IT was a day of much celebration at Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Letterkenny campus yesterday where the college awarded its inaugural honorary Doctorate to Joseph P. Kennedy III, US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.
The award was in recognition of his outstanding contributions to civil society, public service, and peacebuilding.
In accepting the honorary doctorate, Mr Kennedy said: “It’s an extraordinary honour to receive this doctorate from ATU. I am immensely grateful to be with you today.”
A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, he has had a distinguished career in public service.
His efforts have centred on promoting economic equity, civil rights, and social justice. Now, as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Kennedy focuses on fostering economic growth and advancing peace in the region.
In addition to Mr Kennedy’s honorary doctorate, ATU will be awarding a second honorary degree to Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and global leader in human rights and climate justice, in December.