Today ACD• American College Dublin • Donald Ross President’s Message ince its founding in 1993, the Ameri- Scan College Dublin has endeavored to research and develop new and innova- tive programs that appeal to a culturally diverse student body. Our philosophy is to combine the best aspects of both Irish and American education and to provide courses with a strong practical emphasis. The college’s policy has always been to foster relationships among students from around the world. At present, ACD has students from Ireland, United States, Britain, mainland Europe, Nigeria, South Africa, India, China, Japan, Russia, the Middle East and South America. This multicultural environment greatly Additionally, ACD was proud to and benefactors. On behalf of our enhances students’ overall development graduate its first class in the new Master students, faculty and staff, I offer my sin- and helps create an increased awareness, of Arts in international relations pro- cere thanks to all those who have helped understanding and respect for other gram; and to confer honorary doctorates to make American College Dublin such cultures. on benefactors Louis and Anne Green a thriving and successful educational and Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi. institution. As you will see inside this issue of ACD TODAY, it was an exciting year for Many thanks to Patrick Rooney Sr. Our students are provided with a us. The college has expanded across the and his son, Joseph, for establishing the truly supportive environment in which ocean to Wilmington, Delaware. The Chairman’s Campaign, which assists to study and develop the practical skills Delaware Department of Education has ACD with much-needed funds for im- and knowledge they will need in order granted full approval to offer degrees mediate and future needs. We are so very to respond to the challenges of today’s at both campuses. This allows students grateful to those donors who have helped global community. to attend a semester at either campus, us with this campaign so far. We look forward to continuing our thereby providing an opportunity for a ACD is much appreciative of the development as an international center truly global experience. valuable support from its many friends of learning. Oscar Wilde House ocated on Merrion Square in Dublin, LAmerican College Dublin has enjoyed 19 successful years delivering the very best aspects of Irish and American higher education. Established as a non-profit educational trust by Lynn University of Boca Raton, Florida, the college has grown from a study abroad campus for American students to a global campus with more than 63 nationalities currently studying side-by-side with students from Ireland. American College Dublin Departments 2 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel:+353 1 676 8939 Commencement 2011. ............3 Fax: +353 1 676 8941 Email: [email protected] Web: www.amcd.ie Student Awards ....................4 Honorary Degrees. 5 ACD EXECUTIVES • Donald E. Ross Past Honorary Degrees ...............6 President and CEO • Christopher Sarafian Master of Arts in International Relations. .7 Executive Vice President • Joseph A. Rooney Provost for Institutional Advancement Oscar Wilde House. 8 • Rory McEntegart Academic Dean Campus Visitors ....................9 • Mary Monahan Executive Assistant to the President/Director of Gifts to ACD. 10 Administrative Services • Colum Cronin Study Abroad . 12 Director of Student Services • Damien O’ Farrell Destination Delaware ...............14 Assistant Director of Admission • Micheal Dennehy Alumni Testimonials . 16 Financial Controller • Rowland Crawte Director of Information and Communications Accreditations and Awards ...........20 Technology Board of Trustees ..................20 2 | ACD COMMENCEMENT ACD confers degrees at commencement merican College Dublin, a division of Irish American AUniversity, held its 2011 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 22 at St. Ann’s Church. More than 100 students, hailing from such countries as Ireland, United States, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Iran, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland and Russia, received with degrees and diplomas in disciplines including international business and hospitality management. Gerald Kean, a prominent solicitor, principal partner of Kean Gerald Kean Solicitors in Dublin and chairman of Countrycrest Limited, Ballymaguire Foods Limited and Microsphere Technologies York Bar in 1980. A highly respected attorney and businessman, Limited, delivered the commencement address. Kean recently received the prestigious International People of Born in Cork, Kean graduated from University College the Year Award from the Variety Club of Great Britain for his Dublin (UCD) with a law degree, and was admitted to the New support of more than 100 charities for the past 30 years. He was appointed honorary consul to Ireland by the Chilean government and ambassador for the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Kean congratulated the graduates on their achievements. “Go forward with the spirit, the smile and respect of the Nigerian people…with the generosity and focus of the American people…with the spirit and fight of the Irish people. Live each day with a smile, share it and it will come back to you and will give you great inner satisfaction and belief everything is achievable”. Georgina Motoboli ’11, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management and international business, addressed her fellow graduates. “Class of 2011, we should not let the end of our years at ACD be the end of our schooling. As we leave this place, we should do so ready for a useful life. No matter what you choose to do in the years ahead, remember that your academic lineage is a great one and your lineage Georgina Motoboli ’11 summons you to make a difference.” ACD | 3 STUDENT AWARDS During commencement ceremonies three graduates were honoured with awards: Ming Sheng Qiu Mary Kate Georgina Madoo Nail Mustafin Master of Business Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science in international business in international business in hospitality management and HETAC* Student of the Year Award Board of Overseers Medal international business Hospitality Student of the Year Award * HETAC, established under the Qualifications Education and Training Act of 1999, is the national awarding and accreditation body responsible for the external quality assurance of academic programmes of higher education and training provided by institutes of technology and other third level providers. ACD Faculty: Back row (l-r): Tom Bligh (visiting professor, Mount St Mary’s University), Rowland Crawte, Colum Cronin, Stephen Chandler, Rory McEntegart, Damien O’Farrell, Peter Sadowski Front row (l-r): Fiona Cleary, Deidre Gorman, David Webb, Lynda Gaynor, Yasmina Poggi 4 | ACD HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS The board of trustees of Irish American University awarded honorary degrees to Louis B. Green, Anne Wenstrup Green and Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi. Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Helen Ross Donald Ross, Anne and Louis Green Louis and Anne Green Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi nown as the “Dynamic Duo,” Louis and Anne Green lhaji Muhammadu Indimi, a native of Maiduguri, Kof Boca Raton, Florida came to the support of the Irish ANorthern Nigera, has distinguished himself as a highly American University and the American College Dublin successful and astute businessman with a notable presence in at a very critical time. Generous philanthropists in their the international business arena. community, the Greens support numerous organizations As a young man and through determination, he taught including Lynn University, the Boca Raton Regional Hospital himself to speak and write English and also became proficient and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). in French. He landed his first business venture by establishing Louis Green has enjoyed a long and distinguished career a bicycle rental outfit in his native country and is the sole as an investor, advisor and community leader. Anne Green, founder and executive chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, fondly known as “Annie,” was one of the founding members of Limited. the Lynn University Friends of the Conservatory of Music and He has more than 20 years experience in the Nigerian served as a trustee of the Tri County Humane Society. Upstream Oil and Gas Sector, and is chair of M&W Pump The Greens have continually shown generous support Nigeria Ltd, which has partnered with MWJ Corp. of Deerfield and commitment to the students of Lynn University by Beach, Florida. He sits on the boards of several privately-owned contributing to the Louis and Anne Green Center for the companies encompassing all sectors of the economy. Expressive Arts. They received Lynn University’s annual Boca Indimi is a humanitarian and a philanthropist who has Raton Award in 2004 for their philanthropy, civic achievement, used his financial resources to make a difference in the lives of vision and leadership, and are recognized for their patronage many individuals as well as improving the quality of life in his in many institutions, establishing the Louis and Anne Green community and his country. Memory and Wellness Center at the College of Nursing at He has received numerous awards in recognition of his FAU. contribution to charities and scholarship awards to students to Active board members of many charitable organizations, pursue their education in Nigeria and abroad. He sits on the The Greens’ gifts have touched the lives of many individuals in board of