Inside NCI (Issue 1 - Jan 09)

January 09 Issue 1

Inside NCI The magazine for friends of National College of Ireland

www.ncirl.ie

Honorary Conferring 2008 School of Community Launched Legends in Your Lunchtime Student News Graduation 2008 Alumni News

News

Features

Interviews

President’s Welcome Welcome to the first edition of Inside NCI, the new magazine for friends of National College of Ireland. We will be circulating this about three times a year, to help keep you up to date with some of the many initiatives happening at the College.

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the festive period and are rested and ready to embrace the challenges of this new year. Reflecting on 2008, I am proud of how much we accomplished as a team and, while we can’t squeeze everything into these few pages, I welcome the opportunity to share some of the highlights with you.

In January ‘08, we adopted a new five year Strategic Plan and at a special signing ceremony in the College, staff members committed to our new mission statement: to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student's potential. We offer students the opportunity to acquire the skills and self-confidence to change their lives, contribute to a knowledge based economy and become responsible, active citizens.

Following on from the strategic process, we took the decision to establish a new School of Community Studies.

We were delighted that President Mary McAleese agreed to launch the School in November last year. While the College has been in the community regeneration space for more than 10 years, the formal establishment of this school moves our aspirations onto a new level. Projects are now actively underway in the Docklands, Ballymun, the Liberties and Limerick.

For many of us at National College of Ireland, Graduation remains the pinnacle of College life. The ceremonies took place in the RDS in late October and were a celebration of achievement, emphasising the powerful force of education in people’s lives. As part of Graduation, NCI conferred an Honorary Fellowship on writer Maeve Binchy, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD and businessman and Group CEO of Smurfit Kappa, Gary McGann. In addition to their national impact, each has made an immense personal contribution to the success of the College throughout the years.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have helped us in our work to date, and to encourage you to continue to champion the NCI cause. The College is blessed with a strong and supportive Governing Body, a dedicated workforce, an engaged student body and an active, involved local community. It is thanks to the commitment of the entire NCI community that we continue to thrive and to make our voice heard.

Best wishes,

Dr. Paul Mooney President

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Welcome to the inaugural edition of Inside NCI. We hope you enjoy this round-up of news, views and events from across National College of Ireland.

2008 in Pictures The Three Degrees

To help us make the next edition even better, drop us a line with your feedback to inside@ncirl.ie. We’d love to hear your views. If there’s anything you’d like us to include, just let us know.

In this

Issue...

For more regular updates on what’s happening at NCI, please check out the News & Events section of our homepage at www.ncirl.ie.

Student Fashion show

Special thanks go to all the contributors to this publication:

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Editor: Emma Kytzia Editorial: Beatrice Cantalejo Emma Kytzia Neal Newman Robert Ward Design: Gráinne McElroy Photography: Bonnie Cullen Emma Fry Gráinne McElroy Colin Whitston

The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club

NCI: 01 4498500 www.ncirl.ie

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Hats Off: Graduation 2008

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The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club Recent Publications

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Launch of the School of Community Studies

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9 Arts Circle News

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Student News

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Foundation

Arts Circle Legends in your Lunchtime

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16 Alumni

Two Minute Interview Special Achievement Awards

2008 in Pictures First class students of St. Laurence O’Toole’s (Seville Place, D1) performing at the launch of NCI’s Early Learning Initiative in January.

Time for Tea? Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has a quick cuppa at the launch of NCI’s Early Learning Initiative.

NCI’s annual staff and students Sports Day took place in March.

Smiles all round from the sports day winning team.

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Desperate Executives, the latest publicatio n by NCI presid ent Dr. Paul Mooney, w as launched in March with the assistance of some real-l ife NCI execs!

Eoghan Connolly, Chloe Gaynor, Calvin Nolan and Samantha Corcoran (City Quay National School) were among the 138 Docklands school children who won a Stretch to Learn Award in May.

hey, Seán Haug r for TD, Ministe arning Le Lifelong at the t of Departmen and Education Science, the launched t Work A Learning May, seminar in by the organised ollege National C ith the of Ireland w entre National C hip rs for Partne ance and Perform (NCPP).

