Vicky Phelan, who exposed the cervical cancer scandal, will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Waterford Institute of Technology this week.
In total 2,400 graduates will be conferred with academic degrees over the next three days.
Mooncoin native Vicky Phelan has worked in WIT since 2006 and has held a number of roles within the School of Lifelong Learning and Education. Her current role is manager of the Literacy Development Centre.
The WIT Honorary Fellowship follows a recommendation to the WIT Governing Body earlier this year, which was unanimously approved.
It's awarded to individuals who have demonstrated distinction in a field of human endeavour to such an extent as to provide motivation and inspiration to the Institute community.
WIT President, Prof Willie Donnelly says it's very fitting that they award Vicky with the highest honour the Institute can afford in recognition of her strength, her leadership and her fighting spirit.
She will receive the award during the final ceremony on Friday.
12 ceremonies will take place from today and will see more than 2,400 students conferred with acadameic degrees up to doctorate level.
Around a third of the students hail from Waterford City and County
