UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities 2004
UCD President’s Awards Recipients 2004
Gach bliain tugann Dámhachtainí an Uachtaráin aitheantas do na mic léinn sin a bhaineann an scoth amach in imeachtaí seach-churaclaim, imeachtaí a chinntíonn gur áit spleodrach, shuimiúil, dhinimiciúil agus dhaonnúil é UCD le cónaí ann agus le hobair agus staidéar ann chomh maith. Iarrtar ar fhoireann agus ar mhic léinn UCD iarrthóirí a ainmniú le haghaidh na ndámhachtainí sin.
The President’s Awards each year provide recognition for those students who excel in extracurricular activities of a kind that make UCD an exciting, interesting, dynamic and humane place to live, study and work. Staff and students at UCD are invited to nominate candidates for these awards.
Liam Doyle BSc (2004) BSc (2005) is a science student and is the current chairperson of the Science Day committee. In this role he managed to instil, into a very large number of students, the enthusiasm required to make this day a great success. As a result of his and their efforts, a record sum of over €70,000 was raised for the Cancer Unit in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. This effort makes him a worthy winner of the President’s Award.
Michelle Foley BSc (2006) is a student in the School of Diagnostic Imaging – which we used to call radiography. This was a turbulent year in the School and Michelle showed exemplary leadership of her fellow students in presenting the case for reform and development of their academic environment. She is a serious student and merits our recognition of her efforts.
Charles Goh MB BCh BAO (2004) might be excused if he devoted his time in College to his studies as a final year medical student. However, Charles has spread his energies across many areas of College life. He has been the auditor of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Society – one of the biggest and most active societies in Belfield. He has been captain of the Aikido Club and still coaches its members. He has been active also in the Fencing and Rifle Clubs. He is a great all- rounder and we applaud his devotion to College life.
Ciarán Lawlor BLC (2003) BL (2005) LLM (2006) as auditor of the L&H debating society, is a worthy addition to the list of leaders of the Society that frequently feature in these awards ceremonies. The Society, which dates from Cardinal Newman’s time, and claims to have given him lots of his good ideas, has good year and bad years – depending on who is in charge. This was a good year, thanks to Ciarán’s dynamic auditorship, and as a crowning achievement, the L&H secured the World University Debating Championships for UCD next year.
Dermot Looney BSocSc (2005) is a social science student. Who has been involved with the College Tribune, and the Social Science Society as well as being the Students’ Union Development Officer. It was in this latter role that he came to the attention of the awards committee where his work for the Aisling Scheme was given high praise. This is a scheme designed to de-mystify the University for students and their families from disadvantaged areas of Dublin and it works closely with the College’s New ERA programme. Dermot’s work with the scheme raised it to a new level this year and singled him out for commendation.
Stephen Lucey MB BCh BAO (2004) is another final year medical student whose contributions to College life have been outstanding. His involvement in both hurling and football have been at the highest level both within and without UCD and his achievements are many. He has an All- Ireland Under-21 medal and is on both the football and hurling Senior Limerick teams. In College he has been a fixture on the Fitzgibbon and Siggerson teams and was captain of the Fitzgibbon Cup team last year. And all of this while pursuing his medical studies with distinction! Stephen is someone of whom we are all justly proud.
Ross Mc Mahon BCL (2004) is a law student who has been a leading light in the student activities of that faculty in recent times. This year he was the chairperson of the committee which organised Law Day – a highly successful event bringing together all the staff and students in Roebuck. He was also the organiser of the annual O’Dalaigh Dinner, which honours the memory of the late President of Ireland and gives the students the opportunity to impress the eminent personages from the Law Library who attend. Ross also impresses his lecturers with his scholastic attainments and fully deserves an award.
Michael Power BSc (2006) GradDip (2007) is a second year science student who has been at the forefront of the political campaign to have cuts in the Back-To-Education-Allowance (BTEA) reversed. Working with the Students’ Union, he has managed to keep this issue on the political addenda while, at the same time, being a family man and a good student. Mick gives us reason to expect that the increase in the number of mature students in College which are hoped for will lead to a strengthening of the political voice of the student body.
For more on the UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities visit www.ucdsocieties.com/presidentsaward.