Golden Anniversary Celebrations
The DCU Class of 1973 celebrated half a century of memories and friendships on Saturday June 17 returning to the St Patrick's Drumcondra Campus for their 50 year Reunion.
Over 100 Alumni gathered from far and wide, brought together by the sterling leadership of organiser alumnus Finbarr O’ Driscoll who put in many hours of work to ensure a great turnout and fantastic atmosphere. A historic moment also noted with the celebration marking the first intake of female students in 1973.
After registering, alumni attended the 50th Reunion Mass in the College Chapel celebrated by Fr Joseph Whelan, and Fr Edmond Cullinan a member of the Class and now Vice Rector of the Irish College in Rome. The Mass also included a choir performance by members of Cantóirí Choláiste Phádraig 1971 to 73, conducted by Ann McCabe music performed by soloist, Tim Dennehy. Classmates unable to attend through illness and those sadly no longer with us were especially remembered during the service where candles were lit for them.
Guests were then invited to join a welcome reception by the Alumni Office held in the Quad, where they were welcomed by DCU Institute of Education, Deputy Dean Prof Charlotte Holland.
Prof Holland praised the Class of 1973 for their contributions towards building a “more prosperous and inclusive Ireland with positive impacts on the lives of individuals and communities across the island of Ireland, and beyond.”
“It’s the commitment of the DCU Institute of Education to carry forward this legacy by guiding and supporting student teachers to become beacons of inspiration, instilling a thirst for knowledge, and igniting a lifelong love of learning,” she added.
The group enjoyed the opportunity of campus tour by Student Ambassadors. Though many buildings and spaces had changed since most of the alumni last set foot on the campus, the memories of their time within them had not.
As part of the reunion celebrations, a graduation parchment was presented to attendees, receiving a gracious applause from attendees.
Following a sumptuous dinner from a menu that included Irish salmon and roast beef, attended also by their former lecturer Martin Carney, the classmates adjourned to The Teacher’s Club in Dublin’s Parnell Square to continue the celebrations into the evening.
It was a wonderful event, enjoyed by all who attended and credit must go to Finbarr for the huge effort he put into gathering alumni together and making the reunion such a success, supported by Mary Larkin in the DCU Alumni office.