What They’ve Said Abouth The US-Ireland Alliance and the George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program

These are an impressive group of young Americans who show great promise for future leadership. I’m confident that they’ll contribute to strengthening this historical relationship for the future. Senator George J. Mitchell

"The Senator George Mitchell Scholarship Programme, which links young US scholars with Irish universities, is a very effective way of ensuring that the connections between Ireland and the United States remain vibrant and builds the potential for further mutual benefit in the future."  Irish President Michael D. Higgins 

The US-Ireland Alliance is not just an investment in the futures of the individual scholars, but in our respective futures, as nations, as peoples, as friends. And for that, we are profoundly grateful. former Irish President Mary McAleese

Your organization works toward a worthy goal, and I wish you every possible success in your effort. President Bill Clinton

We must ensure that the relationship is carried forward for future generations. The US-Ireland Alliance understands modern Ireland. former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern

America’s ties to Ireland are long standing and the peace process in particular had wide bipartisan support in Congress. We strongly support the Mitchell program, which broadens the horizons of America’s next generation of leaders and deepens the ties linking the United States and Ireland. Senators Edward M. Kennedy, Olympia J. Snowe, Christopher Dodd, John F. Kerry, Joseph I. Lieberman, Charles E. Schumer, Robert Menendez, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, and Jeanne Shaheen

In cooperation with its many friends and supporters on the island, the Alliance has created a program with unique opportunities. Scholars meet with the Irish Prime Minister, President, political leaders in Northern Ireland, and many business and cultural figures from both parts of the island. The future American leaders return to the U.S. with a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience, which will benefit the relationship between our two countries for years to come. Congressmen Peter, T. King, Joseph Crowley, Richard E. Neal, Jerrold Nadler, Donald M. Payne, Michael E. McMahon, William D. Delahunt, James P. McGovern, Stephen F. Lynch, Barney Frank, and Michael E. Capuano

The power language of the future is networks …. the US-Ireland allows that, enables us to meet our colleagues across the water…. Investing in future leaders … is a very, very important thing. Fiach MacConghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre

I think the Alliance probably has more work to do now that it ever had before because for those people who educated others about Ireland because they had to go and had to move, no longer have to do that, so we’ve got to find a different way of communicating. Moya Doherty, Producer of Riverdance

Trina Vargo who has done a spectacular job with the Alliance and with the George Mitchell Scholarship – genius. You’re an inspiration. producer, director, writer, J.J. Abrams

As well as the direct financial spin-off benefit to the Irish economy, these students are likely to later occupy positions of influence in the US, whether in politics, business or the professions. I’d hope and expect that their study period in this country will create an enduring legacy of goodwill towards Ireland and significantly benefit this country in the future. Ireland’s Minister of Education, Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.

There is no doubt that the Mitchell scholarship programme will be a key plank in our efforts to develop education links with the United States. Sean Haughey, TD, Minister of State for Education, Ireland

For far too long the political engagement between Ireland and the United States has focused on the politics of Northern Ireland and on seeking to resolve the historical problems there. We now have an opportunity to offer a new generation of young United States citizens with an interest in Ireland an opportunity to be welcomed by this country…. The US-Ireland Alliance should be applauded for the exemplary work it has done…. It has provided a professional service in selecting high calibre US students to come here. Brian Hayes, T.D., Fine Gael Spokesperson on Education

The unresolved political relationships between the North and the South on this island and between Dublin and London defined what Irish America could do for Ireland in those dark days. Such days are now over. The US-Ireland Alliance and the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund form the platform on which a new relationship is being built. The wording used by the alliance does not refer to supporting the old sod, rather it refers to a relationship of equality and mutual benefit between Ireland and the United States. ……We must recognise that Irish-Americans have moved out of the ghettos of the past and are now part of mainstream America. They are part of an America that has distant connections with the greenery of Ireland. It was that greenery which encouraged people to visit this country in the past. We must understand the changed cultural and political relationship that now exists between Ireland and the United States. It is a relationship of mutual benefit and this scholarship should be a foundation upon which we can add and build. Ruairi Quinn, T.D, Labour Spokesperson on Education

The purpose of the programme is to educate a new generation of Americans about Ireland…. It is important that we maintain our special relationship with America. Europe is a big place in which Ireland is a small country and attitudes towards us have changed somewhat. Pat Breen, T.D.

In the future, our relationship with the USA must be based on partnership and must centre on the areas of education, the arts and business. I am extremely impressed by the work of the US-Ireland Alliance, which has been to the fore in the context of redefining the special relationship between Ireland and the US. I applaud its efforts in that regard. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D.

