Honorary Graduates
Tammy Beaumont MBE (DUniv)
England Women’s Cricketer
Loughborough alum and one of the most accomplished cricketers of her generation, Tammy Beaumont MBE has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her many achievements in women’s cricket and her dedication to promoting gender equality and youth empowerment.
Tammy has established herself as one of the world’s leading batters, earning over 250 caps across all formats of the game. She played a pivotal role in England’s triumph at the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, where her outstanding performance saw her named Player of the Tournament. Among other accolades, Tammy was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to cricket, before being named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2019.
Beyond her achievements on the field, Tammy has been a dedicated advocate for women’s sport and gender equality by elevating the profile of women’s cricket and creating greater opportunities for young women entering the sport. Her career embodies the values of excellence, resilience, and leadership that are central to Loughborough University.
Dave Ellis MBE (DUniv)
Triathlete and gold-medal winning Paralympian
Dave Ellis MBE has built a remarkable sporting career through resilience and has been given this award in recognition of his sustained achievements in Paralympic triathlon.
After representing Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, he made the bold decision to switch sports and pursue paratriathlon. The change proved an inspired one, with Dave quickly establishing himself among the world’s best, winning European and World titles before becoming one of the dominant athletes in the PTVI category. His achievements reached their peak at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he secured Paralympic gold alongside his guide, Luke Pollard.
Away from competition, Dave contributes to sport through his role on the ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission. His journey demonstrates the power of perseverance in the face of adversity and reflects the value of determination and ambition that are championed at Loughborough.
Mike Nelson (DUniv)
Artist
Loughborough-born artist Mike Nelson is a hugely influential figure in contemporary visual art, renowned for his large-scale immersive installations that have captivated a global audience. Having grown up in town and attended Loughborough Grammar School, his early experiences with industrial materials cultivated his distinctive artistic practice.
Mike’s work has been exhibited by leading galleries and museums including Tate and the Hayward Gallery and is celebrated for its thought-provoking and evocative qualities. A two-time Turner Prize nominee, Mike represented Great Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2022 and was elected as a Royal Academician in 2013, in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the arts. Through creativity and innovation, Mike has established himself as one of Britain’s most significant contemporary artists and an inspiring ambassador for Loughborough.
Anita Gurumurthy (DUniv)
Practitioner-scholar and Digital
Justice Activist
Anita Gurumurthy is an internationally recognised leader in the field of digital justice, whose work has shaped global conversations regarding technology and social change. She has been named an honorary graduate in recognition of her promotion of using technology as a tool for human rights, social justice and equity.
Through her research and creation of IT for Change, Anita’s work has consistently challenged dominant approaches to the digital economy, championing more equitable and inclusive alternatives, while amplifying perspectives from the Global South.
Anita has maintained a strong and long-standing relationship with Loughborough University, collaborating with academics on major research initiatives and contributing extensively to the intellectual life of the University through events such as the Annual Freire Lecture.
Jill Scott MBE (DUniv)
Former professional footballer
Jill Scott MBE is one of the most recognisable figures in English football, celebrated for her exceptional playing career and her involvement in the growth of the women’s game. A former student at Loughborough College, she combined her studies in Exercise and Health with the dedication and determination that would take her to the very highest level of international football.
Over a 15-year career, Jill earned 161 caps for England and Great Britain, competing at World Cups, European Championships and Olympic Games. She was a central member of the England team that won the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022, a landmark achievement that catapulted the profile of women’s football into national prominence.
Alongside her achievements on the pitch, Jill has become a passionate advocate for increasing opportunities in sport, supporting grassroots football and inspiring the next generation of players. Through her dedication and outstanding contributions to sport, particularly female sporting excellence, she has become a role model at Loughborough University.
University Medallists
Professor Patricia Carrillo
Professor of Strategic Management in Construction,
School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Professor Patricia Carrillo is an internationally respected scholar in construction management whose career has been defined by academic excellence and supporting others. She has received an honorary degree to acknowledge her steadfast contributions to the University’s goals, reputation enhancement, EDI and the student experience.
