26th July 2001

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Top US businessman and founder of the influential 'Friends of Belfast' group, Mr John Cullinane, today receives an honorary degree from the University of Ulster. Mr Cullinane is being honoured for his work in peace building and economic development in Northern Ireland. He will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science.

In a unique development, for the first time the University will confer an honorary degree outside Ireland at a special Graduation Ceremony at the John F Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. The Ceremony is being held in Boston in recognition of the strong links that exist between the city and Ireland.

University President, Dr Gerry McKenna said:

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to present this Honorary Degree to John Cullinane. He has made a vital contribution to building business links, leading to job creation and economic development in Northern Ireland. These are an immense boost to peacebuilding efforts in the province at this critical time in our history. We are extremely pleased that John is joining the University's list of distinguished graduates.

"The University is awarding an honorary degree outside Northern Ireland for the first time because we want to take our message to the people of Boston and the United States and demonstrate the work that we are doing in economic regeneration and inward investment. Partnerships, strategic alliances and entrepreneurship are the way forward for Northern Ireland as we move from a public sector dependent economy to become a dynamic player in the global economy. John Cullinane has helped enormously in achieving this goal."

Mr Cullinane said that he was delighted to accept the Honorary degree:

"The University of Ulster is uniquely structured to accommodate the changing educational needs of all the people of Northern Ireland, so necessary in meeting the challenges of a global economy. Presenting its first honorary degree in America is consistent with this new entrepreneurial spirit, and, most importantly, creates the opportunity for an important networking event with lasting benefits for the University of Ulster and Northern Ireland."

Mr Cullinane added:

"I am more than delighted to receive this great honour from the University of Ulster, particularly, in Boston, where so many people have worked so hard for peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk