Distinguished Graduate Awards 2021

The Distinguished Graduate Award recipients for 2021 were announced on 18 October. These awards recognise and celebrate students who are involved in co-curricular activities and are actively giving back to their community. Read on to see how some of them received their Distinguished Graduate title and what they took away from the experience.

Alaa al Aamri | Participant in Summer Lab, President of OSA, UniGuide

Area of study: Earth Sciences/Environmental Sciences

What did you enjoy about the Co-curricular Recognition Programme?

I like the idea of the Co-curricular Recognition Programme because it allows students to develop skills and learn in a meaningful way, encouraging them to achieve in areas outside of academics. For me, it was a great opportunity to be part of a fantastic team and develop my skills in different areas. I entered Summer Lab only with an idea, not having anyone in my circle at the time who might be interested in innovating. From day one at Summer Lab, I was able to have a great team that believed in my idea, helped me develop it further and won third place. The end of Summer Lab meant the beginning of our idea journey and we’re now in the development and prototyping phase – we hope to release our device to market by the end of 2022! We also entered the Velocity Innovation Challenge with our idea and won the Social prize. I’m proud that I was part of Summer Lab as it has opened many doors for me in the entrepreneurial space.

What did you learn while completing the Distinguished Graduate Award?

This experience was an insightful & empowering one. I learned how to be the best version of me, and it helps me reach my potential as I explore and develop my personality through each path in the programme. This experience helped me overcome challenges, develop more life skills, and complement the skills I gain from my education. Additionally, the process of completing the Distinguished Graduate Award made my job interviews easier because it helped me talk about my experience and education holistically, and show employers that I bring a great balance of a qualification along with soft skills.

Danielle Sigley | Volunteer role UoA Stray Theatre Company, Resident Adviser

Area of study: Arts

What did you enjoy about the Co-curricular Recognition Programme?

A big aspect of the Co-curricular Recognition Programme which I enjoyed was the opportunity to reflect and build on what I learnt throughout my activities. Through completing the written reflections, I could look back on my time in these roles and see how much they have helped to develop old and new skills. It also gave me the chance to reflect on my time as a student at UoA, and be proud of the things I have taken part in.

What did you learn while completing the Distinguished Graduate Award?

A major learning outcome would definitely be the opportunities that the programme gave me, such as the workshops and final interview. It’s the helpful tips and tricks for preparing for a job interview that I’ll remember and will be undoubtedly beneficial in the future.

Josh Ellwood | President of AUGSS, Co-Director of the University of Auckland Law Revue Inc.

Area of study: Global Studies/Law

What did you enjoy about the Co-curricular Recognition Programme?

The co-curricular recognition programme gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I have done, and encouraged me to strive for excellence in the future. I loved attending the wide range of career development workshops, where I learnt vital and relevant career skills, such as interviewing and networking.

What did you learn while completing the Distinguished Graduate Award?

I’ve developed my professional leadership and interpersonal skills, including how to mediate between large groups of people. The Distinguished Graduate Award has given me the confidence and desire to launch my career as soon as possible.

Keen to find out more about our 2021 Distinguished Graduate Award recipients? Head over to the awards page for a complete list of awardees and more.