Today will see a number of graudates receive their degrees at conferring ceremonies in SETU in Carlow, with over 4,000 students expected to graduate from their Waterford, Carlow and Wexford campuses this week.
In Carlow specifically, conferrings will commence today, and run until this Friday.
The graduations come at a time when the University is seeking to expand, with new veterinary medicine and pharmacy courses being announced in recent weeks.
Under the theme of “connection and the strength of interdependency” the conferring ceremonies highlight the University’s growing focus on regional impact and collaboration
The year marks SETU’s second year of awarding honorary doctorates to five distinguished individuals, whose contributions span across education, culture, sports, and social advocacy.
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association; Willie Mullins, renowned horse trainer; Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian; Eamonn McEneaney, former director of Waterford Museum of Treasures; and Liam Griffin, Director of the Griffin Hotel Group haven been chosen for embodying the values of that SETU wishes to promote.
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell recognises this year’s worthy recipients, stating, “The conferring of an honorary degree is the most prestigious accolade a university can bestow, and it is our privilege to honour individuals whose achievements reflect SETU’s core values. We take great pride in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments.”
Following the launch of University’s first five-year strategic plan, ‘Connecting for Impact’, in May 2023, SETU is focused on becoming a leader among technological universities globally.
Recent additions to SETU’s programme portfolio, including veterinary medicine and pharmacy, reflect SETU’s dedication to meet the needs of industry and learners in the region and beyond.
“The expansion of our course portfolio offers a wonderful opportunity for our University to meet the needs of learners and industry in the region. We are seeing the ambitions of the University being realised in tangible ways,” Prof. Campbell said.
“As SETU affirms its leadership role in the region, the recognition of the ‘interdependence’ that exists across our communities is proving to be one of our greatest strengths in growing our region. We are now witnessing first-hand the power of connection,” she stated, acknowledging the critical roles of families, faculty, and community stakeholders in supporting SETU students.
Congratulating this year’s graduating class, Professor Campbell encourages them to embrace their futures as changemakers. She reflects on their journey at SETU, which she notes is more than academic.
“The award you receive today is the formal recognition of your academic performance in your chosen field of study, but it only tells some of the story of your time here at SETU,” Professor Campbell says, adding, “I call on our graduates to be the changemakers, to value the connections and relationships you have made here at SETU; to work with people from all backgrounds and belief systems; to use the skills you have learned here; to analyse; to research, to think critically and to find solutions to create a fair and equitable society putting in place provision to stop the further destruction of our environment, communities and social values.”
Graduates are also encouraged to reflect on their place within the SETU alumni network by Prof. Campbell as she formally invites them to sign the SETU graduate roll book. In doing so she says, “I ask that you think of it as an active commitment to be a global citizen, to be part of a vibrant alumni that lives by the values of fairness, respect, and integrity, that offers a voice of reason. An alumni group that looks to define the future and make a positive impact on people’s lives by valuing the impact connection and interdependence has on our shared futures.”
In conclusion says, “On behalf of everyone here at SETU, I wish you every success in realising your dreams. The world needs your energy, your ideas, and your compassion.”
