Wexford teacher wins Rising Educator award

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More than 4,700 graduates received their parchments from DCU at the Autumn Graduation ceremonies at the Helix in Dublin….

Among them was Elizabeth Gahan who received a special Drumcondra 150 Rising Educator Award – which celebrates excellence in teaching on the 150th year of teacher education on St Patrick’s Campus in Drumcondra – ahead of her graduation from the BSc in Physical Education and Biology. Elizabeth received the award having demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout her studies. She is a former student of Gorey Community School, Co. Wexford.

During her time at DCU, Elizabeth received a Diploma of Academic Excellence in Biology and was a DCU Sports Scholarship athlete. Alongside her studies, she developed a research proposal exploring the relationship between physical activity, adolescent wellbeing and learning.

Elizabeth contributed to university life in a variety of ways, serving as Course Representative throughout all four years of her degree, contributing significantly to societies including athletics, outdoor adventure, yoga and drama, and establishing a community movement and running club in the area.

A national athletics champion and medallist, Elizabeth represented DCU in intervarsity competition and recently won the National Senior Mile Road Championships, balancing high-performance sport with her academic and professional commitments.

She is now teaching Physical Education and Biology at Greystones Community College. Passionate about inclusive education, student wellbeing and lifelong physical activity, Elizabeth hopes to inspire young people to recognise their potential, develop confidence and resilience, and experience a sense of belonging through education and sport.

Speaking to Wexford Weekly after receiving the award, she said:

“I was incredibly honoured and excited to find out that I had been selected for the Drumcondra 150 Rising Educator Award, and receiving it is a really special moment for me. It means a great deal to have my journey at DCU recognised, as my time there has shaped me in so many ways, both personally and professionally.”

“DCU taught me far more than how to teach; it encouraged me to embrace opportunities, continually grow and reflect, and believe in what I am capable of achieving. My experiences in teaching and high-performance sport have reinforced my belief that the right opportunities and encouragement can change what a young person believes is possible for them. As I begin my teaching career, I hope to pass that same belief on to my students.”

12 ceremonies took place in the Mahony Hall in The Helix from Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October, featuring students from the University’s five faculties; the DCU Business School, the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science & Health, and the Faculty of Engineering & Computing.

These Autumn Graduations see the first graduates from

Graduate Certificate in Management (Operations and Supply Chain)
Master of Science in Business Analytics
Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Technology, Engineering and Graphics
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science and Mathematics Education
Master of Engineering in Electronic Engineering
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Global Challenges: Sustainable Societies and Technology
Graduate Certificate in Climate Action, Energy and Public Policy
Graduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing
Master of Science in Specialist Nursing

In the recently announced Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, DCU ranked 284th in the world, the university’s highest-ever ranking, and was ranked 1st in Ireland for research quality, 86th in the world.

Speaking at the graduation ceremonies, Prof Daire Keogh, President of Dublin City University, said:

“Our graduations are a highlight in the University calendar and a milestone in the lives of our graduates and their families. As President of the University, it is always a pleasure and an honour to congratulate them in person on their achievements and present them with their parchments.”