Atlantic Technological University (ATU) commenced its annual conferring ceremonies last week, celebrating the achievements of over 2,800 graduates across a wide range of disciplines, from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees, including 12 PhDs.
Graduates from diverse fields were recognised, spanning from science and engineering to health, business, and the arts, marking another significant achievement for the university and its graduates. Over the next few weeks, further ceremonies will take place across the region with approximately 5,000 graduates being conferred this year.
The first of the ceremonies took place on ATU’s Letterkenny campus in Donegal, where graduates gathered with families and friends in An Dánlann to celebrate their accomplishments. Among them were the first-ever graduates of ATU’s pioneering Bachelor of Engineering in Electric Vehicle Engineering programme.
First ever Bachelor of Engineering in Electric Vehicle Engineering graduates at ATU, photographed are three graduates from the first intake of students, the programme is now a highly successful programme in the Department of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering Department which started from humble beginnings in 2020. Conor Dolan, Adam Dolan and Dean O’Donnell photographed celebrating their success with ATU Donegal Head of Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Thomas Dowling and Head of Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. Emmett Kerr.
Postgraduate and Master of Science in Leadership & Innovation in the Public Sector at the recent Conferring of Awards Ceremony in ATU Donegal. Photographed together with the graduates from the programme are Dr. Emer Gallagher, Course Director, Ulster University and Dr. Vicky O’Rourke, Joint Course Director, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), also photographed are programme team facilitators Dr. Meadbh Ruane, ATU, Dr. Anne Burke, and Head of Department of Business Studies at ATU Patricia Doherty.
Following the Donegal ceremonies, ATU’s Knocknarea Arena in Sligo hosted another two days of conferring, where over 1,600 students celebrated the culmination of their academic journeys. Included in this group were the first graduates of ATU’s newly accredited Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture programme.
On Friday, ATU St Angelas students were also conferred at the Knocknarea Arena.
Paul McGonigle from Ballyliffen, Co Donegal, graduates with BSc (Hons) in Computing in Software Development from ATU. Photographed with his parents Mick and Caroline McGonigle.
President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, extended her congratulations to the graduates, “Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation – it’s a day for you to look back on the challenges you’ve overcome, the growth you’ve experienced, and the memories you’ve made. As our new graduates, you are not just equipped with degrees, but with the power to be a positive influence in society. Whatever your field, remember that your education is a tool for positive change.”
During her address at the conferring ceremonies, Dr Flynn also called for the lifting of current constraints on ATU and the technological university (TU) sector.
Dr Flynn added that removal of these barriers is essential for ATU to fully serve the needs of the West and Northwest region of Ireland, “To fully deliver on our promise to the region, we need to be given the full set of tools used by other universities in Ireland and across Europe. We need to be able to appoint Professors. We need to be able to access funds to deliver essential facilities for our students and staff, and we need to be able to develop affordable student accommodation.”
Highlighting recent achievements such as the introduction of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy programmes, as examples of delivering on the potential of ATU, Dr Flynn added, “In our two and a half years of existence, ATU has been especially focused on the needs of the people of our region. The recent announcements that we will be providing programmes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy are evidence of this commitment. My thanks to all involved in this outstanding work even though there is a lot more work to do in the months ahead.”
In closing, Dr Flynn appealed to policymakers and government leaders: “I am calling on those who hold the keys to use them, to enable us to unlock our full potential and, in turn, the potential of the region.”
ATU’s conferring ceremonies will continue on the 19 & 20 November in Galway, 21 November in Mayo and 22 November in Connemara. An honorary Doctorate will be bestowed on former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson at a special ceremony in Mayo on the 2 December.
See more photos from the ATU Donegal conferring ceremonies here:
Gillian Carey, Academic Affairs staff member at ATU Galway City campus who recently graduated at ATU Donegal with a Higher Diploma in Computing.
Two of the Higher Diploma in Computing for Educators graduates pictured at ATU Donegal’s Conferring Ceremony, Patricia Kelly and Siobhan McGarry. Siobhan is a teacher at the Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny and Patricia is currently studying for her Professional Masters in Post-Primary Education in Dublin City University having recently studied at ATU. Patricia is currently undertaking a placement in Malahide Portmarnock Educate Together Secondary School.
Siobhán Mc Garry, teacher from the Loreto College Letterkenny. Siobhan has been a fantastic ambassador and advocator for technology engagement in schools and graduated from the Higher Diploma in Computing for Educators at ATU. Along with Fiona Shields and Dylan Mc Garry.
Kelly Eves, first graduate of ATU Conferring Ceremonies 2024, graduate of the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at ATU.
Optum Ireland graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Applied Data Technologies. This group are employees of Optum Ireland and are the second Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Enterprise cohort. The RPL project provides a reskilling and upskilling opportunity for the employer and the employees. ATU gives recognition for what someone already knows, understands, and can do prior to starting on a programme or module. ATU values the role RPL has in upskilling, reskilling, and for staff retention and are working with Optum to embed RPL in the organisations’ policies and practices.
Claire McCaul, Education and Communications Officer, Kevin Sweeney, ATU Donegal Students’ Union President and Aine Hatzer, Welfare and Equality Officer ATU Donegal photographed at the recent ATU Conferring of Awards Ceremony.
Amy Hegarty, graduated with a Master by Research. Amy’s research supervisors were Dr. Lydia Devenney and Dr. Simon Stephens. Her research title was ‘The Development and Validation of a multi-dimensional model of Student Engagement’.
Lauren Callan graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health and Social Care photographed with her mother Vanessa Callan, ATU alumni and also, staff member at the ATU Donegal campus.
Evanna Hunt, graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in General Nursing photographed with her little baby Tess who arrived during her internship last year in 2023 and partner Allan Burne.
Jerry Drumm, graduate of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Bioanalytical Science is a familiar face on campus at ATU Donegal.
Patricia O’Brien Quigley graduated recently from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Agriculture with Animal and Crop Science. Patricia is pictured with mum Patricia O’Brien, dad Seamus Quigley, partner Philip Rodgers and son Tyler Rodgers.
Lara-Jane Doherty from Carndonagh, graduated from the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design with Promotion at the recent Conferring of Awards ceremony in ATU Donegal.
Aine Hatzer, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health and Social at the recent Conferring of Awards ceremony in ATU Donegal. Aine was the Social Care Ireland Student of The Year Award Winner and is also the Welfare and Equality Officer at ATU Donegal Student Union.
Teresa Germaine and Eilis Yarwood are two sisters graduating together from the Bachelor of Arts in Law with Criminal Justice. Both are continuing their education at ATU, Teresa completed her work placement in Dorrian Solicitors while Eilis completed her placement undertaking the Street Law programme on behalf of ATU.
Conor McCourt, graduate from the Higher Diploma in Food Business and Product Innovation was awarded the Best Postgraduate Student award and was also awarded an Academic Excellence award at the recent ATU Conferring Ceremonies.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health and Social Care Class of 2024 photographed with their lecturers at the recent Donegal ceremonies.