B.A. Students:

Conn Mac Aogáin was the first student to graduate from the B.A. in Comparative Literature (Irish Language Specialization) in 2015. Already holding a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Columbia University and fully-employed in a successful career, Conn desired to take his knowledge of Irish to new heights. At Lehman, he had the opportunity to study under visiting Assistant Professor Rhona Ní Chearbhaill and visiting Lecturers Úna Ní Fhátharta, Eimear Ní Cheallaigh, and Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh in addition to the regular staff. Conn participated in study abroad during his years at Lehman including a summer in Galway and a summer in Dublin.

Kate Eileen Foster graduated with a B.A. in Comparative Literature (Irish Language Specialization) from Lehman College in 2018. She is a Doctoral Lecturer in Chemistry at York College, CUNY, and completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2000 at the University of Washington. She is highly regarded by York students and colleagues. Kate who had already immersed herself in the world of Irish dance, began studying Irish at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan and transferred to Lehman College at the intermediate level. She has since become fluent in the Irish language and completed the major and minor in Irish language literature. Cáit participated in the study abroad program in An Cheathrú Rua, Galway, receiving the Summer Gaeltacht Award in 2013.

John Faubion graduated with a B.A. in Comparative Literature (Irish Language Specialization) from Lehman College in 2021. A New York City Fireman and a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, John began studying Irish at Lehman College with Elementary Irish 1. He completed a Minor in Irish Language and Literature and advanced to the B.A. program. Along the way, he has also studied Old Irish, French, Greek, Latin, and German. His wealth of linguistic knowledge brought much to the program. Seán Óg participated in study abroad during his years at Lehman including a summer scholarship in the Galway Gaeltacht.

Gaeltacht Summer Awards Students:

The following students have been awarded Gaeltacht Summer Awards through the Irish Language Program at Lehman College. The grant is worth about $2,500 covering tuition, room, and board. The grant is made possible through the funding of the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. All students completed at least Elementary Irish 1 and 2 through Lehman College before traveling to Ireland.

2018 – Erin Forbes and Jonah Green

2017 – Allison Manuel and Brenna McCaffery

2016 – Brendan Murphy

2015 – Howie Katen

2014 – John Faubion and Colin Harte

2013 – Kate Eileen Foster and Shannon Chiarel

2012 – Sabina Meyer and Naomi McCooe

2011 – Ciara Grogan, Sheila Houlihan, Garth Lambert, and Ed Shevlin

Current Instructors:

John Gillen – Adjunct Assistant Professor of Old Irish

Caoimhe Nic Giollarnáith (Forde) – Adjunct Lecturer of Irish

Tomás Ó hÍde (Ihde) – Professor of Irish

Past Instructors:

Muireann Ní Chuív (2012-2015)
Dr. Rhona Ní Chearbhaill (2012-2013)
Madeleine Ní Ghallchobhair (2011-2012)
Siobhán Ní Mhaolagáin (2010-2011)
Úna Ní Fhátharta (2009-2010)
Eimear Ní Cheallaigh (2008-2009)
Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh (2007-2008)
Elaine Ní Bhraonáin (2004-2008)

In Memoriam:

Donncha Ó Murchadha (Murphy) – Adjunct Lecturer of Languages and Literatures (2005-2020)

Mary McPartlan – Fulbright Scholar (Spring 2013)

Guest Speakers of LehmanGaeilge:

Louis de Paor
Gearóid Denvir
Síle Denvir
Art Hughes
Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh
Maura Mulligan
Rhona Ní Chearbhaill
Deirdre Ní Chonghaile
Madeleine Ni Ghallchobhair
Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
Máire Ní Neachtain
Ríona Nic Congáil
Dónall Ó Braonáin
Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh
Ciarán Ó Cofaigh
Micheál Ó Conghaile
Brian Ó Conchubhair
Conchúr Ó Giollagáin
Pádraig Ó Siadhail
Alan Titley
Fionnuala Uí Fhlannagáin
Ríonach Uí Ógáin

Guest Performers:

Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin

John Redmond

Dinner Honorees:

2018 – Bernadette Broderick, Paul Ferris & Lynne Van Voorhis

2016 – Dr. Séamus Blake & Eileen Zurell

2013 – Hilary Mhic Suibhne