Degrees of success for the great and good

The University of Ulster will confer honorary degrees on the great and the good of society over the next week at graduations across the country.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2014, 09:50 BST
Actress and film producer Roma TomeltyActress and film producer Roma Tomelty
Actress and film producer Roma Tomelty

At Magee University campus on Monday, July 7, actress and film producer Roma Tomelty will become a Doctor of Fine Arts, while the following day at the graduation ceremony in the Millennium Forum Doctor of Letters (DLitt) will be conferred on both BBC foreign correspondent Fergal Keane and screen writer and novellist Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Every year honorary degrees are presented as a means of inspiring the The University of Ulster will honour the inspirational achievements of 13 key personalities from the worlds of sport, the arts, public life, business and education, at its summer graduations.

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Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said: “Ulster is recognised equally for its world class sporting achievements, cultural excellence and significant contribution to industry, healthcare and education.

Frank Cottrell-BoyceFrank Cottrell-Boyce
Frank Cottrell-Boyce

“It is important that we not only produce talented graduates, but that we equip them with the confidence and ambition to focus on, and achieve, excellence.

“The honorary degree recipients this year embody the very qualities that I know will inspire Ulster’s students to aim high, and realise the power they have to make a positive difference in their future lives and careers.”

Other Honorary graduates this year include Gary Anderson, the motorsport commentator (DSc) for his contribution to motorsport; the Ulster and Irish international rugby player Tommy Bowe, an Ulster alumnus (DSc), for his contribution to sport; Evelyn Collins, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission (LLD), for her contribution to the promotion of equality and good relations; Nick Hewer, business analyst and media commentator (DSc), for contribution to business development; Lord Justice Brian Kerr (LLD); Nicky Kinnaird, businesswoman and founder of the Space:NK chain (DSc), for her entrepreneurship; AP McCoy, champion Jockey (DSc), for sport; Peter McNaney, Chief Executive, Belfast City Council (LLD) for his civic leadership; Christopher Moran, chairman of Co-Operation Ireland (LLD), for his contribution to civic leadership; Brendan Rogers, manager of Liverpool FC (DSc) for his contribution to sport and Margaret Ward, former director of the Women’s Resource & Development Agency, will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) for her contribution to advancing women’s equality.

Related topics:Ulster