Two Mayo students receive memorial scholarship awards
TWO students from Mayo were presented with memorial scholarship awards at a special event in The Helix at DCU this week, where 17 students received awards named in honour of 13 individuals who have played a key role in the life of Dublin City University and in Irish society.
Leah Lynn from Ballina, a former student of Gortnor Abbey in Crossmolina and currently a first year student in science at DCU, was presented with the Aidan P. McDonnell Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established by telecommunications company Vilicom Ltd. in honour of Aidan McDonnell, from Ballina, who passed away after a tragic accident in June 2006.
A DCU electronic engineering graduate and former Vilicom employee, Aidan was a talented engineer and an enthusiastic Gaelic footballer. This scholarship provides for an annual scholarship for a student from Mayo.
Lisa Lavelle from Knocknalower, a former student of Our Lady’s Secondary School in Belmullet and currently a first year student in education at DCU, was presented with the Frank Durkan Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was created in 2008 to remember Mayo native Frank Durkan, who sadly passed away in 2006.
Frank moved from Mayo to New York to attend Columbia University and New York University Law School. In his later work as an attorney, writer and political activist, Frank was known as a fierce and clever defender of the underprivileged and a tireless advocate for Ireland and Irish Americans involved in Northern Ireland.
Nathalie Walker, CEO of DCU Educational Trust, told gathered attendees: “This year we have awarded scholarships to 17 students whose talent and dedication are a tribute to those we remember today. Aidan McDonnell and Frank Durkan shone brightly in her own lives and made a significant mark on Irish society, so it is fitting that their legacies will be honoured and live on these bright and gifted Mayo students.”
The 17 scholarship recipients were selected based on their talent and dedication but also according to specific criteria set by scholarship donors. Eleven scholarships were presented to undergraduate students supported by DCU’s Access Programme, which makes third level education accessible to students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and provides financial, academic and personal supports to help students succeed in their studies.
A further five scholarships were awarded to support students engaged in postgraduate research or study in fields as diverse as law, biotechnology, marketing, journalism and international relations.