Reading for a Better Future: UCC Alumni Fund Supports New Library Collection

Thanks to donations to the UCC Alumni Fund, a new Sustainability & Wellbeing Collection is now live in UCC Library.

Created in collaboration with the UCC Library Sustainability Team and the UCC Environmental Society, this new permanent, mobile collection is accessible to all students, bringing together inspiring, action-focused reads on sustainability and wellbeing to help students live healthier, more sustainable lives.

"We hope this collection will spark conversation between students about sustainability and mindfulness" says Sarah Moynihan, UCC Environmental Society representative.

Once completed, the collection will amount to around 140 books. Current titles in the collection include Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig; Clean and Green by Nancy Birdwhistle; and Happy Mind, Happy Life by Dr Rangan Chatterjee. 

"These books and resources will help students to integrate sustainability into their everyday lives, to manage change, to deal with challenges, manage difficult emotions and connect with nature" says Anne O'Callaghan, Senior Library Assistant and Member of Library Sustainability Team.

The UCC Alumni Fund awards grants annually to student- and staff-led projects that enrich the student experience beyond the scope of government funding. Initiatives like these would not be possible without the generosity of hundreds of UCC alumni and friends, who make donations to the fund. Whether €5 or a €1,000, every gift adds to the collective impact of the UCC community, regardless of the amount.

The Sustainability & Wellbeing Collection is just one example of the impact the generosity of alumni and friends is having on campus life. In 2024-25, 12 projects were supported through grants. From student engagement and events to sustainability, well-being, and everything in between, each project is a testament to the immediate, tangible impact of alumni giving.

Thank You

We are so grateful to all of our donors for making these projects possible. Your generosity directly enhances the student experience at UCC.

Interested in donating? Find out about how you can support the UCC Alumni Fund