Investing in the future of DIT DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
Thank You Without you, the stories on the following pages couldn’t be told. With you, there are more stories to tell than this report can accomplish. A great education institution is the sum of its people - those who teach, those who learn and those who make all of it possible. To all of our donors, including alumni, friends, parents, companies, foundations and benefactors who make DIT what it is, we say two words we can never say often enough:
Thank you.
DIT Foundation e st larg c al logi o n g h er ch e of hi t e ut tit s on cati in du
’s and rI el
DIT Foundation was established in 2001 to support Dublin Institute of Technology in its mission as a comprehensive higher education institution. friends, staff, corporations and charitable trusts. AIB has been a key supporter of the Foundation since its inception for which we are
enhancing the resources that can be offered to future generations of DIT students. DIT Foundation’s fundraising
,00 0
rela n educati on po pu
e
90,00 0
Philanthropy has a key role to play in leveraging funds and
10% of I
Alu
very grateful.
mn acros i sp s th eg rea l ob d e
DIT Foundation encourages philanthropic support for DIT from alumni,
Over 20
m
the un d o r a ld wor
d an
es
on the strategic priorities of DIT’s Colleges and schools.
lt ui
hh Supporting Excellence in Teaching and Research – based
rnat Inte
reach their full potential.
e s w in bus ith iness p environ , engin rogra m e m health ent, sc ering m , i a ,b e r t s and nce s t o u ris
grammes which support individuals and communities to
ional
hh Powering Participation at DIT – through a range of pro-
rom nts f e d Stu ifference d 60 untries co
priorities are:
ers
4 Coll eg
Ireland and philanthropy is playing a key role in its delivery.
h earc
one of the largest ever capital investments in higher education in
s century 21st ng es leng hal
hh Capital Development – DIT’s new campus at Grangegorman is
Professor Brian Norton President, Dublin Institute of Technology All of the gifts received by DIT advance our mission of providing an innovative, responsive and caring learning environment for a diverse range and level of programmes to students of all ages and backgrounds. Our donors bear witness to the profound impact DIT has on so many lives. Their generosity enables DIT’s alumni to play important roles in technical and scientific innovation, economic and social development and culture and education both in Ireland and internationally. We are now entering what is possibly our greatest era as we move to the new DIT campus at Grangegorman. With disciplined focus on pursuing strategic objectives, DIT will continue to rise to new heights as it becomes Ireland’s leading technological university. I am grateful for the support of our donors in helping us to achieve our goals.
’s h
u
Mr. Jim Gahan
r
r he ig
sontts
00ss ttuu dde nd en
n
n To d iin ked annke ccording RRa 50 - a r de gher un es Hi m i to T world tion uca Ed gs 2014 kin ran
io lat
0 00 10 p1 Top
Chairman, DIT Foundation The DIT community is grateful for the support of our donors. Examples include gifts towards the building of our new campus at DIT Grangegorman, scholarships to ease
us G r a a n g t e g DI o r ma T acr n o n 7
with
New c a
eS i
ce n
mp
n ci ty
tat io
a ne tre w L UA S
tram s
the burden for families and donations of state-of-theart equipment helping students to acquire professional knowledge and experience. The stories in this report could not be told without the generosity of alumni and friends - many of whom are first-time donors. They have made gifts of all sizes and in different ways that best support their philanthropy. Thank you for your support which has the added benefit of strengthening DIT Foundation’s ability to reach out further to alumni and new partners across Ireland and the world to help build a secure financial base for DIT’s future aspirations.
3 8 si s dre c ad 00
re
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
€1.1 million Pledge by Weston Foundation Kick-starts philanthropic campaign for DIT Grangegorman DIT’s new campus at Grangegorman in Dublin’s north
retail education and training programmes from
inner city is one of the largest ever capital investments
undergraduate to PhD, including the delivery of
in higher education in Ireland. Philanthropy has a
Continuing Professional Development programmes
key role to play in the delivery of this state-of-the-
to those employed in the sector.
art campus for 21st century education and the philanthropic campaign for the new campus has
Welcoming the launch of the centre in DIT, Arthur
been kick-started by a generous pledge of €1.1million
Ryan indicated that while the retail sector acts as
from the Garfield Weston Foundation to establish the
a barometer for how the economy is performing,
Arthur Ryan Retail Centre. The new centre will be
for future success, the sector must understand and
located on the West Quad on the new campus, a hub
analyse developments in areas such as technology,
for DIT’s business education programmes.
procurement and sourcing, logistics and marketing.
