The University of Stirling honoured reigning Wimbledon and Olympic Singles tennis champion Andy Murray today, with a doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to tennis.
The graduation ceremony at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence brought the British number one tennis player back to his sporting roots - to the training base where he honed his skills as a young boy.
Commenting on his award, Andy Murray said: “I am honoured and very grateful to receive this award from the University of Stirling - an institution which is recognised internationally for its sports research and facilities.
“I trained on the courts at the Scottish National Tennis Centre at the University of Stirling when I was growing up and I remember playing against the students which was great fun. I know there are many talented junior players practising there every day and I’d encourage them to keep working hard towards their goals.”
Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, presented Andy Murray with the award of Doctor of the University. He said: “We are delighted to welcome back Andy Murray to the University campus.
“One of the greatest athletes of his generation, Andy has broken the boundaries of British tennis and elevated the profile of the sport to new levels. His exceptional sporting abilities, diligence and tenacity make him an inspirational role model to our students and to people across the world.
“We are proud to provide pathways – through our facilities, sports scholarships, research and coaching – to help high performance athletes reach their full potential and achieve at the highest level. The success of so many current and former students is proof of the winning combination of sport and study.”
He added: “We are grateful to Andy for his continued support of the University and honoured to recognise his extraordinary talent and contribution to tennis by conferring him with this award.”
Notes for editors
- Background information
Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence
First Minister Alex Salmond designated the University of Stirling as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence in 2008. Our mission is to deliver the best for Scottish sport through the powerful and inspirational combination of sport and education. We are at the heart of Scottish sport, preparing athletes to perform on the world stage, enabling students to develop their skill sets for excellent careers and producing innovative research to improve the health of the nation. Our sport-centred campus brings together the people shaping Scottish sport, creating a critical mass of sporting expertise and excellence.
Find out more at: www.stir.ac.uk/sport-at-stirling