University honours five local role models

Jessica Hynes received an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University

A Kent university has honoured local role models as part of its 2024 graduate ceremony.

Five leading figures from drama, sport, STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics), journalism and business received honorary doctorates from Canterbury Christ Church University.

Among the recipients on Wednesday was Folkestone resident and Bafta award-winning actress Jessica Hynes.

The university said the awards were "in recognition of outstanding achievements within their fields and their positive impact within society".

Ms Hynes is a patron of the charity Dramatic Recovery, which works in schools to use drama to help mental health, including in Folkestone.

She said drama "should be an essential part of any curriculum" as it raised "self-awareness and connection", and doesn’t have to be about "becoming a performer or an actor".

The Spaced and Royle Family actor said being awarded an honorary doctorate was an "unexpected and lovely thing".

Ashford-born BBC journalist Ben Brown was among those chosen to receive an award

Dover-born Kent and England cricketer Tammy Beaumont was also honoured for her talent in the sport.

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, who is recognised as one of the most influential women in technology, received an honorary doctorate alongside Ashford-born BBC journalist Ben Brown, an award-winning war correspondent.

Cedi Fredrick's 40-year career in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors led him to be the recipient of an award.

Prof Rama Thirunamachandran, the university's vice-chancellor and principal, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new honorary doctorates to our university community; to recognise their successes, as well as their role as inspirational figures embodying our values and ambition to enrich our communities."

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