The University will award honorary degrees to 15 inspirational individuals during its graduation ceremonies at Canterbury and Rochester cathedrals, 12 – 21 July.

Among those to receive awards will be Maria Alekhina (Masha), Diana Burkot, Olga Borisova and Taso Pletner – all members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot – former England cricket captain and commentator David Gower OBE, musician/educator Chi-Chi Nwanoku CBE, and comedian Josie Long.

The ceremonies will take place at Rochester on 12 July and Canterbury from 17-21 July.

The July honorary graduates are:

• Chi-Chi Nwanoku CBE, who will be made a Doctor of Music in recognition of her distinguished and unique contribution and service to classical music in both the UK and Europe, and for her support, encouragement, and promotion of ethnically diverse classical musicians (Rochester 12 July)
• Professor Anthony Lilley OBE who will be made a Doctor of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the creative and cultural industries both nationally and regionally, with a particular notable impact through Higher Education and the Arts & Humanities Research Council (Rochester 12 July)
• Josephine James OBE, who will be made Doctor of Science in recognition of her significant contribution to the local and regional economy, and work with Schools, Colleges, and Universities to better equip young people for the world of work (Canterbury 17 July)
• David Gower OBE, who will be made Doctor of the University in recognition of his exceptional international career in cricket and broadcasting (Canterbury 17 July)
• Her Honour Adele Williams DL, who will be made Doctor of Laws in recognition of her inspirational legal career and significant contribution to the county of Kent (Canterbury 18 July)
• Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE, who will be made Doctor of Laws in recognition of his extensive career in social policy, housing, medical education and law (Canterbury 18 July)
• Mike Wilkins MBE, who will be made Doctor of the University in recognition of his significant contribution to football, both within the UK and internationally, with a particular notable impact through his development of sport at the University of Kent (Canterbury 18 July)
• Lawrence McGinty, who will be made Doctor of the University in recognition of his significant contribution to journalism and public understanding of science (Canterbury 19 July)
• Professor Christine Orengo, who will be made Doctor of Science for her distinguished and unique contribution to the field of bioinformatics, both within the UK and internationally (Canterbury 19 July)
• Josie Long, who will be made Doctor of Arts in recognition of her significant contribution to British comedy and for her work to support young people to access the creative and cultural industries (Canterbury 20 July)
• Hamish Fulton, who will be made Doctor of Arts in recognition of his innovative and thought-provoking art and approach (Canterbury 20 July)
• Maria Alekhina (Masha), Diana Burkot, Olga Borisova and Taso Pletner – members of Pussy Riot – who each will be made Doctor of Letters in recognition of their inspirational contribution to the arts and a particular notable impact through their work to raise awareness of the importance of civil courage and value of democracy (Canterbury 20 July)