Vice president Anne Breakell (far left) with HR Director Ann Noonan launches NCI’s Teaching Fellowship Scheme in December, to recognise and reward excellence in teaching.

Bright Sparks: NCI enters the Newstalk 106 – 108 fm Student Enterprise Competition in October.

The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D, was welcomed to the College in June.

9 - year-old David Dykas enjoyed the Early Learning Initiative’s Family Reading celebration in October.

NCI’S Governing Body at their December Board Meeting.

L-R: Denis O’Brien, NCI Chairman & CEO, Communicorp; Kim O’Sullivan, NCI; Eoin O’ Driscoll, MD, Aderra; Fr Noel Barber SJ; Eddie Sullivan, Interim CEO, FAS; Peter McLoone, General Secretary, IMPACT; Des Gibney, NCI; Kelly Scales, president NCI SU; Aine Hyland, Former VP University College Cork; Dr. Paul Mooney, president, NCI. Not Pictured: Brendan McGinty, IBEC; Dr Tony White, Milltown Institute. David Simpson, Shenick Group; William Attley; John McGarrigle, NCI

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‘

My congratulations go to Bertie and my thanks to the National College of Ireland for giving me the chance to pay tribute to a great friend and colleague.

’

Tony Blair

The Three Degrees: Conferring of honorary fellowships at NCI As part of the NCI Graduation ceremonies in Oct ober, the distinctio n o f an honorar y fellowship was conferred upon former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, writer Maeve Binchy and Group CEO of Smurfit Kappa, Gary McGann. This continues the College’s long tradition of honouring those who have attained distinction in the arts, literature, business or civic life, and who have rendered exceptional community service.

The citation for Bertie Ahern was delivered by Fr. Noel Barber, and included a message from the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Mr. Blair recalled the immense contribution the former Taoiseach made to the peace process, saying: “After our respective elections we managed to get the IRA back on ceasefire and then to persuade the Unionists to stay in the talks. For the first time the two sides were negotiating in the same room…I will never forget Bertie returning from his mother’s funeral to conclude the deal and it was Bertie’s pragmatism that managed to help us find a solution on some of the crucial issues such as the question of North/South bodies.”

The citation also noted Mr. Ahern’s strong relationship with NCI, dating back to its time in Ranelagh and continuing to this day.

Maeve Binchy’s citation was delivered by Professor Aine Hyland, who spoke about the tremendous happiness the much loved writer provides to millions of readers, and her selfless commitment to and belief in the NCI mission.

Eoin O’Driscoll deli vere d the citation for Gary McGann, who has recently been announced Business Person of the Year by Business and Finance magazine. As CEO of the Smurfit Kappa Group, M r .

M c G a n n heads up an Irish multinational company with an €8bn turnover and 40,000 employees in over 30 countries.

Mr. O’Driscoll commented that Gary McGann exemplifies all that is best in a generation of Irish business leaders who put in the ‘hard yards’, moving Ireland beyond an agricultural economy to one characterised by knowledge and creativity.

He also highlighted Mr. McGann’s belief in the power of education to change lives, saying: “Gary has long recognised how important it is for young people from every walk of life, from every community, from every corner of Ireland to have access to higher education. His care and compassion for NCI, and our cause to make universal access to higher education a reality, is deeply felt.”

‘

He is a leader who helped transform us from what the Economist Magazine labelled as the ‘Poorest of the Rich’ in 1988 to an Ireland that was featured on the cover of the Economist as ‘Europe’s Shining Light’ a decade later.

’

NCI president Dr. Paul Mooney said that the “invaluable personal support of each of these remarkable people has helped the College to reach thousands of people with our core message that education changes lives. This message of hope, our mission, is what distinguishes NCI and as a mark of appreciation and gratitude, I am delighted to award Bertie Ahern, Maeve Binchy and Gary McGann with an Honorary Fellowship of National College of Ireland.”

Maeve Binchy with her husband, writer Gordon Snell

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Hats off to the 866 students who graduated from 55 programmes over 2 days, at NCI’s recent Graduation Ceremonies in the RDS.

