Alumni Spotlight

Q&A ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

We are very proud of our Alumni and love to hear about your favorite memories , careers and lives after your time at Newbridge College. Please contact us if you would like to be part of our Alumni Q&A EMAIL unionoffice@newbridge-college.ie.

ALUMNI Q&A

COURTNEY HYLAND-CLASS 2001

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

The best advice I can give to current Newbridge College Students is to make the most of your school days and study hard, be open to advice from your teachers and peers,

“Enjoy your school days, as they really are the best days of your lives!”

• Tell us about yourself?

My name is Courtney Hyland and I am from Cashel, Co. Tipperary. I am a past pupil of Newbridge College. I was a day border starting at 8.40am and finishing at 8.40pm. Going to school in Newbridge College were the best days of my life. Now at 38, I am Director of Sales & Marketing.

• Were you involved in any clubs or societies at Newbridge College?

I played, hockey & also did canoeing during my time in the college.

• What did you study after your Graduated from Newbridge College?

All I ever wanted was to work in the world of Beauty so once I completed my leaving cert I went to The Kilkenny School of beauty therapy, low and behold after two years of completing my course I decided it wasn’t for me, as I seemed to always be drawn towards hotels.

I started working in a local hotel in Tipperary on the reception desk while I “was deciding” what I wanted to do. I took a year out from work at 22 years old and travelled to Australia for a year, upon my return again I geared back towards hospitality, and realised Sales & Marketing was exactly what I wanted to do, the thrill of every sale was just so satisfying. I started my careers as a sales executive at 24, and I constantly kept doing courses in Public relations and Online marketing.

• What is your favourite memory as a Newbridge College student?

My favourite memories were going rugby matches to start so we could get the bus to the other team’s school and wearing our school rugby colour shirt with all the match chanting was by far one of my favourite memories, oh and definitely getting a half day every Wednesday!!

I also did Saturday morning activities in school, I did try my very best to be part of the school newspaper, but I think I really only signed up to do Saturday mornings just to go into the college as I loved it that much (sad, I know!!!) as I really didn’t have much interest in any form of being a part of the paper!!!

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?

The best advice I can give you all who are still pupils in Newbridge College, is to make the most of your school days and study hard, be open to advice from your teachers and peers, “Enjoy your school days, as they really aRe the best days of your lives!”

• What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about your role?

I am Director of Sales & Marketing, meeting sales targets and deadlines drives me more and more, offering wedding couples their dream wedding venue or a Corporate company the perfect conferencing venue, all by ensuring every guest that walks in through gets the most exceptional and professional experienced promised to them .

The most rewarding feeling is knowing that you have sold and delivered your product and that you have made your guest experience 100% successful, that is the most satisfying feeling that keeps me driven to keep succeeding in my sales roles and continue offering and delivering such a high standard at all time.

I have worked in quiet a number of different styles properties, 3 star, 4 star & 5 star and learning all areas in the sales department has proven to stand to me today and allows more doors to open of the progression of my career. I will be finishing up in the hotel that I am currently in and starting in The Osprey in May to venture into the world of the Corporate world, which is my favourite area of Sales & Marketing!

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?The best advice I can give you all who are still pupils in Newbridge College, is to make the most of your school days and study hard, be open to advice from your teachers and peers,

“Enjoy your school days, as they really ae the best days of your lives!”

• Describe yourself in three words

Driven, Open minded and a go getter!

Q&A ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI Q&A

AUSTIN O'BRIEN -CLASS 2006

MOTOR SPORT ENGINEER

Family man and Motorsport fanatic originally from Clane who has had a successful career in Motorsport working at the pinnacle of the sport in both on road and off-road racing. Austin has had the pleasure to work alongside many sports “heroes” along the way.

• Tell us about yourself?

