Trinity Wins Gold for Alumni and Donors
Posted on: 22 September 2014
Trinity College Dublin has been awarded a Grand Gold and Gold prize by CASE (The Council for Advancement and Support of Education) for its work in reaching out to volunteers and supporters of the College.
The Trinity Global Graduate Forum (TGGF), winner of the Grand Gold prize, provided a forum last November for many alumni from around the world, renowned and respected in their field of expertise, to come back to Trinity to provide valuable input into the College’s Strategic Plan.
Trinity was also awarded a Gold prize by CASE for its recognition of the College’s benefactors through the centuries.
The awards were accepted on behalf of Trinity College by Nick Sparrow, Director of Trinity Foundation at the award ceremony. In 2014, CASE received more than 3,000 entries for consideration in 100 categories by nearly 630 member higher education institutions, independent schools and non-profits from around the world. Judges gave 283 bronze, silver and gold awards. Thirteen institutions received the top prize of a Grand Gold award and Trinity College Dublin was included among them.
About Trinity Global Graduate Forum
With the theme ‘Trinity Growing Globally’, the TGGF engaged, as never before, existing and emerging leaders among the University's graduate diaspora, leveraging their advice, experience, expertise and networks to generate innovative ideas that will stimulate another phase of growth for Trinity as a university on the world stage.
All graduates attended pro bono. Over the two days they made invaluable contributions in five key areas: reputation, growth, technology, education, and finance. ‘Reputation’ touched on identity and how Trinity is perceived around the world; ‘Growth’ concerned physical expansion, student numbers and extending the campus; ‘Technology’ looked at online education and the delivery of MOOCs; ‘Education’ was about how to safeguard and improve the unique Trinity Education; while ‘Finance’ dealt with non-exchequer revenue streams and the role of the public sector. Each area was discussed in breakout sessions led by internal and external facilitators.
The forum also provided an opportunity for Trinity to showcase some of the leading research ongoing in the university, as well as some of the spin-out companies started by Trinity staff. Trinity students played an integral part in the event throughout.
About Benefactors Through the Centuries
Trinity's links to philanthropy go all the way back to the University's foundation in 1592, thanks to an act of benevolence by Elizabeth I. Now, the Benefactors through the Centuries Roll of Honour recognises the people who have made substantial gifts to Trinity.
Their names are embossed permanently on the frieze beneath the ceiling of the grand entrance to the Dining Hall, which is adorned with the words of Virgil, the first-century BC poet:"SEMPER HONOS NOMENQVE TVVM LAVDESQVE MANEBVNT" – "Your name, honour and praise shall always remain."
Speaking at the unveiling last year, Chancellor of the University, Dr Mary Robinson, said: "This is our permanent and public testament to the generosity of individuals, foundations, trusts and corporations through the ages. This roll of honour is our tribute to those who, since the foundation of the college, have helped make Trinity great."