The DIT College of Business has always provided excellent support and expertise to the retail sector in Ireland “The pace of change in the retail sector is enormous Mr. George Weston, Dr. Arthur Ryan and Prof. Brian Norton at the launch of the Arthur Ryan Retail Centre at DIT on 28th Sept. 2012
The Garfield Weston Foundation was established by the Weston family, whose business interests include a majority stake in Associated British Foods, which in turn is home to the international retailer Primark, trading as Penneys in Ireland. The retail centre at DIT Grangegorman is being named in recognition of the founder of Penneys/Primark, Arthur Ryan, and his contribution to retail innovation. Penneys opened its first store in Ireland in 1969, and the business has gone on to develop over 250 stores worldwide. The Arthur Ryan Retail Centre is part of the School of Retail and Services Management in DIT’s College of Business. The School has over 1,000 full and part-time students and is a dedicated provider of
and business is increasingly international. To stay competitive, there is a constant need to innovate and to anticipate trends. The DIT College of Business has
€1.1 m Pledge always provided excellent support and expertise to
Arthur Ryan Retail Centre will become a key
the retail sector in Ireland and I believe this new centre,
international knowledge centre, establishing a
based in the School of Retail and Services Management,
strong focus on research, scholarship and innovation
will become a hub for educational opportunities,
for the retail sector.”
research, and industry outreach programmes.” The development of the Grangegorman campus The President of DIT, Professor Brian Norton, thanked
was identified as a “flagship project” by the
the Garfield Weston Foundation for its generosity in
Government in 2012. Since then, significant
supporting the new Centre.
work has taken place on the site and over 1,400 students and staff moved onto the new campus in
..the Arthur Ryan Retail Centre will become a key international knowledge centre, establishing a strong focus on research, scholarship and innovation for the retail sector
September 2014. A total of 10,000 students will call the new campus home by 2017. Until it moves into its home on the West Quad at DIT Grangegorman, the Arthur Ryan Retail Centre is located in a prominent location in the DIT Aungier Street campus. From there, the Centre has already firmly established itself as an interface between the academic and the retail sector and is contributing
“This
generous
commitment
by
a
leading
to the development of a sustainable retail policy,
international Irish born retail organisation represents
effective retail education and a number of support
a real contribution to Irish higher education and will
services for the retail and services sector.
assist DIT in delivering on its campus development. We have no doubt that the appropriately named
Recent activity in the Centre has included the delivery of womenswear and homewares trend forecasting events for industry; the organisation of a Paris study trip for students on Fashion Buying programmes; the delivery of pragmatic retailing programmes; the creation of teaching and learning resources and an active, ongoing programme of academic research and collaboration. For further information on the activities of the Centre please see www.arrc.ie
Pictured left: Students from DIT School of Retail and Services Management demonstrate their work
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
DIT Grangegorman – Conservation, Sustainability, Restoration Supported By Philanthropy The district of Grangegorman in Dublin 7 has a long history in serving the people of Dublin. As the location of a number of state institutions - including a work house, a state penitentiary, and a psychiatric facility - the area had been walled off from the local community for a number of years.
institution on such an historic site is being approached sympathetically and involves not just building new and sustainable facilities, but restoring existing structures. Grangegorman is a site of significant heritage and cultural memory. It is unusual for such a large tract of publicly-owned land to survive in the centre of the capital city with buildings reflecting a range of styles and vintage. The surviving buildings relate an architectural history of institutional approaches to mental
following expert advice, respecting the history and rather than replacing and retaining original features and decorative work. A generous gift of €150,000 from Arthur Cox in June 2014 allowed a number of projects to progress over the summer months, including the beginning of an initial programme of restoration on the Clocktower building; stonework & guttering on the former & guttering on the Church of Ireland Chapel. The Catholic Archdiocese has also made a generous contribution of €500,000 to the redevelopment of St Laurence’s. This
noted and leading architects of their time were involved in the buildings that survive.
