Sr Angela Bugler
Born in Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Sr Bugler began her career in education as a national school teacher in the 1950s.
A proud graduate of Mary Immaculate College, she taught for five years before entering religious life at the Convent of Mercy in Westbourne, Limerick. She obtained her BA in Irish and French, Higher Diploma in Education and Graduate Diploma in Librarianship from UCD. Her MA in Education was conferred by NUI, Maynooth.
Appointed to MIC in 1966, Sr Angela lectured in Irish language and French as well as managing the library, being the College’s first professional librarian. In 1984, she was appointed Rúnaí Acadiúil, serving as academic secretary to the president of MIC from 1984 until her own term of presidency began in 1988.
Due to a sharp decline in births in Ireland, resulting in a huge drop in demand for primary teachers at this time, MIC faced a critical challenge for survival. However, not one to be daunted, Sr Angela faced the challenge and embarked on an ambitious diversification programme. Including the introduction of a Bachelor of Arts degree, postgraduate degrees in education and the arts, curriculum development, second-chance education and research. A broad internationalisation programme was initiated by establishing networks with colleges in Europe through the EU and Council of Europe. Links were also forged with universities in the United States and Wales.
In 2017, the University of Limerick paid tribute to Sr Angela by awarding her an Honorary Doctorate Award in recognition of her leadership of MIC during her term as President from 1988–1999.
