SETU is proud to announce that four students had been shortlisted for the prestigious gradireland Undergraduate of the Year awards.
These national awards recognised Ireland’s most talented undergraduate students across a range of categories, highlighting academic excellence, leadership and real-world impact.
Four students from SETU were among the top ten shortlisted for the awards, with Liam Culbert and Kurtis Forray nominated for the ‘Future Business Leader Undergraduate of the Year Award’, Evelyn Cooper for the ‘Difference Maker of the Year Award’, and Ihor Melashchenko for the ‘Future Entrepreneur Undergraduate of the Year Award’.
Celebrating student achievement
The gradireland Undergraduate of the Year awards aim to recognise and celebrate Ireland’s top student talent, offering finalists valuable opportunities such as internships, graduate positions and professional networking. SETU’s shortlisted students had demonstrated a strong commitment to both their academic studies and wider student life, combining academic dedication with active extracurricular engagement.
"Being shortlisted for the gradireland awards was a real honour. It recognised my work at SETU in supporting fellow students, leading projects, and making a positive difference in the community."
Evelyn Cooper Difference Maker of the Year Award finalist, SETU
Their achievements included leadership roles such as class representatives and peer mentors, involvement in student societies, and leading initiatives that positively impacted both the campus and the wider community. Collectively, their work reflected a commitment to collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, highlighting the significant contributions they had made to the university and beyond.
Student leadership, innovation and impact
Each of the four students had shown a clear ability to take initiative and contribute positively within their communities. From business and entrepreneurship to social impact, their work reflected the diverse strengths of SETU students. Their efforts included developing innovative ideas, leading student-led projects, and actively participating in activities that supported fellow students and enhanced campus life. This combination of academic focus and extracurricular involvement reflected the qualities recognised by the awards.
"Shortlisting for the gradireland awards was a key milestone that validated my work at SETU, highlighted my leadership and innovation, and opened doors to leading employers."
Ihor Melashchenko Future Entrepreneur Undergraduate of the Year Award finalist, SETU
Shortlisting placed these students among the top ten undergraduate performers in Ireland, following a highly competitive awards process that included applications, shortlisting stages, and, in many cases, interviews with industry representatives. The awards ceremony took place in Dublin on 1 April 2026, bringing together students, employers and educators from across the country to celebrate undergraduate excellence.
A proud moment for SETU
SETU warmly congratulated all four students on their achievement. Their success reflects the talent, drive and dedication within the university community and showcases the supportive learning environment across its campuses. Being recognised at a national level highlights the real impact SETU students are making as they prepare to progress into their future careers.
