The Earl of Wessex has opened a new student facility at the University of Stirling to mark the institutions 50th anniversary during a day of engagements in Scotland yesterday.
Prince Edward formally opened the £6.5 million INTO building, that provides international students with preparatory courses before they progress to degrees at Stirling and other universities. With a capacity for up to 240 students, the building houses a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, 10 teaching rooms and a cafe.
prince edward, earl of wessex, visits the university of stirling (Tony Gorzkowski)
The building further strengthens the university’s commitment to sustainability, having achieved an ‘A’ rating in its Energy Performance Certificate. This means it is extremely energy efficient and produces minimal carbon emissions.
University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McCormac said: “The formal opening of the University of Stirling INTO Building, by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, 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.”
the earl of wessex opened the new INTO centre at the university of stirling (Tony Gorzkowski)
Centre Director for INTO University of Stirling, 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.”
Prince Edward also launched the commemorative anniversary publication, ‘Fifty: The University of Stirling in 50 Objects’.
Pleasure to have HRH The Earl of Wessex on campus today to officially open the University of Stirling INTO building ? @INTOStirling pic.twitter.com/XssaIGkzXj
— Uni of Stirling (@StirUni) November 13, 2017
The Earl of Wessex was presented with a copy of the book and viewed 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.
Professor McCormac added: “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.”
Guests at the launch included local and national politicians, representatives from Stirling Council, and members of the Students’ Union.
prince edward views the university’s anniversary book ‘Fifty: The University of Stirling in 50 Objects’ (Tony Gorzkowski)
Whilst in Scotland, Prince Edward also visited the Incorporation of Coopers at Trades Hall in Glasgow. The Queen’s youngest child has been an Honorary Member of the Incorporation since 2008 and has lent his name to ‘The Earl of Wessex Awards’ for cooperage.
Edward is keen that involvement should embrace the traditions of the industry and assist the young people who are entering the trade as Apprentices.
The Royal has also agreed to present a new Earl of Wessex Award linked to The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which is to be given to younger people.
Brilliant morning at the Trades House – 30 @GovanHighSchool S3 pupils receiving their #earlofwessex Awards from the Earl of Wessex himself! pic.twitter.com/NOHJjyrDA4
— Wider Achievement (@GHSWiderAch) November 13, 2017
