Twelve individuals who have displayed leadership, progressive thinking and integrity will receive honorary degrees from Ulster University this summer.
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Richard Barnett, announced the distinguished list, which includes representatives from healthcare, sports, business and public service.
Included are Senior Coroner, John Leckey, who will be recognised for his unfailing 30 year commitment to investigating deaths during some of Northern Ireland’s most challenging times and, the Irish Olympic Boxing Team trainer Gerry Storey, who will be recognised for his inspirational cross-community work.
Dr Olive Buckley and Inspector Anne Marks from the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre will be recognised for their work in protecting and supporting the vulnerable in society, while Nóirín O’Sullivan, Commissioner of An Garda Síochána will receive her honorary degree for services to policing.
Bombardier’s Michael Ryan will receive an honour for services to business and corporate social responsibility, while the Armagh-born Chief Executive of Sunderland Football Club, Margaret Byrne – an Ulster University Business School graduate – will be recognised for services to sport and business.
Professor Sir Richard Barnett said: “These summer 2015 honorary degrees are the last of my tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University. As such, my colleagues and I felt it was important that this year’s recipients should reflect the range individuals whose commitment to, and engagement with the local community, resonated strongly with me, particularly during my time leading this University.
“Distinguished in philanthropy, local and national sport, business and civic leadership, healthcare, community relations and public service, these graduands display inspirational leadership, skill, progressive thinking, integrity and the value of connecting and collaborating to achieve the best outcomes.
“These are many of the attributes that are central to the character of Northern Ireland and remain so vital to its continued confidence and growth. These are individuals, careers, commitments and professions that can only inspire our students as they begin to shape their own future paths and direction.”
Ulster University 2015 honorary degree recipients:
