Earl opens new £6.5m uni facility
For international students
Prince Edward this week officially opened a new £6.5 million international student facility at Stirling University.
After performing the ceremony at the INTO Building, the Earl of Wessex launched the commemorative anniversary publication: ‘Fifty: The University of Stirling in 50 Objects’.
University principal and vice-chancellor Gerry McCormac said: “This 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.
“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 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.”
Students at the University of Stirling INTO Building undertake preparation courses for progression to degrees at the university, as well as other universities.
The new INTO building has a lecture theatre, 10 teaching rooms, a café, and capacity for up to 420 students.
Guests at the launch included Stirling area and national politicians, representatives from Stirling Council, and members of the Students’ Union.
At the event, Professor McCormac presented Prince Edward 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 and staff, both current and former, as well as members of the public can purchase the book from the campus book shop. It is also available to purchase online, and in person, from the Students’ Union shop.