Schwarzenegger honoured with honorary degree at Ulster University
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Ulster University conferred an honorary doctorate on Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday, its highest honour, recognising his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy and the arts.
- Schwarzenegger told the ceremony his first Belfast visit in 1966, aged 19, was a 'breakthrough' moment — his first public speech, delivered despite not speaking English, which earned a standing ovation and 'every single time afterwards' he went to the microphone.
- Ivan Dunbar, a Northern Ireland bodybuilding judge, invited the penniless young Austrian to Belfast after spotting him at a Mr Universe event in London; Schwarzenegger stayed at Dunbar's home in Dundonald and was served an Ulster fry.
- Schwarzenegger joked he was 'tricked' into returning after UU representatives asked if he still believed in free speech, then announced he was giving one on 30 March in Belfast.
- Schwarzenegger was reunited at the reception with Sandra Weir, one of two women pictured with him in 1966 as he lifted them both into the air, and was introduced to Dunbar's daughter.
- UU Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Bartholemew said few individuals have 'shaped global culture across sport, film and public life' the way Schwarzenegger has, calling him a powerful advocate for the environment, the people of California and philanthropic causes.
- Students at the Belfast campus reacted with excitement — film student Eoin Heaney called the visit going to 'do wonders' for his course, while Students' Union Belfast VP Favour Okpohs said she was taking home advice 'to have confidence and faith in yourself.'
Why it matters: An honorary doctorate is Ulster University's highest honour, and the Belfast ceremony connected Schwarzenegger's first public speech in 1966 to the public career — bodybuilding champion, Hollywood star, California governor — that followed, giving the university's students a direct link to a global figure who credits the city with launching his life in public life.
Ask SkimNews
