The Institute's first event this academic year inaugurates a new venture called "The Global Irish Network."
Irish studies programs at several universities have joined together to take turns offering webinars of interest to all. Global Irish Network members include The National University of Ireland Galway, Trinity College Dublin, Queen's University Belfast, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, The University of Aberdeen, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Liverpool, The University of Notre Dame, and The University of Oxford.
On September 17, the Keough-Naughton Institute will inaugurate the series in a webinar featuring a conversation between leaders of three universities facing unprecedented challenges in their teaching, research, and outreach missions during the global coronavirus pandemic.
The panelists:
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.,a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, became Notre Dame’s 17th president in 2005. A philosopher trained in theology and a member of Notre Dame’s Department of Philosophy, Father Jenkins earned undergraduate and advanced degrees from Notre Dame, and his doctorate of philosophy from Oxford and further advanced degrees from the Jesuit School of Theology.
Professor Louise Richardson, a native of Ireland, earned her undergraduate degree at Trinity and a PhD at Harvard University. She has been Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford since 2016. Previously she was Vice-Chancellor of the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, after a twenty-year career at Harvard. A political scientist, her focus is international security with a particular emphasis on terrorist movements. Prof. Richardson received an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 2018 and served as commencement speaker for the Notre Dame Graduate School.
Professor Patrick Prendergast earned his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in bioengineering from Trinity College Dublin. He was elected President and Provost of Trinity in 2011, after having served as Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer (2008-2011) and Dean of Graduate Studies (2004-2007). As Provost, he has developed a Global Relations Strategy which has doubled international student enrollments and student mobility; engaged with industry through a new Innovation & Entrepreneurship Strategy; and restructured the university's administration, including a significant focus on commercial revenue generation.
Moderator Ann Firth, is Vice President at Notre Dame and Chief of Staff for Notre Dame's President’s Office. Ms. Firth earned her bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Notre Dame, and after practicing law in Chicago, joined the leadership team of the Notre Dame Office of Student Affairs and then the Office of the President.
In November,Trinity College Dublin's Long Room Hub will offer a webinar on "Irish Universities and Imperial Legacies." The series will then continue throughout the academic year with all partners choosing individual topics and speakers.