‘Incredibly rewarding’: Limerick students contribute 66,000 hours of volunteer work
UL PVA recognises students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteering, both on and off campus, throughout the academic year
UNIVERSITY of Limerick students contributed almost 66,000 hours of volunteer work in their local communities over the past year.
In a special ceremony held on campus, 985 UL students were recognised for their volunteer work with charity and community organisations and initiatives as part of the annual President’s Volunteer Awards (PVA).
Now in its sixteenth year, and marking a decade of partnership with Student Volunteer Ireland, UL PVA recognises students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteering, both on and off campus, throughout the academic year.
Each student is presented with a parchment in recognition of their time spent volunteering with local organisations, with their dedication to civic engagement also formally recognised on their academic transcript.
Addressing this year’s almost 1,000-strong UL PVA student cohort, UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “What inspires me most about the President’s Volunteer Awards is not the scale of the achievement, impressive though it is, but the spirit behind it and the stories that fuel that energy. Across every discipline and every stage of study, our students are choosing to give their time, energy, and talents in the service of others.
“Countless examples of this in action are on display every year at these awards, and in doing so they remind us that a university’s impact is measured not only by the knowledge it creates, but by the contribution its people make to society. The commitment shown by these students embodies the values of generosity, empathy and civic responsibility that are at the heart of University of Limerick.”
Each year, several students are given additional recognition as Volunteers of the Year in acknowledgement of their outstanding contribution and dedication to student volunteering.
This year, that accolade was presented to Rosemarie Carroll, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Aaron Fox, Educational and Health Sciences; Elle Murphy, Kemmy Business School; and Joe ‘JJ’ Harrington and Shauna O’Keeffe, Science and Engineering.
Aaron Fox, an international student currently in his second year of the Graduate Entry Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery programme, already had a strong volunteering background back home in Canada.
When he moved to Ireland to begin his studies at UL, PVA gave him the opportunity to contribute to his new community in a meaningful way.
Aaron – who completed his PVA volunteering chiefly with the Order of Malta, the Centre for Family Literacy, and Access Campus – found the experience to be “incredibly rewarding”.
“I’m extremely grateful for the experiences I’ve had through volunteering this past year. The PVA has been a wonderful way to reflect on these experiences and recognise the value of giving back to the community,” said Aaron.
“One of the highlights was joining the Order of Malta, where I completed my First Aid Response training and began volunteering at events throughout the community. I particularly enjoyed being able to apply some of the medical knowledge I was learning at university in a more practical setting, while also learning valuable skills from experienced volunteers and first responders.
“Through Access Campus, I had the opportunity to meet local Leaving Certificate students and help them review material and prepare for their examinations. It was a great reminder of how much of a difference a little extra guidance and encouragement can make, particularly during what can be a stressful period for students.”
Elle Murphy, a third-year Law and Accounting student who completed part of her volunteering with the Irish Girl Guides, said her PVA experience allowed her to “appreciate the impact that volunteering can have on both individuals and the wider community”.
“I have always believed that volunteering is a great way to make a positive difference in other people’s lives, no matter how big or small that contribution might be,” said Elle.
“Participating in the PVA has reinforced my belief that a strong community is built through people being willing to give their time, supporting one another and making a difference in whatever way they can.
“It has shown me that volunteering is not just about the hours you contribute, but about the relationships you build, the confidence you help others to develop, and the positive experiences you create.”
Linda Fitzgerald, student volunteering and PVA manager, acknowledged the “profound impact” the students’ volunteering has had on their communities.
“The extraordinary commitment shown by almost 1,000 UL students to volunteering and civic engagement is a tremendous achievement and one that deserves to be celebrated,” said Ms Fitzgerald.
“Through their generosity, leadership, and dedication to serving others, these students have made a profound impact on communities locally, nationally, and internationally. They represent the very best of University of Limerick, demonstrating that when students choose to give their time and talents, they have the power to create lasting positive change. We are so proud of every student being recognised here today.”
For more information, visit the UL PVA website.