Four very deserving MIC students were presented with the MIC Foundation – Award for Excellence at an award ceremony held in Mary Immaculate College (MIC) on Tuesday evening (19 March). These awards, which are now in their tenth year, are supported equally by the MIC Foundation (through a kind donation from Denis Brosnan) and the MISU (Students’ Union) and are given to students who demonstrate excellence in an area of endeavour, such as music, arts, sport etc. This year, five students were shortlisted for interview by the Awarding Panel, which consisted of Professor Gary O’Brien, Vice President of Governance and Strategy, MIC; Ms Deirdre Kennelly, General Manager MISU and Tom O’Sullivan, MIC Foundation Board Member.
The Awards for Excellence, valued at €500 each, were presented to the following successful recipients:
Gary Stephenson, 3rd year Primary Teaching student from Tralee, Co. Kerry. Gary, who was presented with an Award for Excellence for music, plays the highland bagpipes and Scottish tenor drum and was presented with the award in recognition of his musical achievements.
Katie Jones, a 3rd year Bachelor of Arts in Education, Business Studies and Accounting student from Newport, Co Tipperary, was presented with an Award for Excellence for her contribution to student and college life.
Michelle Nagle, 4th year Primary Teaching student from Mallow, Co Cork, was presented with an Award for Excellence in recognition of her sporting achievements in the area of weightlifting and athletics.
Emma Vaughn, 2nd year Primary Teaching student from Mallow, Co. Cork, received an Award for Excellence in recognition of her dedication and commitment to volunteering in her community.
Also presented on the night was the Highly Commended Award, which was presented to David Dunlea. David, from Ballyvolane, Co Cork, is a 3rd year Bachelor of Arts in Education, Business Studies and Accounting Student and was highly commended for his contribution to student and college life.
Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC, said the awards celebrated “a wonderful group of students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in a variety of different ways” as well as “great talent and commitment in their individual fields which include: community engagement, music, sport and contribution to student life”.
“I commend you all on your accomplishments and I wish you all the very best as you continue to pursue excellence and fulfilment in your chosen fields,” he added.
The competition for the receipt of the scholarships was open to all full-time undergraduate MIC students who had successfully completed the first year of their studies. Applicants had to be able to demonstrate excellence in an area of endeavour while maintaining a commitment to their academic studies.
Commenting on the awards MISU President, Rachel Dunne said; “The Student awards evening is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hard work, talent and dedication of our students. MIC is very fortunate to have many very talented and dedicated students who excel in many different fields whilst maintaining a commitment to their academic studies and the awards evening is a fantastic occasion to acknowledge this. MISU is very proud of our students and to be part of the awards and relishes the chance to recognise the students’ achievements and talents. It is a highlight of the year and a wonderful occasion for all involved.”
Deirdre Kennelly, MISU General Manager echoed these sentiments saying; “MISU are delighted to once again be involved with the MIC Foundation Award for Excellence. The awards provide us with an opportunity to learn about the great achievements of our students and we were very impressed with the high standard of the applicants. I would like to congratulate all the applicants on their achievements to date and wish them every success in the future.”
Also included in the night’s celebrations was the announcement of the Clubs and Society Awards (MICS) winners for 2019.
Main picture above L-R: Emma Vaughan, Michelle Nagle, Gary Stephenson and Katie Jones - MISU Award for Excellence 2019 winners
For the second year in a row MIDAS scooped the Best Society accolade. The popular society also won Best Event (Seussical), Best Poster (A Chorus Line), Best Publicity Campaign (Seussical) and Best Promotional Video (A Chorus Line) at last night’s awards. Best individual went to Emily Waters for her tireless behind the scenes work with MIDAS – testament that being part of the back of house team in a drama society is just as important as an on-stage role. MIDAS will defend their Best Society in a Small College title at the Board of Irish College Societies National Awards 2019.
The other big winners on the night was the Music Soc who were winners of the Most Improved Society having this year rebranded from the Live Music Society. Their members’ passion to music and willingness to share their talents at gigs and events throughout the college and local community was recognised with the award. While the International Society won the award for Best Photo.
Well done to all involved.
