Patrick Kielty, a renowned comedian and television presenter, along with Mary Robinson, an ex-president of Ireland, are among the individuals that will be receiving honorary doctorates from the Ulster University. Furthermore, Oliver Jeffers, an artist, and Samantha Barry from US Glamour are included in this year’s roster of distinguished awardees expected to motivate the university’s graduates.
This period of honoring coincides with the 175th anniversary celebration of the Belfast School of Art within the university. Jeffers expressed his pleasure about going back to the art school where he had pursued a course in design for visual communication, citing it as a critical part of the city’s cultural and artistic legacy.
He remarked about his gratitude to Ulster University for the honour and emphasised how the recognition has enhanced his bond with Belfast, the city he was raised in, while maintaining a parallel life in New York. Nevertheless, he jested about hoping not to be confronted with a medical emergency on board a flight that might require a doctor’s attention.
Samantha Barry, a native of Co Cork and currently based in New York as Glamour’s editorial director for the Americas, is being recognized for her significant accomplishments in journalism, including transforming the women-of-the-year awards. She expressed her excitement about upcoming recognition, celebrating with recent graduates and visiting the university this summer.
Eamonn Mallie, Betty Carlisle and Sr Nuala Kelly are also amongst the recipients being acknowledged. They are being recognised for their considerable contributions to journalism, broadcasting, education advocacy, women empowerment in underprivileged areas and Commun ity service in Belfast respectively.
Vice-chancellor of Ulster University, Prof Paul Bartholomew, stated that the institution commits to honouring local individuals with global influence. He views graduation as a critical time to celebrate student success and to foster the upcoming professionals who will potentially cause a significant impact in their individual communities and professional fields.
We’re absolutely ecstatic to recognise and applaud the remarkable achievements of some of our exceptional local personalities who are already making significant contributions on the global stage, and it’s our pleasure to award them honorary doctorates. These esteemed figures are trailblazers in their respective fields, showcasing immense skill, creativity, and honour. We genuinely believe they serve as ideal role models to stimulate our entire Ulster University society. The ceremony of conferring these honorary doctorates is slated for the summer graduation period, scheduled from the 1st to the 9th of July, across Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry.