Events

Nominations for the 2024 UL Alumni Awards are now closed. The UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner will take place in November of this year.

The vibrant community of University of Limerick graduates in Luxembourg gathered for a memorable evening hosted by UL Alumni.

The event marked a special occasion for graduates to reconnect, celebrate their shared history, and build new professional and personal relationships. The highlight of the evening was the presence of the Irish Ambassador to Luxembourg,  Her Excellency, Jean McDonald, who joined the event in a show of support for the strong ties between the Irish and Luxembourg communities.

The gathering brought together graduates from various disciplines, representing a diverse range of industries and professional backgrounds. Hosted in the heart of Luxembourg City, the social evening provided an opportunity for alumni to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen the UL community abroad. It also highlighted the growing presence and influence of Irish professionals in the Grand Duchy. UL was represented by Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs and Norita Kelleher, UL Alumni Services Manager.

Read more and view photos from the event.

The UL Alumni Team was thrilled to welcome graduates from across five decades back to campus last weekend for a day of nostalgia and reconnection at the Class Reunions. It was wonderful to see classmates reunite—some for the first time in 40 years!

The afternoon included a tour of the Chemistry Department, led by Maria Munroe, CTO, Department of Chemical Sciences, showcasing UL’s impressive Interactive Periodic Table, the first of its kind in any third-level institution in Ireland. A poetry reading took place in UL’s new memorial garden, paying tribute to classmates who have passed away. The peaceful setting provided a moment of reflection as graduates honoured the friends they had lost and shared fond memories. The ever-popular campus tour also set off from Plassey House, offering a mix of old memories and exciting new developments of our ever-evolving campus. As evening fell, the festivities moved to The Stables Club for the Reunion Barbeque. Conversations flowed freely as old friends caught up, exchanged stories and created new memories.

View photos from the 2024 Class Reunions

UL Alumni was delighted to host a special Summer Social event in the heart of London, bringing together our graduates and friends for an evening of relaxed conversation and camaraderie. Held at the whimsical Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals in Fitzrovia, the gathering provided a perfect setting for reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections.

The event saw an excellent turnout of alumni eager to reminisce about their university days and expand their professional networks. The evening began with a warm welcome from Laura Ryan, UL's Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs. Guests then mingled, enjoying an array of delicious canapés and drinks while engaging in lively conversations.

More than just a social event, the gathering also served as a vibrant platform for networking and idea exchange. It generated numerous new ideas and potential collaborations. The positive energy and proactive suggestions from attendees underscored a strong desire to stay connected with UL and contribute to its ongoing success.

View a slideshow of images from the event

UL Alumni was thrilled to host a really engaging event in Manhattan and reconnect with our NYC-based graduates. More than 50 alumni gathered in the central location of Midtown to celebrate their shared UL heritage and forge new connections. The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Laura Ryan, UL Director Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs who thanked attendees for their continued support and engagement with their alma mater. 

A highlight of the event was a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Malachy Browne and Dr Audrey Galvin from UL’s Department of Journalism who spoke about the critical importance of rigorous journalism in navigating today's information landscape.

Malachy Browne told graduates stories from his remarkable career as an investigative journalist at The New York Times, leading the Visual Investigations Unit, highlighting the power of merging traditional reporting with digital forensics to expose truths and challenge authority. Malachy received a UL Alumni Award in 2023 for his outstanding work. In an era where misinformation and fake news abound, the conversation was timely and thought-provoking as both Malachy and Audrey showed how essential it is to delve into the pivotal role of investigative journalism in countering these narratives and uncovering the truth. 

The gathering also served as a platform for networking, reminiscing, and celebrating the shared experiences and achievements of graduates from diverse backgrounds.

UL Alumni remains committed to fostering a vibrant alumni community, with plans to host similar events in NYC in the future. By providing opportunities for continued engagement and networking, UL Alumni hopes to continue to strengthen ties with its alumni base and create lasting value for graduates as they navigate their professional and personal journeys beyond graduation.

View a slideshow of images from the event

The 16th annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner was held in the Limerick Strand Hotel on Friday 3 November, taking place alongside the UL Sports Hall of Fame for the first time. 

