Happy birthday, Stirling Uni is 50

A busy year ahead for university

The University of Stirling celebrates a milestone anniversary this year.

The university will mark 50 years since it was founded, when the Queen gave formal approval to the proposals for the Charter and Statutes of the University on November 13, 1967.

To celebrate the university’s past, present and future there are many special events planned throughout the year. With public lectures, exhibitions, family fun days and reunions there will be many opportunities to celebrate with staff and students from the past and present.

Kerry Bryson, director for advancement at the university said: “2017 marks a milestone year for the University of Stirling as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Scotland’s first new university in more than 400 years was built on a pioneering spirit and principles of innovation and excellence that still hold true today. Since gaining Royal Charter in 1967, our high quality teaching and research has helped make a real difference in the world and throughout 2017 we will celebrate this vibrant past with a fantastic calendar of events. We encourage members of the public and alumni to join us as we celebrate our heritage and look to the future through a series of public lectures, exhibitions, family fun days and reunions.”

The first celebratory event will take place on Thursday, January 26. The ‘Future of Cyber Security’ is the first in the Innovation and Excellence series. During this public lecture, a panel of experts, chaired by Professor Holger Nehring, will highlight the complexity of cyber security from different perspectives: from politics, to business, to diplomacy, to computer science.

Later in spring, the ‘Stirling Open Doors’ day aims to bring every part of the campus alive on March 18 by inviting the local community to join in celebrating the special anniversary. The varied programme for the day includes: engaging talks, a Science Fair in the Atrium, a chance to explore the history of the university through the archives; participation in a series of fun activities; a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style of competition; and an adaptation of the Daily Mile challenge to tie the events and activities together.

To register for some of the many events taking place over the course of the year, log on to: www.stir.ac.uk/50

2017 marks a milestone year for the University of Stirling

Chancellor Lord Balfour of Burleigh, a former chancellor of the university Controversial There were protests at Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1972 Happy birthday! Stirling University is 50

Dressed up Race For Life 2009 at Stirling University. Catherine McIntrye, Rebecca McIntyre, Janet Cameron, Julie Stonham and Ashleigh Little

Jack the lad Youth Badminton Tournament at Stirling University in 1986. Prize winners with then Stirling District Councillor Jack McConnell