Hats Off

Graduation 2008

Addressing the latest graduates, NCI president Dr. Paul Mooney said: “In 1951, NCI was founded by the Jesuits as the Workers College – as a way to tackle educational disadvantage. Almost 60 years later this mission remains valid. The real measure of Jesuit inspired universities lies in who our students become…

You now need to take your newfound talents and become an active and responsible citizen.

The strong support the weak. NCI does not see itself as just a degree factory. We want to leave a positive legacy in the achievement of our students”.

He went on to say: “Today, we are proud to be witne sses to you r success and wish you every joy and happiness for the future. On behalf of all of the National College of Ireland team, enjoy your graduation day. You’ve certainly earned it.”

Starting early: Caroline Begley, from Galway, and her baby daughter

High Achievers: Daniele Gouveia, Declan Donoghue, Joanna Rozmyslovic and Sarah Carolan graduated on Friday 31st October

Sharp Suits: Essential for Alain Bertrand & his nephew Sean Yembeau

Is there a Dr. in

In the pink: Aoife Byrne with Ciaran Doyle, Cormac Dunne and Gareth Cahill, all from Wicklow

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the house?

Valerie Brett, from Fethard, Co. Tipperary, received her PhD at the first ceremony on Thursday 30th October

Maeve takes time to “Talk to Joe”

The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club With her first book launch in over 8 years Maeve Binchy broke her publicity ‘retirement’ in May 2008, coming out in support of National College of Ireland for the launch of her latest book, The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club.

Inspired by a course run by the College, the book gives a unique insight into how a No.1 bestselling author writes. It comprises 20 letters from Maeve, offering advice, tips and her own wonderfully witty take on the life of a writer, in addition to contributions from top writers, publishers and editors.

Over 100 aspiring writers graduated from the programme, which ran from September 2003 to March 2004. Together with National College of Ireland, Maeve designed the course and each week, attendees received invaluable help and direction.

The resulting book is published by Orion and includes expert advice from Marian Keyes, Alison Walsh, Norah Casey, Paula Campbell, Ivy Bannister, Seamus Hosey, Gerald Dawe, Jim Culleton, Ferdia McAnna and Julie Parsons - many of whom were present at the launch.

Make that Grade Organisational Behaviour NCI lecturer Michele Kehoe brings out the definitive text for exam success.

Published by Gill & Macmillan.

The State of the Unions: Challenges Facing Organised Labour in Ireland

The latest release in the Changing World of Work series.

Edited by NCI lecturer Tim Hastings and published by the Liffey Press.

Memories Milestones and New Horizons Reflections on the Regeneration of Ballymun

The Maeve Binchy and Gordon Snell chairs are a permanent fixture in the College

‘The most important thing to realise is that everyone is capable of telling a story. It doesn’t matter where we were born or how we grew up…’ Maeve Binchy

Recent Publications

A crowd of over 200 people gathered in the NCI Atrium As a long time supporter and friend of NCI, Maeve generously donated all royalties to the College

A collection of essays including one from NCI's Dean of the School of Community Studies, Michele Ryan.

Published by Blackstaff Press.

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President McAleese with the staff of the new School of Community Studies

President launches new School at NCI

NCI celebrated a major milestone when the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, officially launched the new School of Community Studies on Tuesday, November 11th.

Speaking at the event, she said: "The National College of Ireland is intent on building up the problem-solving skills of communities and in promoting successful, high-achieving communities.

It deserves our gratitude and our respect for the pioneering way in which it takes learning beyond the classroom and out into the community."

College president Dr. Paul Mooney commented: “It is often said that at NCI, there is no separate access department – because educational opportunity and community engagement lie at the heart of everything that the College does. However, in the move to establishing a distinct and separate School of Community Studies, which will sit alongside the existing Schools of Business and Computing, the College is making an important statement. It is underpinning its commitment to this work in the community, and moving it right into the mainstream of College activities.”

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Morna Ryan meets President McAleese

The National College of Ireland is intent on building up the problem-solving skills of communities and in promoting successful, high-achieving communities

’

The School was established following a consultation process with community, staff and other stakeholders last year. From this process, NCI emerged with a new mission, and a new sense of mission: to widen participation in higher education and unlock each student’s potential. NCI offers students the opportunity to acquire the skills and self-confidence to change their lives, contribute to a knowledge based economy and become responsible, active citizens.

