Technological University of the Shannon (TUS ) embarked on a dynamic celebration of pride, inclusivity, and diversity this week, culminating in the unveiling of vibrant Pride-themed areas on its Athlone and Moylish campuses.
The annual event commenced Tuesday, March 19, with the raising of the Pride flag across all six campuses (Athlone, Moylish, Clare St, Thurles, Clonmel and Ennis ) and a range of activities aimed at supporting the TUS LGBTQ+ community.
“As we raise the Pride flag today, let it serve as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that lies ahead. Let it be a beacon of hope for future generations, signalling that here, in our university, all are welcome, all are valued, and all belong,” speaking at the flag-raising ceremony at TUS Athlone Campus, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane, said.
On the same day, Professor Cunnane unveiled the new TUS Athlone Campus Pride area, featuring rainbow coloured seating and a vibrant walkway.
Mayor of Athlone and Moate, Cllr Louise Heavin, was in attendance and gave a speech on the importance of Pride and allyship.
Mayor Heavin commended TUS for its unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity and said the university “sets a powerful example for our community and beyond.”
Thursday, March 21, marked another significant moment as TUS Moylish Campus revealed its new LGBTQ+ Rose seating area, with esteemed guest Lisa Daly, festival director of Limerick Pride, in attendance.
“I am excited to stand alongside LGBTQ+ students and staff as we celebrate Pride Week. Events like these are crucial for promoting understanding and acceptance, and we are proud to be part of such an important initiative,” Lisa commented.
By celebrating Pride, TUS aims to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ and foster acceptance, providing a supportive environment for all individuals.
“The introduction of the new Pride areas symbolises our steadfast dedication to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of our community,” Marian Duggan, VP for People, Culture and EDI, remarked.
She also highlighted the collaboration with the TUS EDI Office, TUS LGBTQ+ and Allies Staff Network and TUS Estates Department in helping create visible representation of the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
Throughout the week, students and staff enjoyed a diverse array of activities including movie screenings, coming-out information sessions, and allyship workshops led by the TUS Students’ Union.
Hat Trick Triumph for TUS Athlone
Meanwhile, a student at the TUS Athlone Campus, has secured first place in the prestigious 2024 National Accounting Competition, in association with Quitch and CPA Ireland.
Chenlu Lin, a third-year student pursuing a BA (Hons ) in Accounting with Finance, has not only claimed victory for herself but has also propelled TUS to its third consecutive win in the national competition.
This impressive feat marks the second triumph for Chenlu in the competition, having also won first place last year, and solidifies TUS Athlone’s position as a dominant force in accounting education.
In recognition of this achievement, TUS Athlone received a prize of €500 for being the winning college for three consecutive years, while Chenlu was awarded €1,000 for her outstanding performance.
“Thanks CPA Ireland and Quitch for giving me this opportunity. I am also very grateful to all the TUS lecturers for their help and knowledge. The competition was more intense than the previous year, but with the mentality of doing the best as long as you do it, I persisted. I want to tell everyone that having a goal and working hard to take action can get you what you want,” Chenlu said.
TUS Athlone’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons ) in Accounting and Finance is a QS 5 Star-rated “Excellent” programme. The QS university rating system is considered one of the most influential and credible ratings for universities internationally.
Second and third place in the competition were awarded to Brian Gervin from Ulster University Business School and Lia Wallace from South East Technological University, respectively.