donation helped develop this beautiful space that is used for a variety of learning, cultural and recreational events which enhance the student
The Conservation Strategy The conservation strategy for Grangegorman ensures that the existing structures will be incorporated into the heart of the new campus social,
to carry out repairs in a sympathetic way and
€650,000 Pledged
18th century up to modern times and many
historic,
expensive. Philanthropic contributions allow us
Roman Catholic Church St. Laurence’s; and roof
health treatment and care from the late
the
Carrying out restoration work is painstaking and
architectural integrity of the building, repairing
The development of a 21st century third-level
articulating
Philanthropy
urban
and
architectural values of Grangegorman. All existing structures will be repaired in a sympathetic way and following expert advice; respecting history and the architectural integrity of the building. The focus is on repair rather than replacement with no attempts to disguise age.
experience while at the same time conserving the building and it’s use.
Thank you to all donors supporting our restoration projects
The Clocktower Building - an iconic link from the history of the site to the future of DIT
Other Restoration Projects
Among the 11 protected structures we are restoring
St. Laurence’s Church
is the iconic Clocktower building. One of the oldest
This building is a five-bay structure with a gallery,
surviving buildings on site – and the best known
c.1850, designed by William Murray. It is in a pared down
- this building is a three-storey, seventeen bay
Tudor style, single volume hall space of snecked Calp
structure designed by Francis Johnston and dating
limestone walls and flush dressings to window and
from c.1814. The Clocktower has been adopted as
doors opes. The Church has a steep gable ended roof
the logo for the DIT Grangegorman development
with bell cote and bell at the shallow chancel end and
and this flagship building will be redeveloped for
with east and west porches flanking the entrance gable.
multi-use purposes which will place it at the heart of the new campus.
Former Church of Ireland Chapel This building is a four-bay structure with a gallery, designed by George Wilkinson and constructed in c.1860. It is nestled within mature planting and this landscaped setting forms a significant part of the overall character of the building. Lower House (Former Richmond Lunatic Asylum) The building is a three-storey, twenty-six bay structure (on the southern elevation), c.1810, designed by Francis Johnston. It is all that remains of the oldest surviving building on the site. The wings were added in 1822, to a design by William Murray. Virtually nothing is left of the interior of this structure. It is proposed that the squares to either side would be sympathetically developed, reflecting the formality of this building.
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
Nurturing DIT’s Musical Talent with new Steinway Pianos The DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama is a national centre of excellence for performing arts education and was originally founded over 125 years ago. The Conservatory offers high quality, performance-based study programmes for over 1,200 students from as young as 3 up to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral researchers. In 2014, the students and staff of the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama celebrated the delivery of seven stunning new Steinway pianos. Pianos by Steinway and Sons are widely regarded as the finest in the world and DIT was delighted to acquire the beautiful Steinway Grands thanks to a generous donation from a private donor. They will join the existing complement of Steinways in the Conservatory, and will make a significant addition to the fleet of world class instruments available to students in DIT.
…a first step towards the Conservatory becoming an All Steinway School which will in turn see us joining an elite group of internationally renowned conservatoires that includes Julliard, Yale and China Conservatory..
turn see us joining an elite group of internationally renowned conservatoires that includes Julliard, Yale and China Conservatory, and will make the Conservatory here in Dublin an even more attractive choice for international students.” The President of DIT, Professor Brian Norton also welcomed the arrival of the pianos and emphasised the importance of nurturing our musical talent in Ireland. He commented that: “As the Conservatory prepares to move to its new state-of-the-art building at the new DIT city centre campus in Grangegorman in 2017, these new instruments will greatly enhance the quality of our teaching and practice facilities and we are extremely grateful to our benefactor.” Among the first to play the new instruments was
Welcoming the arrival of the pianos, Dr. David
Adam McDonagh, a BMus student (aged 21).
