Professor Michael Morley.
A chairde,
Many congratulations to each of you on receiving the President’s Volunteer Award at this year’s ceremony. It is a very well-deserved recognition of the time, energy and commitment you have given to others, and of the strong sense of community spirit you have shown throughout your volunteering journey.
At Kemmy Business School, we place great value on building meaningful connections between our students and communities at local, regional and international level. The PVA programme provides a wonderful opportunity to make a genuine difference, not only within your own communities but also across the wider university community.
During the 2025-26 academic year, we welcomed our fifth cohort of KBS Student Ambassadors through the PVA programme and celebrated our highest-ever number of student volunteers. Indeed, KBS students accounted for almost 20% of all volunteer hours completed by UL students. The positive impact you continue to have on individuals, organisations and communities throughout the country is something we are immensely proud of.
Over the years, we have seen many of our student volunteers move on to exciting graduate careers with leading employers, while others have pursued further study both at home and abroad. We have also seen students take up Dual Degree opportunities with our partner universities around the world. Many of you remain part of our campus community and continue to give your time generously, whether through volunteering opportunities at UL, within the communities of Castletroy and Limerick, or back home in your own counties. It is fantastic to see so many of you being recognised this year, and I sincerely hope those numbers continue to grow in the years ahead.
At KBS, we see you as the next generation of leaders. Just as importantly, we see you as active citizens who are helping to strengthen communities and make a real difference in people’s lives. I encourage you to carry forward the values, skills and experiences you have gained through the PVA programme into your future careers and personal lives. The contribution you make, no matter how big or small, has a lasting impact, and I hope volunteering remains an important part of your journey for many years to come.
Once again, congratulations on this wonderful achievement, and thank you for everything you do on behalf of your communities and the university.
Comhgháirdeas agus go raibh míle maith agaibh.
