Honorary doctorate of philosophy awarded to Seán de Fréine (94)

Seán de Fréine (94) was awarded an honorary doctorate of philosophy at Dublin City University. A scholar and a public servant, he has been a foundational influence on the sociolinguistics of Irish society and on questions of language policy.

Since the 1960s onwards, his published work has been central to academic and public discussion on issues of language, society and identity in Ireland.

Dublin City University also presented eight alumni awards to graduates of the university who have, over the past 20 months, helped in the fight against Covid-19. The eight are graduates of DCU’s five faculties and they were presented with their awards at a ceremony in the Helix on the university’s Glasnevin campus.

Awardees

The awardees come from fields as diverse as education, policing, media, finance and technology and include former assistant commissioner of An Garda Síochána Pat Leahy and Karen Greene, deputy chief nursing officer at the Department of Health.

Q&A: Can my child really be refused entry to school for not wearing a face mask?

---

Graduates lack ‘basic skills’ such as writing without spelling or grammatical errors

---

Minister approves 10 more academic positions in gender equality initiative

---

Teaching ‘crisis’: Leaving Cert oral exams may switch to Easter break

---

Speaking at the event, Prof Daire Keogh, president of DCU said: “This year’s awards give particular recognition to those who have had a positive impact in response to the global challenge of Covid-19. By setting an example, the awardees represent great role models for DCU’s current students.”