From Lithuania to Louth: The Open University Celebrates Global Stories at Dublin Graduation

The Open University’s degree ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday 13^th June 2025 was a powerful reminder that learning has no borders. Graduates from across Ireland and beyond came together to celebrate academic success—and the global journeys that got them there.

Among the inspiring stories was that of Colm Creamer, who graduated with a degree in Engineering. A Dubliner by birth but a citizen of the world in practice, Colm completed his studies while working in a job that took him from Dublin to Budapest, and later Madrid. From the metro in Budapest to the bus in Madrid, he made full use of The Open University’s flexible learning model to study wherever his work took him. Colm’s journey epitomises the OU’s mission: to make high-quality education accessible to all, regardless of geography or circumstance.

Adding a distinctly international flair to the day was Lithuanian international footballer, Liucija Vaitukaitytė. Balancing elite-level sport with academic commitment, Liucija earned a Computing degree through the OU while competing at the highest level of women’s football, playing for Italian Serie A team FC Como. Her story is one of discipline, drive, and a belief that education can be pursued alongside passion.

The ceremony was also marked by a special speech from Gillian Quinn, a proud Open University alumna and PHD candidate who graduated with a degree in Psychology after returning to education later in life. Gillian’s story is one of resilience and reinvention—having left school at 14, she later found her academic path through the OU. She attended the celebration supported by her husband, Niall Quinn, former Republic of Ireland footballer and businessman, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2012 from The Open University in recognition of his contributions to sport, charity, and public life.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gillian said:
"The Open University gave me more than a degree—it gave me belief. I never thought I’d have a second chance at education, but the OU made it possible. Today, seeing so many others on their own journeys—like Colm and Liucija—is incredibly emotional. It reminds me how education can truly change lives."

The graduation also featured moving student testimonials, emotional family moments, and vibrant social media coverage capturing the spirit of the day. From first-in-the-family graduates to working parents, and from paramedics to programmers, the stories celebrated in Dublin reflect a university community as diverse as the world it serves.

As The Open University continues to empower learners across Ireland and globally, this ceremony offered a timely celebration of its mission in action: to be open to people, places, methods, and ideas.