Mooney, Head of Department said: “This is a significant event in the history of the
“To get the chance to perform on a Steinway piano is
Conservatory, made possible by this generous
always an honour and now to be able to practise on
donation. It is a first step towards the Conservatory
them daily is fantastic”, said a very delighted Adam.
becoming an All Steinway School which will in
One of the goals of the DIT Conservatory of Music
€500,000 Raised
Pictured top centre: At the unveiling of the seven Steinways were Junior Conservatory student Alanah McManus (13) with B Mus students Shane and Emma Kenrick (4th year); Adam McDonagh (4th year); Jimmy Goeijenbier (3rd year); Jack Ronayne (1st year) and Paul O’Gorman (1st Year). Pictured middle right: Playing a Steinway from the Junior Conservatory student Alanah McManus (13)
& Drama is to nurture talent by providing students with a stimulating and inspirational environment. The Conservatory covers the broadest range of performing arts disciplines in Ireland with degree programmes in classical and Irish traditional music, composition, musicology, music education, jazz, opera, drama and (in association with partner colleges) rock, pop music and film scoring. Within
the
Conservatory
is
the
Keyboard
Department which has a long and proud history of producing fine pianists and organists (including John O’Conor, Míċeál O’Rourke and Gerard Gillen) and is delighted to number many of its graduates among the teaching staff. Students are encouraged to participate in ensembles and chamber music at all levels as well as perform at the annual Conservatory competitions,
external
competitions,
musical
evenings and recitals. The Conservatory is proud to have the internationally-renowned pianist, Dr Barry Douglas, as a visiting lecturer. Looking to the future, the DIT Conservatory of Music & Drama aims to build on the addition of the new Steinway pianos. It is now actively seeking further donations to support a programme of acquiring instruments and has set a target of €2 million in philanthropy.
..these new instruments will greatly enhance the quality of our teaching and practice facilities and we are extremely grateful to our benefactor. Pictured on the left : Piano Selection - Dr. David Mooney and Padhraic O’Cuinneagain from the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, selecting the pianos at the Steinway and Sons’ factory in Hamburg, Germany
Over the past four years, the DIT Travel Scholarship in
where energy is either not available or not affordable
Renewable Energy has provided an opportunity for
for everyone. Local communities are then equipped
high-achieving DIT graduates with a MA or PhD to
to take control of the projects into the future.”
pursue a practical work assignment in a developing country in the area of renewable energy. As a result
In 2013 the second DIT Scholar in Renewable
of the generous support and commitment of a
Energy was awarded to Fintan McLoughlin, a PhD
private donor, DIT graduates have travelled to Kenya
graduate in Engineering. Fintan travelled to Nepal
and Nepal on three month placements working
to work on the installation of solar panels in remote
on projects managed by the international charity
areas as well as conduct research
Renewable World.
with local partners on a proposal to retrofit existing biogas, water
The DIT Travel Scholarship in Renewable Energy
and solar infrastructure to gather
is made possible through a €10,000 scholarship in
critical supply and demand data
financial support awarded annually. The journey so
remotely via SMS. Reflecting on his
far has seen Declan Arthur, Fintan McLoughlin, Daire
experiences, Fintan said that:
Reilly and Peteris Lusis being awarded the title of the
“One of the most memorable
DIT Travel Scholar in Renewable Energy.
moments was the reception we got in the small communities
The inaugural scholarship was awarded in 2012
when we were carrying out the
to Declan Arthur, a graduate of the MA in Applied
installation of solar systems.
Media. Declan’s scholarship placement was in Nairobi
The kindness and hospitality
in Kenya where he spent three months supporting
that these people showed
Renewable World on a variety of projects including
us was immense especially
programmes in solar energy installation.
when they have so little to
A once in a lifetime chance to work in the developing world with an NGO Upon returning home Declan gave his thoughts on the placement: “this scholarship offered me a once in a lifetime chance to work in the developing world with an NGO that in my opinion, is adopting the correct approach to delivering long term sustainable change. Renewable World focuses on alleviating poverty through the provision of renewable energy in areas
give in the first place. I will remember these moments for a very long time and I
€ D
hope to visit again at some point in the future to see the long term impacts that the projects will have in these communities.” Upon returning home to Ireland, Fintan
€40,000 Donated
commented that: “Being awarded the scholarship in Renewable Energy and spending three months working in Nepal has given me a completely new perspective on my career aspirations.”
