RGU Share our Vision 2011 US

Share our Vision

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RGU: D ev el o pi n g S co tl a n d’ s K n o wl edg e S o c i ety

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16,000 students from 145 countries, studying over 300 courses

Top New University in the UK THE SUNDAY TIMES UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2011

Contributing over ÂŁ300 million annually to the Scottish Economy Economic impact report compiled by BiGGAR Economics and supported by Scottish Enterprise

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we invite you to share our vision 4

For centuries places of learning and

Robert Gordon University (RGU) intends

scholarship have defined some of the

to be such a leader, to help define

world’s greatest towns and cities.

the debate on the future of higher

Universities have always been places

education. The success of this ambition

of education, but they have also

will be achieved through the energy and

promoted trade and industry, and

determination of the RGU family of staff

have stimulated culture and the arts.

students and alumni, together with the university’s ability to enthuse and engage

While universities have a long history

a wide range of external supporters and

of learning, over recent years higher

friends.

education has begun to witness

It is history in the making: the new Robert Gordon University.

fundamental change. With new

Over the coming years RGU’s supporters

technology, learning methods have

will be part of an exciting journey of

changed, and universities have entered

discovery, innovation and learning. They

into ever closer partnerships with

will facilitate a new outlook on learning;

business, government and the voluntary

the development of scholarship whose

sector. Over the coming decade it is likely

practical application will change lives, and

that, alongside the more traditional higher

a source of development and growth for

education institutions, there will be a new

Aberdeen and Scotland. At a time when

model of university that interacts closely

there are many challenges and dangers

with the community and will be a leader

for our world, we will lead the drive for

in social regeneration and economic

innovation and the search for solutions.

development.

We look forward to travelling with you on this journey of discovery and change.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, B.A., LL.B., Ph.D., MRIA

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standing on the shoulders of giants

18th Century Burgess of the Guild of the City of Aberdeen and successful merchant, Robert Gordon, wills his entire estate to build a hospital to educate scholars; a legacy that leads to the foundation of Robert Gordon’s College and Robert Gordon’s Technical College.

19th Century A carpenter from the Shire by trade, John Gray successfully seeks his fortune in Aberdeen, becomes a Governor of Robert Gordon’s College whilst his new School of Art is being built, and leaves a considerable legacy to the school that still bears his name.

Robert Gordon University is the product of three centuries of generosity. Those whose bequests have shaped our institution over the decades will always be at the heart of our story; past, present and future.

Robert Gordon, John Gray and Thomas Scott Sutherland are names synonymous with our purpose, our progress, and our landmark achievements.

Their gifts were made a long time ago but their contributions continue to resonate across the university and beyond.

We hope they would be proud of what their foresight and generosity has realised, and how we will now build upon their legacy.

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20th Century Aberdeen School of Architecture graduate, Thomas Scott Sutherland, donates his house and estate to Robert Gordon’s College. The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture opens in 1957.

21st Century A new century; a new opportunity; a new chapter in our story.

“The university’s ambitions in 2012 reflect the aspiration and vision of our founder Robert Gordon.

“The university will play an important role in the transformation of the region, as the Oil and Gas industry matures and wider energy opportunities emerge.”

Sir Ian Wood, Chairman, John Wood Group plc, Chancellor, Robert Gordon University.

Robert Gordon

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the

RGU has a new riverside campus in Garthdee, where all our schools, all our resources, and all our knowledge and expertise are brought together in one state of the art location.

We will continue to develop a modern, professional, cosmopolitan university with an even stronger international outlook; a university that fosters interaction across all its disciplines, and generates new levels of innovation and impact.

We will ensure we continue to produce world-class graduates and enhance the contribution those graduates and the university itself makes to Aberdeen City, Shire and beyond.

The proposition is based on academic ideals and the firmest financial foundations.

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campus

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the enterprise

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proposition Robert Gordon’s legacy to our University goes beyond philanthropic: his entrepreneurial spirit shaped the ethos of our institution.

The legacy drives our learning infrastructure, our research activities and our links with commerce and industry.

The Garthdee Riverside Campus Development will enable us to embed that culture of enterprise even deeper in everything we do.

“Robert Gordon University had forged an international reputation for our research into entrepreneurship.

“Philanthropic support has already allowed us to establish a centre for entrepreneurship and is now helping us to provide every student with the opportunity to understand the universal value of enterprise skills.

“We intend to achieve much more; an exemplar, here in Aberdeen that will support the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow, from the largest international businesses to the smallest local concerns.

We intend to nurture and develop start–ups and create a hub of excellence for business.

“RGU will create a culture of entrepreneurship across the spectrum of disciplines.

“It will open up a world of possibilities in terms of interdisciplinary connections among researchers, students, leaders in enterprise and SMEs. This university is a game changer.”

Professor Rita Marcella Head of Aberdeen Business School

“It has always been one of the principles of my professional life that you have to keep finding better ways to do things. The university is doing just that, and more. It is finding an extraordinary new way to take its contribution to a new level, and play a key role in the long term work to broaden and diversify our economy.”

Dr Melfort Campbell, OBE Chief Executive Officer of IMES Group and Co-chair of the Scottish Energy Advisory Theme Group on Oil and Gas

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the For many years Robert Gordon University has produced best-in-class professionals equipped to help lead the energy industry into new arenas.

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energy proposition As those individuals have blazed a trail in

“Our track record of close collaboration with the energy sector

Our advanced large-scale demonstration

their careers, so the university itself has

is representative of our relations with the wider business

facility will accommodate a full range of

become an internationally-acknowledged

community.

experiments related to renewable sources

centre of expertise and knowledge.

“The new campus development will enable us to forge closer

of energy, subsea engineering and ROV’s;

RGU is a focal point for leadership and

relationships with business - providing even greater expertise

supporting and augmenting the emerging

innovation, and for sustaining Aberdeen

and innovation that will directly support the growth ambitions of

technology sector in the region.

City and Shire’s reputation as a global

specific sectors or individual companies.

Our Centre for Understanding Sustainable

energy hub.

“Crucially, we will be able to offer an integrated structure of

Practice (CUSP) is working with Aberdeen

The university intends to lead in carbon

enhanced technical and training support that will help anchor

Business School on a trading model

management, subsea engineering and

globally-operating business in this part of the world.’’

focused on reducing our carbon emissions and embedding carbon management as an

renewables.

Professor John Watson,

integral part of activities.

Dean of Faculty of Design and Technology

Our aim is to become a leading example of carbon management in Scotland.

“Its achievements to date have earned Robert Gordon University the respect of the Energy Industry, not only in Scotland but around the world. Its plans for the future can only strengthen the International reputation of the university and the wider region as a global hub of expertise, knowledge and research. Let us embrace this historic opportunity.”

Malcolm Webb, Chief Executive of Oil and Gas UK

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the health proposition ‘’This new strategic direction is all

RGU will strongly develop its role in creating a new health culture in Scotland.

about accentuating the positive, moving the emphasis from treatment to health in the widest sense, and creating a new partnership between the health service and the individual.

Bringing all our health and social care disciplines under one roof will directly support this strategy. ‘’The diverse range of disciplines covered by our faculty means many

We will build on many of the initiatives

drive to extend the community role of

new permutations for collaboration

that support the new ethos; one based

pharmacists: these are just some of our

among students and staff will develop

on the concept of a proactive approach to

programmes that help underpin this

further.

healthcare.

approach.

‘’At the same time the new campus

An innovative anti-obesity project, an

We will also continue to deliver solutions

development will help professionals

online health improvement degree

to some of the most pressing care issues

work closer together to meet patient

accessed by students worldwide, leading

facing modern society, as the UK’s ageing

needs in a holistic, community-based

research into diabetes, support for the

population continues to rise.

approach to care. ‘’We will also be able to broaden our very direct support for industry as we produce new generations of specialists to deliver workplace health services. ‘’These opportunities precisely reflect one of the principles upon which the new campus development has been based; the fusion of people, knowledge and talent that will yield very real benefits.’’

Professor Valerie Maehle, Dean of Faculty of Health and Social Care

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“All the facilities for my studies and my training are side-by-side at Garthdee, so I understand in a very practical way how future students will benefit from the development of this campus. Robert Gordon University has helped me achieve my potential. The university is going to help countless others do the same.�

Hannah Miley, Sports and Exercise Science student, Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Olympic Swimming Medal hopeful.

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the

“Gray’s School of Art is already the creative hub of Northern Scotland, producing talented professionals who drive the regional creative and cultural economy.

“We now have the opportunity to become the leading professional art and design school for Northern Europe.

“That is more than an aspiration: it is an opportunity to be grasped, not only for the university but for the entire region.”

Professor Paul Harris, Head of Gray’s School of Art

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creative proposition Robert Gordon University represents the creative hub of Northern Scotland.

We shall realise our potential to become the creative hub of Northern Europe.

Gray’s School of Art, an important part of RGU, will develop

“The university has already

its interaction with the university’s other academic disciplines:

developed strong partnerships with industry. I firmly believe that this landmark development will provide unrivalled facilities, allowing organisations to work even more closely with a university that has such a great record in developing graduates who perform well in industry.”

• Digital media students will be able to tap into the expertise in our School of Computing • Product design students will work with health care and engineering students to design innovative and intuitive products • Aberdeen Business School will deliver tailored business acumen into the creative sector • Closer links with the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture will yield new levels of engagement with the built and natural environments.

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Malcolm Brinded, CBE Executive Director of Upstream International, Shell plc.

the community Robert Gordon University is proud of its North East of Scotland origins and strives to keep its local communities at the heart of everything it does.

