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01/07/2008
Mandela Honoured By QUB
An 'absent' black African icon - Nelson Mandela - has today been honoured with a special award from Queen's University.
He accepted the unique honorary doctorate 'remotely' as the university's Centenary Honorary Graduate.
The former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who led the struggle against apartheid, received his doctorate for distinction in public service.
Many years ago, the McMordie Hall, in QUB Students' Union was officially renamed the Mr Mandela Hall, to acknowledge his then imprisonment and persecution under the South African Apartheid regime and his life-long opposition to apartheid.
Today, in his citation, Queen's Chancellor, Senator George Mitchell, described Mr Mandela as "an inspirational figure".
He noted that he was born just 10 years after Queen's University received its Royal Charter.
Mr Mandela received a copy of his degree parchment a few days ago from newspaper magnate Sir Anthony O'Reilly and recorded a special message to be relayed to the audience at the ceremony.
Accepting his degree today, Mr Mandela, who was elected as his country's first black president in 1994, said: "Thank you for the honour bestowed upon us today.
"My grandchildren will be impressed when I can boast I have an honorary degree from such an esteemed institution.
"Queen's University Belfast plays a central role in the life of Northern Ireland and is key to its future," his taped message concluded.
(BMcC)
He accepted the unique honorary doctorate 'remotely' as the university's Centenary Honorary Graduate.
The former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who led the struggle against apartheid, received his doctorate for distinction in public service.
Many years ago, the McMordie Hall, in QUB Students' Union was officially renamed the Mr Mandela Hall, to acknowledge his then imprisonment and persecution under the South African Apartheid regime and his life-long opposition to apartheid.
Today, in his citation, Queen's Chancellor, Senator George Mitchell, described Mr Mandela as "an inspirational figure".
He noted that he was born just 10 years after Queen's University received its Royal Charter.
Mr Mandela received a copy of his degree parchment a few days ago from newspaper magnate Sir Anthony O'Reilly and recorded a special message to be relayed to the audience at the ceremony.
Accepting his degree today, Mr Mandela, who was elected as his country's first black president in 1994, said: "Thank you for the honour bestowed upon us today.
"My grandchildren will be impressed when I can boast I have an honorary degree from such an esteemed institution.
"Queen's University Belfast plays a central role in the life of Northern Ireland and is key to its future," his taped message concluded.
(BMcC)
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The two men who successfully set in train Ulster's 'peace process' and negotiated last year's second attempt at a devolved Assembly at Stormont, are to be honoured. Former PM Tony Blair and Irish leader Bertie Ahern are to receive honorary degrees from Queen's University Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
