4/1/2012. News. Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), conferring ceremony. Pictured are Patrick Delaney, New Ross, Co Wexford and Rosemarie Kelly, Kilmacow, Co.Kilkenny who were conferred a Doctor of Philosophy. Photo Patrick Browne Upbeat mood at WIT’s conferring ceremonies An optimistic note has been signaled by Mr Tony McFeely, Acting President of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), at the first of 11 conferring ceremonies across three days during which 2,652 students were conferred with academic degrees up to doctorate level. In his conferring address, Mr McFeely said: “We cannot ignore the dark economic clouds that have surrounded the country for the past few years. Job opportunities are not as readily available as they once were. However, your academic achievements should instill a sense of self-confidence. I would encourage you to remain positive and optimistic despite the general gloom. These times will pass; they always do.” “We Irish are a resilient people; you are the potential leaders of the future so it’s incumbent on you to remain strong and positive,” continued Mr McFeely. He urged today’s graduates to remember the words of Apple founder Steve Jobs at a Stanford graduation in 2005: “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” WIT’s Chairman, Dr Donie Ormonde, continued the positive theme in his remarks: “In the modern economy skills and competencies are the tradable commodities that enhance your life experiences and enhance the creative edge of economic and social development. Ireland’s capacity to bounce back is directly related to the education and skills infrastructure that it has built. Ireland is an international leader in educational attainment and it is this that will provide the stepping stone to recovery.” Thirteen PhD students were awarded doctorates and six new programmes were conferred for the first time, including the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Airline Transport Operations, Bachelor of Science in Food Science with Business and Higher Certificates in Arts in Hospitality Studies, Business in Tourism and Culinary Arts. Of the total 2,652 graduates being conferred with academic awards up to doctorate level, 1,044 are from Waterford City and County. However, WIT graduates hail from all 26 counties of Ireland with Wexford (338), Kilkenny (282), Tipperary (217), and Cork (102) being the next most frequent home addresses. The strength of WIT's academic portfolio and research capacity was reflected in the President’s closing remarks when he urged all graduates to give their support to the Institute in achieving its ultimate goal – becoming the Technological University of the South East, a goal to which the current Government has stated its commitment. Ends