Current scholarship athletes, alumni and athletes supported through the University's Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Leeds Talent Hub represented England, Scotland, Wales, Jamaica and the Isle of Man across gymnastics, athletics, netball, swimming, cycling and weightlifting. Leeds Beckett alumna and Honorary Graduate Emily Campbell successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women's +86kg weightlifting, retaining her gold medal with a record-breaking 163kg clean and jerk. Having graduated from Leeds Beckett just two weeks before the Games, scholarship athlete Luke Whitehouse enjoyed a memorable campaign for Team England, claiming gold in the men's floor exercise, silver in the vault and helping England secure team silver in the men's artistic gymnastics competition. Leeds Beckett alumna Kadeena Cox added another Commonwealth medal to her collection with silver in the women's C4-5 kilo, producing a four-second personal best in front of a home crowd. Jade O'Dowda, supported through the Leeds Talent Hub, claimed silver in the heptathlon after an impressive all-round performance. Jamaica netball players and Leeds Beckett alumni Brie Grierson and Rhea Dixon helped their side to a silver medal after an outstanding tournament. Leeds Beckett alumnus David Mullarkey made history for the Isle of Man, securing bronze in the men's 10,000m to claim the nation's first-ever Commonwealth Games athletics medal. After being called into Team England from the reserve list, Leeds Beckett scholarship athlete Shanna-Kae Grant made her Commonwealth Games debut and helped England claim bronze in the women's artistic gymnastics team event. Several athletes also made their mark with memorable performances and milestone achievements. Scholarship athlete Harry Eyres impressed on his Commonwealth Games debut for the Isle of Man, qualifying for the men's all-around final. TASS-supported gymnasts Elliott Vernon and Henry Lewis represented Wales along with Scholarship athlete Connor Sullivan for Scotland in their first major international all-around competition, while Leeds Beckett alumnus Alex Botterill narrowly missed the podium with a fifth-place finish in the men's 800m final. Leeds Beckett is proud to support athletes at different stages of their sporting journeys through initiatives including its scholarship programme, Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) and Leeds Talent Hub. These programmes provide tailored support such as strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, performance lifestyle guidance and access to world-class facilities, helping athletes balance the demands of elite sport alongside their studies and personal development. Congratulations to all the athletes who represented their nations in Glasgow and showcased their talent on the Commonwealth stage.
Nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft CBE, television presenter and inclusion advocate George Webster, legal trailblazer Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children's rights champion Baroness Anne Longfield will all receive Honorary Doctorates at ceremonies held at First Direct Arena in Leeds from 13-17 July. Hannah Cockroft CBE - Honorary Doctor of Sport Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Hannah Cockroft CBE is one of Britain's most decorated Paralympic athletes. Competing in the T34 wheelchair racing classification, she has won nine Paralympic gold medals across four Games - London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 - alongside 16 World Championship titles and world records in five events. Beyond the track, Hannah has become a powerful advocate for disability sport and inclusion, using her platform to challenge perceptions of disability and inspire the next generation of athletes. She has also developed a close collaborative relationship with Leeds Beckett/'s Carnegie School of Sport, working alongside academics and sport scientists to advance performance support for para-athletes. Hannah Cockroft CBE said: "Leeds has always felt like a second home to me. Leeds Beckett has played an important role in supporting my performance in recent years, and I've loved working alongside the sport science team to explore new ideas and approaches that can help all athletes continue to improve. This award means a great deal because it comes from a city and a sporting community that has been such a big part of my life." George Webster - Honorary Doctor of Arts George Webster, 25, from Rawdon in West Yorkshire, made history in 2021 as the first presenter with Down syndrome on CBeebies. His warmth and natural screen presence quickly made him a firm favourite with young audiences, and in 2022 he was awarded the BAFTA for Best Presenter at the British Academy Children's Awards. Since then, George has built an impressive screen and stage career, with roles in The Railway Children Return, Casualty and