Derry Chamber is proud to celebrate two outstanding milestones that reflect the strength and ambition of our city and region.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gavin Killeen, Managing Director of NuPrint Technologies and former President of Derry Chamber, who has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Ulster University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to business and commerce.

A tireless advocate for enterprise, education, and civic life in the North West, Gavin’s commitment has been felt across many sectors. His leadership in local business and dedication to further education were previously recognised with an MBE in 2023. In 2022, he was appointed to the Judging Panel for the King’s Award for Enterprise and Innovation – a testament to his passion for progress and innovation in the region.

Ulster University has rightly honoured Gavin as part of its summer graduation ceremonies taking place across its campuses. His achievement serves as an inspiration to the next generation of business and civic leaders.

Also this week, Derry witnessed a truly historic moment as the first cohort of medical students graduated from Ulster University’s School of Medicine at the Millennium Forum.

Opened in 2021, the School of Medicine on the Derry~Londonderry campus was created to help address the chronic shortage of medical professionals in Northern Ireland. The graduating class have now completed their training and will move into foundation year posts across the health system, with 84% remaining within Northern Ireland.

Many of these graduates will have spent the past four years training in local GP practices, hospitals, and community healthcare settings in Derry and the wider North West. Their strong connection to the city and region highlights the vital role the Derry medical school plays in strengthening our healthcare workforce and supporting long-term sustainability within the NHS.

These two stories speak volumes about the depth of talent, ambition, and commitment we have in Derry. Gavin Killeen’s recognition reflects the incredible contribution of our business leaders to society, while the graduation of our first doctors from Ulster University’s School of Medicine is a powerful moment for our city’s future. We are proud to celebrate both milestones and reaffirm our support for continued investment in education and innovation in the North West.

Read more about the first cohort of medical students from Ulster University in Connected Magazine HERE