Making an Impact
In April, a report celebrating and acknowledging the transformational impact of UCC’s alumni, donors and friends’ philanthropic support, was launched. The following are featured stories from Cork University Foundation’s Philanthropy and Supporter Impact Report 2020 – 2021.
Supporting a Culture of Inclusivity and Awareness
The Sanctuary Scholarship initiative at UCC assists asylum seekers and refugees to pursue further education in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Since the scheme was launched in 2018, UCC has awarded 28 scholarships to applicants who have been offered places at UCC through the Central Applications Office. Each student receives a fee waiver and a monthly bursary which supports them during their degree, until they become eligible for state educational supports.
At UCC Adult Continuing Education (ACE), where courses are delivered on a part-time basis, 68 fee waiver Sanctuary Scholarships have been granted to date. Additionally, the UCC Language Centre has awarded more than 20 one-year tuition scholarships which have benefitted the educational and career prospects of asylum seekers and refugees living in the Cork area.
UCC is one of eight third-level institutions in the country that signed up to the University of Sanctuary initiative. These educators demonstrate an ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming culture of inclusivity and awareness while providing sanctuary seekers with opportunities to experience university life.
Apple, in Cork, has generously supported UCC’s Centre for Adult Continuing Education (ACE), benefitting 10 Sanctuary Scholars who began their studies in 2021.
Ann Marie Atkins, Programme Coordinator at ACE, commented: “I am delighted by the generosity of Apple, and the devices will make such a big difference to our Sanctuary Scholars."
Promoting and Preserving the Irish Language
An American-based couple with Irish connections has made a gift of $250,000 to the Department of Modern Irish/Roinn na Nua-Ghaeilge, in support of the department’s important work towards promoting and preserving the Irish language.
The funds will be used specifically for the promotion of postgraduate work in the discipline of Modern Irish/Nua-Ghaeilge under the leadership of Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin.
A quote from one of the donors states: “It’s not so much the amount we give, but if you are able and so inclined, giving anything to a worthy cause does make a positive difference – whether you donate money, goods, or time and talent.”
Follow this link to read Cork University Foundation's Philanthropy and Supporter Impact Report 2020-2021 in full.
Photography: supplied by Dún Chíomháin UCC – Ionad Ollscoile Gaeltachta, and UCC Adult Continuing Education (ACE), respectively.
