A fresh batch of Kingston University students are set to cross the stage to complete their university journey and embark on the next step of their careers. The new graduates will be joined in the celebration of their achievements by proud family, friends, academic staff and special guests during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.
Approximately 3,000 students will graduate at 18 ceremonies between 18 and 26 July at the Rose Theatre in the centre of Kingston. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from Kingston School of Art, the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment and the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences will be collecting their degrees, joined by more than 50 PhD candidates also receiving their awards.
The ceremonies will see eight influential figures recognised for the outstanding contributions made in their respective fields.
Rachel Joyce and Gail Honeyman, both award-winning Kingston University Big Read authors, are each being honoured for their outstanding contributions to literature and reading enjoyment.image002.jpg
Acclaimed author and Playwright Mrs Joyce’s novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, recently adapted into a film, was selected as the 2019 Big Read, while Ms Honeyman’s Sunday Times bestseller Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was the 2018 choice for the shared reading initiative.
Futurologist for the John Lewis Partnership, John Vary, has been a vital contributor to Kingston’s award-winning Future Skills campaign, participating in student events, delivering inspiring talks and presentations, and setting business challenges for students –all aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders. He is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Future Skills campaign and creating opportunities for Kingston University and its students.
Accountancy alumnus Malcolm Paul founded multiple companies that became global leaders in the construction and sustainability fields. In 2014, he became a founder member of the Enterprise Circle, the entrepreneurial education programme at Kingston University, and has continued mentoring students and offering support with their business ideas. He is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to sustainability in business and student entrepreneurship.
Mark Wignall, who completed a postgraduate diploma in marketing at Kingston and met his wife Annie during his studies, has gone on to have a very successful career in business since graduating. He developed a venture capital firm which became one of the UK’s leading investors in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and raised more than £700 million from institutional and private investors. He is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to SMEs and to philanthropy in education.
Sir Rod Aldridge, one of the UK’s leading social and business entrepreneurs who founded FTSE 100 company Capita Group PLC, is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to business and education. Upon retiring from the company, Sir Rod founded the Aldridge Foundation a charity focusing on creating a positive, sustainable, social and economic impact, while putting enterprise skills and an entrepreneurial mindset at the heart of young people’s education. He received a knighthood in 2012 for services to young people.
Architect and Kingston alumnus Graham Stirk has been involved in the design of many prestigious projects across the world, including City of London buildings Lloyd’s Register of Shopping, Leandenhall Building and 88 Wood Street. He also oversaw the development of the residential pavilions next to Tate Moden and The World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre at the British Museum – which were shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize. He also oversaw the design of the Louvre Conservation Centre and Geneva Airport – the first energy positive airport building in the world. He is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to architecture.
Curator and Cultural Historian Dr Gus Casely-Hayford OBE, inaugural Director of V&A East, is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to Arts and Heritage, and advocacy of arts education. Previously Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, he was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to art and has been a Trustee of the National Trust and the National Portrait Gallery.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier congratulated the graduating students commending the hard work of both students and the University colleagues who had supported them. “The commitment and dedication shown over the course of their studies is a source of pride for our graduates, but it is also a very proud moment for the University. We are dedicated to producing sought after students who will thrive in their careers and become leaders in their fields thanks to their hard work and the skills they have gained while studying at Kingston University. The ceremonies are always a joyful experience and I wish them all the very best in their future careers,” he said.