Breaking down barriers We passionately believe that higher education plays a vital role in social mobility and

Our translational research agenda, focused within key thematic areas, will make a real

we actively strive to break down barriers and inspire citizens of all social, economic and

difference to the quality of all of our lives.

academic backgrounds and ages to pursue their ambitions.

Widening participation in higher education is very much at the heart of what we do. Our

A sense of community

‘Degree Link’ programmes are a very practical example, enabling individuals to progress

We believe that the university and the region are intrinsically linked and the success of

from local further education colleges into university level study.

both is vital to social, cultural and economic development.

Over the next phase of its development RGU intends to develop an ambitious new

Through placements, volunteer programmes, community projects and other innovative

programme to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can avail of

activities, there is a genuine commitment to enrich the North East of Scotland as well as

the very best education.

having an impact beyond our region.

Our staff and students work with partners on many projects and are energised by the mutual benefit that results.

Making a real difference The university’s research agenda focuses on tackling the big regional and global issues facing society in the 21st century.

A campus for all

Research which:

Our Garthdee riverside campus is already accessible to all.

• aspires to educate and inspires people to embrace sustainable practice in their lives;

• addresses the issue that every year over three million people die as a result of

which are all located on the campus. Members of the general public are also welcome to

unclean water;

• identifies more effective low-carbon transport strategies for city regions;

• supports small business development;

• and confronts the battle against obesity and co-morbities such as heart disease

Members of the community benefit from a new nursery, medical centre and sports centre come onto campus and explore the picturesque estate that runs along the River Dee. Many of our events are also widely publicised and open to all.

This sense of an open community will be further strengthened by our new campus

and cancer.

development.

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proposition “Aberdeen City and Shire is a thriving region and a fantastic place to work, live, visit and learn. Robert Gordon University has played a central role in that success story, staying ahead of the game with vision, drive and innovation. I know those same attributes will see the University take its contribution to a new level in the coming years.�

Sir Alex Ferguson, CBE Manager, Manchester United F.C.

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RGU: looking into the future To ensure future development and success, it is essential to understand what opportunities and challenges lie ahead.

During 2011 and 2012 RGU undertook a close analysis of current and future trends, and identified key areas of opportunity in which it can make a particularly valuable contribution: energy and wellbeing.

These will become key themes in the development of the university’s future success.

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the call for action Robert Gordon University makes a significant positive difference to the lives of our students, our community and the wider economy.

We will realise our ambitions faster through the support and generosity of our donors.

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Historically, our philanthropic gifts have

You may wish to make a single donation

funded scholarships, academic posts,

directly to the university or its

research programmes and cutting-edge

development foundation, contribute

facilities. This generosity has provided

annually over many years, or through a

vital skills training, specialist teaching and

donation, legacy or bequest support an

learning resources, sporting and cultural

area that aligns with your business

activities, and helped students who,

or personal interests.

“Robert Gordon University is combining its pragmatic academic excellence with good business practices. It is creating

through no fault of their own, have found

opportunities by working across disciplines

themselves in financial need.

and in new partnerships regionally, Our quest is to now encourage the

nationally and internationally. It is an

philanthropists of today to share in our

exciting time to be involved with Robert

vision, join us in fulfilling our ambitious

Gordon University.�

plan, and help to create an exciting future for the university and the

Mike Salter, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Robert Gordon University

North East of Scotland.

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recognition of support Our founding benefactor, Robert Gordon, stated that he would welcome other benefactors to join with him.

His foresight enables us to formally recognise the generosity of contemporary donors.

The university is therefore delighted to recognise and celebrate the generosity of its supporters through the launch of a new RGU Donor Recognition Circle. It is anticipated that members will include a broad mix of university donors, alumni and non-alumni, individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate organisations.

The principle aim of the Circle is to enable donors to become a valued part of the university through engagement events and activities. Donations over ÂŁ1 million will be recognised in perpetuity on the Garthdee Riverside Campus.

If you share our vision and would like a follow up conversation, or information, please contact our Development Team on +44 (0)1224 262033 or email development@rgu.ac.uk

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Join us on our journey and help us create a new future‌

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Ph otog r a p h of S ir I a n Wood on pa ge 7 cour t e sy a nd copyr ight of Š Tr icia Ma lle y Ro ss Gillespie www.bro addaylightltd.co .uk R ob e r t Gor d on Unive r sit y is a Scot t ish cha r it y r e gist e r e d und e r cha rity number SCO 13781 D e s ig n e d & Pr int e d inhouse by The G a t e house - D e sign & Pr int Consult ancy a t Ro ber t Go rdo n University S u ppo r ti n g r es po n s ibl e us e of fores t res ources . Print ed on paper t h at comprises o f 100% g enuine rec yc led fibre.

Th i s b r oc h ur e w a s pr i n ted i n M a y 2 0 1 2 a n d every effort h as been made t o ens ure t h at t h e informat io n c o nta ined therein is ac c ura te a t the time o f public atio n.

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Share our Vision