2010 September-October E-zine
Welcome
Trinity College Dublin
Alumni E-zine September-October 2010
Welcome to the September-October edition of Trinity’s alumni e-zine, with all the latest news and events from the College and alumni community.
Did you know… you can update your details online to receive your copy of Trinity Today, annual alumni magazine… the Science Gallery will be hosting an alumni exclusive “behind the scenes” evening… there’s a “Mooathon” and a Barn Dance taking place to support students in need as part of Trinity Takes to the Streets…
You feedback is always welcome,
John Dillon
Alumni Director
john.dillon@tcd.ie
For previous issues of this newsletter please see: www.tcd.ie/alumni/news/archive/ezine/
What's New?
Update Your Details for Trinity Today
We’re putting the finishing touches to the next edition of Trinity Today our annual alumni publication. This year’s edition promises to be a great read with interviews from Willie Walsh, Patricia O’Brien and Malcom O’Kelly. If you’ve changed address make sure you update your details to receive your copy in October.
Trinity Takes to the Streets Update
We’d like to congratulate all those who took part in the Dublin City Triathlon for Trinity Takes to the Streets raising money for students in need. Next on the calendar are the Donegal Mooathon and the Addidas Race series half and full marathons. If running’s not your thing; there’s plenty of other ways to support the cause.
Take a Peek at Photos from this year's Reunion
This year’s Graduate Reunion Weekend was a huge success and we’ve just received the photos which we thought you might like to see.
Are you LinkedIn yet?
The TCD Alumni & Friends group on LinkedIn continues to grow and now we’re almost at 4,000 members! Haven’t signed up yet? Visit LinkedIn and see what it has to offer you.
Events
Campus Events
Discover Science Gallery – Behind the Scenes – TCD, 3 November 2010
Go behind the scenes @ Science Gallery from 6-8pm on 3 November at an exclusive alumni event. Take part in an interactive tour of the latest exhibition GREEN MACHINES, hear from Michael John Gorman, Director of the Science Gallery, on how the gallery has managed to “ignite creativity and curiosity where science and art collide” and enjoy a social night with fellow alumni on campus. Tickets cost €15 including a wine and canapés reception.
Barn Dance & Harvest Feast – TCD, 21 October 2010
Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) are organising a Barn Dance and Harvest Feast on 21 October in the Dining Hall from 6-9pm. All TCD staff, alumni and supporters are invited to come along for great food, great company and great entertainment. Tickets cost €25 and can be purchased online. All proceeds go to Trinity Takes to the Streets, supporting students in need.
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Dublin Fringe Fest in the Samuel Beckett – TCD, September 2010
One of the highlights of this year's ABSOLUT Fringe Festival is Medea which will be showing in the Samuel Beckett Theatre on campus. The heavy weight cast includes Eileen Walsh and Stuart Graham and begins on Saturday, 11 September.
Dublin Culture Night 2010 – TCD, 24 September 2010
Once again Trinity is taking part in the Dublin Culture Night on Friday, 24 September. The night of entertainment, discovery and adventure includes hundreds of free events, tours, talks and performances including our very own Trinity Library, Long Room Hub, Douglas Hyde Gallery and the Science Gallery. Check out the Culture Night website for more details.
Why Does the Past Matter? Public Forum – TCD, 7 October 2010
This forum on Greco-Roman antiquity in the 21st century will explore some of the ways in which we use the Classical past and to what extent and why it remains relevant today and important for our future. The event will be chaired by former Provost Thomas Mitchell in the newly opened Long Room Hub.
School of Medicine Tercentenary Launch – TCD, 28 September 2010
The School of Medicine will be launching an exciting events programme to mark its Tercentenary year on 28 September at 5pm in the Dining Hall on campus. If you are a medical alum and would like to attend contact tercentenary@tcd.ie or visit the Tercentenary Website for more details.
DU Elizabethan Society Alumni Debate – TCD, 7 October 2010
To celebrate 105 years since the founding of the DU Elilzabethan Society, there will be an alumni reception and debate in the GMB on 7 October at 6.30pm hosted by the DU Philosophical Society. The motion for the debate will be “That this House believes the wearing of the Burqa veil is incompatible with the cause of gender equality”. RSVP to Sinéad Finegan.
B.S.S.’ 85 Class Reunion – TCD, 25 September 2010
The Business Studies class of 1985 is organising a reunion weekend which promises to be a great night out and the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends, classmates and professors. On Friday 24 September there will be informal drinks in the Pav from 8pm and on Saturday 25 September there will be drinks in the Dining Hall followed by a black tie dinner in the adjoining 1592 restaurant. For more information join the LinkedIn group Trinity College Dublin – B.B.S. 1985, 25th Reunion.
For a full schedule of events in TCD please see www.tcd.ie/alumni/events
For information on Long Room Hub events, see www.tcd.ie/longroomhub/events/forthcoming/index.php
For information on TCD Library exhibitions, see www.tcd.ie/Library/about/exhibitions.php
Branch Events
Dublin University Women Graduate Association (DUWGA) Update
DUWGA is hosting the annual Irish Federation of University Women Conference in Dublin from 15 - 17 October. The theme of the conference is Meitheal – a coming together. A long established Poetry Group meets on Mondays in the DUWGA rooms on Fenian Street during term time. Visit the DUWGA website for more details.
East Midlands Branch – October Lunch – Saturday, 3 October 2010
The next outing will take place on Sunday, 3 October 2010 when the branch will have an Autumn lunch meeting at Burleigh Court on the Loughborough University campus followed by a talk from Chloe Cockerill M.A. (1970) who is a lecturer for the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts. For further details or to book your place email Rosemary May or phone 01 5098 90606.
Ontario Branch – Annual Dinner – Thursday, 4 November 2010
The annual dinner is tentatively set for the National Club in Toronto on 4 November. This year the Ontario Branch have led an increasing number of joint university events with both Oxbridge and US universities leading to the establishment of The International University Clubs of Toronto (IUCT). To find out more visit the Ontario Branch website.
Oxfordshire Branch Outing – Saturday, 25 September 2010
The Branch will be attending the Oxford Playhouse on Saturday, 25 September for the matinee performance of Sean O'Casey's The Silver Tassie, presented by the Druid Theatre Company. For more details contact Martin Gaughan.
TCD Association London Outing – September 2010
The group is planning a behind-the-scenes visit to The Household Cavalry to learn about the role of the Household Cavalry Regiment and see troopers working with the horses in the 18th Century stable block. Lunch will be at the Institute of Contemporary Art in The Mall and will be followed by a showing of the film, Building for Books, shot in Trinity in 1958. Stills from the film were included in the second book of reminiscences about Professor R B McDowell, The Magnificent McDowell – Trinity in the Golden Era. For more details contact Anne Leonard.
A Carol Service is also being organized at St Andrew by the Wardrobe, near St Paul’s, City of London for December. The carols, with choir and organist, will be followed by the London Association AGM and a reception with seasonal mulled wine and mince pies. More details to follow.
London TCD Dining Club - Bicentenary Dinner – Thursday, 21 October 2010
The London TCD Dining Club will host a Bicentenary Dinner in the House of Commons, Westminster on Thursday 21 October at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health & Children, Dáil Éireann. This is a black tie event and tickets are available at £70. Contact Marian McKeown for details.
Northern Ireland Belfast Branch – Annual Dinner – Friday, 19 November 2010
The annual dinner for the TCD Association of Northern Ireland will take place in the Malone Golf Club on 19 November 2010. This year’s guest speaker is Independent Senator Ivana Bacik LL.B (1989). For more details visit the branch website.
London TCD Dining Club – Joint Dinner with TCD Association London – Thursday, 9 December 2010
The London TCD Dining Club and TCD Association London will host a joint dinner with guest speaker Professor Robert Winston in The Reform Club, London. This is a black tie event and tickets are available at £75. Robert Winston is Professor of Science & Society at Imperial College and a well-known broadcaster and author. Contact Marian McKeown for details.
News
| Campus News | Branch News | Sports News |
Campus News
TCD Researchers shed New Light on Schizophrenia
The gene ZNF804A associated with increased risk for schizophrenia may be particularly important for the form that the disorder takes. More…
TCD secures €81.9 million in Government Funding to support 17 College Projects
This research funding offers real opportunities for universities and industry to work together to bring about the ‘smart economy’. More…
Trinity Economics Student Receives Prestigious European Award
A PhD student in TCD’s Economics Department, Ben Elsner, was recently awarded one of three awards at the Annual Congress of the European Economic Association. More…
School of Engineering host Study Visit Programme for Girls School
The visit provides young girls with an opportunity to experience the breadth of engineering with the objective that they would consider it as a future career choice. More…
Branch News
Brussels Branch Online
The Brussels branch have now set up Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn groups and welcome new members to join. If you would like to join the alumni mailing list please go to the Brussels Branch website.