The new School offers both FETAC and HETAC accredited programmes across a range of subjects including Community Organising, Social Studies and Mediation Theory and Practice. From January, a new part-time BA degree programme will also be available in Active Citizenship for Social Change.

For more information on the work of the School, please contact Thomas Mallon, School Manager, on 01 4498602 or tmallon@ncirl.ie

President McAleese meets past student Margaret Tyrell and a potential future NCI student.

arts circle News

Bright Heights and Bushy Tails

On Monday, 13th October, National College of Ireland unveiled a new artwork that was created by over 150 young people. The piece was commissioned by National College of Ireland from The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children.

National College of Ireland actively engages in a variety of artistic and cultural activities under the guidance of the College’s Arts Circle. As an integral part of a well-rounded education, arts can teach young people to be more tolerant and open to new experiences, while at the same time helping them to acquire wisdom and insight, love of aesthetic beauty and a sense of civic responsibility..

Chaired by Veronica Campbell, ( the Campbell Bewley Group) the Arts Circle includes Youth Arts consultant Rebecca Bartlett; CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival, Donal Shiels; Executive Arts & Culture Manager with the DDDA, Mary McCarthy, and PWC’s Johanna Dehaene.

Pupils from St. Patrick’s Girls National School at the launch in October.

The piece mimics the forest canopy, with light filtering through colourful birds, insects, reptiles and animals created by children from five inner-city schools: St Laurence O'Toole's Girls School and St. Laurence O’Toole’s CBS (Seville Place, Dublin 1); St Patrick's Girls National School and St. Patrick’s Boys National School (Ringsend, Dublin 4) and O’Connell’s Primary School (North Richmond Street, Dublin 1).

Cast member s of 'Round H ere', a short 12 young peo film that allo ple from the wed Dublin Dock their dream lands to fulf of making a ill first film, than collaboration ks to a between Nat ional College Theatre and of Ireland, C Picture Com alipo pany, and th Schools Educa e Sheriff Stre tion and Sup et After port Program me.

Youth Arts Festival

In May, NCI hosted Urban Noise, the North East Inner City Youth Arts Festival Showcase. A partnership of five local youth projects, (the East Wall Youth, SWAN Youth Services, Ballybough Youth, LYCS Youth Programme and Adventure Sports Project) and the Fire Station Artists Studios. The Festival Showcase involves over 80 young people who work intensively with a team of professional artists over a two month period. The focus is on art forms which are of particular relevance to young people’s urban experience today - Graffiti Art, Rap, DJ-ing, Circus Skills and Dance.

L-R Director of August Rush and Disco Pigs Kirsten Sheridan, Colette Farrell of Calipo Theatre and Picture Company and Veronica Campbell, Chair of NCI’s Arts Circle at the premier.

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Legends in your Lunchtime

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The players have to be good for the game to be good ... I’m Giovanni Trapattoni.

I’m not God.

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Legends in your Lunchtime

“A recession is when you have to tighten your belt; depression is when you have no belt to tighten. When you've lost your trousers - you're in the airline business.”

Newstalk 106 - 108 fm presenter George Hook with Willie Walsh at NCI

Quoting Sir Adam Thompson, founder of Caledonian Airways, NCI president Dr. Paul Mooney introduced Willie Walsh to a 300 strong audience in the IFSC on a Monday afternoon in October. The British Airways chief was interviewed by broadcaster George Hook on his experiences in both Aer Lingus and BA, and his Aer Lingus journey from cadet to captain to CEO. Part of the Legends In Your Lunchtime series presented by NCI, Newstalk 106-108 fm and Metro Newspaper, these free public interviews lift the lid on how great modern leaders think, and what has made them the people they are today. Walsh, famously quoted as saying "a reasonable man gets nowhere in negotiations", shared the experiences that defined his career and shaped his leadership style. He said: "Life on the flight deck can prepare you for crisis management. I took charge of Aer Lingus just after 9/11 had triggered the worst slump in airline history.

The crises don’t come much bigger than that.”

