AIT to spread the word through major magazine campaign

A new magazine entitled AIT Life will be published by Athlone Institute of Technology this week. The magazine which has a print run of 120,000 will be distributed free of charge in newspapers across a broad corridor stretching from Galway to Meath and Kildare. It will also be available in libraries, adult education centres and FÁS offices. According to editor, Brian Lynch, the magazine provides a snapshot of the many facets of life in the institute ranging from student experiences, courses which are available, graduate profiles, research successes and sporting facilities. 'There are so many different facets to AIT it can be difficult to have a sense of the scale of activities here. We wanted to capture some of the interesting stories and news items and let people know about them. 'For instance, students on our new software engineering degree in game development have access to one of the most powerful gaming notebooks in the world. In 2009, our R&D income will exceed €7.25 million; we have partnerships with over 200 universities around the globe; and in sports, our astro-turf pitch has received a FIFA 2-star certificate, the first in the country. 'These are successes to be proud of, not just simply for the staff and students in the institute, but for the entire Midlands. AIT is the only third level college in the region and it plays a central role in supporting the educational, industrial, economic and cultural development of the area,' he said. With the CAO deadline of 1 February looming, it is also hoped that AIT Life will prove a useful resource in helping potential students make their course and college choices. 'The range of programmes available in the institute is extensive and ranges from business and humanities, to engineering and science. While employment conditions are deteriorating, a qualification from AIT will help students to future proof their careers,' according to Mr Lynch. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of AIT Life can request one by emailing aitlife@ait.ie.