Actor Jamie Dornan was among honorary doctorates recognised “for putting Northern Ireland on the map” at Queen’s University Belfast on Monday.
Dornan was one of nine honorary graduates recognised at QUB for distinction in the fields of business, education, medicine, arts, sport, public service and the local community.
The two-time Irish Film and Television Award winner and Bafta and Golden Globe nominee said it was a “huge honour” to be awarded a doctorate for distinction in the arts.
Dornan said: “My dad went to this university, there are pictures in my house of my dad wearing a similar robe.
Reasons to love this city! Wonderful to meet the talented Jamie Dornan. A gentleman like his father and a worthy recipient of a Queen’s Honorary Doctorate. @QUBelfast @GillianA @NIScreen #Belfast pic.twitter.com/4m8wUd0Mnk
— Katie Doran (@KatieDoran10) December 11, 2023
“I’m very proud to be involved in this great university.”
The 50 Shades of Gray actor also recorded a video giving useful life advice to the graduates who are progressing into the next stage of their lives.
Jamie Dornan | Advice For The Class Of 2023Jamie Dornan had some very important advice for the Class of 2023 when he received his honorary doctorate from Queen's yesterday.
Posted by Queen's University Belfast on Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Queen’s alumni and former Aston Martin F1 strategist Bernadette Collins said she was honoured to be awarded an honorary doctorate in sport.
The Sky Sports pundit said she hoped it might inspire other mechanical and aerospace engineering students to see “exciting possibilities” ahead.
Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Belfast-born conflict resolution specialist Quintin Olvier, who developed the Yes Campaign for the Good Friday Agreement referendum, were selected to be honoured with doctorates for distinction in public service.
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Also recognised for his contribution to the peace process, former Sinn Fein general-secretary Tom Hartley was picked for a doctorate for services to the local community.
QUB selected Ann McGregor to receive a Doctor of Science in Economics for services to business and commerce after serving as chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 15 years.
Also recognised for services to the arts was founder and director of Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) Marie Lacey.
She said: “I am humbled beyond measure to receive an honorary doctorate from Queens University. Music has the power to transcend division and my life has been dedicated to serving the community through music.”
In recognition of his contribution to improving healthcare for public service, Lord Kakkar was chosen for a doctorate of medical science for distinction in medicine.
Garrett Curran was selected for a doctorate of science in economics for services to business, commerce and education following a 30-year career across multiple sectors in commerce including leadership roles at large blue-chip enterprises and support for smaller high growth companies.
QUB said Mr Curran is a passionate advocate for quality and inclusive education, championing a number of charities working towards this cause.
He is a board member of several charities, including the Queen’s University Foundation Board.
Mr Curran said said: “A career path starts long before the first day in the office, education plays a critical role and making education more accessible for young people from across Northern Ireland is an area I’m hugely committed to.”
Queen’s University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “We are delighted to award honorary degrees to this group of hugely successful and inspirational group of individuals today.
Look who's joined our #ClassOf2023!
— Queen's University Belfast 🎓 (@QUBelfast) December 11, 2023
We were delighted to welcome #JamieDornan to campus, along with other leading figures from the #Arts, #Sport, #Medicine, #PublicService, #LocalCommunity, #Business, #Commerce and #Education, as we celebrated their successes.
“We are delighted… pic.twitter.com/6auLi8WzMR
“They have all played a significant role in putting Belfast and Northern Ireland on the map and we are honoured that they will be part of the Queen’s community.”