The University’s award of an honorary degree to singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding attracted great media interest, with BBC South East broadcasting live from Canterbury Cathedral.
Ellie Goulding, best known for her hit single Love Me Like You Do, received her honorary Doctor of Arts degree from University Chancellor Gavin Esler at a ceremony at the cathedral on 18 July.
She is an alumna of Kent who studied drama and theatre studies before leaving the course at the end of her second year to pursue a career in music.
Orator Dr Oliver Double, who was the star’s tutor, described how he had wished her luck in her career but said she was welcome to finish her degree ‘if things don’t work out’.
The award to Ellie Goulding saw film crews from the BBC, ITV Meridian, PA Media and KMTV cover the event. Among other news organisations running the story were the Daily Mail, Belfast Telegraph and numerous regional newspapers.
The award to Ellie Goulding came during two weeks of University Congregation ceremonies at both Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Karen Cox congratulated students for their ‘incredible’ achievements.
She said: ‘Kent students really are amazing. Every year, we are inundated with nominations for the Kent Student Awards, a scheme that recognises the outstanding contribution students make to the Kent student experience. And every year, we hear incredible stories of our students’ achievements, many of which are inspiring and humbling.’