Presentation Ceremony for Excellence in Junior Certificate Business Studies 2015

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 - 11:30

The Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting, School of Business and Department of Law jointly hosted Maynooth University’s inaugural presentation ceremony to publically recognised excellence in Junior Certificate Higher Level Business Studies examination 2015.  The event was run in conjunction with the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BSTAI) where schools contribution to teaching and promotion of excellence in the discipline was acknowledged, while also applauding students who achieved excellence in their 2015 higher level Business Studies junior certificate exam.

Over 95 schools gathered in the Aula Maxima on the 9th February last, to celebrate excellence achieved by over 525 students. These schools were represented on the night by teacher and student representatives, stretching from Co Donegal to Co Waterford, and from Co Mayo in the west to Co Louth in the east. 

Business Studies at junior certificate level is the only none core subject with two examination papers totalling four and half hours – excellence does not come easily and all the more reason to congratulate students and teachers alike.

Prof. Rowena Pecchenino, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science gave the opening address welcoming recipients, dignitaries and guests to the historic setting of the Aula Maxima.  She introduced Mr Ultan Henry, President of BSTAI who then gave an address on behalf of BSTAI.

Mr Henry congratulated students, teachers and parents, saying BSTAI were ‘delighted to be associated with recognising students who have achieved excellent results in their junior certificate business studies’.  He addressed students in particular, emphasising that with the excellent foundation they have in Business Studies at junior certificate level, they would excel in any of the three business subjects at leaving certificate level – Accounting, Business and Economics.

President of Maynooth University Prof Philip Nolan, assisted by Prof Rowena Pecchenino and Registrar, Prof Aidan Mulkeen presented a framed certificate to each business studies teacher representative acknowledging schools contribution to teaching and promotion of excellence in the discipline. Student representatives were presented with certificates for all students achieving excellence in their school.

President of Maynooth University, Prof Philip Nolan gave the closing address encouraging recipients to take time, reflect and celebrate their achievement.  He emphasised the importance of financial education as a life skill in an ever changing economy.  Prof Nolan encouraged students to be open minded to business subjects at leaving certificate level and the fact they are three similar yet, uniquely different subjects.  Our programmes here in Maynooth University to varying degrees incorporate all three subjects depending on the emphasis of each programme, recognising also the fundamental importance of business law and legal principles.

The University’s continued commitment to education and engagement with young people was demonstrated on the night by the attendance of Prof John McGinnity, Assistant Registrar, Prof Jim Walsh, Vice President of Strategy and Quality, Dr Fabrice Rousseau, Head of the Department of Economic, Finance and Accounting, Prof Peter McNamara, Head of School of Business and Dr Maria Murphy, Director of Outreach and Engagement Department of Law.

After the presentation ceremony, guests made their way to the historic setting of Pugin Hall for a reception, thanks to the kind permission of Msgr Connolly of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
 

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