2. Programme
• 9.30am Opening by Lesley Smith (Head of School)
• 9.45am Address by Clare Gillies
• 10.00am Graduating Students to collect Academic Transcripts
CITSS/Grad Cert/Grad Dip/BIT
• 10.30am Presentation of awards
• 11.00am Photographs (refreshments to be served while
photos are being taken)
• 11.45am Transport to First Church for Graduation Service
• 1.00pm Assemble at Dental School for Graduation Parade
• 1.25pm Graduation Parade from Dental School to Regent Theatre
• 3.00pm Graduation Ceremony Begins
• 5.00pm Cocktail Function in marquee at First Church
3.
4.
5.
6. School of Information Technology
Guest Speaker
Clare Gillies
Business Analyst
Dunedin City Council
9. Certificate in IT Service and Support
Graduands
• Jack Board • Aisea Maka
• Joshua Conley • Daniel Mazur
• Aaron Dyett • Phillip McConnon
• Dean Hu’akau • Gareth Schieving
• Rickie Kewene • Esira Senibua
• Alister Kirkwood • Dan Smith
• Danny Locher • Shaun Stewart
52. Award for Most Promising 1st Year Student in the
Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
53. Award for Most Promising 1st Year Student in the
Bachelor of Information Technology
Timothy Miller
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
54. Dave Hall Award for Excellence in the
1st Year of the Bachelor of Information
Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
55. Dave Hall Award for Excellence in the
1st Year of the Bachelor of Information
Technology
Benjamin van der Loo
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
56. Best International Student in the Bachelor of
Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
57. Best International Student in the Bachelor of
Information Technology
Bo Liu
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
58. Award for Excellence across the
1st and 2nd Year of the Bachelor of
Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
59. Award for Excellence across the
1st and 2nd Year of the Bachelor of
Information Technology
Kierran McPherson
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
60. Award for Excellence in the 2nd Year
of the Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
61. Award for Excellence in the 2nd Year
of the Bachelor of Information Technology
Awarded jointly to
John Welfare and Whetu Taita
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
62. Award for Excellence in the 3rd Year
of the Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
63. Award for Excellence in the 3rd Year
of the Bachelor of Information Technology
Nicholas Marshall
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
64. Award for Recognition of Contribution
to the School of Information Technology
Presented by Lesley Smith
Head of School
65. Award for Recognition of Contribution
to the School of Information Technology
Nicolas Little
Presented by Lesley Smith
Head of School
66. Gen-i Award for Best Student in IT Operations in the
Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Mike Kennedy
Gen-i
67. Gen-i Award for Best Student in IT Operations in the
Bachelor of Information Technology
Jack Hunter
Presented by Mike Kennedy
Gen-i
68. Award for Best Student in Programming in
the Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
69. Award for Best Student in Programming in
the Bachelor of Information Technology
Samuel Bailey
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
70. Award for Project in the
Bachelor of Information Technology
with most Commercial Potential
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
71.
72. Award for Best Third Year Project
in the Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Michael Collins
Director Learning Environment
73.
74. Intergen Award for Best Graduating Student
in the Bachelor of Information Technology
Presented by Cheryl Adams
Intergen
75. Intergen Award for Best Graduating Student
in the Bachelor of Information Technology
Nathan Sime
Presented by Cheryl Adams
Intergen
Editor's Notes
Quiet but a growing confidence over his time in the degree. Too shy to do a presentation when he arrived – nailed it for 3rd year project!
Sam has demonstrated outstanding programming skills during his studies – a perceptive analytical mind, well honed on the NZ Bridge Team.Quiet in class but a dry wit and a popular team member.
Chris completed his first year at University before he saw the light and came over to the Polytech. He is a passionate coder – as I found out in Software Engineering, I was working hard to keep him away from his code long enough to do some documentation! Very creative, makes the work seem effortless. Great attention to presentation and excellent technical skillsHe is spending his summer working on the Unifone website for the Port Chalmers wireless network.
Quietly capable, David makes an impact through the consistent quality of his work. Within a very quiet exterior hides a skilled practitioner, as he achieves excellent marks with apparent ease.
Warwick is a people person – his skills have made him a fantastic employee with the ISS helpdesk and currently as a tutor with our Saudi students. Always helpful, unfailingly polite, he is immensely employable - Warwick has been snapped up by Datacom in Wellington.
