9th November 2001

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The University of Ulster today awards the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters to Mrs Mary McAleese, President of Ireland. The conferment takes place during her visit to the Coleraine campus to launch the Royal Irish Academy Annual Symposium on Modern Languages.

The honorary degree to be conferred on the President by Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University at a special ceremony to be held at the Coleraine campus on Friday 9 November at 11.45am.

Professor McKenna said the award of the honour to President McAleese was “in recognition of the President’s exemplary work for cultural integration, respect for all traditions and justice”.

He added: “Her special interests in education and inclusion, in Ireland and in the developing world, defined her Presidency.” The Vice-Chancellor said that it was a privilege to welcome President McAleese to the University, stating that “her outstanding work and the dignity with which she conducted high office was an example to each of our 22,000 students”.

The encomium to President McAleese was delivered by Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Denise McAlister, who said: “Her Excellency has used her Presidency to promote greater respect and understanding of our cultural diversity and shared heritage.

“As a bridge builder and as a respected advocate for reconciliation and social inclusion, she has dedicated herself to help the people she represents to find their place in the challenging and competitive landscape of the new century.

“ In that respect, the honorary degree that we confer on her today recognises a body of work and commitment to underlying principles that themselves mirror the ethos and mission of this University. They resonate with a sense of community and a commitment to social progress based on justice, equality, trust and cultural respect.”*

President McAleese is Patron of the European Year of Languages in the Republic of Ireland and she is launching the two-day symposium in this capacity.

For further information, please contact:

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