Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar receives honorary doctorate from SETU in Waterford
Mr Varadkar was awarded the doctorate during a conferring ceremony at the SETU Arena in Waterford
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has received an honorary doctorate from the South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford.
Mr Varadkar was awarded the doctorate during a conferring ceremony at the SETU Arena yesterday.
The former Fine Gael leader said: “I am truly honoured to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the university.
“It is the first I have received, and it is particularly special to receive it from SETU, given my personal connection to the region and my belief in the importance of higher education in creating opportunities for people and communities.”
Mr Varadkar went on to highlight why SETU is of particular significance to him personally.
“SETU has a special place in my heart as the legislation providing for its establishment was passed during my first term as Taoiseach and it was formally established when I was Tánaiste.
“I think I first heard the idea being discussed at my aunt’s kitchen table in County Waterford when I was in school. It’s been a long time coming.
“I am absolutely certain that, in the fullness of time, it will be seen as a gamechanger for the region attracting inward investment, spinning off new businesses, bringing more international students to the region and allowing more people from the region to access higher education close to home.”
Meanwhile, Professor Pat O’Connor was also awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her scholarly achievements.
Professor O’Connor, who is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Limerick, has established a distinguished record in Irish and international academia.
Reflecting on the honour, she stated: “I am delighted to receive an Honorary Doctorate from SETU.
“Working at SETU was very satisfying and did much to shape my understanding of the higher education landscape in Ireland.
“In truth, I would never have left the university if I had not had a lightbulb moment when I saw that, regardless of women’s educational level, research publications or strategic ideas, they were, at that time, less likely than men who lacked these to be ‘backed’ by those in power.
“That experience shaped my career. I am grateful to all of those who have supported me and to SETU for this honour.”
Professor O’Connor has a longstanding connection with SETU, having worked there from 1982 until the end of 1991 as Course Director of the National Diploma in Child Care, an area she believes remains undervalued by Irish society.
This year marked the fourth consecutive year that the university has honoured individuals whose work it believes has made a lasting impact in their respective fields.
SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, said the awards recognise the recipients’ leadership, service and commitment to social progress.
Professor Campbell said: “We are delighted to award honorary doctorates to Professor Pat O’Connor and Mr Leo Varadkar.
“Professor O’Connor, a distinguished sociologist and academic, has made an exceptional contribution to Irish and international academia, while Mr Varadkar is recognised for his longstanding commitment to public service, social justice and international cooperation.
“Notwithstanding, their different careers, both have challenged established thinking and helped shape a better future through research, education, policy and public service, inspiring others to create positive change.”
Conferring ceremonies are continuing at the SETU Arena in Waterford today.