I graduated from Newbridge College in 2006, moved to England to study and work then spent 15 years working in professional motorsport at all levels from Go-Karting all the way through to Formula 1 helping some of the current batch of Formula 1 drivers along the way. I Spent 7 years at Mercedes Formula 1 team working with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas culminating in 7 drivers and teams world championships before moving back to Ireland 2 years ago with my wife and two kids and moving to my current role in the World Rally Championship.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time as a Newbridge College student?

I don’t think I have one specific memory that I would say was my favourite but my 5th and 6th years were some of the best years of my life because of my friends at the time who are still my dearest friends now..

• What did you study in college?

I did an Honours Bachelor Degree in Motorsports Engineering in England after my Leaving Cert.

• Where did your passion for Motorsports begin?

We lived only 4km from Mondello Park so you could often hear it in the distance from our house on the weekends and with my Dad and older brother having an interest in mechanics it was only natural that I would follow suit at some point. It wasn’t until I took a summer job at the Track when that interest would build into a passion and then later into a career.

• What is your current role and what does it involve?

I currently work for Hyundai Motorsport in the World Rally Championship as their Senior Performance Engineer.

My role involves the performance optimisation of the Rally car and Drivers during an event and assisting with the performance development of the cars during the year. Basically, making the cars faster by utilising and developing the mechanical tuneable parameters of the Rally Cars whether that’s suspension, steering, aerodynamics, tyres, powertrain, drivetrain or driver tools.

• Were you involved in any clubs or societies at Newbridge College?

I played Rugby the whole way through school, some cross country running.

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?

I wouldn’t change anything about my time in Newbridge but if I could have had the presence of mind retrospectively to savour the time I had with my friends and teachers (some, not all 😉) I think that would be it. Life can be very serious after you leave school.

• Describe yourself in three words

Competitive, Driven, Fun.

Q&A ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI Q&A

CIARA (LAWLOR) KANE -CLASS 2011

Aviation Finance

• Tell us about yourself?

I am a Vice President of Pricing in the Investment Department at China Development Bank Aviation (“CDBA”). I have worked in the aircraft leasing and financing industry for over 8 years. CDBA is in the top 10 lessors around the world. CDBA is the third lessor I have worked with. I started off my career in aviation leasing in 2015, working for AWAS (who are now DAE). Following that, I moved to Goshawk (who were purchased by SMBC in 2022). I was a founding member of the Sports and Social Committee in 2019 in CDBA, as well as the first Chairperson for the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee in 2020. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy reading and I like to swim.

• What is your current role and what does it involve?

I am responsible for the pricing analysis and commercial structure of transactions originated by the commercial team of CDBA from both the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Americas regions. I work with a number of colleagues across functions to form what is known in the industry as a “deal team”. My role, as part of that team, is to proactively recommend solutions to enhance the economic returns. I also have to be able to resolve all deal related issues on a timely basis. I work across time zones and as I am a natural organiser, I have the ability to manage my workload and prioritise.

• What is your favourite memory as a Newbridge College student?

Meeting my now husband, John Kane, in Ms. O’Keeffe’s economics class in 5th year. He was the class clown, and I was studious and did not appreciate the interruptions! That class clown is now a Senior Policy Specialist (Banking, Investment and Payment Firms) in the Central Bank of Ireland. We are together 15 years next March. In December of this year, we will celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary, and we welcomed a wonderful little boy into the world last year in 2022, who is also called John Kane.

• What did you study after your Graduated from Newbridge College?

I achieved the necessary points in my Leaving Certificate from Newbridge College to get accepted to my first-choice course in Maynooth University, where I completed a dual class honours level 8 degree in Accounting and Finance. I completed my pathway to Masters with the University of Limerick, whereby you complete two level 9 Special Diplomas (mine were in Aviation Leasing and Finance and Continued Airworthiness and Maintenance Management) and you then prepare a thesis in the third and final year, and I now have an MSc in Engineering Practice. I have also studied in IT Carlow, Dublin Business School, the Law Society of Ireland and more recently, Chartered Accountants of Ireland.

