Atlantic Technological University has awarded its inaugural Honorary Doctorate to Joseph P. Kennedy III, U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.
The award is in recognition of what a release stated is Kennedy's "outstanding contributions to civil society, public service, and peacebuilding."
The ceremony took place on October 9 at ATU’s Letterkenny campus in County Donegal.
In accepting the honorary doctorate, Mr. Kennedy said: "It's an extraordinary honour to receive this doctorate from Atlantic Technological University. I am immensely grateful to be with you today.
"Through research and dialogue, ATU is creating real opportunities for engagements between communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic. The North South Engagement Centre is a model for how education can be used as a tool to unite – not just people, but ideas, aspirations, and futures. This is the work of visionaries. It reflects ATU’s belief in the power of connection and a future filled with possibilities.
"Graduates of this university are given the tools to do something transformative – build bridges where there once were walls, and help shape the future not just of Donegal, but of this entire island. This is what ATU is about – using education as a force for unity and progress.
"I cannot tell you how grateful I am to receive this honour. Rooted in community, in recognition of our shared humanity, in celebration of our connectivity. Building a future that is bold and bright, together. What a special place. What important work. What a gift you give. The world would do well to learn from it. Thank you, Atlantic Technological University, for this incredible honour. I accept it with deep gratitude and promise to continue to carry forward ATU’s values of education, unity, and service to others."
Atlantic Technological University was established in April 2022 following the merger of three institutes of technology – Galway-Mayo (GMIT), Letterkenny (LYIT) and IT Sligo. ATU has over 26,600 students with over 2,600 staff, making it the second largest university in Ireland. ATU has nine campuses across four counties – Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo.
