Carlow's SETU inspires over 4,350 graduates to forge paths as global citizens

Aligning with this year's global citizen theme, South East Technological University (SETU) is encouraging over 4,350 graduates to embark on their future path with a commitment to make a positive impact. 

This week marks the culmination of the class of 2023’s academic journey, as the final series of conferring ceremonies unfolds at SETU's campuses in Waterford and Carlow. Over 2,150 graduates, alongside two Honorary Doctors of the university, will be honoured during ceremonies taking place from Wednesday to Friday.

Awards will be conferred on graduates from level 6 to level 10 and across a range of disciplines, from technology, business, and engineering to the arts, humanities, and science. A total of 19 doctorates will be awarded across both campuses, while the largest annual military graduation in the State from a higher education institution is set to take place, with over 300 officers and enlisted personnel being awarded SETU qualifications.

The January ceremonies will see the award of the final two of five Honorary Doctorates to former Irish Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall, and internationally acclaimed writer Claire Keegan. Renowned actor Carrie Crowley, pioneering biomedical engineer, Annraoi de Paor, and Irish academic and former politician Dr Maurice Manning were all bestowed with Honorary Doctorates at conferring ceremonies late last year. 

“The candidates were nominated as their achievements align with the values of SETU, and we take immense pride in celebrating their remarkable accomplishments. I would like to extend my congratulations to all five candidates, including Daniel Mulhall and Claire Keegan on the award of their Honorary Doctorates at this week’s ceremonies," said President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell.

The awarding of the inaugural SETU Honorary Doctorates recognises the exceptional contribution of five candidates in shaping society and positively impacting people’s lives both nationally and globally.

Prof Campbell went on to acknowledge and commend SETU’s PhD graduates, recognising that their knowledge, unwavering commitment, and hard work has led them to this significant moment. 

“Through your meaningful contributions to your areas of research, you are playing no small part in contributing to creating a world-class innovation region that will have a transformative impact on the South-East region,” she said.

'Global citizens' is a term synonymous with the university's aspirations for its graduates. A global citizen is driven by the belief that everyone should have an equal chance to thrive. 

“Today is the first day of your next adventure, an adventure you begin as a graduate of SETU," Prof Campbell said.

"As learners who have studied in a progressive and inclusive university, you now have a responsibility to live by the values you have experienced in SETU and share the knowledge you have acquired to make an impact in the world.”

During the conferring ceremonies, graduates are formally invited to record their signature in the roll book and are encouraged to perceive this as an active commitment to be a global citizen. 

Prof Campbell urges SETU’s graduates 'to be part of a vibrant alumni that live by the values of fairness, respect, and integrity, that offer a voice of reason, working to heal divisions within the world. An alumni group that looks to define the future and make a positive impact on people’s lives'.