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The University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø quad pictured on a dark autumn night in the rain. The historic buildings are lit blue and yellow.

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in the News

November 2025

Welcome to the November issue of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in the News. 


We hope that you enjoy this month's round-up of news and events from the University, which includes a national award for sustainability, the naming of the Dr John Forfar Room in the School of Medicine, and a rare opportunity to view the 500-year-old ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles.


You can find more news and research updates from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø via the .


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Ron and Mary Pressman, pictured at a dinner at Highclere Castle to mark the end of the 600th Campaign

Donor Story: Mary and Ron Pressman

Mary Pressman (JYA 1976-77) is Vice President of the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏ꿉۪ American Foundation, and her connections to the town and the institution date back to her father’s time as a student here in the 1930s.


She explains what inspired her family to continue their support for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø through the Making Waves Campaign.


Principal Sally Mapstone and Anthony Mason sit next to each other on two chairs with a small table in the centre. The pair are smiling and holding microphones.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone and Anthony Mason, CBS News

Making Waves Impact Tour in New York and Boston

Last month, the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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. In New York, the Principal joined University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø 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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø community.


You can view photo galleries from both events below.


ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles sits cushioned on display, the pages open to reveal the historic writing.

The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles

500-year-old history of Scotland on public display for the first time

°Õ³ó±ð ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles, one of the most important manuscript histories of Scotland, which sheds new light on William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny, will be on public display for the first time in its 500-year history.  


A special event featuring Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, an early Scots literature scholar, in conversation with Professor Dauvit Broun of the University of Glasgow, and Elizabeth Henderson, Rare Books Librarian in University Collections and Museums, will explore the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles, its journey to its current home, and its profound significance for our understanding of Scottish identity, legacy, and nationhood. 


°Õ³ó±ð ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Chronicles will be on display at the Wardlaw Museum between Friday 21 November 2025 and Sunday 7 December 2025. 


Making Waves Lecture Series graphic

Making Waves Lecture Series 

The Making Waves Lecture Series features talks from leading academics from across the University. Details of upcoming lectures are below.

  • Thursday 27 November, Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh: St Andrews and Scottish Art

  • Tuesday 9 December, Royal Over-Seas League, London: The SETI Post Detection Hub – Preparing science and society for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life with Dr John Elliott, School of Computer Science

  • Wednesday 11 February, Royal Over-Seas League, London with Professor Richard Whatmore, School of History – further details to follow

We look forward to welcoming alumni, supporters, and friends to hear more about the big ideas taking shape at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the ripples they are creating across society.


All lectures are free to attend. Please register via the link below.

Register now


Five Sabbatical Officers walk through St Salvator's Quad, they can be seen to be smiling and laughing.

David Forfar, Alison Forfar, and Dr Colin Forfar with the Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, and Professor Deborah Williamson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

University honours paediatric pioneer and war hero

The Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, joined guests for a moment of history in the School of Medicine: the official opening of the newly named Dr John Forfar Clinical Study Room.

The dedication was made by members of the Forfar family and honours Dr John Oldroyd Forfar (MBChB 1941), a pioneering paediatrician, decorated war hero, and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø alumnus whose life embodied courage, compassion, and service.


ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø scoops 2025 Green Gown Award

The has won a in the category. The Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges. 


The ambitious, collaborative ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Nature Networks project created, restored, and connected habitat at a landscape scale along 16km of the Fife coastline, from Guardbridge to Kingsbarns.


The project contributes to the University’s commitment to managing land more sustainably and addressing climate and nature emergencies. The University is grateful to its project partners for their commitment, as well as to the , managed by , for their support.


Five Saints Golf Scholars stand smiling on the terrace at Rusacks, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. They are all wearing Saints Golf kit.

Saints Golf scholars on the terrace at Rusacks ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Sponsorship and scholarship success for Saints Sport

Saints Sport has signed a with , with the company taking on the role of Official Partner of Saints Football in the 2025-2026 academic year. This marks a significant investment in the University’s football programme.


has , continuing a collaboration that celebrates the rich heritage, community, and competitive spirit of the game. , strengthening a relationship built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and the traditions of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.


Also this month, five of the University's most talented student athletes have been , Scotland’s national sport scholarship programme.


Harris Bisset (Rowing), Rosa Thompson (Rowing), Kristina Armstrong (Canoe Sprint), Sophia Isberner (Rowing), and Ellie Monk (Golf) have been recognised for their exceptional achievements in both sport and academia.


Dates for the London and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø carol services reiterating information in the text below.

Register now for Alumni Carol Services in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and London

The University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Alumni Carol Services in London (Wednesday 10 December) and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø (Monday 15 December) will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to mix, mingle, and meet fellow ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø alumni.


If you have not already registered, you can do so via the links below. Please note, tickets are required for the Reception only in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.


Statue of Bishop Wardlaw with a background of autumn leaves on trees

General Council

The next meeting of the General Council of the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø will take place on Saturday 29 November at 10.30am in Parliament Hall, South Street, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, KY16 9JU. Tea and coffee will be available from 10am.


General Council members will be sent a link to the billet (meeting paper) before the meeting. Printed copies will be available at the meeting or can be requested in advance from the General Council Office.


