The Schofield Society – named after Dr Herbert Schofield, Principal of Loughborough College for 35 years – recognises leading donors to the University. Members have generously donated over £10 million to a broad range of initiatives at Loughborough since the Society began, ranging from scholarships for disadvantaged students, to research into chronic illnesses and disabilities.
The event thanked the Society’s members and celebrated the impact that members have had on the University since it was founded in 2010. Guests heard from past and present beneficiaries of Society donations and enjoyed an exclusive question and answer session with Lord Coe.
Professor Robert Allison welcomed guests on the evening and said:
This is normally the one night in the year, where I can say, more than any other, welcome to a group of very close friends. That is of course close friends of the University, but in almost every case of the Schofield Society, I feel that over the time I have been at the University, you have become close friends of mine too, and great supporters of me. I am truly grateful to you all for that.
During the event, Professor Allison gave a speech reflecting on the last 12 months of Loughborough. The Vice-Chancellor also spoke with current and graduate beneficiaries to highlight the impact of Schofield Society donations and held a live question and answer session with Lord Coe.
At the end of the event, Professor Allison gave a brief insight into his decision to retire as Vice-Chancellor at the end of this academic year. Outgoing Chair of University Council and Schofield Society member, Sir Peter Bonfield, then led a toast to celebrate the Society, the University, and the Vice-Chancellor’s career at Loughborough.
The Schofield Society has welcomed 259 members from 13 countries during the last ten years, and the impact of their donations will be felt for years to come.
For more information on the Society and its ten year anniversary, please see the dedicated webpage.