The Bridge: Alumni Newsletter
Global Ties: UCC Alumni Events Around the World
The global UCC alumni community includes over 220,000 members living and working across the world. We are delighted to share highlights from recent alumni gatherings, as UCC graduates continue to build connections no matter where they are.
View photo gallery for the below gatherings
Berlin: An Autumnal Get-Together
UCC alumni in Berlin met last week for a relaxed gathering at Castle Berlin Mitte restaurant. The get-together saw graduates representing a diverse array of faculties and class years. The event provided a chance to reconnect, share stories, and reminisce about their time at UCC. Special thanks to Chloe Griffin, UCC’s international alumni leader in Berlin, for organising such a wonderful event that brought alumni together in the spirit of community.
Sydney: A Gathering of Alumni and Friends
During the Lions Tour of Australia in July, UCC alumni gathered in Sydney to celebrate their shared connection with the university. The event was a strong reminder of the reach and vitality of the UCC global network, with graduates continuing to foster meaningful connections long after their time on campus. We extend our thanks to all who attended, and to Ernest Cantillon (BComm ’04) for sharing a photo for the gallery.
San Francisco: Making Connections
In May, Professor Ursula Kilkelly, Vice President of Global Engagement, hosted a gathering for Alumni and Friends at the Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco. The event included a fascinating panel discussion, moderated by Micheál Smith, Consul General of San Francisco, centred around ‘The Economic Ties Between Ireland and The San Francisco Bay Area’ with a specific focus on Cork. Professor Kilkelly was joined by panelists Ruth Cotter (BA 1993), Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at AMD, Conor Tierney (BSc 1999), Chief Financial Officer at AEye Inc, and Sean Randolph, Senior Director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute. It was lovely to meet so many people from the UCC community in San Francisco with plenty of connections made both old and new.
Shanghai: St. Patrick’s Celebration
UCC alumni in Shanghai marked St. Patrick’s Day in style at the St. Patrick’s Ball in March. Tables at the event were named after famous Irish rivers and mountains, with the UCC table proudly bearing the name "Lee," a tribute to the river that runs through the heart of UCC’s campus. The UCC China Chapter was represented by Dr Haibo Huang, Rowan Heaphy, and Lilian Luo, while alumni Rory O'Neill and Daniel Ryan added to the festivities by performing with the event’s band. It was a wonderful evening of celebration and camaraderie in Shanghai.
Paris: UCC Alumni Reception at the Embassy
In February, UCC alumni and friends gathered in Paris at the Embassy of Ireland for an inspiring evening with Professor Ursula Kilkelly, UCC’s Vice President for Global Engagement. Deputy Ambassador Owen Feeney warmly welcomed guests and keynote speakers, Dr Will Fennell and Mike O’Sullivan, who spoke of the strong cultural ties between Ireland and France in the field of education. The event provided alumni with an exciting update on both UCC’s Global Engagement Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Guests also celebrated UCC’s remarkable success at the Paris Olympics, as the evening concluded with a sense of pride and unity. A heartfelt thank you to the Embassy team for creating such a memorable occasion.
Jakarta: A Warm Gathering in Indonesia
In November, UCC alumni in Jakarta had the opportunity to reconnect at a gathering hosted by the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia. Over 40 graduates from Irish higher education institutions were welcomed by Michael Noble, UCC’s international alumni leader in Jakarta and Chair of the Irish Chamber. The event featured a special address from H.E. Pádraig Francis, Ambassador of Ireland to Indonesia, and offered alumni a chance to network, share stories, and celebrate collective memories. The afternoon was filled with fun, great food, and lively discussion, reinforcing the strong sense of camaraderie within the UCC alumni community.
Where Are You Now?
- We’d love to hear where you are based: Wherever you are in the world, please take a moment to update your details so that we can notify you of future events happening in your region. Stay connected with your UCC community and never miss out on exciting opportunities - see upcoming alumni events and gatherings here