what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do

Mission

Irish College Leuven was established in 1984, on the former campus of the 17th-century Irish Franciscan college, in the Belgian city of Leuven. It as an international residential centre for education, training, and networking in European and international affairs, in fulfilment of its mission to maximise promotion, positive exposure and opportunities for the island of Ireland.

Irish College Leuven creates, delivers, and hosts customised education and training programmes and networking opportunities on behalf of higher education institutions, professional and representative associations, the public sector, and voluntary and community societies.

The campus at Irish College Leuven is a modern state of the art residential conference venue that provides a high quality conference, meeting, and events facilities equipped with the latest technology.

During the year Irish College Leuven welcomes and hosts cultural and artistic events from, and related to, the island of Ireland.

what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do
what-we-do

Since 1984 we have successfully delivered on this promise, meeting and exceeding the expectations of clients – academic, professional and commercial – by integrating educational curricula, enriching corporate training courses, exploring opportunities and developing relationships.

Governance

Irish College Leuven is registered in Belgium as The Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe ivzw (Company number BE0425.478.919), at Janseniusstrraat 1, Leuven, as an international non-profit organisation compliant with Belgian statutory requirements.

Members of the board have been selected for their expertise and experience in sectors relating to the college’s day-to-day business, and for their commitment to its mission, culture, history and strategic importance. There are directors representing business, higher education, the public sector, NGOs and cultural life, drawn from Belgium, The Republic of Ireland and both communities within Northern Ireland.

Statutes

Board Members

Dónall Curtin
Dónall Curtin joined the board in 2020. An accountant by profession, Dónall has experience on boards in business, education, and the arts.
Dónall Curtin
Chair
Leïla Drake
Leïla Drake is founding partner at LegalDirect, corporate law firm. She is also the chairwoman of Artemis, an organisation for entrepreneurial women.
Leïla Drake
Director
Dimitri Droshout
Dimitri Droshout Head of Legal Department, KU Leuven, and former legal scholar and lecturer in comparative law at KU Leuven and Maastricht University
Dimitri Droshout
Director
Mark Durkan
Mark Durkan was previously Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, a former Member of Parliament, and past leader of the SDLP in Northern Ireland.
Mark Durkan
Director
Michael Heaney (Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh)
Michael is former CEO Údarás na Gaeltachta & Director of Services Donegal County Council. Current Vice President of the Assembly of European Regions.
Michael Heaney (Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh)
Director
Dr Caroline McGroary
Caroline is a Chartered Accountant, Fulbright Scholar, Research Fellow at Boston College and Lecturer in Accounting at Dublin City University.
Dr Caroline McGroary
Director
Sir Gerard Loughran
Sir Gerard Loughran is a former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and serves on boards in business, education and social services.
Sir Gerard Loughran
Director
Louis Roppe
Louis Roppe is a lawyer, a former Mayor of the City of Hasselt, and Chairman of St Josef's Hospital. He is a founding member of Irish College Leuven.
Louis Roppe
Director
Professor Hedwig Schwall
Prof. Hedwig Schwall is professor emeritus at KU Leuven and project director for the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies.
Professor Hedwig Schwall
Director
Professor Terri Scott
Professor Terri Scott is a non-executive Director serving on public bodies in Ireland and the UK following a distinguished career in higher education.
Professor Terri Scott
Director

Staff Members

David Grant
David was appointed Chief Executive in 2017 and leads the team in delivering the mission of Irish College Leuven.
+32 16 310 430 davidgrant@irishcollegeleuven.eu
David Grant
Chief Executive
Jeffrey Cox
Jeffrey, based at our offices in Ireland, researches and develops tailored programmes to meet the academic and professional needs of our clients.
+353 1 231 4600 jeffreycox@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Jeffrey Cox
Education Programme Manager
Stephen Mullan
Stephen supports our international client programmes from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
+32 16 310 430 stephenmullan@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Stephen Mullan
International Programme Executive
Wim Truyers
Wim supports our clients in the organising and preparation of conference, meetings and events with tailored service for each event.
+32 16 310 430 wimtruyers@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Wim Truyers
Conferences and Events Manager
Susan Hill
Susan is the front of house and reception supervisor making sure that our guests receive a warm welcome and supports all our programmes and events.
+32 16 310 430 susanhill@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Susan Hill
Front of House & Reception Supervisor
Antonio Arruda
Antonio is supervisor of Irish College Leuven's food and beverage department ensuring that our clients catering needs are always met.
+32 16 310 430 antonioarruda@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Antonio Arruda
Food & Beverage Supervisor
Keith Irwin
Keith has over thirty years service with Irish College Leuven and continues to take care of the historic building and provide support for our events.
+32 16 310 430 keithirwin@irishcollegeleuven.eu
Keith Irwin
Property & Technical Supervisor