In 2014 the DIT Travel Scholarship was awarded to Daire O’Reilly, a PhD engineering student in the DIT Dublin Energy Lab. His field of research lies in residential energy retrofit modelling which helped immensely with his work in Nepal. Looking back at his experience Daire commented: “In the three short months I spent in Nepal I had an opportunity to experience what it is like to have sense of ownership of a project, to build a rapport with the staff and the implementing partners and to get used to cultural differences in the work place.”
Transforming Lives at Any Age Over the past two years, a generous donor to DIT Foundation has helped to provide vital funds for students on the DIT Access Foundation Programme. The Access Foundation Programme is a free, one-year course in preparation for higher education at DIT. The full-time programme prepares students personally and academically to pursue undergraduate programmes in DIT. The course is of particular benefit to adults who have been out of education for a long time, who did not complete a Leaving Certificate or whose skills no longer allow them to access the labour market. The DIT Access Foundation Programme offers the opportunity to attend third level education to many students who had thought it was beyond their reach. “I always loved science and it always bothered me that I had never done my Leaving Cert and never got the opportunity to go to college. The tutors are
Looking ahead, the 2015 scholarship has been awarded to Peteris Lusis, a DIT graduate of the MA in Sciences & Sustainable Development and a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) course in Wind Energy for Electricity Supply.
great, the support and encouragement is fantastic. I wouldn’t have got this far without them.” Anthony, 33 is a current student on the Access Foundation Programme and hopes to study BSc (Hons) Physics Technology from September 2015
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
Alumni Donors Powering Participation Powering participation in third-level education is
DIT alumni and staff donors are also committed
an integral part of DIT’s ethos. We are committed
to funding various educational projects, campus
to providing an innovative, responsive and caring
life initiatives and sporting projects which make
learning environment for students of all ages and
a difference to our students and our community.
backgrounds.
Examples include the DIT team at the Formula Student competition in Silverstone, an outreach
The DIT Access Service provides a broad range
maths tuition programme in local secondary schools
of supports to students from communities and
and a new ‘Mind, Body & Spirit’ book section in the
backgrounds where there is little or no tradition of
DIT Library.
attending third-level education. To date the service has supported over 1,000 students to access DIT. Through its school and community initiative, the DIT Access Service has also worked with over 10,000 students across Ireland. In addition the service provides specific courses and routes for mature students wishing to access third level education for the first time in their lives. Generous alumni and staff donors are supporting DIT Access Students to reach their full potential at DIT. With this donor support the Access Service is able to provide its students with vital financial assistance, expert advice and a peer mentoring programme, where older students act as guides and advisors for new Access students.
An appreciation that family circumstances can prevent able young people from achieving their potential was one reason for my donation to the DIT Access Fund. The other was the effort needed to self-fund my way through the 1956-58 Radio Officers course which led to an Oxford degree and a rewarding career in economic development. It is a privilege to have played a small part in improving access to DIT Dr. Owen Murphy, Class of 1958 Every donation helps to build up the DIT fund so that we can make a real difference that reaches far beyond the DIT campuses. For more information on how to make a donation visit www.ditfoundation.ie
DIT Student Assistance Fund “DIT Access gave me the ability to get back on track and let me do what I wanted to do with my life.” Ololade Sabajo, B.Sc. Business & Management
Pictured Above: The DIT Academic Staff Association (ASA) donate funds to the Student Assistance Fund. Pictured at a recent presentation were Richard Hayes, ASA, Ray Byrne Chairman of ASA, Brian Gormley, Manager of DIT Campus Life and Kevin Sullivan, ASA.
