Philanthropy Impact Report 2023

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

My research has focused on Renaissance Art History, particularly artists and patrons working in Central Italy. I’m interested in relationships between artists and patrons, ideas of identity and self-fashioning through the visual arts, workshop organisation, and the role of the antique in Renaissance arts and culture. My research is only possible due to the generosity of the people who give to the Kent Opportunity Fund, and for that I’d like to say a big thank you!

Pamela D’Antonio PhD History and Philosophy of Art

Welcome from our Vice-Chancellor and President I am delighted to welcome you to our latest annual giving report which celebrates the impact and opportunities created by our wonderfully generous donor community over the past twelve months. The end of an academic year is always an important time to pause and reflect on our achievements, many of which have only been made possible thanks to your generous philanthropic support.

This year we have celebrated ten years of the Colyer-Fergusson building, made possible through a substantial legacy gift left by the late Sir James Colyer-Fergusson and other generous donors; the award-winning facility has been the centrepiece of campus-based music-making in Canterbury, with nightly rehearsals and weekend performances galvanising the space.

We saw the launch of our second Kent Giving Week event which has provided thousands of meals for students facing hardship. We have also secured in excess of £9.5m of funding for The Docking Station, a new creative space on Medway’s Historic Dockyard, as well as launching the Parkinson's Centre for Integrated Therapy.

Empowered by your support, our students continue to face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis with relentless determination. Their stories convey a simple message: ‘Thank you for believing in me’.

I hope you enjoy reading about the incredible difference you have made to life at the University of Kent this year.

With deep appreciation, Professor Karen Cox Vice-Chancellor and President

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

I would not be where I am without you In 2017, Allie began studying her BSc (Hons) in Astronomy, Space Science, and Astrophysics, at the University of Kent after having a fervent interest in stars and planets from a young age. However, in her first year she moved onto the integrated MPhys, wanting to continue her study of all things space. Pursuing her passion for the planetary sciences she is currently furthering her study at the University of Kent, reading for a PhD with the title ‘Exploring the Icy Moons of Jupiter’; she attributes the opportunity to do so entirely to the generosity of her benefactor.

What does receiving a scholarship mean to you?

It means everything. It means I have been able to continue my studies and follow my passion. If I had not received the scholarship the path of planetary science in academia would not have been an option for me. It has been such an amazing experience continuing to grow and study in the field of planetary science.

How are you finding the student experience at the University of Kent?

I love studying at Kent! The community and opportunities are what draw me to Kent, I have never felt more welcomed or at home than I do here. One of my fondest memories has to be when myself and my friend ran our first UKC dodgeball session after spending months setting it up. It was so rewarding!

What do you hope to do once your studies are complete?

I hope to continue down the path of academia doing post doctorate studies until I can become a researcher or lecturer.

What do you want to say to those who made your scholarship possible?

A huge, huge, huge ‘Thank You’! You have made pursuing my passion possible and allowed me to make a career out of it.

I would not be where I am without you.

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Scholarships allow students to access their maximum potential and continue down paths of study they otherwise couldn’t. The opportunities that donors provide are life-changing.

Allie Corrigan Kent Opportunity Fund Scholar

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent prizes: A recognition of excellence At the University of Kent, we are proud to be able to offer a range of prizes that celebrate the successes of our students thanks to the generosity of our donor community. Winning a prize during university is a significant accomplishment demonstrating academic, sporting or extra-curricular excellence. The prizes we offer have a positive impact on both our student recipients and donors alike.

For students, winning a prize can be a source of great pride and motivation. It can help them to feel recognised for their hard work and to stay focused on their goals. Prizes can also provide financial assistance, which can be especially helpful for students who are facing financial challenges. In addition, prizes can create opportunities for networking and professional development.

For donors, supporting prizes is a way to give back to the University and to help students achieve their full potential. It can also be a way to remember loved ones whilst encouraging others to pursue their dreams. Furthermore prizes help to raise the profile of the University, attracting talented students from around the world and uphold the University of Kent’s commitment to excellence.

Professor Richard Jones and his partner David Cheung 4

Professor Richard Jones, who joined the University of Kent in 1970, established the Forensic Science course in the School of Physical Science in 2000. He was the first head of the combined department of Chemistry and Physics and since then Forensic Science has become a hugely successful department at the University. In order to inspire students in this field, he established the Professor Richard Jones Prize – an award that recognises the students with the best overall performance in stage 3 and stage 4 Forensic Science – and continued to fund the Prize until after he retired.

We are delighted to share that this year's winners are Emily Daugelaviciute (stage 3) and Amy Evemy (stage 4). Amy says, ‘I could not be more grateful for receiving this prize, which in truth came as a complete surprise. The generosity of the donors has shown me that my hard work was not overlooked, all while making my summer that bit sweeter. The Professor Richard Jones Prize continues to stand as a reminder for us to do our best and accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves. So thank you again to the donors, for ensuring our efforts continue to be recognised.’

When Professor Jones sadly passed away, his partner David Cheung, decided to continue his legacy to fund the Professor Richard Jones Prize for further decades.

Amy Evemy (Prize Winner) and Dr Chris Shepherd, Reader in Forensic Science

Cynthia Hawes’ legacy to the University Chorus The Music Department at the University of Kent is grateful to have recently received a legacy from one of the University’s very first employees, the late Cynthia Hawes.

Secretary to two Vice-Chancellors, Geoffrey Templeman and David Ingram, she then transferred to the Graduate Studies Office as an Assistant Registrar.

She was also an enthusiastic choral singer and a long-time member of the University Chorus. She regularly sang with the chorus in concerts at Eliot Hall and Canterbury Cathedral, as well as singing with the Canterbury Choral Society.

In her memory, the Music Department has founded the Cynthia Hawes Collection. The collection will be used to support the continued activities of the University Chorus by purchasing vocal scores for the choir to use in its rehearsals and performances.

This will allow the choir to continue singing in Cynthia’s memory and it will also help to build a library of vocal scores that can be used by future generations of singers.

‘It’s a lovely gesture from a committed member of Chorus, who was a regular performer with the choir,’ said Dan Harding, Head of Music Performance. ‘Thanks to her wonderful legacy, Chorus will be able to build a library of vocal scores for the choir to use, and each time we sing from them, the choir will be performing in her memory; a very special way to commemorate and reflect Cynthia’s long-standing commitment to music here at Kent.’

The Cynthia Hawes Collection will continue to inspire students, staff and local community musicians for years to come and is a fitting tribute to an individual who loved music and who made a lasting impact on the University of Kent.

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

The impact of 20 years of giving Like the fieldwork archaeology Paul so generously supports, Dr Paul Dyer has continued to break new ground at Kent with his philanthropy.

During his 20 years of giving, Paul has supported the breadth of our activity from the Kent Business School (KBS) to History, from the research and publications of our leading professors to supporting those postgraduate students starting out in their careers.

A focus on innovation, enabling practical skills-building and knowledge gaining that can be used in future careers and supporting those who need it the most have been key themes throughout. Notable examples include the Challenge Programme (an experimental leadership learning and development activity course) set up by Paul at KBS and founding the Postgraduate History Support Fund, which continues to support our brightest students with their essential research costs to this day.

Paul studied Politics at Kent in 1974, came back to do an MA in 2009 and was awarded an honorary degree in 2015 and became a Fellow of the School of History.

This [my PhD] is in no small part thanks to you and I want you to know that the support I received made all the difference to me.

PhD History Student

I made my first donation to the Templeman Library two years after graduating in 1977 and have continued to donate to departments and programmes as the years passed. This has been a most satisfying and rewarding experience as I have seen students develop and grow within the ever-evolving culture of learning within the University.

Dr Paul Dyer Honorary Graduate and Donor

I sincerely feel grateful to the kind donor of this scholarship and credit of this research is deeply owed to him. Paul’s support made it possible to continue my PhD research.

PhD History Student

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Building a more generous society Philanthropy is a ubiquitous force in our society, but it has only recently been recognised as a legitimate subject of academic study.

Pears Foundation has been a longstanding supporter of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, which has become a leading authority for research, teaching, and public engagement in the field.

The Centre’s work is grounded in the belief that philanthropy can play a powerful role in building a kinder and more just society. Its research covers a wide range of topics, including fundraising, major donors, corporate philanthropy and how children learn to be generous. The Centre also offers a Master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies and a Fundraiser Apprenticeship, both taught by distance learning, as well as a variety of public engagement programs, such as a free online course on fundraising.

