Chip manufacturer Analog Devices is investing €125,000 in a new engineering scholarship programme at the University of Limerick.
The Scholarship Fund is being established in memory of the late Hank Krabbe, the founding managing director of Analog Devices in Limerick.
Hank came to Limerick and set up the Analog Devices plant in 1976. He was always committed to education within the industry and it led him to participate in the work of the fledgling University of Limerick when it was only initiating programmes in electronic engineering and known as the National Institute of Higher Education Limerick.
His ongoing work was recognised by the college and he received an Honouree Doctorate Degree from the National Institute of Higher Education Limerick, which makes the partnership being formed today even more appropriate.
“We are investing €125,000 in this important initiative as we believe that it is very important to play our part in encouraging young people to select engineering as an exciting and rewarding career choice,” Ray Stata, co-founder and chairman of Analog Devices, explained.
“At Analog Devices, we are committed to promoting and supporting the study of engineering and to do what we can, in all the countries where we operate, to help encourage young people to consider engineering as an interesting and rewarding career opportunity.
“We believe that this scholarship programme will act as an incentive to young people to consider studying engineering and also hope that possibility of securing the Hank Krabbe medal will help set new standards in academic excellence,” Stata added.
As a company at the forefront of innovation with R&D at its core, Analog Devices believes it has a responsibility to play its part in helping to ensure there is a sufficient pool of graduates coming from Irish universities and colleges with the skills that are necessary for high-tech industries, such as the semi-conductor industry.
While nationally, and globally, the current economic environment is challenging, Analog Devices is committed to innovation and continued investments in R&D.
Stata concluded by saying: “Our new partnership with UL builds on our existing commitment to the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and on the Eamon Dillon bursary that is up and running with CBS here in Limerick. We strongly believe that a sufficient pool of talented graduates in the areas of science and engineering is vital if Ireland is to truly become a Smart Economy.”
The Analog Devices scholarship will be awarded to the top student after first year in Electronic Engineering annually for the next four years in University Limerick. The Hank Krabbe medal will be accompanied by a cheque of €5,000 and a €7,000 payment will be made prior to beginning Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4.
Prof Don Barry, president of the University of Limerick, echoed Stata’s enthusiasm. “We are delighted that Analog Devices has chosen to mark Hank Krabbe’s memory and indeed Analog Devices’ legacy in Limerick in this way. At the University of Limerick we continually strive to improve and enhance the education that our students can achieve here.
“Scholarships of this nature can have a significant impact on the student body and we are very grateful for Analog Devices’ continued support and long-term friendship and association with our institution,” Barry added.
By John Kennedy
