Misericordia University to Honor Dr. Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland, at Winter 2024 Commencement

Misericordia University to Honor Dr. Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland, at Winter 2024 Commencement

DALLAS, PA - Misericordia University (MU) announced today that Dr. Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland and a renowned advocate for peace and social justice, will be the commencement honoree and guest speaker at the university's Winter Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, December 15, 2024. McAleese will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree during the ceremony. 

This year, MU is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1924 by the Sisters of Mercy. The university can trace its heritage back to Ireland as Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831 to serve the poor, sick, and uneducated and display the Mercy of God in the world. 

Dr. McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011, during which she championed the theme of “Building Bridges.” Her presidency was marked by significant contributions to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, including the historic state visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. With a rich background as a barrister, journalist, and educator, Dr. McAleese has made lasting impacts in the fields of law and social justice. 

Born in Belfast in 1951, Dr. McAleese the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland. She was the eldest of nine children and grew up in a challenging environment during The Troubles. Her commitment to social justice led her to co-found several prominent organizations, and she has authored multiple books, including "Reconciled Being: Love in Chaos" and "Here's the Story: A Memoir." 

In addition to her time as president, Dr. McAleese has held notable academic positions, including Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity College Dublin, Director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and first female pro-Vice Chancellor at the Queen's University of Belfast, and Chair of the Von Hugel Institute at Cambridge University. She is a recognized leader in higher education, having chaired the European Union Commission’s High Level Group on the Modernisation of Higher Education. 

Misericordia University looks forward to celebrating Dr. McAleese's achievements and contributions to society during the commencement ceremony. It will be livestreamed on YouTube beginning at 2:00 p.m. A schedule of commencement-related information and events can be found by visiting www.misericordia.edu/commencement.