A Celebration of Impact: University of Malta Awards Four Honoris Causa Degrees

On Friday 21 November 2025, the University of Malta honoured four individuals during its Conferment of Honoris Causa Degrees Ceremony, a fitting culmination to yet another successful and inspiring graduation season.

The Ceremony also served as an occasion to celebrate Foundation Day, which goes back to the signing by Grandmaster Pinto of the decree constituting the University of Malta on 22 November, 1769.

The Honoris Causa Degrees were conferred to Rev. Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, Mr Andrè Callus, Prof. Michael J. Bugeja and Prof. Jane Aldgate, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Safe Haven and St Dominic in Valletta. 

Rev. Fr Hilary Tagliaferro’s early years were shaped by the social conditions and political turmoil of a time that was also a prelude to World War II. He cultivated a spirit of empathy, a deep sense of vocation and an unwavering commitment to service that would shape his priesthood and public life. Being a firm believer in the fact that character is not built in isolation, Rev. Fr Tagliaferro pioneered a model of youth engagement that fused sport, spirituality, and social inclusion.   Fr Tagliaferro is best known for his involvement in local football, having also produced and presented numerous sports programmes on television and radio.

He founded the Millenium Chapel in Paceville, a beacon of spiritual refuge in the midst of Malta’s most vibrant entertainment district. His work has been ecumenical in spirit, interdisciplinary in practice, and deeply human in its impact. He was bestowed with the honorary degree of Doctor of Social Sciences. 

Mr Andrè Callus is a prominent Maltese activist widely recognised for his outspoken stance on issues related to the environment and to social justice. He is a leading figure in the grassroots organisation Moviment Graffitti and is well-known for his direct, bold rhetoric, his reasoned vocal criticism, and his ability to mobilise public sentiment around issues of national importance.

He frequently engages in direct and frontline action to protest against environmental degradation, overdevelopment, and government inaction. Andrè is also known for his intellectual engagement with topical social and environmental issues, often participating in public lectures and fora on urban planning and activism. In recognition of his commitment to the wellbeing of Maltese society, the University of Malta conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Social Sciences.

Prof. Michael J. Bugeja’s distinguished media career spans half a century. He has authored 25 books, and is a frequent contributor to prominent higher education journals. He has taught media ethics and technology and social change at the Greenlee School of Iowa State University. Prof. Bugeja received Iowa State’s highest academic title of distinguished professor for his contributions to media ethics and technology, after which he retired in May 2025. In that year, he received the Schwartz Award, Iowa State's highest honour for service to journalism.

His academic and professional ties with Malta, particularly through his ongoing involvement with the University of Malta’s Department of Media and Communications, have seen him mentoring emerging scholars, delivering guest lectures, conducting peer reviews and advising on curriculum development. He was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature.   

Prof. Jane Aldgate is Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh and Professor Emerita of The Open University. She has researched a broad spectrum of child welfare issues and has written texts on Attachment Theory and child development. Professor Aldgate has been a longstanding advisor to the UK and Scottish Governments. 

Professor Aldgate’s contribution to the development of social work and social policy in Malta is also notable and her influence on the early years of social work education is critical. From delivering keynote speeches, to providing consultancies and brokering collaborations involving the University, her work will keep shaping the future of social work and social policy locally. She was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature. 

Orations were delivered by Prof. Frank Bezzina for Rev. Fr Tagliaferro, Prof. Kevin Aquilina for Mr Callus, Prof. Carmen Sammut for Prof. Bugeja and by Prof. Maureen Cole for Prof. Aldgate.

Excerpts from the orations encapsulating the contributions of the four honourees:

Rev. Tagliaferro

“This University’s recognition relates directly to a life that has exemplified the highest ideals of our Institution: service, wisdom, and transformative leadership.”

Mr Callus

“When people with power fail in their duties, Mr Callus has no second qualms in embracing a strategy of direct action to achieve what the authorities fail to accomplish.”

Prof. Bugeja

“His dedication to advancing Malta’s academic standards and fostering a commitment to media integrity underscores his alignment with the core values of this esteemed university.”

Prof. Aldgate

“One of her major contributions to the development of services has been her ability to communicate her vast expertise with full sensitivity, respect, and recognition of the unique characteristics of Maltese society.”

Both the President of Malta, Hon. Myriam Spiteri Debono, and Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela were present at the Ceremony. 

The  ceremony was live-streamed and available via UM’s YouTube and Facebook pages. 

Watch the ceremony again online.

The list of honorary graduates from the University of Malta throughout the years can be found online.