'Courage, commitment, and connection' - Waterford students recognised in special SETU event
SETU hosted a celebration for twelve first year students who successfully completed their Professional Development course
South East Technological University (SETU) hosted a special morning of reflection and celebration earlier this week to honour students from Waterford, Wexford and Tipperary who successfully completed their first year of the Certificate in Professional Development.
The event was held at SETU's Cork Road Campus on Wednesday, 15 May and family and friends were invited along to celebrate the achievements of the students.
Twelve students were recognised at this event for their hard work and dedication to their course as well as the support of their families, friends, staff and tutors.
The students being recognised were Amy Roche, Aoife Murphy, Ben Kervick, George Sosic, Joseph O’Donnell, Hannah O’Mahony, Larry Ovie, Philip Crosbie, Margaret O’Keeffe, Valerie Power, Kevin Murphy, and Pauline O’Meara.
"We are here to honour the first-year journey of students with intellectual disabilities in higher education—individuals who have not only entered new academic spaces, but who have challenged expectations, inspired growth, and enriched our academic community here in SETU in ways that words can hardly capture."
At the event, each of the students took to the podium to share their own experiences from the year.
Hannah O'Mahony explained her reasons for applying to the course, saying: "I wanted to attend University and do the personal development course. I first heard about this course from my keyworker when she explained all about the course, I was nervous to do it and with a bit of help and encouragement, I got an interview and then got accepted into this course."
Discussing her start to the course, Pauline O’Meara said: "I didn’t know what to expect, however when I arrived at college on my first day, I felt proud to become a student in SETU. Although I was shy, I was happy to be attending the course in Personal Development."
Speaking about the benefits of the course George Sosic said: "The course has helped me think differently about the future. It made me realise there is always help out there for people who need or want to get a job if they don’t know where to look. This course has made me feel more positive about life and showed me that I’m not alone."
A special tribute was also paid to Dr Sara Kennedy during the event by Dr Kelly Mason: "By recognising a gap in access to higher education for people with intellectual disabilities, and by taking the steps to secure funding, Dr Sara Kennedy has opened doors—not just for the students here today, but for the future of inclusive education."
The event concluded with students and staff performing through music, sign language (including Lámh), movement, and other expressive gestures.