Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity Menu Trinity Search



Benefactors through the Centuries


Trinity's links to philanthropy go all the way back to the university's foundation in 1592, thanks to an act of benevolence by Elizabeth I. Now, the Benefactors through the Centuries Roll of Honour recognises the people who have made substantial gifts to Trinity.

Their names are embossed permanently on the frieze beneath the ceiling of the grand entrance to the Dining Hall, which is adorned with the words of Virgil, the first-century BC poet: "SEMPER HONOS NOMENQVE TVVM LAVDESQVE MANEBVNT" - "Your honour, name and praise shall always remain."

Speaking at the unveiling, Dr Mary Robinson, said: "This is our permanent and public testament to the generosity of individuals, foundations, trusts and corporations through the ages. This roll of honour is our tribute to those who, since the foundation of the college, have helped make Trinity great."

Becoming a benefactor

Contributions over €1,000,000 realised over a number of years make you one of the top group of supporters throughout Trinity history. Benefactors will receive:

  • Donor certificate/presentation signed by Chancellor
  • Public recognition of gift in the Grand Entrance of the TCD Dining Hall
  • Ceremony to welcome the donor to the Benefactors through the Centuries 
  • Public recognition of gift by appropriate naming of programme, post or public space
  • Acknowledgement on the online honour roll and in the appropriate materials and publications
  • Invitation to special College functions
  • Private tour of Trinity for the donor and family and friends

If you are interested in learning more please contact our office by email alumni@tcd.ie

Who are Trinity's Benefactors through the Centuries?

A

  • The A. G. Leventis Foundation
  • Allied Irish Bank
  • Alumni Donors
  • The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
  • Anonymous
  • The Atlantic Philanthropies

B

  • Richard Baldwin
  • Bank of Ireland
  • Ellen Mayston Bates^
  • Lord John George Beresford
  • The Boucher Family

C

  • Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
  • Capt. Cathal Ryan Trust
  • Carnegie Corporation of New York
  • Coca-Cola Corporation
  • Charles II
  • Chester Beatty Trust
  • CRH

D

  • Norah and John S. Daly
  • Alan and Kyle Dargan
  • Dermot Desmond
  • Dublin Corporation
  • Sir Patrick Dun
  • Durkan Family & Friends

E

  • Erasmus Smith Trust

F

  • Ford Foundation

G

  • Terry & Valerie Gallagher
  • Claudius Gilbert
  • Lewis L. Glucksman^ & Loretta Brennan Glucksman
  • Google
  • Government of Ireland & Its Agencies
  • Grania, Marchioness of Normanby
  • John Purser Griffith
  • Carol & Murray Grigor
  • Edward Cecil Guinness
  • Rupert Edward Guinness

H

  • HSH Albert II of Monaco
  • Rosalie and Claudio Haddad

I

  • ICON
  • The People of Ireland
  • Irish Life
  • The Irish Times

J

  • James I
  • Paul & Theresa Johnston
  • Henry Jones

K

  • Eric and Barbara Kinsella
  • Kay & Fred Krehbiel

L

  • Dr Samuel Lam
  • Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay

M

  • Sir Hugh Magennis
  • McCann Fitzgerald
  • Brendan McDonald
  • Bernard McNamara
  • Mercer's Hospital Foundation
  • John Moores
  • Jack Morrison
  • Brian Lord Moyne

N

  • National Children's Research Centre
  • Martin and Carmel Naughton
  • Terry & Marjorie Neill
  • Sami Nasr^

O

  • Denis & Catherine O'Brien
  • Sir Turlough O'Neill
  • Sir Anthony O'Reilly

P

  • Paccar Inc
  • Donald Panoz^
  • Claude Pichois^
  • Mark Pigott KBE
  • Frederick Purser

Q

  • Queen Elizabeth I
  • Dr Stanley Quek

R

  • Royal City of Dublin Hospital Trust
  • Ryanair

S

  • Dr Beate Schuler
  • Declan K Sheehan^
  • Simons Foundation
  • Dr Dermot F. Smurfit
  • Smurfit Kappa
  • Sir Michael Smurfit KBE
  • Peter Sutherland SC^

T

  • Thapar Educational Trust
  • Trinity Trust

U

  • James Ussher

W

  • Dr Donald G. Weir
  • Wellcome Trust
  • David & Mary Went


* Some names have not been listed as the donors wish to remain anonymous.
^ Deceased