World on Fire, and a celebrated appearance in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. In 2025, he joined the presenting team of Something Special - the very programme that inspired him as a child through its use of Makaton signing. He is also a published author and an ambassador for Mencap, the UK's leading charity for people with a learning disability. George Webster said: "This has all been possible because of all the incredible support I've had from my family, friends, speech therapists, portage, schools, college, charities, NHS, the council and occupational therapists. It's also possible because I always ask myself, 'Why not?' - give everything a go." Lubna Shuja - Honorary Doctor of Laws Born and educated in Yorkshire, Lubna Shuja has built a distinguished legal career founded on a commitment to justice, inclusion and ethical practice. In 2022, she made history as the 178th President of the Law Society of England and Wales - the first Asian, the first Muslim and only the seventh woman to hold the office in the organisation's near 200-year history. Under her leadership, the Law Society strengthened its support for lawyers facing complex ethical challenges, while Lubna's work with legal and governmental leaders in India helped open the Indian legal services market to solicitors from England and Wales. She has also dedicated 18 years to professional regulation, chairing hearings that protect the public and uphold standards across professions. Lubna Shuja said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award from Leeds Beckett University. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about promoting fairness, inclusion and ethical practice. I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their ambitions and help create positive change within their professions and communities." Steph Lawrence MBE - Honorary Doctor of Health Steph Lawrence MBE has dedicated her career to improving patient care and strengthening the nursing profession. Trained as both an adult and children's general nurse, she has held influential leadership positions including Chief Nurse at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and National Professional Adviser for Community Services at the Care Quality Commission. Steph led the national trailblazer group that developed the District Nurse Apprenticeship standard, now delivered by universities across England, and co-chaired the Clinical Reference Group for the National Community Nursing Plan. She was awarded an MBE in the Queen's 2022 Jubilee Birthday Honours for services to district nursing and recently became Chief Executive of the Queen's Institute of Community Nursing. A longstanding partner of Leeds Beckett, she has worked closely with the School of Health to support the development of future healthcare professionals. Steph Lawrence MBE said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and I am humbled to have been selected for doing what I believe was just my job. Thank you to colleagues at Leeds Beckett University for honouring me in this way - it is hugely appreciated." Baroness Anne Longfield - Honorary Doctor of Education Baroness Anne Longfield has spent more than 30 years helping shape national policy and public debate on children's rights, family support and social mobility. From her work on Sure Start to her six years as Children's Commissioner for England, she has consistently championed the view that every child should have the chance to thrive, regardless of background. Now Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, which she founded in 2024, she continues to campaign for practical solutions to support vulnerable children and teenagers. She previously chaired the Commission on Young Lives, whose recommendations helped shape the Government's Young Futures programme. A Yorkshire native who grew up near Otley Chevin, Baroness Longfield returned to the region after more than 20 years in London and remains deeply connected to the communities that shaped her. Baroness Longfield said: "It is a huge honour to receive this recognition from Leeds Beckett University. It feels especially meaningful because of the university's fantastic work in education and its commitment to improving life chances for disadvantaged young people. Leeds is a city with ambition, resilience and pride, and I am delighted to be honoured by a university that is playing such an important role in shaping its future." Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: "This year's honorary graduates represent an extraordinary breadth of achievement and impact. From world-record-breaking athletic performance to decades of tireless public service, each of these individuals has made a lasting difference to the lives of others. We are proud to welcome them into our community of honorary graduates and to celebrate their remarkable contributions alongside the achievements of our graduating students."
