Two graduates from University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences have been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Civic Engagement, recognising their exceptional contributions to university life and wider society during their time as students.

Summer 2025 graduates Dr Dylan O’Halloran and Faith Ugiagbe were honoured for their leadership in areas ranging from humanitarian advocacy and global health to mentoring, health education and cultural inclusion.

 The Gold Medal for Civic Engagement is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic, social or cultural affairs during their time at the University.

 Dr Dylan O’Halloran, from Galway City, graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree. He has been a transformative force in student life, championing global health equity, anti-racism education and international solidarity.

 As a leader of Voluntary Services Abroad (VSA), he helped raise more than €110,000 in two years to support medical facilities in Malawi and Zambia. He also introduced a pre-departure ethics training programme for students volunteering internationally, in collaboration with the University’s Societies Office. This initiative contributed to VSA receiving the Most Fundraised award at the 2024 Society Awards.

 Dr O’Halloran re-established the Palestine Solidarity Society, organising large-scale events with UN experts and frontline clinicians, while also supporting efforts to secure new scholarships for Palestinian students and proposals for a human rights impact assessment for international partnerships. His work earned both the University’s ENLIGHT Inclusion Award and the University’s Nelson Mandela Leadership Award in 2025.

   Dr O’Halloran said: “The rigours of medical education can distract us from injustice, but as future clinicians, we have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond the clinic. Activism is not separate from medicine - it is integral to it.”

 Faith Ugiagbe from Castletroy, Co. Limerick, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Podiatric Medicine and was recognised for her wide-ranging contributions to student life and the broader community. Her work spans leadership, peer mentoring, health promotion, and cultural engagement, with a strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing.

 As Class Representative, she consistently advocated for her peers and collaborated with academic staff to enhance the student experience. She played a central role in promoting the Podiatric Medicine degree at University Open Days over three consecutive years, engaging prospective students and their families with practical demonstrations and insights into the profession.

 Her volunteer work at the University’s Teddy Bear Hospital brought podiatry to life for children and their families in a fun, accessible way, while her participation in the SEAS SUAS Programme, run in partnership with the ALIVE Volunteering initiative, equipped her to support mental health and wellbeing initiatives across campus, including Mental Health Week.

 As a peer mentor, she helped junior students navigate the transition into university, both academically and personally. Her work with the African Caribbean Society was particularly impactful, supporting cultural awareness, representation, and a strong sense of community for students of African descent.

 Faith Ugiagbe said: “I’m really grateful to receive the Gold Medal Award for Community Engagement. It means a lot to be recognised for work that has been such a big part of my university experience. Whether it was representing my course at open days, volunteering at the Teddy Bear Hospital, becoming a committee member for society’s or helping to promote mental health awareness through the ALIVE and SEAS SUAS programmes, each role taught me something new and helped me feel more connected to my community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute in ways that support others and also reflect my own values.”

 Professor Martin O’Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: ““Dylan and Faith have shown that being a healthcare professional goes far beyond academic excellence - it’s about empathy, leadership, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Their achievements in civic engagement are inspiring examples of how our students can be catalysts for positive change, both within the University and in society. We are honoured to count them among our graduates.”

 University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Helen Maher, said: “Both Dylan and Faith exemplify the values we aim to instil in our students - compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of social responsibility. They have both left an indelible mark on this University through their tireless contribution.”

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