EXTERNAL ENDORSEMENT

Distinguished people have once again expressed their support for the University and its work by accepting honorary degrees from Loughborough, and eminent organisations have recognised our achievements with prestigious awards.

The Seal of Approval
Loughborough has made a unique and world-famous contribution to the world of sport for over sixty years. In February our position as the country’s premier institution for sports development and a world leader in sports research and education was recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2002. It is the fourth time the University has captured one of the prestigious awards – an achievement bettered by no other institution.

The award was presented by Her Majesty The Queen to the University’s Chancellor Sir Denis Rooke, Vice Chancellor Professor David Wallace, Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences Clyde Williams, Athletic Union President Radha Balani, and students Ross Weir, Jodie Swallow, David Broome and Richard Hung-Yu Liu.

Staff and students at the presentation of the Queens Aniversary Prize 2002

"For over 50 years, (Loughborough) has been a major influence on the world of sport. It holds a unique place in British sporting heritage, linking research and innovation to the cutting edge of delivery and has consistently produced graduates and performers who can be rightfully described as world class."
David Moorcroft, Chief Executive of UK Athletics

"In my career in sport psychology… I can think of no other institution worldwide that rivals (the University) for its impact in the world of sport and sports science. In my travels, it never ceases to amaze me how many former (university) students… have risen to senior positions in the world of sport and academia… Frankly, it must be the most influential single University in sports science in the world."
Professor Glyn C Roberts,
Institute for Social Science, Norwegian University of Sports Science

Supporting our work
Nationally and internationally renowned figures were among those who expressed their support for the University by accepting honorary degrees in 2002-03.

Professor Khurshid Ahmad, Hon DLitt
Founder of the Islamic Foundation, Rector of the Markfield Institute, and Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad

Steven Backley, MBE, Hon DTech
Former Javelin World Record holder, Olympic silver medallist, Commonwealth and European champion

Alastair Biggart, OBE, FREng, Hon DTech
Loughborough graduate and tunnelling consultant

Frances Cairncross, Hon DLitt
Journalist and Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

Lord Dormond of Easington, Hon DLitt
Former District Education Officer and MP for Easington, former Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Fulbright Scholar Harvard University, and former student of Loughborough College

Nikos Filaretos, Hon DLitt
President, International Olympic Academy

Dario Gradi, MBE, Hon DTech
Coach and Manager of Crewe Alexandra FC, and the longest serving manager in the football league

Michael T Jones, Hon MA
Councillor, Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council

Professor Jeremy Morris, CBE, Hon DSc
Emeritus Professor, University of London, and Director of the Medical Research Council’s Social Medicine Unit

Paula Radcliffe, MBE, Hon DTech
World Cross Country champion, Marathon World Record holder, Commonwealth and European champion, and graduate of the University

Professor Bengt Saltin, MD, Hon DSc
Director of the Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, University of Copenhagen

Sir Nicholas Scheele, Hon DTech
Chief Operating Officer, Ford Motor Company, and President, Ford Automotive Operations


Dr Simon Singh, MBE, Hon DLitt
Scientist, writer and broadcaster

Lord Wolfson of Marylebone, FBA, Hon DLitt
Founder trustee and Chairman of the Wolfson Foundation, and former Chairman of the Great Universal Stores and Burberry’s Ltd.

Cyril Woodruff, Hon DLitt
Former Personnel Director for British Gas (East Midlands) and member of Loughborough University Council

The award of Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt) was also presented to the widow of sculptor Lynn Chadwick, CBE, RA, in recognition of his contribution to art and design and the post war cultural reputation of British Art. A commemorative exhibition of the artist’s work was displayed at the University in July to coincide with the presentation of the award.