Saltire Scholar Stories: The Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York

This Tuesday I took a trip to New York City to attend a 'Drinks & Conversation' night with theSt. Andrew's Society of the State of New York at one of the Caledonia Bars in New York City. The night was easygoing and boasted a very fun atmosphere where I enjoyed conversations about being an intern, the work carried out by the society, and university life. The event was attended by board members of the society, staff, and members meaning I met an array of people from different walks of life.

The society was founded in 1756 and is soaked in a rich history. Their first president was a man called Philip Livingston, an American merchant and statesman who at the time was heavily involved in education and politics within the State of New York, and would become one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The group originate from their desire to help"Natives of Scotland and their Descendants" who are or may be suffering. This is a pledge they uphold today through supporting local hospitals, building community, providing financial support to those in need, and aiding students from both the UK and USA to pursue further education through their scholarship program.

In the year 1757, the society held their first Annual Banquet, something that continues to the present day. While just over 20 years later, in 1776, three of the society's members signed the Declaration of Independence, these individuals were: Philip Livingston, Lewis Morris, and Rev John Witherspoon. Another key moment in the society's history was when Andrew Carnegie donated the first substantial amount of money to the Saint Andrew's Society which was $100,000 - can you imagine how much that would be today?!

Fast-forward to 1993, the Society helped to clean and restore the statues of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott in Central Park with a grant of $65,000. During my visit to the city I went to see these statues and I can certainly attest to their grandeur. It was a little proud moment for me to see two Scottish literary giants being honoured in one of the most famous parks in the world.

The St Andrew's Society of the State of New York are also one of the founding organisations of one of Team Tartan's favourite events, New York City Tartan Week. In 2022 ScotlandShop were very proud to become stockists of the official New York City Tartan Day Parade Tartan and Merchandise.

If you would like to know more about the history of the society, the organisation have a very impressive timeline on their website which can be found here.

On the night I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Deacon James D. Noble who is the Society Chaplain. We discussed the incredible work being done to support vulnerable members of the community and how young people can get involved in the future of the society. One project he told me about which is close to my heart and home was the work the society do for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. The St Andrew's Society work with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to advance the care given to young patients, either through purchasing specialist equipment, supporting research for current and future patients, and sharing knowledge and expertise between Scotland and the United States. The philanthropy of the New York State St Andrew's society has aided many young people in becoming stronger and healthier.

I went along to the event with a, now friend, and fellow Saltire Scholar: Rui Martins. Rui is currently studying at the University of the West of Scotland and has been spending the summer as an Events Intern with the Society. I asked him to tell me a little more about the society and his internship.

“I was given the fantastic opportunity, through the Saltire Scholarship, to apply for the position of an Events and Social Media intern at the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.

I am currently pursuing a BA in Events Management, which coupled with my previous experience volunteering for a non-profit as a Social Media assistant, made me a great fit for this position.

What drew me to this internship was the opportunity it gave me to contribute to the Society’s goals of increasing member engagement on its social channels, expand its social platforms, and promote the Society’s upcoming Annual Anniversary Banquet.

Besides helping the Society, I felt like this internship was the right thing to do in order to challenge myself, by acquiring more responsibility, and expanding my knowledge and skill.

And of course coming to New York and experiencing the city life that I have manifested for a long-time!”

“The Society provides charitable relief, scholarship opportunities and celebrates fellowship around a common Scottish heritage in New York, by helping Scots who might be in distress, providing funding and grants for the advancement of Scottish culture and healthcare in the US and in Scotland, and awarding Scholarships to Scottish and Scottish-American graduate students to study in the US or in the UK. All these aims are achieved through memberships and/or donations to the Society.”

“The Society was established on the foundations of Charity, Fellowship, and Scholarship, which are values that the Society upkeeps to this day. These values are transmitted through their charitable programs, scholarship programs, and their constant efforts to preserve and celebrate Scottish culture, heritage and the community in New York.”

“The Society was established on the foundations of Charity, Fellowship, and Scholarship, which are values that the Society upkeeps to this day. These values are transmitted through their charitable programs, scholarship programs, and their constant efforts to preserve and celebrate Scottish culture, heritage and the community in New York.”

“As an intern, I’ve been able to participate in different projects and developments within the Society. For instance, I am helping the Society with the promotion of its upcoming Annual Banquet, by strategising and launching a social media campaign to create buzz and engagement for the event.

Furthermore, I also got to be part of a visit to a potential event venue, and got to discuss and listen to specifics with my team, which was fantastic and very insightful.

Moreover, today I got the chance to attend a meeting with Scotland’s National Chef and BBC MasterChef winner, Gary Maclean, and come up with different ideas for blogs/events to promote the release of his cooking book in the US next year.

So all in all, I can say that I have been involved in different facets and elements of the Society, and it has been nothing short of amazing!”

“I cannot think of the most rewarding part, since for me the WHOLE experience has been rewarding. I mean, I work with an amazing team, get to work on varied tasks that I enjoy, and that are challenging enough to force me to hone my skills.

I also get to meet and chat with the different Society members, AND live in New York, I mean, I’m very much living the dream here. All of it is lovely and mega-rewarding in all honesty, and I cannot thank Entrepreneurial Scotland enough for rendering this internship possible!”