Autumn Conferring Ceremonies, 22 October 2012
Over 600 students will graduate today (Monday 22 October) from the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences at UCC.
Over 600 students will graduate today (Monday 22 October) from the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences at UCC.
Undergraduate students from the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences will graduate with:
The Conferring Addresses will be delivered by Professor Pat Coughlan, School of English, UCC and John Kelly, former CEO, Irish Chamber Orchestra.
At 6.30pm on Monday, Captain Robert (Bob) Seward will be awarded an Honorary MMus for his work with the Cork Academy of Music and on bringing music to young people in disadvantaged areas. The encomium will be delivered by Professor David Cox, former Head of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and also the former Head of UCC’s Department of Music.
Further information is available at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/whatson/Name-169260-en.html
Speeches/encomium presented below:
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3.30pm & 6.30pm Monday 22 October 2012
Address by Mr John Kelly, former CEO, Irish Chamber Orchestra
President Murphy, Professor Fennell, Members of Faculty, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank you for the privilege of addressing you today.
In 1684, Elizabeth McDermott Roe saw the curiosity of a fourteen year old boy, the son of one of her husband’s estate workers and decided to fund his education in music, poetry and general learning. Notwithstanding the fact that he went blind from smallpox in his mid-teens, he went on to become one of Ireland’s most celebrated composer/performers and inspire millions of people around the world. His music continues to inspire to this day. His name, Turlough O'Carolan. Thank you, Elizabeth McDermott Roe.
Every one graduating here today has someone to thank for the opportunity you have been given. This is a time of great opportunity for you.
Do not be taken in by the reports of doom and gloom which the media seem to thrive on and which too many people are too eager to discuss. The thoughts you think will define your vision and your future. Don't let someone else do your thinking for you. You decide.
Each individual graduating here today has the ability to create opportunities for others and in doing so, you will not only realise your own potential but inspire others to pursue their dreams. A hundred years from now, when the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences of UCC comes together to celebrate and graduate the Class of 2112, someone will give the conferring address and tell of how a graduate of the class of 2012 went on to become one of the world’s great achievers and create opportunities for billions of people worldwide.
I would like to finish by playing a tune to celebrate with you this momentous day in your lives. I dedicate this tune to Elizabeth McDermott Roe.
O'Carolans Concerto
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6.30pm Monday 22 October 2012
Encomium by Professor David Cox
President, Academic Colleagues, Graduates, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bob Seward has had three careers in the course of a long and active life. He retired with the rank of Captain from the Army. He was then appointed Regional Manager of the Rehabilitation Institute for Cork and Kerry where he was extensively involved in development in the region.
He embarked upon his third career, and the one that concerns us today, after retirement. He has used his knowledge and experience of music to create a social and educational revolution on the north side of Cork. In 1994, he established the Cork Academy of Music, responding to the need for a music institution in the north side of the city and the needs of an area that had long experienced economic, social and cultural difficulties.
Since it was founded, the Cork Academy of Music has provided access to music education for large numbers of disadvantaged people, offering them a second chance in education through the acquisition and improvement of instrumental and vocal skills alongside the personal development of other attributes such as computer skills and interpersonal skills.
The performance of music is an excellent route into second chance education since it involves the development of practical skills, emotional control and the understanding an abstract language without initially experiencing the tedious business of having to write literate essays. Nevertheless, by the end of their study at the Cork Academy of Music, students have demonstrated, often through public performance, the ability to acquire education, personal skills and qualifications.
Many of these students have had to face personal problems in returning to education after years of experiencing social deprivation, and, under Captain Seward’s leadership, the staff of the Cork Academy of Music have developed a holistic approach to their teaching based upon the principle of social inclusion.
The Cork Academy of Music also had to overcome its own problems, some years ago, when its buildings were destroyed in a disastrous fire. Responding to this crisis with typical energy and determination, Captain Seward marshalled his forces and moved his operation into new accommodation within a few days.
Many of the students who graduate from the Cork Academy of Music have become professional musicians, working in the music industry. The communications and interpersonal skills they have developed through the study of music are highly valued in other fields in commerce and industry. Some of the students have progressed to further education taking third level courses at University College Cork, for example, and some have progressed further on to postgraduate studies.
Captain Seward’s achievements have been recognised by the award of the Cork City Council Gold Medal and Citation, a Level 2 Award for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award and an All Ireland Inspirational Life Award.
While it would be difficult for Captain Seward to emulate the achievement of one of his ancestors who was responsible for purchasing Alaska on behalf of the United States Government, nevertheless in the last twenty years, Bob Seward has made a real difference to the cultural, educational and social life of Cork and particularly to the prospects of hundreds of students who, without him, would not have been given and taken the opportunity of a second chance in life.
Praehonorabilis Pro-Vice-Cancellarie, totaque Universitas!
Praesento vobis hunc meum filium, quem scio tam moribus quam doctrina habilem et idoneum esse qui admittatur ad Gradum Magisterii in Musica (Honoris Causa); idque tibi fide mea testor ac spondeo, totique Academiae.
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