The Alliance initiated a new language in our relationship with the US. It is built on a relationship of equality and mutual benefit instead of being based on emigration, the “auld sod” and feeling sorry for Ireland. From that point of view it is welcome because it shows we have matured as a nation and that we can stand among the giants of the world. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

Mitchell Scholars add greatly to the day-to-day activity of classes and offer opportunities for exchanging new ideas and different ways of thinking. In addition to the direct financial benefits, these scholars bring great benefits to our knowledge economy and links with America. It is imperative that we work to sustain our strong relationship with America. The George Mitchell scholarship allows for the fruition and sustained growth of such a relationship. Scholars who complete the programme become ambassadors for this country. Senator Cecilia Keaveney

It is by educational means, such as this scholarship, that we will continue to secure significant friendships in the United States of America. Senator David Norris

As for the so-called 40 million people who declare themselves to be Irish-American of whom one reads, I am sure that when they voted in the presidential election of November 2008, neither Irish-American issues nor the question of which presidential candidate was best for Ireland was at the top of their agenda. Instead, they focused on domestic matters and issues. Many people who wave the Irish-American flag also have links with others such as the Italian, Greek, South American and Hispanic communities. The continent of North America including the United States comprises a highly complex jigsaw with many interwoven links and influence is not as easily obtained or kept today as it may have been 100 years ago. Consequently, we must take every possible advantage and try to strengthen it. Senator Paul Bradford

Trinity College Dublin is very proud to be associated with the renowned George J Mitchell Scholarship Programme, which has firmly established a powerful new paradigm for forging creative and enduring links between Ireland and the US. Through connecting the minds and hearts of some of America’s most outstanding young graduates with Irish students and society, it has also served to showcase on an international stage the range and quality of Irish university graduate programmes, North and South. Trinity’s distinguished Mitchell Alumni will always have a very special place in our community. Dr. John Hegarty, Provost, Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin is delighted to be associated with the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship Programme. Exposure to diverse ideas, cultures, languages and experiences is a critical component of modern life in general and is a central element of the UCD student experience. We are particularly pleased to welcome to our campus the world-class Mitchell Scholars who make a special contribution to the university as individuals and global citizens. Dr. Hugh R. Brady, President, University College Dublin

The University of Ulster has supported the Mitchell Scholarships since their inception, aware of the value for US-Ireland links of future US leaders studying at Irish universities. Ulster is proud of its Mitchell alumni, who have made significant contributions to the community while in Northern Ireland, beyond the scope of their academic programs, and who, in turn, have benefited from this wider community involvement and engagement. Ulster is a major provider of postgraduate programs in Ireland, across our four campuses. The postgraduate experience, which we offer is in line with our vision of excellence and innovation, and our promotion of the University and Northern Ireland internationally. We look forward to welcoming many more Mitchell Scholars in the years to come. Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor, University of Ulster

The Mitchell Scholars, the future leaders in American society, will play an important role in maintaining and developing US-Ireland relationships. Dr. James J. Browne, President, NUI Galway.

The George J Mitchell Scholarship programme makes a vital contribution to US-Irish relations by developing a cadre of future US leaders in Business, Public Service and the Arts who are afforded unique insights into Ireland and lifelong professional and personal networks with individuals and organisation in Ireland that can only enrich the interaction between our two countries. The University of Limerick has benefited from the presence of several Mitchell Scholars who have made valuable contributions to the intellectual, academic and social life of our campus. We applaud the US-Ireland Alliance for building this important bridge between Ireland and the US and we look forward to the benefits it will yield for future generations on both sides of the Atlantic. Don Barry, President, University of Limerick

They are terrific role models for our native students. They wear their unbridled ambitions on their sleeves, with matching energy and enthusiasm. One of the first “Mitchells” I met was proud to share his intention to be a US Senator! And I believe he will! Dr. Michael B. Murphy, President, University College Cork

NUI Maynooth has benefited enormously from hosting Mitchell scholars. As well as bringing outstanding intellectual ability to their studies, all of the scholars have participated fully in the cultural and social life of our campus. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to host them. Professor John G. Hughes, President, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Queen’s University Belfast has been proud to be a host university under the Mitchell Scholarship Programme since the first two Mitchell Scholars took up their places at Queen’s in 2000. High quality Mitchell Scholars contribute enormously to University life, enhancing the Queen’s student and staff experience through association with such talented future leaders. Peter Gregson, President and Vice Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast

Dublin City University is proud of the Mitchell Scholars who have chosen DCU for their studies. These talented young men and women have enriched the fabric of our university community during their time with us and we are very proud to count them as DCU Alumni. Ferdinand von Prondzynski, President, Dublin City University

