Queen’s visits the ‘Big Apple’

The unveiling of a portrait of Senator George Mitchell and the launch of a new finance internship initiative, took Queen’s to New York for two important events at the end of October.

Queen’s students will be given the opportunity of a lifetime in 2013 to work in the heart of New York’s finance district thanks to a new internship programme. The network of companies lining up to back the initiative includes UBS, Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, Cowen, CIBC, SkyBridge Capital, and Fortress.

The launch took place at the home of Michael George, Managing Director of Fortress Investment Group in Manhattan, and was attended by Bob McCann, Chief Executive Officer of UBS Group Americas, Declan Breslin, Managing Director of Prime Services at BNP Paribas and a number of other key finance sector leaders with links to Northern Ireland.   

The summer 2013 programme will offer six first-year students studying on two new BSc degree courses - Mathematics with Finance and Physics with Financial Mathematics - the opportunity of a two-week business-driven placement in New York.

Sir David Fell, Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s, who attended the event said: “The University has identified global internships as key to an exceptional student experience. By offering wealth creators of the future exclusive access to New York’s ‘front office’ our students will be given a remarkable insight into the world of finance, right where important deals are made and key business decisions are taken”.

Mitchell unveiled

The following night a special event to unveil a portrait of Senator George J Mitchell, Chancellor of Queen’s from 1999 to 2009 was held at the official residence of the British Consul General, Mr Danny Lopez. The former Special Advisor to President William J. Clinton on Ireland, Senator Mitchell was joined by friends and family members for the occasion which was jointly hosted by the Consul General and by Sir David Fell, Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s and Chair of the University’s Senate.

The occasion was also attended by The Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Dublin-based portrait artist James Hanley.

Speaking at the reception, Sir David talked of the University’s deep sense of gratitude for Senator Mitchell’s lengthy association with Queen’s and with Northern Ireland. “Senator Mitchell served Queen’s with great distinction during his ten years as Chancellor. Rightly lauded around the world for his efforts in peace negotiations, he was – and still remains – a consummate diplomat.

“We are deeply indebted to Senator Mitchell for doing so much to put Queen’s on the map, nationally and internationally, during a time when Northern Ireland was emerging from a most difficult time in its history,” said Sir David.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt. Hon Theresa Villiers spoke of the tireless efforts of Senator Mitchell during the negotiations that produced the historic Belfast Agreement.  “Senator Mitchell won admiration from across all sections of community in Northern Ireland for his skill and dedication in chairing the Northern Ireland political talks that led to the landmark 1998 Belfast Agreement.  

“Crucially, too, it was Senator Mitchell who in 1996 set out the principles of non-violence and democracy that were to be the fundamental basis of those negotiations.   His tireless work helped deliver the political stability Northern Ireland enjoys today.  Northern Ireland is indebted to him for the huge contribution he made to ensuring that we have a peaceful Northern Ireland that look towards a confident future.”

Also among the 70 guests at the reception were US members of the University’s Foundation Board, alumni and friends of Queen’s and current students in the US on the US-NI Mentorship Scheme established by Declan Kelly during his time as Special Envoy in Northern Ireland. Students from Fordham Law School who have attended the Summer School at Queen’s were also on the guest list.

Senator Mitchell was the 8th Chancellor of Queen’s since the Charter of the University was granted in 1908. He was succeeded in 2009 by His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Senator Mitchell’s portrait will return to Belfast where it will hang in The Great Hall with those of his predecessors.

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