EIT graduation: Valedictorian honour a surprise for Angus

Angus Bodle is valedictorian at the EIT Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony today. Picture supplied

EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti valedictorian Angus Bodle’s academic journey began when he attended Trades Academy as a school student and comes to a conclusion as he graduates with a Bachelor of Computing Systems today.

He will be part of a cohort of students at the graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre.

Angus, 21, says he was surprised when told that he had been chosen as valedictorian.

He was looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems (majoring in Intelligent  Systems) in front of his family.

Born and bred in Tairāwhiti, Angus’ interest in computers stems back to when he was a student at Gisborne Intermediate School where he spent his lunchtimes in the IT shed with his friends.

He enrolled in the computing programme in Trades Academy at the Tairāwhiti Campus  for his last two years at Lytton High School.

“I knew I wanted to study computing but it was Trades Academy that assured me that EIT was the right place to study.”

Angus said he found the programme enjoyable but it did have its “ups and downs”, thanks to Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We had to deal with remote learning for Covid-19 and the cyclone, because a whole lot of stuff wasn’t working at campus. It really was a challenge for us and for EIT.”

A highlight of the programme was the “hands-on learning”.

“For me, the best reason to study the BCS at EIT is that you have that one-on-one time with your tutor, not like when you’re at a big university and there’s 1000 students in your class.”

EIT | Te Pūkenga senior IT lecturer Tina Blumenthal said: “The past three years have been a tough ride, first with Covid and then Cyclone Gabrielle.

“And as one of the School of Computing lecturers, I congratulate all our BCS graduates for keeping the faith and demonstrating resilience in achieving their goals.

“It’s been a unique situation, but also a privilege to share the learning journey with this cohort.

“Angus is an outstanding academic achiever who enthusiastically welcomed every opportunity to learn and develop professionally both in class and by engaging with the sponsorship team in his internship,” Ms Blumenthal said..

“He has a wealth of talent, knowledge and skills, and is a shining star in our programme.

“I am sure he will be successful in his chosen career.

“Angus has earned his achievements and the EIT School of Computing team acknowledge and thank him, with great pride, for accepting the role of valedictorian for his graduation ceremony.”

TRIBUTE PAID TO GRADUATES AFTER THREE TOUGH YEARS

Fifty-three EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti ākonga (students) graduate today.

The graduation ceremony is being held at the War Memorial Theatre.

Bachelor of Computing systems graduand Angus Bodle will deliver the valedictorian’s address.

He will also receive the Cyclone Computer Company Award for Academic Excellence in the Bachelor of Computing Systems.

The graduation ceremony follows three tough years for this cohort with disruptions caused by Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus executive director Tracey Tangihaere paid tribute to those graduating, saying it had not been an easy time for them.

“Congratulations to all those who are crossing the stage. Graduating is a big occasion, but this is extra special because of what they have been through.

“We acknowledge all their hard work and wish them well in their chosen careers.”

The calibre of those graduating was a credit to programmes offered by EIT | Te Pūkenga, she said.

“We are pleased to offer a wide variety of programmes that ensure all our students finish equipped to enter the workforce.”

The Tairāwhiti event is the first of the EIT | Te Pūkenga graduation ceremonies.

The Hawke’s Bay graduation is on April 12 and the Auckland graduation is on May 28.