USI Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Awards Ceremony.
At an event in Dublin Castle, student leaders and representatives gathered to mark the contribution made to student life by individuals, clubs and societies, and to reflect on campaigns and initiatives taken on campuses across the island of Ireland.
Among the judges and presenters of awards on hand last night, Senator Averil Power and Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Minister for Education and Skills, both urged students to use their votes in the forthcoming referendums.
Minister O’Sullivan said:
“We have an extraordinary opportunity as a people on May 22nd. We can be the first country in the world, to decide through referendum – the voice of the people – that we believe all couples to be equal.’
‘The USI has played a leading role in registering students to vote – that type of activity will prove crucial on polling day.’
The event, presented by broadcaster Tara Flynn, saw twenty awards made to individuals, students’ unions and clubs and societies from across the island.
Closing the event, President of the Union of Students in Ireland Laura Harmon told the award winners and nominees:
“Students, whether they’re involved in local campaigns on campus, helping the homeless in their communities or engaging with the affairs of the nation, can be a powerful force for progress and the common good in Ireland. We’re honoured to be able to learn from them and share the lessons of their work – and to tell their story to the world.”