10/06/2026
The University was founded with a regional civic mission, and that mission continues today.
On Wednesday 10 June, a special celebration of heritage took place in Lyddington, Rutland, paying homage to the University’s roots in the local community.
Read the full story 👉 https://le.ac.uk/news/2026/june/special-ceremony-university-leicester-celebrate-rutland-roots
Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, was joined by Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, and alumna and High Sheriff of Rutland, Susannah Fish, to welcome attendees and share the rich history connecting the University and the County.
Dr Astley Clarke of Lyddington, one of the University’s founding fathers and its first benefactor, was an officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. In November 1918, he donated £100 to establish the Leicester University Fund, celebrating peace and supporting the creation of a university as a memorial. His gift inspired many local people to do the same in the years that followed.
The University has now launched its largest philanthropic campaign since its founding. 2121: Founders of the Future aims to raise £100 million and will be celebrated, alongside the established Sir Lawrence Howard Rutland Scholarship, at an event on Thursday 1 October at Harrington School in Rutland.
Learn more about our founding history with Rutland 👉 https://le.ac.uk/news/2026/june/special-ceremony-university-leicester-celebrate-rutland-roots
University of Leicester