Nims first hit the public spotlight in 2019 when he climbed all 14 of the world’s ‘Death Zone’ peaks in just six months and six days. His incredible journey was captured in the 2021 Netflix film ‘14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible’.
Born in Nepal, Nims had a distinguished 16-year military career, of which he spent six years as a Gurkha and 10 years with the UK Special Forces. It was during this time he developed an interest in mountaineering that quickly turned into a passion, accumulating an ever-growing list of record-breaking summits alongside many high-altitude rescue missions.
His Loughborough journey began in 2012 when he joined the University’s Business School to study for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Security Management, which he completed in 2014.
In 2018 Nims was awarded an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen for his outstanding achievement in extreme high-altitude mountaineering. And in 2022 the Business School presented him with a Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his exceptional successes in mountaineering, along with his commitment to the United Nations Environment Programme and the mountain community in Nepal.
Today Nims is celebrated as one of the greatest climbers of his generation.
Speaking about his honorary degree, he said: “I am grateful and humble to receive this award from Loughborough University, it will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, growing up in Nepal, I know the power and importance of education. It is vital to help raise aspirations and create a skilled community. Education has the power to change lives and communities. That is why education is a core pillar of my charitable Nimsdai Foundation which I set up to help give back to the mountain communities of my homeland.
“I’m proud to be an alumnus of Loughborough and my message to the students who graduated today and those who are still studying is to dream big. Don’t listen when people say your dreams are impossible – you must be self-disciplined and believe in your goal.
“Make a goal that is bigger than just yourself. Make your goal something that will inspire others and make a positive change. Then work hard with all your heart to make it a reality. I truly believe that nothing is impossible – humans are capable of incredible things. Dream big, believe in yourself and work hard.”
Professor Nick Jennings, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, added: “Nirmal’s achievements, both on and off the mountain, are truly inspiring. He demonstrates just what is possible if you have the determination and courage to reach your goals.
“We are incredibly proud that he is part of the Loughborough community and that we have been able to recognise his achievements with an honorary degree.”
Nirmal Purja MBE was made a Doctor of the University at Loughborough’s winter graduation service on Thursday 14 December 2023.