One of the inaugural inductees to the Hall of Fame in 2025, Sir Kevin was formally presented with his award and reflected on the role Leeds Beckett has played throughout his career, from student and athlete to coach, fundraiser and one of the most respected figures in British sport. A Leeds Rhinos legend, former England captain and current coach, Sir Kevin was recently awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community. Speaking about his induction, Sir Kevin described the recognition as one of the most meaningful honours of his career: "It's probably the one I worked the most for, if I'm being honest." "It's a real honour. I spent eight years here studying, which is quite a lot. You just have to look at that wall and some of the names on it, it's a who's who. I'm delighted to be inducted. "I've got some great friends on there as well, some rugby league teammates who I've played with and spent some great time with. I loved my time here." Sir Kevin graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sport Exercise Science in 2008 before returning to complete an MA in Sport Business in 2015. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport. Reflecting on his time as a student, he spoke about balancing elite sport, family life and academic study: "I think the great thing was getting the balance right in my life. "When you come up to big games and you've got assignments that need to be in and exams, they were difficult moments and challenges, but I wouldn't have changed it. "I'm so proud of the fact that I stuck with it and got through it." In recent years, Leeds Beckett has proudly supported Sir Kevin's extraordinary fundraising efforts for the MND community. Inspired by his friendship with former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Leeds Beckett alumnus and fellow Honorary Graduate Rob Burrow CBE, Sir Kevin's challenges have raised millions of pounds for MND charities and transformed awareness of the disease. Many members of the Leeds Beckett community have played a role in supporting those challenges, something Sir Kevin was keen to recognise during his visit: "The university has given me some friends for life and I'm really proud about that. "We started out on this journey trying to raise a bit of money and awareness for a mate. The fact that a group of friends have come together to continue and fight and push on has been incredible, and some of those friendships were born here." Asked what message he hoped his Hall of Fame induction would send to current and future students, Sir Kevin highlighted the importance of character, teamwork and community: "To become a champion, you've got to be a champion at home and be a good person. There are so many life lessons I got from being here, but also understanding how important it is to be part of a team. I think it's a great university. The people it attracts want to help, want to be better and it's a great environment to be in." Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, said: "Kevin embodies everything the Leeds Beckett Sport Hall of Fame was created to celebrate. His achievements in rugby are extraordinary, but it is his leadership, humility and commitment to helping others that have had an even greater impact. Through his fundraising work, inspired by his friendship with Rob Burrow, he has shown how sport can be a powerful force for good. We are proud to recognise Kevin's outstanding contribution to sport and society through his induction into the Hall of Fame." The Leeds Beckett Sport Hall of Fame celebrates alumni, honorary graduates and sporting figures whose achievements, leadership and impact have left a lasting mark on sport and society. Sir Kevin's induction recognises not only one of rugby's most decorated careers, but also the values of friendship, resilience and service that continue to inspire people across the world.
Kevin, one of the most respected figures in British sport, has been recognised in the honours list and will become Sir Kevin Sinfield following his formal investiture for services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the MND Community A longstanding member of the Leeds Beckett community, Kevin graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sport Exercise Science in 2008 before returning to complete an MA in Sport Business in 2015. In 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science by the university in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport. Kevin enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Leeds Rhinos, captaining the club to seven Super League titles, two Challenge Cup victories and three World Club Challenge successes. He represented both England and Great Britain and remains one of the most decorated players in rugby league history. Following his retirement from playing, Kevin moved into leadership and coaching roles across rugby league and rugby union, including positions with Leeds Rhinos, Leicester Tigers and England Rugby. In recent years, Kevin has become widely admired for his extraordinary fundraising efforts in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community. Inspired by his friendship with former Leeds Rhinos teammate and fellow Leeds Beckett alumnus Rob Burrow CBE, Kevin has undertaken a series of endurance challenges which have raised millions of pounds for MND charities, research and support services. Leeds Beckett has proudly supported a number of these initiatives, including hosting events at its Headingley Campus and working alongside Kevin, the Burrow family and Leeds Rhinos to raise awareness and support for the MND community. Kevin was also one of the inaugural inductees into the Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame in recognition of his exceptional achievements, leadership and impact both within and beyond sport. The Leeds Beckett community congratulates Kevin on this richly deserved honour.
