SETU is pleased to announce that Dr Sarah Sartori has been awarded the 2025 Vicky Phelan Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Award.
Now in its third year, this award recognises members of the SETU community who demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across the university. The award is named in memory of Vicky Phelan, a respected SETU graduate, former colleague, Fellow of SETU, and tireless campaigner for justice and women’s health. Her legacy of advocacy and resilience continues to inspire SETU’s commitment to ensuring fair access, transparency, and compassion in higher education, highlighting the importance of EDI efforts.
Dr Sartori was honoured for her inspiring leadership in widening participation for underrepresented learners, particularly through her work with SETU’s Sanctuary Programme. Her efforts have been crucial in the university’s response to support students displaced from Gaza, allowing them to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, she leads initiatives to strengthen pathways from Further Education and Training and champions access to higher education for people in Portlaoise Prison.
During the ceremony, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, praised Dr Sartori for her transformative contributions to students and the university community: “What sets Sarah apart is the genuine care she brings to every student she supports. Her work with our Sanctuary Scholars goes far beyond administration, it changes real lives in profound ways. She has an extraordinary ability to meet students where they are and help them envision where they can go, empowering learners who might otherwise feel left behind. Her contributions enrich SETU’s mission and enhance the student experience in ways that will resonate for years to come. We are privileged to recognise her with the Vicky Phelan EDI Award.”
In her acceptance speech, Dr Sartori reflected on the significance of receiving an honour that bears Vicky Phelan’s name: “Vicky Phelan’s legacy is one of bravery, compassion, and fighting for what is right. To be recognised in her name means more to me than I can express. I am profoundly grateful to SETU for believing in this work and for surrounding me with people who share that commitment to equity and inclusion.”
Dr Sartori also acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind the initiatives she leads: “Everything we have achieved in widening access and supporting marginalised learners has been possible because of colleagues across SETU who show such generosity of spirit. Their kindness, opening their homes, their time, and their hearts, reminds me daily of what true inclusion looks like.”
By honouring Dr Sartori, SETU reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across the university. Her leadership strengthens our community, enriches the student experience, and embodies the values at the heart of our mission.