Ulster University has strong links with Boston, with many of our graduates now living and working in the area. It was therefore our privilege to launch the ‘Connecting Ties - A Transatlantic Friendship & the Northern Ireland Peace Process Exhibition' at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston in November.
The Exhibition illustrates the human dimension to the relationship between the United States of America, Ireland and the Northern Ireland peace process. Over the years, the essential work of Tip O’Neill with John and Pat Hume in the peace process is illustrated through three commissioned textiles: Tip O’Neill, Pat Hume, and John Hume, Peacemaker.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost and Professor Malachy Ó Néill, Director of Regional Engagement, attended the event along with Alumni Relations Manager, Kathy Morrow.
“It was wonderful to meet with our graduates and friends at this unique event. Ulster University is very proud of the close bond we have developed with our graduates and friends in Boston, and we are excited about future collaborations in the area.
Next March, 25 Ulster University graduates and future leaders who are taking part in our 25@25 Leadership Programme, will travel to Babson College in Massachusetts and while they are there they will get the opportunity to connect, network and be inspired by our vibrant alumni community and supporters in the area. We are so looking forward to the new connections, exciting potential and fresh opportunities this trip will bring.”
- Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost
Alumni enjoying the exhibition
“The UU Connects event at UMass provided an opportunity for us to hear directly from Tip O’Neill’s son, Dr Tom O’Neill, about the special friendship and bond shared between John and Pat Hume and his father and how this connection and passion for peace in Northern Ireland held firm throughout the years.
We are delighted that our UU alumni in Boston meet and network regularly and it was an absolute pleasure to have this opportunity to connect with so many of them at this special event. We are very much looking forward to reigniting our relationships there with more exciting UU Connects initiatives.”
- Kathy Morrow, Alumni Relations Manager
While in Boston, the Ulster University team also attended the Golden Bridges lunch, highlighting and celebrating the North West City region to an influential Irish American audience.
The keynote address at the lunch came from Joseph Kennedy III, U.S. Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, who shared details of his recent visits to Northern Ireland including the event held on the Belfast campus in October which he attended with 40 senior U.S. business leaders, and opportunities arising from this.
UU delegation at Golden Bridges event in Boston
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