2022 Summit
The 2022 GUA Summit, 6–9 November 2022, in Dublin, Ireland was a richly engaging mix of student-led research, high‑impact keynote talks and global networking, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of academic and professional leaders.
It reinforced the Summit’s role as a prestigious international platform for outstanding undergraduate scholarship.
Keynote & Featured Speakers
Brendan Courtney – is one of Ireland’s best known and well-loved TV Presenters, Broadcaster, Activist and Designer. Using his profile to advocate for equality in the areas of health, housing, age and gender, he recently achieved first-class honours in Europe’s first Masters of Business (MBA) Degree in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
Brendan was one of the key public faces of the ‘Yes Equality’ Marriage Referendum and as Ireland’s first openly Gay TV presenter, he has always crusaded for equality across gender, LGBTQ, age and housing. He is a regular corporate speaker on Equality, Inclusion & Diversity to audiences across the Globe.
His unique approach, engaging voice and personal story inspires awareness and makes an impact for positive change.
Eoin Goulding – is the Founder and CEO of Integrity360, an industry-leading Cybersecurity specialist. A serial entrepreneur, Eoin has a strong background in various IT sectors. He established Integrity360 in 2005 after Align Technology, the firm he was working for, decided to exit the Irish market. Integrity360 has since grown to be one of the leading Cybersecurity companies in Europe with clients across a broad spectrum of industries, more than 320 employees, and a turnover of €100 million.
Jen McMillen – is a senior post-secondary leader with more than 20 years’ experience in student affairs, human rights and policy development.
For more than 20 years, Jen has been dedicated to student development, engagement and success. As vice-provost for students at Toronto Metropolitan University, Jen oversees the direction of multiple units dedicated to ensuring student programs, experiences and services are of the highest quality and readily accessible to all students. Jen is passionate about diversity, leadership, trust, team building, communication and civic responsibility.
Isaac Garcia-Sitton – An accomplished former diplomat, Isaac Garcia-Sitton currently serves as the Inaugural Executive Director, International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University in Canada. Isaac’s efforts to positively impact immigrant communities has been recognised by being named one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2018 and as a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winner in 2020.
His research interest focuses on immigration policy-making as it relates to the recruitment and retention of international students in Canada.
Patrick J Rigney – is the founder and owner of The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, the first distillery in Connacht in a century, and is the mind behind Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
For three decades, Rigney has been instrumental in establishing Irish drinks brands as global leaders, including the world’s number 1 selling liqueur, Baileys.
As Executive Director, Patrick innovated the twin-bottle Sheridan’s Irish Cream Liqueur, and became known across the industry as a creative entrepreneur with a ‘maverick’ edge. Patrick owns Fastnet Brands, co-founded the Dalcassian Wines and Spirits Company, and more recently invested in Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, Horseware Products Ltd, and The Walsh Distillery Company.
