As part of Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 91制片厂鈥檚 (UC) 150th听anniversary celebrations, the exceptional accomplishments of these inspirational young changemakers were celebrated at a Young Alumni Awards ceremony on Saturday.听
Part of UC鈥檚 150th听Anniversary Alumni and Community Weekend, the first winners of Young Alumni Awards were f锚ted in an evening awards ceremony. The five 2023 UC Young Alumni Award winners are: Eli Matthewson, Keegan Jones, Julia Arnott-Neenee and Roshit Bothara, and current student Sarah How.
鈥淥n behalf of the University, I congratulate each award recipient on this well-deserved recognition of their accomplishments, and I look forward to witnessing their continued success and contributions to society,鈥 Amokapua | Assistant Vice-Chancellor Engagement Brett Berquist says.
鈥淓ach award recipient is an exemplar of leadership, affecting positive change that is driven by their curiosity, ambition for equity and innovation. Engagement is at the heart of the University and their stories illustrate the profound impact it can have on individuals and the broader community.鈥
The Young Alumni Awards were launched as part of the University鈥檚 sesquicentennial anniversary to recognise graduates and students aged 35 or under for their passionate mahi in their field of expertise.
2023 Young Alumni Award recipients:
Creative Arts 鈥 Eli Matthewson
Arts graduate Eli Matthewson鈥檚 commitment to the performing arts was clear from his student days at UC. An award-winning comedian, he is an advocate for Rainbow causes and one of the leading voices of Aotearoa New Zealand鈥檚 entertainment industry.听More here>
Community Impact 鈥 Keegan Jones
Since graduating with a double bachelor's degree in law and commerce last year, Keegan Jones has successfully established Northland鈥檚 first collaborative legal services clinic, providing support to wh膩nau who need a lawyer but are unsure how to engage one or find it difficult to cover the costs.听Read more>
Innovation and Entrepreneurship 鈥 Julia Arnott-Neenee听
After her tech career took her to Australia, United Kingdom and United States, Julia Arnott-Neenee returned to Aotearoa determined to share her knowledge and expertise and to improve accessibility and equity for Pacific people in local technology, business and commercial sectors.听Read her story>
International 鈥 Roshit Bothara
During his medical studies, paediatric registrar Roshit Bothara began developing a learning model for medical students in different countries to learn about each other鈥檚 health systems and cultures via videoconferencing. The global initiative has seen him win several international awards.听More here>
Rising Star 鈥 Sarah How
Sarah How鈥檚 accomplishments such as leading the community-centred design approach within the Mycoplasma Bovis Programme - New Zealand鈥檚 largest ever biosecurity response, and her ongoing research, development and volunteer work mentoring to activate people and ideas in the food and fibre industry demonstrate her unyielding dedication to guiding and mentoring future industry professionals.听Read more>
