Welcome from Professor Shane Kilcommins

Dear student volunteers,

I am thrilled to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the President’s Volunteer Awards (PVA). At University of Limerick, and across Ireland, we have a steadfast dedication to volunteerism. Our student volunteers are a driving force behind the civic role of Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and are pivotal in advancing Ireland’s vision of an inclusive and engaged society.

In a world filled with challenges, our student volunteers stand out as unsung heroes, making a difference through their acts of kindness. This remarkable spirit of goodwill is invaluable, benefiting both the communities they serve and the students themselves.

At UL, our students are celebrated for their generosity and commitment. We take pride in recognising the outstanding achievements and impact of our student volunteers. The President Volunteer Awards at UL exemplify the best of our students’ efforts to support the community, and these contributions deserve our highest praise.

Student volunteering has a profound and positive impact, bridging the empathy gap. Through diverse experiences, students develop compassion and a deeper understanding, becoming more likely to act against injustice and suffering.

Since 2010, the recognition of volunteerism at UL has highlighted a group of extraordinary, kind-hearted individuals who give back to the community. This shared sense of civic responsibility has grounded in students the belief that they are active contributors to society.

Volunteering, whether on or off-campus, is an unpaid yet invaluable part of student life. It enhances students’ learning and personal, academic, and social development, while also providing broader societal benefits.

Volunteering allows students to step out of their comfort zones and gain new perspectives. By interacting with people from various backgrounds, they develop a broader worldview that fosters tolerance and open-mindedness.

UL student volunteers engage in a wide range of activities, including local, national, and international community projects, charity fundraising, campus peer support mentoring, clubs, societies, unions, class representative programs, after-school clubs, and campus conferences.

Each year, the number of volunteer hours increases. This year, our students have contributed over 36,842 hours across more than 1,539 different volunteer roles in Ireland and around the world. To date, UL has recognised the efforts of more than 5100 students who have dedicated over 290,000 hours to various causes and organizations.

At the PVA Annual Ceremony this year, we will honour the commitment and voluntary contributions of the 618 UL students who have upheld this strong spirit of volunteering. Your dedication ensures the continuation of the PVAs and inspires others to volunteer for the greater good.

Your contributions extend far beyond the hours you dedicate. The impact of your work creates a better society, even in the smallest ways, for those who need it most. Volunteering leaves a legacy, inspires others, and forges lifelong connections. It complements learning and allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, reinforcing their understanding of various subjects and concepts.

In a world where division and apathy can prevail, student volunteers shine as beacons of hope. They demonstrate that small acts of kindness can lead to significant, positive change. By giving their time and talents, these students are building a brighter, more compassionate future, one selfless act at a time.

Thank you for your initiative and sustained commitment as a volunteer. I look forward to hearing your stories, celebrating your achievements, and wishing you continued success.

Professor Shane Kilcommins

Acting President
University of Limerick