On Dec. 11th, Mary McAleese, the current president of Ireland, will receive an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from the University of San Francisco. During her trip to the United States, McAleese will be visiting the Bay Area, southern California and Arizona to discuss business opportunities and investments for Ireland. McAleese is Ireland’s second female president and its first president from Northern Ireland. Information from the McCarthy Center, the primary sponsor of this event, said that her administration “has been noted for its concern and advocacy for justice, equality, social inclusion, anti-sectarianism, and reconciliation.” After receiving her honorary degree, McAleese will give a brief address entitled Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Community. Due to a tight schedule, McAleese will only have time to make a few brief remarks and will not be able to take questions from the audience. Alan Ziajka, special assistant to the USF president for special projects, who is responsible for bringing McAleese to campus, said her work is “a tribute to the legacy of Irish heritage” and that she reflects and represents the USF mission that includes “a commitment to a common good that transcends the interests of a particular group.”
The honorary degree will be awarded to Pres. Mary McAleese on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10am in the McClaren conference center in Phelan Hall.
This event is sponsored by the Leo T. McCarthy Center, University Ministry, the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning and the Center for the Pacific Rim.
Really wish I could attend this..