The Vice Chancellor’s Awards run every September to recognise, honour and celebrate members of the University staff community who have achieved amazing things, demonstrating their commitment to the University's aims and values, especially around togetherness.  

It is now one of the most prestigious events in the University calendar for our colleagues, which can be demonstrated by the 200+ nominations that were submitted for 17 awards across six categories related to research and innovation, education and student experience, equity, diversity and inclusion, international engagement and impact, sporting excellence and opportunity, and living the values.  

The lunch event took place at the Holywell Conference Centre and was hosted by the Vice Chancellor and attended by over 200 staff and guests. The compere for the event was Pauline Matturi, a fun and friendly face many will be familiar with by attending sessions such as Welcome to Loughborough. The student jazz band, Tuxedo Swing, provided an incredible compilation of live music adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. 

Professor Nick Jennings commented: “I continue to be struck by the Loughborough drive to seek out and embrace opportunities to ensure that through our Strategy, the University continues to develop and advance on all fronts. Reading the nominations made us feel extremely proud of our staff's incredible talent, passion and commitment here at Loughborough.  

“Together, they continue to deliver outstanding work across the University and campuses. Celebrating these individuals and teams is a personal highlight for me, so I would like to congratulate and thank everybody who has been nominated.” 

A full list of the winners and those who were shortlisted can be found on the Vice Chancellor’s Awards website.

This year’s ceremony was designed around one of the University’s strategic themes, Climate Change and Net Zero. An exhibition stand was at the event that provided guests with more information about how the University is progressing in this area.  

The Vice-Chancellor explained that a tree would be planted each year to commemorate the Vice Chancellor’s Awards, and over the years this will culminate in a wooded area on campus, leaving a lasting legacy of the awards. 

The trophies awarded at this year’s ceremony were produced with sustainability in mind. The wood used was collected from a local supplier that processes trees which have been felled for woodland and wildlife management programmes. Our in-house teams also worked collaboratively on the production and design of them, reducing the carbon impact that occurs from transportation. The wood was cut by colleagues from our FM Joinery team, whilst the design and print were led by Creative and Print Services.  

The video below shows the journey behind making this year’s Vice-Chancellor's Award trophy.