Derry writer Dr. Susan McKay receives honorary doctorate from Queen’s
Award-winning Derry writer Dr. Susan McKay has received an honorary doctorate from Queen’s for her contribution to journalism and the arts.
Dr. McKay, an award-winning writer and commentator, received the award at a ceremony in Belfast on Tuesday.
The Drumahoe-native became the first female Press Ombudsperson for the Republic of Ireland when she was appointed to the role in 2022.
Prior to her career in journalism, she co-founded the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre and continues to write regularly on social and political issues.
She was made a Doctor of Literature for distinction in the arts and journalism at the summer graduation ceremony event in Whitla Hall this week.
“I am thrilled to have been chosen by Queen’s for this honorary doctorate in journalism and literature. The honour means all the more to me because in 1981 I started and failed to finish an actual doctorate in literature under the patient supervision of Professor Edna Longley.
“Distracted by the harsh political climate of Belfast at that time, I neglected my thesis in favour of working with other feminists to set up the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre.
“Since then my daughter Caitlin has done her Masters degree at Queens, and I am aware of academics and students at Queens playing their parts in the vibrant and politically significant culture that now exists in this great city.
“I am very proud to become part of Queens through this honour,” she said.
Dr. McKay is among 11 honorary graduates recognised by Queen’s this summer for outstanding contributions in a range of areas including community, business, public service and science, innovation and engineering.