Queen’s University Belfast awards honorary doctorate to former Manchester United captain Gary Neville
Queen’s University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on former Manchester United captain Gary Neville at a special ceremony in Belfast today.
Mr Neville received the degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to sport and his significant work in business, education and philanthropy", the university said.
The ceremony included a citation by Declan Kelly, founder and CEO of international advisory and investing firm Consello, with whom Gary is a business partner.
Mr Kelly, a QUB Honorary Professor and Honorary Graduate, hosted Gary at a sold-out leadership lecture in QUB's Whitla Hall earlier this year.
Gary enjoyed a 19-year career with Manchester United, making 602 appearances and lifting eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League trophies, and was capped for England 85 times.
Since retiring from professional football in 2011, he built a diverse business portfolio spanning property development, hospitality, education, media and sport and is a co-owner of Salford City FC.
He is also the driving force behind UA92, the higher education institution in Manchester focused on broadening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who might not otherwise pursue university degrees.
President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: “Gary Neville has shown what is possible when talent and discipline come together with purpose. His achievements on the pitch are matched by his commitment to creating opportunities for young people through education, skills and enterprise.
“Gary embodies values that speak directly to Queen’s mission, particularly our ambition to widen access and prepare students for the future world of work. We are delighted to welcome him to Queen’s as an Honorary Graduate."
Reflecting on the award, Gary said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from Queen’s University Belfast. My work in education and supporting young people is something I feel hugely passionate about, and I have seen first-hand the impact Queen’s has on its students and on the wider community."
He added that he looks forward to building his relationship with QUB, particularly through Professor Kelly.
During his visit to QUB earlier this year he met students from Queen’s Business School and the School of Law to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship and the transition from elite sport to business.