Geography and Environment alumni recognised for excellence

Awards
Jessica standing in her graduation gown and hat holding the award with a sign that says Congratulations graduate in Loughborough colours.

Following Winter Graduations, we reflected on some of the successes of the year! Several alumni from the class of 2025 Geography and Environment were recognised with prestigious prizes, celebrating both academic excellence and contributions to the wider University community during their graduations in the summer. A wonderful way to say goodbye to undergraduate life and become alumni! Here’s an insight of some of the prize winners, focusing on School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Jessica Powell received both the Reid Dissertation Prize, awarded for the highest mark in a physical geography dissertation, and the Richard and Margaret Lawton Prize, given to the best final-year student in Geography (including joint honours programmes). 

Grace Evans was awarded the School of Social Sciences and Humanities Community Prize (Geography and Environment, Part C), acknowledging her exceptional extra-curricular contributions to the School, University, and wider community. This prize recognises students who make an outstanding impact beyond their academic studies. 

Grace holding her award in her graduation cap and gown in front of a sign that says Congratulations Graduate in Loughborough colours.

Grace Evans with her award

Alongside Grace and Jessica, several other alumni were recognised for their achievements: 

  • Nikita Dhaya– The Bell Dissertation Prize, awarded annually for the highest mark in a human geography dissertation. 
  • Jodie Banner– Barbara Bagilhole Memorial Award: Best Student Paper in Equality & Diversity, a School-wide prize honouring the late Professor Barbara Bagilhole (1951–2015), an influential researcher on gender, feminism, diversity, and social inequalities. 
  • Lily Stephens – Barbara Bagilhole Memorial Award: Best Student Paper in Equality & Diversity – Runner up 

Congratulations to all alumni who were involved. We celebrate their dedication, lasting impact, and look forward to hearing about the future contributions they will make.