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Kingston University's award-winning enterprise programme Bright Ideas marked its twentieth anniversary at an event which saw former winners, staff, students, alumni and businesses celebrate two decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and success. The initiative provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, pitch to experienced business representatives and turn their ideas into reality. The event celebrated the achievements of all students and graduates who have been a part of the programme with speeches from academics, business leaders and returning Bright Ideas alumni.
Kingston University's award-winning support for care leavers, estranged students, young adult carers and sanctuary scholars has been hailed as promising practice by the Children's Commissioner for England. Dame Rachel de Souza cited the University's work supporting students from a care background through its award-winning KU Cares programme in a new report aiming to help professionals working in higher education improve the lives of care experienced students. The University has been widely acclaimed for its sector-leading work with care experienced students since the inception of KU Cares in 2006.
As the new academic year gets into full swing, thousands of Kingston University students are set to become the first in the United Kingdom to benefit from the latest phase of its sector-leading Future Skills programme. Alongside their subject-specific learning, from September all second-year undergraduates will be taking part in Explore as part of the University's groundbreaking approach to preparing them for career success.
Keeping it in the Kingston Family
In July, we celebrated another successful cohort of graduates at Kingston University. We applauded and cheered as 3,000 students took to the stage at the Rose Theatre to receive their degree. We were thrilled to welcome students along with their friends and families, some of whom are familiar faces to Kingston University themselves.
A Kingston University forensic chemistry graduate, who secured a degree place through Clearing, still has vivid memories of making the call that set her on the path to a career that has recently seen her awarded an MBE. Little did Genevieve Bent imagine when she picked up the phone to call Kingston University's Clearing hotline 15 years ago she would one day receive an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours. That is exactly what has happened though, with the announcement of the award in June seeing her recognised for her services to education.
Director of V&A East Dr Gus Casely-Hayford awarded honorary degree from Kingston University
Dr Casely-Hayford, inaugural Director of V&A East, has been awarded Doctor of Art and Design in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Arts and Heritage, and advocacy of arts education.
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.
Over 1,400 Kingston alumni picked up their phones this spring to chat with students on our Inspire the Future Campaign. Our team of 28 enthusiastic student callers reached out to alumni to share updates about Kingston University, seek advice, and raise vital funds. Kingston alumni donors gave new gifts and recommitted their support. One group of alumni donors match-funded all new donations, together delivering over £87,000 to support students through our Hardship Fund, KU Cares programme, postgraduate scholarships and Opportunities Fund.
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