• What motivates you ?

Seeing results and getting deals over the line.
Interacting with interesting people.
Making a difference.

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?

Be brave and don’t be afraid to fail, you learn much more from failure than from success”.

• Were you involved in any clubs or societies at Newbridge College?

I was on the junior cup B team for hockey. I went on a hockey trip in 2nd year to Barcelona. I played tag rugby with Ms. Mahon and got to know my now sister-in-law much better. I participated in the Saturday morning programme during my first year where I got to do things, I would have never had the opportunity to experience before – for example, we did fencing for a few weeks. I also attended piano lessons during my years in Newbridge College with Ms. Joyce. I completed up to grade 4 in piano exams completed with the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

• Describe yourself in three words.

Determined, Dedicated, Dependable.

ALUMNI Q&A

James Connolly - CLASS 2011

Property Consultant

ALUMNI Q&A

Rachel O'Sullivan CLASS 1991

Client Manager at Mercer

•Tell us about yourself.

I manage a portfolio of local and international clients with the main area of focus around consulting, governance and helping employers design and implement their pension, risk and healthcare programmes.

A long way from leaving Newbridge College in the summer of 1991 - not really knowing what it was I wanted to do - at 17 years old, who does? But on graduating from Trinity 4 years later I can’t say I was that much wiser!

And so I started working and undertook the accountancy exams while studying at night. On finishing my qualification I decided accountancy wasn’t for me – and worked in the UK for 18 months in the financial services sector. I returned home to Ireland and have worked for a number of financial services companies since.

•What’s your favourite memory as a Newbridge College student?

I always loved ‘Prize Day’! It meant the school year was nearly over and in fairness I did also collect a few prizes !!

• What are your career highlights or achievements to date you would like to share?

Between 2015 and 2019 I was Chair of the Finance Committee and Governor of Newbridge College. It was great to be able to give back and see what happens ‘on the other side’ of running the school.

I am also a Past President of my professional body – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

•What has work life taught you

College life is easier!

· What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student?

‘Experience only comes with time’. It is an old cliché but very true and you can’t put an old head on young shoulders. So I would tell my younger self to not stress about what you don’t know and take time to figure out what it is that you want to do.

• Who are the most interesting or helpful mentors or advisors that you have had?

My family, and my parents in particular, have always been my sounding board. They have always encouraged me to be the best that I can be and to keep going when things get tough – tomorrow is always another day. Also my mum is the best PR agent anyone could ask for!

·Describe yourself in three words.... Analytical, organised, persistent - Just like my golf game!

ALUMNI Q&A

Louise Dennison O'Shaughnessy -CLASS 1998

Louise is the Founder and Principal of The Dennison Training Academy and has a passion for teaching and a natural empathy with people. She is an advocate for mindfulness and wellbeing and a qualified Advanced Mental Health Instructor, FAR Instructor, Registered EMT, Dip. Training and Development IITD, BSc, P.G Dip (Business Management). www.thedennisontrainingacademy.com

•Tell us about yourself.

I finished school in 1998 and went on to study for my Bachelor of Science in DIT. I then worked in the pharmaceutical Industry at Wyeth in Newbridge until 2006. I returned to study at Dublin Business School to do my diploma in Business and Management and worked in a financial company where I applied those business skills. In Early 2011, I moved to Cork with my husband and young daughter. I stayed at home for a few years and had another child while living in Cork. In 2016 I went back to study once more to become an EMT (which is a medic i.e. one step below a paramedic) I got to use these skills in various ways such as event medic work, training first aid, and volunteering as a cardiac first responder in my area. I realised that I was a natural when it came to training, I also realised from talking to numerous people on courses that so many people had experienced/witnessed various types of ‘first aid’ situations and really struggled to deal with the stress that came afterward. So when the opportunity came up about returning to study to become a mental health instructor I jumped at it as I have always had an interest in optimum health and wellbeing. Finally, I found my passion. The next step was setting up an Internationally Accredited Training Centre and navigating all the red tape that goes with it– and there was a lot!

•Tell us about yourself.

•What is the The Dennison Training Academy?

The Dennison Training Academy is one of the only companies in Ireland that offer Internationally Accredited Mental Health First Aid and Wellbeing Courses, Micromodules, Corporate Events and Motivational Talks. We have numerous types of clients such as multinational, semi state bodies, universities SME’ s and charities We also have designed and run Empowering Womens courses with the chamber of commerce.

We collaborate with industry experts when designing our courses to ensure they are of the highest possible standard such as social psychologists, GP’s menopause experts, psychiatric nutritionists, psychologists and many more.

My sister Catherine Dennison joined the company last year and I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather work with. She is the ying to my yang. She is a trained counsellor with huge experience in this area and a wealth of knowledge that really supports what we do. She is a brilliant trainer and committed to supporting and educating people about mental health.

•WHAT ARE THE 3 KEY SKILLS NEEDED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH INSTRUCTOR?

Passionate, empathetic and an effective communicator.

•WERE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY CLUBS OR SOCIETIES AT NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE?

I played badminton for the 5 years I was in the college and attempted hockey even if I wasn’t great at it!

ALUMNI Q&A

SallyAnne Grassick -Class 1998

Sally Ann Grassick is no stranger to being in front of the camera. She is a well-known face within ITV's Horse Racing team in the UK and has been a presenter on both RTE Racing in Ireland as well as French Racing Channel Equidia during her nine years living in France. Sally Ann is also the owner of SAG Media and the founder of socal media project Thoroughbred Tales.

•What’s your favourite memory as a Newbridge College student?

I think it would have to be the 5th year ski trip. I had been skiing since I was a child with my family but that was the first time experiencing the fun of the slopes with friends and it really was a lot of fun. It led me to spending 3 months in Canada qualifying as a ski instructor after college.

•What inspired you to work in the Media industry and become a Racing presenter?

For a time I wanted to be a trainer so I worked in some of the top racing yards in Ireland, England and France. I learnt a lot but I had a few bad falls close together and needed to keep myself busy while recovering from injury. John Francome, who was a brilliant jockey then a talented presenter for Channel 4 Racing, suggested I come along to Cheltenham to see what happened behind the scenes and I fell in love with the media side of it from that moment. Showcasing the great people, dedication and hard work that is involved in the industry is my favourite part of my job.

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student at Newbridge College?

Not to try and plan every minute of my life. Back then I wanted to be a sports physio and geared all my subjects towards it even though they really weren't my strong points. I couldn't have imagined my life would have gone the direction it has but I wouldn't change it for anything.

•Where did your interest in racing come from?

My grandfather was a jockey and then a trainer and all of his sons work in racing in some way or another. I always knew I wanted to work in the industry but it took a while for me to find my place in it. Coming to Newbridge College in 5th year was an eyeopener as so many of my classmates were also involved or interested in racing and I had always been pretty much the only one in my previous schools.

•What does a typical race day look like for you?

So much preparation goes on behind the scenes before we ever go on air. With ITV, all of the crew arrives the day before and the production team has a meeting and dinner in the hotel to go through the plan for the following day. I fly from Dublin into the nearest airport and travel to our hotel to meet up with them. If I am a guest on our morning programme The Opening Show, then I am up around 5am to prep my notes before hair and makeup to be on set an hour before we go on air at 9.30am. We are on air for an hour and then have a few hours break before the afternoon show to prepare and catch up on any news from other racing media or professionals. My normal role is interviewing connections pre and post race, analysing horses' physiques and breeding in the parade ring before a race and walking alongside the winning horse to interview the jockey after the race. Once we come off air I travel back to the airport to fly home, it makes for a very long day so it is lucky that I love my job so much.

• Describe yourself in three words...

.Organised, stubborn, helpful!

