SETU awards honorary doctorate to former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar
Former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar with Professor Veronica Campbell, SETU President.
It was a week of celebrations at South East Technological University (SETU) as the region's only university welcomed outgoing graduates and incoming Honorary Doctorates.
Sociologist Professor Pat O'Connor and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar received Honorary Doctorates for their contributions to Irish society.
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, said the awards recognise the recipients’ leadership, service and commitment to social progress.
She said: "We are delighted to award honorary doctorates to Professor Pat O’Connor and Mr. Leo Varadkar. Professor O’Connor, a distinguished sociologist and academic, has made an exceptional contribution to Irish and international academia, while Mr. Varadkar is recognised for his longstanding commitment to public service, social justice and international cooperation.
"Notwithstanding their different careers, both have challenged established thinking and helped shape a better future through research, education, policy and public service, inspiring others to create positive change."
Professor O'Connor was honoured for her groundbreaking work on establishing gender equality in higher education. She was the first woman appointed to a full professorship in sociology in Ireland and the first woman at the University of Limerick to hold both full professorial rank and a faculty deanship, serving as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She worked at Waterford Institute of Technology (now SETU) in the early 1980's and has maintained a close connection with the university.
She said at the ceremony: "I am delighted to receive an Honorary Doctorate from SETU. Working at SETU was very satisfying and did much to shape my understanding of the higher education landscape in Ireland. In truth, I would never have left the University if I had not had a lightbulb moment when I saw that, regardless of women’s educational level, research publications or strategic ideas, they were, at that time, less likely than men who lacked these to be ‘backed’ by those in power.
“That experience shaped my career. I am grateful to all of those who have supported me and to SETU for this honour,” Professor O’Connor added.
In his speech, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "I am truly honoured to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the University. It is the first I have received, and it is particularly special to receive it from SETU, given my personal connection to the region and my belief in the importance of higher education in creating opportunities for people and communities."
He said of SETU: "SETU has a special place in my heart as the legislation providing for its establishment was passed during my first term as Taoiseach and it was formally established when I was Tánaiste. I think I first heard the idea being discussed at my aunt's kitchen table in County Waterford when I was in school. It's been a long time coming."
Across the Waterford and Carlow campuses, the first cohort of students with intellectual disabilities graduated this week in two NFQ Level 6 programmes: Certificate in Applied Skills Development and the Certificate in Personal Development.
Dr Catherine Kelly Mason, Director, SETU higher education for people with intellectual disabilities, said: “At the heart of the story is the individual experience of each student and, importantly, the opportunities that have emerged as a result of that journey.
"Students have actively participated in campus life, developed academically, socially and personally, undertaken work experience, represented the programme at university and external events, and contributed to conferences and advocacy initiatives. Many have progressed into paid employment, further learning opportunities, and increased community participation.”
One graduate, Margaret, is now working at Déise Day Care Centre in Dungarvan where she assists with food preparation and the Meals on Wheels. Earning her Level 6 qualification has been an incredible boost to her confidence, and her self advocacy, public speaking and computer skills.
“The best place I ever went was SETU. I am very proud of myself for doing Level 6. I thought I would never do it. I feel very confident in myself now,” she said.
Adam highlighted the development of his communication and self-advocacy skills, along with successfully completing his assessments, as key achievements.
“The support from staff at SETU was great and I felt very calm and not stressed at all,” he recalled.
Over on the Carlow campus, 181 members of the Irish Defence Forces were conferred academic awards at the annual conferring ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Callaghan, Major General John Wittaker, Brigadier General Louis Flynn, and officers and personnel of the Defence Forces, alongside graduates’ families and friends.
Prof. Campbell said: “Our partnership with the Defence Forces is one of the most valued and enduring collaborations within SETU, and one that exemplifies the very principle of strength in unity.
“At a time of increasing global uncertainty, security has rightly moved to the forefront of public and political discourse. Emerging threats and evolving forms of warfare have reinforced the importance of preparedness, resilience and service. SETU is proud to play a role in supporting the education and professional development of Ireland’s Defence Forces, helping to strengthen the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to meet the challenges of today and into the future.”
Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, said: "I am extremely proud of all 181 Defence Forces personnel recognised for their academic achievements today. These awards reflect their dedication and commitment to lifelong learning while balancing the demands of military service and academic study. Education and continuous professional development are essential to ensuring our personnel can adapt to an evolving security environment and deliver effective military capability."
He added: "I would like to thank SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, and her team, alongside our instructors, the Defence Forces Registrar’s Office and support staff, for their continued commitment to our valued partnership and the delivery of high-quality educational opportunities that strengthen both our personnel and the future capability of the Defence Forces."
