Trinity has appointed Rachel Hussey and Professor Jürgen Barkhoff as Pro-Chancellors of the university. The pair were inaugurated at a ceremony held in college earlier this week.
As Pro-Chancellors, Hussey and Barkhoff will act in place of Chancellor Mary McAleese during periods of absence. This includes awarding degrees at commencement ceremonies.
Appointment to the role is considered by college to be “the highest honour” which it can bestow.
Hussey is a Trinity law graduate and a Foundation Scholar. She has been admitted to the bar both in Ireland and New York.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Provost Linda Doyle praised Hussey as “a leading advocate for gender diversity in the legal profession and beyond”.
Hussey has advocated for gender equality throughout her career, serving as the chair of the 30% Club Ireland, an organisation which seeks to increase gender diversity in leadership positions at companies throughout Ireland. She is also governor of the National Maternity Hospital and has sat on the Governing Authority of Dublin City University.
Hussey called her appointment to Pro-Chancellor a “huge honour”.
“I have always felt a strong connection with the University. I first came here as an undergraduate to study law, a decision which has had immeasurable impact on my life, and three of my four children have studied at Trinity, so it holds a special place in my heart,” she said.
Barkhoff is a Professor of German at the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies. Joining Trinity in 1995, he has held numerous senior positions including Vice Provost, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy President, and Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute.
He has also served as Trinity’s delegate at the Coimbra Group, a collaborative network of European universities, as well as its Chair of Culture, Arts and Humanities Task Force and
Vice-Chair of its Executive Board.
On his appointment, Barkhoff said: “I am truly honoured to be appointed to the role of Pro-Chancellor of Trinity and to take part in commencement ceremonies when we wish our graduates well as they venture out into the world.”
Welcoming the appointees, Linda Doyle said: “Rachel and Jürgen are truly exceptional people who bring Trinity’s values to life in all that they do.”
“I am so proud that they have agreed to take up these positions and know that our students and staff will be greatly inspired by them during their tenure.”
