Kent is looking forward to awarding honorary degrees to ten inspirational individuals during its congregation ceremonies at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals during July 2022.
Among those to receive awards will be singer-songwriter and Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage, and the 2021 Nobel Laureate for Literature and Kent emeritus professor, Abdulrazak Gurnah.
The ceremonies will take place at Canterbury from 11-15 July and Rochester on 20 July.
The July honorary graduands are:
- Kent alumnus and Emeritus Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah, who will be 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)
- Susan Wanless, who will be 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)
- Dr Howard Leicester, who will be 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)
- Professor Kevin Hylton, who will be 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)
- Mark Lane, who will be made Doctor of the University in recognition of his inspirational career in garden design and media (Canterbury 13 July)
- Mark Thomas, who will be made Doctor of Arts for his unique contribution to British comedy and politics (Canterbury 14 July)
- Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, who will be made Doctor of the University in recognition of her exceptional contribution to business and philanthropy (Canterbury 14 July)
- Olufunke Abimbola MBE, who will be 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)
- Kent alumna Tiwa Savage, who will be made Doctor of Music in recognition of her inspirational and international career in music (Canterbury 15 July)
- Kent alumnus Kush Kanodia, who will be 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.