SETU will confer honorary doctorates on former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and leading sociologist, Professor Pat O’Connor, recognising their contributions to Irish public life, academia and society.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that SETU will award honorary doctorates during its autumn conferring ceremonies.
Announcing the recipients, Professor Patrick Prendergast, Chairperson of SETU’s Governing Body and Chancellor of the University, said the awards reflect SETU’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on society.
“Honorary doctorates provide an opportunity to recognise individuals whose work has helped shape public life, advance knowledge and challenge established thinking,” Prof. Prendergast said.
Leo Varadkar and Professor Pat O’Connor have made distinct and lasting contributions in their respective fields. Their achievements reflect the value of public service, academic leadership and a commitment to addressing important societal issues. We are delighted to welcome them to the SETU community. They join a distinguished group of honorary doctorate recipients whose achievements and contributions continue to inspire communities across the South East and beyond.
Professor Patrick Prendergast Chairperson of SETU's Governing Body and Chancellor of the University
This year’s recipients were selected following a nomination process involving SETU students, staff and alumni, with the final decision ratified by the University’s Governing Body.
SETU will recognise Leo Varadkar for his contributions to Irish politics, public service, social justice, multilateralism and national and international leadership.
A medical doctor by profession, Mr Varadkar worked as a hospital doctor and in general practice before entering politics. First elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007, he subsequently served as a Minister across six Government Departments over 13 years.
In 2017, he became Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach, serving to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. His time in senior government coincided with profound social and political change in Ireland and an evolving role for the country internationally.
Serving both as Taoiseach and Tánaiste, Mr Varadkar helped shape Ireland’s response to pivotal national and geopolitical challenges, making a significant and lasting contribution to public life and the country’s international engagement.
The award of an honorary doctorate recognises his distinguished record of public service, his leadership at the highest levels of government, and his enduring contribution to Ireland’s political and civic life.
Professor Pat O’Connor, who began her career at SETU as Course Director on the National Diploma in Child Care, will receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contribution to the University and to Irish and international academia.
A leading sociologist and Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Limerick, Professor O’Connor has made a sustained and far-reaching impact on policy, institutional practice, and societal change, with her work contributing to wider discussions at organisational and national level on gender equality and social change.
Professor O’Connor was the first woman appointed to a full professorship in sociology in Ireland. She later became the first woman to hold both full professorial rank and a faculty deanship at the University of Limerick, where she served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Her career has combined academic research with senior university leadership, while her work on gender and institutional inequality has helped inform debate about women's representation and opportunities within higher education and wider society.
The award recognises both her scholarly achievements and her contribution to advancing understanding of gender equality.
An honorary doctorate is the highest distinctions a university can confer. These awards reflect SETU’s commitment to recognising outstanding achievement and celebrating individuals whose work makes a meaningful contribution to society, while enriching the social and cultural life of the South East region. It is a privilege for SETU to recognise the achievements of Leo Varadkar and Professor Pat O’Connor, and the impact of their work in Ireland and beyond. I warmly congratulate both recipients on this well-deserved honour and welcome them to the SETU community.
Professor Veronica Campbell SETU President
The honorary doctorates will be formally conferred during SETU’s graduation ceremonies commencing next week.