TUS graduations a family affair

Graduating was a family affair for some of those celebrating with their parchments at the Athlone campus of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

A father of four girls balanced his family commitments and job as a quantity surveyor to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in Engineering Management

Vinny Costello, from Taughmaconnell, celebrated his achievement at the ceremony with wife Anita and their four daughters: Molly, 12; Lilly, 11; Sadie, aged eight, and Elsie, aged six.

Afterwards, Vinny, who works as a quantity surveyor, said: “I didn’t set foot in the campus during the year as I was able to do it all remotely online. That helped me greatly with balancing work and home life. I would be a firm believer that ‘what you put in is what you get out’ of something. It was heavy going, full on, but definitely worth it in the end. The lecturers were very good and I was very happy with the course overall.”

Also celebrating on the Athlone campus were a husband-and-wife duo who both achieved success in their studies.

Raghunath Kale was rewarded with a Masters of Science in Software Design with Cyber Security, while his wife Vandana celebrated with a Postgraduate Diploma In Science in Quality Management and Validation.

The couple, who used to live in Athlone, but now reside in Newbridge, County Kildare, have two children: Rudraraj aged 13 and Rajvi, aged eight.

“We chose to embark on this journey together, not only to better ourselves but also to set a benchmark for our children. Achieving these milestones side by side has been deeply rewarding,” said Raghunath.

Vandana added, “Our shared commitment and encouragement helped us both excel.”