Glasgow Caledonian celebrates 50 Years of Social Sciences

Glasgow Caledonian has marked 50 years of its acclaimed BA/BA (Hons) Social Sciences programme with a special celebration event.

A fantastic line-up of speakers and guests joined alumni, students, staff, and friends for The Past, Present and Future of Social Sciences.

Hosted by Billy Elliot and Gangs of New York actor Gary Lewis, who graduated from the programme in 1983, the evening featured a keynote speech from Willie Rennie MSP.

The event also heard from former heads of department and leading academics of today.

Dr Shirley Rate, Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society, said: “The world has changed dramatically in the past 50 years. We have faced many social, political and economic challenges, and social sciences has played a critical role in contributing to the solutions to overcome them.

“We are proud of our history, our achievements and our impact.

"We are always looking ahead to the new challenges and opportunities that await us - striving to improve our teaching, research, and engagement. And, to expand the impact we make.”

Former Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie MSP, a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian, told guests: "What struck me about the institution was how accessible it was for people from ordinary working backgrounds but also how serious it was about turning out rounded successful students, not just for the workplace, but for society as well."

Former heads of department Professors Bill Hughes, Robert Pyper, Elaine McFarland and Professor John Connolly, reflected on the development of Social Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian.

The evening concluded with a panel discussion on current research, featuring Professors Nancy Lombard, John H. McKendrick, Lesley McMillan, Angela O'Hagan and Oonagh Walsh.