For the first time in over a year, the University community came together to officially recognise our students’ achievements.

During the ceremonies the University also conferred three Kent residents with Honorary Doctorates to acknowledge their work in supporting local business, education and raising awareness about dementia. They included Keith Oliver, a retired local Head Teacher and national ambassador for dementia; Geoff Miles, TV producer, director and Chairman of Maidstone Studios; and Hugo Fenwick, Store Development Director at Fenwick.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We are delighted to bring together our graduands, their family members and friends, and our University community to celebrate their graduation and recognise so many wonderful achievements.

“We would also like to offer a warm welcome to our new Honorary Doctorates. They have all excelled within their individual fields, demonstrating innovation, insight and knowledge, as well as being truly committed to supporting local businesses, communities and individuals.”

Keith Oliver

Keith Oliver had been a teacher in East Kent for over 30 years. He was Head Teacher at Blean Primary School and studying for an MA in Education at Canterbury Christ Church when he received the diagnosis of young onset dementia at the age of 55. Since then, Keith has used his energy and skills to raise awareness of living with dementia and supporting younger people with dementia through diagnosis and beyond.

He has written books, such as his 2019 publication Dear Alzheimer’s, as well as influenced policy makers by representing people with dementia through speaking at an All-Party Parliamentary Group and at many other events around the world, including the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Keith is an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Dementia Envoy and is also a founder member of the Young Dementia Network.

Throughout his campaigning Keith has continued his passion for education and ensures that the next generation of healthcare professionals understand what it’s like to live with dementia through engaging with Christ Church students as part of their degree studies.

Geoff Miles

Geoff Miles is an entertainment industry expert, with more than 40 years’ experience. His varied and distinguished career has seen him direct and produce some of the biggest names in BBC Saturday night TV history, including Bob Monkhouse, Paul Daniels and Jasper Carrot.

In 2002 Geoff purchased Maidstone Studios and has used his knowledge and skills to make the studios a hub for creative talent and the largest independent studio complex in the UK.

He works tirelessly to promote Kent business, support economic growth, and provides a strong voice in attracting new investment into Kent. In 2018 he was presented with the prestigious Kent Invicta Award and is also a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent and Kent Ambassador.

Geoff is a strong advocate of higher education and has been an advisory champion for the University developments in the Creative Arts, Science, Technology, Engineering, Health and Medicine.

Hugo Fenwick

Hugo Fenwick is a member of one of the oldest and most famous UK retail family empires, with nine department stores across the country bearing his family name, two of which are in Kent.

Relocating to Kent in 1993, Hugo oversaw the construction of the family’s flagship Canterbury store in the Whitefriars redevelopment, before going on to manage the £30m redevelopment of the group’s department store in Colchester.

In 2014 Hugo was appointed High Sheriff of Kent, one of the youngest people ever to hold one of the oldest secular offices in the UK. He used his time during office to focus on educational initiatives to support young people to contribute to society. His passion for education has also been supported by his school governor roles, as well being Vice Chair of Canterbury College. Hugo is also an Ambassador for Kent.