Ten distinguished individuals receive Honorary awards

More than 3,300 students are returning to campus to receive their academic awards at University of Galway’s winter conferring ceremonies.

The celebrations begin today and continue until Wednesday November 27^th on campus.

Throughout the week the University will also award honorary degrees to 10 individuals in recognition of their achievements and work including:

• Martin Griffiths, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - Doctor of Laws
• Tony Connelly, journalist and author and Europe Editor for RTÉ News - Doctor of Literature
• Keith Finnegan, broadcaster and former presenter of Galway Talks on Galway Bay FM - Doctor of Literature
• Dolores Keane – internationally-renowned, traditional Irish folk singer - Doctor of Music
• Professor Paul Yock and Dr Joshua Makower, founders of Stanford Biodesign and supporters of establishment of BioInnovate Ireland - Doctor of Science
• Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) - Doctor of Laws
• Dr Éanna Ní Lamhna, botanist and entomologist, presenter and broadcaster - Doctor of Science
• Marina Fiddler and Tara Nic Dhiarmada, founders of MADRA – Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue and Adoption - Doctor of Laws

           Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to recognise this group of extraordinary individuals, and to recognise them at the same time as we celebrate the achievements of 3,350 of our students across our four Colleges. I congratulate each of these distinguished individuals and look forward to coming together as a university community to honour them, with our graduands, at our winter ceremonies. These are important occasions for us all, reminding us why we are here and what we do for our students.” 

            Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, said: “I would like to congratulate each graduate on their achievement in earning their degrees, marking the culmination of their talent, effort and commitment over many years. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the exceptional individuals being bestowed with honorary degrees. Each one has made an outstanding and distinctive contribution in the diverse fields of community development, public life, culture and performance, human rights, and research. On behalf of University of Galway I am delighted to honour them and their achievements in this way.”

The full schedule for the 2024 winter conferring ceremonies is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/conferring/guide/autumn-conferring/

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