News
Issue 21 April 2015 Chancellor’s Fund at the University of Glasgow
Welcome from the Chancellor It is with great pleasure that I introduce the April 2015 issue of the Chancellor’s Fund newsletter, which aims to update you on the innovative and worthwhile projects your gifts are helping to support.
The Chancellor’s Fund has supported expeditions to countries such as Iceland
Undergraduate expedition programme goes from strength to strength In recent years, the Chancellor’s Fund has been delighted to support the activities of the University Exploration Society, and a further award of £12,000 was recently made to support the 100-plus undergraduate students taking part in expeditions this summer. With the support of staff and postgraduate students, trips are being planned to Egypt, Iceland, Peru, Tanzania, Tobago, Trinidad, as well as closer to home in Scotland. The teams will look at varied aspects of geography, zoology, geology, anthropology and more. Participation is open to all students across the University. Professor Roger Downie of the Exploration Council said: ‘Over the years, Exploration Society expeditions have done amazing things all over the world. From journal articles in Nature, to the lasting legacy of building libraries and women’s skills centres in rural Gambia, to increased awareness of conservation of numerous
species and habitats, our expedition teams have all achieved a huge amount. No doubt our greatest achievement, however, has been the associated benefits of sending so many students, hundreds over the years, into the field to explore, to work and to be inspired. ‘Expeditions are often cited as the most important experience our students have during their university years and they have undoubtedly sparked an enthusiasm for the natural world which sees many of our former team members continuing to research or work with conservation and development bodies all over the world.’
In this edition we focus on several projects that are enhancing the student experience by not only offering relevant opportunities but also enjoyable and inspirational activities to our talented students – from participating in international scientific expeditions and representing the University at a prestigious competition to joining fellow students on a global leader challenge and working with top fashion designers to hold a high-profile fundraising fashion show. As our graduates enter an increasingly competitive job market, activities such as these can help prepare them by offering unique training and work experiences while still at university. The Chancellor’s Fund is very important in contributing to these opportunities and we would not be able to fulfil our ambitions without the funding made available through the generous support of our donors. Your gifts really do make a difference and we continue to be very grateful for your generosity.
Professor Kenneth Calman Chancellor