The 2023 Alumni Award Recipients are:

• Mr Dermot Scanlon – BSc Industrial Chemistry 1985 - Outstanding Contribution/Entrepreneurship
• Ms Cathy Smith – BA European Studies 1995 - Outstanding Contribution/Society
• Mr Malachy Browne – MA International Studies 2006 - Outstanding Contribution/Humanitarian

The 2023 UL Sports Hall of Fame Inductees are:

• Mr Dave Mahedy – BA Physical Education 1978 - 2023 Inductee (Director, Sport & Recreation 1991-2019)
• Ms Lynne Cantwell – BSc Sports and Exercise Science 2003 - 2023 Inductee (Rugby)
• Dr Larry McCarthy – BEd Physical Education 1977 -2023 Inductee (GAA)

Read more about the 2023 UL Alumni Awards and Sports Hall of Fame.

View a slideshow of images from the evening.

Alumni from UL, NIHE and Thomond College spanning across four decades came together in early September for their Class Reunions. UL President Kerstin Mey welcomed graduates from the earliest classes to Plassey House before everybody embarked on a tour of the campus. The sun shone as alumni witnessed the incredible evolution of their alma mater. For many who were not on campus since their student days, the transformation from the modest buildings and spaces they knew well to today’s state-of-the-art facilities, lush green spaces, and cutting-edge technologies was greatly impressive.

As the sun began to set, the main event unfolded at the Stables Club, where old friends gathered for a reunion barbecue. Everybody was in great spirits, swapping stories about their university days and catching up on the years since. DJ Ber Angley kept the party going into the night, playing a nostalgic mix of tunes. As always the on-campus Class Reunion was a testament to the enduring bonds forged at UL and for many it was an opportunity to reconnect with friends they hadn’t seen in decades.

View photos from the Reunions.

The US Capital played host to a memorable evening as alumni, former students, and friends of UL came together for a special gathering filled with music, engaging conversations and a vibrant celebration of Irish culture. 

Musical performances by Dr Sandra Joyce, Dr Niall Keegan, and talented students from UL's Irish World Academy created a wonderful ambiance. Their remarkable talent and passion for their craft reverberated throughout the venue and captivated their audience. 

Niamh Kavanagh warmly welcomed the attendees on behalf of UL Alumni and provided insightful updates on the latest developments at the University. In her own words, Niamh expressed her delight in connecting with graduates, saying, "It was an absolute pleasure to connect with so many of our esteemed alumni in Washington DC last Thursday night. The live traditional music performed by Dr. Sandra Joyce, Dr. Niall Keegan, and our very own UL students Aisling Parslow and Sean Loughran created an unforgettable atmosphere. We cherished the opportunity to reminisce and engage in delightful conversations about our time at UL throughout the evening."

View a slideshow of images from the event.
 

Graduates and friends of the University of Limerick were treated to an engaging and thought-provoking evening centred around the topic of "Trustworthy and Generative AI" on 8 June, marking the University's first event in the city since 2019. The gathering, held in the elegant venue of 41 Portland Place in Central London, provided a platform for attendees to delve into the implications of artificial intelligence and its critical need for trustworthiness.

The event featured Dr Martin Cunneen as keynote speaker, sharing his extensive research and teaching experiences, shedding light on the complex realm of AI risk, ethics, and governance. Drawing from his impressive two-decade-long career encompassing diverse domains such as philosophy, applied ethics, and risk theory, Dr Cunneen captivated the audience with his expertise in AI and its implications for various industries.

Prof Kerstin Mey, President of the University of Limerick also attended, making her first appearance before London-based graduates. Prof Mey expressed her excitement in meeting the alumni and shared updates and plans for the institution. Joining her was Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at UL, who personally welcomed the attendees and further emphasised the importance of the event in fostering connections within the UL community.

View a slideshow of images from the event.

UL Alumni proudly hosted an exciting and long-awaited alumni event in Limerick on 25 May, marking the first gathering of its kind in over three years. The event took place at the highly anticipated International Rugby Experience, a venue that promised to deliver an immersive and fun experience for the attendees.

