William J. Flynn Center
for Irish Studies
Crescamus in Christo, Let us grow in Christ
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Beyond the Emerald
Flynn Forward
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies seeks to preserve Irish heritage and culture, promote peace and reconciliation, and provide students with a transformative educational experience that includes immersive study abroad opportunities.
There are many ways to join an Irish Studies class. Community members are encouraged to audit courses of interest. Undergraduates may pursue a minor in Irish Studies or make progress towards their majors by enrolling in one of our many classes cross listed with English, History, Theology, Political Science, or International Studies. Graduate students in the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) Program may elect a concentration in Irish Studies. All Irish Studies courses are taught in a small seminar style meant to encourage open discourse. Irish Studies students often pursue a graduate degree in history, literature or political science in the U.S. or abroad. Some also attend law school.
Celtic Mission
About the Center
Our nationally and internationally renowned Flynn Center for Irish Studies is one of UST’s six Centers for Excellence and features academic, cultural outreach and study abroad programs. We provide our students with a broad array of interdisciplinary courses taught by UST faculty. The Irish Studies program offers a minor in Irish Studies at the undergraduate level and a concentration in Irish Studies in the Master of Liberal Arts program at the graduate level. Most of our courses are open for the public to audit with the professor’s permission and space availability.
Our Center’s mission:
- To preserve the Irish heritage and culture
- To promote peace and reconciliation around the world using the Northern Ireland model
- To serve as a premier Center for Irish and Irish American Studies in Texas and the Southwest offering outstanding educational opportunities to our students and the community
Irish Studies
Institute Leadership
Dr. Martin Lockerd
Under the our leadership The Flynn Center for Irish Studies approaches the study of Irish history, culture, and identity as a living intellectual tradition that continues to illuminate contemporary questions about diaspora, heritage, language, faith, and the enduring Irish contribution to the wider world. The Center’s leadership emphasizes careful scholarship, deep engagement with the Irish and Irish American experience, and the conviction that history and culture shape the present and enrich the broader intellectual and civic life of the University of St. Thomas community.
Student Experience
Study Abroad
Generous scholarships provided by the Center for Irish Studies ensure that any student who wishes to study abroad in Ireland has the opportunity. Summer study abroad programs take students to Ireland for two to three weeks to experience first-hand the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of the land of saints and scholars. Priority consideration for study abroad scholarships is given to students enrolled in the Irish Studies minor.
Students can study for a semester abroad and earn credit toward a UST degree by attending classes at our sister school Mary Immaculate College in Limerick or by participating in the Irish American Scholars program. Scholarships for travel, room, and board are available.
Students from Northern Ireland attend UST in their third year through scholarships sponsored by the Center for Irish Studies in collaboration with Study USA and the British Council. This year, Dualtach Magfhionnbhairr from Belfast (pictured with student Alexandria McGhee) is studying at UST.
Experience Ireland
Activities with a Flair
The Flynn Center for Irish Studies brings Irish culture to life through a vibrant range of activities and events for students and the community.
- Irish Club: We encourage you to join the Irish Club, Club Éireannach. It promotes the culture and heritage of Ireland. Throughout the academic year, the club hosts a variety of events, including a Samhain celebration at Halloween, St. Brigid’s Day Celebration, St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and our End of semester party.
- Irish Gala: Annual fundraiser for the Center that celebrates Irish Culture and Heritage.
- The Center hosts concerts and lectures highlighting various aspects of Irish life throughout the semester.
Join Our Community
Discover the Heart of Irish Studies
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas offers students more than coursework: it offers a scholarly community dedicated to Irish heritage, peace, and cultural discovery. Graduates leave prepared to engage with Irish and Irish American history, literature, and politics with depth and purpose, bringing insight and understanding into their careers, communities, and the world. For donors, this community is a lasting investment: forming leaders who will carry forward the rich cultural and humanitarian legacy of Ireland and its people.