October 2017 Autumn Conferrings at NUI Galway

Villanova University Professor to Receive Honorary Degree

Over 2,500 students will graduate from NUI Galway during the Autumn Conferring Ceremonies which take place from 17-21 October.  The University will also confer an Honorary Doctor of Literature on Professor Jim Murphy, Director Emeritus of the Irish Studies Program at Villanova University.

Degrees, Higher Diplomas and Masters will be awarded to students graduating over the five days from the College of Engineering and Informatics; College of Business, Public Policy and Law; College of Science; and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.

Professor Jim Murphy is to be recognised at NUI Galway with an honorary degree for his dedication in bringing an inter-disciplinary focus to the study of the history and culture of both Ireland and Irish-America. Villanova’s program is now the oldest and largest undergraduate Irish Studies program in the United States. 

In 2008, Irish America Magazine named Professor Murphy one of the Top 100 Irish Americans. He has also been awarded the Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching. He retired from Villanova in 2010.

In advance of the conferring ceremonies, Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, said: “On behalf of NUI Galway, I congratulate all our graduates and extend a warm welcome to their parents, families and friends. We are delighted to acknowledge their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in the future.”

The annual Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development ceremonies took place on Saturday, 14 October, where awards will be conferred on over 800 students who completed their certificate, diploma and degree courses at many locations across the country.

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