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A silver lining to university life

Lectures, labs and lifelong learning – when most people think of university, academic pursuits tend to be top of the list. Studies have shown that satisfaction with university is boosted by engaging in extra-curricular activities that tap into passions and interests – though not everyone has the means to get involved in these.

But did you know that at Glasgow, a special fund is available to students and academics that can help cover the costs for the added extras that really enhance life at UofG? The Chancellor’s Fund, now in its silver anniversary year, has funded or assisted over 550 projects since 1999, opening doors for rich and rewarding new opportunities and fulfilling dreams.

From chemistry challenges to collaborative crystal-growing, ‘charity on the catwalk’ fashion shows and the Canoe Club, the variety is overwhelming. “I’ve never seen two projects the same,” says David Ross (LLB 1970, DUniv 2016), who heads up the advisory board which selects projects to be funded. "I always felt that there was much more to university than academic achievement, and many of the projects are not academic at all. – David Ross 
"It attracts such a wide and inventive range, and it can be difficult to choose. UofG Racing was fantastic, with its goal of producing Scotland’s first fully student-built electric ‘Formula Student’ car.”

Switched-on support
Glasgow University Student TV (GUST) is the oldest student-led television organisation in the world. “The Chancellor's Fund has sparked new beginnings for GUST,” says Fin Pointing, GUST’s fundraising convenor. “We're now starting to upgrade our fast-ageing workhorse equipment with cutting-edge technology, kicking off our 60th anniversary year with a bang and laying the foundations for UHD (ultra-high definition) and HDR (high dynamic range) capabilities alongside a multitude of new techniques. The whole team has been empowered to express our creativity to its fullest extent without the barriers of broken and unstable workflows, paving the way for our output to reach new heights for our viewers in Glasgow and beyond."

L to R: The Scottish Schools Hydrogen Challenge, where UofG engineering students work with school pupils to make their own hydrogen-powered LEGO cars; the University Choir; and GUST, just a few of the hundreds of initiatives helped by the Chancellor's Fund.

On a high note
Among the many other projects supported by the Chancellor’s Fund, the University Choir has benefited on a number of occasions, enabling its members to tour and perform abroad all over the world, including Northern Ireland, China, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. “The choir gains so much from singing internationally,” says Director of Chapel Music Kathryn Cooper, “and they enjoy meeting UofG alumni wherever they go."

Dan Traynor (LLB 2017) began his involvement with the Chancellor’s Fund as a student caller while still at UofG. As an alum, progressed to becoming a monthly donor and now serving on the advisory board. “The Chancellor’s Fund was such an easy story to tell on the phone and make a connection with someone on the other end,” he says. "It has something for everyone – the Great War Project, FemEng in Rwanda, prototypes for fascinating tech developments... things that are way above my head! I enjoyed my experience at UofG and I try and keep involved – the Chancellor's Fund is just my thing and that's where my little nominal donation a month goes to. I was on the phone to people during my time as a student caller, saying, ‘it’s only £5 for a month.’ And then I thought, I really should give my own fiver. I think I was sold by my own pitch!” 

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Not all about the books
Little else captures the spirit of giving a helping hand to all as much as the Chancellor’s Fund. By giving access to new technology and facilities, helping to address the climate emergency and furthering important research, the Fund has become a source of extra opportunities that help to make a well-rounded University experience.

These two videos capture the variety of projects supported: students working on the Model United Nations project, and academics undertaking close scientific analysis of ancient Egyptian figurines have both been facilitated by the Chancellor's Fund.

This article was first published April 2024.

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