Atlantic Technological University (ATU) held its first spring conferring ceremony in Donegal last Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
A total of 92 graduates were honoured, including one PhD recipient, Damien Duddy, and five Masters by Research graduates.
The ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of students from various disciplines, ranging from Accountancy and Nursing to Cyber Security and Big Data.
Graduating with a Degree of Doctor in Philosophy, Damien Duddy supported by family, joined by Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Dr. James Connolly (Ulster University) Dr Ronan Doherty (ATU Donegal); Dr. Maria Faulkner (ATU Donegal) Dr Joanne Gallagher, Head of Faculty Science; Dr Billy Bennett ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar Photo Clive Wasson
Addressing the graduates in Letterkenny, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said the graduates will have a real impact on the region: “In ATU we recently celebrated our second birthday as a new technological university – those two years have flown, and it’s good to reflect on what we have achieved together as a community of learners, staff and graduates. But our best impact in our region is actually through you, our wonderful new graduates. Through your talents and hard work, you will be the change that we need to see across our region.
“We are so proud of your achievements, and we are confident that you have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to achieve your career goals.”
The first graduates of the Higher Diploma in Arts in Food Business and Product Innovation, supported by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Adrian Boyle (Blistered Bread) and Karoline Sweeney (Castle Grove Country House Hotel). Photo Clive Wasson
The conferring ceremony in Donegal was the second spring conferring by the university this year, with the previous conferring taking place in Galway in April.
All students who had completed major awards since the last conferring in November 2023 were invited to ceremonies in both ATU Galway and ATU Donegal.
The schedule for the conferring ceremonies in 2024 included various levels of academic achievement, from Level 6 Higher Certificate to Level 10 Doctorate Degree. Ceremonies were held throughout April and May, with the Galway & Mayo registered students honoured in ATU Galway, and the students from Sligo, St Angela’s, and Donegal recognised in ATU Donegal.
The spring conferring ceremony not only symbolises the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the graduates but also marks a significant step forward for ATU as it expands its reach and impact across different regions.
Graduating with a Masters by Research Ameer Ahmad and family joined by Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Thomas Dowling, Head of Faculty Engineering & Technology; Karen Bailey, Research Supervisor; Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar Photo Clive Wasson
Graduating with a Masters by Research Aoife O’Dalaigh and family are joined by Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Dr George Onofrei; Michael Margey, Head of Faculty Business; Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar Photo Clive Wasson
Graduating with a Masters by Research Lucas Kupczik with his parents and joined by Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Thomas Dowling, Head of Faculty Engineering & Technology; Dr Shane Wilson; Dr William Farrelly; Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar. Photo Clive Wasson
Graduating with a Masters by Research Mary Rose Everan and family were joined by Dr Michael McCann; Mary Rose Everan; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Thomas Dowling, Head of Faculty Engineering & Technology; Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar Photo Clive Wasson
Graduating with a Higher Diploma in Arts in Food Business and Product Innovation, Adrian Boyle, joined by Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Dr Billy Bennett, ATU Vice President for Academic Affairs & Registrar. Photo Clive Wasson
