IBAT College Dublin,  Ireland's leading enterprise-focused third level institution has hosted its first conferring ceremony since 2019.

Joe Gorey, College Principal, welcomed the graduates, their families, lecturers, IBAT staff and governors of the college, Ms Breege O’Donoghue and Dr Frank McMahon to the ceremony with the latter delivering the keynote address, highlighting the significance of being an MBA graduate relative to any other business discipline graduate.

Addressing the graduates and their families, Gorey said: “Studying in a global pandemic is challenging and unsettling and requires even more sacrifices to be made. Yet tonight shows you succeeded and is a testament to your resilience and intellect. It was so important that this success was celebrated in a responsible manner.”

Elsewhere, Dr McMahon, who was a graduate of the first MBA programme in Ireland in UCD in 1967, also touched on the demands and rewards that led him to being an MBA graduate, citing lifelong learning and keeping in touch being pivotal. “Graduation is not the end, it is the beginning,” he said. “The word graduation comes from the Latin for a step. An important step of course, but only a step.”

Following the graduands becoming graduates a conferring ceremony at IBAT acknowledged the achievement of an exceptional student, Paul Faherty, who received the John Murtagh Memorial Award for not only his academic performance, but also for his engagement, interaction and support with fellow students, lecturers and staff.

A passionate and dedicated educationalist, John Murtagh lectured in IBAT College Dublin. John sadly passed away in 2016. His award recognises a student that exemplifies John’s qualities; value of learning, helping others, respecting all, trying your best and having fun while doing it.

After the conferring formalities, a reception was held giving all in attendance an opportunity to reacquaint with one another and for lecturers, staff and Governors to meet with the graduates and guests in an informal setting.