DCU names its extracurricular awards scheme in memory of Uaneen Fitzsimons
9 April 2003

Caroline Nash, IBEC director, Maurice Pratt, IBEC president, Mary Fitzsimons, Brian Fitzsimons, Ciaran Fitzsimons and Prof Ferdinand von Prondzynski, DCU president.

A special ceremony was held today, Wednesday 9 April, in The Helix at which an extracurricular awards scheme was named in memory of Uaneen Fitzsimons, a Communications graduate who died on 22 November 2000. The award will be presented to students who have significantly contributed to the social and non-academic aspect of university life. A number of students from the Gold Award category will then be nominated for the prestigious Chancellor's medal which is awarded annually and presented at graduation.

The Uaneen Awards are unique within the third level sector in that they formally recognise the work of students in extracurricular activity. This unique scheme is supported by IBEC president, Mr Maurice Pratt and DCU president, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski who were both present at the launch.

Students are invited to nominate themselves for one of three categories under this new scheme. The award for 'participation in and contribution to extracurricular activity' will be presented to students who have played an active role in campus and student activities during their years of study at DCU. The second category, the Silver award for 'excellence in extracurricular activity', is for students who have been involved in the setting up of a new club or society or have organised a major society event. The Gold award for 'outstanding excellence in extracurricular activity' is for students who have demonstrated exceptional levels of leadership, innovation or achievement, in either sport or other creative initiatives.

In addition to its strong academic ethos, DCU also recognises the value of involvement in non-academic activities. The University actively encourages its students to become involved in a vast range of interests which are represented by over 43 clubs and 63 societies. These span a broad range of interests from the regular sporting, political, dramatic, computer and photographic societies to the more arcane and creative such as archery, artHAUS, 'STOCS', computer games or even the ultimate frisbee club.

The awards will commemorate the life of DCU graduate Uaneen Fitzsimons who was best-known as Network 2's 'No Disco' presenter. Her lively and enthusiastic approach to life will be commemorated annually through this scheme.

According to Mr Maurice Pratt, "IBEC is delighted to be involved with any project which promotes a healthy and balanced approach to student life. We would encourage all students to combine their three or four years of academic study with an interest in social and recreational activities. This will make the student experience not only more enjoyable, but will result in a more rounded individual overall".