WHAT’S THE STORY?
THE University of Stirling received the royal assent to its charter in December, 1967, and while there will be plenty of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary, the university is going to place the event in its historical context with an exhibition and event next month celebrating the spirit of 1967.
STIRLING UNIVERSITY IN BRIEF
THE first university to be established in Scotland in more than 400 years, Stirling’s first buildings on the Airthrey Castle estate were completed in 1968 when Lord Lionel Robbins was appointed the first Chancellor.
Since its modest beginnings, Stirling has expanded to have four faculties and numerous institutes set on 360 acres. It now has about 14,000 full- and part-time students.
The current chancellor is broadcaster James Naughtie and the Principal and Vice-Chancellor is Gerry McCormac.
FAMOUS ALUMNI?
THEY include the late author Iain Banks, Scotland’s national Jackie Kay, broadcaster Rhona McLeod, and a host of politicians including current Scottish Government ministers Angela Constance and Richard Lochead, former First Minister Jack McConnell and former Home Secretary John Reid.
The university is also known for its sports degrees, and sporting alumni include Commonwealth swimming champion Ross Murdoch and golfer Richie Ramsay.
HOW ARE THEY GOING TO CELEBRATE?
FIRST up is a special exhibition featuring the music, art, fashion and photography from 1967.
The university is throwing open the doors of its art collection for the special event, titled The Happening, describing it as a celebration of “the revolutionary spirit of the period by recreating the artistic and intellectual spirit that spawned flower power, the counter culture and civil rights.”
It’s all set to take place on Saturday, November 11, when a range of free, family-friendly activities will be on offer during the afternoon, followed by evening events including a screening of The Graduate – not suitable for children – and a disco.
The afternoon celebrations, between 3pm and 6pm at the university’s Pathfoot Building, include a screening of The Jungle Book, a 1960s music pop quiz, vintage hairdressers and dressing-up boxes. Other activities include tours of the 1967 exhibition, art workshops and tie-dying classes.
The screening of The Graduate, one of the key films of 1967, will be at 7pm before DJ Karlski provides a musical journey through the past 50 years – taking partygoers through dancefloor classics from 60s psychedelic pop to modern day pop.
The afternoon activities are free, while tickets for the evening event are £19.67 and can be purchased from the university’s website. Tickets include admission to the film screening, disco, 1960s-themed food, a welcome drink and entry to the raffle.
Sarah Bromage, Deputy Curator at the university, said: “The Happening will celebrate what was going on in music, art and fashion in the year that the university first opened.
“We urge local people, staff and students to don their colourful bell bottoms, mini-skirts and paisley patterned shirts and join us for this special event.”
Sounds like a cracking way to mark a 50th birthday.
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