North American Newsletter, Issue 19, Autumn 2015 by University of Glasgow

North American Newsletter Issue 19 Autumn 2015 For alumni and friends living in North America

UofG talent helps shape hit TV series Outlander See Page 3

#GlobalGiving for Giving Tuesday 2015 See Page 4

Celebrating Scotland: New York Style See Page 6

Welcome

Alumna to help shape US federal policy University of Glasgow alumna, Dr Honorata ‘Kuki’ Hansen of Silver Spring, MD, will soon be providing scientific counsel to elected officials in the USA as part of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) 2015-2016 Fellowship Program.

Dr Hansen, a 2001 graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine, is originally from Edinburgh. She will serve for one year on Capitol Hill where she, along with two other veterinarians, will use her expertise to help in the shaping of federal policy on animal and public health issues.

Continuing to strengthen our international relationships remains a key priority for the University. We recently signed a new Memorandum of Agreement with McGill University. This offers benefits to staff and students from both institutions, aiming to increase collaboration in teaching and research. Helping to establish this partnership further, McGill’s Principal and ViceChancellor, Professor Suzanne Fortier, received a Doctor of the University (DUniv) award at Commemoration Day in June in honour of her contributions as a scientist and her academic leadership. By developing such partnerships our undergraduate student exchange programme is growing. An example is the recent agreement with the University of British Columbia to expand our exchange to include up to 40 students in Engineering. New exchange partners include University of Wisconsin Madison and University of Texas Austin. Our summer school has also grown with increasing numbers coming from the University of California for specialized programmes in STEM subjects. This year I have had the opportunity to attend several alumni events across North America. A recent and lasting memory from our reception at Carnegie Hall was seeing four young alumni speaking to a prospective student – the student taking copious notes about what to expect, where to go and the cultural differences she might experience whilst studying at Glasgow. A great testament to what invaluable information our alumni can offer prospective students!

Professor David Fearn International Dean for North America 2

Update your details We like to make sure our alumni are up-to-date with the latest news and information from Glasgow. The University holds alumni events across many places in North America. It is particularly useful to have your email address to let you know about events at short notice.

Why not update your details today? E: alumni@glasgow.ac.uk T: +44 141 330 7146 Don’t miss out on exciting events!

University talent helps to shape Outlander University of Glasgow PhD student Guillaume Lecomte and Professor Tony Pollard influence hit TV series Outlander. Pictured right

Professor Tony Pollard, Director of the University’s Centre for Battlefield Archaeology.

With many of our alumni sharing their interest in the Starz popular series Outlander, we thought you should know you’re never too far from the output of Glasgow’s very own talent. Guillaume Lecomte is in the process of completing his PhD in French, but has pressed pause for a few months to take on a job coveted by the many. He is currently tutoring the cast of Outlander in 18th Century French. With a thesis focusing mainly on the unadaptability of novels and graphic novels, being part of a hit series crew has given Guillaume a special insight which will boost his professional knowledge as well as direct experience with film adaptation. Guillaume first came to study at Glasgow as part of the Erasmus programme completing a MLitt European Cinema in 2011. He preferred the teaching style and atmosphere here and decided to continue at Glasgow with his PhD.

An incredible experience Although the days are long and demanding, Guillaume has said it’s completely worthwhile. He describes the experience of tutoring the lead actors, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, as exciting and enjoyable as they have taken a great interest in mastering the lines and improving their own skills. He describes the experience as incredible in so many ways, one being he has met Dominique Pinon and Frances de la Tour – some of his favourite actors. A day on set is thrilling, but professional which requires Guillaume to be ‘en-garde’

at all times, with extra lines and research prepared for the producers, director, writers and actors. He says that being able to contribute in this way has made him realise just how much a part of the production he is.

‘One of the things I enjoy the most is to be able to witness the whole process.’ ‘One of the things I enjoy the most is to be able to witness the whole process, from preprod’ through filming to post-prod’, explains Guillaume. That’s absolutely amazing, it’s like a beehive, and each role matters in such a big enterprise. Being able to constantly watch all the technicians and professionals on set is also a rare privilege and I absolutely love it because that’s how the magic is made. And trust me it is real magic; ‘reality’ looks so great through a camera, on screen.’

