Martin Browne is the 2018 recipient of the Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship
Congratulations are in order for Martin Browne, who has been selected as the recipient of the Rev. John M. Conlisk Scholarship for 2018. Martin received his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Limerick, which is also where he first heard about the Conlisk Scholarship. “I had the chance to speak to previous scholarship recipients as well as faculty members about the scholarship, and I realized what an amazing opportunity it would be to be able to continue my degree at the Dolan School of Business.”
Martin described receiving the news that he was awarded the chance to obtain a master’s degree in business analytics, stating that it was a normal night at home eating dinner with his family when he got the call. Martin said that he was shocked and could not believe that it was true. He remembered feeling excitement for the new chapter in front of him.
For those unfamiliar with the Rev. John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship, it was founded by Kevin Conlisk ’66, a former member of the ¶¶Òô»ÆƬapp Board of Trustees. Named in honor of the late Rev. John M. Conlisk, Kevin Conlisk’s brother who served the diocese of Bridgeport, the scholarship was founded when a group of Irish Americans led by Mr. Conlisk felt a desire to enhance the job opportunities of young people from Ireland and allow them to continue their education and grow their business network in America. The scholarship is awarded annually and covers all tuition, housing and medical insurance expenses for the time it takes for the student to earn a master’s degree from the Dolan School of Business.
This year, Martin is that chosen student, and he is currently making the most of his time in the States. Martin said that he has spent much of his free time exploring the big cities nearby, citing his visits to New York and Washington D.C. as exciting chances to experience these cities up close and personal, instead of through a television screen.
“My experience at Fairfield so far has been great! Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful, and I really feel welcomed into the community,” said Martin, who has also enjoyed spending sunny days by the beach with his friends although he used to love golfing in Ireland and would like to get back out on the course sometime soon.
Thinking forward, Martin admits that he does not know what the future holds. “I have never studied analytics before, but there are so many opportunities in the business world that you never truly know where you may end up.” On staying in the U.S., Martin remains open to the possibility, stating that a year ago he never would have imagined getting the chance to study here in the first place, so anything is possible.
