The President of Ireland, Her Excellency President Mary McAleese, received an honorary doctorate at a special University of Queensland graduation ceremony today (Wednesday, March 12).
President McAleese was presented with a Doctor of Laws honoris causa in recognition for her distinguished career and outstanding contribution to Ireland’s social and economic development.
“President McAleese is respected internationally as a leader in the law, academe and government and is a worthy recipient of an honorary doctorate,” said UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay.
“She is dedicated to the causes of justice, equality, social inclusion, anti-sectarianism and reconciliation.
“Her efforts continue to support and encourage social and economic development in a country whose economy has achieved pre-eminence in Europe.”
Born Mary Leneghan in 1951, President McAleese attended St Dominic’s High School before graduating with honours in law from Queen’s University of Belfast in 1973. In 1986 she completed a Master of Arts at Trinity College, Dublin and a Diploma in Spanish at the Institute of Linguists in 1994.
Before becoming President of Ireland on November 11, 1997, President McAleese achieved success as an academic and university administrator, a published author and experienced radio and television broadcaster.
In 1975 she was appointed Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology at Trinity College, Dublin; Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University, Belfast in 1987 and in 1994 became their first female Catholic Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
She is a Barrister-at-Law of the Inn of Court of Northern Island and Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, Dublin.
She has been recognised internationally with numerous awards, including 13 honorary degrees, six honorary fellowships and membership of the Royal Irish Academy.
The Customs House event was attended by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency Major General Peter Arnison, AC CVO and wife Mrs Barbara Arnison; University of Queensland Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards, AC and wife Lady Edwards, AM; Mrs Barbara Hay; The Honourable Anna Bligh, Queensland Education Minister; and members of the diplomatic corps.
Media: The following are available for downloading:
President McAleese’s citation
President McAleese’s speech
Pictures from the ceremony (available from this afternoon (AEST) – Wednesday, March 11) www.uq.edu.au/news/press
For further information, contact Jan King (telephone 07 3365 1120, mobile 0413 601 248) or Colleen Clur at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 1088, mobile 0413 380 012).