Pears Foundation’s support has been instrumental in helping the Centre to grow and expand its reach. The partnership between Pears and Kent began in 2012 with support for a research project on ‘Why Rich People Give’, then support for two Post Doctoral teaching fellowships from 2014-17 and 2017-2020.

Pears Foundation visit to the Canterbury campus on 5 June 2023. Pictured L-R: Bridget Kohner, deputy director of Pears Foundation, Prof Beth Breeze, Dr Lindsey Cameron, Sir Trevor Pears, Dr Emily Lau, Dr Karl Wilding

More recently it became the Centre’s first core funder with a fiveyear grant of £210,000. This funding has enabled the Centre to further develop its research and public engagement activities, and to reach practitioners and students in over 100 countries.

Pears Foundation’s support is helping Kent to develop its research, teaching and public engagement activities around the role and purpose of philanthropy in modern societies and to achieve its overall goal of building a more generous society.

Our partnership with Pears Foundation has been truly transformational. The initial project funding enabled us to conduct agenda-setting research and to develop innovative teaching programmes. The current core funding ensures we can move forward with confidence to develop new programmes and projects that help advance the understanding and practice of philanthropy.

Beth Breeze and Trevor Pears at Pears Foundation office

Dr Beth Breeze Co-Founder and Director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent 7

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

A force for good at University of Kent Ameen’s undergraduate degree was in Accounting and Finance but his ultimate ambition was to pursue a deep, theoretical knowledge of Data Science. Due to his financial situation it didn’t seem that further education in this field would be an option for him. That is, until he secured a scholarship at Kent through the generosity of Bestway Foundation.

What would life have looked liked without your scholarship?

Belonging to an underprivileged background and having significant financial barriers, there is no way that I would have been able to study in a foreign country and follow my aspirations.

Without Bestway Foundation I definitely would not have been able to continue my studies.

How have you found studying at Kent?

It’s been exciting, interesting and mind-opening. The campus is very beautiful and peaceful – it relaxes the mind. I enjoy the diversity at Kent and enjoy communicating with people from different backgrounds. One of my favourite memories is inviting friends from South Africa, China, India and Europe to my home for dinner – we got to know each other and share our different perspectives on life.

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What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to join the tech industry as a Data Scientist and promote University of Kent and Bestway Foundation to other students facing financial difficulties.

What do you want to say to those who made your scholarship possible?

I deeply and genuinely want to thank the people behind this scholarship. Mobilising funds like this for the betterment of society and education is one of the greatest forces for good.

You are directly helping improve the socio-economic standards of individuals who belong to disadvantaged backgrounds.

Thank you.

It is a privilege to help students like Mirza Ameen Hyder achieve their life goals.

We believe the opportunities that higher education provides should be available to all students, regardless of background.

Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk Chairman Bestway Foundation

Medway Student Support Fund: A lifeline The long-term effects of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have had a devastating impact on University of Kent students. Many are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and heating.

We are incredibly grateful to our donors whose support has given hope to many students in Medway. We strongly believe that no student should have to choose between purchasing food or paying heating bills and we are committed to ensuring that they all have access to the resources they need to succeed.

The fund was established in 2014 by an anonymous donor and has since disbursed over £510,000 to those that need it most. In the 2022/23 academic year alone, the fund has awarded £78,350 to 83 students.

One beneficiary said, ‘I was really struggling financially to the point where I was having to choose between buying food and paying my heating bills. I was so worried that I would have to drop out of university but then I found out about the Medway Student Support Fund. The bursary was a lifesaver. It gave me the financial security I needed to stay in university and continue my studies. I’m so grateful to the people who donated to this, they literally changed my life.’

Another added, ‘I was working two jobs to pay for university but I was still struggling to make ends meet. This hardship bursary gave me the financial breathing space I needed to focus on my studies. I’m so grateful for their support.’

The Medway Student Support Fund has had a truly transformative impact on the lives of many students across the three Universities. We have heard from so many students that they would have had to drop out of university without the bursary. The generous support of our donors has provided them with a lifeline and has enabled them to stay in higher education and focus on their studies to achieve their goals. On behalf of the Board we would like to publicly thank our donors for their support.

Dr Susan Plummer Chair of the Medway Student Support Fund Board 9

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent Giving Week supports students in cost-of-living crisis We are delighted to have raised over £18,000 to provide thousands of meals for students facing hardship at this year’s Kent Giving Week.

The cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on students across the UK. A recent survey found that the average student is £439 short each month, and 10% have used a food bank in the last year. Kent Giving Week was launched to help students who are struggling to make ends meet.

During Kent Giving Week 2023 we were thrilled to see people on campus, as well as friends of the University and alumni from across the world, engage in giving generously towards students facing hardship with a total of over 500 donations.

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The week itself saw more than 300 people attending events such as a live cooking demonstration from top local chefs, a variety performance showcasing some of the best talent on campus, a sponsored 5km walk/run and a student comedy show.

The University’s first ever charity cookbook, The Thrifty Cook, was created and sold as part of the week with budget recipe contributions from a variety of staff, students, alumni and friends of the University alongside celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott and Joe Wicks.

We are so grateful to everyone who supported Kent Giving Week. Your donations are making a real difference to the lives of students who are struggling.

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events

506 individual donations

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budget recipes contributed

£18,598.24 raised through donations

7,439 student meals provided

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321

87

100%

copies of The Thrifty Cook sold

volunteers took part

guests attended events

of survey participants think that Kent Giving Week is a good idea 11

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent’s generous spirit: A year in pictures

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The King’s School selected the Parkinson’s Centre as their Charity of the Year 2022, Santa Fun Run December 2022

Scholar Day where beneficiaries have the opportunity to say ‘Thank You’, November 22

Carols around the tree, Canterbury campus, December 22

Colyer Fergusson 10th Anniversary Concert, December 22

Graham Roger Prize Giving Ceremony, January 23

Kent Giving Week Big Finale Variety Show, March 23

Kent Giving Week 5K Your Way, March 23

Kent Giving Week In the Kitchen Cooking Show, March 23

Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy Launch Event, April 23

Sudhir Krishnan (Krish) raised £2657 for the Parkinson’s Centre by trekking to Everest Base Camp, April 23

Ladybird Class at St Stephen’s Infant School raised £808 through a sponsored walk to raise funds for exercise classes at the Parkinson’s Centre, May 2023

Bestway Foundation Trustees and Scholars lunch, August 2023 13

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent students benefit from £1 million Santander funding Many students from the University of Kent have benefited from programmes promoting employability, entrepreneurship and education, thanks to funding exceeding one million pounds provided by Santander, through Santander Universities.

The funding has been received over the university’s ten-year partnership with Santander Universities and has enabled the University to support many students through various initiatives.

All students deserve the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Santander Universities UK has spent more than a decade collaborating with a large network of university partners to remove barriers to higher education for students whose ambitions aren’t always matched by their means. The University of Kent is proud to be one of the 75 partnering universities.

With tailored packages of financial and in-kind support, students are encouraged to boost their career prospects through paid internships or overseas travel; they are empowered to make their business ideas a reality; and students are able to access scholarships and bursaries.

At Santander Universities we believe education is today’s solution to a prosperous tomorrow. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the University of Kent and to provide even more opportunities for students, staff and the local community to develop skills to build a brighter future and achieve their full potential.

Matt Hutnell Director, Santander Universities UK

Matt Hutnell, Director Santander Universities UK and Professor Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kent 14

Jane Palmer: The Art of Legacy Giving Jane Palmer is an artist based in Brighton, England. She has been painting since 2010, and her work has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions throughout the UK. Jane has pledged to support the University through a legacy gift which will help to fund scholarships for students studying Arts and Humanities subjects.

After graduating from Kent, Jane went onto complete an MA in Twentieth Century English, followed shortly by a PhD in English and Art History (both at Sussex). She then spent the next 30 years working in various capacities in higher education. ‘Studying at Kent inspired me to pursue a career in academia, I am now working as a full-time artist, but I doubt if I would be the person I am today without those first tentative steps into academia.’

Jane’s love of the University of Kent began when she was a student there herself. She studied BA Hons English and American Literature at the University, graduating with a 2:1 over 35 years ago.

Jane’s legacy gift to the University of Kent is a way for her to give back to the academic community that helped to shape her life.

She is particularly keen that her gift will help to continue the study of Arts and Humanities subjects, an area which she feels is often overlooked.

