Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, has been recognised at a special Flax Trust event in Washington, DC, where he was named as one of three honourees celebrated for their contribution to public life and community impact.
The Thirty-Fifth Annual Flax Trust Breakfast brought together representatives from government, business and education to reflect on the long-standing relationships between Belfast and Washington and the shared commitment to strengthening communities through partnership.
Held at the Hay-Adams Rooftop Terrace, the event honoured:
- Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor and President, Ulster University
- Catherine Lucey, White House Correspondent, Bloomberg News
- Rev. Joseph E. Lingan, S.J., President of Gonzaga College High School
Professor Bartholomew received the Flax Trust Award from Sr. Mary Turley in recognition of his leadership of Ulster University and his role in widening access to education and creating opportunity across Northern Ireland.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said:
“It is a tremendous honour to receive this award from an organisation that has done so much for communities across North Belfast and beyond. The Flax Trust has played a vital role in creating opportunity, supporting reconciliation and helping people to build better futures.
"At Ulster University, we share that commitment. Our new Belfast Campus is part of a wider effort to open up access to education, drive innovation and contribute to the regeneration of our city. I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of our staff, students and the many partners who support our work.”
Jim Boland, Chair of Flax Trust/America, said:
“Professor Bartholomew has shown strong leadership in ensuring Ulster University continues to play a central role in the life of Belfast and in providing opportunity for people from all backgrounds. "
The University’s new campus is a major investment in the city and reflects values that the Flax Trust has championed for nearly fifty years. We are delighted to recognise Paul’s contribution today and to celebrate the ongoing partnership between the University, the Trust and the wider community.”
A longstanding connection to Belfast and Ulster University
Founded in Belfast in 1977, the Flax Trust is one of Ireland’s most established development trusts. With a mission centred on reconciliation through economic and social development, its work has supported transformational change across North Belfast.
The Trust has driven regeneration in areas such as Ardoyne and Shankill, created employment through the Brookfield business centre and invested in training and education – including the School for Social Enterprises in Ireland, delivered in partnership with Ulster University.
This shared commitment to community prosperity is also reflected in Ulster University’s new Belfast Campus, which has brought around 15,500 staff and students into the city centre, strengthening the economic and social life of Belfast and contributing to wider regeneration. The campus represents a major investment in the city’s future and aligns closely with the Flax Trust’s long-standing work to create opportunity and support communities across Belfast.
The ceremony, co-chaired by Jim Boland, Chairman of Flax Trust/America and Michael D. McCurry, former White House Press Secretary, included contributions from representatives of the Irish, British and Northern Ireland delegations in Washington.
