connect 2017 • 50 NEWS Loretta Brennan Glucksman Recognized Chairman Emeritus of The Ireland Funds America Loretta Brennan Glucksman was doubly recognized for her philanthropy and leadership. On June 29 she was granted an Honorary degree for her work in the areas of business and philanthropy. Upon receiving the honor, Loretta said: “It is a privilege to be recognized by Queen’s University in this manner. I have a great love for the island of Ireland and the people here. I also have great respect for Queen’s and the work that is being done at the University.” On July 4, she received the Kennedy-Lemass Medal from the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. More than 700 peopleattendedtheluncheontopaytributetohercontributionsto Ireland. Chamber President James O’Connor said, “She has worked tirelessly to deepen the ties between our two countries. In the spirit of those great leaders, Kennedy and Lemass, she embodies the idea of our kinship.” R.I.P. Tom Jordan The Ireland Funds family was saddened to mark the passing of one of the founding fathers of the organization. Tom Jordan of San Francisco was Director of The American Irish Foundation prior to its merger with The Ireland Fund in 1987 to become The American Ireland Fund. Tom was a Life Trustee of The American Ireland Fund and was the founder and great supporter of what is now known as The Ireland Funds A.W.B. Vincent Literary Award. The award has recognized great Irish writers and has fostered the careers luminaries ranging from Seamus Heaney to Edna O’Brien. U PDATES F ROM ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE IRELAND FUN D S #MoreWomen The goal of Women for Election is to inspire, equip and inform women in Ireland to run for political office. The Ireland Funds has supported this work and in the last general election in Ireland, women’s representation on the Dáil increased from 16% to 22%. Most recently, Women for Election has launched their #MoreWomen campaign to train an additional 300 women ahead of the 2019 local elections. The Ireland Funds are proud to support this best-in-class training that is making an impact on equal participation in Irish politics.