‘I chose to study at Kent partly because of its proximity to my Essex home, and its easy access to London,’ said Jane. ‘However, I really chose the course for its contemporary, interdisciplinary and international content, which was quite unusual at the time.’

Jane’s time at Kent was a formative experience for her. She met some of her closest friends at the University and was inspired by the quality of the teaching and the diversity of the student body.

She recalls, ‘There were some brilliant English lecturers there, whom I probably didn’t appreciate enough at the time. The campus was especially lovely at that time: there were only four colleges, so the campus was undeveloped, with unbroken panoramic views of the city.’

‘I hope that my legacy will help to make this possible, and would be immensely proud that I am making this possible at my first University,’ said Jane.

Jane’s gift is a strong statement of support to the University of Kent and her commitment to promoting the study of Arts and Humanities subjects. It is a gift that will have a lasting impact on the lives of future students at the University.

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent Opportunity Fund: A vital resource The Kent Opportunity Fund is a vital resource for students at the University. It helps to ensure that all students have the chance to succeed, regardless of their financial background. The fund provides financial assistance to students who are facing hardship and it also supports student projects that enhance extra-curricular activities at Kent. Here are some of the ways that the Kent Opportunity Fund has helped students this year...

As a result of this Fund I will fortunately be able to pay my rent, bills and groceries. I cannot return to my home and live at my accommodation all year round and having this extra much needed support brings be peace of mind and financial stability during the summer period.

This bursary is going to help me fund my next month’s rent (inclusive of bills), allowing me to accumulate enough to make my final payment of tuition fees.

Without this payment, I was heading towards a dead-end and had no idea where I could turn to for help.

With this award I will be able to buy university resources such as a laptop and purchase the books needed for the third year of my Law studies. Not only this but it will aid me in buying food and paying for transportation to and back from the University campus everyday which proves to be quite costly. Thank you for this opportunity.

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This Bursary will definitely aid in my ongoing efforts to getting back on my feet again, payment of graduation costs and hopefully continuing the small and growing business I started at university in 2020. In addition to this, this bursary will definitely ease the mental stress that my financial situation had worsened this academic year and I will be able to put more of my focus on finishing my studies and enjoying my last few months at the University of Kent.

Receiving this bursary is a significant step towards alleviating some of the financial burdens that come with being a student from a single-parent household. Particularly when it comes to covering my day to-day expenses.

With this financial support, I can now afford to buy groceries and pay for other necessities without worrying about running out of money. It is an incredible relief to know that I will be able to focus on my studies without worrying about the financial strain it may have on myself. Thank you for your support and generosity.

With the rise in the cost of living a huge factor in my struggles, coupled with supporting a young family, I considered just leaving University to pursue a full time job. I became so stressed with the worry of being unable to pay my bills or shopping that this seemed the only alternative. In hindsight the best thing I did was to seek outside help; I’m so grateful for the help I’ve received to finish my final year at University and to save my family and I from financial hardship.

The Kent Opportunity Fund has enabled me to pursue my academic goals. As a single parent with a limited income, this grant has allowed me to keep studying this year, which is essential for me as I do not have enough money to cover all my children’s various expenses. Without this support, I would likely have had to work hard to support my family. The grant has provided me with a peace of mind, that’s enabled me to fully commit myself to my children’s lives and my studies.

Thanks to this bursary, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am more optimistic about my future than ever before. This bursary has allowed me to believe that no matter what obstacles I may face, with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity. It has truly made a significant difference in my life, and I am committed to making the most of it.

This donation has relieved me of my financial burdens and improved my quality of life.

Things have become increasingly more difficult due to the energy crisis currently taking place in the UK, and awards like these are a blessing to students who may lack support.

Thank you.

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

The Colyer-Fergusson Building: A decade of music The Colyer-Fergusson Building, a state-of-the-art music venue at the University of Kent, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this academic year.

The building was made possible thanks to the generous legacy of Sir James Colyer-Fergusson, a passionate supporter of the University’s music programme, alongside contributions from over 200 individual donors and support from the Higher Education Funding Council.

Since opening in October 2012, the Colyer-Fergusson Building has been a hub of musical activity on campus. Students, staff, alumni, and members of the local community have all come together to explore a wide range of music in the building’s concert hall, practice rooms, and rehearsal spaces.

