Alumnus Kenneth Allison has been awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the environment.
Kenneth is the Director of Allocation and Asset Management for the Environment Agency, where he is responsible for flood and coastal risk management. He has over 25 years’ experience in environmental roles. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1982.
Former President and CEO of Airbus America, Barry Eccleston, has been rewarded with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the United Kingdom aerospace and aviation industry. Barry, based in the USA, gained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1969. He retired from his role at Airbus America in 2017.
Alumnus Dr Tom Karen, who graduated in 1945 with a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, has also been recognised with an OBE for his services to design.
He was the Chief Designer and Managing Director of Ogle Design from 1962 to 1999 and many of his works are internationally recognisable. Pieces such as the Raleigh Chopper bicycle, the Marble Run and Reliant Scimitar GTE car are all famous design works of Tom Karen.
The Raleigh Chopper
Professor Mary Nevill has also been awarded an OBE for her services to sport and sports science. She is currently the Head of Sports Science at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.
In 2011, Mary was inducted into the Loughborough Sport Hall of Fame for her performance as a hockey player, and particularly for her contribution to the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, where the team picked up a Bronze medal under her captaincy.
The alumna has a BSc in Geography and PE from Loughborough, as well as a PGCE. She became a Doctor in 1987 after studying for a PhD in Physical Education.
Alumnus Alan Peterson has been awarded an OBE for services to charitable fundraising in Wales. Through his fundraising activities, he has particularly supported the Welsh Guards and he is an Honorary Colonel of Army Cadets Wales.
He is also the Fundraising Chairman of the NSPCC Appeal Board in Wales, who are set to raise £3 million over three years. Alan graduated from Loughborough with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and Management in 1972.
Group Captain Nicola Thomas has received an OBE for her services to the military. She was the RAF’s first ever female commander of a Tornado bomber squadron, taking command of over 250 RAF staffers. She has served in Iraq and in Afghanistan, where she completed 35 missions within three months. She studied Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough, graduating in 1999.
Alumnus Bob Chappell has been recognised for his services to Basketball with a BEM (British Empire Medal). Most recently, Bob was the team manager for the England Senior Men’s Basketball team.
He is currently the Chair and administrator of Surrey Schools Basketball, organising competitions for schools in the county. Bob graduated from Loughborough with BEd degree in Physical Education in 1970.
Many congratulations to Loughborough’s honours recipients.
Pictured: Barry Eccleston, Mary Nevill, Nicola Thomas and Bob Chappell.
Image of Nicola Thomas courtesy of the Ministry of Defence and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright 2009.