TU835 (DT106) Class of 2005 20-year Reunion
Friday 14th November was a very significant and welcome occasion at TU Dublin Environment & Planning.
We were very pleased to host the TU835 (DT106) Class of 2005, the first graduating cohort of the combined BSc (Hons) in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management degree, for their 20 year reunion. While the course had existed in prior formats, this was the first intake under the then new course code of DT106. The combined programme was a very innovative initiative, approved by the then Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), so it was especially pleasing for this anniversary to be noted.
Eleven of the graduates visited TU Dublin Bolton Street for a reception and forum with current staff and students on the BSc (Hons) programme, with more of the class joining later for their own social gathering. The graduates have diversified into a broad range of prominent positions within private practice, public sector, planning, environmental and community sector roles, demonstrating the versatility and resilience of the BSc (Hons) degree.
It was nice that the forum coincided with World Town Planning Day (officially observed on Saturday 8th November), which was recognised in the School with a number of seminars and events over the previous week.
The class shared their knowledge and experience with current students. The discussion encompassed insights for career paths, working in the public and private sectors and many contemporary issues in planning and the environment. Overall it proved a valuable and reflective dialogue. Students contributed with accounts from their work placement experiences as well as outlining some of the final year thesis proposals. The graduates recalled their own experiences as students at TU Dublin (DIT). In its early years, the course migrated from DIT facilities in Rathmines, to the Zhivago Building on Capel Street and later to Bolton Street, where it continues to be situated today. They recalled class trips to Amsterdam, and extensive studio work (a consistent hallmark of the degree programme). Current student work-in-progress materials were on display for the graduates to view.
A planned tour, to be led by the Campus Planning Office, of the Grangegorman campus didn't take place due to a Status Orange weather warning (but these graduates will be welcomed back if another suitable time presents).
For the current teaching team, it was great to see so many of the graduates, from both streams of the programme, now in prominent and leadership roles across spatial planning and the environmental management sectors.
The occasion was organised on the graduate side by Amy Granville, Eoghan Lynch and Louise Aherne, Senior Planners respectively with Kildare County Council, Galway City Council and Cork City Council. Thanks to the TU Dublin Alumni office for their support. Thanks also to Dr Helen Murray, Programme co-Chair, for co-ordinating the event, and to the wider BSc (Hons) Spatial Planning and Environmental Management (TU835) Programme Team.
Our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2005 on the occasion of their 20-year Reunion.