The Mitchell Scholars, in their own words

The Mitchell Scholarship program gave me the opportunity to participate in a fellowship program that allowed me to gain not only from my experience in Northern Ireland through the sustained relationships with other scholars, supporters, and Irish partners. While there are many fellowship programs that provide funding for education the Mitchell asks more of its scholars as a community and that has allowed me to rely on that community professionally and personally since Ireland and in the future. Sarah David, Intelligence Research Specialist, New York City Police Department Counterterrorism Bureau

My Mitchell Scholar peers teach me not just about the problems they’ve already begun to solve (bringing world attention to Darfur, bridging religious and cultural divides in neighboring Belfast communities, and serving our nation as members of Army and Navy, to name but a few), but also about the internal spirit and perseverance necessary to commit to making a difference. The Mitchell Scholarship program excels at encouraging its scholars to engage in the community. So within four months of living in Ireland, I found myself working full-time for Dublin City Council’s Homeless Agency. The camaraderie amongst the group of Mitchell Scholars is most inspiring about the entire program. It seems that every year, the selection committee selects twelve people who compliment one another, encourage one another to think outside the box, and have fun while doing it. Bernadette McFadden, Research Associate, Institute of Medicine

More than any experience I had before or since, the Mitchell program has connected me to a group of incredible individuals who have inspired my work and served as partners for the past four years. Through the Mitchell Scholarship, I made friends who constantly inspire me to do better - I reported from Stormont (the Northern Ireland parliament), prepared a series of profiles for the BBC, and produced a documentary about Finglas (a North Dublin community) for a local Dublin radio station. Much has changed in the years since I left Ireland, but I have held onto to the invaluable connections I made that year, and they continue to shape my personal and professional life. Daniel Preysman, final year, Harvard Law School

Participation in the Mitchell Scholarship program enabled me to connect with political, artistic and media leaders as well as conduct real-time, topical research on economic and immigration shifts in that nation. I have used experience gained during my year to help run a successful non-profit Irish theater festival in New York and also to improve operations in the NYC public school system, where I work to serve the nation's most diverse student population. Cassie Farrelly, a Deputy Chief of Staff in the Chancellor's Office of the New York City Department of Education

For me, the Mitchell was a therapeutic year. For the first time, I could wholeheartedly pursue my own interests. Going to the Naval Academy, I had an incredibly cramped schedule, and being an overachiever, it was even more packed than it would be for the typical midshipman. There was little time where I could just be myself. In Ireland, I had time. I could finally do things simply because I wanted to, like run off to a different country every weekend or sit for hours just chatting with friends in the pub. Most importantly, I had time to think and process my life (especially when talking with some of my closest friends from the Mitchell). This allowed me to become even more comfortable with myself and discover my true strengths and weaknesses (especially while working for the NGO in Kenya!), making me a much more effective Naval Officer. Victoria Moore, Surface Warfare Naval Officer

The Mitchell Scholarship offered me the opportunity to explore the academic side of the fire service through Trinity's Fire Safety Postgraduate Program and an internship with the Dublin Fire Brigade. Based largely on these experiences, I am now an analyst for determining fire station placement for optimal response times. The Mitchell Scholarship provided me with a unique combination of academic opportunity, mentorship, and fellowship (with other students) that has made a large impact on my life. Markus Weisner

During my Mitchell year I pursued refugee studies (through the Comparative Ethnic Conflict program at Queen's) and, in the course of my research, had the opportunity to write an analytical piece for the UNHCR's research unit. I continue to work (enthusiastically!) in the refugee field and in fact ran into that same UNHCR researcher in 2009 while working in Jordan. He informed me he still makes use of the research piece I did during my time at Queen's. Lisa Yu, Refugee Officer, Department of Homeland Security

Going to Ireland allowed me to develop academically (I published a scholarly article while there), in my career (I appeared on Irish national television and radio), and personally (thanks to the connections I made with other Scholars). I think about that year often. Paul Musgrave, second year Ph.D student in Government at Georgetown University

The Mitchell Scholarship introduced me to science education beyond the United States borders when I was pursuing a M.Sc. Environmental Science at Trinity College Dublin in 2008-2009. My dissertation research in Ireland was a professional and intellectual 'launching point' for my Ph.D. research here at Yale University. Catherine Fontana

The Mitchell Scholarship gave me the opportunity to start my career in journalism while deepening my knowledge of international relations with an M.A. My experiences writing for Irish papers and working with RTE (both behind and in front of the camera) gave me a foundation and inspiration to pursue journalism full-time. I also made lifelong friends in Ireland and maintain connections there. Moira Herbst, finance team, Bloomberg News

