Singer-songwriter, Afrobeats star and Kent alumna Tiwa Savage, and the 2021 Nobel Laureate for Literature and Kent emeritus professor Abdulrazak Gurnah, were among nine inspirational people to receive honorary degrees from the University during graduation ceremonies at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals during July 2022.
This years honorary awards included doctors of science, music, arts, laws and letters.
The honorary graduands were:
• Alumnus and Emeritus Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah, who was made a Doctor of Letters for his distinguished contribution to literature and his reflections and portrayal of the effects of colonialism, the theme of the refugee’s disruption, and the human experiences of a cross-continental journey (Canterbury 11 July)
Abdulrazak Gurnah receiving honorary degree from Kent’s Chancellor, Gavin Esler
• Susan Wanless, who was made Doctor of Music in recognition of her significant contribution to music and for services to the wider University as both Director of Music and Master of Eliot College (Canterbury 11 July)
Susan Wanless gives her acceptance speech after receiving honorary degree
• Dr Howard Leicester, who was made Doctor of Science for his significant contribution and distinguished service to the enhancement and provision of accessible information, most notably in the area of the NHS, and for helping ensure a socially just and inclusive society (Canterbury 12 July)
Dr Howard Leicester gives his acceptance speech after receiving his honorary degree
• Professor Kevin Hylton, who was made Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contribution to the study of race, equality and diversity in sport and education (Canterbury 12 July)
Professor Kevin Hylton receiving honorary degree from Kent’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Karen Cox
• Mark Lane, who was made Doctor of the University in recognition of his inspirational career in garden design and media (Canterbury 13 July)
Mark Lane receiving honorary degree from Kent’s Chancellor, Gavin Esler
• Mark Thomas, who was made Doctor of Arts for his unique contribution to British comedy and politics (Canterbury 14 July)
Mark Thomas gives his acceptance speech after receiving his honorary degree
• Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, who was made Doctor of the University in recognition of her exceptional contribution to business and philanthropy (Canterbury 14 July)
• Olufunke Abimbola MBE, who was made Doctor of Laws for her inspirational career as a senior solicitor and her extensive voluntary work as a mentor and campaigner (Canterbury 14 July)
Olufunke Abimbola MBE gives her acceptance speech after receiving her honorary degree
• Alumna Tiwa Savage, who was made Doctor of Music in recognition of her inspirational and international career in music (Canterbury 15 July)
Tiwa Savage receiving honorary degree from Chancellor, Gavin Esler
- Kent alumnus Kush Kanodia, who was made Doctor of Science for his inspirational career as a disability and rights champion, and social entrepreneur (Rochester 20 July)
Full biographies are available here.