The actor, screenwriter, director and producer from Liège was presented with his distinction by the rector of UNamur, Annick Castiaux. It is in particular for his social commitment on various societal issues such as the environment, agriculture, health and social security that he was rewarded.
“I am very honored but also very surprised to receive this distinction, I who had a limited and chaotic educational career”, reacted Bouli Lanners at the time of his intervention. “My lack of a diploma has somewhat inflicted on me a feeling of illegitimacy which has accompanied me all my life. It took me time to be able to publicly express things that are close to my heart, whether on the political, ecological or societal Fortunately, my professional career ended up making me a kind of public figure and this status gradually allowed me to dare to speak.
“Today, I have the chance to be heard and to be able to be at times the spokesperson for those who do not have the chance to be. So I thank you for this honor that you do me and which will allow me to further reduce this feeling of illegitimacy that I carry, despite everything, always within me. This will allow me to carry my words a little further and stronger,’ he concluded.
Three other personalities were also made Doctors Honoris Causa on Monday by UNamur. The first honoree was illustrator and comic book artist Zeina Abirached, who grew up in the heart of Lebanon’s civil war and conveys that history in her works. UNamur also rewarded Argentinian father Pedro Opeka, who devotes his life to improving the living conditions of marginalized populations in Madagascar. Finally, Burundian journalist Bob Rugurika was honored for his positions in the fight for press freedom and human rights in Burundi.
