The underfunding of the higher education sector \u2013 to the tune of \u20ac307m per annum \u2013 presents a significant challenge to Irish universities. To help bridge the gap, the sector is increasingly reliant on the generosity of alumni, philanthropic donors and corporate partners who recognise the importance of universities in a progressive, informed society. UCD Foundation\u2019s fundraising priorities are broadly focused on student support, research, and campus development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reimagining the Library<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the most exciting capital projects currently underway in UCD is a major revamp of the much-loved James Joyce Library, which has been at the very heart of campus life since 1972. Belfield has seen a lot of change since then, and the student population has increased from 10,684 to over 30,000. The old library simply doesn\u2019t have the capacity to comfortably accommodate our students, and it no longer meets the needs of a modern university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The urgent need for an upgrade presents a challenge, but also an opportunity to completely reimagine our learning spaces. Advances in information technologies have changed how students use and interact with the library, but with two million visits a year, we know that the physical space is still very important. With this in mind, UCD is creating a modern library that is welcoming, comfortable and accessible, and is designed to boost student wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project began in 2021 with the refurbishment of Level 3, and the student experience was front and centre from the start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Library\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n
\nLevel 3 before the renovation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Students wrote eloquent love letters \u2013 and in some cases breakup letters \u2013 to the library, and their feedback covered everything from the lighting and the location of power sockets to the colour and comfort of the furniture. Students also worked closely with the Library Executive Team and with the architects at Reddy Architecture + Urbanism to identify the diverse needs of library users and explore different kinds of learning spaces in other academic libraries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reopening of Level 3 in September 2023 marked a milestone in the library project. Students were thrilled to discover that beyond the familiar brutalist exterior, what was once a dark and uninviting space housing hundreds of old print journals had been transformed into a bright and welcoming setting, with an abundance of plants and natural materials throughout. Over 500 learning spaces accommodate all learning activities, from silent study to collaborative group work, and a sensory study room allows students with sensory needs to create an environment personalised to their preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCormac Reynolds, UCD Estates, Lorna Dodd, Deputy Librarian, Sandra Collins, University Librarian, and Tadgh Corcoran, Director of Estates, at the opening of the newly refurbished Level 3 in the James Joyce Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
For UCD Librarian, Dr Sandra Collins, it really is all about the students: \u201cThe feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The students love the space. They feel this is their home away from home, a place where they\u2019re welcome. This project really enhances the experience for our students, faculty and staff. We have amazing plans and we are excited to see people\u2019s reactions to the next phase!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second of four planned phases of development \u2013 with an overall investment of \u20ac40m \u2013 is now full steam ahead, alongside a major philanthropic fundraising campaign. By the end of the project there will be about 3,000 high-quality study spaces available throughout the library (an increase of 46%). This current phase will see the transformation of Level 2 \u2013 along the lines of Level 3 but on a much bigger scale \u2013 as well as a purpose-designed Cultural Heritage Centre within the library, which will promote public and scholarly engagement with UCD Archives, Special Collections, and the National Folklore Collection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The old furniture from Level 3 was donated to local schools and community groups for upcycling and reuse, and this commitment to sustainability was recognised with a UCD Values in Action Award \u2013 one of several awards for the library project to date, including an Irish Design Award and Irish Fit Out Award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The James Joyce Library is woven into the collective experience of generations of UCD students and alumni, and the pupils who are giving our old desks a new lease of life may also become UCD students themselves someday. Meanwhile, today\u2019s students are actively shaping the library for future generations, and we look forward to welcoming them back as alumni to see how the project is progressing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sporting Excellence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UCD is committed to developing the full potential of every student, and we recognise that this extends beyond academic achievement alone. The University is at the forefront of producing elite sportspeople who compete at the very highest level nationally and internationally. These achievements are due in no small part to the UCD Sports Development Fund. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fund was established over 28 years ago to support the progression of high-performance sport in UCD, and it is fundamental to the viability of the University\u2019s sports clubs. To date, sports that have benefited from the fund include soccer, Gaelic games, camogie, basketball, hockey, athletics, rowing, cycling, swimming and rugby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sports Development Fund supports the provision of strength and conditioning expertise, massage therapy, and international travel to competitions, as well as highly sought after sports scholarships. This year alone, 92 students are in receipt of sports scholarships, and about 20 others are availing of other supports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Representing the UCD GAA Club had been an ambition of mine from a young age. Playing Sigerson Cup football with some of the best young players from all over the country forged friendships that will stay with me for life, and the highlight of my time in UCD was representing the University in the Sigerson final.\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Donations to the Sports Development Fund are raised primarily through use of the Bank of Ireland UCD Affinity credit card by alumni, staff and friends of the University. The donation is made at no additional cost to the cardholder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
UCD\u2019s Sports Development Manager, Suzanne Bailey, knows how intrinsic this fund is to the success of UCD sports clubs: \u201cWe are very grateful to the alumni who, through their use of the UCD Affinity credit card, donations and sponsorship, have supported hundreds of UCD students to achieve their academic and sporting potential. We are so proud of all that the students achieve while wearing a UCD jersey. Despite the ongoing challenge of rising costs, we have ambitious plans for our performance sports and we hope to add additional sports to the scholarship programme.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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