The DIT Student Assistance Fund has been
The Student Assistance Fund provides
“Going to college would not have
supporting students in full-time education
support for day-to-day expenses such
been possible without the Access
at DIT for over 25 years, providing support
as rent, food, utilities, class materials
Programme.”
to over 600 students in 2014. Growing
and travel.
Josh Martin,
pressure on third-level students and their
B.Sc. Food Innovation
families, as well as decreasing state support,
We would like to thank our many donors
leaves many students struggling financially.
who support the Student Assistance Fund
Donations to the Student Assistance Fund
each year including Paul Wallace (DIT
help to relieve the pressure on many
Engineering, Class of ’56), the DIT Student
students, allowing them to focus on their
Union Team (DITSU) and the DIT Academic
studies and maximise their time at DIT.
Staff Association.
“My Mam is amazed at how much confidence I have and how far I have come. The pride she has for me nearly brought me to tears.”
More than 50 years ago, the DIT College at Bolton Street along with support from an anonymous donor gave me an engineering education that opened up a world of opportunity. I would like to contribute in some small way to similar opportunities for today’s students
Mags Hayes, B.Sc. Retail & Services Management
Paul Wallace, DIT Engineering, Class of 1956
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
A Legacy of Excellence in Architecture The Sir Richard Morrison Scholarship Scheme
its first vice-president. His most notable works, many
was established by Lieutenant Colonel Charles
carried out in association with his son, the architect
Colquhoun Morrison who bequeathed a sum of
William Vitruvius Morrison, include Killruddery House
money ‘to provide scholarships for students of
in Co. Wicklow and Ballyfin House in Co. Laois.
Architecture’ in memory of his relation, Sir Richard Morrison. DIT awarded the
The Sir Richard Morrison Scholarship Scheme is
first round of scholarships under this
an annual competition which awards a €3,000
scheme in 2014.
scholarship to a DIT student in each of the five years
€27,000 in Scholarships
in the Bachelor of Architecture honours degree Sir Richard Morrison was born in
programme and each of the 4 years of the Bachelor
Cork in 1767 and was a pupil of James
of Science in Architectural Technology honours
Gandon. He was a founder-member in 1839
degree programme. The scholarships are awarded
of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland and
to students of proven engagement and academic excellence within the current academic year.
Emerging from undergraduate studies is a daunting time and this scholarship will enable me to commence the first steps of my career with renewed confidence and financial backing. I am most grateful for this incredible award. Miriam Corcoran, 5th Year, Architecture
Miriam Corcoran, 5th year Architecture Degree student and Minister of Education & Skills, Mr Ruairi Quinn, TD pictured at the launch of the Sir Richard Morrison Scholarship Scheme
Receiving the scholarship will allow me to cut down my hours in work, which in turn gives me the opportunity to dedicate more time to my college work. It will also help me to purchase the tools which are a necessity within architecture. Lindsay Roughneen, 2nd year, Architecture Degree student and Minister of Education & Skills, Mr Ruairi Quinn, TD pictured at the launch of the Sir Richard Morrison Scholarship Scheme
Lindsay Roughneen, 2nd year, Architecture
Supporting outreach State Street Foundation Since 2011, State Street Foundation has generously supported the DIT Access & Civic Engagement Team to deliver computer and IT focused outreach programmes in the local community. State Street Foundation is State Street’s charitable arm and makes grants to nonprofits and non-governmental organisations around the world. Their primary strategic focus is education and workforce development. The support DIT received from State Street helped to establish IT programmes in primary and post primary schools, assisted with the development of a website to support literacy in conjunction with DIT journalism students and the delivery of community-based training.
Secondary students Natasha Harris, Jade Fitzgerald, Natalie McGrath and Stephen Sandford all from Drimnagh in Dublin who completed a course with DIT CLiC (Computer Learning in Communities) supported by State Street
Ireland Funds Grant With support from The Ireland Fund’s 2014 Small Grant Programme, the team at DIT Sports delivered a local, community-based initiative ‘Developing Young People through Sport’. The Ireland Funds is a philanthropic network that supports worthy causes in Ireland and around the world. As a result of their support DIT was able to deliver this new initiative which offered young people Developing Young People through Sport – a DIT community initiative supported by The Ireland Funds
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Enterprise Rent-A-Car became a supporter of the
between the ages 14 to 16 the opportunity to try out new sports and take part in nutrition and first aid programmes.
from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, peer mentoring and various other development activities.