Some of the highlights of the past ten years include the Music department’s popular Lunchtime Concert series, which has hosted a diverse range of performers, from Scottish folk group Fara to the Deptford Rivieras. Students have also had the opportunity to engage with visiting performers in workshops and coaching sessions, and a wealth of internationally acclaimed musicians have performed in the concert hall.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Colyer-Fergusson Building, the Music department commissioned a new piece of music by the composer Russell Hepplewhite. The piece, written for mixed-voice choir and string orchestra, is a setting of the Magnificat interspersed with four new poems, each inspired by a historic painting. A series of vibrant events were held throughout the year in celebration of this milestone, of particular note was a sun-drenched visit to Deal Memorial Bandstand by the Big Band conducted by Ian Swatman; and a dramatic concert in the Nave of Canterbury Cathedral with the combined forces of the University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra in music by Shostakovich and the cinematic Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest.

The Colyer-Fergusson Building has been a transformative space for music at the University of Kent.

It has provided a platform for students, staff, and members of the community to come together to make music, and it has helped to raise the profile of the University’s music programme. The building is a testament to Sir James Colyer-Fergusson’s vision and generosity, and it is sure to continue to be a vibrant hub of musical activity for many years to come.

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Thanks to the generosity of our various donors and sponsors, it’s been a wonderful year of music. Their support allows us to create memorable musical events throughout the year, both in Colyer-Fergusson and beyond, bringing student, staff, alumni and local community together.

Dan Harding Head of Music Performance 19

PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

The first 500 scholarship: A student’s story As I first came to the UK to proceed within my university studies at Kent, my family pushed me to apply for a scholarship, due to our precarious financial situation.

Thence, on September 2020, I started looking at the requirements for each scholarship encountering the First 500, awarded to first years.

The task seemed challenging enough to become highly interesting to fulfil, challenging my originality and ways of thinking. Nevertheless, even though I was happy with my application, I did not think I would achieve it, thence, I was definitely surprised and cheerful when I did. This scholarship has meant the world to me, since it filled me with joy and calmness, knowing that I was making it alone with my efforts and that I could rely on this capacity to maintain myself despite things going wrong at home.

Therefore, with this scholarship, I have been able to save up for future plans such as completing a masters, or paying up monthly expenses such as rent or buying groceries. It has given me the confidence to present more applications to different activities, such as the 2022 Model NATO, or securing an internship for this Summer 2023 in Lisbon. Sometimes, even though it seems like a simple achievement, it means loads for young students to be rewarded with this kind of help, both financially and internally, it gives them a confidence boost which is highly-necessary at this age.

2022-2023 has been my last academic year at Kent, hence, the last year receiving this scholarship and the last time I would be surrounded by these university buildings. It has been an incredible year, my housemates have been amazing, I’ve made loads of new friends from around the globe, gone partying, dancing, cooking and enjoyed each day as if it was the last.

This last year has become highly memorable, academically I’ve managed to achieve firsts in most of my subjects and assignments; while socially, I’ve strengthened friendships for life.

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This year, I’ve achieved more than I had thought of, I’ve managed to secure an internship, successfully had my first well-paid job within the University at the Library Café, had several small jobs which have make me grow as a person, secured two master positions and became a Student Trustee for the University and represented students’ interests on Board meetings. Thence, it has become a year of overcoming myself, showing my capacities to the world as well as highlighting them to myself, which I believe is crucial, to build at this age a self-criticism and selfesteem abilities, to be able to cope better with whatever life puts you through.

For the following year, I’m hoping to live my best life, working, studying and be surrounded by my family and friends, thence, I’ll probably be in Madrid doing my master’s. Hopefully, life will take me through a pathway of success, which I’ll try to build up myself. I’m hoping for a well-paid job either as a diplomat, or within an international organisation. Nonetheless, during my internship I will be trying out for Project Manager, thence, I’m not disregarding the private sector yet.

Wherever life takes me I will be grateful to succeed and push myself to give the best out of me.

Lastly, I would like to thank my scholarship donors, whom I was able to meet during my previous academic year in an amazing lunch I will never forget. They are truly inspiring people, charming and kind, they’ve done so much with their lives I’m still amazed. Their stories will always stay with me, alongside the support they’ve provided me with during my whole three-year degree.

Thank you all for your support, I’m really grateful for this opportunity and I hope the following recipients enjoy it as much as I have!

