His greatest achievement to date was the establishment of the UCC Entrepreneurial and Social Society in 2009 – which has been a hugely popular addition to UCC’s long list of societies. Since its initial launch by Ronan O’Gara, the society has hosted a long list of well-known speakers in UCC including Bill Cullen, George Hook, JP McManus, Alastair Campbell to name but a few, and its success was illustrated last year in the society being awarded UCC Society of the Year 2011. As a results of Sam’s work in founding and leading the society in its first year he was awarded UCC Society Person of the Year in 2009, just a year after he received a Bene Merenti for outstanding contribution to societies the previous year.

He was elected UCC Students’ Union Entertainments Officer in 2010 and following a year in which he led 120 Entertainment class reps, helping to raise €24,000 for Raise and Give week, and helping to organise many large-scale events across campus he was awarded a Golden Student Leadership Award in 2010 for his efforts in the part time voluntary position.

In his final year, Sam was again involved in societies, this time serving as a member of UCC Societies Guild with his work on the committee including the organisation of UCC’s Clubs and Societies ball, as well as introducing new Student Safety policy to ensure safer events for all future Club, Society and Students Union events. Sam now lives in London and works for Swiss bank Credit Suisse.

The Graduate of the Year Award is given annually to the most distinguished student of the year. In making this award, both academic distinctions and the part played in the public life of the University are taken into consideration.

Presenting the awards, UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy extended his congratulations to the prizewinners for their hard work, dedication to their studies and their excellence in academic scholarship. He also offered his congratulations to the parents of the prizewinners for the support they have provided and continue to provide. In his speech, he referred to the education experience at UCC and said: “Our ambition here in UCC is that our students and graduates will be our best ambassadors in society.”

Picture:  2011 Graduate of the Year, Sam Fitzpatrick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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