U of Galway Packs Heritage Center for Chicago Gathering of Alumni and Friends

By Emmett Fitzpatrick

Alumni and friends of the University of Galway gathered at the Irish American Heritage Center on August 13 for an evening of spirited discussion, fellowship, and cheer.

The event, taking place in tandem with the Galway Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, featured remarks from the Mayor of the City of Galway, Peter Keane, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway.

The lineup of distinguished speakers also included Vice Consul General Padraig Manning and the co-chairs of the Galway Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International John Wrenn and Nuala Kavanagh, who spoke about the dynamic relationship between Galway and Chicago, which spans business, educational, social, artistic, and sporting connections.

Galway native, Cloddagh Lawless discussing the great county with Peter Keane, the Mayor of Galway.

Five former University of Galway students served as panelists: 
- Seamus Kavanagh, Senior Director of Business Development, Hollister Incorporated
- Clodagh Lawless, Proprietor, The Dearborn
- Timothy Liam Epstein, Partner, Duggan Bertsch, LLC
- Eileen Sweeney, Director of Brand Insights, Lundbeck
- John Cullinane, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Life Sciences, Salesforce

Each panelist shared memories of their time at the University of Galway and how the school shaped their career and life, as well as highlights and challenges that they experienced in advancing to the heights of their profession.

While the panelists represented a mix of diverse industries and roles, they all touched on common themes of gratitude for the University of Galway and passion for continued local engagement opportunities between the University, the City of Galway, and the City of Chicago.

Following the panel discussion, guests were treated to a special performance from the O’Hara School of Irish Dance before enjoying food, drinks, and networking with fellow attendees. When this reporter left around 9:00pm, the craic was still going strong!