Some graduations are a long time coming! Phil was the life and soul of the Project room while he was a project student– lots of great times were had. I remember the day we found that the other students had popped him into a huge cardboard tube and were rolling him around the floor – his idea apparently.Phil has gone on to post grad Business studies at the University – combined with his IT skills, there is a serious job waiting out there for him.
Rimu came to us through an interesting pathway – he decided he could do better than working on the fishing fleet out of Timaru and completed his first year of study at AorakiPolytech. While he came here to study, he didn’t forget his roots – the fishing industry provided a great idea for his 3rd year project. Rimu seems to exist in top gear only, his mind constantly whizzing with new ideas. This entrepreneurial mind is going places – he is already working with Upstart to turn his project idea into a successful business.
Andrew is a delightful young man who has developed many skills in the BIT. He was a founding member of the Polytech Toastmasters Club which has improved his confidence and speaking skills. He is very hardworking, determined and focused – will make a great employee.
You always know when Nick is in your class – he manages to fill the space around him even when he is quiet, which is not often.Nick has a very outgoing nature but we also see his sensitive side. His journey through the degree has not been without a few speed bumps, pleased to see him here today. Nick likes to be helpful and has been enjoying supporting Krissi in Web1 classes this year, which has been entertaining for everyone. He has also been busy coding websites with New Splash Studio. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of Nick.
Amy is a remarkable young woman. She has two young children aged 4 and 5 years. When her husband was offered a job in Wellington earlier this year, Amy considered transferring to Weltec but made the decision to complete the degree here in Dunedin. This has meant that she has had sole responsibility for the children while working 23 hours a week for Myth (a website, marketing and design company). This is the result of a successful summer internship with Myth.Throughout the degree, Amy has always achieved at the highest level. Amy impressed us with her work ethic, her ability to meet challenges and her determination to succeed.
Cameron is a quiet student who impressed us with his achievements. In Software Engineering, he sat quietly all semester getting on with his work then stunned us by getting the top mark in the exam. He is currently working with a new startup company called Trovolo. (check this)
An Aussie import, but we forgive him for that. Brendan is a cheerful lad and has achieved well in his courses.
AJ is an unusual young man, I mean that in the kindest way. Since starting with the CITSS, he has a different way of looking at things and has a talent for answering questions in class with remarkable perception and clarity. He has done way too many night shifts at MacDonalds and consumed way too many caffiene drinks to be healthy, so we are pleased he survived to graduation. He is off to Canada to work in IT, and possibly to take up hockey.
Peter always had a relaxed attitude, preferring to complete assignments at the very last moment. Earlier this year he did not show up for his Networks 3 exam so Krissi texted him to ask if he was planning on attending. His reply: “LOL funny” He did show up and he passed.Peter showed great enthusiasm in class – demonstrating excellent design skills in particular.
Shaun has been a model BIT student over his three years with us – completing in June.Shaun Denholm stands out as a consistent performer who takes great pride in producing a professional product. Coming from a hospitality background, Shaun has the communication skills to work effectively with clients and to work through any obstacles. He has outstanding academic skills, a mature attitude and wonderful work habits. He will make a top class employee in his new role at Intergen.
Tim is the archetypal ‘gentle giant’ in the school, and another CITSS graduate. An imposing presence, Tim has wonderful people skills which he has put to good use – working as peer tutor and support for other students. He has broad technical and communication skills and has also developed confidence through his time with Toastmasters.
John entered the BIT though the schools Y13 programme – taking his video conference classes with Joy from Owaka. I remember him turning up at every open day and expo for a couple of years, eagerly asking questions, he was so keen to get in. It is a delight to see him here today, having worked very hard right through his degree studies.
Nick has blossomed in his time with us. He came to us as a very shy young man, but has gained confidence every year. He has been working with Krissi on the PC Maintenance classes, supporting and at times teaching the classes. He, like many of this years cohort, has always been willing to volunteer for any extra work – and has demonstrated his capability in that role. He is working this summer in an internship with ADInstruments and is off to Wellington in the New Year.
David Logez produced some great work, often alongside project partner Peter Denholm. They had a passion for their project work and delighted in demonstrating their latest designs.Entering via the Schools Y13 programme and the CIT, David has been with us for quite a while. With his charm and personality, we think he will do well where ever he ends up.
