Among those being honoured at a special Graduation Ceremony taking place today (Tuesday 27th June) are: the first woman Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan DBE; Dr Martin McAleese for his contribution to peace, reconciliation and economic regeneration; the US Consul General, Paul Narain; and the former Pro-Chancellor at Queen’s University, Stephen Prenter. 

Honorary Doctorates will also be awarded to the woman responsible for bringing Game of Thrones to Northern Ireland, Janet Graham Borba; the force behind leading arts charity ArtsEkta, Nisha Tandon; and owner of the Belfast institution, No Alibis bookshop, David Torrans. 

Irish language activist, Linda Ervine; award-winning Irish-American journalist, Dominic Gates; and guitar maker and Ed Sheeran collaborator, George Lowden, will also be honoured. 

Other recipients are the Chief Executive for the Government of Jersey and Head of the Public Service, Suzanne Wylie; founder, Chair and CEO of IceMOS Technology, Sam Anderson; CEO of NI Water, Sara Venning; tech innovator, Dr Alan Winter; and Director of Energy Operations at ENOWA, Neom, Dr Catherine McClay. 

Also being honoured at separate ceremonies during Queen’s Summer Graduation celebrations are the former Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Queen’s University, James O’Kane; business professional, Dr Brian Cheung; and co-founder of the Eden project, Sir Tim Smit. 

Speaking about the awards, Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: “It is a privilege for Queen’s to recognise and celebrate the impact people from our community make here and across the world. From distinction in public service, the arts and science to services to business and commerce, conservation and sustainability, our society is full of skilled and talented people who enrich our community. 

“Our Honorary Graduates continue to serve our community and act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland on the national and international stage, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to reflect their contributions.” 

The full list of honorary degrees to be awarded at the ceremony on Tuesday, 27 June is: 

• Sam Anderson, Doctor of Science in Economics for services to Business and Innovation 
• Janet Graham Borba, Doctor of the University for distinction in the Arts 
• Linda Ervine MBE, Doctor of the University for services to the Local Community 
• Dominic Gates, Doctor of Literature for distinction in the Arts and Journalism 
• The Rt Hon Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan DBE, Doctor of Laws for distinction in Public Service
• George Lowden, Doctor of the University for distinction in the Arts
• Dr Martin McAleese, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service
• Dr Catherine McClay OBE, Doctor of Science in Engineering for services to Sustainability in the Energy Sector
• Paul Narain, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service
• Stephen Prenter MBE, Doctor of Laws for services to the University and Business and Commerce
• Nisha Tandon OBE, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service
• David Torrans, Doctor of the University for services to the Local Community
• Sara Venning, Doctor of Science in Economics for services to Business and Commerce
• Dr Alan Winter, Doctor of Science for distinction in Science
• Suzanne Wylie OBE, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service 

The following will be awarded Honorary Doctorates during the graduation period: 

• Dr Brian Cheung, Doctor of Medical Science for services to Clinical Education 
• James O’Kane, Doctor of Science in Economics for services to Business and Commerce and Higher Education  
• Sir Tim Smit, Doctor of Science for services to Environmental Conservation 

Find out more about all of our Honorary Graduates.