UCOL Alumni Awards to celebrate the success of people in their regions, including Whanganui

UCOL Whanganui Campus manager Bronwyn Paul will be on the lookout for alumni award recipients in Whanganui. Photo / Stuart Munro

UCOL has taken a positive step towards recognising the success of people in the regions by creating the UCOL Alumni Awards.

They have been created as a mark of respect to the 140,000 graduates that have been through UCOL campuses since 1902.

UCOL council chair Ben Vanderkolk said they are seeking nominations of UCOL alumni in four categories, in addition to the UCOL Council Honours Awards.

"It is fitting to run these awards in conjunction with the already established Council Honours Awards, which are focused on recognising contributions from members of the community," Vanderkolk said.

"If you know of a UCOL graduate doing amazing things, or know someone in the community who deserves to be recognised, then this is a great opportunity to highlight their contributions."

Alumni award categories include an achievement award, a service award, a young alumni award for under 35's and an overall special alumni award.

Nominees should demonstrate things like significant contributions to business or professional life, meritorious service to the community or nation, continued involvement to support UCOL and excellent leadership skills.

"Members of our community and our graduates include dynamic leaders in industry, business and government, with many working tirelessly in their communities and sectors to make a difference," Vanderkolk said.

"We have been presenting awards to stellar individuals since 2011 and are looking forward to celebrating the newest award recipients, and first alumni award recipients in 2019."

UCOL has campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua and more information can be found on their website.

Nominations are open now, they close at 4pm on September 28, 2018 and the recipients will be announced at the start of the 2019 academic year.