Royal visit on 50th anniversary opens new £6.5m Stirling student facility

The Earl of Wessex opened an international student facility at the University of Stirling today – as the institution celebrates 50 years since its founding.

The Earl of Wessex formally opens the University of Stirling INTO Building.

His Royal Highness formally opened the £6.5 million University of Stirling INTO Building, before marking the launch of the commemorative anniversary publication, ‘Fifty: The University of Stirling in 50 Objects’.

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McCormac said: “The formal opening of the University of Stirling INTO Building, by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, is a proud moment for our university community.

“With more than 120 nationalities represented on our campus, we celebrate our global outlook – and are therefore delighted to open this cutting-edge facility, to deepen our partnership with INTO that provides international students with opportunities to study at a world-leading university.

The University of Stirling INTO Building boasts a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, 10 teaching rooms and a cafe.

“It is also fitting that today’s royal visit coincides with the launch of our ’50 objects’ anniversary book, marking 50 years to the day since The Queen signed the Royal Charter which brought our university into being.”

Centre Director for INTO University of Stirling, Sandy Tippett, said: “We are proud to have been in partnership with the University of Stirling since 2014, with more than 1,000 international INTO students having already enjoyed the experience of studying on such a beautiful campus.

“This new, bespoke, building will further enhance our partnership and the student experience. The University is renowned for innovation and excellence and this new facility embodies those values.”

The Earl of Wessex met staff and students during his visit to the new building.

Students at the University of Stirling INTO Building undertake preparation courses for progression to degrees at the University of Stirling, as well as other universities. The new building boasts a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, 10 teaching rooms, a café, and capacity for up to 420 students.

Guests at today’s launch included local and national politicians, representatives from Stirling Council, and members of the Students’ Union, among others.

At the event, Professor McCormac presented The Earl with a copy of the commemorative publication: ‘Fifty: The University of Stirling in 50 Objects’, and invited him to view some of the objects themselves. These included the Chancellor’s robe, ceremonial mace, images of The Queen’s visit in 1972, and Commonwealth and Olympic swimming medals won by the University’s athletes.

Students, staff, and members of the public can purchase the book from the University’s online shop, as well as in person and online from the campus bookshop. It is also available from the Students’ Union shop.

The University of Stirling INTO Building further strengthens the University’s commitment to sustainability, having achieved an ‘A’ rating in its Energy Performance Certificate. This means it is extremely energy efficient and produces minimal carbon emissions.