Cardiff University has awarded the University of Namibia (UNAM) Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu an Honorary Fellowship for his outstanding work and contribution to education.
The honour was bestowed to him during landmark graduation ceremonies that ran over three days at Principality Stadium, one of Cardiff’s most iconic venues.
Cardiff University typically confers a small number of Honorary Fellowships each year. These special awards are made to a wide range of distinguished people who merit recognition and celebration for outstanding contributions within their field and to society.
Cardiff University and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have a longstanding partnership known as the Phoenix project, which is an ambitious partnership that seeks to impact both institutions on a wide range of areas involving education, health, communication, environment, science, and supports the Welsh Government’s Wales for Africa programme.
The impact of Phoenix has been recognised by senior members of the Namibian Government on various occasions. To date, the project has covered a broad range of more than 40 activities, including: providing specialist training for doctors, nurses and midwives; boosting mathematics knowledge among future scientists; supporting local languages; developing communities of software enthusiasts; saving lives following road accidents; boosting aspirations of young learners; improving study skills, boosting e-learning, improving human rights awareness.
Professor Matengu was joined by several outstanding individuals who also became Honorary Fellows, some of which included, Lord Michael Heseltine, former Deputy President and current Chairman of the Haymarket Group, Susan Hemming Director of Legal Services at the Crown Prosecution Service, and Professor Jane den Hollander, former Vice Chancellor of Deakin University.
Some 56,000 students and their guests descended on the city to celebrate their achievements after two years of virtual graduation ceremonies.
Claire Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience said: “For two years we have had to postpone in-person graduation ceremonies. It’s really not the way we envisaged ending our students’ time with us, but that decision meant we could keep our community safe in the most challenging of times.
“Now, two years later, here we are. We are delighted to celebrate in person with our students and their loved ones. All three cohorts have been through so much, and we wanted to do something special. That’s why we’re heading to the incredible Principality Stadium in the hope that we will give them all a truly memorable day, befitting of all that they have achieved. Each and every one of them thoroughly deserves it.”
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: “Completing a degree is a huge achievement in any year, but to have done so during a global pandemic – along with the many challenges this has brought – is truly extraordinary.
“We as a university community have been through an unprecedented time and this is about paying tribute to our students’ patience, resilience, hard work and passion for their chosen studies. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and we look forward to celebrating with them, their families and friends.
“It’s also a time to welcome our new Honorary Fellows, those individuals who have made a significant contribution to society, achieved academic excellence or raised the profile of Cardiff and Wales in their field. We welcome them warmly to the Cardiff University community.”