Charlie graduated in 2025 with a first-class honours degree in Business Management with Enterprise. During his time at Leeds Beckett, he was actively involved in enterprise and entrepreneurship initiatives delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, where he quickly stood out for both the strength of his ideas and his determination to turn them into real ventures. While studying, Charlie took part in both the Social Enterprise Awards and the EUREKA competition, two flagship enterprise initiatives organised by the Centre. He won first prize in both competitions with his business concept Padel Fit. The idea focused on tackling social inequalities by creating an accessible, community-focused padel and wellness facility in Oldham. The concept combined affordable memberships, inclusive programmes for different age groups and health workshops aimed at improving physical activity and wellbeing in underserved communities. His proposal also demonstrated strong commercial thinking, with a clear business model based on court bookings, memberships, wellness services and community partnerships. Charlie's success and entrepreneurial progress have now been recognised through his shortlisting for the prestigious Educate North Awards, which celebrate excellence and impact across higher education, further education and sixth form sectors in the North of England. Through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Business School supports students in developing entrepreneurial thinking, testing new venture ideas and connecting with mentors, investors and regional business networks. Charlie's achievements demonstrate how these initiatives enable students to translate their ideas into real-world ventures with social and economic impact. Since graduating, Charlie has continued to develop his entrepreneurial journey and has pivoted to launch a new venture called Real Reformer Studio, a fitness-focused business which he is currently building. Charlie is a strong example of the type of entrepreneurial graduate Leeds Beckett aims to develop through initiatives such as EUREKA and the wider programmes delivered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, individuals who not only generate innovative ideas during their studies but continue to pursue them beyond graduation to create meaningful impact in their communities. Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School, said: "Charlie is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial mindset we champion at Leeds Beckett. His journey is an inspiration to other students looking to turn their ideas into real ventures. Being shortlisted for an Educate North Award is a well-deserved recognition, and it also reflects an important part of what CEKE is about - empowering our students to transform ambition into impact." Charlie added: "I'm really proud to have been shortlisted for the ENAs because I know how much work went into my time at university, and because where I'm from this journey isn't the 'normal' one for someone like me. Coming from a background where most people go straight into work or trades, being recognised at this level for my achievements at university and beyond feels both surreal and significant."
Simeon Barclay, a Fine Art graduate of Leeds School of Arts, has been shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2026 - and one of the most celebrated prizes in the contemporary art world. The announcement was made by Tate Britain, which administers the prize, on 20 April. Barclay has been nominated for The Ruin, a debut hour-long spoken word performance commissioned by the Roberts Institute of Art and also presented at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London, The Hepworth Wakefield and New Art Exchange in Nottingham. Drawing on his upbringing in Huddersfield and his lived experience of northern England's industrial landscape, the performance features live percussion and horn accompaniment and uses experimental language and an immersive soundscape to explore themes of Britishness, class, race and masculine identity. The Turner Prize jury praised the work for its 'evocative, experimental use of language and a psychologically immersive soundscape', noting its exploration of identity through a debut performance of significant ambition and depth. Since graduating from Leeds Beckett in 2010, Barclay has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary British art, exhibiting at venues including Tate Britain, the ICA and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. He returned to Leeds Beckett three years ago as a guest lecturer at the Yorkshire Sculpture International Symposium, sharing his practice and experience with current students. Julia Kelly, Course Director for BA MA Fine Art, said: "Simeon Barclay is a true inspiration to our Fine Art student community: a unique talent in the contemporary art world whose category-defying practice reflects our commitment to innovative and engaging art works for a wide range of audiences." Barclay is one of four artists shortlisted for the 2026 prize, alongside Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau and Tanoa Sasraku. An exhibition of all four shortlisted artists' work will be held at Teesside University's MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) from 26 September 2026 to 29 March 2027. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at MIMA on 10 December 2026 and will receive 25,000, with 10,000 awarded to each of the remaining shortlisted artists. Established in 1984 and named after the radical painter JMW Turner, the prize is awarded annually to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work. Photo credit: Roberts Institute of Arts presents Simeon Barclay, The Ruin, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, January 2025. Photo Anne Tetzlaff. Courtesy of the Artist Workplace.
