More than 2,300 students, ranging in age from 20 to 78, will receive their degrees from Maynooth University this week across a wide range of disciplines, including the first 11 students to graduate from the University’s new BSc in Biological and Geographical Sciences.
Among the students receiving a Bachelor of Arts is Ellie Hewitt (BA Irish & Geography), from Athlone, Skye Carr (BA Criminology & Antropology) from Glasnevin and Jamie Campbell (Law & Arts) from Kilcock, while Chrissy Skelton was awarded a Doctorate in Anthropology and Truc Ha Nguyen received a PhD in Medieval Irish.
Also among the 51 students receiving a PhD is 78-year old Oliver Whelan from Malahide in Co Dublin who is being conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy in History. A retired director of the National Treasury Management Agency, he earned a doctorate for his research on the struggle of tenants for ownership of land in Co Carlow in the 80-year period from 1879-1960.
Although Oliver originally studied Classics and hadn’t even studied History for Leaving Cert, he didn’t find this a barrier when he went back to study for an MA after he retired. He then went on to undertake a doctorate. “Maynooth University were very encouraging. They just said begin at the beginning.” He is now working on publishing a book based on his thesis.
Meanwhile, Nadine Heinrychs from Kilcock, Co Kildare was the youngest student to graduate when she was conferred with a BA in English on Tuesday, just two days after her 20th birthday. Nadine, who moved to Ireland from Poland at the age of two, started school young because her birthday falls on September 1. She skipped Transition Year and so began her degree in MU as she turned 17.
“My student ID was issued with a large ‘Under 18’ sign. Needless to say I wasn’t allowed in to the Student Union Bar until my second year,” she said. “I am currently taking a gap year before I continue my studies so that I can allow the other 20-year olds catch up with me! In all seriousness, next year I hope to begin a master’s degree in a similar field to my undergraduate degree.”
The conferring ceremonies, which are being held over four days from September 3 - 6 in the TSI Building on MU’s North Campus, will see 1,928 undergraduates awarded parchments, along with 269 receiving master’s degrees, 89 diplomas awarded, and 51 doctorates.
Maynooth University President, Professor Eeva Leinonen celebrated the graduates’ achievements: “Congratulations to all of our graduates. Whether it’s pioneers like our first graduates from the innovative BSc in Biological and Geographical Sciences, young talents like Nadine Heinrychs, or those pursuing lifelong passions like Oliver Whelan, Maynooth University is proud to celebrate this important milestone with each of you. Your dedication and hard work have brought you here, and as you move forward, I’m confident you will continue to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in the world.”
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