Patricia joined Loughborough in 1988 to undertake postgraduate study and went on to spend more than 30 years as a member of staff in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the research and education of strategic management in construction, as well as holding numerous leadership roles across the University, including Programme Director, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Associate Dean for Teaching, and Interim EDI Director.
Committed to widening participation in STEM subjects, Patricia has supported both students and colleagues alike and created a lasting impact on the University community. She is a highly respected figure whose legacy will continue to influence Loughborough for many years to come.
Dr Andrew Dix
Senior Lecturer, Department of English
Dr Andrew Dix has been a valued member of the Loughborough community for over two decades, bringing an outstanding standard of teaching and student support to the University.
An exceptional educator, Andrew has received this award in recognition of his contributions to the University College Union Committee and his unwavering dedication to teaching. His thoughtful approach, detailed feedback and willingness to go above and beyond has been reflected in outstanding student feedback and repeated nominations for teaching awards.
Outside the classroom, Andrew has made a significant impact across the University through supporting key events, leading interdisciplinary initiatives, and playing an important role in programmes that enhance the student experience. He has also provided invaluable support to colleagues through his long-standing service with the University and College Union, helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances and leaving a profound impact on countless students and staff.
Sarah Van Zoelen
Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing
Sarah Van Zoelen, since joining the University in 2019, has transformed the approach to occupational health and wellbeing at Loughborough, creating a service that has had a lasting impact on staff across the institution.
Bringing her extensive expertise as both a nurse and occupational health leader, Sarah redesigned the University’s occupational health provision, developing a holistic and preventative model. Under her guidance, the service has grown significantly, increasing engagement and ensuring staff have access to the support they need to thrive professionally and personally. She has introduced initiatives including wellbeing resources, mental health guidance for managers and educational programmes covering topics such as menopause, sleep, lifestyle medicine, and men’s health.
Recognised nationally for her contribution to healthcare and workplace wellbeing, Sarah’s dedication to supporting others has helped foster a healthier, more supportive culture at Loughborough and made an exceptional contribution to the University and its people.
Pauline Matturi
Senior Learning and Development Advisor
For over a decade, Pauline Matturi has played a pivotal role in helping colleagues across the University develop their careers and realise their potential. She is being recognised with a University Medal for her contributions to the University’s EDI goals and her positive impact on the staff experience.
Pauline is perhaps best known for the warmth she brings to every interaction. Her development programmes, particularly those supporting women in the workplace, have been described as life-changing, while her support for graduate trainees, placement students, and colleagues at all stages of their careers has left a lasting impact at Loughborough.
Alongside her formal role, Pauline has become a familiar and cherished presence within the University community. Whether welcoming new staff or supporting graduation ceremonies, she has helped create a sense of belonging that makes Loughborough such a unique place to work and study.
Professor Roy Kalawsky
Royal Academy of Engineering/Airbus Research Chair -
Digital and Data Engineering Information Systems, School
of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
One of the driving forces behind Loughborough’s reputation for innovation and industry collaboration, Professor Roy Kalawsky has spent three decades elevating the University’s research landscape. He has been awarded a University Medal in appreciation of his academic achievements and his longstanding contributions as a hall warden.
Joining Loughborough in 1995 from BAE Systems, he founded the Advanced Virtual Reality Research Centre, positioning the University at the forefront of virtual reality research, at a time when the field was still in its infancy. Having secured over £27 million in research funding throughout his career, Roy has played a leading role in developing major initiatives that continue to benefit the University today. From the creation of Loughborough’s first High-Performance Computing Facility and Holywell Park to his role as mentor and hall warden, Roy has helped establish Loughborough as a centre for world-leading engineering research and influenced generations of students.
An enormous thank you and congratulations to all of this year’s Honorary Graduates and University Medallists for their exceptional service to the University and beyond.