Sol Herrera Penido BA Politics and International Relations

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

A year of remarkable support for the University of Kent The impact of gifts to the University of Kent is as far-reaching and varied as the students, faculty and staff who work here. Our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed this past year and we hope you enjoy learning about who gave back and how.

Total number of philanthropic gifts :

£147k 8788

Age of oldest donor:

99 years

Age of youngest donor:

27 years

Legacy pledges:

£500k+

Number of donors who made their first ever gift:

162 £1.2m £9.5m

Largest gift:

Total philanthropic cash received:

Total Commitments:

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Scholarship shines light on endangered Mongolian wild camels For the past four years, the Wild Camel Protection Foundation has generously provided a scholarship to Anna Jemmett, University of Kent student and member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, to fund her PhD researching the conservation of Mongolian wild camels.

The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is the only charity in the world with a specific mission to save this remarkable creature and its pristine desert environment from extinction and destruction. With less than 1,000 now remaining in the wild, several factors threaten the survival of this animal, including habitat loss and degradation, desertification due to climate change, and hybridisation with the domestic Bactrian camel.

However, little is known about this species, so vital research is required to better understand these threats and how they are impacting populations.

This unique research project that Anna is currently working on supports the Wild Camel Protection Foundation in achieving its principal conservation aims to reduce the probability of extinction and to produce a robust management plan to effectively conserve this species in Mongolia.

We are delighted to celebrate that Anna co-authored an article that was published in Oryx the Journal last year titled ‘Common name misuse potentially confounds the conservation of the wild camel camelus ferus’.

Anna is grateful for their generosity to be able to do this PhD research that she is so passionate about.

By funding my research, the Wild Camel Protection Foundation have enabled me to answer some very important questions required for wild camel conservation.

Thank you WCPF! Anna Jemmett PhD Researcher

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Kent joins the worldwide fight against Parkinson’s disease Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were delighted to officially launch the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy on Tuesday 11 April 2023, World Parkinson’s Day. This revolutionary Centre is a partnership between the University of Kent and the Kent MS Therapy Centre and offers a range of non-drug therapies all under one roof to help improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease. The Centre is the first to combine evidence-based therapies such as group exercise, mental health support, neurophysiotherapy, speech and language therapy, group singing and nutritional advice with ground-breaking non-invasive brain stimulation pioneered at the University. Following a thorough assessment, our team tailors the available therapies to individual need and provides a single, coherent care package under one roof.

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The Centre, based at the impressive Kent MS Therapy Centre in Canterbury, is changing the lives of over one hundred people living with this condition so far and some of our members are already reporting an improvement in their symptoms, enabling them and their families to live with Parkinson’s more easily and for longer.

Patron of the Centre, Mark Mardell, who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s said: ‘There is a great demand for a Centre like this bringing everything together under one roof. The Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy enables people to feel a sense of community, share their experiences and learn from others who have faced similar challenges. I would love to see a Centre like this near where I live but it doesn’t exist anywhere else.’

As part of the work carried out at the Centre, Professor David Wilkinson and his team are pioneering a method of non-invasive brain stimulation which stimulates the brain from the outside and requires no surgery unlike other treatments currently available.

Vestibular-neurostimulation can be self-administered using easyto-use portable devices that have been developed and tested in our laboratory at University of Kent. Our clinical trials to date have shown that stimulating for as little as 20 minutes a day can reverse many motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease for months after stimulation has ceased. We have already shown dramatic improvements in cognitive, motor and emotional function in individuals with Parkinson’s and will carry out largerscale studies at the Centre to understand how people with Parkinson’s recover in response to this treatment. With this data we will then be able to take the necessary steps to obtain the regulatory approvals needed to translate this new form of treatment into routine clinical practice.

Furthermore our research team is exploring different treatment combinations (such as group exercise classes followed by speech and language therapy or vestibular-neurostimulation followed by neurophysiotherapy) to allow these to be offered in the most beneficial way. The research carried out at the Centre will also inform care provision of people with other neurodegenerative conditions such as MS, dementia, Huntington’s, brain injury and stroke.

Offering drug or surgical treatments alone are like playing golf but with only two clubs. This Centre is offering a fuller and wider range of opportunities, a full set of clubs to try out.