DIT Career Launchpad and Student Leadership Programme in 2014. The company provided a €1,000 grant towards the programme which is run by the Access and Civic Engagement Team. The DIT Career Launchpad and Student Leadership Programme offers students the opportunity to work with and learn from graduate colleagues in a supportive office environment. As part of the programme, students benefit from leadership workshops with executives
Participants in the DIT Career Launchpad and Student Leadership Programme in 2014 supported by Enterprise Rent-A-Car
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
Students Benefit from Topcon Equipment As part of a partnership arrangement with DIT which began in 2013, Topcon has made a significant donation of surveying and optometry equipment to DIT. Topcon is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision measurement instruments for the surveying and the eye care industries with over 4,000 employees worldwide.
Working on our latest equipment available means that you are more marketable in the workforce. It is important that students coming out of higher education are familiar with processes and equipment so they can easily adapt to the workplace environment. The valuable donation of equipment to DIT – worth €370,000 – was made as part of Topcon’s education partnering strategy. The equipment is directly benefiting optometry and surveying students located on DIT’s Kevin Street and Bolton Street campuses.
Since its installation the Topcon equipment has been used extensively, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research in DIT. A student internship programme has also been established under the partnership.
In 2014 the
first student from DIT’s BSc in Geomatics, Abigail Iversens, successfully completed her internship with Topcon in San Francisco where Dr. Ray O’Connor, President and CEO of Topcon Positioning, is based. Dr. O’Connor is a graduate of DIT and so takes a keen interest in developments in DIT.
€370,000 Gift Value
partnership
between
DIT
and Topcon, Dr. Ray O’ Connor from Topcon said that “we have a
commitment with DIT to provide ongoing updated equipment in both the optometry and surveying fields”. Speaking directly to DIT students he said:
Ireland. The programme is delivered at the National Optometry Centre at DIT Kevin Street and the new Topcon equipment is helping to increase the accuracy
At a special event to announce the
DIT is the only provider of Optometry studies in
of the diagnosis of ocular disease at the Centre. In the area of surveying, the DIT Degree in Geomatics at DIT Bolton Street is the only undergraduate programme if its kind in the country. The new Topcon equipment, housed in the Topcon Technology Lab, is providing these geomatics students along with others from disciplines such as surveying, architecture and construction with an exceptional opportunity to learn using the very latest technology.
€100,000 Gift Value
State of the Art Technology Equipment Through DIT’s Collaborations with Industry
Leica Geosystems
Trimble
Students of surveying in DIT now have access to state-
Kevin O’Mahony, a BSc Geomatics graduate at DIT
of-the-art surveying equipment, thanks to a donation
won the international Trimble Geospatial Student
from Swiss-based Leica Geosystems, which is a world
competition in 2014. Kevin is the second DIT student
leader in spatial measurement. In 2014, Mr. John
to win this prestigious award and in recognition
Kerrigan, Ireland Manager for Leica Geosystems and a
of his success, Trimble has donated a Trimble V10
graduate of DIT, presented the institute with the Leica
Imaging Rover complete system including a Trimble
Nova MS50. Mr. Kergian explained that the instrument
R10 GNSS product to DIT in a grand prize valued at
combines significant measuring technologies in one
€45,000. Accepting the instruments on behalf of DIT,
device including precision 3D scanning, extensive
Prof. Brian Norton said “I would like to thank Trimble
and precise total station capabilities, digital imagery
for providing us with this state-of-the-art equipment
and GNSS connectivity.
which will be invaluable to our students. I would also like to thank Trimble for providing the opportunity for our students to test themselves against their peers internationally. The commitment of industry and the opportunity for us to interact with companies like Trimble is essential to DIT so that we can continue to deliver programmes of quality and relevance.”
