Hosted by the Speaker, Edwin Poots, the event was particularly notable as it was the first time in history the two universities have come together to jointly bestow honorary degrees.

A former congressman and a father of two, Dr Kennedy was recognised by the universities for his unwavering commitment and contribution as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs over the last two years as his role nears its end.

Dr Kennedy received a Doctor of Laws for distinction in public service from Queen’s and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Ulster University.

Acknowledging the honours, Dr Kennedy said:

“As Economic Envoy, it’s been a pleasure to get to know the men and women who make Queen’s University and Ulster University the successes that they are.  Collectively they have provided meaningful career pathways to thousands of men and women, they preside over cutting-edge research that improve productivity and quality of life, and they’ve built strategic partnerships that benefit our own academic institutions right across the US.  

“I am deeply honoured to be a recipient of these two honorary degrees. They come from institutions that represent the very essence of leadership and academic excellence. Just as I’m proud, Northern Ireland should also be proud of the far-reaching role that each play on the global stage. In my efforts to showcase Northern Ireland, the quality of the region’s workforce and the firm alignment between industry and academia is a major selling point. 

“That dynamic makes Queen’s University and Ulster University a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s compelling economic proposition. It’s a privilege to now be formally associated with them both.”    

Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer commented:

“Dr Kennedy has been a great ally to Northern Ireland during his term, and a great friend to both of our universities, for which we are most grateful.

“We are delighted to award an honorary doctorate to Dr Kennedy, and it comes at a significant time for the University as we host the Global Innovation Summit (GIS) 2024 on campus this week, uniting global leaders from business, industry, and academia for dynamic discussions and groundbreaking insights on global sustainability and economic inclusion. So, it is very fitting we take this time to honour Dr Kennedy, who has played a significant role in strengthening the close ties between Northern Ireland and the US, and we are privileged to officially welcome him to the Queen’s global family.

“With this honour Queen’s would like to thank Dr Kennedy for his public service, valuable leadership, and endless work to ensure that Northern Ireland remains a peaceful and prosperous place for all citizens.”

During his time as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Dr Kennedy has supported Queen's University Belfast throughout a series of special events, including ‘Agreement 25’, a major international conference hosted by the University in April of last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday/ Belfast Agreement.

In October 2023, he joined students for the official opening of the Student Centre and Students’ Union, One Elmwood, reflecting on the importance of a Students’ Union and student support since the early days of the first Union in the 60s.

As the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Dr Kennedy brings an important focus on business opportunities for Northern Ireland and recognises the talent here and how we can grow and harness that talent for the benefit of our community. This was evident in June of last year when the honorary graduand attended the opening of the University’s brand-new state-of-the-art student hub at Queen’s Business School, one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland.

More recently, in March 2024, Dr Kennedy was extremely instrumental in welcoming a delegation from Queen’s to Washington D.C. to participate in a multitude of events such as a Peacebuilding event in Congress. The trip was extremely significant as it also offered an opportunity for two of Queen’s graduate entrepreneurs to meet with Dr Kennedy who kindly provided invaluable guidance and insight.

In acknowledging the impact that he has made to Queen’s, Belfast and Northern Ireland in his position as US Special Envoy, Queen’s welcomed Dr Kennedy to its newly opened Seamus Heaney Centre in October to officially open a room named in his honour. The Joe Kennedy III and Lauren Kennedy Poetry Library will provide a space for emerging talent to learn and hone their poetry skills, inspired by the Nobel Laureate and by the many talented creatives who work and engage at the Centre.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor & President at Ulster University said:

“We are delighted to confer an Honorary Doctorate of Science on US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement of the Northern Ireland economy and his significant support of Ulster University’s mission. 

“Throughout his term as Special Envoy he has forged deep connections within Northern Ireland, engaging meaningfully with our students, staff, and local business leaders. His active involvement with the 25@25 leadership cohort, where he engaged with and inspired our future leaders, his role in hosting a US Trade Delegation here and his support for a female entrepreneurship initiative with us have demonstrated his unwavering passion to see this region thrive through economic growth. 

“Both the Special Envoy and Ulster University share the belief that a bright future for Northern Ireland can be achieved through education, innovation, skills development, and research that resonates locally and globally. Therefore, we are delighted to recognise Dr Kennedy’s achievements and lasting contributions to Northern Ireland with this honorary doctorate."

Over the past year, US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III has supported the work of Ulster University during high-profile visits, including launching new initiatives in Northern Ireland. In April 2023, he accompanied President Joesph R Biden to Ulster University, where The President praised Northern Ireland's young leaders on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Six months later, Special Envoy Kennedy returned to Ulster University Belfast with a senior US business delegation, joining over 200 local industry leaders on campus to strengthen economic ties.

In March 2024 at an event in Boston, Joe Kennedy III addressed, and inspired, participants on Ulster University’s 25@25 Leadership Programme; an initiative which marked the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement by investing in the future of 25 of our future leaders: expanding their experiences, growing leadership capacity and building a long-lasting network of change-makers.

Last month, alongside Northern Ireland’s First and Deputy First Ministers, Special Envoy Kennedy launched Connect to Success, an Ulster University-led partnership to empower women entrepreneurs with mentorship from leading multinationals, aiming to advance economic growth and gender equality.

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, said:

“As Speaker, I have the privilege of welcoming a wide range of diplomatic, parliamentary and economic visitors and delegations to Parliament Buildings. I very much see this role as an opportunity to promote and celebrate the best of Northern Ireland, our people and our potential.

“I am therefore pleased to have been able to come together today with both of our great universities to honour someone who from the outset has been a great advocate for Northern Ireland and its economic and wider benefits.”

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