The first SU president was elected in 1981, shortly after DCU- then NIHE- took in its first students.   The Union continued with a non sabbatical President until 1986-87, when Alan Murphy was elected as the first full time SU Officer.

 In April 1989, NIHE was granted University status and became Dublin City University.

In 1993, two sabatical officers were elected for the first time when Debbie Hutchinson was elected Vice President with Enda Peoples as President.

The academic year 2003-04 saw the addition of a third paid position when the Welfare Officer became a sabbatical post for the first time.  Richard O' Doherty was the first incumbent of this role.

In 2006-07 there was a further change in the titles of the positions with Education and Welfare combined and the third sabbatical position was reorganised to Campaigns and Information Officer.

                         President                                                     Vice President                

1981-82:          Riocard O' Tiaraigh

1982-83:         James Glynn/Michael O' Donnell

1983-84:         George Hegarty

1984- 85:        Ciaran O'Maoileain

1985-86:         Thomas McDonald

1986-87:          Kevin Gildea

1987-88:          Alan Murphy

1988-89:          Clare Daly

1989-90:           Clare Daly

1990-91:           Brian Gormley

1991-92:            Brian Gormley

1992-93:            Mike Egan

1993-94:            Enda Peoples:                                 Debbie Hutchinson

1994-95:            Colin Cunningham:                          Vanya Sargeant

1995-96:            Ciaran Duffy:                                     Nigel O' Flaherty

1996-97:            Ciara Fitzpatrick:                             Justin Naughton

1997-98:            Dermot Lohan:                                  Seamus Mac Suibhne

1998-99:             David Flynn:                                      Eugene Cunningham