OUR ALUMNI
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 85,000 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.
Graduate stories
Former students share how their Stirling experience has prepared them for the future.
Class notes
See what your University of Stirling classmates are up to now and share your own message.
Alumni achievements
Meet some of our successful and influential alumni and hear their Stirling stories.
The 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.
Key dates from our history
The University of Stirling was founded in 1967. Take a look at our story so far.
Site announced
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
1964
17 July
First Principal and Vice-Chancellor appointed
Professor Tom Cottrell (1923-1973) is appointed as the first Principal and Vice-Chancellor
1965
June
Pathfoot building welcomes the first intake of students
1967
September
The University confers degrees on the first cohort of students
1968
Cottrell Building opens
Building T70 (later renamed Cottrell Building) is opened in phases between 1970 and 1972
1970
Elton John and Pink Floyd on campus
Musical acts Elton John and Pink Floyd preform on campus to large crowds of students
1971
First annual Dumyat Hill Race
1972
May
HM Queen officially opens the University
The central courtyard is named “Queen’s Court”
1972
12 October
Golf course opened and Gannochy Centre improvements
Opening of a golf course at Airthrey Castle and completion of a sports hall at the Gannochy Centre
1980
Jack McConnell elected as Student President
Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, was elected (and re-elected the following year) as Student President
1980
Opening of Stirling University Innovation Park
1986
September
Stirling Management Centre opens
(renamed Stirling Court Hotel in 2014)
1988
Gannochy Tennis Centre and Wolfson Laboratories opened
HRH the Princess of Wales officially opens the new Gannochy Tennis Centre and Wolfson Laboratories in Aquaculture
1991
May
In the 25th year, the campus is designated as a historic garden landscape
1992
200th meeting of University Court
1993
Launch of Master’s degree in Palliative Nursing Care
University launches unique Master’s degree in Palliative Nursing Care, in conjunction with Marie Curie Cancer Care Education (Scotland)
1997
Establishment of the annual Hetherington lecture series in journalism
1999
Construction of Iris Murdoch building begins
Actor Simon Shepherd cuts the first sod of the new £2m Iris Murdoch building, the home of the Dementia Services Development Centre
2001
June
Alumnus Lord John Reid delivers annual Williamson Lecture
Alumnus Lord John Reid returns to campus to deliver “a state of the union” address at the annual Williamson Lecture
2001
November
Completion of Robertson Swimming pool and opening of National Swimming Academy
2002
Dame Judi Dench opens the Iris Murdoch Building
2003
March
Andy Murray opens £1.3m extension to Scottish National Tennis Centre
2007
James Naughtie appointed as University Chancellor
Installation of new Chancellor, BBC broadcaster, journalist and author James Naughtie in the 40th anniversary year
2008
Stirling named as Scottish University of the Year
2009/10 award from the Sunday Times, in recognition of “outstanding student experience and record for innovation and high quality teaching”
2009
Professor Gerry McCormac appointed as Principal and Vice-Chancellor
2010
May
Library formally re-opened by HRH the Earl of Wessex following extensive renovation.
2011
4 March
Launch of strategic partnership with Santander Universities
2012
March
University awarded Queen’s Anniversary Prize
Awarded for ground-breaking social marketing research in Higher and Further Education
2012
November
Launch of Japan Week
Building on established links and friendships, this international celebration of culture is now an annual event
2013
February
New accommodation buildings opened
First of the new style accommodation properties opened to students – Willow Court, followed by Beech then Juniper in subsequent years
2013
September
Commonwealth Games
Campus hosts Team Scotland's Commonwealth Games preparation camp, and Stirling students take home 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
2014
July
University climbs into UK research top 40
Outstanding performance in REF2014 (Research Excellence Framework) sees the University reach the UK top 40, and 5th place in Scotland, for research intensity
2014
December
Launch of strategic partnership with INTO
INTO University Partnerships Limited (INTO) is a global education partnering organisation, delivering academic and cultural experiences in all areas of the international student journey
2014
Ranked 7th in the UK for graduate employability (Telegraph/HESA)
2015
AMBA Accreditation
University of Stirling Management School programmes gain accreditation by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)
2016
Stirling is Scotland’s best performing university at Rio Olympics
Stirling's Olympic swimmers return with 3 silver medals while student Gordon Reid takes Gold in Tennis at the Paralympics.
2016
Fabulous at 50!
2017
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