Students come from all over the world to study at the University of Stirling, and we take pride in seeing what they go on to achieve after graduating. We have more than 100,000 alumni in 170 countries, and their stories form the fabric of who we are as a University.
Explore some of their testimonials and achievements below, and check out our timeline of key events from the University's history to see where we’ve come from and how our students have played a part in laying the foundations for a bright future.
Former students share how their Stirling experience has prepared them for the future.
See what your University of Stirling classmates are up to now and share your own message.
Meet some of our successful and influential alumni and hear their Stirling stories.
Meet our Graduates and Students of the year and learn about their outstanding achievements.
Read Bo's storyThe University of Stirling has given me the opportunity to connect with so many different people from different continents and cultures, something that would never have happened in my country. Here, I have not only made lifelong friends, but also great connections for my career.
The University of Stirling was founded in 1967. Take a look at our story so far.
It was announced that Stirling would be the site of a new university, following the publication of The Robbins Report in 1963 which proposed a new university in Scotland
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17 July
Professor Tom Cottrell (1923-1973) is appointed as the first Principal and Vice-Chancellor
June
September
Building T70 (later renamed Cottrell Building) is opened in phases between 1970 and 1972
Musical acts Elton John and Pink Floyd preform on campus to large crowds of students
May
The central courtyard is named “Queen’s Court”
12 October
Opening of a golf course at Airthrey Castle and completion of a sports hall at the Gannochy Centre
Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, was elected (and re-elected the following year) as Student President
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September
(renamed Stirling Court Hotel in 2014)
HRH the Princess of Wales officially opens the new Gannochy Tennis Centre and Wolfson Laboratories in Aquaculture
May
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University launches unique Master’s degree in Palliative Nursing Care, in conjunction with Marie Curie Cancer Care Education (Scotland)
Actor Simon Shepherd cuts the first sod of the new £2m Iris Murdoch building, the home of the Dementia Services Development Centre
June
Alumnus Lord John Reid returns to campus to deliver “a state of the union” address at the annual Williamson Lecture
November
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March
Installation of new Chancellor, BBC broadcaster, journalist and author James Naughtie in the 40th anniversary year
2009/10 award from the Sunday Times, in recognition of “outstanding student experience and record for innovation and high quality teaching”
May
4 March
March
Awarded for ground-breaking social marketing research in Higher and Further Education
November
Building on established links and friendships, this international celebration of culture is now an annual event
February
First of the new style accommodation properties opened to students – Willow Court, followed by Beech then Juniper in subsequent years
September
Campus hosts Team Scotland's Commonwealth Games preparation camp, and Stirling students take home 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
July
Outstanding performance in REF2014 (Research Excellence Framework) sees the University reach the UK top 40, and 5th place in Scotland, for research intensity
December
INTO University Partnerships Limited (INTO) is a global education partnering organisation, delivering academic and cultural experiences in all areas of the international student journey
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University of Stirling Management School programmes gain accreditation by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)
Stirling's Olympic swimmers return with 3 silver medals while student Gordon Reid takes Gold in Tennis at the Paralympics.
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