Award-winning Irish author, journalist and playwright Colm Tóibín, has been officially installed as the University’s new Chancellor as part of Graduation week celebrations.
As Chancellor, Colm is the ceremonial figurehead of the University and plays an important ambassadorial role, locally, nationally and internationally.
The author of nine novels and two collections of stories, Colm’s work has been translated into more than thirty languages and won numerous awards, including the 2009 Costa Novel of the Year for Brooklyn, which was later adapted into an Oscar-nominated film.
During the ceremony, the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Beer invited Colm to assume the office of Chancellor. A new ceremonial robe was commissioned for the event, which also saw Colm address the audience with an acceptance speech.
The role of Chancellor dates back to 1903, when Edward the Seventh granted the University its Charter of Incorporation. Colm will be the University’s tenth Chancellor and the first citizen of another European country to hold the position.