11th October 2002

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The University of Ulster today officially opened the new Sir Derek Birley Learning Resource Centre on its Jordanstown campus.

The new Centre, which cost over £6.5m to construct and equip, was opened by Mrs Carmel Hanna, Minister for Employment and Learning.

The new Centre is the most advanced of its kind in Ireland and it is equipped with state-of-the-art learning technology.

Speaking at the opening event, which was combined with a Memorial Service for Sir Derek, who died earlier this year, Professor Gerry McKenna, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:

“Derek Birley was an inspirational leader and a man of great personal conviction. He was not afraid to challenge conventional beliefs in how higher education should be provided."

“The University of Ulster's commitment to social inclusion, its flexible network of courses by full-time and part-time study, and its strong links with industry, commerce and the professions all have their origins in his educational vision."

“He left a major imprint upon the face of higher education in Northern Ireland and some of his pioneering developments were admired and paved the way for a for change in higher education in other parts of the United Kingdom.”

A specially commissioned portrait of Sir Derek was unveiled by Lady Norma in the Learning Resource Centre foyer.

The new LRC facility places the University of Ulster at the forefront of learning technology and resources, delivering an unparalleled service to the 10,000 students on the Jordanstown campus.

The University’s Director of Information Services, Mr Nigel Macartney, said: "The University has pressed ahead vigorously with the integration of conventional library services and computer technology over the last decade."

“The Sir Derek Birley LRC demonstates this convergence very well and is already extremely popular with students. It will be followed by another brand new building at Magee, opening in January, and, ultimately, by similar provision on other campuses."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk