Northern Ireland actor and former model Jamie Dornan is being honoured at the graduation ceremony. Jamie, who is the recipient of two Irish Film and Television Awards and has also been nominated for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award, will be awarded a Doctorate for distinction in the arts. 

Also honoured for services to the arts is Marie Lacey, Founder and Director of Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC). Northern Ireland’s first and only multicultural gospel choir with 130 members from all parts of the globe. A group from the choir will be performing at the honorary degree ceremony. “I am humbled beyond measure to receive an honorary doctorate from Queens University. Music has the power to transcend division and my life has been dedicated to serving the community through music. I set up BCGC with the single ambition of delivering joy to all, representing the very heartbeat of our country, and I am overjoyed and incredibly grateful to have been granted such a prestigious award”. 

Queen’s alumni Bernadette Collins, has been involved in Formula One racing since her undergraduate years at Queen’s when she helped to design, build, test and drive small-scale formula-style cars as part of ‘Formula Student’ in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. One of Forbes “30 under 30”, an ambassador for the UK Governments' “Make it in Great Britain” and part of Aston Martin F1 team as Head of Race Strategy, she recently joined Sky Sports F1 punditry.  Bernadette said: “I am delighted to be back at Queen’s. I am eternally grateful for the amazing experiences and teaching I had here, which has enabled me to forge a career doing something I love. I am honoured to be awarded a doctorate in sport today and hope in some ways it might inspire other mechanical and aerospace engineering students to see what exciting possibilities can lie ahead.”  

Ann McGregor MBE DL, will be awarded a Doctor of Science in Economics for services to business and commerce. As Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) for 15 years, Ann led the organisation through a period of transformational change and sustained growth, driving forward business and employment across Northern Ireland 

A few months after Queen’s hosted an event to mark 25 years since the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement event, two of the key remaining architects will be honoured for their contribution to public service. Mark Durkan, was elected to the new Assembly where he served as Minister of Finance & Personnel in the first Executive before becoming Deputy First Minister and SDLP Leader. Belfast-born conflict resolution specialist, Quintin Oliver developed the ‘YES Campaign’ during the agreement campaign. Quintin’s career has been defined by his motivation for social justice, change and a more participative and democratic society. 

Also recognised for his contribution to the peace process, Tom Hartley will receive a Doctorate for services to the local community. Widely respected across the political divide, Tom was both the General Secretary and National Chairperson of Sinn Fein. He was elected to Belfast City Council where he served as a councillor for over 20 years, and as Lord Mayor in 2008/09. Tom now shares his passion for history through his books and leading historical walking tours of Belfast’s cemeteries. 

In recognition of his contribution to improving healthcare for public service, The Rt. Hon. Professor the Lord Kakkar KBE PC will receive a Doctor of Medical Science for distinction in medicine. He is the Director of the Thrombosis Research Institute in London, dedicated to thrombosis research, and his research interests include the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolic disease and cancer associated thrombosis. He is also the Chair of the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research, the King’s Fund, UK Biobank, and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.   

Advisor, investor and board member, Garrett Curran's 30-year career across multiple sectors in commerce spans leadership roles at large blue-chip enterprises and support for smaller high growth companies. Garrett is a passionate advocate for quality and inclusive education, championing a number of charities working towards this cause. He is a board member of several charities, including the Queen’s University Foundation Board. Garrett is being awarded a Doctor of Science in Economics for services to business, commerce and education. Garrett said: “A career path starts long before the first day in the office, education plays a critical role and making education more accessible for young people from across Northern Ireland is an area I’m hugely committed to. Philanthropic support for schools and universities focused on widening participation ensures excellent students become talented graduates and in turn, the next business leaders and owners, contributing to the economy and creating a business place which is reflective of our society.” 

Queen’s University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “We are delighted to award honorary degrees to this group of hugely successful and inspirational group of individuals today. They have all played a significant role in putting Belfast and Northern Ireland on the map and we are honoured that they will be part of the Queen’s community.”  

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