TUS graduates urged to show courage and critical thinking in the age of AI

This week, over 3,800 students from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation across ceremonies held at the university’s Athlone and Moylish campuses.

With students from more than 50 countries, the cohort received degrees in fields ranging from Sport and Health Science to Engineering, Media, Fine Art, and Computer Engineering.

The four-day series of conferring events saw graduates awarded degrees, master’s qualifications, and PhDs, marking a significant milestone for TUS, as many of these students were among the first to complete their studies at the newly-established institution, which came into being in 2021.

During the ceremonies, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane and Chair of the TUS Governing Body, Josephine Feehily, emphasized the critical role education plays in navigating an ever-changing world, one deeply influenced by artificial intelligence, climate change, and global instability.

In his address, Professor Cunnane spoke to the challenges and opportunities facing the graduates, urging them to confront the world’s uncertainties with courage and creativity. He highlighted how AI is reshaping nearly every facet of modern life, from work to communication and decision-making, and stressed the importance of maintaining perspective amidst these rapid changes.

“We are living in a time of transformation: technological, environmental, political, and social. The impacts of climate change are visible in our communities, and AI is changing how we live and work. But even as we face these challenges, remember that individual efforts can make a difference,” Cunnane said, reflecting on both the scale of global change and the role each person can play in shaping the future.

Drawing a parallel between the evolution of the world and the growth of TUS itself, Cunnane remarked that the university’s very existence is a symbol of courage—a courage to redefine higher education for the 21st century.

“What the world needs now is courage,” he continued, “the courage to think critically and act on what is right, even in the face of distraction.”

He also praised the university’s unique position in fostering a strong connection to its regions while remaining outward-looking in its ambitions. TUS, which has earned recognition from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for having the highest graduate employability rates in Ireland, is producing graduates who are not just qualified, but also adaptable and ready to contribute to society. “This is how education transforms not just lives, but communities,” he said.

Josephine Feehily, in her address to the graduates, acknowledged the challenges of entering a world where change is relentless. “While the pace of change is dizzying, this world is also full of opportunity,” Feehily said. “AI will undoubtedly shape your world in ways we can barely imagine. Some of these changes will be incredibly positive, while others will challenge our understanding of what it means to be human.”

Feehily encouraged the graduates to focus not only on technical skills but also on developing the critical thinking necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. “In a fast-moving, noisy world, the ability to think critically and question intelligently will be your most valuable asset,” she stated. “You must learn to use AI, not be used by it.”

As the ceremonies drew to a close, Professor Cunnane delivered a final message to the graduates: “The real value of your education is not just in the degree you’ve earned, but in how you apply it. Carry with you the curiosity to learn, the sense of community to connect, the desire to contribute, and above all, the courage to do what is right.”