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“No one can take your education away from you” LASTING IMPACT David Farrelly , Head of Membership Services in Trinity’s Learnovate, explains why education matters and why he is leaving a legacy gift to the university M y parents always said that “No-one can take your education away from you” and that has stayed with me. Whilst they didn’t go to third level themselves, they were hugely supportive. I’ve always loved learning, even when I was at school, so it’s no surprise that I’ve made my career in the future of learning space. In 2008/2009 I did a Master's in International Business, in Trinity Business School, and around that time I began to donate to Trinity. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had for study in Ireland and abroad, and I know that not everyone is as lucky. I stand by a simple principle: everyone should have access to education, irrespective of background. In 2020, I started as Head of Membership Services in Learnovate, which is a research and innovation centre hosted by Trinity. We conduct industry-led research on the future of work and learning with an emphasis on technology opportunities. We also act as an incubator and accelerator for EdTech startups. The experience of working with PhD's and young entrepreneurs to commercialise their ideas reinforces my belief in the power of university ecosystems. We didn’t have those kinds of programmes and incubation when I was a student in the early 1990s. It’s inspiring to be working in this space. But at the same time students today face huge financial pressures. I worked part-time myself through college, but in a weekend job, leaving plenty of time for study. We’re hearing now of students juggling two or three jobs, having to choose between eating and paying rent, and between studying and working. I continue to donate annually, and I recently included a gift to Trinity in my will, indicating that I would like it to be used for students in hardship situations. I have confidence in Trinity to use my gift responsibly and it’s great that the gift is tax-efficient and will go directly to students. I’m happy to think that I can be part of supporting future students to access education. 13
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“I recall a book by Thomas Aquinas printed in 1473, it blew my mind to think how many other people had enjoyed that beautiful work” 14
