Despite the stormy weather, spirits were high as family, friends, and colleagues gathered in UCC's Aula Maxima to celebrate the incredible achievements of our alumni at last Thursday's awards ceremony!
Congratulations to Cara Griffin, Graduate of the Year 2023/24, and Dearbhla Richardson, recipient of the prestigious Peel Memorial Prize. The Peel Prize Fund, established circa 1850, is an early example of philanthropy's positive impact, which remains strong at the University today. From innovative start-ups and COP28 representation to Gaisce mission plans, our graduates’ dedication and accomplishments inspire us all!
Cara Griffin graduated with First Class Honours in BComm International with Hispanic Studies, making a remarkable impact on student life at UCC and beyond.
She served as a Students’ Union Class Representative, earning a UCC Works Award, and was Finance Officer for the Horseracing Society, organizing UCC’s first trip to the European Student Horseracing Federation National Student Raceday.
During her Erasmus year at Universitat de Barcelona, she represented UB in the national “UNIRUN” 5K race, played for Barcelona Gaels Gaelic Football team, and helped launch UB’s first Erasmus integration event, earning a CUBS “Leaders of Tomorrow Global Citizen Award.” She also interned at the Barcelona startup “Choco” and represented UB at the TechBarcelona “Tech Spirit” conference and ESADE’s “eWorks” Entrepreneurial Institute.
Cara co-founded UCC’s first Student Entrepreneurship Network, moderating the “Inspiring Entrepreneurs Talk” panel. She participated in the UCC Disability Support Service (DSS) Employagility Mentorship Programme, speaking at university-wide events on accessibility and advocating for students with disabilities.
She was a finalist in the EY NextGen Woman of the Year competition (placing second), selected for the PWC Talent Academy Programme, and involved in multiple mentorship initiatives, including Apple, First Derivative, Amazon, Dell Technologies, and J&J.
Despite facing health challenges and spending her final semester in the hospital, Cara persevered, completing her coursework remotely and graduating with First Class Honours. She credits her resilience and support network at UCC for shaping her into the graduate she is today.
Dearbhla Richardson graduated with First Class Honours in BSc International Development, making a significant impact at UCC and beyond.
She was active in the Environmental Society, Green Campus, and Global Justice Society and volunteered with the Direct Provision Christmas Party group. As SU Environmental & Sustainability Officer, she represented students on multiple university committees focused on sustainability and climate action.
She interned with the Greenshoots Green Campus Team, promoting nature engagement for mental well-being, and led citizenship campaigns such as "Be a Climate Voter" and "Nothing New for Clubs & Socs Ball."
Dearbhla represented UCC at COP28, advocating for increased Global South representation and redistributing UCC’s COP28 badges to climate activists. As Concern Worldwide’s Youth Climate Ambassador, she attended the AU Climate Summit in Nairobi, met Ireland’s Ambassador to Kenya, and highlighted climate adaptation needs.
She successfully secured endorsements from UCC, USI, and Cork City Council for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and played a key role in UCC’s fifth Green Flag re-award. In 2023, she won the Student Achievement Award for Environmental & Sustainability Activism.
Now, she works as the lead consultant for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, campaigning for Ireland to join global efforts to phase out fossil fuels in line with the 1.5°C target.