The Mitchell Scholarship provided me with an unmatched opportunity to delve deeply into politics and policy as seen through the lens of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the European Union. As a student and now practitioner in the field of American urban policy, I find I have a tremendous advantage in viewing many of our local issues from a global perspective and with global ideas. As an American of Irish descent, I also feel that my connection to the island has increased since my time as a resident of Cork. I have travelled throughout the island regularly, kept up with Irish friends and colleagues from my Mitchell year, and met and married an Irishman. My life trajectory has changed as a direct result of the Mitchell Scholarship, and I know I will remain connected to the program, my classmates, and its vision of a new relationship for the United States and the island of Ireland for many years to come. Kathleen Long, Field Director, Andre Sayegh for Mayor Campaign (Paterson, NJ)

My time in Ireland demonstrated that our challenges in conservation of the natural world are shared between our two nations. I now better understand the global context of the environment and conservation because of my research and work in Ireland. Michael Gale, Special Assistant for External Affairs, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Relationships forged in Belfast continue to impact my ongoing research on the shifting boundary between the secular and the sacred around the world. Just as meaningful is the circle of friends, colleagues and pub comrades who I've been fortunate enough to keep around me long after departing the island. David Buckley, Ph.D student in Government, Georgetown University

Studying at The Queen's University of Belfast School of Law allowed me to delve into European human rights law topics prior to pursuing my primary law degrees in the United States and France. I was taught by professors who worked throughout the Troubles on the most important human rights issues facing Northern Ireland. I continue to draw on what I learned in my work on European human rights litigation as a fellow at the Open Society Institute's, Justice Initiative. Amanda Wetzel

Studying in Ireland opened my vocational and intellectual eyes to a broader world like few other experiences in my life. The lessons I learned as a Mitchell have helped make me a wiser teacher and keener military officer. Smith Lilley, Captain, US Air Force

For me, the Mitchell Scholarship was more than a year of intense learning in an amazing place. The Mitchell Scholar community has deeply enriched my life and enhanced my perspective on the partnership between the U.S. and Ireland; the community and the experience will always be an important of my life and motivate my commitment to making a positive difference. Kathleen Claussen, final year at Yale Law School

The Mitchell Scholarship changed my life by giving me the opportunity to interact with another culture and live overseas. I grew up in a small Oklahoman town, so living in Ireland changed the landscape of my imagination. Kara Cook, second year law student at Berkeley

If someone would have told me or my family that after graduation, I would be going to Ireland as a George J. Mitchell Scholar, we would never have believed them. The fact that such an improbable event occurred has reminded me to go after even loftier goals. I am forever grateful to the US-Ireland Alliance for doing everything it can to connect me to the right people to make those goals a reality. Art Chan, first year at Michigan Law School

I had a truly unforgettable year in Ireland. I gained a trans-Atlantic perspective on the environmental issues that are important to me, and this perspective still guides the way that I approach my work in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Scot Miller, Ph.D student in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard

For me, the Mitchell Scholarship was an incredible opportunity-- I had the chance to gain advanced language training in my field (Old and Middle Irish) and make connections with top Celtic medievalists. So academically/professionally, it was the best thing that could have happened for me, and I'm grateful for it every day. More personally, I treasured the opportunities the program allowed for unique experiences during the year, and the friendships I formed with both my colleagues at Maynooth and my fellow Mitchell Scholars. Becky Blustein, editor and writer

During my Mitchell year, I was exposed to the independent film industry in Europe - and I haven't looked back. Off a contact I made in Cork, I began working as a film producer in London, so I think I owe my career to that year in Ireland! Winnie Li

The Mitchell Scholarship engaged me intellectually, philosophically, and culturally, enabling me to understand myself better and complete social networking research in ways impossible anywhere other than Ireland. Travis Green, Associate Product Manager, Google

As a George Mitchell Scholar in Ireland, I was afforded the opportunity to pursue academic scholarship in tandem with broader cultural and political engagements; I learned that art and history are co-creative, and that each of us are capable, indeed responsible, for raising our voices in the name of creative peace. My life has been forever shaped by this unique experience, and I am wholly committed to a personal and professional journey that continues forward in the light of the Mitchell example. Michelle Miles, Ph.D. student in English (focus on Northern Ireland poetry and politics), Emory University

Pursuing a masters degree in international human rights law at Queen's through the Mitchell is what sparked my interest in law and law teaching. Also, I made some of my closest friends and completed timely and fascinating research, working for QUB and the NIHRC, which I still draw from today, during my three years in Belfast. Rachel Rebouche, Associate Director of Adolescent Health, National Partnership for Women and Families