This summer, almost 4000 students graduated from the University in traditional ceremonies held at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals.
The students, from the University’s faculties of Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, were joined by family and friends, as well as academic staff and principal officers of the University, including the Chancellor Dr Gavin Esler, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, College Masters and Heads of School.
Students from both the University’s UK campuses, as well as its European postgraduate study centres in Paris, Athens and Rome, were among those graduating.
During the ceremonies the University also awarded fourteen honorary degrees to distinguished individuals from many walks of life who have made a significant contribution to society. Honorary graduates are selected from nominations by members of the University and very often have links with departments or are University of Kent alumni.
This year’s recipients included Herman Van Rompuy, first President of the European Council, BBC journalist Fi Glover and Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame brewery.
All of the honorary graduates joined the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor in offering their congratulations to the students. They also offered words of advice to those who were about to embark on the next stage of their lives, many of whom were pursuing their chosen careers or taking up postgraduate study.
Kent’s students were also congratulated by local businesses in Canterbury and Rochester, many of whom publicly recognised the contribution students make to the cultural, economic and social life of the cities.