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a reasonable man gets nowhere in negotiations

The previous week, Giovanni Trapattoni kicked off the series. Newstalk presenter Ger Gilroy kept the focus on Trap’s own inspiring performance as both a player and a coach. Trapattoni shared his thoughts on motivating young players on the Irish squad, spotting the players today that are the leaders of tomorrow and whether it’s possible to develop leadership in young players. He commented that the character and cleverness of the Irish players is what gets results, saying: “The players have to be good for the game to be good ... I’m Giovanni Trapattoni. I’m not God.” minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo Most recently, Newstalk’s Claire Byrne talked to consequat. Duis Apprentice boss Bill Cullen about his now legendary rise from street trader to Renault CEO, and on the experiences that shaped his life. He cited his mother and his grandmother as huge factors in his success, giving him invaluable training in hard work, awareness and the importance of having a hard neck. On his own leadership style, he highlighted the importance of praising in public and criticising in private, saying that he would never “lash anyone out of it” in front of others.

The series continues with Denis Casey, CEO of Irish Life & Permanent Group, on 21st January. Interviewed by George Hook, Denis’s view of the current economic climate is not to be missed. Book your place today at www.ncirl.ie.

Kieran Forde, Metro Newspaper, with Newstalk’s Claire Byrne and Bill Cullen

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Student

News NCI Student in Beijing

19-year-old NCI student Brian McGillivary recently represented Ireland at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. The Games got underway on September 6th and ran for 12 days. Brian, from Firhouse in Dublin, was one of 12 footballers who made up the Irish Paralympics Football team.

The Paralympic Games are Olympic style sports events for elite athletes with physical disabilities, or visual impairment, which emphasise athletic achievement rather than disability. Over 4000 athletes, from over 153 countries across twenty sports, competed at the Beijing Games.

Barry Lynch, w ho graduated this October with a BA (Hons) in Accounting and HRM, was awarded the HETAC Studen t of the Year Awar d as well as the Certified Pu blic Account ants Award. Barry, from Stillorga n in Dublin, achiev ed 83% in his final exams and now works with Pricewaterhous eCoopers.

Brian, who was born with cerebral palsy, studies Human Resource Management at NCI and is in the second year of his degree.

Brian McGillivary

A Sporting Chance

Model Students Fashion Show 2008

The ’08 recipients of an Anglo Irish Bank Sports Scholarship were (front to back): Sa Nguyen (Ladies Kickboxing); Paul Nolan (Men's Swimming); Brian McGillivary (Men's Soccer); Shane Doyle (Men's Gaelic Football); Steven Kilroy (Men's Boxing); Eoin Reilly (Men's Gaelic Football), and Glenn Hogan (Men's Golf). Andrew McConnell (Men's Hockey) is not pictured.

Ciaran Mulqueen, Students’ Union Clubs and Societies Officer, struts his stuff at the Fashion Show held in aid of Barretstown, a specially designed camp offering ‘serious fun’ for children with serious illnesses..

Final year student Emma Dempsey strikes a pose.

Right: Anthony Kavanagh, Anglo Irish Bank, with Shane Doyle

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…their hard work earned the Fashion Society a coveted award at the ’08 Clubs and Socs Ball.

Newstalk Student Enterprise Comp Student

Spotlight

Student 106-108 fm lk a st w e the N t Duffy, ng NCI at be Emme ill w d ls Representi a n fi on lly (picture Competiti d Oisin Ke n a e it a if Enterprise k ff st f avic am beat o y, Indre N rt te e e h o Th D ). n y e Killia aul Moon art in the resident P will take p d n a th 4 with NCI p petion is ber r. The Com on Decem a n e o y ti is ti e th p g com e amon th February o from 8-9 enterpris lig f S o in t i ls r i a n p fi r a s to foste designed l students third - leve Third year School o f B usiness s tud ent Grainne O’Reilly receiving her aw a rd f o r Academic Excellence from N CI v i ce p r e s i d e n t , Anne Breakell, at a sp ecial ceremon y i n November.

Audrey Flynn, pictured right with SU president Kelly Scales at the Graduation Ball, was recently awarded the Student Participation Award for excelling in every aspect of college life. Audrey was actively involved in the social and cultural fabric of the College while maintaining an exemplary academic record.

