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Irish Olympian Lauren Cadden Recognised with President’s Alumni Award at ATU’s First-Ever Alumni Awards
Atlantic Technological University proudly recognised record-breaking sprinter and Irish Olympian Lauren Cadden with the prestigious President’s Alumni Award at the university’s inaugural Alumni Awards celebrations, held as part of its Spring Conferring Ceremonies.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) proudly recognised record-breaking sprinter and Irish Olympian Lauren Cadden with the prestigious President’s Alumni Award at the university’s inaugural Alumni Awards celebrations, held as part of its Spring Conferring Ceremonies.
A graduate of ATU’s Health Science and Physical Activity programme and recipient of a sports scholarship, Lauren was recognised for her remarkable achievements in athletics, her representation of Ireland on the world stage, and her inspirational journey from student athlete to Olympian.
Lauren first gained national attention in 2018 when she broke the Irish Juvenile 200m record. She went on to win her first senior national title in 2022 and, in 2024, transitioned to the 400m, winning gold at the Irish Universities Championships with a record-breaking time of 53.38 seconds.
Her success continued internationally, helping Ireland qualify for the Paris Olympics at the World Athletics Relays in The Bahamas and securing silver in the 4x400m at the European Championships in Rome. She made her individual senior international debut in early 2025 at the European Indoor Championships in the Netherlands.
Lauren, who is currently training in Hong Kong, was represented at the ceremony by her parents, Michael and Rosie Cadden.
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, said:“Lauren’s drive, passion, and success make her an inspiration not only to our students but to aspiring athletes across Ireland. We are immensely proud to recognise her with the President’s Alumni Award. She embodies the spirit of excellence and ambition we strive to nurture at ATU.”
The ATU Alumni Awards were launched this year to celebrate graduates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in their fields. Lauren Cadden is one of seven outstanding recipients of the 2025 honours. Other recipients included leaders in journalism, business, engineering, sport, and health sciences:
- Breege Conroy Walsh, Founder & Managing Director, BWC MedTech Consulting – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Dr Shane Loughlin, Founder and President, ESE Academy – Alumni Award in Engineering & Computing
- Enda Mc Guane, Head of Asset Management, Land Development Agency – Alumni Award in Business
- Evelyn O’Toole, Founder & CEO, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Lisa Lynch, Senior Manager R&D, Boston Scientific – Alumni Award in Science & Health
- Pat McArt, Journalist, Author, Former Editor, Derry Journal – Alumni Award in Design, Education & Humanities
