06/10/2026
🎓 Orla Chennaoui to receive Honorary Doctorate from The Open University
We’re delighted to announce that award-winning broadcaster and journalist Orla Chennaoui will receive an Honorary Doctorate from The Open University at our Belfast Degree Ceremony next week - Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Originally from Draperstown, Co Derry/Londonderry, Orla has built an impressive international career in sports broadcasting, covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and cycling’s Grand Tours.
She is also a passionate advocate for women in sport and the founder of Ten Times Braver, a platform encouraging people to build confidence, overcome fear and pursue their ambitions.
Orla will receive her honorary degree alongside more than 330 OU graduates at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Tuesday 13 October – celebrating achievements and journeys from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
We hope Orla’s story will inspire our graduates, our students and everyone who believes that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you end up.
As Orla says: “Success rarely happens overnight – it comes from persistence, taking opportunities when they are presented to you and, perhaps most importantly, believing that you belong in the room.”
Congratulations, Orla! 👏🎓
Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/ou3f50ZUNMh
