UCD in the Community held its annual Volunteering Awards on 11 November to celebrate students who gave back to their communities.

10/11/2025

This year’s ceremony was a record-breaking occasion, with over 150 awards conferred and around 70 awardees in attendance. Students from a wide range of disciplines and nationalities were recognised for their commitment to community engagement, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of volunteering at UCD.

In his opening address, Professor Jason Last, UCD Dean of Students, congratulated the awardees and commended their outstanding service. He praised the students’ efforts in giving back to their communities and encouraged them to continue their work beyond the university, emphasising the importance of civic engagement as a lifelong value. Among the highlights of the evening were speeches from spotlight speakers representing each award category, who shared personal reflections on their volunteering experiences and the lessons they learned through service. Their stories captured the transformative impact of volunteering on both the individuals involved and the communities they supported. The 2025 ceremony marked a new milestone with 110 students receiving Gold Awards, the highest number in the event’s history. This achievement highlights the growing culture of volunteerism at UCD.

The UCD in the Community Volunteering Awards continue to shine a light on the university’s commitment to fostering empathy, leadership, and social responsibility among its students.