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By Beth Gormley, Communications and PR Manager, UCD College of Business

Pictured: First graduating cohort of KPMG Scholars with Dean Tony Brabazon and Associate Dean of UCD Quinn School Maeve Houlihan

The graduating cohort includes Grace Zhu (BBL), Shedrack Alli (BComm), Grace Odunlami (BComm International with Chinese) and Sam Marin Lee (BComm International with Italian). 

“Receiving the KPMG Denis O'Connor Scholarship has been a tremendous support in my academic journey at Quinn,” commented Shedrack Alli. “It has not only alleviated my financial burden but also provided me with the opportunity to focus on my studies, pursue my passions and fully engage in the college community.”

“Thanks to the KPMG scholarship, I have been able to fully immerse myself in my studies and take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to me at UCD Quinn School, setting me up for success in my future career.”

Established in 2020 in memory of the late Denis O’Connor, former Managing Partner, KPMG and UCD Alumni, the scholarships celebrate his legacy as a business leader and educator.  

The awards are designed for promising students whose circumstances may present challenges towards fully accessing and availing of college opportunities. Each year, four scholarships are awarded based on merit, achievement and enabling impact. Overall, the programme’s goal is to assist scholars to thrive in their college experience and to widen and deepen participation across the learning community. 

“As a result of all the support and advice I have received from the UCD Quinn School and scholarship teams, I have been able to undergo internships at KPMG, TikTok and Microsoft, which has allowed me to understand my future career path,” continued Alli, who is now an Associate at Alphasights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“Being close to the Quinn community as a result of this scholarship has also opened up doors abroad, gave the privilege to give back, and represent UCD on a college partnership with Howard University in Washington DC. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and I will always aim and strive to give back to the community and University that has given so much to me.”

Over a ten-year period, the scholarship programme will empower 40 students through financial support, internship and professional development opportunities, and build a community of peers, mentors and champions. 

"The KPMG Scholarship allowed me to connect with amazing people who have become lifelong friends,” said Grace Zhu, UCD Business and Law Graduate. “The tight-knit community of scholars and mentors feels like UCD and KPMG intertwine and blend to form a big family that inspires and guides me throughout my career journey."

At the event, members of the O’Connor Family, KPMG Ireland Partner and Head of Technology and Media Anna Scally, as well as KPMG Scholars from all years, gathered to reflect on the positive impact of the scholarships.   

“This is the fourth year of our KPMG and UCD Quinn School partnership in co-creation and investing in students, student experience and transformational learning,” said Director of UCD Quinn School Maeve Houlihan. “This year brings a special moment for this collaboration, as we proudly welcome our fourth cohort of Scholars – while our first four KPMG Denis O’Connor Scholars graduate.”

“Reflecting on the first four years, we see the multifaceted, multidirectional impact of this programme,” Assistant Professor Houlihan continued. “It nourishes participation and belonging, investing in student capacity to thrive in tangible ways – financially, professionally, and personally – with access to relationships, opportunities and development.” 

KPMG Scholars play key leadership roles as mentors and ambassadors, building connections within their Scholar community and far beyond. “Our senior KPMG Scholars have not only thrived, but they help others to strive and engage with all that being a student at UCD Quinn School has to offer.”

“The creative partnership and ongoing dialogue between the KPMG and UCD Quinn School teams further expands student experience and development,” concluded Houlihan. 

“On behalf of  UCD, I offer renewed gratitude to everyone at KPMG for our ongoing collaboration. We especially extend appreciation and regard to the O’Connor family and celebrate Denis O’Connor’s legacy as the first cohort Scholars named for him, complete.”