Team Spotlight: Gwen Roche

22 Jan 2026

If you have ever contacted Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at University College Cork (UCC) with a question about courses, applications, or returning to education, there’s a good chance Gwen Roche was the first person you spoke to. 

Gwen has been part of ACE since February 2017 and works as the Receptionist, a front-facing, student-focused role that supports learners at the very beginning of their ACE journey. From answering initial enquiries by phone or email, to helping people navigate application systems, Gwen plays a key role in helping prospective students find the right place to start. 

“My role is very student-focused,” Gwen explains. “I’m often the first point of contact, and I really enjoy speaking to prospective students, hearing their stories and what has brought them to UCC and why they are taking steps to upskill and reskill.” 

Supporting learners at every stage 

One of the most rewarding aspects of Gwen’s role is staying connected with learners beyond that initial enquiry. 

“I love hearing about people’s learning journeys,” she says. “Graduates often get back in touch after they receive their qualification, and it’s always fascinating to hear where their studies have taken them and how they’re using what they learned.” 

For Gwen, helping prospective students refine their choices is central to her role at ACE, whether that’s talking through programme options, explaining systems, or helping someone feel confident about taking the next step.  

Helping learners make the most of their student experience 

Gwen is also keen to make sure ACE learners are aware of the wider supports available to them as UCC students. 

“UCC has a comprehensive range of facilities and services,” she notes. “I often tell students about the Skills Centre, as it can be a really helpful support during their studies.” 

Th Skills Centre provides free, dedicated sessions for adult learners on an assortment of academic skills that they will need to use in their academic journey, as well as booking online 1-2-1 sessions with tutors.  

Beyond the office 

Gwen enjoys staying active, particularly walking in the Mardyke or Fitzgerald’s Park, both close to the ACE offices, especially on bright days, and, practicing what she preaches, she enjoys upskilling herself, holding a Level 1 Certificate in Wine Tasting from WSET. 

Outside of ACE, Gwen is deeply involved in her local community through her role with the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, where she volunteers and serves as Chairperson of Communications and Events. 

In 2025, Gwen led a social media initiative aimed at telling the story of the Club in a more open and engaging way. The focus was simple but powerful: to celebrate the people behind the Club, its members, volunteers, sailors, and committees, while keeping sailing at the heart of the story. One of the most successful moments came during Culture Night, when the Club opened its doors to the wider community for the first time. The event’s success led to funding being secured to take part again the following year. 

Gwen Roche, pictured at the Royal Cork Yacht Club with Cork City Councillor Jack White during Culture Night Fri. 19th Sept. 2025.
Photo: Gwen Roche.

A familiar voice for many learners 

Gwen believes in the power of learning as a shared, ongoing experience, whether that’s taking a programme at ACE, learning through community involvement, volunteering, or opening up spaces that might otherwise feel inaccessible. 

Across her role at UCC and her volunteer role with the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Gwen’s work is grounded in connection: helping people feel welcome, sharing knowledge, and supporting learning in all its forms. 

Thinking about returning to education? 

If you’re exploring your options or wondering how to get started, ACE offers a wide range of part-time and flexible programmes designed to fit around work, family, and other commitments. 

A helpful place to begin is our guide: 
An Adult’s Guide to Going Back to Education at UCC

Browse all part-time programmes for adult learners here.

Or, visit our stand at the upcoming UCC Postgraduate Expo