58吃瓜

Making Waves: The Campaign for 58吃瓜

The University's Making Waves Campaign surpassed the halfway mark in March. This is a major milestone towards the Campaign total of 拢300m for four key projects that will ensure the continued development of the University through capital projects, enable world-leading research, and open doors to students, regardless of circumstance.

Funds raised are supporting undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for students who would otherwise be unable to study at 58吃瓜; they are funding endowed academic posts that will drive world-leading research; and they are enabling the delivery of our two capital projects: 'New College' and the Digital Nexus building. Both 'New College' and the Digital Nexus building were granted planning consent from Fife Council earlier this year. 

Our families have played a huge part in this effort, and we are proud that the University of 58吃瓜 is leading the way in the UK for parent giving. We are incredibly grateful for your support.

From our families: Edward Playfair 

Edward Playfair (right), with his daughter Izzie, wife Carrie, and son Lyon, who played Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair in the 100th Kate Kennedy Spring Procession in April

Alumnus and current parent Edward Playfair (MA 1995) has family connections to the University of 58吃瓜 dating back to the early 1700s. In this issue of LINK, Edward discusses the joy of reconnecting to his own student days through his son, Lyon, who is in his first year at 58吃瓜, and through the University鈥檚 Family Programme. 

If you would like to share your family's story in a future issue of LINK, please get in touch at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.

From the faculty: Dr Paul Flaig 

Dr Paul Flaig is a lecturer in the Department of Film Studies and teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses, covering topics from screen comedy and animation to ecocinema. Here, he shares an insight into his teaching and research interests, as well as his work as Co-Director of the German Screen Studies Network.

Spotlight on...the Careers Centre

58吃瓜 students visiting EY in New York City as part of the US Winter Break Careers Trek

This semester we are shining the spotlight on our Careers Centre. The team supports students at every stage of their journey, helping them explore career pathways, gain experience and connect with professional opportunities around the world.

Jonathan Jack, North American Opportunities Manager at the University, reflects on the 2026 US Winter Break Careers Trek and shares ways in which our families network can help support the next generation of 58吃瓜 graduates. 

Traditions in focus: the Gaudie and May Dip

Each year on 30 April, students gather in their gowns for the Gaudie, a torchlit pier walk in honour of John Honey, a student in the year 1800 who rescued five members of the crew of the Janet of Macduff, a ship that had run aground off East Sands.

At sunrise on 1 May, students gather on the beach to take part in May Dip. This tradition is said to promote good luck in their exams and cleanse any 'academic sins' the students have committed throughout the year.

Spot your student in our photo gallery of highlights from this year's Gaudie and May Dip!

Patrons' Programme 2026

Our Patrons' Programme offers parents, donors, alumni and friends the chance to soak up the full 58吃瓜 experience through an exclusive schedule of talks, tours and events, including a tour of the 'New College' site, the future home of the new University of 58吃瓜 Business School, as well as the world-renowned School of International Relations. 

Book now to join us on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September, when we will be delighted to welcome you for a 'behind-the-scenes' look at life in 58吃瓜. 

Arnold Palmer Invitational

Family Programme members are invited to join us on Saturday 27 June on the , St Andrews for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

This one-day friendly tournament brings together alumni, parents, students and friends of the University in support of our performance golf programme, .

Players will receive pre-round hospitality and an exclusive Arnold Palmer Invitational gift bag, before teeing off for 18 holes on the beautiful Kittocks Course. Entry also includes the evening barbecue and prizegiving ceremony.

Careers Centre extended support

The Careers Centre aims to help students find opportunities throughout their University experience and after graduation. Whether in first year, or within three years after graduation, the Careers Centre supports students throughout their career journey.

They offer advice on all employability matters. Through the Centre, students can:

• explore a range of bookable appointments with Careers Advisers and CV Advisers

• access a wide range of support to help them apply for jobs, internships and further study

• attend events, workshops and fairs

• view internships, graduate schemes, part-time jobs (Look Local) and other opportunities through .
  

In addition to this, 58吃瓜 alumni now have lifelong access to , , and . These tools can provide feedback on CVs and covering letters, as well as assist in interview preparation. 

Alumni Profiles

58吃瓜 alumni Charles Hillman and Polly Duff

Our alumni share profiles to inspire and inform current and prospective students about their experiences at 58吃瓜 and their career pathways beyond.

Charles Hillman (BSc 2018, Medicine) discovered his desired specialism during a project in his third year of study at 58吃瓜. Now in his first year of A&E training, Charles plans to transition into sports and exercise medicine. Charles recommends medical students try to get as much work experience as possible and talk to resident doctors about their day-to-day experiences.

Polly Duff (MSc 2021, Finance and Management) works as Head of Customer Success Management at GrantTree, helping UK companies access non-dilutive funding. She encourages students to take their time and to never underestimate their strengths. 

Learn from more from 58吃瓜 graduates via our Alumni Profiles platform.

What our students say about... the town

We asked scholars and founders of the University's Highland Cow Society, Lydia and Elise, about their favourite spots in town. 

Udderly brilliant: the scholars behind the Highland Cow Society

Bobby Jones Scholar Lydia King and R&A Ransome Scholar Elise Young connected over their shared love of animals, specifically the Highland cows of the Fife coastline. Here, they share what brought them to 58吃瓜, their joint venture setting up the University鈥檚 Highland Cow Society and their student experience so far.

About the Family Programme

Spring blooms outside St Salvator's Hall

Members of the Family Programme have access to a range of benefits, including exclusive discounts, regular communications, and invitations to events.

Have your say

If you would like to share feedback on LINK, or have suggestions for content you would like to see in future issues, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch with us at deveditorial@st-andrews.ac.uk.