Dundalk Institute graduate named as finalist in prestigious hospitality awards
DKIT Hospitality Management graduate Crisalis Ulloa has been named a finalist for the prestigious Graduate Manager of the Year Award at the 2026 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Hospitality Management Awards.
A DkIT(Dundalk Institute of Technology) hospitality management graduate has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Graduate Manager of the Year Award at the 2026 Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) Hospitality Management Awards.
Graduate Crisalis Ulloa successfully progressed through a competitive selection process, including being shortlisted and interviewed by a panel of three industry experts to secure her place among this year's finalists.
Crisalis also recently received the President’s Prize for Academic Excellence at her graduation ceremony.
Maria Roddy-Freyne, Lecturer in Hospitality Management at DkIT, who nominated Crisalis for the award, commented: "Having taught Crisalis over the past four years, I am incredibly proud to see her recognised as a finalist for this prestigious award.
“Throughout her studies, she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism and a genuine passion for the hospitality industry.
“Crisalis was always willing to take on new challenges, support her fellow students and make the most of every opportunity presented to her.”
Crisalis also impressed in her career at Conrad Dublin, one of Ireland’s leading five-star hotels.
Beginning as a Food and Beverage Intern, Crisalis progressed to Food and Beverage Assistant and subsequently Food and Beverage Supervisor, before taking up her current position as a Financial Analyst earlier this year.
Maria said: “Her progression at the Conrad Dublin is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her hard work, determination and talent.
“She is a wonderful role model for our current students and demonstrates the exciting and varied career opportunities that a qualification in Hospitality Management can offer.
“Reaching the final is already an outstanding achievement, and everyone in the Hospitality Department at DkIT is incredibly proud of her."
The winner of the Graduate Manager of the Year Award will be announced at the 2026 IHI Hospitality Management Awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 November 2026, at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.