More than 200 graduates from the Wexford Campus of Institute of Technology Carlow were today conferred with degrees, higher diplomas, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees at the National Opera House, Wexford.
They join over 2,700 new graduates from the Institute in 2018 and an alumni of over 55,000 since the Institute’s establishment almost 50 years ago.
The venue for the conferring ceremony was filled with graduates, faculty, families and friends. Also in attendance was the Minister with Special Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe TD, James Browne T.D., Chair of the Governing Body of Institute of Technology Carlow, Mr John Moore and President, Dr Patricia Mulcahy.
Minister Kehoe commented, “The degrees, higher diplomas, honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees received by the graduates today are, in many ways, a passport to a new place in their lives. But we all know that, with Brexit down the tracks, there are many challenges on the horizon. Don’t see today as the end of your educational journey. In fact, why not look at it as just be the beginning? ”
Head of Wexford Campus, Dr. Karen Hennessy commented, “Every year it is wonderful to see the outcome of our efforts at the annual conferring ceremonies. Our students are with us for a few years and are then ready to start the next stage of their careers as graduates.
“We meet their parents, spouses, and children and hear their stories and what their journey has meant for them and their connections. Time and time again we hear the comment, ‘only for the Wexford Campus we may not have gone to 3rd level education’. Each year up to 90% of those graduates are residents of County Wexford.
“These stories, comments and facts pay testament to the hugely important role that Wexford Campus of Institute of Technology Carlow plays in the lives of the people of Wexford”.
Mr John Moore, Chair of the Governing Body of Institute of Technology Carlow commended both graduates and staff for their contribution to the Institute and wished the new alumni well in their future careers. Mr Moore told graduates that they “were the future leaders and innovators who would shape the lives of this and future generations.”
Dr Patricia Mulcahy, said, “We are all immensely proud of you and we couldn’t be happier for you”. She highlighted the fact that 5,880 people from Wexford pursued higher education programmes across the 21 institutes of technology and universities in 2017/2018. Over 21% of these were enrolled with Institute of Technology Carlow, making it the primary choice for higher education in Wexford.
Dr. Mulcahy spoke of the funding that has been ring-fenced by the Department of Education and Skills to acquire a green field site in Wexford for a new customised campus.
“Credit was given to the Department of Education and Skills for holding this funding as the Institute continues to conduct due diligence on candidate sites and secure support for the necessary infrastructure and planning framework,” she added.
“Procurement of the green-field site for Wexford is the first phase of a significant and long-term strategic plan for the Wexford Campus that includes a seven-phase, long-term investment programme in Wexford”, said Dr. Mulcahy.
Paying particular tribute to the Head of the Wexford Campus, Dr Karen Hennessey, and all colleagues, Dr. Mulcahy said, “It is your talent, commitment and energy that has underpinned all our successes as a progressive 21st century European higher education provider. There is more to do and we will continue to develop, playing an ever-increasing and meaningful role in the society that gives us life and purpose.”
A special tribute was paid to the former Head of Wexford Campus Caroline Murphy, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The huge contribution that Caroline made to the development of the campus, and the high regard in which Caroline was held, was emphasised.
Mr. John Moore, Chair of the Governing Body, led a one-minute silence as a mark of respect to Caroline and to Mark Blake and Joseph Caulfield, who were conferred with their awards posthumously.