Mercyhurst in IrelandCassandra Clyde

Dr. ReedEnglish Seminar28 January 2010

Mercyhurst in Ireland

Mercyhurst’s strategic plan is to promote diversity and global engagement.

The study abroad program to Dungarvan, Ireland is launching in spring term of 2010.

Dr. Michael Lyden, vice president of enrollment, states, “Since Mercyhurst will operate the program, our students will be able to attend classes in Ireland for basically the same cost as classes in Erie.”

Mercyhurst in Ireland

Spring term 2010 spent in Dungarvan is the first step toward what is hoped to be a major Mercyhurst presence in Ireland.

Mercyhurst alumnus, John Deasy ’90, is a prominent member of the Irish Parliament and is currently working with county and national officials to construct a full campus.

Mercyhurst is exploring several interesting options, such as including a center for research and advanced studies.

Dungarvan

Mercyhurst’s sister school will be located in Dungarvan, Co Waterford- a seaside market town on the southeast coast of Ireland.

It will be the only European campus of a US college.

Mercyhurst’s existing relationship with Dungarvan has actively recruited Irish students for the John F. Kennedy Scholarship Program since 1985.

This will be an extension of that program.

Dungarvan

Quote from Dr. Gamble

Mercyhurst College President Dr. Thomas Gamble has said, “We are excited about this program for several reasons. First, it brings full circle the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, who were founded in Ireland and maintain a presence in Dungarvan. Second, it is an ideal location for our students to explore the rich history and culture of the Emerald Isle, and to access Britain and continental Europe.”

Dr. Federici

Dr. Michael Federici and more than 50 undergraduate students will spend spring term at Mercyhurst College's campus in Dungarvan, Ireland. For ten weeks the students will take classes taught by Mercyhurst faculty members, including Dr. Federici's course on Political Theory, and travel throughout Europe. Studying in Ireland is an option for all of Mercyhurst's students, although admission to the program is competitive.

Works Cited

"The Irish Times - Tue, Jan 20, 2009 - Dungarvan site may be transformed into campus for US college." The Irish Times Irish News, Business News, Sports News & Ireland Weather Online. Web. 24 Jan. 2010. <http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0120/1232059662097.html>.

"Whats Up for 2009-10 | Mercyhurst College Political Science Department." Home | Mercyhurst College Political Science Department. Web. 23 Jan. 2010. <http://polisci.mercyhurst.edu/whats-new-for-2009-10/>.