For Simon, donating to Loughborough is about giving back to a place that helped shape his adaptable approach to life and work. His contributions, he says, are made in the hope of “improving the lives of students,” even if only in a “tiny, tiny way.”
Simon studied Industrial Engineering and Management from 1967-1971. Reminiscing on his time at the University – from education through to fashions and friends – he recalls never feeling confined: “I was a multifaceted individual, and I could turn my hand to many things”. That flexibility became a defining trait of his career, which spanned pioneering work in content technology, advertising, and even the development of the magnetic strip on credit cards – a now-ubiquitous feature of modern payments.
With a brilliant network of Loughborough friends and an excellent engineering education, Simon’s launchpad into the industry – and beyond – was set. It is where he reflects on fond memories and opportunities; and he wants to support current generations of students at Loughborough to have that same experience. He wants them to benefit from technological developments; to not be held back by financial worries.
When he first made a gift to Loughborough 30 years ago, he directed it towards IT; “I'm passionate about engineers and anything that can stimulate engineering”. He talks about engineering broadly, and how the range of skills offered through an engineering degree can lead to all kinds of careers.
His time at Loughborough gave him more than technical knowledge; it gave him the mindset to explore, challenge, and innovate. “Basically, what I drew from Loughborough was the ability to adapt,” he says. That adaptability led him to question norms and imagine new possibilities – from interactive TV advertising to the idea of “pinging” a dress seen on screen and being taken straight to a website to buy it. “We were postulating way back when,” he says, “why couldn’t you have somebody walk into the Rovers Return [on Coronation Street] wearing a particular dress, and you like the look of that dress – why can’t you ping on it?”
It's clear that many of those ideas are edging closer to becoming a reality.
Simon’s career has been marked by a willingness to push boundaries and ask “why not?” – a spirit he traces back to his time at Loughborough. “We’re engineers,” he says with a smile. “We chop things to pieces, you know.”
The combination of community and innovation fuels his passion for supporting the next generation. “There is already a great university objective – make it greater, make it the best,” he says. “It gives me a lot of pleasure when you read the reviews about Loughborough; not just as a place to go for education, but as a community.” So when Simon’s godson began studying at Loughborough, he and his wife were delighted.
Reminiscing
Simon’s donations are a way of helping that community thrive. He’s clear that giving doesn’t have to be extravagant: “It doesn’t have to be a huge donation”. What matters is the impact – the idea that a donation at any level can help students access opportunities, resources, and experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
His advice to others considering a donation is simple: think about the difference you can make. Whether it’s funding scholarships, supporting upgrades to campus facilities, or enhancing student life, every gift counts. “Hopefully,” he says, “in a tiny way, it helps.”
Simon’s generosity is about remaining connected to Loughborough and giving back to the University. It gave him lifelong friends, a network, and an innovative career path. Through his support, he’s helping to ensure that brilliant education and community are at the heart of Loughborough University for generations to come.
What did your time at Loughborough do for you? Are you interested in giving back? Giving Day is taking place on 2 December. It’s your chance to hear more about the impact of gifts to Loughborough, to see how you can contribute – at any level – and to become part of a community of donors who are creating better futures, together.
