Sharon Corr receives honorary doctorate from The Open University

Singer, songwriter and violinist, Grammy nominee and Brit Award winner, Sharon Corr received an honorary degree of Doctor of the University, at a ceremony in London on March22, for her exceptional contribution to education and culture at a ceremony in London.

Speaking about the award Sharon said:

“I’m so touched and incredibly honoured to receive this degree today. My music and my charitable work have been a source of great happiness to me and to be honoured for that is a dream come true.”

John D’Arcy, Director for The Open University in Ireland, presented Sharon for her Honorary Degree saying:

“While we acknowledge Sharon Corr’s major musical accomplishments, today The Open University celebrates Sharon’s contribution throughout her career to causes and charities that are in keeping with our mission of being open to people, places, methods and ideas. We’re not alone in recognising Sharon’s focus on helping others; she was awarded an honorary MBE in 2005 for her charitable work.”

The first ⁦@OpenUniversity⁩ Degree Ceremony of our 50th Anniversary Year at the Barbican in London today. Leading the flag waving were our Vice Chancellor Mary Kellett and our Honorary Graduate ⁦@Sharon_Corr⁩ #DrCorr #OUFamily #OU50 pic.twitter.com/7ICDrFEz1V

— John Oh Yeah (@JohnMDArcy) March 22, 2019

Sharon Corr is also an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation AIDS awareness campaign and the figurehead of OXFAM Ireland involved in campaigns to champion and empower women. She has also actively supported The Prince’s Trust and Live 8 for the Make Poverty History campaign, and is a patron of the Integrated Education Fund, Northern Ireland.

As part of The Corrs she sold over 45 million albums and toured arenas and stadiums across the globe. Her success has continued as a solo artist, with two albums released so far. She spent two seasons as a coach on the successful talent show The Voice of Ireland, sharing her experience and knowledge of music and the industry.

Sharon Corr has become the latest legendary Irish musician to receive recognition in the academic world for their achievements. Back in January, Bob Geldof received an honorary doctorate from the University of Limerick, as did members of The Cranberries - including a posthumous doctorate for the late Dolores O'Riordan.