PwC, Ireland’s largest professional services Firm, and the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick are delighted to announce a new partnership.  PwC has made a significant investment in the School’s state-of-the-art building where two of its lecture theatres will be named after the Firm.  This is the first such ‘naming’ arrangement in the Business School and in return for a funding contribution to the capital cost of the building, lecture rooms PwC1 and PwC2 will be named as such for a period of 25 years.  PwC’s contribution is seen as an investment in the business school’s graduates but also in the University as a whole as a driver for the future educational and economic development in the Mid-West region.

Speaking at the announcement, Michael Noonan, T.D., Minister for Finance, said:“I am delighted to officially launch this partnership between PwC and Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick.  The University of Limerick has grown strongly in recent years and it is a key economic driver for the Mid-West region. The top quality graduates that the University produces have attracted many business and investors to the region.  It is fantastic to see a company of the stature of PwC make such a significant investment in the Kemmy Business School.  The facilities and the broader support from PwC to the graduates of the school are extremely welcome and I am sure that many of the School’s graduates will go on and work for PwC in the future.”

Also speaking was Dr Philip O’Regan, Dean of the Kemmy Business School, who said: “This strengthens the links between PwC and the Kemmy Business School, building on a partnership that embraces Cooperative Education placements, graduate recruits, guest lectures, career seminars and advice, student sponsorships and potential research opportunities in the future.”  He paid tribute to his predecessor, Professor Donal Dineen, and Ken Johnson, Partner-in-Charge for PwC’s Mid-West practice who both worked assiduously to cement this partnership.

Ken Johnson, Partner-in-Charge for PwC’s Mid-West practice said: “The University has provided our Firm here in Limerick with talented graduates over many years and it is wonderful to cement this relationship going forward.  The quality of the graduates from the Kemmy Business School is very strong, having the right balance between academic, commercial and communication abilities, just what a business organisation like PwC needs.   We are very keen to see the University grow and thrive and continue to produce these quality graduates who are essential in attracting more investment into the region.  For us as a business, aside from our graduate and trainee needs, we are very supportive of the Kemmy Business School and the University as a key driver for the future investment and economic development of the Mid-West region.”

Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner, PwC added:“As a key employer in Ireland currently recruiting a further 280 graduates, we are delighted to be able to support the Kemmy Business School and the University of Limerick. Our links with the third level institutions are very important to PwC.  They have made a significant contribution in helping us  attract and nurture emerging talent as well as assisting our local economy through sustainable job creation. The University of Limerick is one of Ireland’s most progressive third level colleges and as the Kemmy Business School celebrates 25 years of its MBA Programme, we are particularly delighted to support it for the next 25 years.  Developing and providing the most talented graduates for business is critical for Ireland’s recovery.   And as the University celebrates 40 years of innovation, being able to continue to provide this future pipeline of high quality talent is critical to those international companies who are investing and reinvesting in Ireland, and to successful Irish-based enterprises expanding worldwide.”