Coyle gets degree for work toward N. Ireland peace
Stephen Coyle, CEO of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree yesterday from Ulster University for his decadeslong support for economic regeneration and peace building in Northern Ireland.
In presenting him with the degree, Ulster University — Northern Ireland’s civic university — cited Coyle’s role in development of the $85 million Foyleside Centre, a grand marketplace in Derry that was one of the first major regeneration projects since the “Troubles” erupted in the late 1960s.
The project led to a major shift in U.S. policy by former President Bill Clinton, who advocated for peace after visiting the mall in 1995.
The mall project created more than 1,000 jobs and an economic impact of $100 million, demonstrating that jobs and economic development could lead to peace.
“Steve Coyle is committed to helping all people regardless of their race or ethnicity, where they live in this world or whether they are rich or poor,” former Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn said. “I’ve seen first-hand his dedication to our homeland in Ireland. This award is appropriate as recognition of his decades of work to make a better society in Ireland, in Boston, and across the country. The love, respect and appreciation that the people of Boston have for Ireland is boundless.”
In accepting his degree, Coyle said: “I accept humbly this magnificent honor that you have conferred on me this day. I will never be able to repay you for letting me share this great day with you.”