YSI co-founder Sr Stanislaus Kennedy receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Limerick

Congratulations to our co-founder Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, who was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Limerick on 24th August 2022. 

An honorary doctorate honors those who have inspired and worked tirelessly to make significant contributions in their fields. Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy has devoted her life to campaigning fearlessly and tirelessly on behalf of the most vulnerable in Irish society. 

Leading crusader against homelessness

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, or Sr. Stan as she is affectionately known, has been a leading crusader against homelessness and has advocated for new immigrants to Ireland for decades. Despite homeless issues being deeply entrenched in our society, she has never been deterred by the complex challenges she faced. Sr. Stan has been a voice of conscience, particularly in recent years when Dublin's homeless crisis has grown.

Along with YSI Co-founder and CEO, Rachel Collier, Stan worked to set up Focus Point (now Focus Ireland) in 1985 to meet the needs of those living out of home. She also worked to establish the Immigrant Council of Ireland in 2001  
A keen supporter of young people, Sr. Stan recognized their potential to create meaningful change and be part of the solutions needed to build a fairer, more equal, and sustainable world. In the early 2000's Sr Stan co-founded Young Social Innovators once again with Rachel Collier.

"Sr Stan has trodden paths in life that are unfamiliar, difficult to navigate and strewn with obstacles. She has done so even when the odds seem impossible, and her opponents appear all-powerful." -Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese

Congratulations to Sr. Stan; we are incredibly proud of her, as she continues to inspire us daily!

Find out more about this special event in the YouTube video here  "University of Limerick bestows honorary doctorates on four inspiring individuals"

Read more about how Sr Stan and Rachel Collier founded Young Social Innovators.

YSI Social Innovation Action Programmes are now open for registration.