Glasgow Caledonian University Alumni

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Official account for graduates of Glasgow Caledonian. We're here to keep the global GCU community connected.

Stay connected with your global GCU community and access exclusive benefits and support including networking, expert talks, discounts & more.

📲Visit www.gcu.ac.uk/alumni

📲Instagram Staying in contact with GCU means exclusive access to events hosted by captains of industry, keeping in touch with friends, having a community that understands you and your memories, graduate benefits and a chance to give back and help upcoming students.

16/10/2026

MA TV Fiction Writing graduate Eden McIntyre's debut play, “JACK VETTRIANO CAN'T PAINT!” is the first official biography of Scottish artist Jack Vettriano.

The play explores the extraordinary story of the artist who created some of the UK’s best-selling paintings, despite constant dismissal from critics and the art world.

Eden, a freelance writer, pitched the idea directly to the Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director, Alan Cu***ng.

“I just randomly sent Alan the script, and he loved it.

"I got the train up to Pitlochry, he bought me a soup and then commissioned the play."

Eden's fascination with Vettriano began with seeing his work hanging on the walls of his Granny's house in Clydebank, where she treated her collection of prints like she was curating an art gallery.

"Jack Vettriano’s paintings have been everywhere. They’ve been in TV shows, in the background of a Fratelli's music video, and celebrities owned them. They coveted them. Robbie Coltrane and Sir Alex Ferguson CBE have them too. Everybody loved him. But there was so much pushback. There was so much bad press."

Eden has self-produced short plays, radio shows, and staged readings. He is a BBC Scottish Voice and has won awards for his scriptwriting. He started writing the play while a student on GCU’s MA TV Fiction Writing course in 2020.

“I love telling people that I’m an MA TV grad.”

“You're all learning together and feeding from each other, bouncing off each other. That was wonderful. That's absolutely the best thing about MA TV. What we managed to achieve through networking events, BBC connections, agents coming in - it felt real again. It felt like you were actually connecting and creating something bigger than a script.

"I hope that me getting this announcement inspires some other people who might think it's the wrong time to go into the arts to just put their work out there and send random emails to celebrities on a Tuesday afternoon.”

Eden’s play, “JACK VETTRIANO CAN'T PAINT!” will premiere at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Summer 2027, 16 July – 7 August.

14/10/2026

“The academic challenges, supportive learning environment, and friendships developed throughout my studies made the journey both demanding and rewarding.”

Congratulations to David, who graduated earlier this year with an MSc in International Operations & Supply Chain Management 🎓

David developed his own enterprise, AfroScot World Foods & Halal Meats Ltd during his studies, and aspires to undertake doctoral research in the field. He shares his GCU experience below as part of our spotlights:

“I chose GCU because of its strong reputation for practical, career-focused education and its commitment to the common good. Its International Operations and Supply Chain Management programmes aligned with my professional experience, entrepreneurial ambitions, and commitment to continuous improvement.

“My greatest highlight was progressing from my undergraduate degree to completing my MSc while balancing employment, family responsibilities, and the establishment of my own business.

“My ambition is to develop AfroScot into a sustainable, multi-branch retail business while pursuing professional opportunities in internal operations, supply chain management, and continuous improvement.

“My advice to future students is to never allow age, personal circumstances, or temporary setbacks to define your potential. Embrace lifelong learning, remain resilient, and seek opportunities to apply academic knowledge in practice. Success is built through discipline, continuous improvement, and the courage to pursue your ambitions.”

Huge congratulations, David! Wishing you all the best for the future - and remember to keep in touch 💙

13/10/2026

A GCU student and Entrepreneurial Hub member is nominated for a prestigious Glaswegian arts award 🙌✒️

Mfon-abasi “Jamie” Inyang moved to Glasgow last year to study his MATV at GCU. A year later, he is shortlisted for Arts Champion of the Year at the Glasgow Times Community Champion Awards 2026. He told us all about his GCU experience, and how it feels to be an award nominee.

“Already working professionally as a writer in Nigeria, I wanted to challenge myself and understand television writing from a different perspective. GCU's MA Television Fiction Writing felt like the right opportunity to develop my craft, learn more about the UK television industry, and grow as an international storyteller, also it’s the only programme of its kind in the entire UK.

“It has been an incredible year of learning, unlearning, and growing. Moving from Nigeria to Scotland came with its challenges, especially adjusting to a new environment.

“The support started before I even arrived in Glasgow. Receiving the Postgraduate Ambassador Scholarship made studying in Scotland possible."

Jamie joined the GCU Entrepreneurial Hub to learn more about the business side of arts and cultural production.

“The Hub has been a great space to connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and explore how to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects.

“It has also been encouraging to meet people from different backgrounds who are building something of their own."

Inspired by his experience moving to Glasgow, Jamie started ‘The Welcome Network’; a community platform designed to create a welcoming space for new arrivals to the country. His work on the project led to him being shortlisted for Arts Champion of the Year.

