Alumni news

Kingston University's award-winning Bright Ideas competition celebrates sparking 20 years of innovation

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 support for care experienced students praised by Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza

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.

Launch of Explore for second year students marks major milestone in roll out of Kingston University's Future Skills programme

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.

Kingston University graduate Genevieve Bent reflects on Clearing call that propelled her to career success and an MBE

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.

Kingston University set to honour 3,000 graduates and eight influential figures during Summer graduation ceremonies

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.

Kingston University alumni share their expertise and raise vital funds for our Inspire the Future Campaign

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.

Dr David Mackintosh reflects on wide-ranging career at Kingston University as he prepares to retire after 36 years

In a career spanning three decades – from lecturer to leadership roles including Faculty Dean, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and, for a short spell, Acting Vice-Chancellor – it's fitting that Dr David Mackintosh has spent his final few years at Kingston in a role focused on shaping its future. As he retires as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Strategy this week, the father-of-three reflects on the huge change he has seen at the University during the past 36 years, as well as some of his proudest moments at Kingston.

University celebrates achievements of its transformative Future Skills programme with students and staff at Town House event

The achievements of Kingston University's sector-leading Future Skills work to prepare graduates for career success have been celebrated during a special all-staff event at Town House. Staff from across the institution came together to hear from students, module tutors and senior leaders about how the innovative new model of education was transforming teaching across the institution. The skills most valued by employers are being embedded across every year of every course informed by the research of the University's award-winning Future Skills campaign.

Deaf Awareness Week: Kingston University graduate reflects on working in critical care as a deaf nurse

Laura Johncock is a critical care nurse who recently graduated from Kingston University, having completed a course in intensive care, and is deaf. To mark Deaf Awareness Week (6-12 May 2024), she describes her experiences on the course and working in the NHS as someone with hearing loss and explains how she overcame barriers to realise her dreams of becoming a nurse.

Alumni, staff, students and school pupils celebrate 75 years of Geography, Geology and the Environment at Kingston University

Kingston University celebrated 75 years of the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment with two special events at its award-winning Town House Building. The subjects first began at the University's predecessor Kingston Technical College in 1949 and have remained a key area of Kingston's teaching and research right up to the present day.

Syrian academic graduates with PhD from Kingston University after fleeing war-torn country

A female scientist has been awarded a PhD from Kingston University, four years after fleeing her home country due to ongoing armed conflict.

Nonagenarian philosophy masters student becomes Kingston University's oldest ever graduate at 95 years old

Kingston University celebrated its oldest ever graduate earlier this month during a graduation ceremony at The Rose Theatre. Dr David Marjot, 95, graduated with a Masters in Modern European Philosophy and is the oldest person to ever graduate from the University., beating a record previously held by a 93-year-old graduate from 1994.

ELEMIS co-founder and Kingston University graduate Oriele Frank awarded honorary doctorate

Kingston University has awarded an honorary degree to a former graduate who went on to co-found leading British beauty brand ELEMIS in recognition of her outstanding contribution to business and marketing.

Thousands of Kingston University students to have achievements celebrated alongside industry experts during Rose Theatre graduation ceremonies

More than 3,000 students will cross the stage as their achievements are applauded by proud family, friends, academic staff and special guests during Kingston University's winter graduation ceremonies.

Leading philanthropist and Kingston University graduate Marit Mohn named Dame in New Year's Honours list, with other alumni also recognised for achievements

A Kingston University law graduate, who has donated millions of pounds to improve the lives of young people, has been made a Dame in the New Year's Honours list in recognition of her services to philanthropy.

Meet the Kingston School of Art fashion graduates paving the way for a sustainable future

Graduates from the first cohort of Kingston School of Art's Sustainable Fashion: Business and Practices MA have shared the inspirations and motivations behind their final projects.

2023 round-up: A golden year for the Kingston community

We look back over the past 12 months to celebrate the individual achievements of Kingston alumni