Ambitious Donegal graduates were among more than 4,400 to receive their degrees from Dublin City University this week.
Pictured: Sophie Wallace, Raphoe, Co Donegal who received a BA in Accounting and Finance, pictured with her proud parents Mark and Elaine
Twelve separate ceremonies took place in the Mahony Hall in The Helix on DCU’s Glasnevin campus over four days this week , featuring students from the university’s five faculties; the DCU Business School, the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science & Health, and the Faculty of Engineering & Computing.
Addressing the graduates, Prof Keogh praised their achievements and character, saying that they had shown themselves to be “self-starters, self-possessed and devoid of entitlement.”
Speaking about today’s many global challenges and conflicts, he said: “The world has never needed graduates like you more than it does now. It needs people with your attitude and skills – creativity, innovation, adaptability, and critical thinking – to address the huge challenges we face.”
He added that despite the scale of the issues, they can be overcome through the actions and leadership of people like the DCU class of 2024.
“We can’t just stand back or give up. Remember, the great challenges of the world are man-made, and they are situations which humanity can solve. The future will not be shaped by world leaders or prophets, like Nelson Mandela or Greta Thunberg, but by ordinary people, like you and me.”
Prof Keogh told graduates that leadership is about “leading where you are at” and taking charge of your personal situation.
“It’s about acting like leaders by plunging ourselves into new projects and activities, by volunteering, stepping up, interacting with different kinds of people, and experimenting with unfamiliar ways of getting things done. Remember, leadership is not an office, but an attitude.”
