Atlantic Technological University (ATU) completed its 2024 graduations last week, celebrating the achievements of over 5,000 graduates in ceremonies in Donegal, Galway, Sligo, Mayo and Connemara.
ATU Galway graduation ceremonies took place on 19th and 20th November at the Galmont Hotel & Spa.
Fields as diverse as science, engineering, health, business, and the creative arts were recognised, in one of the most important events in the university calendar year.
Calvin Mooney, Killybegs, Co Donegal graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from ATU. Calvin is pictured with sister Amber, dad, Warren Mooney (Mooney Boats) and brother Colin. Photo credit: James Connolly
Grainne McLaughlin, Carndonagh and Dearbhla McDevitt, Kerrykeel, Co Donegal who both graduated from Atlantic Technological University with a BSc in Education (Design, Graphics and Construction). Every student who enters a course at ATU’s Letterfrack campus, plants an acorn on the day they start and is then presented as a sapling when graduating. Photo Aengus McMahon
Speaking at the Galway ceremony, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, extended her congratulations to all graduates, stating it will have a real impact on the region, “This year, ATU will have seen about 5000 graduates receiving awards – that brings a hugely positive impact on society and especially across this region. As you, our wonderful new graduates, step into the next phase of your careers, I encourage you to stay connected with ATU and to join our growing family of alumni Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for the West and Northwest of Ireland, and beyond.”
Dearbhla McGuckin, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal graduates with a Bachelor of Business (Honours) from ATU pictured with sister Ciara. Photo credit: Brian Harding
Olivia Hamilton, Masters of Science in Conversation Behaviour from Ramelton, Co Donegal along with Peter Devenny from Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Photo credit: Brian Harding
In her speech to graduates, Dr Flynn called for the removal of constraints on the technological university (TU) sector, constraints that prevent ATU from better serving the West and Northwest 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, access funds for essential facilities, and develop affordable student accommodation.”
Dr Flynn concluded by repeating an appeal to policymakers saying, “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 2024 conferring celebrations will conclude with a special honorary Doctorate ceremony which will take place at the ATU Mayo campus on December 2, where former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, will be honoured for her extraordinary contribution to society.
Gearoid Reynolds, Carrick-On-Shannon, Leitrim and Nathan Maxwell, Mountcharles, Donegal, celebrate conferring at ATU Connemara. Photo Aengus McMahon
