The Robert Gordon’s College community gathered to mark this year’s Founder’s Day, reflecting on the legacy of their founder, Robert Gordon and celebrating the College’s significant impact on its pupils and the North-east of Scotland region.
The
occasion was made especially memorable by the return of two distinguished
alumni with experience in competitive sport and commercial success. Chris
Cusiter (Class of ‘00), former Scotland Rugby International and British &
Irish Lion, and now CEO of Alexander Murray and Co LLC and Hannah Leslie (Class
of ‘08), Head of Operations and Partnerships at the Scottish Women’s Premier
League. Both offered pupils powerful reflections on resilience, leadership, and
the values that shaped their journeys.
The Junior
School service began with a warm welcome from Mrs Tulloch, Head of Junior
School, marking the start of the day’s formal celebrations, followed by a
congregational song. Mr Macpherson, Head of College, delivered a tribute to
Robert Gordon, and Chris Cusiter shared his journey at Robert Gordon’s College,
reflecting on the values and ethos that shaped his path. The service continued
with a thoughtful prayer read by Sophie G (P7), with Abi C (P7) providing
piping at the start and conclusion of the service. Afterwards, Chris joined
Primary 7 pupils for an engaging Q&A session, where they had the
opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into his experiences at school
and beyond.
Later in
the morning, the Senior School procession, led by the school Pipe Band, made
its way through the Quad as Junior School pupils lined the route,
enthusiastically cheering the speakers, guests, and senior pupils. S1 pupils
made their way to the Craig Centre for Performing Arts for the S1 Service,
while S2-S6 continued down Schoolhill and along Back Wynd to the Kirk of St
Nicholas for the S2-S6 Founder’s Day Service.
This year’s
Founder’s Day Bagpiper was Declan McC (S6), recognised for his dedication and
long service to the RGC Pipe Band since P4. He has performed at many
high-profile events, including the King’s Coronation of Scotland in 2023
alongside his brothers, Connor and Austin. For Founder’s Day, Declan played a
historic set of ebony and ivory Lawrie bagpipes, gifted by the late Kenneth
Thomson Melvin (Class of ’50), a founding member of the RGC Cadet Force Pipe
Band.
Rev Zak
Robb (Class of ‘07) welcomed the congregation in the Kirk of St Nicholas. A
tribute to Robert Gordon was delivered by Mr Macpherson, followed by readings
from School Captains, Fraser and Fleur. The Chamber Choir, under the direction
of Mrs Isabella Hanna, performed before the concluding elements of the
ceremony. Musical contributions were also provided by Mrs Jill Cozens on the
organ and the Brass Ensemble directed by Mr Mark Boyd. As part of the
commemorations, the Vice President of the Gordonian Association, Mr Derek
Rettie, together with the School Captain, Fraser Rettie, laid wreaths at the
memorial of Robert Gordon in Drum’s Aisle. Significantly, this marks the first
occasion that a father and son have shared this honour. The act of remembrance
paid tribute to the College’s founder and his enduring legacy, which continues
to inspire and shape the Gordonian community today.
Speaking openly to pupils, Chris delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech, reflecting on his journey from sitting in the Kirk as a schoolboy to representing Scotland in international rugby and later leading a successful whisky business in Los Angeles. He shared amusing and honest anecdotes from his time at school, emphasising the strong friendships formed, the invaluable influence of teachers, and the lasting impact of Aberdonian resilience. Highlighting three key lessons - that it’s okay to make mistakes, the importance of resilience, and always striving to be the best version of yourself - he encouraged pupils to embrace uncertainty, work hard, and take pride in their roots. He spoke warmly of the support he received at school, the grit required to overcome setbacks, and the value of following your passions, leaving pupils with the powerful message that their time at Robert Gordon’s College has given them the foundation to achieve whatever they set their minds to.
The S1 service was welcomed by Mrs Stacey Hardie, Head of S1, with Mr Shearer, Head of History, delivering a memorial to Robert Gordon. S1 pupils contributed to the service, with Emily C performing on the trumpet, Morayo A sharing a reading, and Rowan T performing on the cello. The S1 Vocal Group sang, leading into a performance by the Pipe Band and Highland Dancers.
S1 Orator Hannah has a strong netball background, representing her district at U15 and U17 levels and earning selection for the Scottish U17 long squad. At school, she was Vice-Captain of the 1st VII, leading the team to the Scottish Schools Finals where they finished as runners-up. She went on to play for Gordonians Netball Club, contributing to multiple Division 1 league title wins, and later represented Scottish Universities at the Home Nations Championships in Exeter in 2008/09. Speaking to pupils in the Craig Centre for Performing Arts, she inspired S1 with advice on resilience, kindness, and the importance of embracing opportunity.
As the S2-S6 congregation returned to Schoolhill, and the S1 service concluded in the Craig Centre, the Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band and Highland Dancers delivered a vibrant performance outside the Auld Hoose. Orators, guests, and staff then gathered in the Thomas Mackie Dining Hall, where Mr Kevin Reynard, Chairman of Governors, offered a formal Vote of Thanks to the day’s speakers.
Reflecting on the day, Chris Cusiter said: “It has been incredible to return to Aberdeen for this special week in the RGC calendar. I have loved meeting pupils and reconnecting with staff, but what will stay with me most is the strength of the RGC community - warm, welcoming and full of energy. I was also impressed by the talent and commitment of the rugby players I worked with during the pre-Founder's Day clinic. It was a truly special experience, and I’m very grateful to have been part of it.”
Hannah Leslie added: “I loved speaking with S1 pupils about the opportunities at RGC and encouraging them to embrace every experience with confidence. My advice to them: people are your greatest strength, skills are your tools, and failure is proof you’re trying. Teachers are your secret coaches, and the only person you need to compete with is the person you were yesterday. Be brave and say yes to every opportunity RGC offers.”
Robin Macpherson, Head of College, summarised: “We are incredibly grateful to Chris and Hannah for returning to Aberdeen to share their inspiring journeys with our school community. Their stories are a powerful testament to how a Robert Gordon’s education can profoundly shape a young person’s life. Listening to their sporting achievements, the challenges they have faced, the dedication they have shown, and the success they have achieved was both moving and motivating. The honesty and passion they brought to their talks left a strong and lasting impression on our pupils, and we could not be prouder of everything they are accomplishing. With a shared passion for the future growth of the school, Chris and Hannah actively contribute to our Development Committees in the US and UK respectively, ensuring that future generations of Gordonians have access to the same opportunities they once received.”