US Members of Congress Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rep. Richard Neal announced the Washington Ireland Program (WIP) Class of 2025 at a special event overlooking Capitol Hill in Washington DC today, Wednesday, March12.
The new class will see 30 emerging leaders from across Northern Ireland and Ireland venture state-side this summer, as part of the unique transatlantic leadership and peace-building program.
Co-hosted by WIP and Ulster University, the special event saw WIP Founder Carol Wheeler conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to peace and reconciliation. Ulster University, the UK and Ireland University of the Year (Times Higher Education 2024), conferred the award of ‘Doctor of the University’ upon Carol, the highest accolade a university can confer.
(L to R): Carol Wheeler receiving her Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Paul Bartholomew. (Washington Ireland Program)
For over three decades, the Washington Ireland Program (WIP) has played an important role in post-conflict Northern Ireland and Ireland by bringing together leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for outstanding leadership and skills-development opportunities. WIP’s aim is to support, inspire, and develop leaders who are committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland.
WIP has a diverse community of over 1,000 Alumni who are delivering on that vision - including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Class of 2000), deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA (Class of 2002), and Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA (Class of 2004). The WIP Alumni community also includes tech entrepreneur Aidan Corbett (Class of 2005) and award-winning artist Adrian Margey (Class of 2005).
Northern Ireland deputy First Minister and WIP Alum Emma Little-Pengelly MLA speaking at the special event. (Washington Ireland Program)
As the 31st class to embark on the prestigious program, the 2025 cohort have already demonstrated their leadership potential, have a strong track record of service, and are committed to building a bright future for the island of Ireland. Almost half of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and will receive full scholarships to participate.
Previous students have completed work placements in the offices of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Representative Mike Kelly, and Representative Richie Neal.
As supporters of WIP, Members of Congress Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Neal reflected upon their commitment to fostering international leadership and the enduring friendship between Northern Ireland, Ireland and the United States.
Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1) said at the announcement: “It is a great honor to announce the incoming class of Washington Ireland Program Emerging Leaders.
"For many years, my office has had the pleasure of hosting WIP students, and it is inspiring to see so many of them go on to serve with distinction in public life.
“The United States has always been a steadfast partner of peace and progress in Northern Ireland and Ireland, and I applaud the Washington Ireland Program for its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders who will carry this legacy forward and shape a brighter future for all.”
Rep. Neal added: “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, I recognize the unique space occupied by the Washington Ireland Program. Fostering reconciliation and collaboration across political divides, WIP invests in the next generation of young leaders committed to achieving peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland.
“Congratulations to WIP Founder Carol Wheeler on her Honorary Doctorate from Ulster University. It is a fitting tribute to her outstanding commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
Member of Congress Rep. Richard Neal announcing the WIP Class of 2025. (Washington Ireland Program)
Carol Wheeler said: “It is an incredible privilege to accept this honorary doctorate in recognition of the Washington Ireland Program’s journey over the past 31 years.
"What began as a small initiative to foster peace and reconciliation has now grown into an impactful network of over one thousand alumni who are shaping the future of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“The honor I have received is not just a reflection of the work of one individual, but of the support and dedication shown by our staff and volunteers, our work placements, host families, donors, governmental supporters, and — most importantly — our program participants who have helped build and shape WIP throughout its history.”
WIP Founder Dr Carol Wheeler. (Washington Ireland Program)
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, said: “Dr. Carol Wheeler’s dedication to leadership development and civic engagement has had a profound and lasting impact on young people from Northern Ireland and Ireland.
“Through the Washington-Ireland Program, she has provided opportunities that empower individuals to build a more peaceful and prosperous future, something that we at Ulster take inspiration from. Ulster University is delighted to recognize Carol’s legacy with this honorary degree.”
Nicola Skelly, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program, said: “We are proud to launch the WIP Class of 2025 with esteemed guests and supporters in Washington DC, and are honored to celebrate Carol as she receives this well-deserved honorary doctorate. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to service has not only shaped the Washington Ireland Program but has also had a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“More than just a program, WIP fosters lifelong connection and collaboration. The relationships these young leaders build, with each other and with our global community, will shape their lifelong leadership journeys.
"We are honored to support them as they step into their roles as the next generation of changemakers for Ireland and Northern Ireland."
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