Congratulations to Laura Staron on Civic Engagement Award Success

Published: Thursday 30 April 2026 - 09:35

The School warmly congratulates Laura Staron, a second-year student in Pharmacy Technician Studies, on receiving the TU Dublin Best Co-Curricular Civic Engagement Award at a ceremony held on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

This award recognises outstanding community engagement and volunteering projects completed as part of academic programmes. Laura was recognised for her leadership of the “Funky Hair Day” fundraising initiative, which formed the class’s community engagement activity during Year 1 as part of the Professional Development ePortfolio module.

As project lead, Laura led the activity within her class, bringing together her peers to support the Little Princess Trust, a not-for-profit organisation that provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment. The charity was selected through a class vote, reflecting its strong alignment with the Pharmacy Technician Studies programme and its focus on cancer care.

The event was a significant success, raising over €1,000 while also increasing awareness of the charity’s important work. Funds raised contribute to both the provision of wigs and ongoing research aimed at improving cancer treatments and reducing side effects.

Reflecting on her experience, Laura said:
“This was an incredible way to learn about the different treatment options for cancer in children and a superb way to expand the graduate attributes. I'm truly grateful for this incredible journey and I wish similar success to the future cohorts.”

Laura’s achievement highlights the impact of student-led initiatives and the value of embedding civic engagement within the curriculum. The School once again congratulates Laura on this well-deserved recognition and her leadership in making a meaningful difference.

More details about the “Funky Hair Day” event can be found HERE.