Glasgow’s inspirational scholars Guillaume has said if it were not for the University of Glasgow he would not have got this opportunity. Although he studied at the Université Paris IV – Sorbonne, he attributes his grasp of English and his passion for academia to Glasgow. He says that members of staff across multiple departments have been very supportive and are genuinely invested in their students. Glasgow’s scholars are rigorous, but inspirational, which has given Guillaume the chance to converse and be challenged by some of the top researchers.

Guillaume admitted it catches him off-guard seeing the actors dressed in 18th Century costumes, but checking their iPhones, listening to music or wearing Nike trainers around set. The filming is still underway and will continue to visit sites in England, Scotland and Prague for Parisian themed sets.

University expertise Continuing to help shape the production, Professor Tony Pollard, MA 1987; PhD 1995, Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, has been the historical consultant for the series advising on scripts, sets and battles. Professor Pollard was approached in 2013 by the producers as they needed a historical consultant, but someone who understood the nature of the Outlander novels. With his expertise on the Jacobite Rebellion, he agreed to help. With the help of the University Archives Service, a historical connection was discovered between the University and the Outlander plot. On April 16, 1746 the Jacobite army, under the command of Charles Edward Stuart, was defeated by a British Army at the Battle of Culloden. Simon Fraser, a University alumnus, led the men of Clan Fraser who fought with the Jacobites. He subsequently joined the British Army and raised the 78th (or Fraser) Highlanders. The main character in the hit series is James Fraser – a possible relation, if not an inspiration of Glasgow’s very own Simon Fraser? Outlandish! Well, maybe not. 3

Help us inspire the next generation of World Changers 1 December 2015: Take part in Giving Tuesday to give our students once-in-a-life-time, international learning experiences.

What can you do? You may have heard about Giving Tuesday from last year’s newsletter, but if not here’s a quick round-up: Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving, celebrated by those looking to give something back in light of the annual December shopping and spending season. Everyone, anywhere, can participate! Last year we asked our alumni in North America to get in the Giving Tuesday spirit to help raise $10,000 to create 10 new Travel Scholarships. We were delighted you got involved by raising enough to create up to 20 new awards, exceeding our original goal. With thanks to your support those travel scholarship recipients are starting to make use of their awards to attend conferences, study at partner institutions or to take up internships overseas.

Help us fund 10 new Travel Scholarships on Giving Tuesday. We are now setting our sights on this year’s campaign. With your support we are aiming to raise enough funds for a further 10 new travel scholarships, enabling even more of our students to take up an international opportunity. We understand the great impact a global education can have on our students. Undertaking travel opportunities is extremely important in order to further their research and enhance their employability. We’ve also recognised that Travel Scholarships are highly sought-after and incredibly competitive. By offering more students the chance to take up educational opportunities abroad we will inspire them to become the next generation of World Changers. 4

Break the mould this December! Whether it’s making a donation to support travel scholarships at the University of Glasgow, or sharing with us your own stories of studying abroad, you can start planning your good deed now. And why not challenge your friends, family and colleagues to get involved too, this Giving Tuesday!

Give You can make a gift online at www. glasgow.ac.uk/givingtuesday. You can choose how much to give from $10 to $1000 and anything in between. If you haven’t given before this is a great way to get started or if you are already a regular supporter you can of course give an additional gift on Giving Tuesday. Don’t want to wait until December? Get into the Giving Tuesday spirit early and give online today or send cheques by using the donation form on Page 8. And don’t forget gifts from the USA and Canada to American Alumni of Glasgow University (AAGU) and the University are tax deductible.

Mhairi Harris MA Psychology

Like Get involved and join us at facebook.com/GivingTuesdayUofG and follow us on Twitter @GlasgowAlumni #GivingTuesday #UofGworldchangers #GlobalGiving

Share Please get in touch to tell us about your experiences of studying abroad and your plans for #GivingTuesday. A bit closer to the time we’ll be asking you to share stories and pictures of your generous GT acts as well as any pictures or stories from your experience studying/travelling abroad, so we can post them online. The best will get the chance to win some great prizes and UofG merchandise!

Help us reach our goal! Make a gift at www.glasgow.ac.uk/ givingtuesday.

Alexandra Nixson-Evers MA Eng Lit

‘After graduating, I was fortunate enough to join an international company and be given the opportunity to travel and experience many cultures around the world. This taught me a lot about how to do business in these countries and build lasting relationships with my international colleagues. Having this international experience as an undergraduate would be so beneficial and I hope my contribution to the travel scholarship program can help make this a reality.’

