The Austrian-born star received the honorary doctorate from Ulster University in recognition of his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy, and the arts. Arnold Schwarzenegger stands with vice-chancellor of Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew (Liam McBurney/PA)Students cheered and held signs reading “Ulster he’s back” and “Hasta La Vista Ulster”, while some brought copies of his movie Terminator 2. Schwarzenegger told those on the red carpet rolled out for his arrival: “Ulster University is a very important university, and it’s always a great honour to be honoured like that. Arnold Schwarzenegger watches dancers dressed as his ‘terminator’ character (Liam McBurney/PA)“So I came here, I was invited by Ivan Dunbar, this Irish man, I think his family is here… he passed away I’m sad to say, but that’s where my beginning was, in Ireland, in Belfast. “And it’s wonderful to be back in Northern Ireland and to kind of get to see, this is not something that I dreamt of when I was 19-years-old, when I was here 60 years ago, that one day I will be coming here to get an honorary doctorate degree, it’s unbelievable.”Following a ceremony to present the honorary degree, Schwarzenegger answered questions from broadcaster Holly Hamilton.

Source: The Herald March 30, 2026 12:48 UTC