An author, broadcaster, peacebuilder, leadership consultant and suicide prevention advocate, he has spent over 30 years working to build peace and reconciliation at home and abroad with hundreds of youth and community groups, schools, churches and government agencies.
A successful internationally published author, his debut critically acclaimed memoir ‘Paperboy’ reflected on his experiences growing up in the Shankill Rd. Following its success came ‘Breadboy’, ‘All Growed Up’ and ‘Little House on the Peace Line’, the story of how he supported young people to reject sectarianism and violence as a way of life in the 1980s.
In the late 1990s he worked for the Rural Community Network, supporting rural community groups and organisations and influencing government policy. Now a recognised inspirational speaker and leadership development consultant with global organisations (e.g. Concentrix, RBS, HSBC, Allen & Overy, CDK Global) and a member of the Global YMCA Committee on Conflict Transformation he is currently coaching a youth empowerment project in one of the biggest slums in Kampala, Uganda.
Coming from the most educationally disadvantaged community in Northern Ireland he is passionate about encouraging aspiration in education and the arts and has been active in the development of integrated education in Northern Ireland.
Tony Macaulay said:
“I am extremely proud to have received an honorary degree from Ulster University. I strongly believe in the work Ulster University is doing to encourage educational attainment in young people from all backgrounds which has been a focal point in my career. I would like to dedicate this award to my wife Lesley and my daughters Beth and Hope (Lesley and Beth are also graduates of Ulster University), and wish all graduating today the very best.”