Alexandria resident Sir Stuart Matthews stands in front of a new building on the campus of England’s University of Hertfordshire that has been named in his honor. Matthews, a longtime resident of Alexandria, is a graduate of the university. Photo by Pete Stevens
“This was quite a surprise.” — Sir Stuart Matthews on the naming of a building in his honor.
When Sir Stuart Matthews graduated from Hatfield Technical College in the United Kingdom 60 years ago, he never dreamed he would one day return to see a building named in his honor.
“This was quite a surprise,” said Matthews, a long-time Alexandria resident, when he learned of the honor. “It is humbling to be recognized in this way.”
Now known as the University of Hertfordshire, the College Lane campus officially opened a new $148 million student center with a dedication ceremony Oct. 31. The centerpiece of the project is a building known as The Oval and named in honor of Matthews.
The Oval will serve as a sports and social facility as well as an information point for students. Services include the Student Centre, Careers Service, Campus Pharmacy and Medical Centre and Student Union.
The Sir Stuart Matthews Centre is in recognition of Matthews and his long-standing contribution to the aviation industry which began at Hatfield Technical College. Matthews also helped build the Comet, the world’s first jet airliner.
“I want to take the opportunity to say how proud I am to have graduated from Hertfordshire and to have this building named after me,” Matthews said at the dedication of the building. “I was one of the very first students here 60 years ago when it was Hatfield Technical College and it’s hard to believe that the university has become what it is today.”