'Inspiring others to make their own mark on the world': Queen’s honours four leading Northern Ireland business figures at winter graduations
Finnebrogue co-founder Christine Lynn, Dan Sten Olsson, chief executive of the Stena Sphere, John McDowell MBE of Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd and Helen Kirkpatrick MBE are among eight outstanding figures set to receive honorary degrees from Queen’s University Belfast
Four leading Northern Ireland business figures have been awarded honorary degrees from Queen’s University Belfast in recognition of their outstanding contributions to industry, commerce and community life.
Among the eight distinguished honourees is Christine Lynn, co-founder of Finnebrogue, celebrated for helping to build one of the UK’s most innovative food producers alongside her late husband, Denis, and for deepening research partnerships with Queen’s.
Dan Sten Olsson, chief executive of the Stena Sphere, has been recognised for his decades of global leadership and for Stena Line’s sustained economic contribution to Northern Ireland.
Helen Kirkpatrick MBE receives her honour for more than 25 years of senior leadership across multiple sectors and for her significant influence on entrepreneurship and university governance, including her role as Chair of Queen’s commercial arm, QUBIS.
John McDowell MBE, long-serving head of Kilwaughter Minerals Ltd, is honoured for over six decades of leadership and his enduring support for education and charitable initiatives. His son, Peter McDowell, accepted the degree on his behalf at the ceremony.
Also recognised this year is Dr Nigel Carr MBE, former Ireland rugby international turned broadcaster and community leader, who received a Doctor of the University for his services to the community.
This winter’s cohort reflects an exceptional breadth of achievement, with further honorary degrees awarded to acclaimed playwright Owen McCafferty, distinguished US diplomat The Honorable Barbara J. Stephenson, and other figures acknowledged for excellence in diplomacy, the arts, science and public life.
Announcing the honourees, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Our honorary graduates this winter represent excellence across so many fields, from diplomacy and business to medicine, the arts and community service.
"Each has made a distinctive and lasting contribution to society, reflecting the values of Queen’s and inspiring others to make their own mark on the world.”
The honorary degrees are being formally conferred during Queen’s winter graduation ceremonies in December.