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The Ulster University Allstate Graduate Volunteer Award is presented each year to a member of the Ulster University alumni community who has dedicated their time and expertise to the University, giving their energy repeatedly and eagerly to make a lasting difference for students, the university and wider society.
We are so fortunate to have such an active pool of passionate and dedicated volunteers who contribute to the vibrant life and culture of Ulster University.
This year we are honoured to recognise Professor Deirdre Brennan as our Graduate Volunteer Award Winner for 2025.
Graduate Volunteer of the Year 2025
Deirdre was presented with the award at the annual Sports Scholarship Award Ceremony which took place earlier this month on the Belfast Campus. To present the award, we were delighted to be joined by a representative from our sponsor of this award, Dr Sarah Lawrence, Lead Digital Product Manager at Allstate.
Deirdre is a four-time graduate of Ulster University. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Sport Studies, PGCE in Physical Education, MA in Leisure Studies and a PhD in Sport Sociology. Deirdre joined Ulster University as Lecturer in Physical Education in 1992 and teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Deirdre is founder and Director of the multi-award winning Sports Outreach unit (SO) a strategic initiative of Ulster University designed to widen access to sport and physical activity to young people in areas of greatest disadvantage and develop the practical and professional skills of aspiring teachers.
As a volunteer, Deirdre has been a key driver behind the success of the Ulster University Basketball Club. Deirdre was asked to coach the Men’s Varsity team in 1993 and continued to coach the team until 2011, which involved a stint in National League Division One and the Men’s Super League.
The Ulster University Basketball Club is one of the university’s most successful sports club with multiple college and varsity titles in the men’s and women’s game. This past season Deirdre was assistant coach to the Ulster University Women’s National League Division One team.
Deirdre also co-founded the Sport Changes Life Foundation (2010), a charity designed to raise the aspirations of young people at risk using sport, sporting role models and personal development.
Through her dedication to Ulster University Basketball Club and widening access to opportunities for sport over the past 30 years, Deirdre had been an inspiration to students, players and staff. Deirdre’s voluntary efforts have made a lasting impact on the sporting legacy of Ulster University Basketball Club and Sports Outreach.
It is with great honour that we present Deirdre with the Ulster University Allstate Graduate Volunteer Award for 2025.
