Lifetime Achievement Award
Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney was given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the University’s Centenary Charter Day celebration.
The former Queen’s lecturer received the award after the world premiere of Anahorish, a piece of music inspired by Heaney’s poem of the same name. Composed by Queen’s graduate Deirdre Gribben, the piece was commissioned by Queen’s Graduates’ Association and performed by another Queen’s graduate, soprano Linda Barrett.
Over 300 of the University’s staff, students, graduates and friends attended the dinner in the Sir William Whitla Hall. Among them were Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and well known broadcaster Nick Ross, a former Deputy President of Queen’s Students’ Union.
Describing Seamus Heaney as “one of the University’s most distinguished graduates”, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson said his impact on the arts and literature had achieved global recognition and his contribution to Queen’s immense.
“I cannot think of a more fitting way to close our Centenary celebrations than by honouring one of the most eminent graduates in the University’s 100-year history,” he said.
“The lasting legacy of this Centenary year will be the cutting edge research we have undertaken and the thousands of men and women who have graduated from this fine University.
“As we enter our second century, we are looking towards a future in which our presence will be felt even more strongly on the world stage. We do so with confidence, recognising the enormous support of all our graduates, partners and stakeholders.”
After receiving his ward, Seamus Heaney recited the Centenary stanza he wrote especially for the University’s Centenary Year.
Watch QTV footage from the Charter Day Dinner
