Friday’s Lincoln University Graduation will be extra special for mother and daughter Wendy Hoddinott and Emily Townshend.
Wendy won’t just be there to see Emily receive her Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology with Honours, she will be in full regalia herself as she is being awarded a PhD in Landscape Architecture.
Emily has travelled back from Northern California to graduate while Wendy is a registered landscape architect in Christchurch.
Wendy said she and Emily share a love of learning and are “energised by the university environment”.
She said graduation would be a unique and wonderful opportunity to celebrate the results of their hard work together.
“I’m so proud of Emily’s commitment to her degree - in both her research and her work as a winemaker, she’s developed a significant amount of knowledge and experience. Our entire family are thrilled that Emily has been able to come home for this occasion. “
Emily said the opportunity to graduate with a parent is a rare experience.
“It means a lot to me to be able to share this with my mother. She has been an incredible source of inspiration, having completed an undergraduate and master’s degree (both at Lincoln) while having a young family.
“I feel very grateful for us to be able to graduate at the same ceremony, as well as proud of my mother for being selected as one of two pounamu bearers for the graduation ceremonies.”
Emily was awarded a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University in 2015.
“After spending a few years working in the industry and gaining a solid practical background, I decided to extend my knowledge through this postgraduate year."
She will begin a position as a Harvest Enology Intern at Williams Selyem winery in California in July.
“The Lincoln Viticulture and Oenology programme is highly regarded around the world and my excellent supervisors, Associate Professor Roland Harrison and Dr Bin Tian were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and supportive throughout my research and the programme,” she said.
Wendy said her PhD was an opportunity to tie her academic background and practice experience together .
“My reason for returning to Lincoln was to explore ways in which I could be more effective and sensitive in my practice as a landscape architect.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of my research over the past three years has been the inspiring guidance and conversations with my two excellent supervisors, Emeritus Professor Simon Swaffield and Associate Professor Emma Stewart.
“Another highlight was spending two months at the University of Copenhagen as visiting researcher as part of my studies.”
She said she chose Lincoln University because of its internationally recognised strengths in design theory, research and design critique.
The family will mark the special day with dinner on Friday evening.