Leitrim nun 'honoured, humbled, and surprised' by honorary doctorate

South East Technological University (SETU) has conferred an honorary doctorate on Sr Brigid Reynolds in recognition of her lifelong dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

For the second consecutive year, five distinguished individuals were chosen to receive inaugural honorary doctorates from SETU.

This year’s recipients are Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), Willie Mullins, leading horse trainer, Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian, Éamonn McEneaney, former Director of Waterford Museum of Treasures, and Liam Griffin, Director, Griffin Hotel Group.

Sr Reynolds and Mr McEneaney both received their honorary doctorate awards this week at SETU Arena in Waterford.

As an educator and humanitarian, Sr Reynolds’s life and work serves as a shining example of the transformative power of compassion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.

Reflecting on the honorary doctorate, Sr Reynolds said she felt “honoured, humbled, and surprised” by the recognition.

Originally from Mohill, Co Leitrim, Sr Reynolds completed a science degree at University College Dublin before joining the Marist Sisters Religious Order. Her first assignment took her to Kaduna, North Nigeria, where she lectured at a Teacher Training College.

There, she also served as secretary to an Episcopal Commission focused on combating poverty and promoting social inclusion, while acting as spiritual director for women's organisations across the region.

Returning to Ireland in 1980, Sr Reynolds taught science at post-primary level in Dublin for two years before being recruited by the Conference of Major Religious Superiors, later known as the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI). In 1983, she joined forces with Fr Seán Healy, with whom she co-led CORI’s Justice Commission. Together, they advocated for social justice through policy development, engagement with government, and public advocacy. In 2009, the pair co-founded Social Justice Ireland, which they led until their retirement in 2023.

Social Justice Ireland advocates for social justice and improves the lives of communities through independent social analysis and effective policy development with the aim of creating “a sustainable future for every member of society and for societies as a whole”. SETU and Social Justice Ireland collaborate on the delivery of an MA in Social Justice and Public Policy to which Sr Brigid has contributed her expertise.

“I’ve had a long association with the Waterford and Wexford and Carlow colleges, going back more than 40 years. Over those years I enjoyed many discussions on social policy, development strategy and related issues that were always both challenging and energising,” she said.

Sr Reynolds praised SETU’s openness and willingness to explore complex challenges and questions, adding, “Equally impressive was its dedication to reaching effective solutions. I am honoured and proud to be associated with such an open and forward-looking educational institution and I have relished the opportunities it has provided to ensure that the academy can engage positively and progressively with its own local context.”

Last year SETU became the first TU to bestow honorary doctorate awards. By conferring an honorary doctorate, the university acknowledges an individual’s exceptional contribution to society, and that the individual’s endeavours exemplify the values SETU wishes to promote.

It recognises the person’s exceptional achievements that have shaped society through the arts and sciences, culture, advocacy, social activity, sport, business, or other contributions.

Caption: South East Technological University (SETU) has bestowed honorary doctorates upon Sr Brigid Reynolds, educator and humanitarian and Éamonn McEneaney, scholar, author, and cultural advocate. Sr Reynolds and Mr McEneaney were pictured with Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, Professor Patrick Prendergast, Chairperson of the SETU Governing Body and Chancellor of the University, and Dr Derek O'Byrne, Vice President Academic Affairs, Teaching & Learning at SETU.

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