ALUMNI Q&A

Elizabeth Jones -Class of 2007

Elizabeth is a qualified solicitor and works at Jones Magee Solicitors. She is also involved in breeding thoroughbreds at her family’s stud farm in Clane, working both as a solicitor and involved in breeding thoroughbreds good time management is crucial in order to perform both jobs.

•Tell us about yourself?

When I left Newbridge College in 2007, I studied Corporate Law and French at the National University of Ireland, Galway. I had also secured a 12-month Thoroughbred Breeding and Sales internship at Taylor Made Sales Agency in Kentucky, USA so I completed my first year in university and then took a year out to complete the internship as this coincided with me turning 18 in order that I could get my visa. After my year in the USA, I returned to complete my degree in N.U.I.G. During this time, I also completed a two-year diploma in Legal Irish in N.U.I.G. I combined my love for thoroughbreds and languages with a summer working at Haras D’Etreham in Normandy, France.

•What’s your favourite memory as a Newbridge College student?

I loved competing at the interschool show jumping competitions which were a feature of my weekends which were spent travelling to competitions all over Leinster. The annual show on the school grounds was always great fun.

•Were you involved in any clubs or societies at Newbridge College?

I learned to play hockey in Newbridge College and loved the weekly games. Being a member of the show-jumping team was also a highlight. I also learned to ski during my school days and enjoyed the ski trip to Austria in 2006. Ms O’Callaghan signed me up to the cross-country running club, but my membership was short lived. I realised when running around the Phoenix Park in February, covered in mud that I was more a fair-weather runner.

•What advice would you give to students looking to start their career in law? I would try to get work experience in a local firm. Solicitors act in relation to so many areas of everyday life so there are lots of different areas of law to get involved in.

•What inspired you to study law?

I studied law because as a general degree it offered many different employment opportunities. I enjoyed studying languages and business subjects in school and the corporate law degree in N.U.I.G. combined all three aspects and gave me time to decide exactly what I wanted to do. My friends from university have all pursued very different and interesting careers from a start in law.

•Describe yourself in three words…..

Determined, adventurous and ambitious.

ALUMNI Q&A

Louise Quinn Professional Football Player- Class of 2008

Louise shares some of her memories of Newbridge College and what aspects of her career she is most proud of.

• Tell us about yourself?

I am a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for the FA Women's Super League Club Birmingham City and Irelands Women's Senior International Soccer Team. I graduated from Newbridge College in 2008 and studied Sports and Exercise Management at UCD, graduating in 2011.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time as a Newbridge College student?

Some of my best memories are playing sports in school really... I played hockey, soccer and athletics. Obviously, hockey was the big sport in the school, but we made sure there was a girl’s soccer team and I just got all my friends to play as well.

I sometimes found the educational side of things tough in school but to be able to do sport alongside that made it easier for me and how to express myself.

I weirdly enjoyed study and late study too! It was the time to put my head down and study but also spend priceless moments with my friends.

• Where did your passion for sports begin?

My passion for sports started as soon as I could walk, my dad played GAA and my mam was a sports lover and I just fell in love with it all but nothing could compete with soccer. I started playing on a boy’s team when I was 5 or 6 and I haven't stopped since.

• What are your career highlights or achievements to date you would like to share?

My career highlights are playing for my country, each and every game is an achievement and fills me with pride every time. For many years with the Irish team we have been pushing for equality and parity and we have achieved that this year for me and my teammates it's something we are so proud of and hope this makes soccer an equal playing field in Ireland, everyone should be given equal opportunity. I have also won the league with Arsenal and have played in The Champions League which was massive for me.

• Were you involved in any Clubs or Societies at Newbridge College?

Mainly just the sports clubs, anything I could do I would try to do it..... I auditioned to take part in the school musical but I didn't get in when I was in my 1st year ....so I didn't try after that!

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student at Newbridge College?

Start my work earlier and gradually build it up so I wouldn't have as much cramming to do later towards exams!

• Describe yourself in three words…

Hardworking, Determined, Tall!

ALUMNI Q&A

Alison Rea

Director of Alison Rea Architects -Class of 2004

Alison shares some of her memories of Newbridge College, and what inspired her to become an architect.

Alison’s advice to her student days - “Calm down! There’s such a pressure to pick your future when you’re only 17. Keep trying, remember to enjoy, and things will work out”.

·Tell us about yourself?

After leaving Newbridge College, I studied Architecture at University College Dublin, graduating in 2010 with a B.Arch (Hons), and became a member of the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland in 2014. Having spent 6 years working in London after graduation, I returned to Ireland in 2016 and set up my practice, Alison Rea Architects in the summer of 2018. Now continuing to work between Kildare/Dublin and London, my business specialises in high-end, bespoke residential, retail and hospitality schemes.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time as a Newbridge College student?

Double art classes – favourite time of the week! I loved the art room. I also loved match days, heading up to Dublin on the bus for the rugby games in Donnybrook.

·What inspired you to study architecture at UCD?

There are a few architects in my family, and I decided that’s what I wanted to be when I was very young. I changed my mind a few times throughout school (including one stage where I wanted to be a pathologist), but always went back to it, as it combined so many of my interests in one area. One of my favourite subjects in school was art, and when I visited Richview, the school of architecture in UCD, the studios reminded me of the art room in the College, so that sold me.

·What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you and what kinds of projects do you most enjoy working on?

I love that it is a practical application of creative ideas and design – it’s essentially creative problem solving. It’s such a varied subject and you’re constantly learning. I really enjoy residential work as it’s very important to work closely with and listen to the specific needs of your clients, so it’s a collaborative process.

·What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student at Newbridge College?

Calm down! There’s such a pressure to pick your future when you’re only 17. Keep trying, remember to enjoy, and things will work out.

ALUMNI Q&A

Ian Harkin, CEO LOTTIE DOLLS -Class 1992

Ian shares some of his memories of Newbridge College, his journey to becoming an entrepreneur and his career highlights so far.

Ian’s advise “Your path can take years before you discover it, don’t stress too much, work hard, enjoy and celebrate every little goal you reach”.

• Tell us about yourself?

From the class of 92, after a few years in college I got my first job working in an auditing practice, I qualified as an accountant, travelled for a few years and ended up in London where I started a novelty gift business with a friend I had met whilst travelling. We had offices in London Hong Kong, Shenzhen and New York and sold mainly to mass retail. After 5 years there I sold up and cofounded Lottie Dolls which launched in August 2012.

• What’s your favourite memory of your time as a Newbridge College student ?

The most influential person I had at Newbridge was Ms Clarke the art teacher. Art was always my best subject but I dropped it for the leaving cert only to be encouraged to take it up as an extra-curricular subject and it again was my best result. She encouraged me over my whole 5 years at college, being told you are good at something when you are a kid can have an enormous impact right throughout your life, it gives you that confidence to attempt something out of your comfort zone even if that happens to be 30 years later. The kindness of the Murphy family too, regularly hosting a number of us boarders at weekends who lived a distance from home really stands out, great memories.

• When did you start your business and what was the idea behind it?

My business partner and I had a conversation about how we didn’t feel comfortable buying some of the dolls in the shops for our nieces or friends kids and it literally led to us doing something about it. We spent 18 months researching before finally launching Lottie working with academics, parents, kids, retailers etc we delivered over 100 actionable points which we incorporated into Lottie.

We discovered academic reports that concluded that kids were developing body image issues because of the dolls they were playing with. Lottie is based on the average proportions of a child as opposed to an unattainable adult body shape. She is focused on an empowered relatable diverse childhood where every child’s voice matters.

• What are your career highlights or achievements to date you would like to share?

Lottie is currently sold in 3000+ stores worldwide in 30+ countries. Selling globally from Donegal is an achievement in itself, so many advised against moving back to Ireland/Donegal from a commercial/talent/skills perspective but we have proven that to be wrong. Lottie has been on the international space station, on the North and South Poles but the biggest reward has probably come from seeing some of the kids that inspired some of the dolls we have created develop into teenagers and now adults, 3 of the have been recognised by Teen Vogue as 21 under 21.

• What advice would you give to your past self when you were a student at Newbridge College?

Your path can take years before you discover it, don’t stress too much, work hard, enjoy and celebrate every little goal you reach, travel, read every day even if it’s just newspapers. Don’t sweat the small stuff, most problems are never as bad after a night’s sleep.

• Describe yourself in three words….

Resilient, Patient, Empathetic

ALUMNI Q&A

Michael Sloane Associate Professor and Honours Director at the University of Birmingham at Alabama. -Class of 1974

Michael shares some of his memories of Newbridge College, and what aspects of his career he is most proud of.

Michael’s advice to anyone who is just beginning their career is - Don't be mediocre. Real achievement demands an 'all-in' attitude and personal sacrifice.

• Tell us about yourself?

After Newbridge College , I went on to complete a BA (1977) and MA (1979) in Experimental Psychology at UCD and a Dip. Stats (1979) at TCD before receiving my PhD (1983) at Northwestern University, working on human visual psychophysics at the Cresap Neuroscience Laboratory. I played rugby, a club sport, for Northwestern in the Big Ten conference. In 1982, I joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) as an Assistant Professor . My research was on binocular vision, age-related visual deficits, and illusions. Courses I taught included Sensation & Perception, Cognition, Brain & Behaviour. Since 2004, I have directed the university-wide University Honours Program. I have been awarded the President's Award for Excellence in teaching, UAB's Lifetime Achievement Award for teaching, and UAB's Faculty Advisor Award and elected as chair of the university's Faculty Senate a few years ago.

•What is your fondest memory from your time at Newbridge College?

After a quick lunch in the Day Boy's 'shed' we would spend the rest of the time playing soccer behind the handball alley (in spring on the lawn near the tennis courts) or tip rugby. I enjoyed playing on all the rugby teams and traveling to away games, after which we got to go into Dublin for a meal and film before catching the bus by the Halfpenny bridge at 9pm. I also enjoyed playing billiards and table tennis. In terms of classes, I really enjoyed Fr. Valkenburg's German class, but really liked all of my classes.

•What do you miss most about Ireland?

People's sense of humour and wit that are part of normal conversation.

• You are Associate Professor and Honours Director at the University of Birmingham at Alabama... What does a typical working day look like for you?

No two days are alike. 95% of my job is directing the University Honours Program, which involves developing and teaching new courses every year, hiring faculty, recruiting and advising students, etc.

• How important is your Newbridge College alumni community to you?

I keep up with our Junior and Senior rugby teams every year. In my first year at Newbridge, the late Fr. Heffernon, Micky Quinn and the lads won the senior cup. Little did I know it would be 50 years before the next one.

• What aspects of your career are you most proud of?

Probably my work facilitating undergraduate research. I have established and helped organize several undergraduate research conferences at the university, state, regional, and national levels. Providing undergraduates the opportunities to get involved in original research and scholarship and seeing them present their work in poster or podium presentations has been very satisfying.

• What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their career?

Don't be mediocre. Real achievement demands an 'all-in' attitude and personal sacrifice.

• What is your favourite place in the world to visit and why?

Hard to beat my awe-inspiring trip to Antarctica. Colonia, Uruguay for its sense of serenity. Santa Fe, New Mexico for its culture vibe, and Chicago, Illinois for a city with everything to offer.

• What is life outside work like?

After 30+ years of inactivity and a diagnosis of Type II diabetes, I took up running and progressed from 5k to marathons. I'm on a quest to do a marathon on each continent. Six completed (including Antarctica) with South America on the agenda for this Summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.