IBAT hosts Atlantic Technological University and GUS representatives
On Monday 11 March, IBAT College welcomed members from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Global University Systems following the signing of the strategic partnership between IBAT and ATU in July 2023.
IBAT hosted guests from ATU including Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, Michael Margey, Head of Business Faculty, John Andy Bonar, Vice-President for Research, Equality and External Affairs, and Donald Hannigan, Executive & Professional Education Co-Ordinator. IBAT also welcomed Aaron Etingen, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global University Systems, and Professor Maurits van Rooijen, Chief Academic Officer of Global University Systems, to the campus, where they engaged with staff and students.
Other attendees included Boaz Arbel and Nitin Gupta, Portfolio Managing Directors at Global University Systems, Dr Brid Lane, Head of School at IBAT, Dr Finbarr Murphy, Registrar at IBAT, Bharat Vaswani, Transformation and Strategic Partnership Director at Global University Systems, and Mark Byrne, Managing Director at IBAT.
The day began with the guests meeting MSc in Marketing and Certificate in Access for Higher Education students on campus. Dr Orla Flynn led an engaging conversation on the profound impact of education and the significance of the strategic partnership between IBAT and ATU.
Dr Orla Flynn said: “The first cohort to come through can be quite challenging, but you are pioneers and you’re paving the way for those students to come after you. I’m sure you will find many opportunities after the qualification as there has never been a partnership of this kind in Ireland. It is truly unique.”
Aaron Etingen highlighted the importance of the IBAT-GUS partnership and the benefits of being a graduate in today’s labour force. He also encouraged the students in attendance to contact him directly with any ideas or suggestions that they may have. Professor Maurits van Rooijen responded to Dr Orla Flynn’s comments by endorsing the significance of the relationship between the two academic institutions.
The ATU and IBAT teams later convened at the Shelbourne Hotel, where they enjoyed lunch before proceeding to The Constitution Suite for the official signing ceremony.
This location holds immense historical significance, as it was the very room where The Constitution of The Irish Free State was signed in 1922. The symbolism of signing this document in such a significant space marks a pivotal moment for education in Ireland, signifying a new era of collaboration and advancement.
