Honourable start to the decade for alumni named in Queen’s New Year list

Eight alumni and Honorary Graduates have been named in the 2020 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to sports, education, safety and research.

Professor Dame Sally Davies DBE is awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) for services to Public Health and Research. Sally was the first woman to be appointed Chief Medical Officer for England and in 2013, she became central in establishing Genomics England. The honours list says: “Her leadership, credibility, and communication ensured world class responses to crises; Ebola, Zika, flu and Novichok”.

Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Loughborough in 2014, Sally has also impacted UK Policy, made international progress through her work on antimicrobial resistance and been recognised by the USA National Academy of Medicine.  

Baroness Sue Campbell CBE, a former University lecturer, Honorary Graduate and member of the Loughborough Sport Hall of Fame, will be made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to Sport. Sue is the Football Association's Director of Women's Football and is cited as “one of the most influential people in the history of British sport”. She told the PA news agency:

"These things are an immense privilege but they're also something you accept on behalf of an awful lot of other people who make your job possible. I feel very grateful and it's a reflection of all the hard work an awful lot of people have put into women's football and my life in sport generally".

Alumna Christine Hodgson, who graduated in 1987 with a degree in Accounting and Financial Management, will receive a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Christine is the Chair of Capgemini UK as well as Chair of the Careers and Enterprise Company. She has been recognised for services to Education in the honours list.

Christine was also awarded an Honorary Degree by the University in summer 2019 for her work in business and finance, and for her contributions to the wider community to ensure there are opportunities for everybody in business.

England Netball and former Loughborough Lightning goal shooter Joanne Harten has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to Netball.

After graduating from Loughborough University in 2011 with a degree in International Relations, Joanne was integral to the Vitality Roses winning a bronze medal at the Netball World Cup in July.

She also scored 58 of 61 points as her Loughborough Lightning side beat defending champions Wasps Netball in the British Fast5 Netball All-Stars Championship final in October.

Alumnus Barry Middleton has been awarded an MBE for services to Hockey. Barry is the most capped player in the history of Great Britain and England Hockey and retired in April 2019 having played in four Olympic Games, four World Cups, eight European Championships and four Commonwealth Games.

Barry, who graduated in 2008 with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, was named in the world team of the year on three occasions and was nominated for FIH world player of the year in 2018. Barry was also inducted into the Loughborough Sport Hall of Fame in November last year.

Andrew Ebben is awarded a BEM (Medallist of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Lifeguard Development and Swimming Pool Safety. The BEM is awarded for “hands-on” services to the local community.

Andrew has written several books on lifeguarding and has served as the Managing Director of the Royal Life Saving Society. He is currently working freelance as a water safety adviser. He studied Physical Education and Sports Science until 1980 and continued his studies at Loughborough to gain a Certificate of Education in 1981.

Alumna Mairi (Alyn) Gowans is also awarded a BEM for services to Education and Charity. Mairi studied Geography and Physical Education and later a PGCE in Physical Education, graduating in 1989. She is a Physical Education teacher at Hillhead High School and a passionate fundraiser, working with pupils, parents, staff and former students of the school to run events and activities to help others.

Rajiv (Theratil) Ouseph will receive a BEM for services to Badminton in Great Britain and the Promotion of Sport within the British Asian Community.

The professional Badminton player studied Communication and Media Studies at Loughborough. He competed at the Rio 2016 games, making fifth place – the highest place finish for a GB Badminton player at an Olympic Games ever. He has competed at three Commonwealth Games and has now taken up the role of Badminton England’s Assistant Pathway Coach.

Many congratulations to Loughborough’s honours recipients.

Pictured: Sue Campbell, Christine Hodgson, Joanne Harten and Barry Middleton.