More than 4,000 students graduated at degree congregation ceremonies in Canterbury and Rochester between 10 and 18 July.

The ceremonies give staff, guests and friends of the University a chance to come together to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Free YouTube live streams of the ceremonies were available for the first time, for guests who couldn’t make it on the day; the streams have been viewed over 35,000 times.

Recipients of honorary degrees include former boxing champion Barry McGuigan MBE, comedians Phill Jupitus and Mark Steel and Kent alumna, Lisa Madigan, the senior-most female Attorney General in the US.

Our former Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, attended her last ceremony in Canterbury on Friday 14 July. In celebration of her time at Kent, students and staff attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the most mortar boards thrown simultaneously.

Special thanks goes to the Congregations team, Development Office staff, Campus Security and all the volunteers from across the University who make the ceremonies special for graduates and their guests.

Volunteers play a critical role and the team is grateful to everyone who gets involved. Stay tuned during the autumn term for a call for volunteers for the November ceremonies.