Grainne Healy
Grainne Healy: Let's Keep in Touch
Graduate Diploma in Journalism, 1990 / PhD in Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2015
Consultant and Co-Director, YesEquality Campaign, 2015
DCU graduate Grainne Healy explains what DCU means to her and why she likes to keep in touch with the University. As an ambassador for our 2018 Let's Keep in Touch campaign, she is urging alumni to update their contact preferences to ensure they receive all the latest news and information on alumni opportunities from DCU. If you would like to keep in touch, click on the button below to update your contact details today.
What did your time in DCU mean to you?
When I completed my Graduate Diploma in Journalism, it allowed me to change from a career in secondary school teaching. Second time around, doing my PhD, which examined the meaning of civil partnership for same sex couples, was an opportunity to spend some time thinking about why somebody would want to get their relationship recognised by the state. It gave me time to read and think deeply about the issue. I chose DCU because I knew some of the people teaching and working here and I was aware that it was a supportive environment for a PhD student, particularly for a mature student returning to study again, and I was absolutely right.
Why are you proud to be a DCU graduate?
I think DCU is probably one of the most forward looking educational institutions in the country with initiatives like the University of Sanctuary. It is an incredibly outward looking university with great connections to industry. It is looking at all angles of how to make education matter in the world.
How have you stayed in touch with DCU since graduation?
I keep in touch with my PhD supervisors directly and have gone back as a guest speaker to speak about my experience of campaigning, I like to keep in touch with current students.
I was also delighted to recently receive an alumni award for outstanding achievement from DCU. It was a really special event for me and my family.
Why do you keep in touch with DCU?
I think it’s really important for activists to keep their connection with the academy so that the University’s understanding is informed by activism on the ground. Activism and the academy should maintain their connection.
It’s also really energising to come back to DCU and to meet with undergraduate students. Their insights and world view are totally different and it’s important to keep in touch with the ways in which they want to change the world.