VICE CHANCELLOR'S REVIEW

Once again, this Annual Report is presented from the perspectives of those who have a particular interest in the University – students, the local community, and our partners in research, teaching and business. Our achievements have been great, but none would have been possible without the dedication of those responsible – the University’s staff.

Staff are at the heart of the quality of any organisation – talented and enthusiastic people who inspire others to achieve their potential, and who themselves reach exceptional standards. The commitment and quality of our outstanding staff are reflected in the many prestigious honours and awards bestowed on them this year. Their achievements are all the more creditable in view of the increasingly demanding and competitive environment in which higher education operates.

It is also a great pleasure to record my appreciation of Loughborough Students’ Union and its members. Their dedication to student welfare and guidance, their creation of a superb range of participative opportunities, their exceptional achievements in charity fundraising, in work in the community and in sport, and their wholehearted involvement in all aspects
of campus life contribute so much to the Loughborough Student Experience. They give this University a real competitive advantage.

Loughborough also benefits hugely from the great and diverse experience of the members of our University Council, who make an unstinting commitment to the University and are immensely supportive of its work. In a year in which, once again, the University has had to make difficult decisions, Council’s dedication has ensured the continued development of
the institution.

Loughborough owes much to the quality of its campus. The University can rightly boast a first-class environment where success and achievement can flourish. A dynamic atmosphere and outstanding facilities have long been trademarks of Loughborough. The acquisition this year of the neighbouring Holywell Park has created an exceptional opportunity for exciting developments in the future.

One of the driving forces behind the progress of the University has been Sir Denis Rooke, OM, who this year stepped down as Chancellor. Since joining Loughborough in 1989 Sir Denis has seen the University grow enormously in student numbers, in research impact and in physical infrastructure. I offer him my sincere thanks for his exceptional support. It has been a pleasure to work with Sir Denis, and we give him and Lady Rooke our very best wishes for the future. I echo the sentiment of the Chairman of Council, Sir Bryan Carsberg, in offering a most warm welcome to our new Chancellor Sir John Jennings, and I look forward with keen anticipation to working with him in the advancement of this excellent University.

Professor David Wallace
Vice Chancellor