Welcome from Professor Shane Kilcommins

Dear student volunteers,

It gives me enormous pleasure to congratulate you as we celebrate another remarkable year of the President's Volunteer Awards at University of Limerick. This programme continues to showcase one of the defining characteristics of our university community: a deep commitment to service, citizenship and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

At UL, we believe that a university education is about much more than academic achievement. It is about developing graduates who are equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but also with a strong sense of social responsibility, empathy and leadership. Through your volunteering, you demonstrate these values every day.

This year, an outstanding 985 students have earned recognition through the President's Volunteer Awards. Of these, 613 students achieved Gold Awards, 130 achieved Silver Awards, 212 achieved Bronze Awards, and 30 students received the prestigious Plassey Award. Together, UL student volunteers contributed an extraordinary 65,729 hours of service during the 2025/26 academic year.

These figures are truly impressive, but they tell only part of the story. Behind every hour volunteered is a community strengthened, a young person supported, a cause advanced, or a challenge addressed. Whether you have mentored fellow students, supported local charities, organised community initiatives, contributed to clubs and societies, raised funds for important causes, or participated in projects that extend beyond our campus and beyond Ireland, your contribution has created a lasting impact.

The President's Volunteer Awards celebrate far more than the number of hours completed. They recognise the values that underpin volunteering: generosity, leadership, resilience, collaboration and a commitment to the common good. In an increasingly complex world, these qualities are more important than ever.

Volunteerism remains a cornerstone of University of Limerick's mission. It enriches the student experience, complements academic learning, and helps foster a culture of active citizenship. Through volunteering, students gain invaluable personal and professional skills, broaden their perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the communities in which they live and work.

Our volunteers continue to engage across an extraordinary range of activities, including community and international development projects, peer support and mentoring programmes, charity fundraising, sporting initiatives, clubs and societies leadership, student representation, outreach programmes, and major campus events. In doing so, you embody the values of the University and demonstrate the positive role that higher education can play in society.

To every student being recognised through this year's awards, thank you. Your willingness to give your time, energy and talents for the benefit of others is inspiring. You have shown that leadership is not defined solely by position or title, but by the positive difference we make through our actions.

On behalf of the entire University community, I congratulate you on your achievements and thank you for your outstanding contribution. Your commitment to service strengthens our University, enriches our communities and exemplifies the values we seek to nurture in all UL graduates.

You have made us proud, and I encourage you to continue carrying this spirit of service throughout your lives and careers.

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do.

Professor Shane Kilcommins

President

University of Limerick