Caryn Cox, who studied BSc Environmental Health from 1991 to 1995, joined St John Ambulance in 1979 as a Cadet and has volunteered with the organisation for the past 47 years. The Order of St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry that can award honours to people or organisations who make a selfless contribution to humanity. Entry is by invitation only and subject to the sanction of HM The King. On receiving the honour, Caryn said:"I am humbled to be appointed a Dame within the Order of St John, it's an organisation that has been ever present and shaped my life in so many rich and rewarding ways, including my day-to-day work as an NHS Consultant. "I have gained so much being a part of this truly fantastic organisation. I continue to be inspired by our St John People - both volunteers and staff - their dedication, talent and unwavering commitment to serving their communities and saving lives is without bounds. They give thousands of unpaid hours each year to help other people - there is nothing more selfless. I am particularly proud of our young people, Badgers and Cadets, who really do embody all we would hope for in our future generations and all those adults and families who support them in their development and make their learning fun and engaging." Caryn has had a wide-ranging career since graduating, mainly working in the NHS, but she also worked extensively for the World Health Organization in Copenhagen, the EU in Strasbourg and recently finished working in the role of Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health on the Isle of Man. Caryn added:"Learning first aid can and does make a difference to so many people's lives - I would strongly urge anyone who has not recently learnt CPR or how to use a defibrillator to book onto a course now." Find out more about studying our Environmental Health courses and apprenticeships at Leeds Beckett.
The film, titled Beyond Time, Bespoke for Future, showcases how creativity, sustainability and digital innovation can coexist in modern design. Rosie, who runs her own bespoke tailoring brand, explained that the project was born from her philosophy of personalisation and sustainable production: "At Rosie Hong, our approach to online bespoke tailoring is all about personalisation, made-to-order production and using high-quality, eco-friendly materials. When garments are crafted to fit perfectly and built to last, they reduce cost-per-use and minimise environmental waste." The short film tells the story of miniature artisans carefully crafting a bespoke suit that a woman continues to wear from 2025 to 2050 - even on Mars, where the planet has turned green again. Through this imaginative narrative, Beyond Time, Bespoke for Future contrasts the chaos of fast fashion with the precision and care of craftsmanship. "The film travels through time, beginning in the 1990s, a period when fast fashion exploded and caused significant environmental and social impact," Rosie said. "From there, it moves from 2025 to 2050, showing that true craftsmanship never goes out of style. Tiny artisans meticulously create a bespoke suit, which a woman continues to wear across decades, even when humanity has reached Mars." Rosie explained that the project also draws from cinematic and technological influences: "In the film, when the woman puts on her bespoke suit, it transforms gradually - echoing the iconic Iron Man armour - revealing her as powerful, confident and almost superhero-like. This moment celebrates how precision, care,and craftsmanship can elevate not just a garment, but the wearer's presence and aura." Created entirely using 3D and AI tools such as Blender, Runway, MidJourney, Photoshop and CapCut, the project itself demonstrates how emerging technologies can amplify artistic storytelling. "Every frame was built from scratch to truly reflect the spirit of bespoke craftsmanship," Rosie said. "We first designed static images following a clear narrative, then turned them into motion sequences, added visual effects, and stitched the pieces together into the final short film." For Rosie, the film also carries an important message for current students and future innovators: "Technology, including AI, can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and accelerate creation, but it doesn't replace human creativity or care. Equally important, it encourages students and future businesspeople to consider the environmental impact of their work. Beyond aesthetics or profit, thinking about the lifecycle of products and sustainability can help create more responsible, meaningful and lasting innovations." Beyond Time, Bespoke for Future is available to watch on Facebook and YouTube.
Sam Pick was awarded the Gold Prize and Kabilesh Suseendiran won the Silver Prize in the competition, which is organised by the Korean Institute of Architects (KIA) - the professional body equivalent to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the UK. The competition attracted more than 400 entries from across the world, and the winning designs by Sam and Kabilesh were exhibited as part of the Busan International Architecture Festival 2025 at BEXCO, a national convention centre in South Korea. Sam received a prize of 1,500 for his Gold-winning entry. Both graduates completed their Master of Architecture (MArch)degrees at Leeds Beckett in July 2025. Their award-winning projects were originally developed as part of their final-year coursework, demonstrating the global standard of creative and research-led teaching within the Leeds School of Architecture. Kabilesh's project, Project BioLudica 2050, envisions how communities in Teesside might adapt to rising sea levels and the effects of climate change. He said: "Receiving this recognition truly means a lot to me. It validates the hard work, dedication, and creative thinking that went into my project - and it's a reflection of the collaborative effort and support I received from my tutors throughout the process." Sam's project explored a speculative future shaped by climate change and digital innovation. He said: "It means a great deal - studying part time whilst in practice, it was fantastic to see the hard work pay off, especially in such a decorated competition. It will continue to encourage me to work hard and keep innovating." Sam also extended his thanks to the course team: "I'd like to thank the tutors on the course, and especially Hyun Jun Park, who was super supportive throughout the process." The success of Leeds Beckett graduates in Busan comes as the university deepens its links with South Korea through a new Memorandum of Understanding with Hoseo University, strengthening opportunities for academic collaboration and international exchange. Find out more about Architecture and Landscape Designat Leeds Beckett University.
