4 November 2008 First awards of Lincoln University Medal

Six inaugural recipients have been named for the award of the newly instituted Lincoln University Medal, to be presented on the Saturday of Christchurch’s Show Weekend, 15 November.

The medals honour sustained voluntary contributions to the University and among the first group of recipients are alumni, former staff members, and members of the community.

They are  - 

Neil Gow of Christchurch, an alumnus and retired Senior Lecturer in Farm Management and Agribusiness.  For all-round contributions over many years in areas including sport, alumni affairs, international student exchanges,  academic exchanges, international networking,  farmer extension activities and judging of the Lincoln University Foundation Farmer of the Year Competition.

Richard Lucas of Christchurch, an alumnus and retired Senior Lecturer in Plant Science. For contributions to art and heritage at the University. Along with medal recipient Michael Smetham (see below) Richard is the doyen of the Lincoln University Art Collection which he helped found.

John Nimmo of Wellington, an alumnus and retired agribusiness consultant. For contributions to alumni affairs and support of the University, particularly in the Wellington region, and for his former longstanding chairmanship of the Lincoln University Foundation.

Edward Orr, farmer of “Glenbrae Stud”, Broomfield, North Canterbury. For his work with the University on identifying the gene-marker for ovine footrot, which led to footrot resistance in Corriedale sheep and the development of gene-marker based footrot test for use across the New Zealand sheep industry.

The Hon. Ruth Richardson, company director and consultant of West Melton, and former Minister of Finance. For contributions as a presenter to the Lincoln University-based Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme every year since its inception in 1979.

Michael Smetham of Christchurch, an alumnus and retired Senior Lecturer in Agronomy. For contributions to art and heritage at Lincoln University, including authorship of the Guide to Lincoln University’s Artworks, Buildings and Trees. Doyen with Richard Lucas (see above) of the art collection which he helped found.

Awards of the Lincoln University Medal, instituted on the initiative of the Chancellor Tom Lambie,  are made by the Lincoln University Council on the advice of the Lincoln University Medal Committee.  The bronze medal, which carries the University crest and the words “For Meritorious Service”, is open for award to any staff or community member or Lincoln University alumnus who has provided long-term meritorious voluntary service that has supported the fabric or reputation of Lincoln University.

The first awards will be made at a celebratory dinner on the campus on 15 November. The medal stands in addition to the University’s Bledisloe Medal and International Alumni Medal, instituted in 1930 and 2003 respectively.