As well as teaching and research, UCC is recognised as the 6th Most Sustainable University in the World (according to the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking 2023) this is apparent from the work, education, and research they carried out in climate and sustainability. One team who don’t go unnoticed is the UCC Gardeners they are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and work tirelessly to maintain the grounds and wild gardens in an eco-friendly manner.
Meet Thérèse Keniry and the Choral Society
Thérèse Keniry is studying a BA in Gaeilge and History. While immersed in the school of Arts, her heart led her to the UCC Choral Society, which to her was home away from home.
The Choral Society’s extraordinary singing and harmonies are a result of their genuine friendships. Their shared passion for music transforms individual talents into a collective strength. Hearing the group preform is magical and many people from the university, the community and beyond come to see them preform ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in the Honan Chapel at Christmas time.
Thérèse has had various roles on the societiy’s committee, and it is her dedication and enthusiasm that lifts the spirits of her fellow singers. While she is now in her final year, she hopes to graduate and undertake a PME to become a primary school teacher.
Meet the UCC Gardening and Green Shoots Green Campus Teams
The Gardening team are dedicated and committed to cultivating not just vibrant landscapes, but also a sustainable and climate-conscious environment. In ‘My Uni Life’ we meet Jack Murphy, the Head Gardener who shares his experience and knowledge in horticulture. We also meet Irene Ní Shúilleabháin, UCC’s Greenshoots Green Campus Coordinator.
It is hoped that the Greenshoots programme will lead to an increase in the number of students using campus green spaces to improve their wellbeing, in addition to adopting and championing pro-environmental behaviours (highlighting issues such as sustainable food production, biodiversity conservation and holistic solutions to environmental problems).
With a passion for nurturing the landscape and fostering eco-friendly practices, this team plays a pivotal role in transforming UCC’s grounds into a thriving hub of biodiversity.
Meet Dave Carey, Peer Support Programme
Dave Carey is the Coordinator of the UCC Peer Support Programme, which helps new students to find their feet quickly and know that they have staff and other students to reach out to.
Dave manages almost 300 student volunteers annually as well as ensuring a safe and informative orientation for the 4,000 new students arriving into UCC each September. Founded in 2009 the programme links senior student volunteers to incoming 1st year and international students. These Peer Support Leaders provide ongoing guidance and support to the new students based on their own lived experience of what life is like in UCC.
About University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) was founded in 1845, the university is based in Cork city and has over 23,000 students enrolled. UCC combines a rich tradition of teaching, research and scholarship. The university offers more than 120 degree and professional programmes in four Colleges: Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences; Business & Law; Medicine & Health; and, Science, Engineering & Food Science.
UCC is globally recognized as being among the top 2% of research institutions worldwide. This, combined with various other attributes, attract international students, there are more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries studying in the university.