Hosted by sports broadcaster Tanya Arnold at the university's flagship Carnegie School of Sport, the event welcomed a number of high-profile inductees, including: Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee OBE Emily Campbell, the most successful British weightlifter of modern times Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE The Hall of Fame celebrates Leeds Beckett University's sporting legacy, recognising individuals who have made a lasting impact across disciplines including football, rugby league and rugby union, athletics and paralympic sport, as well as aiming to inspire the next generation of stars. The celebration brought together a host of sporting greats, including: Rugby union icon Sir Ian McGeechan OBE Olympic triathlete Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE Paralympic sport advocate Dr Bob Price MBE Football star Julie Nelson BEM Pioneering sailor Dee Caffari MBE, the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the globe in both directions The most successful female freestyle paddler of all time, Claire O'Hara MBE Since 1933, when Carnegie College was founded, Leeds Beckett has been a launchpad for sporting talent, producing athletes, coaches, and leaders who have gone on to shape sport at the highest levels. Among those recognised posthumously were Sir Walter Winterbottom CBE, a trailblazer in football coaching, and renowned athletics coach Ron Pickering OBE. Other inductees included: Rugby league icon Kevin Sinfield OBE Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee Emily Scarratt, who has just won the Women's Rugby Union World Cup for a second time Rugby league star, and now coach to Leeds Rhinos Women's team, Lois Forsell Reflecting on his induction, Alistair Brownlee OBE, commented: "Leeds Beckett University holds a special place in my heart. I remember running on the track there for the first time in a school sports day when I was five. Ten years later, I walked over the same track to meet my coach, Malcolm, for the first time. The pool and gyms hosted me for hundreds of training sessions, and the fantastic people at the university provided me with so much support. "I'm extremely honoured to be inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame alongside so many incredible figures who have shaped their sports. I hope our stories inspire the next generation of sporting legends." Peter Mackreth, Dean of Carnegie School of Sport and Chair of the LBU Sport Hall of Fame Sub-Committee said: "This Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of individual achievement, it's a reflection of the university's enduring legacy in sport. For over 90 years, we've supported the development of athletes, coaches, and professionals who have gone on to influence sport on a global scale. "We're proud to honour their journeys and hope the stories they share will inspire future generations to dream big, work hard, and make a difference to the people they connect with in their careers." Guests also had the opportunity to explore a curated exhibition of memorabilia, including the tri-suit worn by Alistair Brownlee during the ITU World Triathlon Championship Series; the Great Britain Rugby League shirt worn by Kevin Sinfield; and an offshore jacket used by Dee Caffari MBE. Leeds Beckett University, through its Carnegie School of Sport, has long been recognised as a powerhouse in sport education and development. The university has played a pivotal role in nurturing elite athletes and coaches, contributing to national and international success across generations. From its early days as Carnegie College, it has built a reputation for excellence in physical education, sport science, coaching, and performance, with alumni competing in Olympic Games, World Championships, and professional leagues around the globe. The Hall of Fame is the latest chapter in a history that continues to inspire future sporting legends. The Hall of Fame honour board is now on public display at the Carnegie School of Sport. A digital version of the Hall of Fame is also available to view. Full list of inductees: Ron Pickering OBE - Athletics Wilf Paish MBE - Athletics Mick Hill - Athletics Javelin Laura Weightman - Athletics Middle Distance Running Tom Bosworth MBE - Athletics Race Walking Iain Dyer - Cycling Andy Banks MBE - Diving Yona Knight-Wisdom - Diving Sir Walter Winterbottom CBE - Football Bill Slater CBE - Football Emma Lipman - Football Julie Nelson BEM - Football Graham Potter - Football Gemma Bonner - Football