Seven students across faculties and UCOL’s campuses have been recognised for their achievements at a ceremony held in Palmerston North last week.
“It gives us solace to know that we have such a wonderful blend of students who are already inspiring the community within UCOL as well as the community outside,” said Paul Fenton, UCOL Director of Student Success at the ceremony.
Five of the seven recipients came from UCOL’s faculty of Health & Science, Executive Dean, Penny O’Leary told the scholarship recipients, it was their moment “It shows that the hard work you put into your education pays off. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”
“Receiving a scholarship is a very special occasion. It’s not only about receiving money; it’s also an acknowledgement from UCOL and the sponsors that you are on the right path and have the potential to do really amazing things,” she said.
The UCOL Andrew Cliff Award, established in memory of a staff member who served the polytechnic for over 10 years went to
New Zealand Diploma in Applied Science student, Phoebe Morrison. Phoebe consistently has high grades and acts as a mentor to other students in the class, selflessly helping them understand concepts in her own time. Her end goal is to work in the medical science sector developing medications to combat incurable diseases.
Awarded annually, the Fletcher Challenge Trust Award goes to a student who shows determination, merit and achievement both academically and practically in their studies. This year it went to Stacey Thomas who is in her second year of the
Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology). Stacey was recognised for her consistency as a high achiever, enthusiasm in class as well as a mentor on the Big Sister programme for underprivileged children.
Rachel Bowen, representing the Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) presented the PNCC Jaycee Trust Scholarship awarded to
Bachelor of Nursing student, Franciszka Orlowski known as Frankie who received two awards on the night and Jeni Berrett, currently studying the Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging, majoring in photography.
Frankie, one of 15 children began her studies in 2013 completing the NZ Certificate in Nanny Education and has herself overcome significant personal and health issues to pursue her passion of nursing. She studies full time while still nannying and is actively involved in the community. Jeni, has a goal to set up a koha/donation system to provide low income families with family portraits and sees photography as a way to build relationships. Since studying she has created a self-esteem book for women and is using her skills learnt in the classroom to make a difference in the community.
Three scholarships were awarded by Anne Walker, Chair from the Graduate Women Manawatu Trust for the Graduate Women Manawatu UCOL awards. Bachelor of Nursing students, Anne Knapp and Rini Phuia-Herangim both studying in Whanganui and Franciszka Orlowski receiving her second award for the evening.
Anne was returning to study after having several occupations and continues to work weekends at a vet clinic. Upon graduating she is aiming to work in the palliative care area of nursing. Rini was acknowledged for her active involvement in the community including the volunteer work she is doing to empower women through martial arts. On receiving her second award Frankie says she was very honoured and privileged to receive two scholarships.
“I shed a few tears. These scholarships will help tremendously.”
“I’m currently on placement for 40 hours a week and working on top of that, which can be really exhausting. This will help me cover the rent and I can drop a few hours at work.”
She currently works as a nanny and aims to become paediatric nurse.
The final award was presented by Vicky Richter from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to the top student award for financial accounting in the 2016 year. The award went to Thomas Cribb, from Feilding, studying the
Bachelor of Applied Management majoring in both Project Management and Accounting. While the award is purely based on academic achievement Thomas was recognised for his charismatic, hard-working attitude and his willingness to help other students.
UCOL Executive Director of Education & Applied Research, Dr Jerry Shearman, ended the event by thanking recipients, staff, guests and reiterating the value of sponsors, “it is through their generosity that we are able to offer the support of these scholarships to our students which make a significant impact on their lives while studying.”
Dr Shearman went on to wish all recipients well for their future at UCOL, and beyond.
Pictured above: Five of the Scholarship recipients who received their award in person, pictured from left to right Phoebe Morrison, Anne Knapp, Jeni Berrett, Frankie Orlowski and Thomas Cribb.