Misericordia University to Honor Dr. Mary McAleese at Winter 2024 Commencement

Misericordia University is proud to announce that Dr. Mary McAleese, the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and a renowned advocate for peace and social justice, will be the commencement honoree at the university’s Winter Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, December 15, 2024. McAleese will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree during the ceremony. 

Dr. McAleese served as President from 1997 to 2011, during which she championed the theme of “Building Bridges.” Her presidency was marked by significant contributions to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, including the historic state visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. With a rich background as a barrister, journalist, and educator, Dr. McAleese has made lasting impacts in the fields of law and social justice.

Born in Belfast in 1951, Dr. McAleese was the eldest of nine children and grew up in a challenging environment during The Troubles. Her commitment to social justice led her to co-found several organizations, including Belfast Women’s Aid and the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform. She has authored multiple books, including “Reconciled Being: Love in Chaos” and “Here’s the Story: A Memoir.”

In addition to her presidential duties, Dr. McAleese has held prominent academic positions, including Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity College Dublin and Chair of the Von Hugel Institute at Cambridge University. She is a recognized leader in higher education, having chaired the European Union Commission’s High Level Group on the Modernization of Higher Education.

Misericordia University looks forward to celebrating Dr. McAleese’s achievements and contributions to society during the commencement ceremony. It will be livestreamed on YouTube beginning at 2:00 p.m. A schedule of commencement-related information and events can be found by clicking here.