Francis Ball Alumnus and Member of Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

Docking Station: A catalyst for creative innovation and regeneration in Medway The Docking Station project is a £14.5m initiative, led by the University of Kent, to deliver a state-of-the-art centre for digital creativity in Medway.

The project will restore and regenerate Police Section House, a derelict, Grade II listed, local landmark, the last remaining undeveloped part of the Royal Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Kent. The project will transform the site, with an added new building featuring state-of-the-art digital production studios.

The renewed Police Section House will feature co-working and incubation spaces, exhibition and community areas, a café, and a garden. The extension will house facilities for virtual production, motion capture, photogrammetry and volumetric capture. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs and attract an additional 10,000 visitors to the area each year.

Docking Station has received significant public funding from the Levelling Up Fund, the Cultural Development Fund, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is also receiving support from Medway Council, the University of Kent, and the local community; demonstrating the breadth of cross-sector commitment to the project.

We are now working on raising the balance needed to deliver the full vision.

Breaking ground in 2024, the project is expected to complete in 2025 when it is anticipated to have a significant impact on the local economy and community through increased economic activity and tourism, enhanced skills development as well as cultural and community engagement.

Docking Station will benefit a wide range of people from creatives, students, businesses and visitors to the local community. It will provide c966sqm of state-of-the-art digital studios, teaching, co-working, leisure and exhibition spaces; providing a new public realm to boost civic pride, drive economic and skills development; bringing life-changing digital opportunities to Medway and the region.

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The centre will put Medway at the forefront of innovation, education and engagement in digital immersive development. It will also increase private investment, attract talent, connect creatives, students and industry as well as deliver groundbreaking training, upskilling, research and collaboration opportunities.

Medway Council identifies a highly skilled workforce as essential to growing the local economy. Yet, despite having a higher-thanaverage proportion of young people, the number of students taking creative subjects is dropping and local courses are reducing. As a regional education leader with a high percentage of Medway locals in our student body, the University is well placed to support local skills development and provide new opportunities for Medway’s young people.

Furthermore working in collaboration with local educators, Docking Station will offer a curriculum of industry focused Further Education and Higher Education digital creative courses, apprenticeships, short courses and Continued Professional Development, for example Level 4-6 courses in Games Design and Screen Skills.

Employability outcomes will be enhanced, and career opportunities signposted through partnerships with industry.

This multidisciplinary training and development programme will create a pipeline from primary and secondary education through to Higher Education and industry placement, producing a new generation of industry-ready talent in a local priority sector with a significant skills gap.

The Docking Station project is a unique opportunity to create a new and vibrant digital hub in Medway, and we can’t wait to share more about its progress in the future.

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PHILANTHROPY IMPACT REPORT 2022/2023

The power of philanthropy: A timeline As we look back over the past academic year and forward to the next, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our generous donor community. You continue to make a significant impact on the University of Kent and make a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and community.

September 2022

March 2023

July 2023

Scholarship allocations Successful students for the 2022/23 academic year received their scholarships to support and enable their studies.

Kent Giving Week This years Kent Giving Week was all about supporting students facing hardship through the provision of meals to those who needed them most.

University of Kent Prize Giving Ceremonies Prize-winners were celebrated at our annual prize-giving ceremonies.

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January 2023

April 2023

Graham Roger Prize Giving The Graham Roger Prize – awarded to regional Y10-Y13 pupils and Univeristy of Kent students – challenged applicants to make a positive difference to the world.

Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy Official Opening On Tuesday 11 April – World Parkinson’s Day – we welcomed guests to help us celebrate the launch of the Centre.

Spring 2024

July 2024

River of Vegetation Secure funding and develop the route for our River of Vegetation across the Canterbury campus.

Docking Station breaks ground Building works comment on our flagship digital-arts education and collaboration space at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

September 2023

Summer 2024

July 2024

Scholarship allocations Successful students for the 2023/24 academic year will receive their scholarships to support and enable their studies.

University of Sanctuary Kent is applying for University of Sanctuary status, to join the group of fellow universities in the UK who support those in need of places of safety, when faced with crisis.

University of Kent Prize Giving Ceremonies Prize-winners will be celebrated at our annual prize-giving ceremonies.

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Exempt status The University of Kent was established

by Royal Charter in 1965 and is an exempt charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 1993.

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ www.kent.ac.uk Front cover image and BSL frames by Beth Stone, Undergraduate BA (Hons) Graphic Design 133914