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President’s Award: Eighteen students honoured for their service to UCD community

Posted 7 March, 2022

Eighteen UCD students have been named recipients of this year's President’s Award in recognition for their service to campus life.

Those who received an award were nominated by their peers and staff for their contributions to student extracurricular activities, as well as their involvement with student organisation across University College Dublin in 2021/2022.

The UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities aims to provide recognition for those who provide the leadership, commitment and energy that makes UCD an exciting, dynamic and humane place to live, study and work.

Its recipients, typically, are actively engaged in service to UCD societies, clubs or the Students’ Union, or are involved in student support services or competitive activity in inter-varsity events.

This year's recipients of the UCD President’s Award are:

Name Bio
Adesola Ojomo-Amaka  As an outreach officer for the UCD Women+ in STEM Society, Adesola has excelled at advocating the promotion of women and non- binary people in STEM. She has tangibly worked with local secondary schools to encourage students to pursue STEM related courses. Adesola has been heavily committed to fundraising over her time in UCD all while holding posts as an elected class representative and a residential assistant with UCD residences. It is evident that Adesola has taken up numerous leadership roles in order to enrich the lives of her fellow students and the wider UCD community.

Aoife Donohue

 Aoife’s passion for broadening access to Medical Education is being honoured today. As Medical Education Officer for the UCD Medical Society, she too holds the post as National Officer for Medical Education with the Association of Medical Students Ireland and has represented Ireland on the International Standing Committee for Medical Education. Her commitment to connecting students from DEIS schools to medical educational opportunities in UCD is a tremendous example of the hard work, community spirit and generosity that we strive for.

Chloe Slevin

 Mentor and Student's Union representative, Chole is a student nurse currently on supernumerary placements with our partner hospitals. She is a talented artist and has auctioned her works ensuring all proceeds went to charitable causes which demonstrates great philanthropy for an undergraduate student. Chloe is modest about her abilities and she is an excellent role model for other students.

Ciadhla Mulloy

 Captain of the UCD Mountaineering Club last academic year, Ciadhla has rejuvenated the club to over 1000 student members, establishing the club as one of the largest in UCD. She has been a shining example to all with her commitment to volunteering on committees, be it for clubs, or in other areas.

Ciara Moroney

 As a final year Pharmacology student, Ciara has demonstrated exceptional commitment to leading one of the largest societies in UCD; the UCD Food Society. She has spearheaded key events to enable the handing over of 1,000 plus free lunches to students. Furthermore, she has acted as Treasurer for the UCD Biological Society and has helped lead Mental Health Seminars run by the Students Union, providing students with the platform to form friendships and promote greater mental wellbeing.

Claire Farrell

 Current president of the UCD Women’s Rugby Club, Claire has navigated the club to both League and Cup success this season. Much sought after by her peers, Claire is known for her approachable and solution focused leadership style. Her impact on the growth of the club has undoubtedly enhanced the profile and importance of women’s sport within the UCD community.

Emma Gregg

 Emma has dedicated herself to progressing the UCD Students’ Union for the past 4 years. She has played a vital role as promotions officer and has been invaluable in helping shape SU events and building engagement with the entire student community. Emma has also represented the School of Music on multiple staff/student committees and assisted students through the University’s Peer Mentor Programme.

Eoghan Funge

 Eoghan is known for putting people first. As current Auditor of the Musical Society, Eoghan has cultivated an inclusive and fun environment within the society. He has a passion for helping others, most notably conducting fundraisers, which has given a voice to many charities and has used this platform to share and highlight their stories.

Fatima Butt

 As a final year Science student, Fatima has led BioSoc as Auditor for 2 years and has been a member for 4. Her utmost dedication has paved the way for the society to bring in esteemed guests and share valuable knowledge of science to incoming and current students through her events. She's also a student ambassador and consigns her time to really making UCD a better place for all. 

Gavin Coll

 		 Gavin is a leading, long standing member of the Choral Scholars of UCD. As well as vocal talent, he goes above and beyond for people. This has always been the case, but has been much more evident with the struggles of working with Covid-19 in recent times. He is the centre of the Choral Scholars community and is being deservedly honoured by his peers today. 

Hannah Ryan Murphy

 		 Throughout her time in UCD, Hannah has made many exemplary contributions to student life. To date she has held positions as UCD Music-Soc Well-being officer and Event Manager ; has been a Freshers Outreach Officer and Peer Mentor ; an Access Leader, Exchange Buddy and Community Mentor just to name a few! Hannah’s breadth of experience in supporting students has earned her admiration across the entire community of UCD. 

John Higgins

 		 As the current Auditor of the UCD Musical Society, John's influence to date will remain his legacy amongst his peers. His productions have earned national recognition for the University. Outside of his own remit, his supportive manner is showcased as he is also a member of the societies finance Committee, assisting with the budgeting of all societies. 

Joseph Walshe

 		 As a dedicated UCD Access Leader, Joseph's understanding, presence, voice, and own experiences have helped reassure hundreds of incoming students that their goals are achievable. He is also a Student Representative on the Widening Participation Committee offering that critical student voice to the University. Joseph is the embodiment of being an active member of our University for All. 

Lorraine Dunster

 		 Lorraine in her role as a UCD Access Leader has enabled incoming students entering through access pathways for groups under-represented in higher education to flourish during orientation. She has also been a student representative on the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Children's and Young People's Services Committee (CYPSC) making education and learning more accessible to young people. Lorraine deserves to be celebrated for her commitment, vision, and engagement with the University community and beyond. 

Nicole Matko

 Nicole’s participation in UCD programmes is exemplary. Her contribution to Open Days, Peer Mentorship, Staff /Student Forums, Community Path Mentorship, Volunteerism with the UCD Summer Festival while also conducting talks to younger students about Commerce on behalf of the University has been inspiring . Whether she is advising her peers in class or simply serving the wider community through her diligence, Nicole has always had the best intentions for the people around her.

Pranchal Narang

 		 President of the UCD Women in Computer Science initiative, Pranchal is known for creating a positive friendly learning environment. Having established coding workshops for the student community, she has also represented the Women+ in STEM Society as an Inclusion Officer where she instills a non-discriminatory society environment with the inclusion of people from different backgrounds. 

Rory Wasylyk

 		 Rory has contributed fully to University life through acting as a Peer Mentor, serving as a Student Ambassador for Social Justice and volunteering as an officer with UCD VO. His generosity and collegiality in the support he provides to other students is equalled by his strong sense of social responsibility. 

Vivienne O’Keeffe

 		 Vivienne is an established University representative of the UCD Lawsoc and UCD L&H society. She has held many executive roles on various committees profiling the importance of collaboration and dialogue outside the classroom on worldwide affairs. Furthermore, Vivienne regularly visits children in DEIS schools to teach them about the opportunities associated with studying law and working in the legal sphere. 

To date, over 320 students have received the UCD Presient's Award – which annually invites staff and students across UCD to nominate candidates based off a number of guiding principles.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations

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