Opening of Hist250
President Higgins performed the Opening of ‘Hist250’ in conversation with Dr John Bowman, an event celebrating the 250th anniversary of Trinity College’s Historical Society. As a university student, President Higgins was actively engaged in student debating. The President was given a preview of the Hist250 Long Room exhibition at the Trinity College Library.
Irish Times:
Universities do not exist ‘to produce students who are useful’, President says
Michael D. Higgins says spaces for debate needed to combat growth of populism
“Universities are not there merely to produce students who are useful. ... They are there to produce citizens who are respectful of the rights of others to participate and also to be able to participate fully, drawing on a wide range of scholarship.”