4,000 students set to graduate from SETU this week

More than 4,000 students at South East Technological University will graduate this week from the university's campuses in Waterford, Carlow, and Wexford with graduations in Waterford on Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday, October 31.

Speaking to the new graduates, SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell said, “On behalf of everyone here at SETU, I wish you every success in realising your dreams. The world needs your energy, your ideas, and your compassion.”

“The award you receive today is the formal recognition of your academic performance in your chosen field of study, but it only tells some of the story of your time here at SETU."

“I call on our graduates to be the changemakers, to value the connections and relationships you have made here at SETU; to work with people from all backgrounds and belief systems; to use the skills you have learned here; to analyse; to research, to think critically and to find solutions to create a fair and equitable society putting in place provision to stop the further destruction of our environment, communities and social values.”

Graduates are invited to sign the SETU graduate roll book, Professor Campbell said she asks that students "think of it as an active commitment to be a global citizen, to be part of a vibrant alumni that live by the values of fairness, respect, and integrity, that offers a voice of reason. An alumni group that looks to define the future and make a positive impact on people’s lives by valuing the impact connection and interdependence has on our shared futures.”

The year also marks SETU’s second year of awarding honorary doctorates with five distinguished individuals set to receive the honours. The group is Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association; Willie Mullins, renowned horse trainer; Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian; Eamonn McEneaney, former director of Waterford Museum of Treasures; and Liam Griffin, Director of the Griffin Hotel Group.

Following the news that SETU has been awarded new veterinary medicine and pharmacy programmes, the SETU President said “The expansion of our course portfolio offers a wonderful opportunity for our University to meet the needs of learners and industry in the region. We are seeing the ambitions of the University being realised in tangible ways.

“As SETU affirms its leadership role in the region, the recognition of the ‘interdependence’ that exists across our communities is proving to be one of our greatest strengths in growing our region. We are now witnessing first-hand the power of connection."