Thousands of graduates and a host of influential figures to have achievements celebrated during Kingston University ceremonies

The latest cohort of Kingston University graduates will toast their achievements in front of proud family, friends, academic staff and special guests – with around 3,000 set to cross the stage during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.

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 collect their degrees across 16 ceremonies between 16 and 23 July at the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames. They will be joined by 50 PhD candidates, who will be conferred as doctors within their areas of expertise.

Alongside the graduates, a line-up of influential figures will be recognised for their outstanding contributions made in their respective fields as they are bestowed with honorary awards.

Internationally-renowned journalist, newsreader and BBC presenter Clive Myrie is receiving his award for the outstanding contribution to journalism and cultural life made throughout his career. Clive’s memoir, Everything is Everything was selected as Kingston University’s 2024 Big Read title. 

Dr Okechukwu Nzelu is also a Big Read author – his novel The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney was selected as the 2021 title. The award-winning author is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to literature and reading pleasure.

Kevin Brennan, an interior design alumnus who graduated in 1989, has worked in the design sector for more than three decades. Mr Brennan, who also worked as a part-time lecturer at Kingston University in the 1990s, is being made an honorary fellow in recognition of his outstanding contribution to 3D design.

Distinguished South Korean leader Dr Young June Park has dedicated his career to public service, higher education, philanthropy and international collaborations. Dr Park is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to leadership in global partnerships that drive innovation, industry growth and societal impact.

Award-winning business leader, mentor and strategist Christian McBride, who received an MBE for services to business and philanthropy earlier this year, has been working with Kingston University students for 10 years – giving them real-world business challenges to which they can apply their learnings. Mr McBride is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to entrepreneurship, sustainability and societal impact.

Graduating with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Kingston in 2014, Bob Bhatti was also awarded the school prize for best student. The distinguished chartered engineer is picking up his award for his outstanding contribution to motorsport engineering, leadership in driving innovation and support for the next generation of engineers. 

Internationally renowned Korean artist Do Ho Suh has had major solo exhibitions around the world including the Tate Modern and work featured in multiple international Biennales. He was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the arts and his innovative and inspiring artistic and sculptural practice during a special ceremony at Kingston School of Art’s Stanley Picker Gallery.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier praised the graduating students for their achievements and highlighted the support University staff had given them during their studies. "The dedication, perseverance and resilience shown by our students has enabled their learning journeys – they have truly earned their degrees. Staff across the University have contributed to helping the students during their studies to ensure our graduates gain the future skills sought after by employers as they enter the working world – we wish the very best success for their futures.”

• Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Kingston University.
• Read more about graduations at Kingston University.