'Turnaround' pays off for rising star Leicester

The University of Leicester has been crowned University of 바카라사이트 Year at 바카라사이트 2008 온라인 바카라 Awards.

The gala dinner in 바카라사이트 Great Room of London's Grosvenor House Hotel was attended by more than 1,300 people from across 바카라사이트 sector.

Nominees for 바카라사이트 17 awards came from all over 바카라사이트 country, and 바카라사이트 winners from universities of every shape, size and mission.

Both David Lammy, 바카라사이트 new Higher Education Minister, and David Eastwood, chief executive of 바카라사이트 Higher Education Funding Council for England, gave short introductory speeches. Professor Eastwood spelt out universities' role in "transforming lives, energising communities, pushing 바카라사이트 limits of understanding, partnering with business and reaching out globally".

As world economies enter an uncertain period, he said: "Higher education will increasingly be seen as a beacon offering 바카라사이트 country hope." He also thanked 온라인 바카라 for its "supportive contribution" as a "critical friend of 바카라사이트 sector".

A highlight of 바카라사이트 evening was 바카라사이트 presentation of 바카라사이트 lifetime achievement award to Peter Hennessy, 바카라사이트 eminent historian who moved from a career in journalism to academia 15 years ago, and who taught his last undergraduate class earlier this year.

Ann Mroz, editor of 온라인 바카라, said Leicester, 바카라사이트 University of 바카라사이트 Year, "embodied 바카라사이트 spirit of 바카라사이트 awards".

She said: "Leicester's turnaround in 바카라사이트 past decade has been extraordinary, and it is encouraging to note that 바카라사이트 university has risen through 바카라사이트 league tables without feeling 바카라사이트 need to compromise on its widening-participation initiatives."

Congratulating all those who were shortlisted, Professor Eastwood added: "Thanks, too, to all who drive, animate and sustain higher education.

"Ours is a high and noble calling: but tonight we can have fun."

john.gill@tsleducation.com.