UCOL's Whanganui campus is marking its 10th anniversary this year with a series of events. The campus was officially opened on April 18, 2008, though staff had been working there since earlier in the year.
Whanganui iwi Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi gave the campus the name Matapihi ki te Ao (window of opportunity).
"Ten years, 10 months, 10 events, felt like a fitting way to highlight the role of UCOL in the community," says campus manager Bronwyn Paul of UCOL's anniversary plans.
"The celebration events we are planning are about acknowledging our community, our collaborative groups, our schools, stakeholders, industry partners, multi-cultural groups ... but most importantly our students, tutors, staff and alumni who make a difference every day."
Events are planned for every month till the end of the year, starting on Friday with the Lantern Festival on the Awa to celebrate Chinese New Year.
There will also be a commemoration of the story of the mountain boulders which moved with the campus to Rutland St and an opportunity for students to win a car. The celebrations culminate in December with a big event that is still under wraps. Events will be posted on https://www.ucol.ac.nz/events.
Ms Paul said the ethos of forming the campus was around offering students a modern and purpose-built facility where they could not only study but move on to higher level programmes. Since the campus on the Quay opened its doors, more than 2500 graduates have been conferred.
"We are proud of our history and excited about the future," Ms Paul said. She added that the public was welcome to enjoy the events and experience UCOL for themselves.
