development – supporting the vision

The value of donations and pledges over the past three years in support of the University’s development programme now totals over £35 million.

Sustainable development income is critical in ensuring that the University is able to develop and grow in line with its stated Vision to be a model of a leading regional University with a national and international reputation for quality.

The University appointed Professor Terri Scott, formerly Dean of Regional Development, to the position of Director of Development. The University of Ulster Foundation, formerly the Northern Ireland Educational Foundation provides a senior volunteer network to support the development function. It was established in 1998 and the Foundation Board has been chaired since its inaugural meeting by Brian O’Connor Chairman of Quality Healthcare in Hong Kong and Director of Dunloe Ewart, Dublin and Belfast. The Foundation has been instrumental in the visionary thinking behind venture capital and venture philanthropy proposals which will help secure substantial donations to the University and establish closer links with the corporate sector. During the last twelve months grants awarded and

investments received by the University through the University of Ulster Foundation continued to increase. The American Friends of the University of Ulster Inc. also supports the University in achieving its fundraising aims. The association was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit organisation with the aim of raising funds for the University from a range of sources in the US. These donations plus the growing support network that is being established reflects the considerable support for the University’s contribution to the economic, social and cultural advancement of Northern Ireland.

Raising the profile of the University and publicizing its vision nationally and abroad is integral to future success and a series of events were organized at home and in the United States to further this objective. This included a prestigious graduation ceremony at the John F Kennedy Library in Boston where the honorary degree of Doctor of Science was conferred on the outstanding Irish-American technology entrepreneur John Cullinane for his work for economic development in Northern Ireland. This marked the first time the University conferred an honorary degree outside Ireland. Senior staff of the University including the Vice-Chancellor and Robert Hanna, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, attended the event along with alumni and senior academic and business figures from Boston and New England. The event provided a networking opportunity to meet key potential donors and to forge potential partnerships for the future.

The University’s Alumni Association continues to grow and we now have over 100,000 members across the world. Twelve events and reunions were held in a number of regions, including Barcelona, London and the United States, boosting alumni relations and developing our network of international links. The American Friends of the University of Ulster and The New England Alumni Association held a special event in the British Consulate Residence in Boston to showcase the University’s work. The British Consul General, George Fergusson hosted the reception and the Irish Consul General, Orla O’Hanrahan was also in attendance along with a large number of New England alumni and over forty senior figures from commercial, academic and public life in Boston.

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