Posted on: 17 December 1998
The Provost of Trinity College and the University of Dublin installed Dr Mary Robinson as Chancellor of the University on 17 December 1998. Dr Robinson replaces Dr F J O’Reilly who retired on 12 July 1998, having reached retirement age.
Dr Robinson, the former President of Ireland and currently UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was elected a Scholar of the College in 1965 and graduated with a first class degree in Legal Science in 1967. She was Reid Professor of Constitutional and Criminal Law from 1969 – 1975 and from 1972 to 1990 lectured in European Law in Trinity. In 1988, with her husband, Nicholas Robinson, Dr Robinson founded the Irish Centre for European Law. Dr Robinson was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College in 1991 and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor in Laws in 1992. Dr Robinson also represented the University of Dublin in Seanad Eireann from 1969 to 1989.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Provost of Trinity Colege, Dr Thomas Mitchell said “The College is particularly pleased to be able to welcome such a distinguished graduate as its 23rd Chancellor, particularly as Dr Robinson has seen College life from all angles – student, scholar, distinguished academic and University representative in Seanad Eireann – experiences she will doubtless bring to bear on her role as Chancellor of the University”.
In her address following her installation as Chancellor, Dr Robinson said “Throughout my long association with the University, you have educated me, nurtured me, supported me, honoured me and put up with me. Now, through this additional and very special link with my alma mater, I feel engaged and challenged to participate as the University enters the new millennium”.
