Marie-Thérèse McGivern was the Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Metropolitan College for ten years. Prior to that, she was Director of Development at Belfast City Council where she was responsible for economic development, arts, tourism, events and community services.
Marie-Thérèse is currently the Chair of Maritime Belfast and of the Employability and Skills Advisory Board for the £10b Belfast Region City Deal. She is a Non-Executive Director of the Strategic Investment Board for Northern Ireland and sits on the Boards of the Titanic Foundation and Northern Ireland Water.
Professor Ian Greer has been President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast since 2018. He has extensive experience of university innovation driving regional economic growth and has held senior leadership positions in several UK universities. He has been developing partnerships with Belfast Met through a Memorandum of Understanding with Queen’s University, and through public endorsement of the College’s contribution to economic development and social inclusion.
Belfast Met’s Principal and Chief Executive, Louise Warde Hunter, said:
“We are delighted to be celebrating our Higher Education graduates’ achievements. The theme for the virtual graduation celebration is ‘Perseverance’ which reflects the incredible tenacity and commitment that our students have shown in overcoming the challenges they faced due to the pandemic.
“We are delighted to be celebrating our Honorary Fellows this year who are especially worthy recipients of this award. Both Honorary Fellows are a source of inspiration for our graduates who have contributed so much to Education and Skills in Northern Ireland.
“Marie-Thérèse McGivern has made a pivotal contribution as the former Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast Met and remains a passionate advocate for Further Education.
“Professor Ian Greer believes in delivering a true education and skills ecosystem for Northern Ireland. He has galvanised collaboration among tertiary providers to support learners and is actively committed to meaningful partnership with Belfast Met.
“I would like to congratulate both of our Honorary Fellows this year on receiving their very well-deserved honorary fellowship awards.”
Speaking about the honour, Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “It is an immense privilege to be awarded this Fellowship from Belfast Metropolitan College, which is a key player in Northern Ireland’s education story.
“The role of Belfast Met is essential in delivering outstanding opportunities for our people, preparing them for a wide variety of careers in our growing knowledge-based economy, where there are so many fantastic new opportunities, right here on our doorstep. This is an award I will cherish proudly.”
Marie-Thérèse McGivern, confirmed: “I am deeply honoured to receive this Honorary Fellowship. Belfast Met is playing a central role in assisting our economic and social recovery in these difficult times. I am very proud to be associated with that drive and energy.”
For more details about Higher Education courses at Belfast Met and to apply search belfastmet.ac.uk
