Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Family’s role in birth of university
A new book celebrates the unsung benefactors who contributed to the development of the University of Kent, including the family which owns the KM Group.
Among local philanthropists who donated to the institution in Canterbury was Henry Boorman, grandfather of current KM chairman Geraldine Allinson.
Mr Boorman and his son Edwin, Mrs Allinson’s father, played an integral role in helping new students set up Kent’s first campus newspaper in 1965.
Hidden History: Philanthropy at the University of Kent charts the development of the campus and academic faculties, and pays tribute to those who helped in the early days.
Author Dr Triona Fitton details how Mr Boorman sent a team led by his son to help the new students establish inCant, a fortnightly publication which was a forerunner to current campus newspaper inQuire.
Speaking at the launch of her book at the Canterbury campus this week Dr Tritton, a research associate at the university, told the Gazette: “People tend to see the university as having been set up solely with money from the government but that’s not the case
“Many generous individuals came forward to make financial contributions and to offer help.
“The KM chairman’s grandfather is an example. Without his help the newspaper would not have got off the ground at the time.”
Detailing the Boormans’ part in helping students set up their paper, Dr Tritton writes in her book: “As a result of this support, inCant...was able to operate independently of university funding and of the newly-formed Kent Student Union.”
Established by Royal Charter in 1965, the university received financial contributions from numerous generous individuals and companies in the district.
Other benefactors included Pfizer, the then Kent-based pharmaceutical company.