PRAISE FOR COURAGE AND SPIRIT OF OMAGH PEOPLE
Praise for 'courage and spirit' of Omagh people
THE vice-chancellor of Queen's University, Professor George Bain, has said that the university shares similar aspirations with Omagh - not least its commitment to economic development.
And he praised the vision shown by Omagh Business Forum in creating its 2010 strategy, which envisages Omagh as the capital of the South-West of the Province.
Professor Bain was addressing business and community leaders at a lunch in the Silverbirch Hotel on Tuesday during his day-long visit to the town.
He said he was delighted to be back in Omagh and to see so many people with an interest in Queen's.
The professor said that Queen's had been serving the Northern Ireland community for more than 150 years and was committed to providing the highest quality teaching and research.
"The benefits can be seen in every town," he said. "Queen's produces most of Northern Ireland's doctors, nurses, dentists, solicitors, accountants, teachers and engineers.
"Indeed, Queen's alumni contribute to every facet of life from business to sport, through the arts to politics. Their contribution to society benefits all."
Professor Bain also said that Queen's research and development helped to make Northern Ireland more competitive in aiding local businesses and attracting global players to invest in this part of the world.
He further said that the university was committed to fostering a sense of enterprise in its students, and the skills which would help them become the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow were embedded in their courses.
Explaining the Queen's University roadshow visit to Omagh, Professor Bain said commitment and outreach to the community were central to the
Queen's ethos.
"We recognise that we must listen to community we serve by meeting people face to face on their home patch," he continued.
"That is why we are here today: to listen and to. learn, to hear your views, to find out your aims and aspirations, and to consider how we can work together for mutual benefit.
"I have already learned much today during my visit to Omagh District Council and in discussions with local school principals," said Professor Bain.
He said that the university already had several links with Omagh more than 420 of current students come from the town and so, too, did some of his colleagues, including the university's registrar, James O'Kane, head of administration.
He continued: "Queen's shares similar aspirations with Omagh, not least our commitment to economic development.
"I am particularly impressed by the vision shown by Omagh Business Forum in creating its Omagh 2010 strategy. This exciting initiative should ensure a bright and prosperous future for the town, and I wish it well.
"The creation of this new vision was one of five priority areas identified by Omagh Renewal and Beyond the action plan for local recovery developed in the wake of the bomb atrocity in August 1998,
"I wholeheartedly commend the courage and spirit of the people in Omagh in working tirelessly to overcome this trauma and to strive towards a new tomorrow."
Professor Bain continued to say that Queen's and Omagh also shared an interest in rural development and a major programme of research in that area was underway.
THE vice-chancellor of Queen's University, Professor George Bain, has said that the university shares similar aspirations with Omagh - not least its commitment to economic development.
And he praised the vision shown by Omagh Business Forum in creating its 2010 strategy, which envisages Omagh as the capital of the South-West of the Province.
Professor Bain was addressing business and community leaders at a lunch in the Silverbirch Hotel on Tuesday during his day-long visit to the town.
He said he was delighted to be back in Omagh and to see so many people with an interest in Queen's.
The professor said that Queen's had been serving the Northern Ireland community for more than 150 years and was committed to providing the highest quality teaching and research.
"The benefits can be seen in every town," he said. "Queen's produces most of Northern Ireland's doctors, nurses, dentists, solicitors, accountants, teachers and engineers.
"Indeed, Queen's alumni contribute to every facet of life from business to sport, through the arts to politics. Their contribution to society benefits all."
Professor Bain also said that Queen's research and development helped to make Northern Ireland more competitive in aiding local businesses and attracting global players to invest in this part of the world.
He further said that the university was committed to fostering a sense of enterprise in its students, and the skills which would help them become the entrepreneurs and leaders of tomorrow were embedded in their courses.
Explaining the Queen's University roadshow visit to Omagh, Professor Bain said commitment and outreach to the community were central to the
Queen's ethos.
"We recognise that we must listen to community we serve by meeting people face to face on their home patch," he continued.
"That is why we are here today: to listen and to. learn, to hear your views, to find out your aims and aspirations, and to consider how we can work together for mutual benefit.
"I have already learned much today during my visit to Omagh District Council and in discussions with local school principals," said Professor Bain.
He said that the university already had several links with Omagh more than 420 of current students come from the town and so, too, did some of his colleagues, including the university's registrar, James O'Kane, head of administration.
He continued: "Queen's shares similar aspirations with Omagh, not least our commitment to economic development.
"I am particularly impressed by the vision shown by Omagh Business Forum in creating its Omagh 2010 strategy. This exciting initiative should ensure a bright and prosperous future for the town, and I wish it well.
"The creation of this new vision was one of five priority areas identified by Omagh Renewal and Beyond the action plan for local recovery developed in the wake of the bomb atrocity in August 1998,
"I wholeheartedly commend the courage and spirit of the people in Omagh in working tirelessly to overcome this trauma and to strive towards a new tomorrow."
Professor Bain continued to say that Queen's and Omagh also shared an interest in rural development and a major programme of research in that area was underway.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0853
Published Date: 15-Feb-01
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.