University of Stirling pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

The University of Stirling is deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

As Britain’s longest serving monarch, Elizabeth II has been the figurehead of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for more than 70 years, and throughout her reign has enjoyed close links to the higher education sector.

Her Majesty The Queen, pictured with former Principal Professor Tom Cottrell, unveiled a plaque in Queen's Court during her visit to the University in 1972. 

In 1967, Her Majesty signed the University of Stirling’s Royal Charter, officially launching the institution by Royal Command and five years later, in 1972, she was welcomed on to campus as part of a Royal Visit to Stirling and formally opened Queen’s Court. 

In more recent times, the University has had the honour of receiving two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes in recognition of its transformational work in social marketing and health research, and for its innovation in aquaculture.

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac accepted the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of the University's ground-breaking social marketing research, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2014.

Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and on behalf of the University, I express my sincere condolences to the Royal Family. 

“Throughout her remarkable reign, Her Majesty has been a great friend to the higher education sector and her continued support for the work undertaken by our researchers has been a valuable contribution to the University’s success over its 55-year history.   

“In her passing, the UK has lost not only a head of state, but a champion for the many causes and charities to which she dedicated her time and provided such inspiration.   

“Colleagues will remember The Queen not only for her sense of duty and devotion to a lifetime of service to the nation but for her compassion and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.” 

In tribute, all university flags will fly at half-mast and a book of condolence for staff and students will be made available from 9am tomorrow in the University Chaplaincy.

An official book of condolence has been made available on Stirling Council's website. Further information on public events and official proceedings following The Queen's death, are expected to be made available shortly on the Royal Family website.