Diageo supports lifelong learning with a €200,000 donation to TU Dublin
Pictured launching Diageo’s partnership with TU Dublin are Dr Orla McDonagh, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities; Geraldine Joanes, HR director Diageo; Constance Balsamo, Head of public policy, Dr Denise O’Leary, Head, School of Culinary Arts & Technology; and Dr Dominic Dillane, Head, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Today, Diageo has announced its support for Transforming Tomorrow, TU Dublin’s campaign to deliver state-of-the-art learning facilities for culinary, beverage and hospitality students. The partnership, which includes a €200,000 donation over 10 years, will also enable greater access to learning opportunities in hospitality at TU Dublin for individuals from marginalised groups, including access to a Certificate in Hospitality Studies. Commencing in September, this 13-week, full-time programme will also provide an opportunity for students to do a three-month work placement upon completion.
The new certificate follows Diageo’s previous collaboration with TU Dublin’s School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology over the last two academic years on a bespoke Guinness Learning for Life programme. 24 learners from marginalised backgrounds took part in a range of skill-based modules and a four-week placement to earn a Continuous Professional Development Certificate in Kitchen Skills and qualifications in Food Safety and First Aid.
In appreciation of Diageo’s partnership, the University also opened the Arthur Guinness Learning for Life Bar, a training facility located in the Central Quad in Grangegorman, which is used by students in the Schools of Tourism & Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts & Food Technology.
Welcoming Diageo’s contribution and partnership, Dr Orla McDonagh, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities at TU Dublin, said,
I am delighted to have this opportunity to thank Diageo for their very generous support of our Transforming Tomorrow capital campaign and the University’s ambition to deliver a leading global centre of education and innovation for the Food and Drink sector. As a University with a long history of supporting lifelong learning, we create a range of pathways to education to cater for students at many different stages of their careers. We look forward to deepening our collaborations with Diageo on the Guinness Learning for Life programme, igniting the imagination of these learners, and supporting them to explore their abilities and reach their full potential
Commenting on the partnership, Diageo Ireland’s Director of HR, Geraldine Jones, said:
Building on the legacy of our founders, we want to create a positive impact in our communities and for society. This is why we are delighted to further expand our collaboration with TU Dublin to support their Transforming Tomorrow campaign and provide more access to education for marginalised groups. Like the University, we are also passionate about lifelong learning. Through Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, our business and hospitality skills programme, we have provided training to 230 people since 2020, which forms part of our 10-year ESG action plan. We look forward to building on this through this new partnership with TU Dublin
Diageo and TU Dublin also support excellence through their Rising Star award, an annual award presented to a student in the School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology. The award, worth €1,000, recognises a Culinary Entrepreneurship student who is innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial and who demonstrates a commitment to ‘going the extra mile’. Combined, these initiatives support a new generation of learners eager to begin careers in Ireland’s exciting and varied tourism and hospitality industry.