Sir Alex Ferguson golf fundraiser raises £175,000 for GCU students

The golf day and gala dinner hosted by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE has raised £175,000 for students joining GCU from some of the most marginalised backgrounds.

Yesterday’s (August 18) event was held at the Carrick Golf Course and Cameron House on Loch Lomond, where Sir Alex was joined by a number of celebrity golfers including former Manchester United full back and now pundit, Gary Neville; BBC presenter Eilidh Barbour; former Celtic forward John Hartson; and Olympic curler Eve Muirhead.

The special guests came together to raise funds that will be used to provide vital financial assistance for students coming to study at GCU from some of the most disadvantaged communities at home, and further afield.

During a panel conversation with some of the guests who have worked with, or played for, Sir Alex, he discussed why he has always been passionate about nurturing young players throughout his career, and why he continues to provide opportunities to young people through his role as Founding Donor at GCU.

Since becoming Founding Donor seven years ago, Sir Alex has personally donated more than £700,000 to the University, which has supported more than 300 students to date through scholarships and access to life-changing opportunities, as well as helping to launch the University’s award-winning MINT Programme (Mentoring, Internships, Networking and Talks), which has helped to boost employability for thousands of students in the wake of the pandemic.

Sir Alex said: “I am delighted to continue to work with Glasgow Caledonian University, a university that gives opportunities to all, no matter what their background.

“Every time I go there, and I meet all the young people, you see the different personalities and characters, but, overall, you see they are thriving on the opportunity of being supported. It is amazing how society today has such a large percentage of young people suffering, and that is what inspires me to do what I can for the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation.”

Through funds raised at this event, the University will be able to provide even more students with that opportunity.

Jillian Watt, Director of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation, said: “We are honoured to have Sir Alex, a hugely respected football and business leader around the world as our Founding Donor. His support has played a critical role in ensuring talented students, regardless of their financial or social background, can access life changing educational opportunities at GCU. During the past seven years he has helped to change the lives of over 300 students providing them with the means, confidence and inspiration to reach their full potential.”

Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE said: “We are delighted our long-term partnership with Sir Alex Ferguson continues to deliver unique and exciting opportunities for so many of our students. With more than 23% of our students coming from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, the Golf Day and Gala Dinner has raised vital funds for our students being hit hardest by the cost of living crisis. We are extremely grateful to Sir Alex for his continued support of our students and his generosity.”