Visit to UCC of the American Irish Legislators Society of New York

2 Oct 2023

UCC was delighted to welcome a delegation from the American-Irish Legislators’ Society of New York to its campus on Monday afternoon.  Founded in 1973, this bipartisan organisation of members of the New York State Legislature are committed to promoting awareness of Irish culture, ties between Ireland and New York.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit to Ireland is to meet with government officials, business leaders, community organisations, educational and cultural institutions to learn about what is happening in Ireland and the country's relationship with New York. 

Professor Ursula Kilkelly, Vice President Global Engagement, formally welcomed the group on campus, noting that UCC has a strong links to New York state.  One specific example being a partnership between the Department of Government and Politics and the New York State Assembly (NYSA) based in Albany, NY.  Since 2002 6 students of the BSc Government and Political Science Programme have travelled to intern in the Assembly for a five-month period.  Working directly for Assembly members, this highly sought-after internship programme allows the students to participate in state government and the legislative process through a well-structured practical learning experience.  To date, almost 100 BSc Government and Political Science students have successful completed internships at the New York State Assembly and are regularly commended for their contribution both by their assigned offices and their academic supervisors.  UCC, and the Department of Government and Politics, are extremely honoured to have developed such an important link with New York State.  UCC is committed to prepare its students to be global citizens and future changemakers and this link with New York state is a ideally placed to support this initiative.

In attendance during the visit to UCC’s campus were:

• Members of the American Irish Legislators’ Society of New York, staff and family members
• Prof Ursula Kilkelly, Vice President Global Engagement
• Prof Chris William, Head of CACSSS
• Prof Don Ross, Head of School of Society, Politics and Ethics
• Dr Mary Murphy, Head of Dept of Government and Politics
• Dept of Government and Politics Staff
• Former NYSA Interns, future NYSA 2024 Interns

Further information see:

https://www.americanirishlegislators.org/

https://www.ucc.ie/en/ck122/

https://nyassembly.gov/internship/