Andre Callus and Fr Hilary among four awarded honoris causa degrees
Prof Michael Bugeja and Prof Jane Aldgate also honoured by University of Malta
Updated 7.32pm
Moviment Graffitti frontman Andre Callus and former sports journalist Fr Hilary Tagliaferro were among four individuals awarded honoris causa degrees by the University of Malta on Friday.
Callus received a Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa for his longstanding commitment to social activism.
He was honoured for “embodying a selfless public spirited social philosophy; for his steadfast and longstanding commitment towards social justice, the protection of the environment and the prevention of unfair and unsustainable land use; and for fearlessly and courageously standing up against the powers that be when he perceives the perpetration of injustices."
In his acceptance speech, Callus highlighted the power of collectivity, of resisting cynicism and never losing hope in struggling for a more caring and empathic world that recognises how lives are entangled together, with fellow humans but also the broader environment in an age of climate catastrophe.
The ceremony was held on Friday at the Basilica of Our Lady of Safe Haven and St Dominic.
Reacting to the news, Kurt Borg, a senior lecturer in policy, politics and governance at the University of Malta, said he has “never been prouder of the institution I form part of today”.
Callus has been actively involved with Moviment Graffitti since the early 2000s.
Fr Hilary Tagliaferro being conferred with the honoris causa degree. Image: University of MaltaFr Hilary Tagliaferro also received a Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa for his contributions to Maltese sports and community life, including helping to found the Youth Football Association and the Millennium Chapel in Paceville.
In his characteristic humility, Fr Hilary said "never in my life did I expect this".
"This day is a great symbol of what happened in the field of sports in Malta and in the world in the last 50 years. Today is the cherry on the cake of a life dedicated to young people, helping them grow in body, mind and spirit," Fr Hilary said.
Prof Michael Bugeja and Prof Jane Aldgate were conferred a Doctor of Literature honoris causa degree.
Prof Bugeja is a Maltese-American Professor Emeritus of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University. He was honoured for distinguishing himself internationally as a media ethicist and journalism scholar.
Prof Aldgate was conferred the honoris causa degree for her valued contribution to social work and social policy edification at the Univeristy of Malta. She is the author of “The Developing World of the Child” written as part of a training pack for practitioners working in children's services and child protection highlighting how the latest child development theories can be applied to professionals’ working practice.