NCI is very proud that the work and commitment of our Students’ Union was acknowledged at the Student Achievement Awards Ireland (SAAI), organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

NCISU was awarded Students’ Union of the Year (Small) and NCISU Communications Officer, Rachel Gosker, received the Part-Time Officer of the Year Award.

President of NCISU, Tre Robert, said: 

“It is a privilege to work with exceptional people during a challenging time, and I am delighted that our teamwork - Jordan Buckley, Justyne Cross-Smith, Sean O’Brien, Veron Robert, Rachel Gosker and me – has been recognised in this way.

“Rachel is thoroughly deserving of her award, having stepped in to cover a number of different roles during a time the SU was experiencing unexpected personnel changes: she was critical to NCISU continuing to operate smoothly during a time of crisis. She also has shown a great ability to deal with sensitive issues in a responsive and sensible way.

“I am very proud to lead such a great team of people. We got through a difficult time through strong relationships, regular meetings, and collective attendance at college meetings to cover all necessary responsibilities. We all went beyond our designated roles, offering support wherever needed and keeping the union afloat during turbulent times.”

During the past year, as well as continuing to serve nearly 6,500 students, NCISU also fundraised for a variety of charitable causes, including the Irish Heart Foundation, Jigsaw and MASI.

NCI and NCISU were among the first HEIs in Ireland to sign a Partnership Agreement, in 2022, ensuring the autonomy of the SU and centring students at the heart of college life.