Honorary Graduates
Nelson Mandela accepted a unique honour from Queen's to mark its centenary as a University.
The former President of South Africa became the University's Centenary Honorary Graduate at a special summer graduation ceremony. The Nobel Prize winner, who led the struggle against apartheid, received an honorary Doctorate for distinction in public service.
President Mandela, who could not be in Belfast for the event, received a copy of his degree parchment from Sir Anthony O'Reilly, and he recorded a special message which was relayed to the Whitla Hall audience.
Accepting his honorary degree President Mandela said: "Thank you for the honour bestowed upon us today. My grandchildren will be impressed when I can boast I have an honorary doctorate from such an esteemed institution.
"Queen's University Belfast plays a central role in the life of Northern Ireland and is key to its future."
Other notable honorary graduates in our centenary year include former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who were awarded their honorary degrees during the Mitchell Conference.
Former Conservative Party Chairman Lord Mawhinney, and Dr John J DeGioia, President of Georgetown University in Washington DC, also received honorary degrees as part of the Centenary celebrations. In addition, Dr Indira Samarasekera, President of the University of Alberta, was awarded an honorary doctorate.A total of 18 people from the world of medicine and science, the arts, business and commerce, education and public service were also recognised for their outstanding achievements during the summer graduation ceremonies.
