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Greetings and a warm welcome to the Summer edition of UL Alumni News!
Keep reading for details of the 2023 Class Reunions, a roundup of recent events, graduate stories, a special discount on UL merchandise for alumni and more…
If you have an exciting update, a noteworthy achievement, or a compelling tale to tell, we would love to hear from you and share your news with the UL alumni community. Please get in touch by email at ulaa@ul.ie.
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2023 Class Reunions
UL/NIHE/Thomond College alumni from the graduating classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 are invited back to campus on 9 September for your Class Reunions.
Take a stroll down memory lane with (optional) campus tours in the afternoon, where you will see all the old landmarks and also witness the impressive advancements that have taken place since your graduation. From new facilities and green spaces to innovative technologies, you'll be amazed by the transformation of your alma mater.
As the sun sets, prepare to catch up with old friends over delicious food and drinks at our Reunion Barbeque at The Stables Club starting at 6 pm. Then get ready to dance the night away to the nostalgic beats of DJ Ber Angley.
We know that life can get busy, but we're confident that you won't want to miss out on this opportunity to catch up with old friends and reminisce about your university days. So, start spreading the word and make sure everyone from your class knows about this exciting event.
Tickets are €40 which includes admission to your reunion, an optional campus tour, a BBQ meal and a drink.
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First Alumni Gathering in Washington DC
The US Capital played host to a memorable evening as alumni, former students, and friends of UL came together for a special gathering filled with music, engaging conversations and a celebration of Irish culture earlier this month.
Musical performances by Dr Sandra Joyce, Dr Niall Keegan, and talented students from UL's Irish World Academy created a wonderful ambience. Niamh Kavanagh of UL Global warmly welcomed attendees and provided insightful updates on the latest developments at the University. In her own words, Niamh expressed her delight in meeting with graduates, saying, "It was an absolute pleasure to connect with so many of our esteemed alumni in Washington DC last Thursday night. The live traditional music performed by Dr Sandra Joyce, Dr Niall Keegan, and our very own UL students Aisling Parslow and Sean Loughran created an unforgettable atmosphere. We cherished the opportunity to reminisce and engage in delightful conversations about our time at UL throughout the evening."
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London Calling: UL Graduates Unite to Discuss the Future of AI
Graduates and friends of the University of Limerick were treated to an engaging and thought-provoking evening centred around the topic of "Trustworthy and Generative AI" on 8 June, marking the University's first event in the city since 2019. The gathering, held in the elegant venue of 41 Portland Place in Central London, provided a platform for attendees to delve into the implications of artificial intelligence and its critical need for trustworthiness.
The event featured Dr Martin Cunneen as keynote speaker, sharing his extensive research and teaching experiences, shedding light on the complex realm of AI risk, ethics, and governance. Drawing from his impressive two-decade-long career encompassing diverse domains such as philosophy, applied ethics, and risk theory, Dr Cunneen captivated the audience with his expertise in AI and its implications for various industries.
Prof Kerstin Mey, President of the University of Limerick also attended, making her first appearance before London-based graduates. Prof Mey expressed her excitement in meeting alumni and shared updates and plans for the institution. Joining her was Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at UL, who personally welcomed the attendees and further emphasised the importance of the event in fostering connections within the UL community.
The event was not only an opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge of AI and its social impact but also a chance to reconnect with fellow graduates and the University itself. Alumni were able to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections, creating an enriching and collaborative atmosphere.
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Limerick Gathering: 'Scrumming' Back in Style
UL Alumni proudly hosted an exciting and long-awaited alumni event in Limerick on 25 May, marking the first gathering of its kind in over three years. The event took place at the International Rugby Experience, a venue that promised to deliver an immersive and fun experience for the attendees.
The evening kicked off with a tour of the International Rugby Experience, an interactive and engaging exploration designed to ignite passion and captivate visitors. From the moment UL alumni set foot into the facility, they were immediately enveloped in an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of game day. Enormous media installations breathed life into the exhilaration and intensity of rugby matches. Graduates were transported back in time through captivating displays and dynamic multimedia presentations, as they relived iconic moments in rugby history.
Guests were also given the chance to showcase their own rugby skills and expertise through a series of interactive trials. Eager to put their abilities to the test, graduates embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and had a fantastic time immersing themselves in the challenges.
Following the tour, UL Alumni welcomed graduates to a reception held on the sixth floor, where panoramic views of the city of Limerick provided a breathtaking backdrop to a lively panel discussion. The panel was led by Laura Ryan, Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs and proud UL alumna. Joining her were two notable former rugby players, Niamh Kavanagh and Barry Murphy, who brought a wealth of experience and entertaining anecdotes from the rugby world.
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Welcome to the UL Alumni Family
In June, the UL Alumni Family expanded with the addition of over 600 new members. These included doctors, health professionals, allied health professionals, school principal leaders, science and engineering students, adult learners from various fields, and graduates from arts, humanities, social sciences, and business.
Addressing the graduates, UL President Prof Kerstin Mey acknowledged the significance of this milestone in their journey as "one that represents countless hours of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual growth." She also encouraged them to "Embrace the journey ahead, remain connected and committed to continuous learning, follow your passion, and strive to make a difference. The world awaits your brilliance, and I have no doubt that you will go on to achieve great things."