Get stuck in from day one! That’s the advice that National College of Ireland student Aoife O’Grady, from Ballinasloe in Galway, would offer any prospective student. And the bright and bubbly 21-year-old, now in her third year of a BA in Accountancy and Human Resource Management, has certainly taken her own advice.

“I love music and dancing but there was no club or society in that area. So in first year I set up the Dance Club with a friend and I served as the Vice President, as well as Class Rep for the Students’ Union. I also joined the Rotoract Club and taught literacy skills to young people in the local area.”

Her achievements won her the title of ‘Fresher of the Year’ at the Clubs and Socs Ball. She didn’t slow down in second year, either.

“I helped to set up the Fashion Society - we put on a runway show that raised over €3,000 for charity. We’re still counting this year’s takings, but we’re at over €4,000 so far”, she says.

For Aoife, the extra curricular activities and the people that she lives with on campus are the best things about the college experience, along with “the sense of freedom and of independence, and being constantly introduced to new things”.

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New Faces at NCI

r Marianne Breen has recently taken up the position of NCI’s first Tim Hamilton Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Social Justice.

Foundation Dr. Josephine Bleach has joined NCI as Director of the College’s Early Learning Initiative, located within the School of Community Studies.

Changing The Future: the Campaign for National College of Ireland is an ambitious college-wide fundraising appeal that will raise €20 million for student scholarships, the new School of Community Studies and initiatives in community-based service learning and corporate social responsibility among other priorities.

The NCI Foundation will lead the Campaign over the next seven years. The NCI Foundation’s mission is to support the College’s success and growth into the future.

The Foundation Board is comprised of a remarkable group of business and civic leaders and NCI alumni who take pride in the unique way NCI opens the door to a third-level education for students of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds. They are:

Mr. Tom Barry, Chairman Mr. Leslie Buckley Ms. Jean Delany (alumnus) Mr. Maurice Healy Mr. Bernard McEvoy Grainne McKenna is the College’s Educational & Developmental Psychologist, also with the Early Learning Initiative.

NCI’S Foundation Board

Mr. Gary McGann Mr. Barney Whelan Dr. Paul Mooney, NCI President and alumnus Mr. Ciaran McGivern, NCI Director of Finance Ms. Norma Smurfit

will make NCI stronger, more accessible and even more effective. It is also an opportunity to dramatically enhance the College’s ability to serve adult learners and international students who seek relevant and flexible courses and educational programmes.

These aspirations reflect and build on NCI’s very distinctive strengths.

Changing The Future

We are changing the future of the College forever, and the future of educational access in Ireland - all we need now is the vision, enthusiasm, and generosity of our alumni and friends to join with us on the pioneering journey ahead.

Deryck Tormey has been appointed School Liaison Officer.

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For more information about the NCI Foundation or the Changing The Future Campaign for NCI, contact Neal Newman, Director, NCI Foundation, (01) 4498638 or neal.newman@ncirl.ie

Alumni

From right to left: Nora Owen, NCI Alumni Leadership Council Chair with members of the Alumni Council Maurice Fines, HR Director - Pierce Constructing; Jean Winters, Senior Executive Officer - ConstructionIndustry Federation and Gary Seery, IT Manager, LED Group.

The recently established NCI Alumni Leadership Council - chaired by former Minister for Justice Nora Owen - held its first meeting on the 24th of November in the National College of Ireland. Prior to the meeting the president of the National College of Ireland, Paul Mooney, and the director of the Foundation, Neal Newman, hosted a small reception and welcomed all the members. Council members endeavour to play a major role in the cultivation, education and networking of the NCI Alumni Association throughout the world in order to increase the understanding and support of the College mission.

