Liam Ó Dochartaigh was recently presented with the 2013 Peter A. Wollitzer Advocacy Award by The Forum on Education Abroad.  This award honours a Forum member who has been remarkably effective in influencing educational institutions to understand and support education abroad.  Mr. Ó Dochartaigh was granted the award at the Forum’s Ninth Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois on Friday 5th April.

Liam Ó Dochartaigh, the former Director of International Education at the University of Limerick, is a scholar of Irish language, literature and folklore, and has taught at the University of Ulster, Thomond College of Education and also at the University of Limerick.  His research on Irish literature, folklore, and Irish language in education has been published widely in scholarly journals in Ireland.  Liam Ó Dochartaigh has been a vigorous advocate for study abroad and was instrumental in founding an International office at the University of Limerick.  He retired from the position of Director of International Education at UL in 2009.

Upon receiving the award, Ó Dochartaigh said, “I was happy to have been able to make some contribution to the development of the Forum.  But I in fact got more from the Forum than I ever gave.  More than anything, it’s the friendships.”

Professor Paul McCutcheon, Vice President Academic and Registrar at the University of Limerick said: ‘This award is well deserved.  Liam’s contribution to international education and cultural understanding is highly regarded by the University of Limerick and we take pride in his achievements.’

Further information on The Forum on Education Abroad is available at: www.forumea.org/