Kildare & Wicklow Branch
The Kildare & Wicklow Branch once again kindly voted to support a student in need from the Kildare/West Wicklow area. The Branch sent a cheque to the Senior Tutors Office in Trinity College who administers such bursaries. June A Stuart M.A. (1966) has been elected as the new Chair for 2010.
Victoria Branch Annual Dinner
The TCD Victoria Alumni Association Annual Dinner took place in Melbourne University recently where His Excellency Mairtin O Fainin, Irish Ambassador to Australia, was the guest of Honour and keynote speaker on the night.
Mairtin’s informative update on the Irish economy, the North of Ireland and Irish commercial activity in Australia was much appreciated and enjoyed by all present as was his easy manner and convivial style.
If you would like to join the Victoria branch or find out more about upcoming events please contact Ciaran for more information.
TCD Young Alumni Ball
In May over 150 alumni donned their finest and descended on the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone for the TCD Young Alumni Ball. Guests arrived early to enjoy a champagne reception and to meet friends old and new. This year's organisers Laoise Dunphy M.Phil. (2009), Norah Ferris B.A. (2008), Kerrie McGinn B.B.S. (Lang.) (2008) and Lorna Pierse B.B.S. (Lang.) (2008) did a fantastic job and everyone involved had a wonderful evening.
Scotland Branch Summer Outing
In July 38 members of the Scottish Branch attended afternoon tea at the home of Keith Adam B.A. (1973) & Elizabeth Adam M.A. (1969). Guests were treated to a guided tour of the house and its many historical artefacts. Check back for more events soon.
For more information on branches in your region visit www.tcd.ie/alumni/groups/branch/
Sports News
Former International Volley Ball player becomes New Head of Sport
Michelle Tanner has replaced Terry McAuley as the Head of Sport in Trinity. A former international Volleyball player with the Irish Senior Women’s Team, Michelle has been involved in the Irish Sports and Leisure Industry for many years. She joined Trinity College Dublin in 1997 and has been involved in all aspects of sport in College, most notably the building of the new Sports Centre in 2007. She has numerous sporting and business qualifications and is currently the Honorary Treasurer and Board member of the Colleges and Universities Sports Association of Ireland (CUSAI).
Alumni Interviews
| Ciaran Keegan, B.A. (2002) Manager of Financial Planning with the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball team |
Will Thorne B.A. (1985) Executive Producer at ALJAZEERA and former Channel 4 News Assistant Editor |
Ciaran Keegan
Course Name: B.A. Mod. Management Science and Information Systems Studies
Year of Graduation: 2002
What are you doing with yourself these days?
I’m now living in Toronto, having moved here in 2006. My initial plan was to come for a year to see what I could achieve here but four years later this feels like my second home. I’m working in finance for the Toronto Blue Jays, who are a professional baseball team playing in the same division as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. My job involves everything from player transfers to planning U2 concerts so it’s challenging and pretty varied. I’m about to become a Canadian citizen and will be getting married next year.
Why did you choose your current career?
I took an interest in business and finance in secondary school and this naturally progressed into university and later into the world of accountancy. I completed my CIMA designation in 2006. I’ve always had a passion for sports so working in finance for a professional sports team is the perfect fit for me. I feel lucky to have a career that genuinely interests and excites me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Despite many people’s impressions of Canadian weather, the summers here are fantastic. I travel a lot during the summer and love to see new places. I also spend quite a bit of time attending sports events of all shapes and sizes. I’ll watch just about anything. To keep fit I run and play a bit of soccer.
What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
My strongest memories in no particular order are: the sense of history walking around the grounds of the College, the sick feeling in my stomach facing an exam without any sleep the night before and summer Friday afternoons outside the Pav bar.
Are you still in touch with other alumni?
My Trinity days were some of the most memorable days of my life. I made some really good friends with whom I’ve stayed in close contact since. Unfortunately, being abroad I don’t get to do this in person so much anymore but I always look forward to heading back to Ireland and catching up.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
I feel my greatest achievement is establishing a new life thousands of miles from home. That and learning all of the rules of baseball! It’s not that straightforward.
If you could offer one piece of advice to students or alumni what would it be?
To students I would say to enjoy the College experience as much as possible. The freedom you have in your College years doesn’t last forever! To alumni I would just stress that no matter where you go, it is important to stay in contact with your roots and those who are important to you. Although it’s not always easy, it can be one of the most rewarding things in life.
Will Thorne
Course Name: History
Year of Graduation: 1985
What are you doing with yourself these days?
