New scholarship launched for marine biology students at GMITA new scholarship opportunity for second year marine biology students has been launched at GMIT.
The scholarship is named after the late John Costello, a former NUIG lecturer and founder of successful environmental consultancy company Aquafact, who died in 2016 aged 59.
Catherine Costelloe, speaking at the launch of the scholarship in memory of her late husband, hoped the award would encourage and assist students during their academic lifetime.
“The John Costelloe Memorial award perpetuates John’s passion to understand, develop, manage and protect the environment," she said. "The family and company hope John’s drive to make the world a safer and sustainable place will inspire future students in their work.”
The new scholarship consists of a sculpture by John Coll, who was a friend and former colleague of John Costelloe, and an annual stipend both of which are sponsored by Aquafact. Seamus Heaney lines are engraved on the sculpture ‘Believe the further shore is reachable from here.’
Life-long supporter
The scholarship is open to second year students on the applied freshwater and marine biology degree programme in GMIT, and will be awarded to the student with the highest mark at the end of the academic year.
Dr Heather Lally, lecturer in freshwater ecology and biology, GMIT, said John Costello was a life-long supporter of students and learning and "gave tirelessly of his time and energy to students he encountered in his professional life".
“I’m delighted we have the opportunity, together with Aquafact and John’s family, to recognise the abilities and aptitude of the student who will receive this award."
John Costello set up Aquafact in 1986, and 30 years later it was the longest running marine environmental consultancy in Ireland, while also working in more than 20 countries across four continents.
For details on the BSc in applied freshwater and marine biology course in GMIT, see:http://www.gmit.ie/freshwater-and-marine-biology/bachelor-science-honours-applied-freshwater-and-marine-biology.