“Most of my work, especially with ’The Welcome Network’, came from my own experience of moving to a new country and wanting people to feel less alone. Knowing that people have noticed and appreciated that work means a lot.

“Being nominated already means so much to me. In a way, it makes me feel welcomed and gives me a sense of belonging in Glasgow's arts and cultural community. Winning would be a lovely recognition of the work we have been doing and the people who have supported it”

08/10/2026

“GCU’s strong links with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), and access to experienced academic staff made it the obvious choice for developing real-world clinical competence.”

Andrew Kelly came to GCU to advance his skills and further his career. A Diploma in Paramedic Science allowed him to build on the practical knowledge he already learned while working as an Ambulance Technician. Andrew returned to GCU for a Postgraduate degree in Advanced Paramedic Science and now works as a Practice Educator for the SAS.

“I had already been an ambulance technician for 4 years. I felt it would be a good time to improve my clinical understanding and skills further. Enrolling in formal Paramedic Science studies was the natural step to elevate my patient care, refine my clinical decision-making, and commit to the profession at a higher level.

“The simulation facilities were second to none. We were able to access modern medical equipment, life-like mannequins, and simulated environments that mirrored the unpredictability of what we could face on the road.

“The clinical placements were invaluable. Working alongside massively experienced mentors allowed me to learn the differences between textbook theory and practical application. Additionally, spending time across acute hospital settings like Emergency Departments, Cardiology and surgical theatres gave me a crucial broader perspective on the whole patient pathway.

“Emotional intelligence enables you to remain calm, read a room instantly, reassure anxious patients, and de-escalate volatile situations.

“Being a paramedic is one of the most dynamic, impactful, and rewarding careers in healthcare.

“Returning to GCU in 2021 allowed me to learn about prehospital evidence-based practice and refine my complex clinical reasoning.

“Be prepared to work hard difficult shift patterns and emotionally demanding days but know that it is deeply fulfilling work. Be sure to focus on developing your interpersonal skills, resilience, and importantly self-care early on. Being a great paramedic isn't just about clinical skill, it's about empathy, teamwork, and being a reassuring presence when people need help the most.”

07/10/2026

Ideas are easy. Making them happen is where entrepreneurship begins.

Join us for a new workshop at the Entrepreneurial Hub and learn how to develop your business ideas into something tangible and impactful.

💭 Lunch & Learn: Start with the Idea
📍 GCU Entrepreneurial Hub
🗓️ Thurs 22 October, 12-1pm

We’re delighted to welcome back GCU Entrepreneurial Ambassador Frank Gormanley, who will be facilitating our Lunch & Learn series this year. Frank will lead an interactive session exploring how an initial idea can be developed into something tangible and impactful.

This practical and engaging workshop will help participants explore the problem they are trying to solve, identify who their idea is for, and test whether a genuine opportunity exists before investing significant time or money. Through real-world examples, discussion and hands-on exercises, attendees will challenge and develop their thinking, with a particular focus on taking that important first step.

Drawing on Design Thinking principles, the session will help participants turn early-stage ideas into actionable opportunities and leave with greater clarity around their concept and the next steps to take.

Following the workshop, attendees are invited to stay for a complimentary networking lunch and the opportunity to connect with fellow Hub members, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Sign up now:
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-and-learn-workshop-from-idea-to-implementation-tickets-2002190526763?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/10/2026

“My time at GCU shaped my confidence and strengthened my professional skills”

Irfan graduated this Summer with his MSc in International Construction Project Management. We asked him all about his GCU experience as part of our spotlights:

“I chose GCU because of its strong focus on practical construction management, international exposure, and the opportunity to develop the professional skills needed to build my career in the UK.

“My memories of studying at GCU are very positive. I especially remember the supportive lecturers, diverse international environment, and the practical knowledge that helped me grow professionally.

“Since graduating, my goal is to progress as a Site Engineer and move into senior construction and project management roles. I aim to contribute to major infrastructure projects in the UK while continuing to develop my professional skills and qualifications.

“My advice to students going into International Construction Project Management is to stay consistent, keep learning, and gain as much practical experience as possible. Believe in yourself, be patient with your career journey, and use every challenge as an opportunity to grow.”

Huge congratulations, Irfan, your hard work has paid off! Best of luck for the future 💙

01/10/2026

As a sports reporter, Michael Houston has covered major international events including the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games. A freelance sportswriter with experience talking about everything from curling to Formula One, Michael has already had a varied professional life in the world of sport.

We sat down with Michael to ask them about their career so far.

💬 Why did you choose to study at GCU?

"I was set on being a music journalist going into my final year of school and the course looked forward-thinking. Also, the course leader, Ken Garner. Knowing you will be under the guidance of good personalities is important if you're spending most of the next four years with them. Having just an hour's commute saved me a ton of money, and the media facilities were a dream."

