Donegal's Lord William Hay receives Ulster University Honorary Doctorate

Ulster University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Lord William Hay of Ballyore at a graduation ceremony at the Millennium Forum in Derry.

The award was made jointly with Dr Mitchel McLaughlin, who received his honorary doctorate during the summer 2025 graduation season.

Both former Speakers of the Northern Ireland Assembly are being honoured for their significant public service and for the vital roles they each played in fostering political consensus and supporting peace-building throughout their tenures.

READ NEXT: Donegal demonstrates excellence at Bus Éireann’s National GEM Awards 2025

Lord Hay receives his award alongside graduates from a broad range of disciplines at this year’s Class of 2025 ceremony, recognising his distinguished political career and his contribution to public life in Northern Ireland.

Born in Milford, Lord Hay moved with his family to Derry at an early age and was educated locally. He entered public life in 1981 when he was first elected to what was then the Londonderry City Council for the DUP.

He served as Deputy Mayor in 1992–1993, then as Mayor of Derry from 1993–1994. Hay was elected Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly on 8 May 2007 following the restoration of devolution. In August 2014, it was announced that he would get a life peerage to sit in the House of Lords

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said: “It is a privilege for Ulster University to honour Lord Hay today in his home city. His long record of public service, his commitment to political progress, and his role in helping to embed stable democratic structures in Northern Ireland mark him out as a deeply deserving recipient of this award. Graduation is a moment of pride for our students and their families, and it is fitting that they share this stage with someone who has dedicated his life to serving communities across this region.”

Lord William Hay said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this Doctorate from Ulster University. To be recognised in the city where I grew up and where I first entered public service makes this occasion especially meaningful. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on representing people to the best of my ability and contributing, in whatever way I could, to peace and political stability. I am grateful to the University for this recognition, and I wish today’s graduates every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys.”

Today’s ceremony also saw students graduate from several faculties across Ulster University, including those in the arts, humanities, social sciences, education, computing, engineering and business. Lord Hay received his honorary degree in front of graduates, their families, and members of the wider university community gathered to celebrate academic achievement and public service.