Third year Social Science student Sue Goona was awarded the Fr John Moore Community Award for her significant contribution to the SETU community
Third year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Social Science student Sue Goona, was the recipient of this year’s Fr John Moore Community Award at South East Technological University.
Each year the award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to community life at SETU and can fall under the categories of social, personal, academic or organisational contribution.
The award was established following the death of Fr John Moore, the SETU chaplain in the 1970s, who was highly respected amongst the community and left behind a deep sadness after his premature death. The award was brought to life to perpetuate his memory and in appreciation of the way in which he enriched the life of the Institute.
The selection process falls into the hands of each SETU student, as they are given the opportunity to nominate anyone in the SETU community they consider deserving of the award.
Having accepted her award, Sue said she felt, “humbled, delighted and stunned.”
Head of the Careers Centre at SETU, Angela Collins, award commitee Chairperson spoke highly of Sue, and explained why she was chosen as the recipient of the Fr John Moore Community Award.
“Sue Goona has influenced the lives of many students during her time at SETU. She possesses a natural instinct to help others and to mentor them. Students speak of Sue as a genuine carer, one who does not domineer but who supports in a gentle way.”
Goona is well known for baking cakes and administering hugs to her peers at SETU in their time of need.
The final year social science student said she hadn’t realised her attitude and work were out of the ordinary, “I just treated the traditional student how I'd like my own kids to be treated. I lent books, organized study sessions, listened to their fears, asked them how they thought they should resolve things, gave them space, hugs and sometimes a kick up the backside.”