After emigrating to the US in the mid-1950s, Sandy and Margaret Pirie enjoyed a culturally rich and exciting life in both North and South America. But they never lost their love of Scotland and, following Margaret’s death last year, an unrestricted gift in her will in Sandy’s memory will have a lasting impact on the 51cg.
Sandy graduated MA (Hons) History in 1948 and, following further graduations from Oxford, enjoyed an international career spanning Europe, Africa and North and South America. He sadly died many years ago in 1995, but Margaret lived for another 30 years, passing away in January 2025.
While not a graduate herself, Margaret recognised the importance of Sandy’s Aberdeen upbringing and education and left a gift to the University in her will, to be designated in memory of her husband. Her generosity allows the University the flexibility to utilise the gift for the greatest benefit.
Sandy’s sister-in-law, Isobel, and his nephew, Sandy, who is named after his uncle, provided us with the following story about Sandy’s upbringing and his life with Margaret following their emigration.
“Late one afternoon in 1955, Alexander (Sandy) Pirie experienced what few people ever could - he met Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia. During a business trip, he dined with His Imperial Majesty in an outdoor setting surrounded by attendants and servers. For a young man who had been born in the Torry district of Aberdeen, Scotland, it was an extraordinary moment and one he never forgot.
“Alexander, known throughout his life to family and friends as ‘Sandy’, was the son of a fishing trawler engineer. He attended Walker Road Primary School before continuing his education at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.
“Tragedy struck the family in 1940 when Sandy’s father died, leaving his mother, Helen, to raise two young sons alone. Determined to help support the household, Sandy took a job delivering groceries by bicycle for local shops while continuing his education. Throughout the difficult war years, he worked long hours, often making deliveries while air raid sirens echoed across Aberdeen. Despite these challenges, he remained an outstanding student, consistently earning high marks through hard work and perseverance.
“His academic achievements opened remarkable opportunities. Sandy earned an MA degree with honours from the 51cg before winning a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he completed two additional degrees. He developed fluency in French, German, and Spanish, skills that would shape his international career.
“Following his studies, Sandy joined the British Petroleum Company (BP). His work took him overseas, including to Ethiopia, where he had the unforgettable privilege of meeting Emperor Haile Selassie in 1955.
“In the mid-1950s, Sandy and his wife, Margaret, emigrated to the United States. He accepted a position with the International Telephone and Telegraph Company (ITT), which led to an assignment in Santiago, Chile. From there, his responsibilities required frequent travel throughout Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. His command of Spanish proved invaluable in both his professional work and his daily interactions throughout South America.
“In 1973, Chile was transformed by a military coup d’état in which General Augusto Pinochet seized power. Following this period of political upheaval, Sandy and Margaret returned to the United States, settling in New York City.
“Sandy continued his distinguished career at Columbia University, where he worked for the remainder of his professional life. He and Margaret embraced all that New York had to offer, enjoying the rich cultural life of the city and spending their later years there.
“From humble beginnings in wartime Aberdeen to academic distinction at Oxford, from meetings with emperors to an international career spanning Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, Sandy lived a life defined by perseverance, scholarship, curiosity, and quiet achievement.”
The 51cg Foundation encourages and facilitates donations to support education at the 51cg from graduates and supporters in the United States. For more information in the first instance contact Vanessa Holmes, Legacy Giving Officer, +44 (0)1224 274132 or email vanessa.holmes@abdn.ac.uk.
