DCU hosts celebration to mark major developments at the university
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny has joined the DCU community in an evening of celebration at The Helix to mark the successful completion of the Incorporation process, whereby St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Mater Dei Institute of Education and the Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) were integrated into the University.
As a result of Incorporation, DCU has created the first faculty of education in an Irish university, the DCU Institute of Education, which will prepare teachers and educators for every level of education from early childhood through primary and second level onto higher and further education. 4,500 students will engage with 130 academic specialists expert in all the key aspects of education for the 21st century, including special needs and inclusive education, digital learning, language and literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education.
Speaking to an audience of DCU academics, staff and students, the Taoiseach said,
“The talent developed through our education system is Ireland’s greatest natural resource. I am therefore delighted to see a new and ambitious vision for education here at DCU. I have spoken before of my desire for Ireland to become an ‘Education Nation’, where we instil the skills, creative thinking and resilience necessary to succeed in life and work. The creation of Ireland’s only dedicated faculty of education here at DCU is a significant step in that journey. The Institute will harness a rigorous research focus and first-class practice expertise to enhance the education experience from cradle to grave and nurture the talent of all our people.”
DCU, Ireland’s fastest growing university, now boasts three educational campuses - the Glasnevin, the St Patrick’s and the All Hallows campuses - greatly expanding its geographical footprint in the north Dublin city area. The Incorporation process has also resulted in significant growth in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, combining the traditional, contemporary and digital humanities to offer a wider suite of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Professor Brian MacCraith said,
“This marks a significant period of growth and change for the university, both physically and academically. We have successfully brought together the leading colleges of education in Ireland to create the largest concentration of education expertise on the island. Our new Institute of Education is home to internationally recognised experts in teaching and learning who work closely with students in an innovative environment for 21st century learning. It also allows for the education, together, of student teachers for schools of all patron bodies for the first time in the history of the State, educating excellent teachers for all dimensions of a 21st Century pluralist Ireland. The blend of the rich heritage of St Patrick’s, Mater Dei and CICE with DCU’s innovative ethos has the potential to realise great synergies and transform education in this country.”
Professor MacCraith also announced at the event the creation of a new research centre and Chair in Early Childhood Education, the Desmond Chair named after philanthropist and businessman Dermot Desmond.
The gala concert featured performances from master piper Liam O’Flynn, harpist Denise Kelly, playwright and DCU artistic director Martina Carr, the Laetere vocal ensemble and a host of talent from across the DCU campuses. Broadcaster, Bryan Dobson, acted as MC for the event.