Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has awarded its inaugural honorary doctorate to US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph P. Kennedy III, in recognition of his "outstanding contributions to civil society, public service, and peacebuilding".
The ceremony took place at ATU's Letterkenny campus in Co Donegal.
A member of the Kennedy family, Joseph P. Kennedy III, is a son of US Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II, a grandson of US Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, a grandnephew of President John F. Kennedy.
Mr Kennedy said it was an extraordinary honour to receive the award, and that ATU is creating "real opportunities for engagements between communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic through research and dialogue".
"The North South Engagement Centre is a model for how education can be used as a tool to unite – not just people, but ideas, aspirations, and futures.
"This is the work of visionaries. It reflects ATU’s belief in the power of connection and a future filled with possibilities," he added.
Speaking at the ceremony in Letterkenny, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn said the university’s potential contribution to an enhanced quality of life for cross-border communities played a key role in this decision with several campuses near the border region.
"Joseph Kennedy’s work as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, in the US Congress and at Citizens Energy demonstrates a lifelong dedication to underserved communities and a passion for sustainability, peace and reconciliation.
"As a university that is committed to sustaining the communities of our region, we are very pleased to recognise the impactful contributions Mr Kennedy has made on this island," Dr Flynn added.
Chair of the ATU Governing Body, Maura McNally SC said Mr Kennedy has shown a "ability to champion the needs of disenfranchised communities."
Mr Kennedy is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.
He completed four terms in the US House of Representatives and is focused on promoting economic growth and fostering peace in the region as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.
This marks one of two honorary doctorates being conferred by ATU this year, with the second to be awarded to former Irish President, Mary Robinson, at a ceremony in her home county of Mayo in December.
The ceremony to honour Ms Robinson will take place in Castlebar.
Ms Robinson served as Ireland’s first female president from 1990 to 1997.
She later served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and has been a leading advocate for climate action and sustainable development.
The honorary doctorates are part of the upcoming autumn ATU conferring ceremonies, which will take place from October to December across the four counties of Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo.
