In a speech at the Institute of Technology Carlow Wexford Campus conferring ceremony, Dr Patricia Mulcahy, President of Institute of Technology Carlow, praised “the commitment of the Governing Body, staff and students of the Institute that has seen Institute of Technology Carlow become the fastest growing Institute in the country, our students winning national and international awards and, this September, the opening to learners of the €12mn Haughton Building.”
Speaking at the conferring ceremony at the National Opera House, Dr Mulcahy said, “We have proven that we can deliver a high quality return on investment to the State and we have delivered high quality growth throughout the recession. However, to continue to meet the demands of our regions, significant additional growth is envisaged for this institute. We cannot do this without increased investment by the Government.”
Today’s conferring ceremony saw 196 awards, from Higher Certificate up to Doctoral Degrees, conferred in a special ceremony. This year’s ceremonies at Institute of Technology Carlow will see over 2,200 awards in total conferred in Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow. The total number of graduates from the Institute is now approaching 50,000 across the globe. There are currently students from more than 90 countries studying at Institute of Technology Carlow.
Minister Paul Kehoe attended the ceremony and presented prizes for academic excellence to two students. Imelda Scallan, who was conferred with a Higher Certificate in Science in Computing in Commercial Programming, received the Julie Breen Solicitor Student of the Year Award at Level 6. Alan Walsh, who was conferred with a Bachelor of Science in Energy Management (Buildings) received the Environment Protection Agency Student of the Year Award at Level 7.
Speaking at the conferring ceremony, Minister Kehoe said, ““I want to congratulate all those who are graduating today in what will be a celebration of their academic achievements. In graduating from Institute of Technology Carlow, they have gained the advantages that come from attending an excellent example of a higher education institution which has been responsive to the changing needs of students. The range of courses offered, particularly those at the Wexford Campus, are responsive to changing needs in competitive and globalised industries, demonstrating that Institute of Technology Carlow is outward-looking in its efforts to meet the needs of the community it serves.”
Institute of Technology Carlow has delivered significant capital projects throughout the past five years of the recession in the absence of a capital investment programme from Government. Future capital projects include the south sports campus presently going through the planning process and the development of the Wexford Campus. The past year has seen prominent international review panels highly commend the Institute’s culture of openness, facilities, student supports, research and postgraduate opportunities and industry engagement.
Dr Mulcahy stated that “In spite of the recession and austerity measures, the Institute of Technology Carlow continues to be ranked in the top tier of high performing university-level institutions by the Irish Higher Education Authority.” Dr Mulcahy acknowledged the publication of a report from the Higher Education Authority on the financial status of the institute of technology sector that recognises the financial stability and sustainability of Institute of Technology Carlow. She asked that the Government increase investment to allow the technological sector, and Institute of Technology Carlow, continue to grow to meet regional and national needs.
In the past five years, enrolments on high technology STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) programmes have increased by 45% in Institute of Technology Carlow. The increase reflects the strategic focus of the Institute on the technological needs of the economy, exemplified by the need to address the well-publicised skills deficit in ICT and engineering graduates. Dr Mulcahy stated that “to continue to grow advanced technology programmes, we need a new advanced technology and engineering building. Our graduates are highly sought after in industry because they have the skills and knowledge required by employers. We develop and grow with advances in technology and research and, in order to continue to lead in programme development and cutting edge research, we need investment to deliver a technological university.”
In response to government enterprise development and job creation initiatives, Institute of Technology Carlow has worked with new and existing companies to develop products and services and to help build sustainable businesses. To allow the Institute build on their success to date will require additional government support but support that Dr Mulcahy says will result in a significant return on investment.
Addressing the graduates Mr John Moore, chairman of the Governing Body of Institute of Technology Carlow, commended 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, entrepreneurs and scientists who would shape the lives of this and future generations.” He asked that they “remain in contact with the Institute and bring their expertise, insights and inspiration to the next generation of learners who choose Institute of Technology Carlow as the launch pad for their careers.”
Also present at the ceremony, hosted by the President of Institute of Technology Carlow, Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, were representatives from regional businesses and community organisations as well as state agencies, members of the Institute Governing Body and Academic Council.
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For reference: Alma Feeley, Institute of Technology Carlow Communications Office
m: 087 8204934
e: alma.feeley@itcarlow.ie