The Department of Science at South East Technological University (SETU) was delighted to welcome back graduates from the Biology and Chemistry Classes of 1979 for a special gathering held on the Cork Road Campus recently.
The gathering marked a memorable occasion for former students and retired staff to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on their shared experiences at Waterford Regional Technical College (WRTC) during the 1970s.
Kathryn Kiely, Vice President for External Affairs at SETU, and Dr Laurence Fitzhenry, Head of Faculty of Science and Computing, provided insightful overviews of SETU’s progress and future ambition as a university and within the Faculty of Science and Computing.
Dr Niall O’Reilly also shared updates on the impactful research and industry collaborations taking place through the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC). The gathering concluded with a campus tour, with a specific focus on the Science and PMBRC laboratories.
The event offered an opportunity to celebrate the lasting connections formed through WRTC and to highlight the evolution of science education and research in the South East region over the past four decades.
Inspiring legacy
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said, “The recent gathering of our alumni and retired staff from the Department of Science of the 1970s is a wonderful testament to the longstanding culture of community and connection that defines our University. The staff and alumni of our former institutes played a significant role in building this institution, and today we share in their pride as we acknowledge the lasting impact of their contributions. Their legacy continues to inspire us, and I look forward to their ongoing support as we work together to fully realise SETU’s ambition for our University and the south east region.”
Dr Sinéad O’Halloran, Head of the Department of Science, spoke of the pleasure in welcoming the WRTC Class of 1979 alumni back to campus. “Their stories reflect a deep and enduring connection with SETU. Many have returned over the years to pursue further studies at undergraduate, masters and PhD level. This continued engagement with SETU is a testament to the strength of our programmes and continued regional engagement with industry and community,” Dr O’Halloran.
Continued engagement
Lastly, Dr Laurence Fitzhenry, Head of Faculty of Science and Computing, remarked, “Our alumni enjoyed revisiting the campus and were delighted to see the incredible progress within the faculty since their time here. They were particularly impressed to learn about the exciting developments ahead, especially the launch of our new Pharmacy and Veterinary programmes. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former students and retired staff members. Our alumni are some of the most important ambassadors for our faculty and it was great to get to meet with them and hear some of the stories from their time here.”
The Department of Science looks forward to continuing to engage with alumni as part of SETU’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections among graduates, staff and the wider university community.
