Dr Lesley Schatzberger Awarded OBE

News

Posted on Monday 16 February 2026

We are immensely proud to celebrate Dr Lesley Schatzberger, a long-standing clarinet tutor within the School of Arts and Creative Technologies at the University of York, who has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

Lesley received the honour from HRH Prince William on 14 January 2026 at an Investiture at Windsor Castle. The award, originally announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025, recognizes her extraordinary "Services to Children with Life-Limiting Illnesses and Communication Difficulties."

Dr Richard Powell, Head of Music, noted the profound impact she has had on campus:

"Lesley has been a hugely important presence in the Music Department for so many years, as both a performer and a much-loved clarinet teacher. Her work with Jessie's Fund has been an inspiration for our staff and students across the last three decades... it's wonderful to see her leadership recognised in this way on a national level."

The School of Arts and Creative Technologies and the wider University of York community send their warmest congratulations to Lesley on this thoroughly deserved recognition of her passion, commitment, and artistry.

Read more about Lesley's fantastic work with Jessie's Fund and her OBE: https://jessiesfund.org.uk/founder-lesley-schaztberger-awarded-obe/