The University of Stirling honoured Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson today with a doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.
Sir Alex, who recently won yet another Premiership title with his club, said: “I appreciate what Stirling University has done for me today, as do all my family. It is a great honour.”
He told the hundreds of graduates in the hall: “Always think of education as an opportunity. What you have achieved today is not a passport to success, it’s an endorsement. Be better than you ever thought you could be. Have a determination to do well, not to give in, no matter what you want to achieve in life."
He advised them to approach life with humility and to work hard: “Wherever you go, remember no-one ever comes to your door and offers you money – you have to earn it.”
Before the ceremony, Sir Alex visited the Falkirk Football Academy, which is based on the University campus. He watched the Falkirk first team train and met club manager Stephen Pressley.
The University also awarded an honorary doctorate today to Professor Karl Butzer, a distinguished scholar in the field of geoarchaeology and environmental history, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to geomorphology, archaeology and environmental history.