TU Dublin Celebrates Graduates of Simon Community Education Programmes
TU Dublin welcomed graduates, colleagues and partners to its City Campus, Aungier Street, on 8 June 2026 for the Conferring of Academic Awards for participants of the Simon Community Certificate in Volunteering and the Micro-Credential in Personal and Professional Development for the Not-for-Profit Sector.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of volunteers and staff from Simon Community services in Dublin, Cork and Galway who successfully completed the programmes through the long-standing partnership between TU Dublin and Simon Community. The awards recognise participants' commitment to personal growth, professional development, and community engagement.
Addressing graduates, Dr Eoin Langan, Dean of the Faculty of Business at TU Dublin, highlighted the continued growth of the partnership and the introduction of the new micro-credential programme.
"This year, we have a new micro-credential in personal and professional development for the not-for-profit sector, so it's great to see our partnership has been expanded. This new micro-credential is designed to strengthen the growth and development of non-frontline staff by cultivating essential capabilities of communication, team building, branding, and change management."
Dr Langan also praised the collaboration between TU Dublin and Simon Community, describing the Certificate in Volunteering programme as "an excellent exemplar of cooperation between industry and academia" and a strategic partnership that delivers high-quality educational opportunities while supporting communities across Ireland.
Reflecting on the graduates' achievements, Catherine Kenny, CEO of Simon Community, acknowledged the important role volunteers and staff play in supporting people experiencing some of life's greatest challenges.
"You've been present with people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. You have listened, supported, and connected in ways that truly matter. Through that, you've ignited something powerful within yourselves, a genuine desire to help, to advocate, and to make a difference."
Ms. Kenny also recognised the dedication shown by staff who completed the Level 9 micro-credential while balancing their professional and personal commitments, highlighting the value of continuous learning and development within the not-for-profit sector.
The conferring ceremony marked another milestone in the successful partnership between TU Dublin and Simon Community, which continues to create educational pathways that empower volunteers and staff while strengthening the sector's capacity to support individuals and communities.
TU Dublin congratulates all graduates on their achievements and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in their communities and professions.
Pictured: Graduates of the Simon Community Certificate in Volunteering and the Micro-Credential in Personal and Professional Development for the Not-for-Profit Sector celebrate their academic awards at TU Dublin's City Campus, Aungier Street, on 8 June 2026