If you look in this weeks Sligo Champion (Wednesday 30th Jan 2008) you’ll see that we are back in the papers again, heck we can’t seem to stay out of em. We did this press release to mark our ongoing partnership with Microsoft and to highlight the bursary and student partner programme.

Here’s the article text and photo.

Kieran Stafford, Microsoft Student Partner; Liam Cronin (seated) Microsoft, Keith McManus, IT Sligo, John Kelleher, IT Sligo at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.

Software giant, Microsoft, has launched an annual bursary of €5000 for top undergraduate students at the Institute of Technology Sligo. In co-operation with the Information Systems Department in IT Sligo, Microsoft will award the bursary to students from the Bachelor of Science courses in Database Management, Systems and Networking, Software Development and Web Development. The recipients of the bursary will also benefit from being able to list the award on their list of qualifications on graduating from IT Sligo.

Keith McManus, Head of Department of Information Systems stated: ‘Clearly, the calibre of computing students at the Institute of Technology Sligo is of the highest standard when the biggest player, Microsoft approaches us with a student award. We are very happy to be associated with this bursary. It follows on from an existing relationship with the software company where Microsoft technologies are used throughout our courses. Our students also work closely with Microsoft through innovative initiatives such as the Imagine Cup and Student Partner programme.’

Two students, Kieran Stafford and Michael Walsh were appointed ‘ambassadors’ for Microsoft. Their `job’ has taken them to Microsoft Irish Headquarters in Dublin and to events in the US and Spain where they have had an opportunity to work with Microsoft experts from all over the world and meet other Microsoft Student Partners.

“Education is one of the most important pillars for Ireland’s continued economic development,” commented Liam Cronin Academic Engagement Manager, Microsoft Ireland. “It’s vital that we support the connection between the world of education and the world of business to ensure we continue to bring new ideas and expertise that can help drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Our support for the Institute of Technology Sligo and its computing courses is recognition of the importance of that link.”