A new state-of-the art student centre dedicated to enhancing the student experience at DCU and preparing graduates for the 21st century was officially opened in September.
Funded completely by donations, the ‘U’, a purpose-built facility housing a broad range of activities and support services, will serve the needs of DCU’s rapidly growing student community, now numbering over 17,000.
Key features include a Student Leadership and Life-Skills Centre, Performing Arts and Cultural spaces for students and the wider community, an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub for national and international student initiatives, and a Global Village celebrating the diversity of the University, with more than 115 different nationalities in DCU.
It is estimated that, in the coming decade, over 50,000 students will avail of the facilities and services on offer at ‘the U’, a complete venue for the cultural, social, creative and international aspects of the student experience at DCU.
Located at the heart of DCU’s Glasnevin Campus, the stunning new facility cost Ä15 million to construct and was entirely self-funded through a student levy providing Ä8 million, with the balance provided by the Tony Ryan Trust, Bank of Ireland, and DCU Commercial activities.
The ‘U’ is also home to a specially-commissioned sculpture ‘Emergence’ by artist Liam O’Neill. The 3 metre high piece, which is carved from the wood of a 180-year old copper beech tree that had to be felled on the Glasnevin campus due to disease.
