A wide range of prizes – kindly gifted by external guests who have links to the University’s community, donated by local business and charity partners, or in memory of former students and friends of Bedfordshire – were presented to students who have excelled throughout their studies at Bedfordshire.

Among the many honours presented, the Sir Ian Dixon Memorial Prize was awarded to Nicola Reynolds, a student on the Executive MBA course. This annual award recognises the best student on a postgraduate professional management course and places a particular emphasis on those from non-traditional educational routes or less advantaged backgrounds.

Despite returning to study after a significant gap, Nicola achieved exceptional academic results and engaged deeply with all aspects of her course. While managing the demands of postgraduate study, Nicola also co-runs her own business, Happy Tiddlers, a swim school dedicated to helping children build water confidence through playful, purposeful teaching.

Speaking about this award, Nicola said: “Being honoured with the Sir Ian Dixon Memorial Prize is both humbling and deeply personal. It reflects the commitment, sacrifice, and belief poured into every stage of this journey – not just mine, but that of those who encouraged me along the way. Above all, it stands as a message to my son: that with courage, perseverance, and support, we can turn ambition into impact – and moments of doubt into milestones of growth.”

The award commemorates Sir Ian Dixon, former Chairman of Governors, who gave outstanding service to the University – then known as the University of Luton.

The other prize recipients from the University of Bedfordshire’s Business School are:

• Brian Johnston Memorial Prize – Business Management student, Nathan Clarke
• Bryan Roe Memorial Prize – Business Studies student, Paraschiva Slejiuc
• Dr Mike Daniels Memorial Prize – Pharmacology & Health Science student, Damilola Eunice Ajayi
• JE Cule Prize – Executive MBA student, Martin Plummer
• Machins and Mark Pelopida Prize – Law student, Annalise Bruce-Spalding
• Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Society of Chartered Accountants Prize – Accounting student, Shahriar Dewan
• Marilyn Barton Memorial Prize – Human Resources Management student, Ana Mantaluti

Images credit: Ede & Ravenscroft