To commemorate the special occasion, UL Alumni again gifted each graduate with a personalised video clip capturing the moment when each graduate received their parchment on stage from the President. It is our hope that these video clips preserve the excitement and pride that radiated from each graduate and allow them to relive the memories of their hard work and dedication and share them proudly with their loved ones.
If you graduated in June and did not yet receive your video clip, please email ulaa@ul.ie to request it.
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UL named in top 500 Global Universities
The University of Limerick has been named among the top 500 universities globally in the latest world rankings. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UL has made significant progress, climbing over 100 places to achieve an impressive overall ranking of 426. These rankings comprehensively evaluate the performance of 1,503 universities across 104 countries.
Prof Norelee Kennedy, Vice President of Research at UL, welcomed the announcement and expressed that this result is "testament to the hard work and dedication of the university faculty, staff and students and reflects UL’s improved performance in research and teaching." Prof Kennedy further emphasised UL's commitment to continuous improvement, aiming to provide an exceptional experience for current students while attracting top talent to the university.
UL President Professor Kerstin Mey viewed the ranking result as a "significant confirmation" of the recalibration of the UL@50 strategic plan to prioritise high-performance research support infrastructure and to also embed sustainability into each of the strategic goals.
This ranking success follows another positive outcome for UL in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. UL achieved the 86th position out of 1,591 institutions globally, demonstrating its commitment to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Impact Rankings evaluate universities' performance across teaching, research, equality, internal culture, and their wider societal impact.
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UL Siblings Changing the Game in Female Fitness
During her third year of studying business at UL in 2018, Kylie O'Donoghue became inspired to establish a supplement brand exclusively targeting women. Motivated by a noticeable gap in the market for products tailored to women's nutritional needs and a supplement industry she found unrelatable and overly masculine, Kylie teamed up with her brother, William O'Donoghue, a four-time All-Ireland winning hurler and fellow UL alumnus, to turn her vision into reality. Together, they collaborated with nutritionists, medical experts, researchers, and strength and conditioning coaches to create FemFuelz.
In October 2020, the company launched a lineup of nine products, including whey proteins, pre-workout mixes, and multivitamins. Three years on, FemFuelz now boasts an expanded range of approximately 30 products, catering to overall health and well-being, and is stocked in over 130 retail stores nationwide. The determined duo remains committed to revolutionising the standard of female supplements and actively pursuing expansion into new markets.
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Special Offer for Alumni on UL Merchandise
The UL Visitor Centre is currently providing an exclusive 15% discount on merchandise for alumni. Take advantage of this offer and choose from a variety of items such as training jerseys, hoodies, bookmarks, pens, as well as local crafts like handmade chocolate, pottery, scarves, and paintings.
To enjoy the discount, simply visit the Visitor Centre website and use the code ALUMNI15 during checkout. Please note that the discount does not apply to sale items and graduation frames. This offer is valid until July 23, 2023.
In addition to merchandise, the Visitor Centre also offers campus tours, including general tours and tours focusing on the various art works found on campus. If you're interested in learning more about these tours, please get in touch with the Visitor Centre directly by email at visitorcentre@ul.ie or by phone on 061 202058.
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UL Alumnus Takes the Helm as President of Engineers Ireland
UL alumnus Dr Edmond Harty has been appointed as the 131st president of Engineers Ireland. This professional body represents more than 25,000 Irish-based engineers of all disciplines.
Edmond expressed his gratitude and described it as an "absolute honour and privilege" to lead the organisation. Having been a member of Engineers Ireland since his college days, he aims to serve as a role model, making the work of engineers more visible and inspiring others to pursue careers in engineering.
A recipient of the UL Alumni Award for Entrepreneurship, Edmond brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In addition to a number of non-executive roles, he is the Founder of Innovalogix, an investment and consultancy firm focusing on strategy, product development, engineering and customer success. Previously Dr Harty was the CEO and largest shareholder of Dairymaster, a world-leading dairy innovation and technology company that he built and led over a 22-year period. Now, as the president of Engineers Ireland, Edmond is poised to contribute his expertise and drive the engineering profession forward.
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UL Seeking External Members of Governing Authority
The University of Limerick is currently seeking External Members (six positions) to join its Governing Authority. The Governing Authority plays a vital role in establishing the ethical standards of the University and ensuring strong corporate governance. Individuals with relevant experience, including alumni, are encouraged to apply if they believe they can make a significant contribution to UL's governance.
If you possess the necessary skills, work history, and most importantly, the motivation to contribute effectively as an External Member of UL's Governing Authority, please submit an application. Alternatively, if you know someone who could make a substantial contribution and might be interested in serving, please encourage them to apply.
Governing Authority Members serve a term of up to four years. The role requires a time commitment of at least six annual meetings, typically lasting three hours each. Additionally, time should be allocated for reviewing materials, preparation, and involvement in sub-committees. While Governing Authority members do not receive a fee, reasonable travel expenses for attending meetings will be reimbursed following public sector policy.
For further information please click here and if you have any questions, please email corporatesecretary@ul.ie.
Thank you for reading! If you have news or stories to share with the UL alumni community, please get in touch with us via email: ulaa@ul.ie.
Student Centre (SU-101)
University of Limerick
Limerick, Ireland
Phone: 353 61 202475
Email: ulaa@ul.ie