Neeson's alma mater gives star honorary degree
Irish-born Hollywood star Liam Neeson accepted an honorary degree from his former university at a ceremony in New York today.
But he had to endure hearing quotes from his old school report during the ceremony, as the Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Peter Gregson, recalled the actor’s student days.
Neeson, who appeared in blockbuster films including 'Schindler’s List' and 'Michael Collins', enrolled at Queen’s in 1971 as a physics and computer science student, before leaving to work at Guinness.
Prof. Gregson presented the actor with a Doctorate of the University (DUniv) for his Outstanding Contribution and Service to the Arts.
“From an acting career which first began at the age of 11, Liam Neeson has gone on to become one of the leading, international motion picture figures of our time,” he said.
“Liam’s outstanding drive and resolute belief that the arts can contribute much to society has seen his star remain in the ascendancy.
“He is to be commended for his continuing contribution to the sector both on the big screen and at his home in Northern Ireland, where he continues to provide vital support for local theatre.
“The staff and students of Queen’s, particularly those on our arts and literature-based courses, are delighted Liam has accepted this honour.”
But the academic surprised guests at the ceremony by revealing details from Dr Neeson’s original university application form from 1970.
The Vice Chancellor revealed how Neeson’s academic referee from Ballymena Technical College said he was confidently expected to obtain high grades in maths, physics and geometrical drawing.
As well as commenting on his pleasant personality and hard-working approach, his teacher hinted at what was to come when he wrote: “Liam’s chief interest would appear to be amateur dramatics, in which he has played the leading role in the last two productions of the college play.”
Accepting his honorary degree, Dr Neeson joked that at last he would be able to tell his mother he had graduated from university.
“My home will always be Northern Ireland. I have often found that, no matter where I meet people in the world, there is a path that leads back to Queen’s,” he said.
“Queen’s University flies the flag for the arts in Northern Ireland and beyond. It is to be commended on its commitment to the arts sector and in nurturing new talent through its broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.”
In March the actor’s wife, Natasha Richardson, died from head injuries suffered in a skiing accident.
Neeson has starred in more than 50 television and film productions and has received numerous awards and nominations.
He is a patron of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast and has been an ambassador for Unicef Ireland, raising more than €1.25m with a charity auction entitled Movie Action For Children.