The evening kicked off with a tour of the International Rugby Experience, an interactive and engaging exploration designed to ignite passion and captivate visitors. From the moment UL alumni set foot into the facility, they were immediately enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of game day. Enormous media installations breathed life into the exhilaration and intensity of rugby matches. Graduates were transported back in time through captivating displays and dynamic multimedia presentations, as they relived iconic moments in rugby history.

Guests were also given the chance to showcase their own rugby skills and expertise through a series of interactive trials. Eager to put their abilities to the test, graduates embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and had a fantastic time immersing themselves in the challenges. As they engaged in friendly competition and shared their love for the game, the event served as a unique platform for reconnecting with old friends and making new connections based on their shared passion for rugby. 

Following the tour, UL Alumni welcomed graduates to a reception held on the sixth floor, where panoramic views of the city of Limerick provided a breath-taking backdrop to a lively panel discussion. The panel was led by Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs and proud UL alumna. Joining her were two notable former rugby players, Niamh Kavanagh and Barry Murphy, who brought a wealth of experience and entertaining anecdotes from the rugby world.
 

View a slideshow of images from the event.

Graduates and friends of UL came together on Friday, 14 April, at The Burren Irish Pub in Somerville for a heartwarming Gathering. The event provided a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, allowing UL alumni to catch up, share stories, and build new connections.

The Gathering welcomed special guests, including UL Alumni Chairman, Bobby O'Connor, and Niamh Kavanagh from UL Global. They underscored the strong bond between UL and its alumni community and shared updates on the university's initiatives and future plans.
 

The 15^th Annual UL Alumni Awards Gala Dinner was held on 19 November 2022 at the Castletroy Park Hotel. The annual awards, hosted by UL Alumni, celebrate the achievements of outstanding graduates.

The 2022 Alumni Award Recipients are:

• Ms Imelda Hurley – BBS 1994 - Outstanding Contribution/Business
• Col Colm Doyle – MA International Studies 1994 - Outstanding Contribution/Humanitarian
• Ms Linda Ledger – Dip Project Management 2012 - Outstanding Contribution/Society

Read more about the 2022 UL Alumni Awards.

View a slideshow of images from the 2022 UL Alumni Awards.

UL Alumni welcomed close to 400 graduates back to the campus for Class Reunions kindly supported by Bank of Ireland. Returning graduates enjoyed walking tours of the campus in the sunshine, followed by a barbeque and entertainment in The Stables which included a late-night party with the legendary DJ Ber Angley. Also, some of our earliest graduates were welcomed to a Reception in Plassey House hosted by UL Provost and Deputy President Professor Shane Kilcommins and UL Alumni Executive Director Majella O’Connell. As always, graduates took the opportunity to reconnect and reminisce as they celebrated 50 years of UL!

View a full album of photos from the 2022 UL Alumni Class Reunions.

Better late than never! UL Alumni was thrilled to support the UL Ceremonies Office in bringing the UL Classes of 2020 and 2021 back to the campus to finally celebrate their academic achievements. Having missed out on a traditional graduation, there were so many smiling faces at these Celebratory Gatherings held in April, as returning graduates donned caps and gowns for their special day. And the feedback afterwards confirmed just how much this opportunity meant to everyone there.

As part of Post-Grad Month in February 2022, UL Alumni was once again delighted to partner with the Postgraduate Student's Union for ‘PSU Alumni Connect’, an event focused on educational and career progression.
Current postgraduate students who attended were able to benefit from an impressive panel of alumni speakers with varied backgrounds and a wealth of experience and advice. Huge thanks to our speakers Lyndsey Hall, Chettanna Onaedo Nweze, Dr Paddy Finn, Dr Leonie Lynch, Karthik Vasisht Gajendra, Maria Ryan and Ishmael Kgaugelo Mothibi. The event was hosted by UL Alumni Executive Director, Majella O’Connell. “We are so grateful to our guest speakers… This event was a fabulous opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and it really emphasized the importance of alumni building their connections”.