Pictured (L – R) at the UL Scholarship Awards Ceremony were Kayla McCann (Stryker); Interim Provost & Deputy President Professor, Ann Ledwith (UL); Stryker Scholarship recipients Erin McCauley, Lenka Ondrovicova, Orlaith Buckley and Conor Murphy; and Karen Ryan (Stryker)
University of Limerick and Stryker have marked over 50 years of a programme that has supported generations of engineering talent.
Established in 1975, the Stryker Engineering Scholarship has supported high-achieving students in engineering, technology management and product design, offering financial assistance alongside opportunities for mentorship and co-operative education.
University of Limerick and Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, celebrated this milestone at the recent UL Scholarship Awards Ceremony, recognising the impact of one of the institution’s longest running and most successful industry partnerships.
University of Limerick also recognised the achievements of the four 2024 / 2025 Stryker Engineering Scholarship recipients at the ceremony, acknowledging both their academic excellence and their potential as future leaders in engineering and technology.
Orlaith Buckley, Lenka Ondrovicova and Erin McCauley, BSc Product Design and Technology, and Conor Murphy, BSc Technology Management, were awarded a one-year scholarship of €2,500, in addition to access to real-world learning experiences with Stryker that complement their academic studies.
To date, more than 70 students have benefited from the scholarship, with recipients gaining valuable experience through co-operative placements at Stryker’s Limerick site and across its global network, including the United States, Germany and Cork.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Kevin O’Keeffe, Site Lead at Stryker Limerick, said: “The Stryker Engineering Scholarship is built on a proud legacy and has evolved over more than five decades into a meaningful and impactful partnership with University of Limerick. Over that time, the programme has reflected Stryker’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and developing the next generation of innovators.
“For us, this scholarship is about much more than financial support. It is about creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, to learn from industry, and to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. We are incredibly proud of the partnership we have with UL and of the many students who have played a part in Stryker’s mission to make healthcare better.”
The scholarship is administered by UL Foundation, which has overseen its continued growth in recent years. Sarah Hartnett, Director of Development, UL Foundation, said: “The Stryker Engineering Scholarship is a standout example of the impact that long-term collaboration between industry and higher education can have.
“Each year, we see firsthand how this support helps students to excel, not only academically but also in their professional development. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 recipients and the lasting impact this scholarship continues to have on our students, our university, and the broader engineering and technology community.”
Reflecting on the award, Orlaith Buckley, a 2024/2025 scholarship recipient, said: “Receiving the Stryker Engineering Scholarship has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The financial support has been hugely beneficial, but what has made the biggest difference is the opportunity to engage with Stryker mentors.
“It has given me real insight into the MedTech industry and helped shape my career ambitions. Being recognised as part of a programme with such a long history with UL and strong reputation makes it even more special.”