Another CIT graduate, Nick has hidden talents in a quiet exterior. He has excellent academic skills and will put these to good use in his work. Quiet student but producing excellent work. Excellent team work skills and good sense of humour.
The 3rd year project room has been an amazing environment this year – each cohort makes it their own and this year’s has shown a strong work ethic, interspersed with relaxed fun. Nice to walk into the room to hear Griff’s guitar playing quietly or an event being planned. Griff has played an important role in the room, providing ongoing support for the group. Organised a very special student farewell for Dave Bremer.Quote “Best thing about IT is that it's easy to create new jobs rather than fill old ones, and that's what I want to do.”He brings a mature and professional attitude to his study and is prepared to challenge lecturers when he feels the need. Not sure of the future path at this stage – Zoe might win that battle.
Graduating from the CITSS, Nicole obviously decided she hadn’t had enough of being the only girl in a crowd of geeky boys and decided to join BIT. An outstanding student with a great attitude, she is a very capable young woman. Her excellent experience working for ISS on Helpdesk has served her well and she has already started her job with Prosouth.
A naturally gifted programmer and extreme early adopter, Matthew is never content to just do the assignments, he likes to push software development tools to their limits. A successful student tutor, Matthew has helped a lot of students avoid the pitfalls of learning to code.
Will be an unfamiliar face to students hereEmma completed her Project in June 2010 and has been completing her final course work through Massey. Her partner, Sam, completed the BIT in 2002(?) before joining the Police Force, so they will have an impressive skill set in the family.
Adam joined BIT through a CITSS pathway. After this, he wanted to go to Electrotech, but we browbeat him into enrolling on the BIT. A confident and clever student, Adam worked throughout his student years, initially a busy courier driver, then later on Helpdesk at the University Commerce Department. In his final year he gained an internship and then part-time work with Turboweb before being recruited by Datacom in Wellington. Adam demonstrates an high level of professionalism and excellent IT skills.
Vinnie completed CIT before entering the BIT. A quiet worker, we are pleased to see him graduate today. Consistently underestimated his abilities throughout the BIT. When asked to try a challenge or extension, Vinnie will look dubious, imply that it’s too difficult, and then do a fantastic job at it. So we learned early to just keep asking for bigger and better things, and Vinnie consistently delivered.
Rachel arrived back in NZ a couple of years ago with a wealth of IT work experience under her belt from her work in London. In seeking the BIT qualification, Rachel juggled family and work commitments, but managed to achieve an outstanding academic record. Her work with the EBS4 has been highly praised – and is a reflection of her communication and technical skills.
Darrell is also a CITSS graduate with strong technical skills and a cheerful personality. He has an analytical approach and is an effective problem solver, which helped his team to gain a Todd Foundation Award for their project.Darrel left us a couple of years ago when he had a better offer in Christchurch – we are pleased he returned to complete his studies.
Nathan should get a special award for the most productive journey through the BIT – he has added three children to his family in the three years with us. His prior degree in Zoology was put to good use in an excellent project, along with his very professional skills.Nathan is a perfectionist and manages to produce perfect work every time, at some cost to his peace of mind. It has been a true pleasure to have known him during his time in the degree.Unflappable – a great team member! Nathan is also joining the team at Intergen.
A Dunstan College and Y13 programme student, Michael has lit up our environment with his very delightful smile. He is charming, very capable and extremely helpful. He has also been a peer tutor and a tutorial assistant in programming classes. He has gained a position in a very dynamic company in Wellington called Provoke.
A very capable and quiet young man, Tom entered the degree after completing Electrotechnology studies. He retains his interest in electrical technology and has now added a wide range of IT skills to his CV.
Sean is the first of our earthquake refugees to graduate. He arrived from Christchurch at the start of 2011 and slotted easily in with the Otago students. He has been a quiet contributor in his very successful project group with Adam and Carson.
