University of Limerick celebrates the Big 4-0

The University of Limerick celebrates the ruby anniversary of the admission of its first cohort of students in 1972 this weekend.

The full academic year will be marked with a series of events and initiatives involving staff, students, alumni and the many friends, supporters and members of the wider community who have been part of the UL story over the past four decades.

The official launch of the UL40 year will take place on campus from Friday to Sunday. Members of the public are encouraged to come onto the campus and enjoy a huge array of free activities that will be taking place.

“I would encourage all members of the public to bring your family and friends to UL during the launch weekend to enjoy all that our wonderful campus has to offer,” said Professor Paul McCutcheon, UL vice-president academic and registrar and chairman of the UL40 Steering Committee.

The schedule includes a photographic exhibition, Face Value Expressions, featuring images from campus developments over the last 40 years, in the Bourn Vincent Gallery.

There will be an Art and Craft Fair in the Foundation Building (UCH Atrium) where an exhibition of paintings, homemade jewellery, homemade greeting cards and preserves, paintings, needlework by staff and retired members of staff will be on display from 9am to 5pm on Friday, 10am to 1pm on Saturday and 12noon to 5pm on Sunday.

The Farmers Market on the Main Plaza, including Food Fiesta, Moulded Memories, Moody Cow MilkShakes, Crowe Farm Meats, Cranky Yankee Corn Dogs will run all day on Saturday.

Fifteen different countries will showcase their traditional food during a spectacular International Food Fair in the Foundation Building from 2pm to 5pm.

There will be live entertainment on the UL40 stage at the Main University Plaza including local bands, Limerick Jazz, Limerick Band Birdthistle, Limerick Band Leading Army, Vladimir (3.30pm), DJs and world famous illusionist Keith Barry from 12 noon to 3pm.

Guided flora, fauna, walking trails and art trail tours of the campus will commence from the Main Plaza at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm on Saturday also.

Sunday has been designated a family fun day from 12 to 5pm and the public can enjoy a free swim and gym use at UL Arena from 11.30pm to 2pm.

Magic shows, face painting, balloon modelling, arts and crafts and lots of family entertainment will continue throughout the campus all day.

Classic vintage cars, Harleys and Goldwing Motor Club will also be on display at the Main Plaza.

 

The Irish Chamber Orchestra Music Factory Family Fun Day runs in the Irish World Academy from 11.30am to 4pm.

Brass and pipe bands and lots of musical entertainment throughout UL campus will be provided from 2pm to 5pm.

All events are open to the public and free of charge and there will be free parking over the weekend. More information is at www.ul.ie/ul40.