At a special event co-hosted by the Washington Ireland Programme (WIP) and Ulster University, US WIP Founder Carol Wheeler was conferred with an honorary doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to peace and reconciliation. The award of ‘Doctor of the University’ received by Carol is the highest accolade a university can confer.
For over three decades, WIP has played an important role in post-conflict Northern Ireland and Ireland by bringing together leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for outstanding leadership and skills-development opportunities. WIP’s aim is to support, inspire, and develop leaders who are committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland.
WIP has a diverse community of over 1,000 Alumni who are delivering on that vision - including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Class of 2000), deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA (Class of 2002), and Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA (Class of 2004). The WIP Alumni community also includes tech entrepreneur Aidan Corbett (Class of 2005) and award-winning artist Adrian Margey (Class of 2005).
Carol Wheeler said:
“It is an incredible privilege to accept this honorary doctorate in recognition of the Washington Ireland Programme’s journey over the past 31 years. What began as a small initiative to foster peace and reconciliation has now grown into an impactful network of over one thousand alumni who are shaping the future of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"The honour I have received is not just a reflection of the work of one individual, but of the support and dedication shown by our staff and volunteers, our work placements, host families, donors, governmental supporters, and — most importantly — our programme participants who have helped build and shape WIP throughout its history.”
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, said:
“Dr Carol Wheeler’s dedication to leadership development and civic engagement has had a profound and lasting impact on young people from Northern Ireland and Ireland.
"Through the Washington-Ireland Programme, she has provided opportunities that empower individuals to build a more peaceful and prosperous future, something that we at Ulster take inspiration from. Ulster University is delighted to recognise Carol’s legacy with this honorary degree.”
Washington Ireland Programme Class of 2025
At the ceremony, United States Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick and Richard Neal also announced the Washington Ireland Programme (WIP) Class of 2025. The high-profile audience included fellow members of Congress and British Ambassador to the United States, The Rt Hon Lord Peter Mandelson.
The new class will see 30 emerging leaders from across Northern Ireland and Ireland venture state-side this summer, as part of the unique transatlantic leadership and peace-building programme.
Nicola Skelly, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Programme said:
“We are proud to launch the WIP Class of 2025 with esteemed guests and supporters in Washington DC, and are honoured to celebrate Carol as she receives this well-deserved honorary doctorate. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to service has not only shaped the Washington Ireland Programme but has also had a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"More than just a programme, WIP fosters lifelong connection and collaboration. The relationships these young leaders build, with each other and with our global community, will shape their lifelong leadership journeys. We are honoured to support them as they step into their roles as the next generation of changemakers for Ireland and Northern Ireland."