A positive note has been struck by the President and Chairman of Waterford Institute of Technology at the first of 12 conferring ceremonies across three days during which over 2,600 students will be conferred with academic awards up to doctorate level.

863 of the graduates are from Waterford city and county with Wexford (380), Kilkenny (305), Tipperary (243), Cork (148) and Carlow (81) the next most common home addresses among those being conferred at the Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year.

In his conferring address, Prof Kieran R Byrne, President, Waterford Institute of Technology said:  “It is clear we live in eventful and challenging times with endurance being stretched. However, we must not capitulate. This tide will turn too – especially if we unite in social solidarity. New models of leadership are required and we must be ever more aware that all actions have consequences – whether at an individual or collective level.

“In setting out our ambitious strategy for the future, the Institute is very conscious of the vital role education can play. There can be no education recession, no recession of imagination and no recession of creativity. We can educate our way out of adversity – as we have done in the past. In congratulating them, I also urge this year’s graduates to be loyal to the very highest values.”

With student numbers growing and 10 per cent of graduates now from overseas, Prof Byrne also confirmed a new DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) will be introduced at the Institute later this year while construction work will begin shortly on an additional research, development and innovation building at the West Campus in Carriganore where new sports facilities and pitches are also to be opened soon.

In his remarks, Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman, Waterford Institute of Technology made the case for optimism and argued that we didn’t completely blow the boom, citing the motorway network connecting all major urban centres with Dublin; the new Aviva Stadium; the revamped O2; Wexford Opera House; Theatre Royal Waterford; Thomond Park and the National Convention Centre on Dublin’s north quays as well, most crucially, as the securing of peace in Northern Ireland.

Sounding an upbeat note, Mr O’Donoghue said: “The vitality of new leadership will lead to the gradual renewal of Ireland and there is evidence that people are already adapting quickly to new realities. Young people will lead the way with confidence – knowing they are the best educated Irish people ever.” He also encouraged further study by graduates as well as active engagement with the Institute’s Alumni Association.

Conferring of awards on those who successfully completed programmes at the Institute in 2009 continues at ceremonies in the College Street campus over three days through to Thursday (Jan 7).
Programmes with graduates being conferred for the first time include the BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying; Bachelor of Architecture (Hons); BA (Hons) in Criminal Justice Studies and BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

11 graduates are receiving PhD awards across a range of academic disciplines – Keara Barrett, Clonmel, Co Tipperary; Peter Carew, Farmleigh, Dunmore Road, Waterford; Brenda Mullally, Williamstown Village, Waterford; John Strassner, North Barrington, Illinois, USA; Louise Murphy, Kilbarry, Waterford; Adil Mardinoglu, Ballybricken, Waterford; Jamie Power, Belvedere Drive, Waterford; Lucy Hearne, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny; Siobhan Moran, Ardkeen Village, Waterford; Sandra Murphy, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford and Qendresa Osmani, Birchwood, Killure, Waterford.

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