(L to R) UCD President, Professor Orla Feely, Former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley, and Dean of UCD College of Business, Professor Anthony Brabazon.

University College Dublin (UCD) has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to former US Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin F. O’Malley.

The honor is to celebrate O'Malley's "remarkable career as a diplomat, lawyer, and advocate for transatlantic partnership," UCD said this week.

"UCD celebrates Kevin O’Malley as a statesman, innovator, and friend whose vision and leadership continue to shape Ireland’s relationship with the wider world," the university said.

Nominated by US President Barack Obama, O'Malley served as US Ambassador to Ireland from 2014 through 2017.

UCD noted that since leaving his ambassadorship, O'Malley has continued to "champion Ireland through his role on the UCD College of Business North America Advisory Board."

Born in St. Louis, Missouri to Irish parents, Kevin O’Malley studied law at Saint Louis University before embarking on a career that spanned public service, law, and international diplomacy.

As a lawyer, he rose to national prominence, recognised among the top 1% of attorneys in the United States as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

November 26, 2015: US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland's Thanksgiving lunch at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Dublin. (RollingNews.ie)

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UCD described O'Malley as "a bridge-builder between nations, generations, and cultures.

"His tenure was marked not just by diplomacy, but by empathy and innovation, ensuring the bonds between Ireland and the United States grew deeper, more dynamic, and more forward-looking."

UCD continued: "One of his most enduring contributions was the Creative Minds Series, an initiative that brought together young Irish and American leaders in business, technology, the arts, and culture.

"By providing a platform for emerging voices, the programme highlighted his belief that the future of diplomacy lies in creativity, collaboration, and the energy of youth."

At the Honorary Doctorate Ceremony, Professor Tony Brabazon, Dean of the UCD College of Business, said: “Kevin O’Malley has always understood that true diplomacy is about people. He built bridges not just between governments, but between communities, cultures, and generations.

"His leadership has inspired young people to think globally and act with purpose.

"We are honoured to recognise his extraordinary contributions with this degree.”

O'Malley said: “The reputation of UCD in the United States is unsurpassed, and to receive this honour from the University is both humbling and greatly appreciated.

“These graduates have been very well prepared to handle the unique challenges which all of us are counting on them to master in the years ahead.”