February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Susan Falvella Garraty
La Salle University in Philadelphia has presented an honorary degree to Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Sean O’Huiginn.
“Our students began this year by witnessing the horrors of war; now we want
them to hear the words of a man who has worked to bring peace to Northern
Ireland,” said University President, Brother Michael McGinniss during the university’s recent annual commencement.
“At this time, given what is happening in the world today, it is fitting that we honor him for his efforts to resolve conflict peacefully,” he said.
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Ambassador O’Huiginn, who will depart Washington later this summer to become
ambassador in Berlin, joined the Irish Foreign Service in 1969. He played a
pivotal role as the head of the Angol-Irish division negotiating both the
Downing Street Declaration of 1993 and the Framework Document of 1995.
“It is an honor to be the recipient of this degree,” said Ambassador
O’Huiginn in his acceptance remarks.
A native of County Mayo, O’Huiginn was educated at St. Jarlath’s
College, University College Galway and the University of Bordeaux. He has
previously served in diplomatic posts in Saudia Arabia, Denmark, Mexico, and New
York.