1. Award for Excellence in the Certificate in IT (Hamish Smith)2. Award for Excellence in the Certificate in IT Service and Support (Lawrence Shannon, ProSouth)3. Award for Most Promising 1st year student in the BIT 4. Dave Hall Award for Excellence in the 1st year of the BIT 5. Award for Best International Student in the Bachelor of Information Technology6. Award for Excellence across 1st and 2nd Year of the Bachelor of Information Technology 7. Award for Excellence in the 2nd year of the BIT 8. Award for Excellence in the 3rd year of the BIT 9. Award for Recognition of Contribution to the Department (Lesley Smith)10. Gen-i Award for Best Student in IT Operations in the BIT (Mike Kennedy, Gen-i)11. Award for Best Student in Programming in the BIT 12. Award for Best 3rd year Project in the BIT 13. Award for 3rd Year Project in the BIT with Most Commercial Potential14. Intergen Award for Best Graduating Student in the BIT (Cheryl Adams, Intergen)
Winner: Samuel StewartSam is a student who is best described at having an “IT mind”. Not only has he displayed a great ability in IT but it is obvious that he enjoys the challenges that IT brings. He is a diligent worker who gets on with what has to be done. But in saying that, he also is very supportive of other students and is able to explain IT concepts to others and help them in their learning. He is consistently a top achiever who is a pleasure to be around and contributes greatly to the learning environment.
Winner: Samuel StewartSam is a student who is best described at having an “IT mind”. Not only has he displayed a great ability in IT but it is obvious that he enjoys the challenges that IT brings. He is a diligent worker who gets on with what has to be done. But in saying that, he also is very supportive of other students and is able to explain IT concepts to others and help them in their learning. He is consistently a top achiever who is a pleasure to be around and contributes greatly to the learning environment.
Rickie KewenePleasant, laid back personality. Is always keen to help and was very supportive of other students. Had his finger on what was happening in IT, appeared at various IT events. Achieved to a high level in all his subjects. His maturity, work ethic and concern for others was a major dynamic in the success of the CITSS class this year.
Rickie KewenePleasant, laid back personality. Is always keen to help and was very supportive of other students. Had his finger on what was happening in IT, appeared at various IT events. Achieved to a high level in all his subjects. His maturity, work ethic and concern for others was a major dynamic in the success of the CITSS class this year.
Winner: Timothy MillerDisplays awesome analytical skills. Quiet and thoughtful.Tim has an innate ability to analyse problems and to produce innovative and novel solutions. We think he has a great future in IT.
Winner: Timothy MillerDisplays awesome analytical skills. Quiet and thoughtful.Tim has an innate ability to analyse problems and to produce innovative and novel solutions. We think he has a great future in IT.
Talk about Dave HallWinner: Benjamin van der LooBen began with us at mid-year and has taken a mix of first and second semester papers. He is perceptive, disciplined and diligent in his study. We are delighted that Ben has decided to join our degree.
Talk about Dave HallWinner: Benjamin van der LooBen began with us at mid-year and has taken a mix of first and second semester papers. He is perceptive, disciplined and diligent in his study. We are delighted that Ben has decided to join our degree.
Winner:Bo LiuAlways gives of his best and is unfailingly polite. Has worked hard to overcome his language difficulties. Bo is focussed and disciplined in his approach to learning and has achieved excellent grades. He is unfailingly polite and cheerful, a pleasure to have in any class.
Winner:Bo LiuAlways gives of his best and is unfailingly polite. Has worked hard to overcome his language difficulties. Bo is focussed and disciplined in his approach to learning and has achieved excellent grades. He is unfailingly polite and cheerful, a pleasure to have in any class.
Winner: Kierran McPhersonStunningly well thought out, detailed work. Plus a great personality. Kierran is a superstar. He has achieved excellent grades across his first and second year papers. He continually pushes the boundaries of his knowledge; independently investigating, experimenting and implementing new concepts. He cheerfully helps others in the class and has worked as a peer tutor and in technical support this year. He has a very bright future.
Winner: Kierran McPhersonStunningly well thought out, detailed work. Plus a great personality. Kierran is a superstar. He has achieved excellent grades across his first and second year papers. He continually pushes the boundaries of his knowledge; independently investigating, experimenting and implementing new concepts. He cheerfully helps others in the class and has worked as a peer tutor and in technical support this year. He has a very bright future.
Winners: John Welfare / Whetu Taita (Joint Award)John Welfare: Aims high and meets his goals, all while keeping it fun. Very professional attitude and great member of any team.Whetu: Very strong problem solving skills. Able to quickly grasp even complex algorithms and, unusually for a relatively new programmer, able to come up with original algorithmic approaches. Fantastic work ethic serves as a great example for the younger students.
Winners: John Welfare / Whetu Taita (Joint Award)John Welfare: Aims high and meets his goals, all while keeping it fun. Very professional attitude and great member of any team.Whetu: Very strong problem solving skills. Able to quickly grasp even complex algorithms and, unusually for a relatively new programmer, able to come up with original algorithmic approaches. Fantastic work ethic serves as a great example for the younger students.
