QUITE a coup for the U.S. board members of the National University of Ireland Galway. President Bill Clinton will accept the board's distinguished guest honor at the annual NUI Galway dinner in New York on Monday, November 24.

Loretta Brennan Glucksman, no stranger to the Irish American community thanks to her stellar work helming the American Ireland Fund and endowing Glucksman Ireland at New York University, will also be honored on what promises to be a fabulous night.

Declan Kelly, who chairs the university's U.S. board, praised the Irish achievements of both of this year's honorees.

"We are truly honored to be able to recognize the remarkable contribution to Ireland and its people that both Loretta Brennan Glucksman and President Clinton have made in so many different ways over the past two decades," Kelly said.

"Loretta is indeed a most worthy honoree given her unique contribution to Irish academic life not only in Ireland itself but through the establishment and development of Glucksman Ireland House at New York University. President Clinton's commitment to the securing of peace in Northern Ireland, and his friendship to Ireland as a whole throughout his political career, has been absolutely remarkable and we are deeply honored to have been given the opportunity to recognize that contribution with his attendance at this year's event."

President Clinton, as we all know, is Irish through and through, and his advocacy of Irish issues during his time in the White House will probably never be matched (unless, of course, Senator Clinton makes another run!) And he certainly hasn't forgotten his Irish friends, as his acceptance of the Galway honor shows.

Mrs. Glucksman has chaired the American Ireland Fund since 1995, and as leader of its Hope and History campaign she raised $100 million for the group. Clearly she's a philanthropist to be reckoned with.

NUI Galway Board dinner chairman said last year's dinner which honored recent Emmy nominee Gabriel Byrne was memorable, and November's event should be equally exciting.

"This year's dinner is truly unique - recognizing two wonderful ambassadors of everything that is at the center of Irish life and Irishness itself - hard work, dedication, selflessness and perseverance," he said.

As one of Ireland's foremost centers of academic excellence, the National University of Ireland Galway, has emerged as a powerful engine for economic growth in the west of Ireland. NUI Galway is a leader among Irish universities in several key areas with global impact - including bioengineering, medical research, marine science and law and human rights.

In addition, the University has a distinguished reputation for research in the humanities, particularly in the fields of Irish studies, film and literature, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and artistic richness of the region. (And, let's not forget, actor Martin Sheen was a recent NUI Galway undergrad!)

The dinner will take place at the Metropolitan Club. For further information call Sarah Kelly at 347-623-3866.