💬 Can you briefly explain your career journey since graduation?

"In 2019, I received a paid internship with British Athletics and in 2020 I joined the renowned Olympic news and sports governance website Insidethegames. For the next three years, I travelled to major events including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and Beijing 2022 Olympics, as well as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Leaving in 2023, I took the plunge and started freelancing. I've worked with five International Federations and current clients include the ISSF, World Curling and Athletics Trust Scotland. I also oversee comms for Stride Athletics, who host the Flat N Fast 5K."

💬 What makes you most proud to be a GCU graduate?

"Most people I met at Caley felt true to themselves and rejected class division; we were all in the same boat. We were challenged on our beliefs but also given space to share our opinions. There are so many courses that are the best of their kind in Scotland. That, and the GCU Athletics Sub Crawl."

💬 Finally, what is your advice to students thinking of following a similar career path?

"Spread your experience as far as possible and trust your gut. I decided early on that I did not want to work in regular print news or radio, but picking up that experience would have made it much easier finding a job in the first place. Once you are no longer on the bottom rung of the ladder, make others feel welcome!"

24/09/2026

In 2006, Gary Hall graduated from his BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications at GCU. Soon after, he had the opportunity to work for a leading IT company in Brussels, climbing up to the position of Senior Engineer. Now, he’s a director at leading computer network company, Arista Networks. We asked Gary more about his GCU experience and the many opportunities it presented.

💬 Why did you choose to study at GCU?

“GCU stood out for the quality of the labs and hardware available, as well as the topics covered within the degree. At the time the course from GCU had very practical and relevant hands-on aspects that would provide some real experience in computer networking. It was a natural choice for me.”

💬 Any highlights from your time at GCU?

“I got some industry certifications which involved access to hardware and software used in real life networks, it was great to be able to be so hands-on and not be dealing with theory all the time. In my honours year I had the opportunity to assist some students, providing mentoring during their lab work. This was really rewarding and was the initial stages of my leadership growth. I spent a lot of time on the campus, often playing football with other students and even one or two lecturers!”

💬 How did your degree inform your career path?

“The hands-on access to labs was invaluable for me in my first job after graduating. It gave me an edge over other candidates whose degrees were more theoretical. I ended up in a job with one of the biggest names in the IT industry and was ready to hit the ground running. I am now a director, overseeing the support organisation across Asia and Europe.”

💬 What is your advice to students thinking about the same career as yourself?

“Be able to show a prospective employer your knowledge and experience that goes beyond the degree. Do not be afraid of AI, instead learn how to make you better at what you want to do, and learn how AI works!”

17/09/2026

From fixing up vintage classics to working for the Red Bull Racing Team 🏎️

TJ Scott came to GCU to crank up his knowledge in automotive engineering. As part of the founding leadership team for the GCU Racing Society, TJ took the chance to put his skills into gear. Now, thanks to the MEng Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering course, TJ is cruising his way to his dream career.

“My dad and I supported vintage racing. When you start doing that, you have bits of old car that just don't exist and you can't find them, and you also can’t buy them. So, then you have to make them, and if you want to make something, then you need to design the thing that you're going to produce. From that, you end up picking up an interest engineering.”

After a few false starts in his journey through education, GCU was just what TJ needed to get back on track.

“GCU sounded like all the stuff I enjoy about engineering, and the way they described the teaching process sounded like something that would work a lot better for me. All the lecturers were so eager to help. They cared about your development, and they wanted to make sure that you understood what you were learning. Because of that extra bit of support, I was able to go on and get my MEng with distinction and go on to my current career.”

TJ soon became a founding member of the GCU Racing Society then rose to become Technical Director for the Formula Student Team.

That practical experience, combined with what he was learning on the course, helped TJ secure a job with Mercedes as a Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer. He is now with Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology as a Powertrain Structural Design Engineer.

“You get into an environment like the Mercedes Formula one team or the Red Bull Racing team, and you very quickly remember that you are not the smartest person in the room. Everyone around you knows such an infinite amount. That is such a wonderful opportunity for you to target the person next to you who has been designing formula one cars for 30 years and say, ‘I don't know what that is, can you explain it to me?’ That approach was such a wonderful opportunity for me to learn an incredible amount about engineering.”

“It's incredible to be able to turn on the TV on Sunday and see things that you have designed.”

13/09/2026

Sir Alex Auction: Final day to bid.⚽

A signed Sir Alex Ferguson shirt could become a prized possession, while helping a talented student on their path to success.

Our auction closes today and features exclusive memorabilia from both Sir Alex's Manchester United and Aberdeen years.

Every pound raised supports GCU's Anniversary Scholarships Campaign, creating life-changing opportunities for students from challenging backgrounds.💙

The auction closes on Sunday at 23:59.

🔗 Place your bid now: https://weareeventpal.com/GCUEvents2026/list-silent-lots

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