Ireland’s first transregional university - Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest - a university whose development largely occurred against a backdrop of a global pandemic, was officially unveiled through an innovative and interactive opening ceremony which took place in the Athlone International Arena and the Millennium Theatre Moylish on Friday afternoon last.
TUS comprises a student population of more than 14,000 and a staff complement of approximately 2,000 people working full time and part time across an extensive footprint spanning six campuses in Athlone, Limerick (Moylish and Limerick School of Art and Design ), Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles.
A new university, the third level institution will drive development and investment across the Midlands region with a consolidation of expertise that will further strengthen its competitiveness.
The status and recognition of being a Technological University will enable TUS to offer a more diverse range of research and to award degrees in new areas of speciality, while it will remain committed to retaining and building upon its ethos of providing higher education to all those who would benefit from it.
Echoing the Irish translation for tús - ‘beginning’, the official launch of TUS ideally positions it to provide access to the highest level of education, technology and research to an enormous hinterland with a population of almost 850,000.
This is especially relevant in the context of the exponential growth of the digital economy and the societal shift towards remote working, rural migration and the revival of the regions.
The demand for upskilling and reskilling has never been greater, nor has the demand from enterprises to collaborate with higher education on research, innovation and development as they adapt to the post pandemic economy.
Inaugural TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane was among the keynote speakers during the official unveiling ceremony, noting that TUS will have a lasting legacy which will bolster these regions from an education, social, economic and cultural perspective to benefit generations to come.
“Achieving TU status creates momentum that will have a far-reaching positive impact for generations to come. We are incredibly proud of our dynamic student base and our skilled and ambitious staff, across each of our six campuses, whose shared values and ambition we celebrate as we look forward to an exciting ‘new beginning’.
“Not only is today a momentous day for our staff and students, it is also hugely significant for the wider economic landscape of the Midlands and Midwest with an estimated economic impact of approximately €420 million per annum. TUS will be a research and innovation hub for enterprises and will foster a wider and deeper skills base that will make the regions more attractive for inward investment. This will help grow future jobs and incomes as well as deeply impacting the social and cultural fabric of the communities we serve,” Professor Cunnane asserted.
Fellow keynote speaker, Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Deputy Niall Collins stated that the formal unveiling of TUS was the culmination of a unique collaboration across two regions with the aim of education and economical growth.
“Education plays a critical role in building a strong and resilient Irish society and economy
“As we emerge from an incredibly challenging period as a result of Covid-19, the future for our education sector and regional development has never been more positive and promising. The launch of TUS here today is a celebration of what can be achieved through collaboration and connectedness across regions which is key to growth and prosperity at a micro and macro level.
“Deserved recognition as a TU is testament to the passion, collaborative effort and ambition strengthened by significant stakeholder engagement which has been instrumental in shaping this exciting new university. It’s fitting also how technology played an important role in enabling the collaboration and extensive planning and research required to launch TUS despite 18 months of remote learning and work as a result of the pandemic. Today we celebrate the belief, ambition and unwavering efforts of all those involved,” Minister Collins concluded.
The geography of the Midlands and Midwest region is linked by the River Shannon, symbolising the “flow of knowledge and ideas” which has been represented in the TUS logo which was unveiled at its official opening ceremony.
The event aligned to the TUS core values of innovation, access and community by being streamed live and featuring interviews and short videos of TUS students, lecturers and local business people who brought to life the vision, ambition and impact of TUS.
