South East Technological University (SETU) has bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Waterford’s Daniel Mulhall today (Wednesday) in recognition of his distinguished career in the Irish diplomatic service spanning 40 years.
Serving as Ireland’s 18th Ambassador to the United States until his retirement in 2022, Mulhall also held ambassadorial roles in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia. Beyond his diplomatic achievements, he is acclaimed as an author and historian.
Mr Mulhall is among 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.
Mr Mulhall expressed pride at the award ceremony, held at SETU Arena today, 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.”
He added, “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.”
As a Freeman of Waterford, Mr Mulhall continued saying, “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.”
“The conferring of an honorary degree is the greatest and most prestigious accolade that a university can bestow on a person, and it is our great privilege to honour this year’s recipients who have excelled in their given fields. Their achievements align with the values of SETU, and we take great pride in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments. I would like to extend my congratulations to Dan Mulhall on the award of his Honorary Doctorate at today’s ceremony,” Prof. Campbell stated.
Internationally acclaimed writer Claire Keegan is set to receive an Honorary Doctorate award from SETU tomorrow (Thursday) 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.
