Two prominent Irish civic leaders, Lilian Seenoi Barr, the Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council in Northern Ireland, and Niamh Kennedy, the Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, will be special guests of Worcester State University April 22-25.
The leaders will receive honorary degrees from the university in recognition of their outstanding contributions to public service, economic development, social justice, and cross-border collaboration. They will also participate in a series of special events over two days, culminating with the conferral of honorary doctorates at Worcester State’s Academic Achievement Awards.
A centerpiece of the visit will be “Profiles in Women’s Leadership,” a fireside chat with the Irish dignitaries moderated by Dr. Lisa Colombo, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees and the chief executive of ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School. The event will be Thursday, April 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. in Sullivan Auditorium and is open to all Worcester State students, faculty, staff and alumni. Faculty members are encouraged to bring their classes.
During this event, the Irish mayors, as they are informally known, will share their personal stories, experiences and insights on leadership and public service.
Mayor Barr is a prominent Kenyan Irish political and community activist known for her commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights. Born in Kenya, Lilian’s early life was shaped by the challenges and inequities she observed in her Maasai community, sparking a passion for advocacy that would guide her life’s work. Her contributions to political and community life have been recognised with several awards and honours and her work continues to inspire and empower individuals and communities, making her a formidable force for positive change.
Cathaoirleach Kennedy has achieved significant milestones throughout her career, demonstrating a deep commitment to community welfare, local development, and fostering sustainable growth in Donegal. Her career accomplishments showcase her unwavering dedication to her community, her strong leadership in addressing both local and regional challenges, and her ongoing commitment to sustainable development. She values community engagement, respect, and inclusivity in her leadership approach.
President Barry Maloney met the mayors at a Boston event in their honor sponsored by the Irish Consul General. During this event, he was also recognized with the Golden Bridges Ambassador award. Maloney was so impressed by the two dignitaries, he extended the invitation for them to visit and be recognized with honorary doctorates.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to honor these distinguished Irish leaders,” President Maloney said. “Their stories and accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to Worcester State’s students as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders.”
Worcester State has a longstanding and growing relationship with academic institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland, including the nine-campus Atlantic Technological University in northwest Ireland. Worcester State recently signed an academic agreement with Ulster University for its Master of Law degree program. Each year, students in a variety of programs travel to Ireland and Northern Ireland for study abroad programs. In March, students from nursing and earth, environment and physics spent spring break studying and doing research across the island. In 2024, the field hockey team kicked off their season with a two-game international scrimmage with Ulster University and during their visit, they met Mayor Barr.
President Maloney said the partnerships with Irish universities have “enriched Worcester State in so many ways,” providing students with valuable experiential learning opportunities and exposure to different cultures. Maloney also noted the personal significance of the visit for many Worcester State students who trace their roots back to Ireland.
The honorary degrees being awarded to Mayor Barr and Cathaoirleach Kennedy further cement these connections and highlight the university’s commitment to international cooperation and global engagement. “We are deeply honored to recognize Mayor Barr and Cathaoirleach Kennedy with honorary degrees,” President Maloney said. “Their work serves as an inspiration to our students and the wider community and further cements our university’s long-standing partnership with higher education institutions in Ireland.”
Mayor Barr said it’s a huge honor to be recognized by the university. “The conferral of the honorary degrees underscores the strong and growing connections between Worcester State University and the regions of Derry and Strabane and County Donegal,” she said.
The degree conferral also highlights the importance of international cooperation and the positive impact of dedicated civic leadership, she said. “Worcester State University is a vibrant, student-centered public university committed to academic excellence, community engagement, and preparing students for success in a diverse and global society and it is a fantastic honor for me to receive an honorary degree from this education center of excellence.”
Cathaoirleach Kennedy said she is deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition from Worcester State University. The honorary degree reflects not only her personal commitment but also the collective efforts of the Derry and Donegal region in building stronger, more cohesive cross-border partnerships, she said. “Together, we are fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for our region. Worcester State University’s dedication to academic excellence and community engagement aligns closely with our values, and it’s a privilege to be acknowledged by such an esteemed institution,” she said.
In addition to the “Profiles in Women’s Leadership” event, the Irish leaders’ two-day visit will include classroom visits, a luncheon with local economic and business leaders, and participation in the university’s annual Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. The visit will culminate in the Academic Achievement Awards ceremony on April 24, where Mayors Barr and Kennedy will be awarded honorary degrees.
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