UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities 2005
UCD President’s Awards Recipients 2005
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.
Gerald Bloomer BCL (2005) is a final year law student, and has brought distinction and glory to the University and the country by his achievements in equestrian pursuits. Not only did he, as captain of the Equestrian Club, inspire a very successful year for the Club, but her crowned his endeavours by winning an individual gold medal in dressage for Ireland and UCD at the World Intervarsity Equestrian Championships in Tokyo and contributing to a team bronze medal for show-jumping. He has done us proud and we are very happy to honour him with a President’s Award.
Michael Clark BSc (2003) MSc (2004) PhD (2009) is a science graduate who is now a PhD student in Mathematical Physics. That, however, is a very incomplete picture of someone who makes an outstanding contribution to the life of the College. Michael has been the Returning Officer for the Students’ Union elections for a number of years. This is a position which incurs risk to life and limb from over-enthusiastic candidates, but he has survived unscathed and respected. Michael is also a serious ember of the debating fraternity and has graced the boards of the L&H and the Law Society over the years. He is a sports journalist for the University Observer and his musical activities brought him to the world of grand opera in the National Concert Hall this year. He is an ideal candidate for a President’s Award.
Darragh Gaffney BSc (2005) is another science students – this time 4th year chemistry student. Darragh has made a major contribution over a number of years to the organisation of Science Day events and has been responsible, therefore, for the raising of very significant funds for charity. Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin is the primary recipient of these funds. Darragh has also been closely involved in the work of the UCD Volunteers Overseas since it was established last year. This year he is travelling to Haiti as project co-ordinator with UCDVO. He is a very worthy awardee.
John Harvey BSc (2004) MSc (2007) ‘s range of extra-curricular activities and responsibilities undertaken is remarkable. He has been active at the highest level in the Mathematics Society, the L&H, the LGB Society and the English Literary Society, as well as being chair of the Students’ Union Council. He has also been involved as a journalist and editor with the University Observer. Now he us a key member of the team preparing for the World University Debating Championships which will be held here in 6 months time. A First Honours science graduate, he is now a postgraduate student in the Smurfit Business School.
Anthony Kelly BBLS (2005) is another all-rounder. He has been involved with dramsoc and with Arts Day and Commerce Day. It is with the Business & Legal Society that he has given most service having been the auditor in 2 successive years. He has also been active in the programmes of Belfield FM and has been host of the lunchtime show. Anthony has also been actively involved in sport and is a committee member of the Surf Club. He has managed all these activities without injury to his consistently good academic record in the business and Legal programme. He is another worthy award winner.
Liza Kierans BE (2005) is the only engineering winner this year. Liza was described by both staff and fellow students as having boundless enthusiasm and energy and a major commitment to the many activities of the Engineering Society. She is responsible for the good health of that society in recent years and also of the Electrical Engineering Society, which she brought back to life this year. In the busy life of an engineering student, Liza also managed to fit in a commitment to the Hockey Club for which she plays and coaches. She is a great member of our academic community.
Gearoid Nelligan BComm (2005) ‘s award is for a different kind of commitment. A commerce student, Gearóid volunteered to provide some assistance to a fellow student with a significant disability. His role quickly developed to becoming an academic mentor, a guide to student life and a morale provider for this student. This unselfish commitment of Gearóid has had the result that a disabled student, who was initially contemplating withdrawal from his course because of his difficulties, is now fully integrated into the student body, has joined sports clubs and student societies and is well on his way to successful graduation.
Andrew Nolan BA (2005) has brought excitement and colour to the campus primarily through his work with dramsoc. A talented actor and director, Andrew produced this year’s UCD entry for the Irish Student Drama Association Festival, which was nominated for a number of awards. He also acted in a number of dramsoc productions this year and last. A gifted graphic artist, Andrew designed all those dramsoc posters, which form such a significant part of the visual landscape on campus. He also designed posters for other societies, including the L&H, of which he was an active member. A final year psychology student, Andrew is another worthy recipient of an award.
Morgan Shelley BBLS (2005) has had a prolific extra-curricular career in College with his activity centred in the Commerce & Economics Society, the Philosophy Society, the L&H and the Students’ Union. As a debater, he was twice in the semi-finals of the Irish Times debating championships and a finalist in the National Law Debates. He is now in the very important position as secretary of the organising committee for the World University Debating Championships. He has also been a contributor to the Students’ Union having acted as the chair of the Students’ Union Council this year. Morgan is a student on the BBLS programme.
For more on the UCD President’s Award for Excellence in Student Activities visit www.ucdsocieties.com/presidentsaward.