13 March 2025
Fife College recently hosted business students from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, as part of their study trip to Scotland.
The students’ visit explored the strong economic and cultural connections forged by Andrew Carnegie, who was born in Dunfermline before emigrating to Pittsburgh, where he built his business empire. Their visit also offered insights into Fife’s modern business landscape while celebrating the enduring impact of Carnegie’s philanthropy and entrepreneurial spirit.
The group of 19 students and four faculty and staff members began their visit to Dunfermline with a guided tour of key Carnegie heritage sites, including the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, Dunfermline Abbey, Pittencrieff House and Pittencrieff Park. They were then joined by 15 Fife College business students for a panel discussion and Q and A on business in Fife at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, focusing on the region’s economic strengths and business opportunities.
Assistant Principal Iain Hawker welcomed the guests to the event at the Library & Galleries, with Dot Smith from Fife Council’s Economic Development team opening the discussion followed by Fife College Board Member John Park. Senior representatives from key industries, including Lynne Walker – TechnipFMC, Donald Waring – MOWI, and Gillian Taylor – Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, shared insights into their companies’ work and engaged in a Q and A session and discussions with the students.
The visit of students from the University of Pittsburgh builds on Fife College’s 125th anniversary celebrations last year, which sought to strengthen international ties, particularly with Pittsburgh, where Andrew Carnegie made his fortune.
Staff accompanying the Pittsburgh students were delighted with the day and the learning themes explored.
Laura Oknefski, Senior Director of Graduate Academic Programs and Student Services at the University of Pittsburgh, said:
"We are deeply grateful to Fife College, as well as the presenters and panellists from the local region, for welcoming us to Dunfermline and hosting an impactful programme for our students, and to local historian Frank Connelly for facilitating our visit to Dunfermline and connection with Fife College.
"Our trip focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and the time we spent in Dunfermline helped students to draw connections between Dunfermline and Pittsburgh’s economic history, as well as to compare and contrast current public and private sector economic initiatives in Scotland and the United States.
"The University of Pittsburgh School of Business prioritises preparing students to be catalysts for change, and our strong international partnerships are key to achieving that mission. We are proud to partner with Fife College as we prepare future business leaders to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth around the world."
Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal: Enterprise & Partnerships at Fife College, said:
"We were delighted to host students from the University of Pittsburgh and provide them with an opportunity to learn about Dunfermline’s deep-rooted connections to the city while also showcasing the thriving business landscape here in Fife.
"Following our 125th anniversary last year, we remain committed to fostering meaningful international partnerships, particularly with Pittsburgh, given our shared Carnegie heritage and the fact that Pittsburgh was founded by another Dunfermline man, General John Forbes. This visit is a fantastic example of how education can connect communities across borders."
Fife College traces its roots to 10 October 1899, when Lauder Technical School opened its doors, thanks to the vision of George Lauder and the generous financial backing of Carnegie, his nephew. Since then, the College has evolved through the years, becoming a cornerstone of learning and innovation in the Fife region.