By CATRIONA STEWART
SIR Alex Ferguson brought some star quality to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).
The famous football manager was at the city centre campus to deliver an inspirational talk on leadership to 350 students.
And the former Manchester United great, an honorary graduate of GCU, said he saw “great potential” in the students he met.
Sir Alex said: “Irrespective of background, I believe that everyone has the opportunity to flourish and I am delighted to support the work of GCU, which places this at the very core of their education.
“Returning to the university and listening to students speaking passionately about their experiences, I see great potential and leadership in many of our young people.
“It is an honour to support the work of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation and learn more about the students while playing my part in helping them to reach their potential.”
The 75-year-old, who is a founding donor of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation, gave the students an opportunity to put questions to him about communication, building team morale and delivering results.
The event was hosted by the Student Leaders Programme, which is open to any student who is a volunteer at Glasgow Caledonian University.
In 2015, GCU launched its Foundation with a generous £500,000 donation from Sir Alex Ferguson to deliver scholarship programmes for students from all backgrounds.
Sir Alex has, since retiring from football management, made his name in executive education, lecturing at the Ivy League Harvard University on his blueprint for managerial success.
He received an honorary degree from GCU in 2001 and said on his return that he saw great potential in many young people from different backgrounds.
Jillian Watt, Director of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation, said:”The support from Sir Alex Ferguson enables our students to gain unique experiences and skills and this is an opportunity for us to thank Sir Alex for his continued support and be inspired by one of the most successful and respected managers in the history of football.”
Social sciences student Jayde O’Connor, 22, grabbed a selfie with Sir Alex.
Jayde said: “I thought he was great. He is just a normal guy. He is very Glaswegian still. He has not forgotten his roots where he is from.”
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