2024 UL Winter Conferring graduates urged to be ‘future changemakers’

2024 UL Winter Conferring MBA classmates pictured above – Ber Murphy, Raheen Limerick, Barbara Doyle, Corbally Limerick, Trish Bourke, Cappawhite Tipperary, Anne Marie Heaney, Kilcornan Limerick, Justine Chan, Raheen Limerick and Kelly McAuliffe, Corbally Limerick. Picture: Arthur Ellis 

2024 UL Winter Conferring graduates include hurling star Bryan O’Mara

Graduation joy even the weather couldn’t dampen: More than 1,900 students, including 77 PhDs, are graduating from University of Limerick this week for the 2024 UL Winter Conferring.

Over three days, the 2024 UL Winter Conferring  graduates will be conferred with their degrees from Kemmy Business School, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering .

University of Limerick president Professor Kerstin Mey has urged the 2024 UL Winter Conferring graduates to be ‘future changemakers’.

Over three days of ceremonies, students will be conferred with their degrees from Kemmy Business School, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering and Interfaculty Programmes.

Speaking to the graduates, who join an alumni body of over 125,000 worldwide, President Professor Kerstin Mey said: “As President of this great institution, I stand here with immense pride and joy, knowing that each of you has overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and triumph through your academic pursuits at University of Limerick.

“This is no mean feat. Many of you have juggled personal and family lives in the pursuit of an academic qualification linked to your careers and advancing them in the workplace.

“All of you have reached a point in your lives where your own sense of pride in completing this journey has reached a new height. 

“This ceremony is not just a recognition of your academic accomplishments, but a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the indomitable spirit that defines our university community.

“Your time here has been a continuous journey of intellectual growth, personal development, and the pursuit of knowledge.”

Professor Mey noted the challenges facing not only the newly minted graduate students, but those on a global scale.

“You might ask yourself what these global challenges have to do with you, now, here at this moment.

“But I will say that you are the future changemakers empowered to bring about radical and overwhelming change from even the smallest contribution to society.

“These challenges are interconnected and addressing them requires a collective and collaborative effort on a global scale. We are global citizens, and it is our responsibility to be part of the response. 

“Graduates, as you embark on your respective journeys, consider how your skills, knowledge, and values can contribute to solutions that promote a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

“Our University of Limerick community believes in your ability to make a positive impact in the face of these challenges.

“We stand at a crossroads where the choices we make will influence the course of history. In the face of global uncertainty, we must champion democratic values, uphold human rights, and stand in solidarity with those affected by terrorism and caught in the throes of military conflicts worldwide.”

University of Limerick marked another first this Tuesday as three different levels of apprentice students graduated from supply chain programmes.

There was a unique occasion at UL’s Winter Conferring as three levels of apprentice students spanning from diploma, degree to masters in Supply Chain Management and Operations were conferred.

Congratulations to 334 new KBS graduands, including 4 new PhDs at the Winter Conferring Ceremony this afternoon, Monday 22 January 2024. 🎓

Well done to ye all!! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/ZZJ5faK5wO— UL Ceremonies Office (@ulceremonies) January 22, 2024

Double Fitzgibbon Cup champion and senior Tipperary hurler Bryan O’Mara added another title to his name as he was conferred with an MSc in Financial Services from University of Limerick.

Bryan, from Holycross in County Tipperary is an All-Ireland winner at minor and U-20 level. Bryan plays his club hurling with Holycross/Ballycahilll, also completed his undergraduate degree, the BSc in Financial Mathematics, in UL’s Kemmy Business School.

Now working as Data Scientist with Pfizer in Cork, Bryan described his experience at KBS as “phenomenal”.

“The postgrad at KBS was a no-brainer for me,” said Brian.

“The emphasis on modules such as Investment and Portfolio Management along with Machine Learning really drew me in.

“My experience on the course was brilliant. For anyone interested in career prospects in the funds/investment industry, it really improves your knowledge of the industry as well as giving the opportunity to learn from experts who are approachable and willing to help.”

While Bryan said his undergraduate work placement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) prepared him for the transition into the workplace, his hard work and dedication to both his club and UL undoubtedly fuelled his success on the pitch.

A former winner of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Star Hurling Player of the Year, Bryan is one of an elite group of athletes to boast a brace of Fitzgibbon Cup titles, having captained his team to victory in the 2022 and 2023 tournaments.

Reflecting on his cherished time at UL, Bryan said: “My favourite memory is probably getting a bus to Holycross the day after the [Fitzgibbon Cup] final in 2022! It probably wasn’t expected of us to win that year, so it was all the better.

“UL was brilliant throughout my time in college. The nature of college hurling means you’ll hurl with lads you would never get the chance to otherwise. It just makes for a brilliant experience, even if it’s only for a couple of months per academic year.”

The future is looking bright for Bryan, who – as dedicated as ever – was heading to training straight after his conferring ceremony!

Of his hopes and plans going forward, he said: “Please God, some success with club and county as well as progressing my career.”

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