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Graduate Spotlight

The UCD community includes over 334,000 alumni. Each graduate has a unique story to tell, explore a selection of those journeys here

As part of a vibrant, ever-evolving global alumni community, your experiences, achievements and impact shape the story of University College Dublin and inspire future generations.

Graduate Spotlights bring together award-winning graduates, in-depth alumni interviews, stories from new graduates and trailblazing women featured in the International Women’s Day timeline. These features celebrate the strength, diversity and reach of the UCD community and offer ideas, insight and inspiration for every stage of life after graduation.

Stories from New Alumni

UCD alumna Hannah Costello at her graduation in 2025.
Class of 2025

Celebrate the inspiring journeys of the Class of 2025 and the impact UCD has had on their lives. From excelling academically and immersing themselves in campus life, to finding their voice in student media, embracing global opportunities, stepping confidently into the next stage of their careers and more!
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UCD alumnus Ibrahim Halawa at his graduation in 2024.
Class of 2024

Explore the unique stories of the Class of 2024 and delve into their UCD experiences. From coming back as mature students after career changes, breaking down barriers and finding their voice, to discovering their passions and more!
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UCD alumnus Israel Olatunde at his graduation in 2023.
Class of 2023

Discover stories of the Class of 2023 and find out what their UCD experience was like. From their Erasmus experiences studying abroad, achieving sporting successes, joining UCD Societies, to networking to advance their careers and more!
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UCD alumna Lara Gillespie at her graduation in 2022.
Class of 2022

Get to know the graduates of the Class of 2022. Read their stories of transitioning to studying online during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to welcome refugees from Ukraine to campus, overcoming personal challenges, training to compete in elite cycling competitions and more!
Three UCD alumnae throwing their graduation caps in the air.
Discover more stories from new UCD graduates

University College Dublin's newest graduates shared their time at UCD and what they're looking forward to after graduation.
O'Reilly Hall transformed for the annual UCD Alumni Awards.

UCD Alumni Awards

Celebrating Success and Global Impact

The UCD alumni network is filled with individuals making a significant difference across all levels and sectors, from business and industry to healthcare, science, culture, sport and the arts.

Alumni Interviews

UCD alumnus Kelly Younger posing with Kermit the Frog.
Kelly Younger

Kelly Younger is a screenwriter, TV writer, playwright, story consultant, and Emmy-nominated producer. He is currently writing on The Muppet Show. Credits include Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy, Muppets Haunted Mansion, Muppets Now, and Kermit's commencement address to the University of Maryland. Kelly earned his MA and PhD in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at UCD in 1999.
Headshot of UCD alumnus Emmet O'Reilly.
Emmet O'Reilly

Emmet O'Reilly is an accountant by profession and has held a number of leadership roles in the property and finance sector. He is also the author of two books, 'Miss, Say Goodbye to Your Daughter' and 'This Is Ourselves, Under Pressure'. Emmet graduated from UCD with a BComm in 1993 and a Masters in Accounting in 1994, both with first-class honours.
Headshot of award-winning author and UCD alumna Adiba Jaigirdar.
Adiba Jaigirdar

Award-winning author Adiba Jaigirdar was born in Bangladesh and has lived in Ireland since the age of 10. Her debut novel, The Henna Wars, is listed in Time magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Adiba graduated from UCD in 2014 with a BA in English and History, and she also holds an MA in Postcolonial Studies.
Bori Akinola smiling and flexing his arms after a race.
Bori Akinola

Elite sprinter Bori Akinola graduated with a BSc in Computer Science in 2024. An alumnus of UCD Ad Astra Academy, he won his first senior title in the National Indoor Championships in February 2025, storming to victory in the men's 60m final.
Headshot of UCD alumna Disha Bose.
Discover more alumni interviews

What happened after graduation and where are they today? Discover stories collected from your fellow graduates of University College Dublin, be inspired and get to know your alumni community better.
Four UCD alumnae in O'Reilly Hall, posing for a photo.

International Women's Day

International Women’s Day at UCD recognises alumni, staff, and friends who champion gender equality and create positive change in their fields and communities.

The International Women’s Day timeline highlights individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and innovation reflect the spirit of the day – across their studies, careers, and wider lives. Explore the timeline to discover role models, mentors, and stories of impact from across the UCD community.

Alumni Walls

Alumni Walls showcase notable graduates from various UCD Colleges and Schools. Explore these profiles to find out more.

UCD Alumni

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