I am an executive producer working for the Aljazeera English news channel based in Doha Qatar. I have worked in journalism since I left Trinity - local papers - regional and national television with my last UK based job working for Channel Four News.
Why did you choose your current career? I left Trinity like many arts graduates in my year without a clear idea of the way ahead. I thought journalism looked glamorous and interesting and gave it a go. It wasn't glamorous but it was interesting and I have stayed in it ever since.
How do you like to spend your free time?
With my family and friends as much as possible and doing sport whenever I can.
What are your strongest memories of Trinity? Having a great time and meeting some very good people
Are you still in touch with other alumni? I am in touch with some but not on a regular basis sadly.
What is your greatest achievement to date? Winning an RTS award for Newsnight for an investigative report.
If you could offer one piece of advice to students or alumni what would it be?
Plan ahead - and squeeze every last drop out of every day you have at Trinity - you are in a very rare and priviliged position.
Notices
Robert Ballagh Prints of the College
The TCD Association and Trust and the Irish Architectural Archive are selling the remaining prints by Robert Ballagh, which form part of the series of views of the College by leading Irish artists. Each print is numbered, signed by the artist, and bears the College Seal. It is also accompanied by a separately printed caption by Edward McParland. Prints can be viewed and purchased online on the alumni website.
Irish Embassy in India establishes an Association of Indian Alumni in Ireland
The Embassy of Ireland in India is actively working to establish an Indian Alumni Association of the Irish higher education institutes in the interest of broadening and deepening, Indo- Irish relations. The immediate task is to identify and locate former Indian pupils of Irish colleges and to invite them to become part of this alumni network. To join, forward your contact details to Jyotsna Goel.
New MBA Director in the School of Business
Michael Flynn has been appointed the new MBA Director in Trinity. Michael brings with him a wealth of experience from the commercial sector and has been a regular contributor on several of the School’s Executive Education programmes. Some of you may remember him as a Trinity MBA graduate from the Class of 1998. If you are interested in the Trinity MBA, visit www.trinitymba.com or contact Linda Soriton.
English Literature Series 2010
The School of English are running an English Literature lecture series to provide an introduction to major authors of poetry, drama and prose chosen from prescribed literature for the Leaving Certificate in 2011. The course will be of special interest to teachers and pupils preparing for the examination but the lectures will be directed towards a more general audience as well. The 10 weekly lectures begin on 12 October. For more details or to reserve your place visit the School of English Website.
Class Notes
Fletcher Thomson LL.M. (2002) is currently enjoying practicing law in the United States. In May, he won a $50.5 million trade secrets judgment, the largest jury verdict in Connecticut history. More recently, Fletcher was named a 2010 New England Rising Star, a peer nominated distinction limited to 2.5% of young lawyers practicing in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Marie-Louise Bowe B.A. (2002) recently received a Fulbright Scholarship to undertake a Doctorate (Ed.D.) at Columbia University in New York City. Currently she is a Music Methodology Lecturer at NUI Maynooth and Music Teacher at Belvedere College Dublin. Also, a freelance violist, piano accompanist and traditional fiddle player, Ms. Bowe’s main area of research is examining “The Provision of Instrumental Music Education in Irish Schools.”
Frieda Klotz B.A. (2000) completed a book, 'The Philosopher's Banquet', which she co-authored with Dr. Katerina Oikonomopoulou from St. Andrews University. The book will be available next year, published by Oxford University Press. Frieda is based in New York, where she now works as a journalist covering news and culture, often for Irish publications. Frieda would love to hear from you if you have any interesting story leads or contacts friedaklotz@gmail.com.
Nicholas Gray M.A. (j.o.), Sc.D., F.T.C.D.(1984) is a professor in Trinity’s Centre for the Environment in the School of Natural Sciences. He recently published a text book Water Technology: An introduction for Environmental Scientists and Engineers which is supported by his blog www.irelandswater.com.
Nicholas Mackey B.A. (1978) read Natural Sciences at Trinity and was also active in the University Photographic Association graduating in 1978. He now lives in England maintaining an interest in photography. He recently had a photograph of the Four Courts Dublin selected and hung at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London.
Have you any news that you would like to share? Reach out to old classmates by submitting your news to Class Notes featured in TCD’s alumni e-zine or Trinity Today publication. Email alumni.relations@tcd.ie or submit your note via our online form.
Website Watch
School of Drama have set up a Facebook page for all their alumni – check it out!
The MSc for Global Health have also created a page for alumni on the Global Health website to keep alumni up to date.