Florian Forsthuber MA Economics

Stuart McIrvine BEng 1989

Kyrie Gill MSci Maths

Caroline Schiller MA Economics & Business Management

Georgia Patt BSc(Hons) Marine & Freshwater Biology

Fiona Kipling Veterinary Medicine

‘I was over the moon to receive this scholarship enabling me to take up my wildlife course at the Guatemala Rescue Center. It helped to cover my flight and a portion of my program fee. I am deeply grateful to the donors.’ Sarah Spindell Melvyn & Amanda Pond Travel Scholarship Giving Tuesday 2014

Sofia Jarbur MA Business Management

Natalia Bushell BSc Earth Science

‘I chose to give to #GivingTuesday because I studied abroad at the University of Glasgow. I want the students at UofG to be able to have an experience in another country like I did in Scotland!’ Zoe Allier MA Economics & Psychology

Megan Murphy Study Abroad 2013

Celebrating Scotland: New York style

Events roundup Washington DC Burns Supper Thursday, 5 March 2015

Alumni in Washington, DC and the surrounding area joined University representatives, Professor David Fearn, Emma Sloan, Caroline Gould and Danielle Houston at the Ritz-Carlton for the annual University of Glasgow Burns Supper. Despite the treacherous winter conditions, more than 60 alumni and guests joined in the festivities and enjoyed a wonderful night dancing, singing and even indulging in a dram or two. Mr Alan Dickson delivered the Toast to the Haggis and Mr Frank Shaw gave the Toast to the Immortal Memory.

Toronto Alumni Pub Night Thursday, 16 April 2015 Alumni and staff eagerly awaiting the start of the parade

Seventeen local alumni gathered at The Caledonian in Toronto for drinks and the chance to network with other Glasgow alumni. Attendees spanned 60 years of graduations and were able to share memories of the city both old and new. Many thanks for to Ashley Koen (MSc 2012) for organising the get together!

Vancouver Alumni Reception Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Professor George P Studzinski (BSc 1955, MBChB 1958, PhD 1962)

Kilts swayed rhythmically to the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drum, as alumni, staff and (as pictured on our front cover) four-legged friends joined the Tartan Day Parade on Saturday, 11 April along 6th Avenue – one of the highlights of Scotland Week in New York. It was followed by a reception for all Scottish university alumni at the Long Room on West 44th Street. The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anton Muscatelli, along with Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Social Sciences Professor Anne Anderson, hosted a reception in the magnificent setting of the Weill Music Room at Carnegie Hall for the University’s alumni and friends on Wednesday 8 April. Among their honoured guests were Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe & External Affairs, and Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty. Prospective students applying to study at Glasgow from the USA and their families were also invited along to join in the celebrations. A cheque representing 6

Mrs Guirlaine Lohier and Sarah Lohier (MSc 2013)

$80,000 of alumni gifts was presented to the University by Melvyn Pond (BVMS 1966), President, and Jackie Smith (MA 1975), Treasurer of American Alumni of Glasgow University (AAGU). The week was also an opportunity for the University to reaffirm its links with Columbia University in New York, one of its strategic partners in higher education. Professor Chris Carman, head of the University’s School of Social & Political Sciences, gave a lecture analysing the Scottish Independence Referendum; Professor Jim Tomlinson, Professor of Economic & Social History, gave a separate lecture on ‘De-industrialization but not decline: Britain since the 1950s’. Professor Bob Davis, Head of the School of Education, gave a lecture at Columbia’s Teachers College. Save the date 18th Annual Tartan Day Parade 2016 Saturday April 9th Cover image and top image above

More than 30 alumni and friends from the Vancouver area attended the alumni reception at Steamworks Brew Pub. University representatives, Frances Shepherd, Caroline Gould and Leann Schmitz, hosted an informal evening of food and drinks and gave an update about developments at the University. The Harbour View Room offered a most welcoming, warm and familiar atmosphere for all those who attended the event. Alumni were able to enjoy the company of one another while sharing their stories from their time at Glasgow and life since.

Los Angeles Alumni Lunch Saturday, 16 May 2015

Alumni in the Los Angeles area were welcomed to lunch at the home residence of alumnus Stephen (MPhil ’88) and Naris Bethel in Glendale. Fifteen UofG alumni and friends enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing with others about their time at Glasgow, how they came to live in LA and their interests in the University. Frances Shepherd, Vice President International Development, and Caroline Gould, International Development Coordinator, gave a brief update from the University and shared some of the exciting news from Glasgow. Alumni were treated to the fine hospitality of the Bethels and enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

Newcomb exhibition at The Wolfsonian, Miami

What’s on?

