Trinity staff conferred with special masters’ degrees

Posted on: 19 June 2023

A significant and historic celebration took place in Trinity this weekend, with some 350 staff members from all areas of the College community receiving special masters’ degrees across three ceremonies. Front Square was buzzing with excitement as staff, their families and friends celebrated.

This academic year saw Trinity’s Board approve a change to the eligibility criteria for MA (Jure Officii) (MAJO) degrees, marking an important step towards creating a more inclusive culture in the university.  Previously, MAJO distinguished between academic and non-academic staff and staff at different levels of seniority.  Now, any staff member in Trinity who has over 10 years of continuous service is eligible for this recognition, allowing us to celebrate the valued contribution of even more colleagues in the College community.

Professor Neville Cox, Registrar at Trinity College Dublin said: “It was a very moving reminder of the breadth of work that goes on in Trinity every day and especially of the fact that nobody’s work is taken for granted because every member of the community is equally important to the mission of the place.”

Special mention goes to the members of staff who not only received their degrees on the day, but were responsible for carrying out duties at the ceremony, too: Patrick Chmiel, the book bearer; Trevor Ward, book bearer; Mary Dunne, who was responsible for reviewing all applications and Lorraine Norton, Activity Administrator.  At the last ceremony of the day, Provost Linda Doyle presented flowers to Lorraine Norton, marking the first ceremony in the history of the university in which the person organising the event was getting a degree! Lorraine has a deep and intimate understanding of commencement ceremonies, and their success is a mark of her extraordinary leadership, explained the Registrar to the packed Public Theatre.  

Congratulations to all MAJO recipients.

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