Maynooth University Foundation
Investing in people, ideas, and the next generation of MU
In 1999, Maynooth University Foundation was established as an independent registered charity to support the education and research mission of Maynooth University through philanthropic activity. The Foundation was reconstituted in 2019 and has since accelerated its fundraising initiatives on behalf of the University - supporting students facing extra challenges as a result of Covid-19, investing in world-class research into digital poverty, funding scholarships and bursaries, as well as our physical campus infrastructure.
We know Maynooth donors like to invest in people and in ideas. Below, and on the pages ahead, you will find some wonderful examples of the ways in which our alumni, non-alumni friends and corporate partners are supporting the transformative nature of a Maynooth education. We thank them all for their extraordinary generosity.
The work of Maynooth University Foundation is carried out by staff in the Development and Alumni Relations Office. If you are interested in supporting Maynooth University Foundation you can do so directly at maynoothuniversity.ie/support. If you would like to talk to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Rebecca Doolin, please email her at: maynooth.foundation@mu.ie.
MU launches fund to support the MU Alumni Extraordinary Achievement Awards
Making it to graduation day is an achievement for all Maynooth students, but there are some students for whom graduation wasn’t just an uphill climb—it was a trek up Mt. Everest. Every year there are Maynooth students who face extreme barriers, often in their personal lives, that make even showing up to class a remarkable achievement.
Maynooth University’s Student Emergency Fund is a lifeline for them. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, MU alumni stepped up to help Maynooth students who faced significant financial constraints. With your support, alumni raised thousands of euros for the Student Emergency Fund, providing critical monies to students for food, rent, transportation, books and other necessities.
It’s not easy for these students to accept support, according to advisors in the Student Budgeting Office, and yet, the fund plays a pivotal role in helping students meet their essential needs and continue their studies.
So this year, the Maynooth Foundation is upping the challenge.
The Foundation is launching a series of funded awards for these most-remarkable final-year students to help them through their final months in university and set them on their way. They will be welcomed into the Maynooth alumni community with a €1,000 year support award, funded through donations by MU alumni and friends, that recognises their extraordinary achievement and helps ease their stress during what can be a tumultuous transition period.
These students need—and deserve—your support. Welcome them warmly into the Maynooth Alumni Community with a gift that says, “Well done. Welcome to the Maynooth Alumni Community. You can do this—just look what you’ve achieved already.”
Support the Maynooth Alumni Extraordinary Achievement Awards Fund by going to mu.ie/alumniachievement.
Pupils at St Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill Road Clondalkin, Dublin
MU ‘Digital Wealth Project’ brings digital skills to schools across Ireland
The Digital Wealth Project, a collaboration between Maynooth University and Microsoft Education Ireland, has been awarded a Rethink Ireland Education grant of €450,000.
The project is a school outreach programme which aims to address digital poverty and increase the digital capacity of 135 schools across Ireland. Through the Maynooth University STEM Passport for Inclusion initiative, the Digital Wealth Project will also meaningfully support working class girls to progress into STEM courses and careers.
As part of the programme, the project team are partnering with St Kevin’s Community College, Fonthill Road Clondalkin. The school has been identified as a leader in the digital space, with a focus on developing digital wealth for its students.
The grant has been awarded to the project as part of the Rethink Ireland Education Innovation Fund Awards.
The fund will support nine projects that are all focused on improving equal access to education and promoting economic empowerment.
Commenting on the award to Digital Wealth Project, Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, Department of Psychology and the ALL Institute at Maynooth University, stated: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant, which will make a significant contribution toward the work of the project. The Digital Wealth Project is an important research focus for not only communities but also individuals, as it looks to address digital poverty.
“Through a new framework that reconsiders the supports that schools need to move out of digital poverty, the project aims to ensure that 1000+ students, 300+ teachers and 135 schools nationwide have the digital commodities, capabilities, technology and infrastructure to ensure access to the digital world.”
We are delighted to have been awarded this grant, which will make a significant contribution toward the work of the project. The Digital Wealth Project is an important research focus for not only communities but also individuals, as it looks to address digital poverty
-Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, Department of Psychology and the ALL Institute at Maynooth University
Intel supports MU students with STEM scholarships
Last year, MU neighbour and partner Intel Ireland continued its support for Maynooth University students who are pursuing degrees in science and technology.
In 2021, Intel provided scholarships for 11 MU students. Ten students pursuing a Master’s degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering were awarded STEM scholarships, and additionally, Mariia Skyba, who is studying Computer Science and Software Engineering, was selected as one of nine students across Ireland as an Intel Women in Technology Scholar.
Under both programmes, the students benefit from financial support from Intel valued at €3,000 each, and by having an assigned mentor from Intel and the possibility to undertake project work supported by the company.
Maynooth University Foundation thanks Intel Ireland for their ongoing generous support in assisting the next generation of innovators.
Remember Maynooth in your estate plans
After you safeguard the security of your family and friends, leaving a gift in your will is the highest honour the University can receive. It can help enable future generations of students to enjoy the far-reaching benefits of an exceptional education. For further information on legacies, please contact Director of Development & External Relations, Rebecca Doolin, at maynooth.foundation@mu.ie.
Leaving a Legacy:
The late Dr John Maiben Gilmartin, who passed away in July 2019, was a prominent art historian and passionate art scholar. In his estate he kindly left funds to establish The Maiben Gilmartin Travelling Scholarship for students in their final-year in Art History in the Department of Art History at Maynooth University, having reflected fondly on his time at Maynooth.