University College Dublin was proud to celebrate our outstanding alumni at the UCD Foundation Day Alumni Awards 2015. The black tie event took place in O’Reilly Hall, UCD. Those being honoured included some of the University’s most distinguished alumni, recognised for outstanding achievements within their chosen professional field post graduation.

At the University’s prestigious event, the President of UCD, Professor Andrew J. Deeks presented awards to 15 notable alumni who have achieved excellence in their field and whose professional achievements are a source of inspiration to students. In keeping with tradition, the highlight of the gala event was the presentation of the Foundation Day Medal to a distinguished alumnus of national and international recognition whose influence and contribution is a source of great pride to the University. Former medallists include Jonathan Sexton, Maeve Binchy, Bill Whelan and Brian O' Driscoll. This year, the President presented Dr Catherine Day with the Foundation Day Medal.

UCD Alumni Awards were presented in the following categories; Agriculture and Food Science, Architecture, Arts, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Radiography, Science and Veterinary Medicine.

University College Dublin was proud to celebrate our outstanding alumni at the UCD Foundation Day Alumni Awards 2015. The black tie event took place in O’Reilly Hall, UCD. Those being honoured included some of the University’s most distinguished alumni, recognised for outstanding achievements within their chosen professional field post graduation.

At the University’s prestigious event, the President of UCD, Professor Andrew J. Deeks presented awards to 15 notable alumni who have achieved excellence in their field and whose professional achievements are a source of inspiration to students. In keeping with tradition, the highlight of the gala event was the presentation of the Foundation Day Medal to a distinguished alumnus of national and international recognition whose influence and contribution is a source of great pride to the University. Former medallists include Jonathan Sexton, Maeve Binchy, Bill Whelan and Brian O' Driscoll. This year, the President presented Dr Catherine Day with the Foundation Day Medal.

UCD Alumni Awards were presented in the following categories; Agriculture and Food Science, Architecture, Arts, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Radiography, Science and Veterinary Medicine.

Pictured at the awards below l-r: Professor Andrew Deeks, Noirín O'Sullivan (Business category award recipient), Professor Ciarán OhOgartaighIt is with great pride that the University honoured this year’s recipients:

DR CATHERINE DAY - FOUNDATION DAY MEDALIST 2015
Dr Day received the President’s Foundation Day Medal for her astounding impact on the European Union landscape. In 2014, Dr. Day received an award from the President of Ireland for her distinguished service to Irish aboard. She is one of only three women to have held the position of Director General in the Commission and recently stepped down as Secretary-General of the European Commission after 15 years. Dr. Day has remained an active contributor to UCD, assisting in the setup of an alumni chapter in Brussels that meets annually.

NÓIRÍN O'SULLIVAN – BUSINESS
Garda Commissioner
With nearly 30 years professional policing experience, Ms O’Sullivan made history last November when she became the first female Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

TOM TYNAN - AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE
Mr Tynan was celebrated for his phenomenal career in agriculture including his recent appointment to the cabinet of EU Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan.

YVONNE FARRELL & SHELLY MCNAMARA – ARCHITECTURE
Grafton Architects
Both are adjunct professors at UCD and have been recipients of numerous awards and are published extensively internationally. They have exhibited in Dublin, Paris, Madrid and Zurich and have lectured widely in European and American Schools of Architecture.

DR JIM SHERIDAN – ARTS
Film Director
Dr Sheridan is one of the most celebrated film directors in the world. As an Arts graduate, Dr Sheridan has written, directed and produced numerous award-winning films. His current project, the Secret Scriptures, is currently in post-production.

DR DAVE BURKE – ENGINEERING
VP for Engineering in Google
While studying for his PhD in UCD Dr Burke developed an online service called “Street Wise”, one of the world’s first mobile maps applications and now leads a team of over 300 engineers at Google in Silicon Valley. Dr Burke completed three programmes in UCD, a Bachelor of Engineering, a Masters of Engineering & Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Electronic Engineering

MIRIAM O'CALLAGHAN – LAW
Broadcaster
Ms O’Callagan received this award for her contribution to broadcasting. She has been the presenter of RTÉ’s leading current affairs show, Prime Time since 1996 and won an IFTA for Best TV Personality.

DR PATRICK BRADLEY – MEDICINE
Leading Surgeon
Dr Bradley is internationally celebrated for his work and research in otorhinolaryngology: head and neck surgery. He has been appointed to the European Academy of Otorhinolaryngology and delivers lectures across the globe.

VIRGINIA PYE - NURSING, MIDWIFERY & HEALTH SYSTEMS
Director Public Health Nursing
Ms Pye is an innovative leader in the area of child welfare and health services. One of her greatest achievements was in 2014 when the HSE launched the Child and Family Needs Assessment Framework for Public Health for public health nurses working in the Midlands.

RENA BUCKLEY – PHYSIOTHERAPY
Chartered Physiotherapist and GAA Superstar
Ms Buckley is a Chartered Physiotherapist and one of the most decorated players in GAA history, having won 16 All-Ireland medals, the most recent in both the 2015 football and camogie All-Ireland championships.

DR TONY HOLOHAN – PUBLIC HEALTH
Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health and Children
For over eight years, as Chief Medical Officer, Dr Holohan has had an instrumental role in health policy for this country, including the ambitious cross-sectoral Healthy Ireland Initiative. He is regarded as a leader in the practice of evidence-based Public Health Medicine in Ireland

FR PETER McVERRY – SCIENCE
Social Activist
Fr McVerry has dedicated his life to fighting poverty and homelessness. In 2014 alone, the Peter McVerry Trust supported approximately 4,500 individuals through providing over 2,300 residential placements.

ORLAITH BLANEY - SOCIAL SCIENCE
CEO, McCann Blue
Ms Blaney received the Social Science award for her contribution to the Irish advertising industry. Ms Blaney was the youngest and only female to become MD of an international network agency in Ireland.

DERMOT WELD - VETERINARY MEDICINE
Racehorse Trainer
Mr Weld is globally admired for his accomplishments as one of Ireland's most successful racehorse trainers. Mr Weld is also a dedicated veterinarian and Ambassador for Veterinary Education and Research.