This week, Loughborough University will honour thousands of students in its summer graduation ceremonies.  

Held on campus between 14-17 July, graduates will be gowned and their achievements celebrated as they reach the culmination of years of hard work.  

Amongst those graduating is MEng Chemical Engineering student Ajay Parmar who has already successfully secured graduate employment with Total UK.

During his year in industry with host company Total, Ajay far exceeded the scope of his placement project and his work resulted in significant financial gain to the company. Ajay took a leading technical role in improving the Total Lindsey Oil Refinery Crude slate processing and identified and helped Total to achieve energy savings of approximately £800,000 a year across refinery. Total sponsored Ajay’s final two years at University and have consequently offered him a job role.

Speaking of Loughborough, he said: “Loughborough gave me the perfect blend of excitement and opportunities. Over the past few years, I have matured into a student fit for working in the oil industry, whilst not sacrificing a moment of fun - this was all thanks to Loughborough.” 

Also graduating are England Women Cricketers, Anya Shrubsole  and Georgia Elwiss who both came to Loughborough for the quality of the degrees and the University’s reputation for cricket.

Psychology student Anya said: “The quality of both the degree programme and more importantly, the cricket programme made Loughborough an obvious choice for me. You won’t find a better cricket centre than the one here. To have so many sport minded people on campus means that lots of people on campus have a lot in common.”

Georgia, studying Sports Science with Management, adds: “The training facilities are world class and the coach who heads up our programme has transformed my game. At Loughborough, I have been able to combine being an athlete and a student to make the most of both areas over my four years here.”

Both full-time professional cricketers have big plans ahead with Anya targeting a move to Australia to continue her game and Georgia exploring a career path in sports nutrition.

Local mature student and single parent, Ann Reeves will also be collecting her degree certificate this week.

Ann, from Coalville, spent 20 years working as a journalist for the BBC and decided to return to education and retrain. Studying Criminology and Social Policy, she aspires to work with rehab prisoners or with young people within the community who have emotional or behavioural issues.

While juggling a degree, family life and other commitments, Ann managed to find time to be Mature Students Association (MSA) Chair and a Mature Student Buddy for new intake.

She comments: “I chose Loughborough because of its reputation as a top University and because it’s close to my family home. The campus village style is welcoming and I’ve always felt part of the Loughborough family. I have loved the lecturers and the depth of knowledge and passion they have for their subject.”

Three Development Trust Scholars are also graduating this week. The Development Trust Scholarships are supported by donations from alumni and friends of Loughborough University and enable academically gifted students from disadvantaged background to study at the University.

To date, 38 scholars have studied a range of undergraduate programmes including Hayley Johnson and Oliver Gilbank studying Sport and Exercise Science and Ciara Wang studying Architecture Engineering & Design Management.

Hayley, speaking about how gaining a scholarship has motivated her to achieve her full potential, said: “The funding from the scholarship has hugely contributed to the incredible time that I have had at Loughborough.

“Having the financial burden removed has enabled me to pursue my passion for ballet by joining the Students’ Union Dance Club. Being involved has equipped me with many skills as well as so many lovely memories that I will hold close to my heart.”

Oliver adds: “I really like the atmosphere that Loughborough has throughout Halls and the campus. It’s like a family unit; a community within a community.”

Ciara, who also came through on the Scholarship programme, is planning on continuing her Loughborough experience. She said: “’I am pleased To have received an offer on a course at Loughborough University’s new London campus where I plan to earn my Masters degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management.”

As part of the graduation ceremonies, the University will also present honorary degrees to seven distinguished individuals from the world of sport, business and education. Further information is available here