More than 3,000 students attended the University’s Class of 2023 graduation ceremonies at Rochester and Canterbury cathedrals during the first two weeks of July.
Students from all disciplines received their certificates in front of their personal guests and academic staff. Each ceremony, all of them loud, vibrant and joyful in the Kent tradition, was presided over by either the Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Karen Cox, or the Chancellor, Dr Gavin Esler, both of whom offered their congratulations to the students as they received their awards.
During the speeches and addresses, Kent Union President Zaid Mahmood urged graduates to realise their ambition and make their mark on the world. He said: ‘Class of 2023, it’s time for you to walk with your head held high, with the unwavering conviction that the future is in the palm of your hands. Rise up, shine bright and inspire the world with your unique brilliance.’
Alongside this year’s cohort, we also also celebrated some of our graduates from the 1970s via a special Golden Graduations ceremony attended by alumni from 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973.
Fifteen inspirational individuals also received honorary degrees. These included Maria Alekhina (Masha), Diana Burkot, Olga Borisova and Taso Pletner – members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot – former England cricket captain and commentator David Gower OBE, musician/educator Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, comedian Josie Long, and Josephine James OBE, the Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who hoped that this years’ Kent graduates would follow in the footsteps of many of those from previous years and make their mark regionally.
