The inaugural Microsemi Engineering Scholarship was awarded at a reception at the University of Limerick today, Friday 25th January 2013. 
Established by semiconductor solutions provider, Microsemi Corporation, the scholarships provide €50,000 in funding to the University of Limerick Foundation over a six-year period to help support excellence in engineering at the UL. Microsemi, which is headquartered in Aliso, Viejo Calif., has had a presence in Ennis, Co. Clare for over 20 years.

Receiving this year’s Scholarship was UL student Laurence Egan, a first year student who is studying Electronic & Computer Engineering.  Laurence, who attended the Meanscoil na mBraithre in Ennistymon, Co Clare received the Scholarship on the basis of his Leaving Certificate points. 

The Microsemi Engineering Scholarship is open to all secondary schools in County Clare and is awarded to the student who attains the highest Leaving Certificate points and commences in any of the following three UL Engineering programmes: the Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic and Computer Engineering; the Bachelor of Engineering in Design and Manufacture or the Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. The Scholarship is worth €12,000 and is paid over the 4 years of the student’s undergraduate degree.

Microsemi president and CEO James J. Peterson stated, “As part of our commitment to Ireland, we are proud to sponsor an engineering scholarship at the University of Limerick and to cultivate interest in science and innovation among secondary students in Clare.”

Professor Kieran Hodnett, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Limerick added said "The University is delighted with these new scholarships, which  will enhance our role in the economic development of the region through the supply of our high quality graduates."
David Cronin, Chief Executive of the UL Foundation added “We are very grateful to Microsemi for their support and look forward to working in partnership with the company and to developing our relationship further”.

For further information on Scholarships and Financial Supports offered at UL go to http://www3.ul.ie/courses/scholarships.shtml