Our Scholars
What distinguishes Uversity's Scholars is their commitment to being transformed and transforming others as a result of the Scholarship and educational experience.
Meet Our Scholars
These brief profiles of Uversity’s Scholars provide an indication of their diverse experiences, locations, and disciplines. They are unified by their inspirational ambition and determination.
Ciara Hicks
Hayden Nightingale
Karen Horan
Michelle Murray
Octavian Visan
Patrick Lynch
Ciara Hicks
Ciara worked in the gaming sector prior to returning to education initially at the Cork College of Commerce. After her degree, Ciara intends to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She eventually wants to “work as a mental health professional in Cork City in the public sector and provide therapies and support to people who need it and improve people’s quality of life.”
Hayden Nightingale
Hayden was motivated to return to education when he gave up his job to move back home to help care for his mother. Knowing that he “wasn’t living up to his potential” and wanted to find a career he had a passion for, he enrolled on Belfast Metropolitan College’s Access Diploma in Mathematics and Computing. After his degree, Hayden may pursue a Master’s in Corporate Governance and hopes to specialise “in the programming development side of the IT industry and more long term work on a self-employed basis and develop my own company.”
Karen Horan
Karen was brought up in a working class community and experienced the difficulties faced by the community in relation to equal justice. By working for Inclusion Ireland she built up skills in information provision. She went onto volunteer as a Citizen Information Officer, where she developed a passionate interest in Law. She recently joined the National Advocacy Service as the National Administrator where she works full-time while completing her degree. Karen intends to use her legal knowledge to give back to the community that has given her so much.
Michelle Murray
Michelle’s passion is for animal welfare, particularly horses. In 2016, she set up a project to support equine health and education with the Kildare Traveller Action group. She subsequently completed a Community Development & Leadership course prior to enrolling on her degree. She recently completed a Level 7 Certificate in Youth Studies at Maynooth University. Her ultimate aim is to set up a mobile equine health unit to help horse owners in disadvantaged and rural communities that struggle to access veterinary care.
Octavian Visan
Octavian worked for many years as a Hotel Receptionist prior to setting up his own tennis equipment business in 2014. The onset of ill health motivated him to further his education and change career direction. He has completed a Level 6 Business Administration course along with extra modules in Maths and Computerised Accounts. His work placement in Cora Systems allowed him to further develop his existing design and communication skills. With his degree, Octavian intends to start a career in Digital Marketing and open his own business in the future.
Patrick Lynch
Due to the onset of a degenerative back disease, Patrick had to cease being a self-employed carpenter. As he is also a musician, Patrick decided to pursue this alternative career path. He hopes to equip himself “with a qualification relevant to a career in music, arts and media” and to continue to develop his own creative ambitions as an artist.
Lisa de Klerk
University College Cork Social WorkLisa de Klerk
University College Cork
Social WorkIn preparation for her return to education as a mature student, Lisa completed both a Level 5 Health Care Support course and Level 5 Psychology and Social Studies course at Cork College of Commerce. She has served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and is a dedicated member of The Society of St Vincent de Paul. In 2024, Lisa successfully completed her Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) degree at University College Cork and is employed as a social worker with Tusla, Child and Family Agency in the Children in Care Team, Dungarvan. Her life experience, personal attributes, together with the knowledge and skills that will come from the degree in social work will allow Lisa to continue to make a positive contribution to her community in the future.
Louise Finnegan
Technological University Dublin Social CareLouise Finnegan
Technological University Dublin
Social CareOver the last few years, Louise has whole-heartedly embraced her return to education. She has completed various courses including Technological University Dublin’s Access Programme. In April 2019, she represented Aontas at a European Conference on Adult Learning in Luxembourg. Louise is “hungry to learn more, to gain a professional Degree in Social Work or Social Care and to make a difference to people who have similar backgrounds to me. I want to improve the personal and social lives of people in society.”
Louise O’Donnell
University College Cork Social ScienceLouise O’Donnell
University College Cork
Social ScienceLouise is pursuing a Bachelors of Social Science at University College Cork after completing her Diploma in Disability Studies in 2018. She has been a lifelong activist for equality, reproductive justice and LGBTQIA+ rights and is currently employed supporting those experiencing homelessness. She is driven to “;understand how social policy can help those experiencing adversity to thrive“; and passionate about making change in our world. When not studying or working, you can usually find her on her bike or at a protest.
Louise Sexton
National University of Ireland Galway Social CareLouise Sexton
National University of Ireland Galway
Social CareHaving served ten years in the Irish Defence Forces, Louise returned to education in 2019 and completed a Youth and Community Development Practice Diploma in NUI, Galway. Louise is particularly interested in the advocacy and rights of those most vulnerable in Irish society. Louise had many opportunities during the BA in Social Care to put theory to practice, exploring frameworks and new policies. Whilst continuing to work and volunteer in the area of disability and housing for the elderly, Louise is now attending Atlantic Technology University (ATU) in Castlebar, Mayo, studying for a Master’s in Quality and Safety in Social Care.
Luke Doyle
Maynooth University Social ScienceLuke Doyle
Maynooth University
Social ScienceLuke is a proud Ballyfermot native who recently completed a Bachelor of Social Science at Maynooth University, graduating with first-class honours. His academic journey was distinguished by being awarded ‘Academic Excellence in the Final Year,’ reflecting his commitment and dedication to study. Luke has a deep passion for social change, especially in policy development, and is driven by the desire to make a meaningful, lasting impact. With his sights set on pursuing a Master’s Degree in Germany next year, Luke hopes to deepen my understanding of social policy and related fields. He believes that this international experience will enhance his skills and broaden his perspective, ultimately enabling him to contribute more effectively to policy reforms that can improve societal outcomes.
Lynda Gavagan
Maynooth University Psychological Studies and ociologyLynda Gavagan
Maynooth University
Psychological Studies and ociologyLynda first began her education journey in 2021, having been a full time carer to her 4 autistic children for many years. She enrolled in an adult return to education course in Maynooth University and amazed herself by doing so well, that she then went on to a degree. She is currently in her 3rd year of a BA in psychological studies and sociology at Maynooth. Lynda hopes to work in the adult education sector encouraging “;mammies“; like herself that it is never to late to go to college.
Maeve Anderson
Ulster University Human NutritionMaeve Anderson
Ulster University
Human NutritionMaeve’s dedication and motivation to develop a career in nutrition is demonstrated by her return to education. Firstly, Maeve completed General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in Biology and Chemistry in Belfast Metropolitan College before enrolling on South Eastern Regional College’s Access course. She secured work experience with a charity that supports families with children under five years of age. She would like to use her knowledge and experience to work in Health Education, with a particular focus on nutrition for families with young children.
Mandy Donohoe
Wanting for a more fulfilling life outside the confines of the office, I chose to return to education. After completing an Access Foundation Programme at TUD and embracing the social science modules, I started on a journey into a different professional field — Social Work. Motivated by first-hand experiences in a socioeconomic community and witnessing the unjust discrimination faced by genuinely good individuals, I felt a deep calling to contribute my efforts towards assisting and supporting them. Eager to bridge theory and practice, I anticipate starting my volunteering journey in the new year. It brings me great happiness to witness others achieving and thriving with the support I can provide.
The Scholarships
Uversity advertises and awards Higher Education Scholarships to Adult Learners to enrol on a Bachelor’s Degree for the first time