Lincoln University is honouring several notable contributors to the community and the University, among them former Lincoln Chancellor Tony Hall.
They were to be given their awards at the university’s graduation ceremony next month, but this has now been postponed due to the COVID- 19 situation until October 8.
Mr Hall will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree at the October ceremony. He is the Governing Director and co-founder of Community Colleges New Zealand, and was a member of the Lincoln University Council from 2004 to 2017, becoming Pro-Chancellor in 2011 and Chancellor in 2016. He has been a significant contributor to education, sport and business in New Zealand over several decades.
Retired agronomist James Douglas will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science degree. His more than 40 years as an agronomic scientist for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Crop & Food Research, ranged across a diverse field, and culminated in him becoming one of the most widely experienced agronomic scientists in New Zealand in both agriculture and horticulture.
Property Council Chief Executive, and Lincoln alumna, Leonie Freeman will receive the Bledisloe Medal, awarded for her outstanding contribution to her field. She has held numerous private and public leadership roles in the New Zealand property sector, and has wide experience across many property disciplines, including residential and commercial property development, valuation, property management, and strategic consulting.
Dr Nilo Covacevich will receive the Lincoln Alumni International Medal. He is one of the foremost experts in Chile on native tussock grassland production and the cultural and technological value of his work is raising the living standards of all rural people in Chile. He is responsible for directing horticultural research for the Central Valley of Chile.
Student Maui Davis will receive the University’s Ngāti Moki Trophy for Māori Leadership. He is a member of the Lincoln University Te Awhioraki Executive Committee, and in his role has supported his peers and fellow students by encouraging them to utilise Te Whare Whakakotahi, and promoting all Māori events and Te Reo Māori courses at Lincoln.