Steelers President, Art Rooney II, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from the University of Exeter. Mr. Rooney, Team President of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was bestowed with the Honorary Degree for his achievements in the sporting and business worlds, as well as the impact his philanthropy has had, particularly on the community of Pittsburgh.
The degree was awarded during a special ceremony, held in Pittsburgh on September 23, and presided over by Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Exeter, Professor Lisa Roberts.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Professor Roberts said: "We are delighted and immensely proud to honor Art for his tireless work making an outstanding contribution to communities across America.
During his time enrolled at Duquesne University School of Law, Mr. Rooney studied International Law at the University of Exeter in Exeter, U.K.
Speaking of his award, Art said: "It is very special to receive this Honorary Doctorate from the University of Exeter. I certainly enjoyed my time on campus at the University of Exeter taking classes in the Law of the EEC (as it was called then). I met some wonderful people there and it was great touring that beautiful part of English countryside."
The impact of Rooney's generosity extends far beyond his ownership of the Steelers team. His philanthropic work includes funding research into concussion in sport through the Chuck Noll Foundation, and he has established the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, which provides an annual grant to North Catholic High School and Pittsburgh Promise students. He also has a long-standing commitment to trying to make a difference to the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes. This is a cause that is close to his heart and is an area of specialism at the University of Exeter Medical School.
Having trained as a lawyer and enjoying a successful legal career, Rooney followed in the footsteps of his family by playing a key role in the management of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has sat on the board of directors since 1989, served as Vice President and General Counsel and, since 2003, has been Team President.
Under his Presidency, the Steelers have twice won the Super Bowl, first in February, 2006, and then again in February, 2009. Rooney's impact on American Football has extended beyond just his ownership of the Steelers - serving on many key NFL committees as well as sitting on the board of the NFL Foundation.
