More than 200 military officers and enlisted personnel today received their qualifications at the conferring of academic awards on members of the Defence Forces by South East Technological University. Today’s occasion marks the first SETU conferring ceremony for Defence Forces personnel and their first time to receive their academic awards in person since 2019. The ceremony which takes place on SETU’s Carlow campus is the largest annual military graduation in the State from a higher education institution.
Awards this year range from Master of Science in Communications Technology Management, Master of Engineering in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Engineering and Bachelor of Arts Degrees to Certificates and Higher Certificates in Leadership, Management and Defence Studies.
President of SETU, Prof. Veronica Campbell, speaking at today’s ceremony, acknowledged the specific skills of the Defence Forces, “As well as the advanced Masters-level courses in technical areas, I note that leadership is a theme across all programmes and I appreciate how qualities in leadership are so important for you as individual members of the Defence Forces – each of you will bring your own reflections, expertise and ideas to the tactical, operational and strategic facets of leadership that underpin a high performing Defence Force.”
Due to the nature of their military service, a number of the graduates were conferred in absentia as they are currently serving overseas in Lebanon, Mali, the Golan Heights and on other duties overseas.
I am very proud of all today's deserved recipients. These awards are a culmination of what has been a very challenging and rewarding process for all today's recipients. The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread disruption to both Defence Forces’ training and education and the broader Higher Education Sector in Ireland. Despite the challenges posed, both the Defence Forces’ training staff and SETU’s academic staff continued to deliver high quality training and education to our personnel.” Seán Clancy
Lieutenant General Clancy concluded: “Finally, I would like to thank SETU’s President, Professor Veronica Campbell and her dedicated team of academics and administrators for their work in the delivery of high quality education experiences to members of the Defence Forces.”
Prof Campbell wished the first Defence Forces graduates of SETU continued success in their careers, “Today you hold a special place in history of being the first Defence Forces graduates of South East Technological University. Your names are among the first graduates signed into the SETU graduates roll book.
“As new graduates of our new university, you are now alumni of SETU and the reputation of any university is built upon the quality of its alumni. I wish you continued success in your career - continue to be courageous, ambitious and just in support of your respective roles in defending the people and territories of state and providing multinational peacekeeping and humanitarian aid. “