Emeli Sandé is University of Glasgow’s Young Alumnus of the Year

Chart topping singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé has been chosen as the University of Glasgow’s Young Alumnus of the Year for 2011.

Emeli, who attended the University of Glasgow between 2006 and 2009 and received an intercalcated degree in neuroscience, has had major success with her single, Heaven which reached number two in the UK charts. Her second single, Daddy, is released on 20th November and is taken from Emeli’s debut album, Our Version of Events. She is currently number one with Professor Green on Read all about it. In addition to her solo career, Emeli has performed with artists including Chipmunk and Wiley, and has written material for Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole.

When told that she had been chosen as this year’s Glasgow University Young Alumnus, Emeli said “This is an amazing honour for me. When I received the email to say that I had been nominated, I was absolutely thrilled. It is a real privilege for the university to recognise what I am now doing with my music and performing career. I will never forget the time that I spent at the University of Glasgow. The teaching and learning facilities were excellent, and the whole student experience, including meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures was just superb.”

Professor Anton Muscatelli, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow paid tribute to the new Young Alumnus. “Emeli is an extremely talented young woman who has already made a huge impression on the music business. She will be an excellent ambassador for the University of Glasgow.”

“The Young Alumnus title is an important one for Glasgow. It is a chance for us to recognise the achievements of former students who have made a major contribution to the community, arts, science or business. Emile joins a distinguished group of previous winners including Professor Patrick Gunning for his work on more effective and less toxic cures for cancer and Scotland international rugby player, Euan Murray.”

The award was formally made to Emeli Sandé at a celebration lunch held at the university on 1 November 2011.