Vincent Mc Kenna, Queens University Belfast, Mature Students

Vincent Mc Kenna, Queens University Belfast, produced the first ever Mature Student guidance book in Ireland. Vincent Mc Kenna who had begun working in factories as a child returned to education when he was 28 years old. Mc Kenna having realised the life changing opportunity that third level could have for ordinary people such as him, produced the first ever guidance book for mature students in order that they could cope with the challenge of returning to education after many years.


Vincent Mc Kenna also created the voluntary post of Mature Student Officer at Queens University and he held that post for a number of years. Mc Kenna generated cash for the Students Union at Queens University by organising 70s/80s style discos and ensuring that mature students had the facilities necessary to participate fully in their education.

Mc Kenna while Speaker of the Students Union Executive at Queens University Belfast made the casting vote in relation to introducing the bi-lingual policy at Queens Students Union.