News

Citi Speaker Series

15 November 2010

On Thursday 11 November over 300 invited guests and students gathered in the Helix, DCU for the Citi Speaker Series, 2010 Panel Discussion on “University of Enterprise: Delivering Ireland’s Next Class of Successful Entrepreneurs”.

Guests were welcomed by DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith before providing a brief overview of the strategic vision he is laying out for Dublin City University, first delivered in his Inaugural Address in July.  Professor MacCraith stated, “Dublin City University will be a modern dynamic ‘University of Enterprise’ delivering significant value to the nation and graduating students who can lead the next successful era in Ireland’s history.”

The panel discussion was facilitated by noted RTÉ Correspondent for Education and Science, Emma O’Kelly and included expert panelists: Gavin Duffy – Entrepreneur, Media Coach and Dragon’s Den Panelist, Padraig McKeon – Director at Drury Communications and Trustee of DCU Educational Trust, Una Halligan – Government Affairs Director, Hewlett Packard Ireland & Chair of Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and Manus Rogan – Co-founder and Managing Partner, Fountain Healthcare Partners & Member of the Board of Directors of Amarin Corporation, Opsona Therapeutics & the Irish Venture Capital Association.

The event offered audience members – including both undergraduate and postgraduate DCU students - a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse and seasoned panel of experts as they explored the benefits of transforming the third level sector through interactive academic and enterprise programmes that empower young people with increased industry knowledge, bridging the gap between education and business.  Taking a positive and proactive approach, the panelists explored the opportunities available in an economic downturn and how in their experience, they believe Ireland’s current economic situation holds benefits for both graduates of the university seeking employment and business opportunities, but also for the university itself in refining and redefining its role in Irish society.

The DCU Educational Trust would like to thank Citi and the Citi Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the Citi Speaker Series at Dublin City University. The Citi Series runs in coordination with the DCU Business School, offering an Enterprise Development Mentoring Programme to inspire DCU’s final year business students, with entrepreneurial creativity tempered with practical commercial realism. Through their participation in the Citi Series, students gain a unique opportunity to actively engage with senior business practitioners on a range of issues, enhancing their skills and their knowledge of what it takes to do business in the modern environment.

For more information on how you may become involved or attend future events, please contact Orla Holmes, Director of Operations, DCU Educational Trust on (01) 700 8162 or email orla.holmes@dcu.ie