BRIDGE

1
The Bridge
President’s
Message
2015 has been a year of important developments
and impressive scholarly
achievement at Maynooth University.
There have been significant and very visible achievements,
like the opening of our newest academic
building, Eolas, a new European Research Council
award, and the outstanding accolade of “Choir of the
World” bestowed upon our Chamber Choir—all of
which you’ll read about in the pages ahead.
There also has been enormous work by academic and
administrative staff across the University to plan for
implementation of the new Maynooth curriculum, the
most significant shift in the delivery of undergraduate
education in the history of the University. The new
Maynooth Education also is a unique offering within
the Irish higher education sector, and is one designed
to offer today’s students the kind of transformational
educational experience that will prepare them for
the constantly changing world they will encounter
upon graduation.
The public may not always appreciate the hard work
needed to make such change happen, yet the staff of
the University knows this very well. I am proud to say
that our staff have continued to show an unwavering
commitment to the students—by putting in the extra
time and work required to make our shared vision for
a Maynooth Education a reality.
At the same time, the research of the University continues
to grow in stature and impact. Throughout The
Bridge, you’ll read about how the leading research outputs
in disciplines across the University are influencing
our research profile in ways that may surprise you.
As an alumnus, you can be proud of your alma mater.
Even as we find ourselves in an era of change, we are
constantly mindful that the changes only reinforce and
enhance the very special and distinctive qualities that
make your Maynooth education unique and authentic.
I’d like to thank Flor Madden (BA, 1988), whose term
as chair of the Maynooth Alumni Advisory Board
recently came to an end, for the passion and insight he
brought to this role. His hard work and devotion to this
institution will not be forgotten. I’d also like to welcome
incoming chair Mark Greville (BA, 1996) who
will no doubt bring the same enthusiasm to the board.
I hope you enjoy reading about the year, and that you
stay connected with us to engage in all of the exciting
developments you’ll see in the year ahead.
Le gach dea-ghuí,
Professor Philip Nolan
President, Maynooth University