Post by Cork Chamber

The University College Cork Alumni Awards held this week were an inspiring celebration of talent, leadership and global impact - a reminder of the extraordinary strengths within our region and the vital role our universities play in shaping its future. It was honoured for Cork Chamber to sponsor the awards and to present an award to Sarah O'Keeffe Vice President and Senior Vice President of Product Research & Development at Eli Lilly and Company. A proud #Cork woman who earned her PhD at University College Cork in 2007, Sarah now leads one of the industry’s most expansive development portfolios from Indianapolis. Her achievements reflect both the depth of talent nurtured here and the global reach of Cork’s academic community. This year’s event highlighted the diversity and excellence of UCC’s alumni, with honourees across sectors and continents, including: Dr Saranna Fanning (Harvard Medical School), Sean Ronayne (Irish Ornithologist), Billy Coleman ('Millstreet Maestro' renowned rally driver), Ruth Cotter (AMD), Chevalier Adrian Gebruers, (musician and carillonneur), Sharon Cunningham (Shorla Oncology), Professor ronan collins (consultant geriatrician). On the night recent graduates also received well deserved awards: Ella Barrett (Graduate of the the Year), Cian O’Reilly (Peel Memorial Prize), Ava O'Donnell (Peel Memorial Prize). All of their unique stories underscore something essential: the strength of Cork’s skills pipeline and the vital contribution of our universities to social, cultural and economic growth. The success of alumni, whether building careers here at home or shaping industries internationally, enhances our global reputation and supports our ability to attract investment, innovation and world-class talent to the region. We are proud to sponsor these awards alongside Bank of Ireland and Deloitte. Congratulations to all recipients, your success is Cork’s success. Pictured below are Professor John O'Halloran, UCC; Professor Anita Maguire, UCC; Sarah O'Keeffe, Eli Lilly and Company; and Bo Browne, Cork Chamber.