DCU pays tribute to its first Chancellor, Dr. Tom Hardiman

The death has taken place of Dr. TP (Tom) Hardiman, who passed away at his home on Saturday last. His contributions to Ireland covered many facets, including industry, commerce, broadcasting, education, science, public service and cultural life in a career spanning seven decades. He was engineer in charge at the inaugural Telefís Éireann (later RTÉ) broadcast from Dublin’s Gresham Hotel on New Year’s Eve 1961 and advanced through the organisation to become Director General in 1968 at the age of 39. He was a keen supporter of the Irish language and it was during his tenure as Director General that Raidió Na Gaeltachta was set up in 1972.

Following his departure from RTÉ in 1975, Dr. Hardiman became Chair of the National Board for Science and Technology (NBST) and president of the Confederation of Irish Industry, the Marketing Institute of Ireland and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. He chaired the Commission on Technological Education, which oversaw development of the National Institutes for Higher Education (NIHE). He also chaired the government-appointed International Study Group, the recommendations of which led to the eventual transition of the NIHEs to full university status. NIHE Dublin was awarded university status in 1989 and became Dublin City University. Dr. Hardiman was elected as the first Chancellor of DCU on June 4th 1998, a position he held until 2001. He was also elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy.  

Dr. Hardiman had a particular interest in Japan and Japanese studies. He maintained a strong connection with SALIS (DCU’s School of Applied Language & Intercultural Studies) over the years and had a strong influence on the way Japanese and Asian Studies are taught at DCU.

Commenting on this, Dr. Ryoko Sasamoto said,

“He was always very warm to us and had time for everyone from undergraduate students to lecturers. He shared his passion with us in education, humanities and in particular Ireland-Japan relations.”

Commenting on his passing, the President of DCU, Prof. Brian MacCraith, said,

“Tom was a giant of Irish society and contributed hugely to the advancement of our nation across so many dimensions. As our first Chancellor, he played a significant role in the establishment of DCU as a modern, dynamic university and he took a particular interest in our ongoing development of Japanese language and culture studies. On a personal basis, he remained a friend and guide to me over the years. I will always be very grateful for that and I am very saddened by his passing.”

Tom is survived by his wife, Rosaleen, his three daughters and two sons and we offer our condolences to them.

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