The Alumni Leadership Council members attending the launch included: Nora Owen (NCI Alumni Leadership Council Chair); Beatrice Cantalejo (NCI Alumni Relations Manager); Dave Coleman (Senior Press Officer, Revenue Commissioners); Emer Wilson (Head of Business Development, PCI eCommerce Solutions); Gary Seery (IT Manager, LED Group); Ian Barrett (HR Manager, Walls Group); James Fitzsimons (CEO, Life Changes); Jean Winters (Senior Executive Officer, Construction Industry Federation); John Quinn (Regulatory and Development Director, Smart Telecom); Lorcan Birthistle (CEO Crumlin Hospital); Margaret Dromey (CEO, Treoir); Martin Whelan (HR Director, National Standards Authority of Ireland); Maurice Fines (Human Resource Director, Pierse Contracting Ltd) and Robert Quinn (Client Manager, MoneyDoctor).

NCI Alumni Networking Online The NCI Alumni Association will soon launch its new website, which will provide an online social networking tool as well as an updated look, feel and user-interface. Some of the features of the new NCI alumni website include a member search directory, friends tracing services, regular e-zines, online registration to events and ample information on the broad portfolio of programs, benefits, services and volunteer opportunities that will be offered to NCI Alumni. Register now online and explore how your relationship with NCI can continue to open doors for you and help the College and future generations of our students.

http://alumni.ncirl.ie 15

2 Minute Interview Ann McLoughlin from Santry, who studied at NCI's campus in the IFSC

Prof. Jimmy Hill

Dean of School of Business

1. A common misperception of me is... that I am always pleasant.

2. I`m good at... my mother says not a lot but I think writing poetry (there's a shock!)

3. I`m not-so-good at... keeping my desk tidy.

4. The ideal night out is...a few pints of Guinness in Leo's Tavern in the Donegal Gaeltacht listening to some traditional music or watching a rerun of Tyrone beating Armagh in 2003.

Anne Doherty, Letterkenny Centre, (left) with lecturer Louise McBride

Top Of The Class!

5. The last book I read was…An Utterly Impartial History of England (and 2000 years of the upper-class idiots in charge)

by John O'Farrell - an amazingly funny yet factual read!

6. The last CD I listened to was… Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro (my musical tastes are eclectic-I love everything but techno!)

7. My favourite part of my job is…standing in front of a packed classroom and teaching.

8. It frustrates me when… people I collaborate with let me down or flights are delayed!

9. A phrase I use far too often is..."I am not particularly exercised by that." or more recently "Did you hear that Tyrone won the All-Ireland?!"

10. In a nutshell, my philosophy is…If you are honest with people and nice to people you will get the best from them.

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Brian Clery with NCI's Rosa Callery

The National Campus Network, offering part-time programmes at over 40 locations around the country, is an important part of NCI’s mission to widen access to education. By studying at a convenient local centre, regional students have the opportunity to return to education without sacrificing home and work life – while remaining a full and valued member of the College community.

One of the most popular courses offered through the network is the HETAC accredited Certificate in First Line Management, offered at over 30 locations countrywide. The students listed each came top of their class and earned a Special Achievement Award for their outstanding academic performance.

Congratulations and well done to you all!

Leo Maher, Tallaght Centre, with NCI's Frances McDonnell at his workplace

Simon Growney, Bray Centre, and Margaret English, St. Vincents, with NCI's Brendan Flanagan

Therese Metry, Drogheda Centre with NCI lecturer Des Gargan

Declan Sammon, Leixlip Centre, with NCI Lecturer Frances McDonnell

2008 Special Achievement Award Winners – First Line Management Regional Campus Bray

Simon Growney

Carlow

June Cagney

Carlow

Fiona Parlon

Coolmine

Aoife Clare

Drogheda

Therese Metry

Galway

Michael Mullally

Leixlip

Declan Sammon

Letterkenny

Anne Doherty

Letterkenny

Mary Ryan

Limerick

Trevor Golden

NCI, IFSC

Brian Clery Ann McLoughlin

Newbridge

Brian Heery

Palmerstown

Leona Byrne

Portarlington

Declan Delaney

Sligo

Francis Boyle

Swords Symantec St. Vincents

Olivia Brody Hon Fan Lau Margaret English

Tallaght

Anna Maria Moody

Tallaght

Leo Maher

Waterford

Anne Howard

Wexford

William Furlong

Whitehall

Hugh Daly

Leona Byrne, Palmerstown Centre, at work in Tallaght Hospital

June Cagney, Carlow centre, with NCI's John Slattery