Washington, DC Alumni Association Events & Notices The Washington, DC Alumni Group (above) has regular social events each month. If you’re interested in getting involved and would like to be added to the mailing list, please email Nasser Qadri at nasserqadri@gmail.com.

Boston Alumni Social Group Thanks to the support of local alumnus, Stewart Craig (BSc 2000, EdD 2013), the Boston Alumni Group has a planned social event on the 20th of every month. If you would like to be added to the mailing list or find out more, email Stewart at stwrtcrg@gmail.com.

Glasgow alumna, Whitney Richardson presents Women, Art & Social Change This summer, The Wolfsonian-Florida International University proudly presented Women, Art, and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, the largest exhibition of Newcomb arts and crafts in over twenty-five years. The exhibition featured roughly 180 objects ranging from iconic Newcomb ceramics to metalwork, textiles, and other historical artefacts. Women, Art & Social Change sheds light on how the trailblazing female designers of New Orleans’ H Sophie Newcomb Memorial College forged a distinctively Southern aesthetic and paved the way for women artists of later generations. Glasgow alumna Whitney Richardson (MPhil 2004), Curatorial & Exhibitions Assistant at The Wolfsonian-FIU, organised The Wolfsonian’s presentation of the exhibition. ‘Women, Art & Social Change is an exciting and natural complement to The Wolfsonian’s core interest of exploring the human experience and telling the story of social changes that have transformed our world. This is the perfect opportunity to focus on the impact of female artists in post-Civil War America, at a time when women’s equality was a burgeoning cause’, stated Whitney ahead of the

launch of the exhibition. ‘While the artists at Newcomb Pottery aligned themselves with the tenets of the British Arts and Crafts movement – richly represented in our collection – their wares were distinct expressions of the American South. The women of Newcomb Pottery set out to create a profitable business for female artisans, and wound up creating the most significant American pottery of the twentieth century; we’re thrilled to share this story with our visitors.’ Whitney hosted a private tour for a small group of alumni from the local area on 11 August. Women Art & Social Change will be on view at various institutions across the States over the coming year. The exhibition is organized by the Newcomb Art Gallery at Tulane University and the Smithsonian Institution Travelling Exhibition Service. For information about tour dates visit www.sites.si.edu/exhibitions/exhibits/ newcombPottery. Pictured above

Vase, c. 1925. Moon and pine landscape design. Low relief carving, underglaze with matte glaze. Anna Frances Simpson, decorator; Joseph Meyer, potter. Haynie Family Collection.

Royal Scottish Dance Society offers free class for alumni Alumnus, Kenneth Donnelly, president of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society NY Branch, would like to extend a free night of a beginner class to all alumni. For those in New York, classes are held at St. Bartholomew’s Church in midtown. There are also programs in Westchester, CT and NJ. For more information visit: www.rscdsnewyork.org/ classes.html

The Scottish American Society of Southeast Florida The Scottish American Society of Southeast Florida was formed 30 years ago by UofG alumnus Nigel MacDonald (BSc 1969) to organize a local Scottish Highland Games. Since then it has presented such great entertainers as the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, Jimmy Logan, the Alexander Brothers, the Tartan Lads and Albannach. The Society has served as a focal point for Scots away from home and many others who simply enjoy Scottish culture, through the dancing, piping and heavy athletics, and also ceilidhs and our annual Burns Suppers. All interested should get in touch through the website, www.sassf.org, or e-mail nigelm@bellsouth.net. Look out for events in your area on www.glasgow.ac.uk/alumni/events. 7

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You can also give to the University online To find out more, please visit our website www.glasgow.ac.uk/givingtoglasgow

Please get in touch Caroline Gould International Development Coordinator Development & Alumni Office 2-3 The Square University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ Scotland, UK 8

T: +44 (0)141 330 7071 E: caroline.gould@glasgow.ac.uk www.glasgow.ac.uk/alumni © University of Glasgow 2015 The University of Glasgow, charity no. SC004401 Printed in Glasgow on 100% recycled paper

Data Protection Act 1998 Under the codes of the 1998 Data Protection Act, the University of Glasgow will use the information provided by you for University education, social and charitable purposes only. Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 The Development & Alumni Office acts in accordance with the terms of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Information on donations received by the University of Glasgow is provided in Giving to Glasgow and other project-specific newsletters. Information is included only on donors who have given us their express permission to do so.