On 12th November 2019, DCU hosted its first Tech Talk in Silicon Valley when distinguished graduate Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer at Google, joined DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith for a fireside chat.
During a wide-ranging conversation, Lorraine provided valuable insights on the event theme, which explored the talent needs of the tech industry and the role of universities in responding to these.
Lorraine also discussed her memories of DCU and the role the university played in shaping her current career, recalling the passion of DCU lecturers as a strong memory from her student days. Lorraine graduated from DCU with a BA in International Marketing and Languages in 1992 and gave particular mention to current Business School lecturer, Dr Michael Gannon, whose passion for the subject of marketing was highly influential.
As a member of DCU’s 84,000-strong global alumni community, Lorraine maintains a close relationship with the university and was recognised by DCU earlier this year with an Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. This award was presented to Lorraine in person at the Silicon Valley event.
Lorraine is also a proud supporter of DCU’s Access Programme, which supports young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a third level education and fulfil their potential in life. In 2018, Lorraine created an endowed Access scholarship in memory of her mother, Teresa Twohill, which supports at least one female Access student to study at DCU each year.