February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The Irish president will speak at the college as part of a visit to western Massachusetts that is in part being organized by Congressman Richard Neal, chairman of the Friends of Ireland in Congress, and also a trustee of the South Hadley-based college.
“We are honored to have President McAleese as commencement speaker,” said Mount Holyoke president Joanne Creighton.
“In overcoming discrimination and adversity in Belfast, and in rising to become a leader of the Irish people, she exemplifies all that we hope for in Mount Holyoke students. Many in Massachusetts, with our longstanding ties to Ireland, will look forward to her remarks with great anticipation,” Creighton added.
Rep. Neal also looked forward with keen anticipation to McAleese’s visit.
“It is a great honor to have the eighth president of Ireland, Mary McAleese, visit western Massachusetts and give the commencement address at Mount Holyoke College,” he said.
“I have had the privilege of knowing President McAleese for many years, and she is one of the most progressive and
charismatic leaders in public life today. Mary McAleese has the distinction of being the first president of Ireland born in Belfast.
“Her tenure as head of state has been a remarkable success, and Ireland’s standing across the globe has never been stronger. I am looking forward to welcoming her to Mount Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley in May,” Neal added.