these evolving times, while steadfastly upholding its cherished traditions and fundamental principles.
When we learned of the University’s vision through the Making Waves Campaign, we were immediately interested. We were impressed by the forward-thinking approach to aligning the requirements of a globally connected world and technologies such as AI, which are changing how we live and interact. ‘New College’ – which will house the new Business School and School of International Relations – and the Digital Nexus building are especially exciting additions.
Given our enthusiasm, we were delighted to make donations to support the University and recently hosted a successful fundraising event in Newport Beach, California.
The University of St Andrews is more than just an institution: it is a community that embraces students and their families for life. For parents, participating in the Making Waves Campaign is the next step in joining this community.
We are all witnessing our children being transformed by this place. Regular giving is a chance to be partners in that transformation. It’s not about the amount – it’s about the collective power of families coming together to affirm our belief in the University of St Andrews and its future.
We are building a legacy that will ensure St Andrews remains a beacon of academic excellence and inclusion for generations to come.
With our warmest wishes,
Soha Vazirnia & Behnam Shahossini
