28.10.2026
31 Church of Ireland Centre Students Among DCU B.Ed Graduates
Last Friday, October 23, was graduation day for the DCU Institute of Education in the Helix in Glasnevin. Amongst the 450 young people graduating with BEd degrees in primary teaching were 31 graduates who had followed the Church of Ireland Centre pathway through their degree.
These 31 graduates completed the majority of their studies with all other BEd students but undertook specialist modules in Teaching in Small Schools and Religious Education, including the Religious Education Certificate in teaching Follow Me. They also completed most of their Professional Placements in Church of Ireland and other Protestant primary schools.
After their graduation ceremony, the graduates and their invited guests and family members gathered in the Interfaith Centre on Glasnevin Campus for a short service of thanksgiving led by Church of Ireland Chaplain Eric Hughes. This was followed by the awarding of RE Certificates and some prizes for excellence by CIC Director Dr Jacqui Wilkinson.
“We are exceptionally proud of all our graduates, and special mention is made of Bethany Sweetnam who was awarded the Vere Foster Medal for the DCU student who obtained the highest marks in Professional Placement and Curriculum areas of Education over the course of the BEd programme,” Dr Wilkinson said. Bethany Sweetnam and Ava Tynan were also awarded Dean’s Medals on the evening before their graduation.
Dr Wilkinson added: “We congratulate these 31 graduates who are all now working hard in primary schools, and also thank those who have mentored and supported them on their journeys through DCU. We look forward to staying connected with our 2026 graduates in the years ahead.”