Shannon College of Hotel Management marked 75 years of hospitality education this week with a milestone anniversary celebration and the launch of a new undergraduate degree - Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Global Luxury and Experience Management.
The event was centred around the launch of a new ambitious vision for the future of Shannon College, including an outline of plans for a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art learning building.
Founded in 1951 by Dr Brendan O’Regan, Shannon College of Hotel Management has grown from an ambitious idea in the Shannon region to become a world-renowned school as part of University of Galway which has a distinctive place in Irish and global hospitality education.
'Defining Values'
“Over the past 75 years, Shannon College has adapted to changing times while holding firmly to its defining values," said Adrian Sylver, head of Shannon College of Hotel Management.
"This approach has helped generations of graduates build successful careers. The new degree programme launched today, Bachelor of Business Studies in Global Luxury and Experience Management, will continue to build on that legacy, while opening new pathways for students into dynamic and growing global industries."
Anniversary Commemorative Whiskey
The 75th anniversary event brought together alumni, students, staff, friends of Shannon College, members of the community and industry partners to reflect on its long-standing contribution to the national and international hospitality sector, while also looking ahead to the future of hospitality education.
The celebrations also included the launch of a Shannon College 75th Anniversary Commemorative Whiskey, produced in collaboration with Co Clare Whiskey Bonder JJ Corry.
The 75th anniversary celebrations included conversations, billed as Down Memory Lane, with graduates including Daniel McLoughlin, founder of RockSalt; former Deputy Head of School Kate O’Connell; and current third-year student, Erin Brady.
Graduates of Shannon College Nicky Logue, general manager Intercontinental Hotel Dublin, Ruth Scanlon, marketing director Reignwood UK, and Christine Murphy, founder of Urban Aran, also took part in the event, reflecting on their careers and the opportunities presented by the new degree.
Global Alumni Community
The Shannon College brand is carried across the world by a global alumni community of more than 3,000 graduates in senior roles including chief executive officers of international hotel groups, leaders of global hospitality brands, chairs of major tourism destinations, and presidents and chairpersons of national and international hospitality organisations.
Its practice-led approach combines academic study, professional training, immersion in language, international experience and close industry engagement, helping generations of graduates build careers across hotels, tourism, luxury hospitality, financial services, destination management, events, enterprise and other sectors.
