MNEWARCHYANMCECLLAOLR OEFETHSEEUNIVERSITY Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese was inaugurated as Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin at a ceremony officiated by the Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast on 6 December. Professor McAleese replaces Dr Mary Robinson, who held the position since 1998. Professor McAleese has a long-standing connection with Trinity, having held the position of Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology from 1975 to 1987 and has been involved in numerous University events and initiatives over subsequent years. The Chancellor is the Head of the University and presides at meetings of the University Senate, overseeing important ceremonial occasions such as commencement ceremonies when degrees of the University of Dublin are awarded, including Honorary Degrees. Professor McAleese received nominations from current members of the Senate of the University. There were no other candidates nominated and she was elected unopposed. Provost, Dr Prendergast said: “Trinity College Dublin is honoured to have an academic of such great distinction as Professor Mary McAleese as Chancellor of the University of Dublin. We now look forward to her participation in the life of the College.” Professor Paula Murphy, Registrar at Trinity, added: “There was widespread support among University Senate members for the nomination of Professor McAleese for the role of Chancellor. As Registrar, I very much look forward to working with the incoming Chancellor and joining the College community in welcoming her most warmly to this important position as head of the University.” Professor McAleese served as Ireland’s President between 1997 and 2011. She graduated in Law from Queen’s University Belfast, where she became the first female pro-vice-chancellor of the university in 1994. In 1987, she was named director of the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, which trains students to work in Northern Ireland’s legal profession. Professor McAleese has also worked as a barrister and a journalist. We look forward to inspiring times ahead. 4
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