2 December 2025
Business leader and philanthropist Mark Dobbin has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the UCD School of English, Drama and Film, recognising his significant contribution to strengthening academic and cultural ties between Canada and Ireland.
As the current Co-Chair of the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF), he has been pivotal in advancing scholarly exchange, supporting hundreds of Canadian and Irish researchers and students through grants and scholarships.
As the current Co-Chair of the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF), he has been pivotal in advancing scholarly exchange, supporting hundreds of Canadian and Irish researchers and students through grants and scholarships.
His connection with the University College Dublin was established in 1991 by his father Craig Dobbin, who made a significant donation that established the Craig Dobbin Visiting Chair in Canadian Studies. Dobbin continues his family’s enduring legacy by championing the Craig Dobbin Legacy Programme at UCD, which supports Canadian scholars pursuing research at UCD and vice versa.
The programme ensures a robust future for Canada-Ireland collaboration and upholds a tradition of excellence in research and innovation.
“Community-minded and forward-thinking, Mark has dedicated himself to supporting the infrastructure that enables others to pursue research, creativity, innovation and excellence,” said Dr Paul Halferty, Director of the UCD Dobbin Centre for Canadian Studies and the UCD School of English, Drama and Film, who read Dobbin's official citation at the ceremony.
“Deeply invested in Ireland-Canada connections, he and his family have made significant contributions to fostering creative exchange between our countries, and to UCD in particular.”
The programme ensures a robust future for Canada-Ireland collaboration and upholds a tradition of excellence in research and innovation.
“Community-minded and forward-thinking, Mark has dedicated himself to supporting the infrastructure that enables others to pursue research, creativity, innovation and excellence,” said Dr Paul Halferty, Director of the UCD Dobbin Centre for Canadian Studies and the UCD School of English, Drama and Film, who read Dobbin's official citation at the ceremony.
“Deeply invested in Ireland-Canada connections, he and his family have made significant contributions to fostering creative exchange between our countries, and to UCD in particular.”
Pictured (L-R): Dr Paul Halferty (School of English, Drama and Film), Professor Orla Feely (University President), Mark Dobbin, Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin (College Principal, College of Arts & Humanities)