SOCIETIES OFFICER MICHELLE WHYTE

A Chara,

To look at this yearbook we can see clearly the hard work and dedication that contributes to the daily activity of each and every one of your 100+ student-led societies here in UCC. We can see the colour, vibrancy, creativity, skills and imagination that they provide for our campus community and that is all down to your hard work and commitment. Our Societies have provided a ‘real social network’ for over 12,000 students this past academic year. A place for them to celebrate their interests with like minded individuals and a university experience that fits them as a person.

I have been delighted to spend another year working alongside you on this journey and know that I will have the pleasure to work with at least some of you for the year ahead. My office is located in the Clubs and Societies Space on the 1st floor of the Hub Building . Be sure to pop in to say hello! Thank you for your wonderful work throughout the year and for leaving firm foundations in place for your successors. A special thanks to the Societies Guild and Societies Staff who worked hard to facilitate and support the work of your 100+ Societies. For those who are leaving UCC we wish you every success in the future- you can be sure that the transferable skills, friendships and memories will remain with you for years to come- and we hope that you will keep in touch!

Beir Bua agus Beannacht, Michelle

173 years of UCC Societies - for one of which I was honored to be your Vice-President and Trainings Officer.

When I was elected to the Executive last March, I said in my speech that I believed in the work of UCC Societies; this has not changed. The work you guys have done this year in your own societies and as a collective has been monumental for so many students. For some, it will have changed the entire course of their college experience.

Go raibh maith agaibh - thank you for trusting me to represent you and work with you throughout the year to ensure that Societies continue to be a force of positive change on campus. A big shoutout in particular to my repping group, who were an absolute joy to work with throughout the year! Highlights of this year include: the emotional rollercoaster that was Chairperson Training, SoXmas (still proud of that one!), organizing our first Irish-language event - Soctain na Gaeilge, leading the policy book review, going to BICS, working on the strategic plan, and meeting my repping group!

A massive thank you to this year’s Executive as well - I came into this role expecting to have some great colleagues but left with lifelong friends As I go into final year, although I am gutted to leave the Societies Executive behind me, I am really excited to see what next year’s committee get up to - I have no doubt that UCC Societies is in safe hands

Katie Halpin-Hill Vice President and Trainings Officer

"My past year on the Societies Executive has been nothing but an absolute joy. The community we have built has made my college experience what it is, and I wouldn't still be here without all of you!

Having joined the executive late as finance and sponsorship officer, I hope in the short time I've taught you all that Finance is less scary than it seems, but also in the past year Societies have taught me a lot, especially my SEFS repping group

The highlight (and most stressful time) of this year definitely has to be STARS Awards, seeing the behind the scenes of everything that goes into making a Society successful that we don't see on a regular basis, and of course bringing some fabulous societies to BICS!

My year in this role wouldn't have been the same without the amazing executive, and here along with the chairpeople I've definitely made lifelong friends, so thank you.

Looking forward to working with you all again next year!