Professor McColgan, who joined the University in 1985, received an OBE in recognition of her services to the Social Care Sector in Northern Ireland.
She said: "I was delighted to receive this award and honoured to be acknowledged for my contribution to social care in Northern Ireland.
“Having worked in both the social work and social care sectors with voluntary and statutory organisations and being involved in education and training of social workers, it is a great privilege to be part of a profession which seeks to support people in need and –enhance their quality of life through promoting quality standards of care."
Gillian Webb, who has been PA to six successive Business Deans since the formation of the University in 1984, joined the former Ulster Polytechnic in 1975. She received the BEM in recognition of her services to Higher Education and to the community in Northern Ireland.
Congratulating Mary and Gillian, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, said: “ I’m delighted that the substantial contribution Mary and Gillian make to the life and work of the University – and to the wider community – has been recognised in this way.”
Honours were also awarded to:
Turner Prize-winning MFA graduate Susan Phillipsz, who received an OBE for services to British art, andRetired Ulster lecturer and artist Neil Shawcross, who received an MBE for services to the arts in Northern Ireland,Anna Moss, Managing Director, General Counsel, Belfast, Citigroup Global Markets, who is a Visiting Professor in the Ulster Business School. She received an MBE for her services to Economic Development in Northern Ireland.