The theme of this year’s event was ‘A Vision for a Healthier Future’. A panel discussion led by Professor Blánaid White, Executive Dean of DCU’s Faculty of Science and Health, provided guests with insights into the impact of philanthropy on health research at DCU and the University’s ambitious vision for a healthier future. This includes advancing vital cancer research at DCU Life Science Institute, and a new programme of research focussed on women’s health.
Speaking on the evening, DCU Educational Trust Chair Deirdre Hannigan told guests:
“We are united this evening by a shared passion for DCU’s mission to transform lives and societies, and by a belief that through philanthropy and the pursuit of knowledge, we can make a real difference to people’s lives and the world that we live in.”
Samantha Briody, CEO of the Sunflower Charitable Foundation with Prof Dáire Keogh. President of DCU and Deirdre Hannigan, Chair of DCU Educational Trust
The Sunflower Charitable Foundation was this year’s recipient of the Individual Leadership Award. This award recognises those individuals who, through their substantial engagement with and support for the University, have taken a central role in the development of DCU and its mission to transform lives and societies. The Sunflower Charitable Foundation’s generosity is helping to advance health research, education and outreach initiatives in DCU Polaris. These include the DCU LifeLab health literacy programme for disadvantaged youth, support for cutting-edge health science equipment, and funding for a new programme of research on women’s health.
Prof Barbara Flood with Prof Dáire Keogh. President of DCU and Deirdre Hannigan, Chair of DCU Educational Trust
Professor Barbara Flood, Full Professor in Accounting at DCU Business School, received this year’s Staff Leadership Award. This award recognises DCU staff members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership to advance DCU’s mission to transform lives and societies. Professor Flood received the accolade in honour of her work in building strategic philanthropic partnerships that create a vital link between industry and accounting education.
Edel O’Malley, CEO of basis.point with Prof Dáire Keogh. President of DCU and Deirdre Hannigan, Chair of DCU Educational Trust
The final award of the evening, the Corporate Leadership Award, recognises the contributions of DCU’s leading corporate supporters who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in supporting DCU in its mission to transform lives and societies. It was presented to basis.point, a foundation that brings together philanthropically minded companies across the Irish funds industry. CEO Edel O’Malley accepted the award, which recognises basis.point’s visionary support of DCU Changemaker Schools Network. A social innovation initiative, Changemaker supports teachers and students across Ireland to lead change in their schools and communities.
Guests were also treated to a wonderful performance by student harpist, Hannah Lyons, during the event.
DCU president Professor Dáire Keogh, thanked guests for attending and said:
“If you look around campus, or talk to staff and students, you’ll understand how critically important philanthropy has been to our infrastructure, our research, our teaching and learning… It’s an exciting time in the DCU story. We continue to apply the same entrepreneurial, engaged, collaborative, can-do approach that’s always been part of the DCU DNA. With our philanthropic partners, we continue to turn challenges into opportunities; we continue to focus on the future. Thank you for being part of our story, part of our success.”
