Inventors, billionaires and rockstars: Famous Strathy alumni

Pioneers and giants of the business, entertainment and music industries have walked the corridors, and climbed the hills, of Strathclyde.

If you’re worried your 2:2 from the Tech will mean a life of unemployment and premium lager, take heart from the dizzy heights these alumni have reached – you could too.

Alex Kapranos 

The lead singer of Franz Ferdinand gained a BA in English at Strathclyde before forming the successful indie-rock band.

During his time here Alex was active in the Glasgow music scene, running live nights at edgy venues around the city.

The indie frontman was awarded Strathclyde alumnus of the year in 2005 for his musical achievements and commitment to ‘ensuring Scotland’s cultural talent is properly supported and nurtured.’

Chris Sawyer

The founder of Transport and Roller-coaster Tycoon is also a Tech graduate.

After studying Computer Science at Strathclyde, he released the world-famous  and widely played Transport Tycoon in 1994 followed by Roller-coaster Tycoon in 1999.

Livingstone Tower even appears in Transport Tycoon in a nod to his alma mater.

Ed Byrne 

Irish comedian Ed Byrne is another famous name to come out of the place of useful learning.

He is most well known for his witty barbs on TV programs like Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Have I Got News for you.

Red-head Ed studied Horticulture between 1991 and 1993.

The funnyman’s stand up career began in Glasgow while he was at Strathclyde – often performing at university events.

His breakthrough was an appearance in the 1996 Father Ted Christmas special: A Christmassy Ted.

You might have heard his familiar voice on adverts for The Carphone Warehouse where he was resident voice-over for eight years.

Thomas Blane Hunter 

Another Son the star-studded list is Sir Thomas Blane Hunter – who the Sunday Times Rich List has called the first ever home-grown Scottish billionaire.

Hunter graduated from Strathclyde in 1982 with a B.A. in Marketing and Economics and was then awarded a Doctorate in 2001.

He’s the founding partner of West Coast Capital and Venture Property Fund and is also heavily involved in many charities such as the Make a Wish Foundation.

Lauren Mayberry 

Along with Alex Kapranos, Lauren Mayberry is another lead singer to have come out of Strathclyde.

Lead singer of the hugely popular weegie band CHVRCHES, Lauren studied Law for four years before gaining a Masters in Journalism in 2010.

Mayberry continues to pursue journalism alongside her singing career and even won an award in 2010 for a piece she wrote on body piercing.

Sir Brian Souter 

Sir Brian studied Business at Strathclyde while working as a driver for Glasgow Buses.

After graduating he and his sister launched Stagecoach. Beginning in 1980 with just two second hand buses, today the company has a huge 13,000 buses, coaches, trains and trams in the UK and North America.

Brian is said to have appreciated the egalitarian spirit of Strathclyde and stressed how it encouraged him to achieve his potential.

John Logie Baird

Looking a bit further back into history, Strathclyde’s precursor – Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College – has many famous alumni.

Possibly the most well-known is John Logie Baird.

He invented a little contraption called the Television in 1928, which perhaps qualifies him as the most distinguished of Strathy grads.

Where would anyone be without you, John?

Next time you bang your head in futility on an Andersonian library desk, remember that all is not lost. You too could join this distinguished hall of fame, even if you’re uploading stuff to MyPlace with half an hour to go.

Really, you could.