DCU to honour leading lights of NY Irish American community
Dublin City University will confer honorary degrees next month on two leading figures of the Irish-American community in New York, Mr Brian O’Dwyer and Mr John Fitzpatrick, OBE.
Brian O’Dwyer is a celebrated Irish-American lawyer and lobbyist for immigration rights. He has received numerous awards recognising his tireless work, both as a humanitarian and as an advocate for the underprivileged. Most recently, he was appointed Commissioner of the United States National Commission of UNESCO by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
John Fitzpatrick OBE, successful businessman and pioneering philanthropist, is widely recognised for his committed work with The Ireland Funds. As President and CEO of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, he oversees the running of two hotels in New York and has celebrated 21 years in business in the city. In 2008, John received an OBE in recognition of his contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland.
President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith,
“It is with great pleasure that DCU honours two beacons of the Irish-American community - Brian O’Dwyer and John Fitzpatrick. Through their unstinting efforts to improve the lives of others, Brian and John personify the very best qualities of the Irish-American family in New York. These conferrals recognise their committed advocacy on behalf of Irish people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The honorary degrees will be conferred at a special event in New York City on Tuesday 11th June 2013.