Introduction

The Robert Gordon University is the product of three centuries of generosity, and in keeping with other universities continues to rely on sponsorship and philanthropic support to provide the best education for its students.

The role of the Development Office is to maximise external income to the University through a programme of fundraising and development activities. Its responsibilities include:

Developing and composing fundraising proposals to individuals, Corporations and Trusts and Foundations
Providing advice and support to schools, departments and academics on development and fundraising issues
Conducting an ongoing programme of prospect research to identify and match potential sources of funding and sponsorship to RGU projects

History of RGU Donations

In 1731 Robert Gordon, an enterprising Aberdonian merchant, willed his entire estate to build a hospital to educate scholars. This generous gesture led eventually to the foundation of Robert Gordon’s Technical College in 1903.
John Gray arrived to seek his fortune in Aberdeen in 1830. On his death in 1891 he left a considerable legacy to the School which bears his name.
Thomas Scott Sutherland was a graduate of the Aberdeen School of Architecture and enjoyed a successful career as an architect, local politician, entrepreneur and businessman. In 1954 he donated both his house and estate to Robert Gordon’s College. The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture was officially opened in 1957, six years before his death.
The Robert Gordon University is a product of three centuries of generosity on the part of individuals such as these. With your help we can maintain this tradition and ensure that our excellent reputation for vocational education and research continues in future centuries.