Award-winning author, illustrator, screenwriter and creator of Medway-based LGBTQ+ YA romance comic Heartstopper, Alice Oseman was among five inspirational people to receive honorary degrees from Kent in July 2024. Degrees were awarded during graduation ceremonies at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals.
This year’s honorary awards included doctors of Letters, Arts and the University.
The honorary graduands were:
Alice Oseman, who was made Doctor of Letters in recognition of their inspirational contribution to art and literature, with a particular notable impact through their work to support the young adult LGBTQ+ community (Rochester 17 July).
Alice Oseman receives their honorary degree from Chancellor YolanDa Brown
Ben Roddy, who was made Doctor of Arts in recognition of his services to the arts, most notably stage and screen, and in recognition of his fundraising and campaigning in support of local causes and charities (Canterbury 23 July).
Ben Roddy gives a speech after accepting his honorary degree
Rachael Burford, who was made Doctor of the University in recognition of her inspirational contribution to rugby, both within the UK and internationally, with a particular notable impact through her work to support women in rugby (Canterbury 23 July).
Rachael Burford receives her honorary degree from Chancellor YolanDa Brown
Jenny Sealey OBE, who was made Doctor of Arts in recognition of her services to the arts and also disability rights, awareness and advocacy. Jenny has been the Artistic Director of Graeae, UK’s flagship disabled led theatre company since 1997 (Canterbury 24 July).
Jenny Sealey OBE gives speech after accepting her honorary degree
Carol Stewart, who was made Doctor of Arts in recognition of her services to the Medway community and the creative arts (Rochester 24 July, in a University of Greenwich graduation ceremony).
Carol Stewart receives her honorary degree from Kent’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura