Students and staff from across the University enjoyed various activities on 9 May to mark Europe Day and celebrate the University’s role within Europe in the run up to the EU Referendum on 23 June. A European Opportunities Fair took place in the Gulbenkian Café to help raise awareness of the opportunities provided by the University’s European engagement; these include student and staff European exchange opportunities, Kent’s European Centres and European language learning opportunities. Musicians from the group ‘La Centra’ played on the Gulbenkian stage, showcasing their talents on the guitar, mandolin, violin and accordion. Kent Sport arranged volleyball, pétanque and penalty shoot-out football outside the Gulbenkian and the sunny weather enabled passers-by to partake or enjoy spectating. A European Specials Menu featuring Spanish Paella, Greek Lamb Kofta and Italian Risotto was on offer at the Gulbenkian too. In the evening, the German drama ‘Victoria’ was screened at the Gulbenkian cinema and ‘A Portrait of Europe’ exhibition was unveiled in the Colyer-Fergusson; an exhibition of 28 oil paintings, each of a citizen from a different EU Member State. The exhibition will last until 26 May.
The University of Kent supports the ‘Universities for Europe’ campaign and is speaking out for continued engagement with Europe in the run up to the Referendum. The University is also committed to the free exploration of ideas. There will be a further series of activities with the aim of facilitating debate and enabling the exchange of views from all shades of opinion. You can find details at: https://www.kent.ac.uk/referendum/
