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2023

Joe Kennedy III at Queen’s – the highlights

We welcomed US Presidential Envoy Congressman Joe Kennedy III and a high level trade delegation to Queen’s on Thursday 26 October as part of their visit to Northern Ireland.

Congressman Kennedy stopped by our new Student Centre and Students’ Union, One Elmwood to officially open the building. It was a party atmosphere as guests reflected on the crucial impact of the Students' Union and student support over the years, looking back to the future with some of our brand-new students.

Speaking the event, Senator Kennedy said: “It is delightful to see this amazing bright new hub take shape at Queen’s, providing a variety of support to students through their time at university as they work towards a bright future.”

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “From the initial ideas to the finishing touches on the social staircase, it took thousands of hours and hundreds of people to bring this building to life. Every day, the building is buzzing with hundreds of students as they grab a coffee, plug in their laptops for some quiet reading, get some valuable support or grab a gig in the Mandela."

Speaking about the building and what it means for students, Student Union President Beth Elder added: “The building provides so many opportunities for students to engage with the Union’s representation, advice, student volunteering and entrepreneurship services helping students to make friends and developing their skills and experiences during their time at Queen’s.

US Ambassador in Conversation

The US Ambassador, Jane Hartley joined us on campus to give some words of advice and encouragement. She highlighted the role of women in leadership and delivering inclusive economic growth, advising: "Find a woman mentor, be patient (up to a point) and speak up."

US Trade Dinner

US Envoy Joe Kennedy III brought a delegation of CEOs from world leading businesses, including Microsoft, Meta and Google, to find out more about the university’s impact on innovation and the economy, and to hear from young entrepreneurs about their start-ups. 

 

Media

Media enquiries to comms.office@qub.ac.uk

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