16 May 2006 Lincoln University applauds graduate's Everest achievement

Lincoln University congratulates Mark Inglis on his outstanding achievement climbing to the summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain.

Mark is a Lincoln University graduate, capped Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Biochemistry in 1989.

Lincoln University's Alumni Manager Sarah Currie says that all alumni will join her in applauding Mark's tremendous mountaineering accomplishment and personal victory.

The University's Director of Research, Professor Roy Bickerstaffe, who was head of biochemistry during Mark's time as a student, says the new Everest conqueror is well remembered on-campus.

“Mark came to Lincoln University after his Mount Cook accident with a very clear goal and direction and desire to achieve.

“That desire to achieve has been the foundation block of all his successes.

“After the tragedy of Mount Cook he identified where he wanted to go and entering Lincoln University at the age of 26 or 27 back in the mid-1980s he was one of our original mature students. He knew that tertiary education and a degree would give him a range of opportunities in life after his accident.

“He chose biochemistry, focusing on biological metabolism, and proved to be a very good student – completing his degree with A’s in every subject. In fact you could say that Mark climbed an intellectual mountain at Lincoln University, demonstrating all the characteristics of drive and tenacity that have taken him on through life and success in careers in medical science as a researcher at Christchurch School of Medicine, Senior Winemaker with Montana, and his work as a motivator, plus his silver medal success at the Paralympics.

“Well done Mark on your latest spectacular achievement,” says Professor Bickerstaffe.

Other staff of the time will remember Mark as an energetic figure getting around the campus characteristically in shorts whatever the weather.

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