The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation has appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair to take forward its crucial role in generating philanthropic support over the next three years.

The Foundation, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, raises funds from private individuals, charitable trusts and businesses to support a range of initiatives across Queen’s to enhance the student experience, accelerate research and support the development of a world-class campus.

Managing Director at Equilibria Capital, Garrett Curran, took up the position on 1 January 2024 with Leadership Consultant and Chartered Psychologist Tessa Breslin appointed in November 2023. Both have served as members of the Board.

Speaking about the appointments, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“A key part of the work we do at Queen’s is to build lasting relationships with those who share our vision for the future. Queen’s goes beyond offering just an education but provides support and opportunities to our students and alumni wherever their journey takes them.

“The core objective of the Foundation is to drive forward our mission to link Northern Ireland and our world class university to the global community, and to attract life changing support for our students, our ground breaking research and the impact we have on society worldwide and closer to home.

“The skills brought to this important work by both Garrett and Tessa will help direct the Foundation to continue to deliver on our key objectives, and I’d like to congratulate both on their appointments.”

Speaking about the importance of philanthropy, Garrett said:

“Philanthropic support for universities plays a vital role in the creation of a more productive economy and a more inclusive and prosperous society. There is an enormous opportunity not just to make a lasting contribution to a more just, equitable and prosperous Northern Ireland but also to support the University’s global reach and impact through its people, research and partnerships for the broader good of humanity. The Queen’s Foundation is deeply committed to delivering against this mission.”

Noting the huge impact of the outgoing Chair John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, Sir Ian said:

"Under Dr John Fitzpatrick’s chairmanship, Queen’s Foundation played a key role in increasing philanthropic income to the University to £21m in 2022/23. This will be used to accelerate vital research, enhance the student experience and provide the most able students with the support they need to make the most of a Queen’s education, regardless of their background or circumstances.  We are most grateful to John for his time and commitment to philanthropy at Queen’s, particularly his role in launching the Clinton Scholarship Fund and his continued support and guidance for the University’s activities in North America.”

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