Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, is the latest recipient of the city’s prestigious Loving Cup, one of the highest accolades Glasgow can bestow upon an individual or organisation.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, made the award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education and learning, engineering and civic leadership in Glasgow and beyond.
The Loving Cup is presented to individuals or organisations who have brought distinction and honour to the city. Sir Jim joins celebrated recipients including the Princess Royal, the Lisbon Lions, Archbishop of Glasgow, and Francie and Josie – the stage and screen characters portrayed by comedians Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy.
Deserving recipient
The Lord Provost said: “Sir Jim is a true son of Glasgow whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our city. His commitment to education, engineering excellence, and civic engagement makes him a most deserving recipient of the Loving Cup.
His legacy, following his imminent retirement in August, is to leave the University of Strathclyde in a stellar position both here and abroad, with an excellent reputation for technology and innovation.
A proud Glaswegian, and three-time graduate of Strathclyde, Sir Jim began his career in the UK electricity supply industry before returning to the University in 1984. He was appointed to the Rolls Royce Chair of electrical power systems in 1993 and became Principal and Vice-Chancellor in 2009.
Under his leadership, Strathclyde has grown into a global leader in technological education and innovation.
Sir Jim and his team were also instrumental in Glasgow being revealed as a UNESCO learning city at the end of last year, the only city in Scotland to be given this honour to date.
Sir Jim has also co-authored over 600 academic papers and three books and has held numerous influential roles over his tenure.
He was knighted in 2012 for services to education, engineering, and the economy, and was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2024 for services to engineering, education, and energy.
Deeply honoured
In accepting the award, Sir Jim said: “I am very touched and deeply honoured to receive the Loving Cup and to be recognised by the city that has shaped so much of my life and career. Glasgow has always been at the heart of my personal and professional journey, and to have played a role in its educational, engineering and civic landscape has been a profound privilege.
I share this recognition with my colleagues at the University of Strathclyde and across our communities of collaborators who have supported and inspired me throughout.
The Loving Cup ceremony was held at City Chambers on Thursday, 5 June 2025, where civic leaders, academic colleagues, community representatives and his family gathered to celebrate Sir Jim’s remarkable legacy.