Winner – Nicholas MarshallIn an industry whose members are often stereotyped as arrogant and argumentative, Nicholas demonstrates that one can behave with dignity and civility, and still come out way, way ahead of the pack. Fantastic quality work that always goes beyond the core requirements of an assignment while adding value rather than just bells and whistles. His intellect and thoughtful approach are exactly what is required in IT, and I predict a career full of important and valuable contributions.
Winner – Nicholas MarshallIn an industry whose members are often stereotyped as arrogant and argumentative, Nicholas demonstrates that one can behave with dignity and civility, and still come out way, way ahead of the pack. Fantastic quality work that always goes beyond the core requirements of an assignment while adding value rather than just bells and whistles. His intellect and thoughtful approach are exactly what is required in IT, and I predict a career full of important and valuable contributions.
Awarded to a person who has contributed in a significant manner to the school – internal or external, academic or technical.Winner:Nicolas LittleNick worked in a support role in the PC Maintenance paper this year. He was perceptive in his understanding of the need for clear boundaries, could be depended on in any situation and displayed a maturity beyond his years. When asked to teach a class when the lecturer was away, Nick seized the opportunity, and calmly and competently ran the class.
Awarded to a person who has contributed in a significant manner to the school – internal or external, academic or technical.Winner:Nicolas LittleNick worked in a support role in the PC Maintenance paper this year. He was perceptive in his understanding of the need for clear boundaries, could be depended on in any situation and displayed a maturity beyond his years. When asked to teach a class when the lecturer was away, Nick seized the opportunity, and calmly and competently ran the class.
The term “IT operations” covers a very wide range of topics– networking, security, operating systems, to name a few. The BIT is a broad degree so students don’t generally specialise in these papers exclusively. The student who wins this awards is most likely a generalist – skilled in a wide range of IT skills.Winner: Jack HunterJack demonstrates expertise in a wide range of disciplines – not only achieving top marks in the Operations side but also gaining excellent grades in professional practice and in programming. He was the winner of the Dave Hall award in 2011. He continues to impress with his quiet, unassuming manner, conscientious work habits and excellent team skills.
The term “IT operations” covers a very wide range of topics– networking, security, operating systems, to name a few. The BIT is a broad degree so students don’t generally specialise in these papers exclusively. The student who wins this awards is most likely a generalist – skilled in a wide range of IT skills.Winner: Jack HunterJack demonstrates expertise in a wide range of disciplines – not only achieving top marks in the Operations side but also gaining excellent grades in professional practice and in programming. He was the winner of the Dave Hall award in 2011. He continues to impress with his quiet, unassuming manner, conscientious work habits and excellent team skills.
Winner:Samuel BaileyTakes real joy in the “figuring out” part of programming. Full of ideas. Not afraid to try the hard things. Writes beautiful code. Just beautiful. If Sam decides to go into R&D, we might someday actually have those jetpacks and robot butlers and cool futuristic stuff. Because to get there we need people who, like Sam, combine intellectual creativity with high standards and discipline.my first choice.
Winner:Samuel BaileyTakes real joy in the “figuring out” part of programming. Full of ideas. Not afraid to try the hard things. Writes beautiful code. Just beautiful. If Sam decides to go into R&D, we might someday actually have those jetpacks and robot butlers and cool futuristic stuff. Because to get there we need people who, like Sam, combine intellectual creativity with high standards and discipline.my first choice.
LociNicole Morris, Nicolas Little, Michael Smith
Poster
KANlinkNathan Sime, Kieran McKewen, Adrian Cross
Project poster
Winner : Nathan SimeNathan sets and achieves extremely high standards for his coursework. He is an independent learner and often exceeds assessment requirements, judging nicely what sorts of extensions add real value. He is enthusiastic about learning, even when deadlines are tight, and his unfailing good nature makes him a valuable addition to work teams and to the whole 3rd year class.
Winner : Nathan SimeNathan sets and achieves extremely high standards for his coursework. He is an independent learner and often exceeds assessment requirements, judging nicely what sorts of extensions add real value. He is enthusiastic about learning, even when deadlines are tight, and his unfailing good nature makes him a valuable addition to work teams and to the whole 3rd year class.