SETU continued its Foundation Day 2025 celebrations today at its Cork Road campus in Waterford.
The event brought together staff, students, and community partners for an event focused on the theme ‘Connecting our Communities through Social Inclusion and Volunteering’.
Foundation Day marks the establishment of SETU on 1 May 2022 and highlights the University’s evolving role as a force for positive regional impact.
Speaking at the event, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, reflected on the University’s journey and growth, acknowledging the achievements and resilience of staff and students throughout the year.
“Our greatest strength as a university is our community. Foundation Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of connection, how we support one another, our students, and the wider region.”
Professor Veronica Campbell President of SETU
The Waterford event featured a keynote address by Senator Aubrey McCarthy, founder and Chair of Tiglin, a charity that supports individuals impacted by addiction and homelessness. Tiglin has a longstanding collaborative partnership with SETU through its Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning.
In his address, ‘Connecting our Communities through Social Inclusion and Volunteering’, Senator McCarthy highlighted the value of inclusive education and Tiglin’s transformative partnership with SETU.
The combined work of the two organisations provides empowering educational opportunities for residents in recovery. Senator McCarthy imparted the powerful message to attendees of continuing to work together to build bridges across social divides.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, chaired by Dr Allison Kenneally, SETU Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Panellists included Dr Lorraine Tansey, Programme Manager at StudentVolunteer.ie, Rosemary Flynn, SETU Head of Department - Director of Lifelong Learning (Carlow), and SETU students Pedro Augusto Canteli, Anna Borsotti, and Evan O’Neil.
The discussion explored the importance of fostering a spirit of volunteerism at SETU and the power of student engagement in strengthening the University community through volunteering.
The event also featured a performance by the SETU Staff Choir, bringing the audience together in celebration of another significant year of growth at the University.
SETU’s Foundation Day 2025 events conclude in Carlow on 29 May.
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