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University of Glasgow Notable Alumni: The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and it is one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. It is well known for its history and academic excellence. It has produced many remarkable alumni who have made significant contributions to various sectors. Glasglow graduates have left an indelible mark on the world from scientists and inventors to influential politicians and cultural leaders. Its alumni have gone on to achieve extraordinary feats as diverse as literature, medicine, philosophy and arts. If you aspire to study in UK then considering Glasglow University in your universities list is a good option. In this blog, we will discuss some of the University of Glasglow alumni who made Glasglow famous through their accomplishments.
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Who are the University of Glasgow Notable Alumni?
The University of Glasglow a beacon of knowledge since its founding in 1451 has nurtured some of the world’s most influential minds. Its rich history is reflected in the remarkable achievements of its alumni, who have made significant contributions across many sectors.
| Name | Occupation |
| James Watt | inventor and engineer |
| David Livingstone | Scottish Physician, congregationalist missionary, and explorer. |
| Adam Smith | economist and philosopher |
| Nicola Sturgeon | Scottish politician |
| Gerard Butler | actor and producer |
| John Logie Baird | producer and actor |
| Nikki Cross | Wrestler |
| William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin | Scottish engineer, physicist and mathematician |
James Watt
James Watt a Scottish inventor and engineer, played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. He is best known for his significant improvements to the steam engine. His innovations increased the efficiency and power of this crucial machine. Watt’s contribution had a profound impact on society, economic growth and propelling technological advancement.
| About James Watt | |
| Name | James Watt |
| Born | 19 January 1736 |
| Died | 25 August 1819 |
| Known for | Watt steam engine, Watt’s linkage, Watt’s curve, Separate condenser, Centrifugal governor, Horsepower, Indicator diagram, Letter copying press Sun, and planet gear |
David Livingstone
David Livingstone was a Scottish Physician, congregationalist missionary, and explorer in Africa. He is best known for his extensive travels throughout the continent, particularly in southern and central Africa. Livingstone’s explorations were motivated by a desire to bring Christianity to Africa, as well as to map and explore the continent.
| About David Livingstone | |
| Name | David Livingstone |
| Born | 19 March 1813 |
| Died | 1 May 1873 |
| Known for | Proselytizing Christianity, exploration of Africa, and meeting with Henry Stanley |
Adam Smith
Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher who is widely considered the father of modern economics. His most influential work, An Inquiry into Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations laid the base for classical economics and introduced key concepts like the invisible hand, free markets, and division of labour.
| About Adam Smith | |
| Born | c. 16 June 1723 |
| Died | 17 July 1790 |
| Notable work | The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759)The Wealth of Nations (1776) |
| Key Honors | Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh |
| Member of the American Philosophical Society | |
| Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Glasgow | |
Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon is a prominent Scottish politician, best known for her role as the first minister of Scotland and the leader of the Scottish National Party from 2014 until her resignation in 2023. She was the first woman to hold either position and served as a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, representing Glasglow Southside.
| About Nicola Sturgeon | |
| Name | Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon |
| Born | Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon19 July 1970 |
| Age | 54 |
| Key Honours | Scottish Politician of the Year |
| Ranked 50th Most Powerful Woman in the World | |
| Ranked 2nd Most Powerful Woman in the UK | |
| Recognized as one of BBC’s 100 Women | |
| Named Most Powerful and Influential Woman in the UK by BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour | |
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Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler who was born on November 13, 1069, is a Scottish actor and producer known for his versatile roles in film and television. He gained fame for his performances in various genres, particularly in action and romantic films.
| About Gerard Butler | |
| Name | Gerard James Butler |
| Born | 13 November 1969 |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Awards | 6 wins and 17 nominations (including a Satellite Award nomination for The Phantom of the Opera) |
John Logie Baird
John Logie Baird was a Scottish producer and actor who was born on November 13, 1969. He gained fame for his performances in various genres, particularly in romantic and action films. He is known for both his contributions as a producer and for his acting talent.
| Born | 13 August 1888 |
| Name | John Logie Baird |
| Died | 14 June 1946 |
| Education | Larchfield Academy, Helensburgh |
| Occupations | InventorEntrepreneur |
| Awards | Member of the Physical Society (1927) |
| Member of the Television Society (1927) | |
| Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1937) |
Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross is a Scottish professional wrestler who has made a significant impact in the WWE. She is well known for her intense energy and unpredictable behaviour, she has captured the fame worldwide.
| About Nikki Cross | |
| Name | Nikki Cross |
| Born | 21 April 1989 |
| Debut | 20 September 2008 |
| Notable achievements | Multiple-time WWE Women’s Tag Team ChampionFormer Raw Women’s Champion |
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William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin
William Thomson,1st Baron Kelvin was a prominent Scottish engineer, physicist and mathematician, best known for his foundational contributions to thermodynamics and the development of the absolute temperature scale, which is measured in Kelvin.
| About William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin | |
| Name | William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin |
| Born | 26 June 1824 |
| Died | 17 December 1907 |
| Political party | Liberal (1865–1886) Liberal Unionist (from 1886) |
| Awards | First Smith’s Prize (1845), Royal Medal (1856), Keith Medal (1864), Matteucci Medal (1876), Albert Medal (1879), Copley Medal (1883), John Fritz Medal (1905) |
FAQs
Yes, the University of Glasglow is prestigious. It is the world’s top 100 university and a member of the prestigious Rusell Group of leading UK research universities.
The University of Glasglow is famous for academic excellence, historical significance, scientific discoveries, Nobel laureates and diverse academic offerings.
Prime Ministers who went to Glasgow University are William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and Bonar Law.
Relevant Reads
This was all about the University of Glasgow Notable Alumni. If you want to know more about other notable alumni and famous universities, stay tuned to Leverage Edu.
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