Patrick Kielty and Mary Robinson to receive honorary degrees

Patrick Kielty and Mary Robinson are to receive honorary degrees from Ulster University

Broadcaster Patrick Kielty and former Irish President Mary Robinson are set to receive honorary doctorates from Ulster University this summer.

They are among seven people being recognised by the university.

Author and artist Oliver Jeffers who grew up in Northern Ireland, is also being honoured, as is veteran journalist Eamonn Mallie.

Shankill Women's Centre CEO Betty Carlisle, Sister Nuala Kelly who helped transform St Louise's College in west Belfast, and Glamour magazine's editor-in-chief Samantha Barry, originally from Cork, will also be recognised.

Author and artist Oliver Jeffers is among those receiving an honorary degree from Ulster University

Patrick Kielty took over as host of Irish broadcaster RTÉ's The Late Late Show last year.

He started out at a Belfast comedy club before gaining success as a presenter on Love Island, This Morning and BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz as well as other comedy and theatre shows.

Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland and served in the role between 1990 and 1997.

She was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and is currently chair of The Elders, a body of independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

Oliver Jeffers is renowned for a number of children's books which have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Working with Studio AKA, his book, Lost and Found, was developed into an animated short film, and received a number of awards including a Bafta.

Originally from south Armagh, Eamonn Mallie is a former reporter and political correspondent with Downtown Radio and is recognised for his significant contribution to journalism and broadcasting.

He has co-authored nine books covering politics, art, and poetry and has interviewed various leading political figures.

'Outstanding contribution'

Betty Carlisle will be recognised for her "outstanding contribution" to promoting shared education and empowering women from disadvantaged and deprived areas of Northern Ireland.

Sister Nuala Kelly will be recognised for her "outstanding commitment" in serving the community.

Samantha Barry is now based in New York where she is Glamour's global editorial director for the Americas.

She was previously global head of social media at CNN and is being honoured for her achievements in journalism and using her platform to empower women and girls.

'Great talent, creativity and integrity'

Ulster University vice-chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said the university's aim is to celebrate "inspirational local people making a global impact".

"Graduation is a special time of year as we celebrate our outstanding graduates as they come together with friends and family to mark their wonderful achievements," he said.

"We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will go on to make a genuine difference in their communities and respective professions in the years that follow their time at Ulster University.

"With that future in mind, it is a joy to celebrate the work of those inspirational and acclaimed local faces already making a global impact, and we are thrilled to bestow these honorary doctorates.

"These individuals are leaders in their fields and demonstrate great talent, creativity and integrity."

The honorary doctorates will be conferred during summer graduations which take place from 1 July to 9 July in Belfast, Coleraine and Londonderry.