The current round of nominations is open until 24 April 2023.
Definitions of University Medals and Honorary Degrees can be found below. Further details about eligibility and criteria can be found on the Honorary Graduates webpage, where you can also nominate an individual.
University Medallists
These celebrate the very best of the Loughborough community; the University Medal is the most prestigious honour that the University can award. Only a small number are given out each year and they are normally presented at a graduation ceremony.
Honorary Degrees
Loughborough University bestows Honorary Degrees on high-profile individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fields which the University has close links with. Areas of contribution could be any academic, business or professional service area, or of particular relevance to the University’s values and strategic vision.
Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University Professor Nick Jennings said: “A huge part of the success here at Loughborough University is the contribution we make to society. With our Honorary Degrees, we want to honour those global changemakers who are Creating Better Futures in areas in which the University excels. As the University’s highest honour, our University Medals are bestowed on those who have made a significant impact working together with us here at Loughborough. Opening nominations to all staff is just one way in which we are moving forward together.”
At the most recent graduation ceremonies (December 2022), the following recipients were chosen:
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Sarah Hunter MBE, England Rugby Union Captain and World Cup winner – Honorary Degree
Hunter, 37, became the most-capped England international in history during the Rugby World Cup 2022, winning her 140th cap as the Red Roses were edged out in the final by New Zealand in Auckland.
The Honorary Degree from Loughborough was in recognition of her outstanding contribution to rugby and achievements at the very highest level of international competition
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Professor Steve Rothberg, Predecessor Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research, Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering – University Medal
Professor Rothberg, or Steve to his colleagues, was awarded his University Medal for his huge contribution to both the University’s research excellence and its wider community.
You can see more of our previous honorary award winners online.