In recognition of International Men’s Day, we’re highlighting some of the outstanding men who contribute to shaping National College of Ireland. Learn what this day represents for them.
Tre Robert, Students’ Union President at NCI
International Men's Day, November 19th, 2025
Shining a light on the men of NCI.
My name is Tre Robert, and I am the Students’ Union President at National College of Ireland. In this role, I am the CEO and principal spokesperson for all students at the College, and I am responsible for managing the Students’ Union executive team.
My role is varied as I lead and direct officers in their projects and initiatives, oversee the finances of the Union along with the Governance Committee, and sit on College Board Meetings as a representative for the student body.
My path to NCI
I have worked as SU President for the last three years, but I have been part of NCI for a total of seven years. I joined NCI in 2019 after completing my Leaving Certificate.
I studied BSc Computing and specialised in Cybersecurity. This period of study lasted four years. During my final year, I took on numerous roles, including Class Representative, Student Leader, Lab Assistant, Student Ambassador, and International Peer Mentor.
I ran for Students’ Union Vice President and was awarded a scholarship to study my master's degree in Management on a part-time basis. I am due to graduate in November. This is my third and final term as an SU officer.
Aspirations and motivations
From a young age, I aspired to become a professional boxer. I dedicated years to training and competing, winning Leinster and international titles, and later developing my skills in MMA. That experience taught me discipline, focus, and resilience - values that continue to guide me today.
Over time, my ambitions expanded beyond sport into helping people and making a meaningful impact through education and leadership. I am passionate about empowering others to grow and reach their potential. Looking ahead, one of my major goals is to pursue a PhD focused on higher education and sustainability, allowing me to continue contributing to positive change both academically and in real-world practice.
I am motivated by progress - both personal and collective. In boxing and MMA, improvement comes from showing up consistently, putting in the work, and learning from setbacks. That same mindset drives me professionally. Seeing others develop, helping them overcome challenges, and witnessing real impact inspires me to keep moving forward.
What does International Men’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Men’s Day is about reflection and balance. It is a chance to celebrate men who lead with empathy and strength, while also recognising the importance of mental health, vulnerability, and positive role models.
Coming from a combat sports background, I have seen how damaging traditional ideas of masculinity can be. True strength is not about hiding emotion - it is about resilience, self-awareness, and compassion. Days like this remind us to encourage open conversations and support one another in becoming better men and better people.
In my current role, I have often worked in diverse and sometimes female-dominated environments, which has been an incredibly positive experience. It has taught me the value of empathy, collaboration, and a range of leadership perspectives.
At the same time, I have noticed that men can sometimes feel pressured to always appear composed or unemotional, especially in leadership roles. I have learned that being open and authentic is far more powerful. Just like in sport, real respect comes from honesty and integrity - not pretending to be invincible.