An internationally acclaimed writer, a former editor of the Belfast Telegraph, a leading expert in nutrition science and an Emmy Award-winning producer are among this summer’s honorary graduates.
Gail Walker, who helmed the Belfast Telegraph from 2015 to 2020, was honoured with a Doctorate in Journalism. Ms Walker was the first female editor of the newspaper and remains a weekly columnist.
She joined acclaimed writer, Anne Devlin, nutrition scientist Professor Margaret Rayman, one of the world’s foremost experts on the links between nutrition and health and Dennis J Brownlee, founder and president of the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), who won an Emmy for his work as executive producer of the documentary ‘On Hallowed Ground: Streetball Champions of Rucker Park’.
Ms Devlin is one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive literary voices, known for her bold contributions to stage, screen and prose. Her acclaimed plays Ourselves Alone and After Easter earned Olivier Award nominations and international praise, while her screenwriting and short stories, including her recent collection The Apparitions, continue to resonate with readers and audiences alike.
She was awarded a Doctor of Literature for distinction in the arts and literature. Her work is shaped by early involvement in the Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement and remains a vital part of contemporary Irish literature.
Speaking of her honorary doctorate, Ms Devlin said: “Receiving this honorary degree from Queen’s is a wonderful recognition, not only of my work, but of the role the arts play in helping us understand who we are and where we come from and it is particularly special to be honoured by a university in my home city.”
Professor Rayman was honoured with a Doctor of Science, while Mr Brownlee was awarded a Doctor of the University for service to the international community.
Commenting on receiving her doctorate, Professor Rayman said: “It is a tremendous honour to be recognised by Queen’s – my alma mater and the place that helped inspire my love of science.
“I hope my story encourages others to believe it’s never too late to make a meaningful contribution.”
Mr Brownlee said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be receiving this recognition and honour from an institution as revered as Queen’s for my work with the African American Irish Diaspora Network. As an international institution with a globally reaching impact, I am proud to be associated with this university.”
Also being honoured this summer were Orla Corr Nixon OBE, for her advocacy of business growth and gender equality, and longstanding service to Queen’s; Sir John Gillen, for his lasting impact on justice reform and public service; Hugo MacNeill OBE, for his work in reconciliation and community engagement through sport and civic leadership; and Professor Andrew Morris CBE, for his groundbreaking leadership in health data science.
Announcing this summer’s cohort of honorary graduates, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, said: “Our honorary graduates this year represent a breadth of achievement right across each field reflecting the spirit and values of Queen’s.
“Each has made a lasting contribution in their field – locally, nationally or globally – and we are proud to honour their work and leadership and welcome them to be part of Queen’s community.”
