The students being conferred at University of Limerick this week have been told to ‘believe in your abilities, stay curious, stay connected and never underestimate the impact you can have’.
These are the words of Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins, addressing the first of four ceremonies taking place for Winter Conferring.
More than 1,700 students are graduating from UL over three days of ceremonies from Monday to Wednesday with students from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Kemmy Business School, Education and Health Sciences, Science and Engineering and Interfaculty.
The latest batch of students join a global alumni of over 130,000 worldwide, which was recognised by Professor Kilcommins in his address to students during Monday’s ceremony, which was attended by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is Patrick O’Donovan, TD who also spoke to the new graduates.
“The circle of university life continues, and we now boast a barrier breaking 130,000 graduates worldwide – a milestone that drives us forward to be the best we can,” said Professor Kilcommins.
“In support of that we have worked tirelessly with our regulator, stakeholders, and the Government to bring about change at UL. That work continues and has a whole new focus of transformational change. Together with our Chancellor, Professor Brigid Laffan, along with the entire executive team and Governing Authority, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and the public good of third level education.
“More generally, we continue to take pride in UL’s achievements: in our incredibly talented students and staff, in our rankings, and in our impact and in reach throughout the community. Success takes many forms, and we will continue to pursue that reflecting our commitment to research and teaching excellence.
“That is our commitment to you, but as you leave here today with an award of note and stature, you now embark on the next phase of your journey, remember that the future holds great promise.
“Embrace it with confidence and optimism. Believe in your abilities, stay curious, stay connected and never underestimate the impact you can have. We are immensely proud of each one of you, and we look forward to seeing the incredible things you will achieve.
“Congratulations once again on your conferring here. May your future be bright and filled with success. Remember, you will always have a home at University of Limerick.”
Minister O’Donovan told the students: “This is a huge occasion for you on your academic journey, wherever it has started and wherever it is going to – it is also for your families and for everybody that has helped you on the road to where you are today.
“The sky is the limit – you can go on a journey in this country from an apprenticeship right up to a doctorate, something that was never possible before.
“The educational journey doesn’t stop with the parchments you receive today – there are pathways for people to continue their educational journey.
“I hope your experience here in UL will encourage you to tell other people that this is a place that you should really consider for learning into the future. This is a fantastic institution, it has a great future – and you are now alumni of one of Ireland’s proudest educational institutions.
“It is the first university established not by royal charter but by assent of the ordinary people of Ireland, through democracy exercised by Dáil Éireann and that is something that the University should be really, really proud of.
“So to all of you, and everybody associated with your journey, your academic staff, your families and all of your friends who have got you to where you are, congratulations and good luck to you,” added Minister O’Donovan.
