Former US Ambassador and Waterford man receives SETU Honorary Doctorate
SETU became the first TU to bestow honorary doctorate awards
South East Technological University (SETU) has bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Daniel Mulhall, recognising his distinguished forty-year career in the Irish diplomatic service.
Mulhall served as Ireland’s 18th Ambassador to the United States until he retired in 2022.
The Waterford man also held ambassadorial roles in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia.
He is also an author and historian.
Mulhall is one of five individuals selected by SETU for this esteemed accolade, which acknowledges an individual’s exceptional and outstanding contribution to an endeavour or society.
Late last year, SETU became the first TU to bestow honorary doctorate awards with renowned actor Carrie Crowley, pioneering biomedical engineer, Prof. Annraoi de Paor, and Irish academic and former politician Dr Maurice Manning all receiving awards.
Mulhall expressed his pride at the award ceremony, held at SETU Arena on Wednesday 10th January, stating, 'This is my first time being honoured by an Irish university and it is a source of particular satisfaction for me that this is happening in Waterford, the place where I was born and brought up, and for which I have an undying affection.'
'I have carried Waterford with me wherever I have been during my decades of diplomacy, and it is a pleasure to be recognised in this manner in my home place.'
'It is a joy for me to become an honorary graduate of the SETU. I look forward to supporting SETU in any way I can in the years to come.'
Extending congratulations to the recipients, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, 'This year is a special year for SETU, the inaugural year of the SETU Honorary Doctorates. These awards recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals in shaping our society and are bestowed on those who have excelled in the arts and sciences, culture, advocacy, social activity, sport and business and in doing so, have positively impacted people’s lives both nationally and globally.'
Dr Derek O’Byrne, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, Prof. Veronica Campbell, SETU President, former Irish Ambassador to the United States and Honorary Doctorate award recipient, Daniel Mulhall, and Mr Jim Bergin, SETU Governing Body member celebrating the awarding of an Honorary Doctorate to Mr Mulhall at conferring ceremonies in Waterford. Photograph Patrick Browne, Browne’s Photography.
Internationally acclaimed writer Claire Keegan has also received an Honorary Doctorate award from SETU at the University’s campus in Carlow. Recognised for her beautiful and empathetic literary works, Keegan, born in Co Wicklow and residing in Co Wexford, often draws inspiration from the people and places of the South East.