150th Anniversary
Glasgow Caledonian University is celebrating 150 years since the founding of the Glasgow School of Cookery. From our earliest mission to educate working-class women, to becoming Scotland’s largest modern university, we remain driven by the same spirit: opening doors to education and unlocking potential.
At the heart of our anniversary is the launch of the GCU Foundation’s 150th Anniversary Campaign, establishing sector-leading Anniversary Scholarships, in direct response to the growing number of applicants from care-experienced and estranged backgrounds. In 2024/25, 75% of donor-funded scholarship applicants were care-experienced or estranged from family, many having experienced chaotic upbringings, abuse, addiction and homelessness.
Each anniversary scholar will receive an annual bursary, dedicated mentor, travel award to support costs such as travelling overseas to attend a conference or carry out charitable or volunteering activities, and internship bursary to help cover the costs of placements further afield. These scholarships will open doors to diverse opportunities while offering a vital confidence boost and a supportive community for students without family backing or established networks.
The campaign is proudly kick-started by Founding Donor Sir Alex Ferguson CBE and alumnus and honorary graduate Dr Murray Rowden, who have each donated £250,000. Their leadership reflects the values of access, equality, and inclusion that have defined GCU for the last 150 years.
Find out how you can get involved
Anniversary Campaign
Here's why you should support GCU’s 150th Anniversary Campaign and help make a difference.