President Awards Professional Staff 2025

We would like to congratulate the winners and thank all entrants & the judging panel.

The recipients of the 2025 President’s Awards for Professional Staff were announced by the DCU President, Professor Dáire Keogh at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 7th May 2025 in the All Hallows, Dining Room as follows: 

Sarah Coleman

DCU Business School

Sarah’s outstanding contribution to the successful launch of the School's new strategic partnership with Deloitte.  Sarah’s professionalism, project management and attention to detail has been very impressive.  

Muriel Keegan

DCU Business School

Muriel goes above and beyond to make sure things run smoothly in the Business School not just in terms of finance but in terms of logistics, planning and providing post award supports. 

Niamh O’Doherty 

Communications and Marketing

Niamh has consistently shown not only commitment to her role but the ability and willingness to go above and beyond time and time again across projects and events of critical strategic importance to the department and the university in particular the Spring & Autumn Graduations 

Rob OHanrahan

Communications & Marketing 

Rob’s ability and confidence when dealing with complex and potentially problematic topics have made him an invaluable member of the team.  Rob's judgement has been impeccable and his experience as a journalist and as an educator when advising and shaping response to issues. 

Thomas Kelly

Communications & Marketing

Thomas’s valuable contribution and outstanding work as a leader at the heart of decision-making within the university. Creating a culture of positive focus, collaboration and acknowledgment among the communications team and beyond.

Darran Heaney 

DCU Anti-Bullying Centre

Darren plays a pivotal role in enhancing DCU's engagement efforts both locally and nationally.  Darran’s exceptional work is his leadership of the World Cafe Event on Cyberbullying in 2024. He is a true ambassador for DCU's values, including equality, educational opportunity, and social justice, as expressed in the University's Strategy.

Lisa Higgins

DCU Institute of Education Office

Lisa is an effective and compassionate leader and manages to bring out the best in all the team members by offering unconditional support and guidance. Lisa is very approachable and fosters open communication.  

Gerald Cannon 

Digital Technology Solutions

Ger has spearheaded the development and implementation of AI-driven digital assistants (chatbots) across key professional services departments. This initiative has significantly enhanced engagement and streamlined digital communication strategies for both staff and students. Ger is committed to innovation and quality and collaborates to support strategic actions.

John Laurence Doyle

Digital Technology Solutions 

John’s has demonstrated a tireless work ethic, remarkable professionalism, commitment and dedication to DCU particularly through the transition period and implementation of SIS and supporting key systems in SS&D through a challenging period.

Richard Kelly 

Estates Office 

Richy’s contributions to DCU's energy efficiency and sustainability efforts have been transformative. His leadership, expertise and commitment have positioned DCU as a model for responsible energy management. His work has delivered measurable financial and environmental benefits while fostering a lasting culture of sustainability. 

Gavin Osbourne

Faculty of Engineering & Computing 

Gavin has worked to optimise the teaching & learning environment for our students.  The result is a state-of-the-art environment that includes infrastructure, lab and audiovisual equipment and furniture that has been painstakingly designed to allow flexibility and a transformative learning experience in the Polaris building.  Productive communication and student focus has been key with stakeholders for it’s delivery.  

Jennifer Yore 

Faculty of Science & Health 

Jennifer has consistently made exceptional contributions to both the team and the broader objectives of the department. Her unwavering dedication to excellence has not only propelled the team’s success but also positively impacted colleagues and the wider University community.  Jennifer aligns efforts with the University's strategic goals and fosters an environment that nurtures innovation.

Deirdre Sheridan

Insight

Deirdre played a crucial role in commissioning DCU's largest research centre in the Polaris building including design, space maximisation, sustainable practices, advancing the university's green goals, ensuring the building's success and promoting full occupancy.  Deirdre showed great leadership in the planning and execution of the move in a collegial way that benefited all stakeholders.  

Fina Akintola 

Office of the Chief Operations Officer

Fina has consistently applied the values of DCU to her work. In particular, supporting the student disciplinary committee, engaging with students facing a very stressful time in their lives. By guiding students and demonstrating respect regardless of their circumstances.  Fina brings compassion and kindness as well as professionalism to ensure that the process is handled in a fair and appropriate manner.

Fadeel Gbaiye

Student Information Systems (SIS)

Fadeel has demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to excellence in data migration. Fadeel contributed to the success of the SIS Programme while having a lasting impact on DCU by ensuring data integrity and operational excellence across DCU Systems.  

Jarrath Mooney

Office of VP Academic Affairs - Academic Systems Unit 
 

Jarrath has ensured the consistency of both the Lecture Timetabling and Exam Scheduling systems which are mission-critical for DCU and students.  The availability and suitability-for-purpose are essential, and Jarrath has ensured these factors were realised consistently to high standards. 

Louise Ryan

Student Information Systems (SIS) 

Louise has contributed exceptionally to managing the student registration process and improving HEA Returns reporting. Louise has proposed and implemented multiple process improvements and has set a high standard of excellence within the University.  

