The 2023 awards ceremony, held at the
Manawatu Campus, showcased the impact of these initiatives, made possible through the generous support of external benefactors and organisations who share our commitment to educational excellence. During the event, 53 ākonga were recognised, having collectively received scholarships valued at over $48,000.
Scholarship recipients from all four of our campuses attended the event, expressing their gratitude to the generous donors who have made their educational journeys possible. The evening was marked by celebrations with whanau and friends, highlighting the sense of community that these scholarships foster.
Jazz Groves, Interim Operations Lead at UCOL Te Pūkenga, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Each and every donor, and every contribution, plays a crucial role in supporting individuals like those we celebrate tonight. To our
scholarship recipients, congratulations on your achievements. Your dedication and hard work have been recognised."
An audience comprising ākonga, kaimahi, and whanau came together to celebrate. One of the Masterton District Council Scholarship recipients, Angelo Salenga, was unable to attend but conveyed her appreciation, saying, "My gratitude to the selection committee for recognizing my potential and providing this incredible opportunity. Your confidence in my abilities motivates me to strive for excellence. I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors and instructors, whose unwavering support and commitment have significantly influenced my growth, both academically and personally."
This achievement follows the distribution of 47 scholarships valued at $44,000 at the Whanganui event earlier this month, further reinforcing UCOL's commitment to fostering academic excellence and creating opportunities for students. Throughout 2023,
UCOL's scholarship programmes have provided more than $90,000 in donations and gifts to over one hundred ākonga. The scholarships' specific focus varies, aligning with the donors' intentions, addressing issues such as hardship, achievement, and other meaningful criteria.
UCOL Te Pūkenga remains dedicated to making education accessible and promoting academic excellence, thanks to the unwavering support of our benefactors and partners. These scholarships empower ākonga, opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures.