One of New York's Leading Hoteliers Honored by Queen's University

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. July 07, 2011

July 6, 2011 - John Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, North America, which operates two hotels in New York City, will receive an honorary doctorate for services to business and commerce.

Norma Sinte, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Queen's, will deliver the citation for Mr. Fitzpatrick at today's graduation ceremony. She said, “Fitzpatrick Hotels became the first Irish owned hotel company to operate in the United States after John Fitzpatrick moved from Ireland to New York in the late 1980's to expand the family business.

“As well as being an astute businessman, John is committed to charity work in the US and here in Ireland. Through a memorial fund set up in honor of his late parents, he has been instrumental in raising over €1.3 million for various charities, including the Corrymeela Community and Barretstown, an organization dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to children with cancer and other illnesses in Ireland.

“In August 2008 John received an OBE in recognition of his exceptional contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and in 2010 he was named Irish American of the Year in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable commitments. I am delighted that today he can add an honorary degree from Queen's to that list of accolades.”