AIT confers ‘resilient’ and ‘courageous’ class of 2020 virtually

Over 2,200 students were conferred virtually at AIT on Thursday and Friday against the backdrop of the ongoing global pandemic.

AIT President Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin urged the hundreds of students who graduated this week to “be mindful of the opportunities” they’ve been given and to use the skills they’ve gained to “make a positive impact” on their communities.

The conferrals took place over the course of four virtual graduation ceremonies, held against the backdrop of the ongoing global pandemic.

In his speech, Professor Ó Catháin commented on the “great strength of character and resilience” shown by the class of 2020 and said that it would stand them in good stead as they forge successful careers in the coming years.

“I am always proud of our graduates, but today even more so as you have overcome such adversity to be here in this moment,” he said, acknowledging the difficulties faced by many students this past year.

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The Faculty of Engineering & Infomatics Graduation Ceremony

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Registry and this year’s master of ceremonies Frances O’Connell echoed this sentiment and said that the last year had brought many changes to the world of education.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs and Registry also thanked Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland, and Athlone Chamber of Commerce for their generous sponsorship of this year’s special awards “in recognition of our students’ achievements.”

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The Faculty of Business & Hospitality Graduation Ceremony

Of the 2,200 students conferred this week across AIT’s four faculties, 1889 were undergraduate, 307 postgraduate, four master’s by research and eight PhD.

Speaking to the graduates, Liam Rattigan, AIT’s newly appointed governing body chairperson, said: “Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, you adapted quickly, showing tremendous courage in the process.

“This adaptability, flexibility and tenacity of spirit are key strengths that will benefit you in your future career."

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Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online & Distance Learning Graduation Ceremony

As the last of the graduating class of 2020 turned their tassels remotely this week, marking their transition from student to graduate, AIT celebrated its last conferring ceremony as an institute of technology.

Just last month the progressive third-level college submitted a formal application for technological university designation which should see AIT as a legal entity dissolved and a university for the Midlands in situ by September 2021.

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Faculty of Science and Health Graduation Ceremony