SETU’s inaugural PMSS (Professional, Managerial, and Support Staff) Excellence Awards took place today, 27 September, at the SETU Arena in Waterford.
The first-annual awards ceremony is part of a new staff recognition initiative launched by the President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell, in March 2024. The initiative gives staff across SETU’s varied PMSS teams the opportunity to nominate colleagues for Excellence Awards in recognition of their contribution and commitment to the University.
Embodying SETU values
Speaking at the event, Prof. Veronica Campbell, said, “I am delighted to present today’s awardees with their PMSS Excellence Awards and to mark the beginning of a new tradition for our University. These awards have been introduced to acknowledge PMSS staff members who make an invaluable contribution to the University, embodying the values of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in the work they do across all facets of SETU.”
Prof. Campbell continued, “Our strategic plan captures more than the University’s ambition for the region, it also recognises and seeks to celebrate the impact an individual can make on their community. Our nominees and awardees represent a diverse range of departments, showcasing the array of knowledge, skill, and talent available across our teams. Their commitment and contribution to our University community cannot be overstated. Sincere congratulations to you all and thank you to all who made today’s awards event possible.”
People, Culture and EDI
The awards ceremony marked the first official engagement of SETU’s newly appointed Vice President for People, Culture, and EDI, Shauna Whyte. Welcoming the inaugural PMSS Excellence Awards, Ms Whyte said she was delighted that SETU was taking this time “to shine a light brightly upon our PMSS teams, showing that their dedication and professionalism does not go unnoticed”.
She further stated, “As we look toward the future, one filled with new opportunities and challenges for our technological university, we will continue to value and invest in our PMSS teams and part of my role is to ensure that this happens. PMSS roles are evolving, and the knowledge and skill of these teams will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SETU.”
MC for the event was SETU HR Manager, Darren Fitzpatrick, who guided attendees through the ceremony, while nominators and staff from across multiple departments contributed to the overall event organisation.
Nominees
Awardees
SETU was delighted to announce this year’s staff award recipients, including four individuals and one team. Each recipient was presented with their award by Prof. Veronica Campbell.
Mary Boylan, Peer Support Officer at SETU, has been awarded a SETU Service Excellence Award for her exceptional contributions to fostering inclusivity, innovation, and excellence. Her dedication to SETU’s core values and ability to unite students, staff, and external partners make her a standout candidate for recognition.
Mary has created a welcoming and supportive environment, empowering everyone to realise their full potential. She has led several impactful initiatives and was involved in notable projects including an art project celebrating campus community and volunteering and the ‘Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy’ cookbook, which promoted inclusivity and raised funds for Breast Cancer Ireland.
Her meticulous planning of the 50th annual SETU Seniors Easter Party brought joy to over 200 local senior citizens and emeritus staff. Mary’s commitment to supporting all students, particularly international students from Ukraine, exemplifies her inclusive approach. Mary's ability to foster collaboration and communication among colleagues, university constituents, and external partners is unparalleled.
Her dedication extends beyond SETU through volunteering with local charities and community groups, further highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact. Mary’s outstanding achievements, commitment to excellence, and advocacy work make her a deserving recipient of the SETU Service Excellence Award.
Angela Collins was honoured with the SETU PMSS Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication, innovative leadership, and unwavering commitment to student support in her role at the Careers Development Centre. Her tireless efforts extend beyond her duties, providing personalised career guidance and fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students and staff alike.
Angela's ensures all students receive the guidance they need through support that is centred on accessibility and inclusivity. This is evident in her support for students with special needs, disabilities, and international backgrounds, tirelessly advocating for their success and providing resources and opportunities to bolster their confidence and skills.
Angela's impact is also reflected in her numerous awards, including several Association of Higher Education Career Services (AHECS) accolades. Her role in the EU-CONEXUS initiative and her collaborations with internal and external stakeholders further underscore her commitment to fostering growth, setting goals, and promoting innovation. Her work has significantly contributed to enhancing SETU's reputation in the broader educational landscape.
Beyond her professional achievements, Angela's genuine care and positive attitude create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among colleagues and students. She embodies SETU’s core values through exemplary service, tireless advocacy, and profound impact on the university community.
As a dedicated librarian at SETU’s Wexford Campus, Kim Harte has been recognised with a SETU PMSS Excellence Award for her commitment to supporting teaching and learning, and her considerate approach to students.
As the sole librarian on campus, Kim manages a range of responsibilities, including information resources, collection management, research assistance, and various administrative tasks.
Kim is known for her creative and engaging ideas. She organises activities like the Library Lover’s Tree for Valentine’s Day, and Roses from the Heart exhibition, in collaboration with Women’s Collective Ireland to name but a few.
She is known for creating themed displays and developing QR codes to link students to discipline-specific resources. Kim has also worked to enhance the Library Subject Guides by identifying gaps and gathering relevant materials to support students. Her involvement in physical and mental wellness initiatives further demonstrates her holistic approach to student support.
Her commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated by her active participation in the University of Sanctuary Committee and her role in planning ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ events. Her proactive and compassionate approach has made her a valued member of the Wexford Campus and she is a deserving recipient of this award.
Róisín Shanahan’s history of exemplary service, tireless advocacy, and profound impact on the university community has earned her a SETU PMSS Excellence Award.
As the Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager, Ms Shanahan is recognised for her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and excellence throughout her distinguished career at the university.
Róisín has fronted numerous impactful initiatives, such as consent workshops and bystander intervention training. Her work has played a pivotal role in fostering a safer and more inclusive environment.
In her previous role as Senior Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer, Róisín was instrumental in establishing the EDI office and advancing key action plans. She successfully delivered major events such as the Equitas Conference and International Women’s and Men’s Day.
Róisín’s dedication to promoting an inclusive environment is highlighted by her support of the LGBT+ Staff Network. Her work was recently recognised at the Eucen SMILE Diversity Awards 2023.
She began her journey at SETU in Student Support, where her compassionate approach still resonates today. As she transitioned into HR and later EDI, Róisín championed employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion through workshops and guest speakers.
Her legacy sets a benchmark for service excellence at SETU and beyond.
SETU’s CTEL team was awarded an Excellence Award 2024 for its transformative contributions to teaching, learning, and technology-enhanced learning (TEL) at SETU.
Since its inception in 2006, the team has been a pillar of support and expertise that has enabled the integration of TEL strategies that have equipped SETU with unparalleled progressive teaching and learning (T&L) approaches.
CTEL has expanded its influence across disciplines, transforming from a support entity to a central force in T&L innovation, empowering academic teams to explore new teaching modalities with confidence.
During the challenges posed by COVID-19, CTEL’s proactive support was instrumental. The team provided timely assistance in navigating Moodle, Turnitin, and other tools, ensuring continuity in teaching amidst unprecedented circumstances.
CTEL’s alignment with SETU’s strategic goals, particularly in driving smart technology usage and fostering innovation in teaching, exemplifies its integral role within our university. Their dedication to professional development and their pioneering initiatives set a benchmark for TEL integration in higher education.
For more information on SETU’s PMSS Excellence Awards, click here.