Julie Dowsett and Leo - the wife and son of the late Dr Greg Foley - at the opening of a room dedicated to his memory

Room Dedicated to late Dr Greg Foley Opens in School of Biotechnology

22/08/2024

Colleagues, friends and family of the late Dr Greg Foley, have gathered to honour his life and witness the dedication of a new room in his memory in the School of Biotechnology - where he worked for many years - in which students can meet to discuss their ideas and research projects.

The room, X201 - a bright, welcoming space - was officially opened in the presence of his family, and a sizeable crowd of former colleagues, some of whom were visibly emotional. It was a fitting tribute to the immensely popular academic who had driven many creative initiatives over the years.

Dr Foley was passionate about education and very involved in the DCU Futures programme which equips students with the knowledge and skills they need for their future lives, by adopting innovative teaching methods.

Last year, Room X201, which lies just across from Dr Foley’s office X203, was redesigned and refurbished through funding from the Faculty of Science and Health and DCU Futures.

Family members in attendance at the event were Dr Foley’s wife Julie Dowsett, his son Leo - who together cut the ribbon on the new room - his brother Mark along with his partner Cora, his other brother Paul, as well as his sister Cathy and her husband Bryan.

The late Dr Greg Foley, who has had a room dedicated in his memory in the School of Biotechnology

“The launch of the Greg Foley lecture theatre in the School of Biotechnology is a hugely emotional and proud moment for his family, and a fitting tribute and legacy for a man who spent his adult life with an unending, near obsession with education,” said Julie Dowsett.

“I saw his views develop over the years, from a traditionalist, believing in the quality and standard of the discipline and qualification, to someone with a broader view of the student’s lifelong learning journey, and the importance of instilling an interest and confidence in individuals so they can take their place in society and make an impact with their knowledge.”

“A sincere thank you to Greg’s ‘work family’ for making this memorial to his ethos possible.”

Professor Christine Loscher, Head of the School of Biotechnology, welcomed Dr Foley’s family and said she was delighted to mark a day that remembers his legacy.

“We still talk about Greg, we still miss Greg and his impact in the school will live on for a very long time," said Prof Loscher.

Assistant Professor Brian Freeland, who worked closely with Dr Foley also spoke about his passion for education and engagement with students, and his strong opinions.

“Greg had strong views about education, which he tested out on his blog and Twitter, and promoted interesting debate,” said Prof Freeland.

“He had a long, very successful career in research and engineering development, and then moved on to looking at what students needed, what industry needed, and always looking at student welfare.”

Prof Freeland also highlighted Dr Foley’s role in developing bioprocessing as a degree programme at DCU.

“This was a brand new degree that had never been seen in Ireland which was specifically for the food and biotech industry. The graduates have the engineering knowledge backed up by biological knowledge in order that they can thrive in those fields," said Prof Freeland.

“The degree has flourished. It is only three years old, so we have the first graduates next year, and those graduates have been the most popular graduates in work placement compared to any other course.”

The late Dr Greg Foley's son, Leo, pictured here when he was younger in his father's laboratory.

The Dean of Science, Professor Blánaid White said about Dr Foley:

“We will all remember him for his humour, warmth, optimism, loyalty and absolute kindness.”

“He gave an enormous amount of time to the students here, and he was always ready to listen to their queries and to advocate for them. He was sensitive and provided support as needed, and so many of the students have made warm tributes since his passing.”

“DCU Futures is all about preparing students to thrive, and that aligns so closely with what Greg’s values were: how best we can support our students to thrive while they are with us, and then when they leave.”

“We disagreed on many things, and had many vocal, challenging conversations, which we always left at the end ready to go for a pint in the spirit of us knowing we had students' best interests at heart.”

“One of the things Greg consistently talked about was a space for students outside the lectures where they can work together on group projects and get to know each other better. It is a fitting memorial to such a dear valued colleague to name this room after him.”