Feature 1 Neal Purvis and Robert Wade 2 Eleanor Boorman and Professor Sir Robert Worcester with his new portrait
Record numbers at July ceremonies
Portrait commemorates Professor Sir Robert Worcester’s chancellorship
Congregation ceremonies, when students graduate, are one of the most important days in their lives. And a dedicated team within the University’s Development Office helps ensure that the ceremonies are a fitting and memorable occasion for students, their families and friends.
Professor Sir Robert Worcester’s role as Chancellor of the University of Kent (2006-2013) has been commemorated with a portrait by artist Eleanor Boorman. Sir Robert’s portrait was unveiled by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow, at a ceremony on 17 July. Invited guests included members of the University’s Executive Group and Council, honorary graduates, academic staff, and political and business figures from the region.
This July, the University conferred awards and degrees on 4,625 successful students across 14 ceremonies in Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals. The ceremonies also saw the introduction of the ‘Canterbury Bunny Mascot’ for the 50th Anniversary celebrations, our Chancellor Sir Robert Worcester officiating at his final graduation ceremony, and a record number of University staff graduating. They included: • Susan Casement, Master’s Assistant, Rutherford College – MA Professional Practice (General) • Kim Harty, Taught Programmes Officer, School of Physical Sciences – BA Applied Professional Practice • Tracey Lamb, Equality & Diversity Manager, Human Resources – MA Professional Practice (General) • Jack McDonnell, 50th Anniversary Project Officer, Development Office – BSc Music Technology • Caroline Montgomery, HR Manager, Human Resources – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Nicola Roissetter, IT Trainer & ITQ Co-ordinator, Information Services – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Laura Jane Ryves, Corporate Events Assistant, Development Office – BA English & American Literature • Victoria Ward, Administrative Assistant, School of Psychology – BA Applied Professional Practice and English Language and Linguistics • Lyndsay Whiting, Admin & Facilities Assistant, Kent Business School – MA Professional Practice (General).
Dame Julia said: ‘I would like to thank Sir Robert for his contribution to the University over the years. He has been a tireless champion and representative of the University both at home and abroad, and a respected figure among staff, students and alumni.’ Sir Robert is a well-known political forecaster and commentator. He founded MORI (Market & Opinion Research International) in 1969, growing it to become the largest independent research organisation in the UK. In 2005, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. Prior to becoming Chancellor, Sir Robert already had well-established links with the University, with positions including Chair of its Finance & Resources Committee and Honorary Professor of Politics.
www.kent.ac.uk/development/congregations
2
KENT Magazine
7