January
In January, several alumni were recognised in the King’s Honours List. The University also hosted its first India in London alumni networking event, marking an important step in fostering connections and strengthening the global Loughborough alumni community.
Image courtesy of current student Yiying Fan.
February
At the beginning of February, the University’s Talk Sport Conference took place with the support of over 20 alumni across its two campuses. And, if you’re a Dragon’s Den fan you might have seen alumna Charlene Mitchell-Hood and her husband Simon Hood pitching for investment to address literacy challenges in the UK and US.
Charlene Mitchell-Hood and her husband Simon Hood walking into Dragons' Den.
March
In March, alumna Monica triumphed in a TV arts competition. She became the 2024 Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year.
Following this, two start-up businesses founded by Loughborough graduates won national awards for innovation. Plus, alumna Tanya Beri launched the CAIR London app to help commuters reduce their exposure to air pollution on the London Underground by guiding them along the cleanest and most time-efficient routes.
Monica with her painting at the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year heat in Liverpool.
April
In April, we shared alumnus Jo Hurst-Croft's journey to leading ARC Ride, a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming urban transportation and tackling air pollution in cities like Nairobi.
Following her appearance on The Apprentice, we caught up with Flo Edwards to learn more about her experience and what's next on her business journey.
We also continued to build our global connections as a delegation of Loughborough staff, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng FRS, visited the USA in mid-April.
A group of Loughborough alumni, staff, along with Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng, FRS having dinner in Chicago.
May
Kicking off May with exciting news, alumnus Kieran McKenna led Ipswich Town Football Club to the Premier League, achieving a second consecutive promotion. Meanwhile, alumnus Grant Rousseau, Global Director of Esports and Director of Operations for Team Falcons, won ESL One Birmingham 2024. We also celebrated alumnus Ayao Komatsu becoming the new Team Principal of Haas Formula One Team for the 2024 season. A big month for all kinds of sport!
There was more sport as the Loughborough International Athletics took place on campus and over 200 alumni and friends visit campus for reunion weekend! Alumni reminisced about their days at Loughborough and took part in various activities.
A group of alumni who lived in Elvyn Richards Hall in the early 90s gathered for the reunion weekend.
June
In June, the Vice-Chancellor visited West Africa which helped support the growth of our global community.
Kate Allan won the Women in Innovation Award from Innovate UK. This recognition highlighted her groundbreaking work in developing life-changing prosthetics through her company, Expand Prosthetics.
Kate Allan holding the Women in Innovation Award.
July
Two International Alumni Ambassadors hosted gatherings in Beijing and Chengdu. They played a pivotal role in bringing together graduates allowing them to reconnect and create new connections with fellow alumni.
It was time again for summer graduations. As well as congratulating hundreds of new graduates on their achievements, the University awarded six inspiring individuals with honorary degrees for their significant contributions in their fields.
Dame Vera Baird DBE KC with Lord Sebastian Coe KBE and Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng FRS.
August
An incredible summer of sport was had with Loughborough-linked athletes bringing home 35 medals across both Paris games, with students, alumni, and Loughborough-based athletes, coaches and support staff taking part in the Games.
Alumnus Sam Pendred played a key role in the design and development of The Hope HBT Paris bicycle used in Paris by British cyclists. Just one example of how our Loughborough family contributed to a successful Games!
Daniel Wiffen, a current Loughborough University student, won gold in the Men's 800m Freestyle. Image provided by PA/Alamy.
September
Following an application and interview process, we welcomed three new members to the Alumni Advisory Board.
As part of the University’s strategy, a number of ambassadors have been appointed. Announced as the University's first Ambassador for Sport, Health and Wellbeing was former student Karen Carney OBE.
James Kirtland, Angela Shepherd and Phil Tulba.
October
We celebrated Black History Month with stories from two members of our Alumni Advisory Board – Angela Sheperd and Phil Tulba. They both shared advice, their career journeys, and insight into their perspectives on Black History Month.
As the new academic year began, we also welcomed a further 50 Opportunity Scholars, who are supported by donations from alumni and friends. They join a cohort of 100 other Opportunity Scholars, as well as others who receive other kinds of philanthropic support.
Opportunity Scholars at an event
November
The University inducted five new members into the Sport Hall of Fame. These were: Matt Gotrel MBE, Dr Michael Peyrebrune, Dame Liz Nicholl DBE, Dr Herbert Schofield CBE, and Barbara Slater CBE.
In the same month, Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas became the fourth Loughborough graduate to join the Red Arrows in the last nine years. He will fly a distinctive Hawk fast-jet in the 2025 season as Red 2.
L-R: Barbara Slater CBE, Matt Gotrel MBE, Dame Liz Nicholl DBE, Dr Michael Peyrebrune, David Moorcroft OBE DL.
December
To round off another brilliant year, the winter graduation ceremonies took place on the Loughborough campus. Three Honorary Degrees to swimmer Adam Peaty OBE, England Women's Head Coach Sarina Wiegman CBE, and one of the country’s leading researchers in design Professor Rachel Cooper. University medals were also awarded – in particular to alumnus Steve Varley – who was recently appointed as Special Advocate for the United Nations Climate Change. In this role, Steve focuses on resource mobilisation and developing partnerships between the United Nations, governments and the private sector. Two other medals were awarded to Andrew Selby and Jonathan Riall.
Sarina Wiegman CBE standing at the front of the Hazlerigg Building at Loughborough University.
What a year it’s been, we can’t wait to see what 2025 holds. If you have any stories to share, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch.