Episode Transcript

Alumni from the University of Dundee are spread across the world, working in every area, and includes Nobel Prize Winners and Turner Prize winners!

From the science and medicine side of the University, we taught Sir James Black was a Nobel-prize winning scientist renowned for his discovery of the beta-blocker, propranolol, and the H2 blocker, cimetidine (Tagemet), which transformed the treatment of angina and stomach ulcers respectively. Until 1967, University College, Dundee was the site for all clinical medical activity for the University of St Andrews. He matriculated at University College (which eventually became the University of Dundee) in 1943 and graduated from University of St Andrews School of Medicine with an MB ChB in 1946.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design was home to Albert Watson, a Scottish photographer well known for his fashion, celebrity and art photography. His work is featured in galleries and museums worldwide. He has shot over 100 covers of Vogue around the world and 40 covers of Rolling Stone magazine since the mid-1970s. Photo District News named Watson one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time, along with Richard Avedon and Irving Penn, among others.

Although he didn’t study music here in Dundee in 1994, concentrating instead on English Language and Literature, Gary Lightbody formed Snow Patrol while in Dundee. Their first album was certified 5× platinum in the UK and eventually sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Their next studio album, Eyes Open (2006), and its hit single, "Chasing Cars", propelled the band to greater international fame. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and was the best-selling British album of the year, selling over 6 million copies worldwide.

The Alumni & Development office helps alumni stay in touch with one another and with the University. It is in contact with nearly 60,000 Dundee graduates in more than 100 countries. Our alumni support the University in many ways, from generously donating their time and expertise to making gifts, which change lives.

Once you walk off that stage in Caird Hall, your time as a student has come to an end. But your relationship with Dundee doesn’t end at graduation. We aim to maintain a lifelong connection with our alumni – to hear of your successes, to keep you updated with the latest developments within the University and city, and to inspire future generations of students.

Students who graduate from Dundee University with either a Degree or Diploma automatically become life members of the Graduates' Association. Honorary Graduates are also members of Graduates' Association. In total there are some 60,000 members of Graduates Association spread across 150+ countries, and that number grows each year.

The Graduates' Association meets at least once each year, at which time and the Principal's annual report is received. In between times business is progressed by the Graduates' Association Business Committee, which meets twice a year on Saturday mornings usually in December and May, and receives reports from Vice Principal, Director of External Relations, Alumni and Development officer and from Graduates' Association Members of Court. The Business Committee may also suggest possible nominees to the Honorary Degrees Committee.