2,140 alumni, and counting, have volunteered this year; your support helps build and connect our vibrant and diverse community on campus and around the world
UCD QUINN MENTORING PROGRAMME
Mentoring continues to be a key feature of our student-alumni engagement, with a number of programmes suited to different student cohorts. The 2024/25 UCD Quinn Business Mentoring Programme saw 175 Stage 2 students matched with 150 UCD Business alumni, from Ireland, UK, USA, France, Switzerland, UAE, and Hong Kong. The programme launched with invaluable insights from returning mentor Dónal O’Sullivan and BComm Stage 3 student Abbie Byrne, who shared her internship experience at DAA.
SMURFIT MENTORING PROGRAMME
The 2025 Global Leadership Programme, at UCD Smurfit School of Business, successfully matched 204 alumni mentors with an equal number of students. Mentees were able to connect with the broader mentoring community and network with their fellow students. The programme continues to foster meaningful relationships and support to mentees, while providing mentors with the opportunity to give back and support the next generation of leaders.
BESPOKE MENTORING PROGRAMMES
UCD also delivered targeted mentoring opportunities through two specialist initiatives: the MA in Journalism and International Affairs Mentoring Programme and the Bridging Generations Mentoring Programme, which successfully paired 34 students with 30 alumni mentors, building community and fostering inclusion through shared experience and support.
CAREER MENTORING PROGRAMME
In collaboration with UCD Careers Network, the Career Mentoring Programme supported over 120 mentoring relationships. This initiative offers vital career preparation for students through guidance from alumni across a wide range of industries.
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
UCD Alumni has launched a new initiative, Connecting Communities, designed to foster relationships, build networks and celebrate cultural heritage among the vibrant and growing Indian and Chinese alumni communities. Creating a forum to share advice and industry insights, and make connections, Connecting Communities brought Indian and Chinese alumni and final year students together. Panel discussions featuring recent alumni were followed by networking receptions.
ALUMNI BUDDY PROGRAMME
A vibrant cultural contact between international students and local alumni is the foundation of the UCD Alumni Buddy Programme, which aims to assist students in adjusting to life in Dublin and at UCD. This year’s cohort was the largest yet, with more than 400 students and 120 alumni volunteers involved in the programme.
Several of our current alumni volunteers are former participants of the programme, with many having been international students themselves. Their ongoing commitment highlights the lasting impact of the Alumni Buddy Programme and the strong sense of community it fosters.
The programme included monthly group outings with alumni serving as local guides, in addition to individualised help. Dublin’s Culture Night, a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, the 1916 Rising Walking Tour, the Poolbeg Walk, and a trip to Newgrange and the Boyne Valley were among the highlights. The UCD community’s shared experiences continue to forge deep connections spanning generations, cultures, and backgrounds.
