Featured photo by Brian O’Droma
The late Marc Geagan, author, historian, musician, and professor of music at Northwest College Derry is being remembered and celebrated by American students in Donegal this month.
The Marc Geagan Memorial Scholarship has been announced to celebrate the talents and inspiration that Marc shared with so many students and colleagues.
Marc was working with the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland and Northwestern Michigan College to design an overseas music program before his untimely passing in September 2023.
A scholarship created in his name enabled student Ruby Bardenhagen from Lake Leelanau, Michigan, to participate in the Northwestern Michigan College Audio Production Program.
Ruby, a talented singer, and musician, has just spent ten days working with some of Donegal’s best, including The Henry Girls, Róisin McGrory, and Billy Robinson.
Student Ruby Bardenhagen with course directors Neil McGrory and Ryan Hamill
The music course that Marc pioneered was delivered by music producer Neil McGrory and Marc’s past pupil, producer Ryan Hamill. Ruby, who performed at the Letterkenny Regional Cultural Centre on the last day of her visit here, said “I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Marc’s scholarship not only helped me financially, but also with my confidence in the pursuit of musical excellence. It has been a life-changing experience, and I will be forever so thankful for this opportunity.”
The Marc Geagan scholarship will be awarded annually by The Wishing Chair Foundation, to a student who is studying Music and Musicianship in Donegal.
The Institute of Study Abroad Ireland, for whom Marc shared so much of his talent and friendship remember Marc and thank Marc’s wife Michelle and Marc’s family for their support of this award.