To register your attendance, please email generalcouncil@st-andrews.ac.uk with your name, maiden name if applicable, year of graduation, degree, and subject of study.


Close-up of an eye with digital lines and network patterns radiating outward, symbolizing technology and connectivity. The background is a gradient of blue tones. At the top, logos for Future Readiness Academy, University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, and ADGM Academy are displayed.

Future Readiness Summit, UAE 2026

Global leaders and senior decision-makers will convene in Abu Dhabi from 26 to 29 January 2026 for the Future Readiness Summit, hosted by the University of St Andrews Business School Executive Education in partnership with the and . The high-level programme will focus on practical approaches to developing future readiness, leadership foresight, and strategic agility in a time of geopolitical turbulence.


 via Teams to join the free pre-programme webinar, Spotlight on the Future Readiness Summit – UAE 2026, on Monday 8 December 2025 at 12 noon GMT.


Clarissa Melo Czeskter poses for a selfie on a run on Grange Road, greenery can be seen in the background

Dr Clarissa Melo Czekster, School of Biology

Saints Spotlight: Clarissa Melo Czekster

Dr Clarissa Melo Czekster is a Reader in the School of Biology. She recently received the Young Investigator Award from the for her work on infectious disease research. 


In this month’s Saints Spotlight, she discusses her work focused on communities of microorganisms known as biofilms and their significance in human chronic infections.


Alumni Stories

Image taken from behind Ewan and Karlee, they can be seen to be sitting on the grass on Hallow Hill. Karlee is sketching in a notebook - the background is full of trees with green leaves.

Ewan and Karlee on Hallow Hill

Karlee Bowlby (MLitt 2021) was inspired to study at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø after falling in love with Scotland during her year abroad in 2013. Despite online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic, she found a connection with fellow student Ewan Bowlby (PhD 2022). Karlee discusses their whirlwind romance at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Ewan’s untimely death in 2022, and the continued impact of his research.

Melissa (left) and Stephen (right) can be seen walking, smiling towards the camera, both are wearing business attire.

Melissa, pictured with Henderson Loggie’s IT and Finance Partner, Stephen Bain

Melissa Fogwill (MSc 2022) was recently appointed by accountancy firm Henderson Loggie as the company’s first Chief Technology Officer. Despite navigating a global pandemic and personal health struggles during her time at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, Melissa excelled in her studies. Now an upcoming tech leader, she reflects on the support she received at the University, on becoming a published author, and on her continued work in inclusion.

If you would like to share your Alumni Story, please contact deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.


Alumni Authors

Borrowed Stories: Facing Cancer with Culture from Breaking Bad to The Divine Comedy


Ewan Bowlby (PhD 2022)




Cover image for 'Borrowed Stories'


The Battle for George Square 1919: Myth, Memory and the Military in Red Clydeside


Louise Heren (MA 1985, PhD 2020)

Cover image for 'The Battle for George Square 1919'


Tartan background with an image of robert burns - text below reads 'The University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Global Burns Night'

Global Burns Night 2026: save the date!

Please save the date for our annual Global Burns Night, which will be held online on Thursday 22 January.


This popular event celebrates Scotland’s national poet and Scottish culture through a showcase of music, poetry, traditional dance, food and drink, and academic elements from across the University.


Further details, including registration, will follow. For now, please save the date.


A student walks the runway in a previous Ubuntu fashion show, a crowd of students surround the catwalk, some taking pictures on their phones.

SaintsFunder: Ubuntu Charity Fashion Show 2026

Founded in 2017, Ubuntu is a celebration of Black fashion and art, hosted in ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø. The student committee is planning the return of its flagship fashion show, which aims to honour Afro-Caribbean culture in a showcase of culture and creative excellence.


Black and white image of the Main Library. In the centre of the image a student in her gown stands looking at display boards featuring images and text. We can see another student making a phone call on a pay phone in the background, they stand in front of the information desk.

Interior of the new university library, University of St Andrews, ca. 1977

50 years: share your memories of the Main Library 

In 2026, we will celebrate 50 years since the official opening of the Main Library. Did you have a favourite carrell or view when studying? We would love to hear your memories for potential inclusion in a special anniversary feature. 


Email deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk with your stories and recollections, along with any photos you would like to share.


White text reads 'BLACK FRIDAY' on black background

University Shop

Celebrate Black Friday with 15% off at the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Shop! Offer valid from 24 November to 1 December online and from 28 November to 30 November in store


Four postgraduate students look back towards the camera smiling, they are walking along the Pier - the skyline featuring ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Cathedral can be seen in the background

Reconnect! 

If you know someone who would like to reconnect and sign up for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø in the News, they can do so using the links below:


Alumni: Update your contact information


Parents/guardians of undergraduate students: Register to join the Family Programme


Making Waves Campaign graphic

Making Waves: The Campaign for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Phone: +44 (0)1334 462083

Email: makingwaves@st-andrews.ac.uk


Alumni Relations

Phone: +44 (0)1334 467194

Email: alumni@st-andrews.ac.uk


Publications

Email: deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk


Development Office

Crawford Building, 91 North Street

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, KY16 9AJ



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View our Gift Acceptance Policy.


The University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532.