Posted 13 June 2011
UCD honours access and lifelong learning achievement and dedication
The UCD Student Achievement Medal for Access and Lifelong Learning has been awarded to Dermot McElwaine, 56, who returned to study through the UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Programme some 30 years after leaving school for the first time without completing his secondary school education.
“The experience changed my life,” said Dermot. “It wasn’t easy. But with the support of everyone involved, particularly Matthew Harmey, UCD Emeritus Professor of Plant Molecular Biology, a whole new world opened up to me.”
“Now I’m a dedicated lifelong learner and all of my children have completed their studies at third-level, something that I’m immensely proud of.”
Dermot registered for the first UCD Access to Science & Engineering Programme (2000/01). After completing the UCD Diploma in Health and Safety, Dermot went on to work as a Health & Safety Advisor/Trainer in the Office of Public Works.
The presentation of the award marks the tenth anniversary of the programme.
Pictured at the award ceremony with his UCD Medal: Dermot McElwaine and his children (l-r) Mark, Rachel and Paul
The UCD Tutor Recognition Medal for Access and Lifelong Learning has been awarded to UCD Emeritus Professor of Plant Molecular Biology, Matthew Harmey.
Matthew received the award in recognition of his dedication to the UCD Access to Science & Engineering Programme for more than a decade. He has been a driving force behind the programme since it was first established in 2001. The presentation of this award marks the tenth anniversary of the programme.
He also played a key role in the development of UCD’s Access Initiative for School Leavers which supports students from areas of social and economic disadvantage.
Matt says that “life has been good” to him, that he has “been lucky in life, love and academics” – and that he “aims to share this good fortune with others”.
“I’m passionate about the role of education in the creation of a fulfilling, meaningful and purposeful life,” he said.
Pictured at the award ceremony with their UCD Medals: UCD Emeritus Professor of Plant Molecular Biology, Matthew Harmey and Dermot McElwaine
The UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Achievements Awards were presented by RTE Weather Presenter and UCD graduate, Evelyn Cusack. Evelyn holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics, and MSc in Physics both from University College Dublin.
Pictured at the award ceremony: RTE Weather Presenter, Evelyn Cusack and award recipients Dermot McElwaine and UCD Emeritus
Professor Matthew Harmey
Speaking at the event, Anna Kelly, Director, UCD Access & Lifelong Learning said: “UCD offers a variety of alternative entry routes for mature students, and the Achievement Awards recognise the significant accomplishments of our mature learners, and also provide an opportunity to honour UCD staff who continue to champion the needs of under-represented students.”
The UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Achievements Awards were presented at the launch of the UCD Access Strategy to 2014 – “Mainstreaming Equality of Access and Lifelong Learning: Opening Worlds”
“Since its foundation, UCD had a commitment to offering education to those who are traditionally excluded, a historic and institutional commitment reaffirmed in its most recent Strategic Plan ‘Forming Global Minds’,” said Dr Philip Nolan, UCD Registrar and Deputy President.
“This Access and Lifelong Learning Strategy: ‘Opening Worlds’ builds on the UCD Strategic Plan and articulates how the challenging objectives of that plan are to be realised.”
The key elements of the strategic plan include:
- To foster an inclusive learning environment that embraces the needs, strengths and preferences of a diverse student group
- To promote engagement with the wider community and prioritise the development of strategic alliances with organisations working with under-represented students, thereby encouraging and facilitating increased access and participation
- To provide a timely and effective suite of pre- and post-entry personal and academic specialist supports to targeted under-represented students
- To advocate for the development of an accessible environment for people with disabilities that is recognised as an exemplar of best practice in higher education
- To provide leadership, visibility and profile in the pursuit of a more diverse society
- To expand the range of part-time flexible undergraduate provision and entry routes
- To expand the range of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) options at graduate level
- To engage in research-driven widening participation policy and practice
(Produced by UCD University Relations)