Niamh Nic Clámha

Student Information Systems (SIS)

Niamh’s quiet impactful leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence has been the powerful force behind SIS success.  Niamh ensured complex challenges were resolved with precision and professionalism. Niamh’s vast knowledge and high standards of excellence and ability to handle situations with poise make Niamh indispensable asset to the SIS Programme and DCU.

Jennifer Kwan 

Student Support & Development 
 

Jennifer has boundless enthusiasm and creativity in her role in the Careers Service. It is very easy to see how and why Jennifer is so successful in the role as Jennifer’s personable and engaging manner make it easy for staff and students to engage. Jennifer is an expression of the positive culture we have in DCU.

Niamh Murtagh

Student Support & Development

Niamh always welcomes challenges, taking every opportunity to learn and grow. Niamh completely revamped & revived the SS&D’s social media presence, creating useful harm reduction campaigns and incredible awareness to important topics affecting students.  Niamh Co-Chaired the Healthy Choices subgroup and joined multiple Care and Connect subgroups and is a positive force that strives to support students.

Ruth O’Brien

Student Information Systems 

Ruth has unwavering commitment to success during the Placement project. Ruth’s ability to navigate challenges, build strong relationships and drive success under pressure has made a profound impact on both the INTRA and Nursing teams (internal and external).

Martina Crehan

Teaching Enhancement Unit 

Martina actively has taken on roles and responsibilities to complement and support the TEU team.  Martina’s conduct both as a leader and as a team member is outstanding, impactful and ultimately benefits the whole University community.

Gillian Barry 

Registry 

Gillian has embraced new functions and responsibilities and quickly developed an understanding of the complexities of the fees and finance activities to provide the leadership needed to guide and inspire the team through the change.  Gillian has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead with integrity and empathy, embodying the core DCU values.

Gregory Allman

Registry

Gregory’s professional approach and impactful insights are key in aligning DCU International Academy recruitment efforts with university admissions processes for Non-EU applicants.  Through his exceptional efforts along with his team members, they are playing a pivotal role in advancing our goal to increase the overall cohort of international students at DCU.

Paula Murray 

DCU Placement Unit 
 

Paula has exemplified exceptional dedication, visionary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the values that define DCU.

Paula has been instrumental in advancing the mission of the department and DCU as a whole.  Paula defined the mission, goals, and supported two teams (INTRA & International Mobility) into achieving different goals within the same strategic vision.  As a leader, Paula demonstrated exceptional analytical and decision-making skills, effectively guiding the team through complex challenges. 

Guru Development Unit 

Office Of VP Academic Affairs

The Guru support team consistently provide helpful support answering questions & queries, actively taking on feedback and suggestions and provide an essential service that provides a user friendly, easy to understand snap shot window.  In particular with the introduction of the newly redesigned Guru 2.0 with new layout and tools which connects to the new Banner system.

Accounts Receivable Team

Finance Office 

The Accounts Receivable Team (John Morrissey & Maria Soler) are collegial, collaborative and incredibly approachable. They have helped with training on Agresso and Accounts Receivable processes and have collaborated on procurement projects.  The Accounts Receivable Team are diligent and always open to questions to help us learn and work better together.

The Helix Team 

The Helix

The Helix Team go above and beyond to ensure all requests have been catered for in particular the DCU Graduations, this huge event is a milestone in student's lives and are busy and intensive days. The Helix Team are key to the successful delivery of each ceremony and they are delivered in a calming presence for all key participants. The team are open, warm and collegial and always on hand to offer support and guidance in any way they can.

Research Project Administration Team
 

Research Support Services

The Research Project Administration Team support the development, enhancement and sustainability of our support systems by increasing DCU's capacity to provide effective central expertise for Research Project Administration and this contributes to the DCU research strategy on an ongoing basis.

DCU Business School Marketing & Communications Team 

DCU Business School
 

The team are very valuable members of the Business School Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT). They have been extremely supportive with all the School's EDI activities and the Athena Swan initiatives. They are talented and committed marketing team who have tirelessly championed and brought the DCU culture and values to life.

INTRA Work Placement Team

Placement Unit 

INTRA Work Placement for their unwavering dedication, resilience and exceptional contributions.  DCU holds the #1 ranking in Ireland for graduate employment a success to which the INTRA Work Placement Team is largely responsible. Their dedication has left a lasting impact on both the university and the individuals they support.

Registry Enrolment Team
 

Registry 

The Registry Enrolment Team for the recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment to DCU's culture and values.  Their dedication ensured that despite the challenges of implementing a new system in a tight timeframe, students experienced a supportive enrolment journey during the busiest period of the year and a critical transition for the University.

Customer Support Team

Digital Technology Solutions

The Customer Support Team saw unprecedented support from students for IT support this year with over 11,000 requests.  The Customer Support team went the extra mile beyond the IT account set- up to welcome students to DCU to remind them DCU cares and to start them on a DCU journey.