Coastway Surveys Leica presentation: Professor Brian Norton receiving the donation of top of the range Leica surveying instruments, presented by John Kerrigan, Ireland Manager, Leica Geosystems Ltd
Dr. Eugene McGovern from the DIT School of Surveying and Construction said the monetary value of the donation, including hardware and associated point cloud and photogrammetric processing software, is valued at over €50,000. “The value to students in terms of teaching and learning is really tremendous as they will be exposed to, and become familiar with, the state-of-the-art in terms of surveying equipment and solutions. The potential applications of this instrument are wide-ranging and include mapping, modelling and monitoring. As such, it is very much aligned with the College’s push towards collaboration and integration with industry.”
The College of Engineering and Built Environment at DIT was the recipient of specialised laser scanning equipment in 2014. Mr. Enda Nolan, Managing Director of Coastway Surveys, a leading Irish surveying company which also services Great Britain, continental Europe and the Middle East, very kindly donated a Leica ScanStation 2 terrestrial laser scanner to DIT last year. The significance of this gift and the opportunity it provides to DIT students cannot be underestimated. It is very important as they acquire professional knowledge and expertise, that they can use the kind of equipment that is used in the field. In DIT we emphasise the value of experiencing real life situations in preparation for successful careers.
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
Thank You DIT Foundation is extremely grateful to the donors who have generously supported DIT. Your support has made, and will continue to make, a real difference to the educational experience of current and future students. You can see more about the results of your support at www.ditfoundation.ie
2% 18%
Sources of Gifts Alumni, Staff & Friends Corporate Foundations, Trusts & Other
11% 58%
Legacy Major Donors
11%
Fundraising4%Best Practice 7%
DIT Foundation is fully committed to achieving the standards contained within the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising set out by the ICTR (Irish Charities Tax Reform Limited). ICTR is a membership organisation of charities, focused on creating a policy climate in which philanthropy can 28% thrive - through a combination of taxation and regulatory61% reform. See more at: www.ditfoundation.ie
DIT Foundation Board of Directors DIT Foundation is overseen by an external voluntary board. We are fully compliant with best practice in governance for the non-profit sector.
0s
sh
u
-
r he ig ion lat
s nt
tu de nd ’
Current Directors
Previous Directors
Chairman – Mr. Jim Gahan
Ms. Veronica Campbell
Mr. Peter Coyle
Mr. Hugh Cawley
Mr. Sean Dorgan
Dr. John Donnelly
Professor Neville Hogan
Mr. Paul Flynn
Mr. David Kennedy
Mr. Declan Glynn
Mr. Bobby Kerr
Mr. Kevin Kelly (Deceased)
Ms. Carolan Lennon
Mr. Gilbert Little
Ms. Anna Marie McHugh
Mr. Eugene McCague (Former Chairman)
Professor Brian Norton
Ms. Marie O’Connor
Dr. Noel O’Connor
Dr. Ray O’Rourke
Dr. Pat Quinn
Mr. Pierce Pigott (Deceased) Mr. Jim Ruane Mr. Ray Wills
DIT Foundation is a registered charity Charity CHY Number: CHY 14226
us G r a a n g t e g DI o r ma T acr n o n 7
with
New c a
eS i
Staff Members:
n ci ty
tat io
Jennifer Taaffe, Executive Director; Siobhan Broughan, Development Manager; Julie Stafford, Annual Fund Manager
ce n
mp
a ne tre w L UA S
tram s
Charity Regulation Number: 20045807
Auditor: Brennan Governey & Co. Bank: AIB Solicitor: Arthur Cox DIT Foundation, Grangegorman, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 402 4137 Email: foundation@dit.ie Web: www.ditfoundation.ie
3 dre ad
0r 80 s s
DIT Foundation Donor Report 2015
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Donations to DIT support our mission to provide an innovative, responsive and caring learning environment for a diverse range and level of programmes to students of all ages and backgrounds.
DIT Foundation, The Clock Tower, Grangegorman, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 402 4137 Email: foundation@dit.ie Web: www.ditfoundation.ie