People are at the heart of what we do. Our community has achieved incredible things this year, and we're proud to celebrate their successes with them.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rama Thirunamachandran honoured with OBE
Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, OBE DL, was awarded an OBE for Services to Higher Education in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List. The honour recognises his significant impact in making education more inclusive, and establishing the University as a civic institution which strives to make positive difference for the local and international communities we serve. The award also coincides with Professor Thirunamachandran’s 10 year anniversary as our Vice-Chancellor. Find out more about Professor Thirunamachandran’s work.
Celebrating our amazing alumni
We were deeply proud to celebrate the successes of our alumni at this year’s Alumni Awards, with winners including a local NHS GP who is delivering wellbeing workshops for healthcare professionals through physical activity and dance, and a Law graduate who has been inspiring and empowering women who want to work in law.
The awards also honoured Walker Darke, who was listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, in recognition of his work as lead author of the United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 for Europe, North America and Central Asia.
Supporting women’s cricket
We have extended our partnership with Kent Cricket as the Women’s Cricket Headline Partner, and are now the title sponsor of the newly-formed Kent Women’s Premier League!
United in Pride
We were proud to sponsor both Pride Canterbury and Medway Pride again this year, celebrating love, respect and our LGBT+ community.
Celebrating diversity and creativity
We were honoured to be the only university at the first ever Black on the Square event, which celebrated the diversity of Black culture and creativity at Trafalgar Square.
Honouring extraordinary people
Our Honorary Graduates in 2022-23 were:
Alessia Russo
January 2023
The Maidstone-born footballer was part of the record-breaking Lionesses who inspired the nation with their win at the biggest-ever UEFA Women’s EUROs, hosted on home soil. Her Honorary Doctorate has been awarded in recognition of her sporting achievements, and her role in raising awareness and creating a legacy for women’s sports in the UK and around the world.
Dean of Rochester, The Very Reverend Dr Philip Hesketh
May 2023
This honour is a reflection of Philip’s commitment to the local community and his dedication to creating knowledge and enriching lives. Under his leadership the Crypt at Rochester Cathedral has been transformed into an engaging exhibition space, and his work and ideas have captivated the local community and thousands of visitors from across the world.
