24 April 2001 Over 700 to graduate from Lincoln

Seven hundred and one (701) degrees and diplomas, including 19 doctorates, will be awarded at Lincoln University's Graduation Ceremony in Christchurch Town Hall this Friday afternoon. (27 April).

Five hundred and forty-five of the awards will be received in person, the balance will be made "in absentia".

Among those graduating are All Black and Crusaders flanker Scott Robertson who will be capped Bachelor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management and Louise Cullen, daughter of Finance Minister Dr Michael Cullen, who will receive a PhD in forest ecology.

Honorary doctorates will be conferred on wine industry leader John Buck, head of Te Mata Estate Winery, Havelock North, and Ngai Tahu Trust Board genealogist Terry Ryan of Christchurch. Mid-Canterbury farmer and irrigation pioneer Brian Cameron of Pendarves, receives the University's Bledisloe Medal.

One degree will be awarded posthumously, a B.Com. (Hons) to Bert Willemse, who died in a mountaineering accident in January, and University Council member Craig Sixtus has the distinction of receiving a postgraduate qualification (PG Dip. Applied Science) while a current member of the University's governing body.

In addition to Scott Robertson, ex-Crusader and NPC player Steve Lancaster, now retired from rugby, also graduates, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce.

Ahead of Friday's ceremony there is a "Campus Day" at Lincoln University on Thursday (26 April) for graduands, family members and friends.

Lincoln’s Graduation Ceremony will be presided over by the University Chancellor, Margaret Austin. 

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.