Paul Heckingbottom - Football Jade Moore - Football Howard Wells OBE - Football Claire O'Hara MBE - Freestyle Kayaking, Squirt Boating Rebecca Foster MBE - Heptathlete and Deaflympics Coach Natalie Panagarry - Netball Dr Bob Price OBE - Paralympic Multi-sport Tom Williams - Parkrun/Community Sport Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE - Rugby League Lois Forsell - Rugby League Jimmy Keinhorst - Rugby League Kevin Sinfield CBE - Rugby League Jamie Peacock MBE - Rugby League Tom Briscoe - Rugby League Sir Ian McGeechan OBE - Rugby Union John Gallagher - Rugby Union Emily Scarratt - Rugby Union Dee Caffari MBE - Sailing Cyril Villiers MBE - Table Tennis Alistair Brownlee OBE - Triathlon Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE - Triathlon Alex Yee MBE - Triathlon Emily Campbell - Weightlifting
The Leeds International Festival of Ideas returns to Leeds Playhouse this October, and LBU academics and alumna are involved on fascinating panels, showcasing our role in the city's intellectual life as well as our ongoing partnership with LeedsBID. Among a line-up that includes legends from the worlds of hip-hop, comedy, writing and sport - David Baddiel, Fara Willams MBE, Caitlin Moran and Public Enemy's Chuck D among them - Professor Leanne Norman and Dr Nicky Taylor will be taking to the stage. Professor Norman, an expert in inclusive sport, will be joining a debate called How Level is the Playing Field? on Saturday 18 October, discussing inequalities in women's sport. She'll be with Verity Smith, Shebahn Aherne, Fara Williams MBE and Emily Campbell, the weightlifter and LBU alumna who recently received an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett for services to sport. Dr Taylor's research at LBU's Centre for Dementia Research and pioneering work in accessible theatre makes her the perfect person to join BAFTA-winning actress Vicky McClure and host Andrew Edwards for a discussion, QA and live performance around Vicky's Our Dementia Choir. You can get tickets for this must-see event on Saturday 18 October via the Leeds International Festival website. You can also still get tickets for events such as David Baddiel: Is religion the ultimate culture war? on Thursday 16 October and, on the same date, Why do we need to talk about domestic abuse? with Victoria Derbyshire.
The awards were made on Monday 14 July 2025, on the first day of a week of ceremonies which will see nearly 8,000 students graduate from Leeds Beckett University at the first direct arena. Emily, who completed a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science in 2016, has used the success achieved with medals in both Tokyo and Paris to champion inclusion and inspire participation in sport. Alex provided one of the enduring memories of the Paris 2024 games with a dramatic finish to claim individual gold, taking his personal Olympic medal tally to four. Two of those were won in the team event alongside fellow sports science graduate Georgia, who also claimed individual silver in Tokyo. Emily Campbell said: "To receive this honorary from the establishment where it all started for me is a very special feeling. This university holds very special memories for me and I'm excited to return for this monumental occasion." Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE said: "It's an absolute privilege and a huge shock (the good kind) to be receiving an honorary doctorate, from the university I have spent so much time at. Whether that was for my undergraduate or post undergraduate for my professional triathlon career, I have such a connection with Leeds Beckett so to be honoured with a doctorate feels so special!" Alex Yee MBE said: "It's a huge honour. Leeds Beckett took a chance on me after some exam challenges due to a crash, and I will always be extremely grateful. The program in Leeds supported my rehab and I was delighted to reward Leeds Beckett with some significant BUCS results. Thank you for your support and for this further recognition - I will do my best to continue to make you proud." Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: "On behalf of Leeds Beckett University, I would like to congratulate these inspirational and distinguished individuals on their achievement. I am delighted that we are recognising diverse accomplishments and talent which have such significant impact locally, nationally and globally. Their successes provide inspiration for this year's graduating students." Find out more about Carnegie School of Sport.