Welcome from Dr Rhona McCormack

Dear student volunteers, 

University of Limerick’s President’s Volunteer Award (PVA) programme is a unique and highly valued part of the UL student experience. In 2026 a record 985 UL students will receive a PVA, marking the highest number of awards presented since the programme began. Collectively, these students contributed more than 65,729 volunteer hours during the academic year and engaged in 2,919 volunteer opportunities. Since its establishment in 2011, the PVA programme has recognised a total of 6,928 awards to UL students.  These achievements represent meaningful and mutually beneficial contributions to local, national and international communities. I am proud to say that our PVA recipients embody the values of civic engagement, leadership and social responsibility that are at the heart of the UL student experience.

The continued development and growth of the PVA programme over the past year has been led by Linda Fitzgerald and Nichola Keegan in UL’s Student Volunteering Office (SVO). I would also like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Tara Collins and Niall McLouglin to the work of the SVO during the 2025-26 academic year. Volunteering and PVA activity at UL are made possible through the support of many partners and stakeholders: our colleagues in UL Student Life, UL Postgraduate Students' Union, UL Alumni, Student Affairs and staff across UL’s professional support services and academic departments. Nationally, we are grateful for the support of Student Volunteer Ireland, led by Dr Lorraine Tansey. Most importantly we extend our sincere thanks to the many community partners and organisations across Ireland and beyond who provide opportunities for our students to make a positive impact.

Year after year, UL’s students wholeheartedly embrace the ethos and spirit of volunteerism. To all this year’s PVA recipients, I offer my warmest congratulations for your achievements and sincere thanks for continuing to grow the spirit of volunteering. I encourage you to carry forward that energy, compassion and dedication for volunteering as you take the next steps on your life journey, be those here in UL or as a graduate. You are ambassadors for UL, leaders within your communities and truly engaged citizens.

Comhgháirdeas ó chroí

Dr Rhona McCormack

Director, Student Affairs.