GMIT has launched a programme of events that will run over the coming year to mark the Institute’s Golden Jubilee 1972–2022.
This major initiative will run throughout 2022–2023, to remember and reflect upon fifty years of technological higher education in the west of Ireland.
On Monday, September18 in 1972, the first cohort of students commenced their studies at the then Regional Technological College, Galway.
From the mid-1980s onwards, RTC Galway expanded its presence in the region by offering courses in Mountbellew, Letterfrack, Castlebar, and Cluain Mhuire.
It wasn’t until 1998 that the college was renamed to the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology that we’re all familiar with.
That is set to change again next month, as April 1 will see GMIT amalgamated with IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT to become Atlantic Technological University.
College President Orla Flynn said “As GMIT embarks on the next exciting phase of its development, it is entirely appropriate that we take time to reflect on the 50 years that we have been in existence.”
“Throughout that time we have made an enormous contribution to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the western region and beyond, through the activities of our staff, students, and graduates.”
“On behalf of our GMIT community I welcome and look forward to your participation at our various public events throughout our Jubilee year.”
The Golden Jubilee commemoration is centred around five programme strands, namely: Ceremonial; Public History & Heritage; Cultural & Technological Innovation; Alumni & Community Engagement; and Sustainable Futures.
Key Golden Jubilee projects include the following:
- A commemorative logo created by second-year Design student, Svana Dís Hafsteinsdóttir
- A memorial to deceased staff and students – planned as part of the construction of the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) building
- An exhibition on “Celebrating Fifty Years of Technological Higher Education in the West of Ireland, 1972–2022”.
- An oral history project
- Commemorative artwork
- An alumni registration and linking application
- A showcase of “50 Faces in 50 Years”
- A video on “Impact” – highlighting the human stories behind the college’s impacts, from the local to the global
- A Green Spaces/Biodiversity Trial
- A Student Sustainability/Green Ambassador initiative
Other events will include commemorative dinners, conferences and exhibitions, and a reenactment of the first opening in 1972, among many more.
Colin Kearney, President of GMIT Students’ Union, said, “With the exciting times ahead for GMIT in its new partnership, it’s just as important to look back on all the successes of the past.”
“Reaching the 50-year milestone is a momentous achievement, having turned out 50 years’ worth of graduates who all in their own way have gone on to enhance the community they now work in.”
“GMIT has every right to be proud of the strong and positive student representatives they have elected in the last 50 years.”
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the surname of Dr Orla Flynn..
