On Thursday, November 15, NUI Galway held its 12th Annual Gala Dinner at the University Club in New York City.
This year’s honoree was Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Sean Lane, who graduated with an honors post-graduate diploma in business and a B.A. from NUI Galway. A first-generation Irish American born in New York, Sean is the chairman of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade and co-founder of the St. Patrick’s Day Foundation. He is being honored in this issue as one of Irish America’s Business 100. Lane gave an heartwarming speech about striking out on his own to seek out a college degree against his father’s wishes, and how he achieved that goal by working his way through school.
The evening featured a special performance by multi-platinum accordion player, and County Clare native, Sharon Shannon. The genre-defying star has recorded and toured with a who’s-who of the Irish and global music industry, and has performed for U.S. presidents Clinton and Obama, as well as Irish presidents Robinson and McAleese. She recently accompanied Irish president Michael D. Higgins on his official tour of China.
The proceeds of the dinner will benefit the Creative Arts program at NUI Galway, which has developed a vibrant artistic ethos over many decades. ♦ Maggie Holland
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