Declan Dunne, Dara Fitzgerald (Fulbright), Colm O’Reilly (DCU Centre for Talented Youth), Prof Tracy Cross, Katie Keogh.

Prof. Cross is the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Psychology and Gifted Education and the Executive Director, Center for Gifted Education at the William & Mary College (USA) and is a Fulbright Scholar, Dublin City University. He received the Mensa lifetime achievement award in 2009.

Daire Keogh The President of St Patrick’s College Drumcondra and Deputy President Designate DCU welcomed an enthusiastic and learned audience to the event. Declan Dunne President of IUSA pointed out that this was the latest in a series of Education Seminars, the product of the IUSA St Patrick’s College DCU Partnership over a number of years and again demonstrated the sharing of learning between the U.S. and Ireland.

Prof. Cross reminded us that giftedness comes in many forms not just IQ, so many gifted students excel in the Arts and other disciplines. His work over 40 years includes social and emotions aspects of their lives. He spoke of the challenges gifted people face both in supportive and more challenging terms when their giftedness is made public.

The Seminar Respondent was Dr. Colm O’Reilly, Director, DCU Centre for Talented Youth whose work over many years has been recognised. He spoke about the successful partnership between DCU and Dr Cross during his Fulbright Scholarship at DCU which was just ending.

Prof. Cross spoke of his experience of the quality of Irish schools which he rated very highly. This must have been of interest to IUSA Member Brendan Doody Assistant Chief Inspector of the Department of Education and Anne Looney CEO of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment both whom participated at the event.

Professor Fionnuala Waldron Dean of Education and Head of Education in St Patrick’s College and Dean of the Faculty of Education very ably chaired the Seminar. Fionnuala began her career in education as a primary teacher before becoming a teacher educator with a specialisation in history education in 1999. Since then, her research interests have grown to include teacher education (policy and practice), human rights and citizenship education and global citizenship education.

Declan Dunne closed the event by thanking Prof Cross and Dr O’O’Reilly and the participants. He acknowledged Professor Waldron expert moderation of the event and thanked DCU and The President of St Patrick’s College and Deputy President Designate DCU for once again generously hosting this interesting event in the Presidents building. Declan thanked the Fulbright Commission of Ireland which supported the event.