Major academic prize for top student
14 July 2011
University of Canterbury science student Sarah Bynevelt is the 2011 recipient of a major academic prize valued at $25,000.
Peter Windle Prize recipient, UC student Sarah Bynevelt, receives her prize from UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr.
University of Canterbury science student Sarah Bynevelt is the 2011 recipient of a major academic prize valued at $25,000.
Sarah has been awarded the University’s Peter Windle Prize, which was set up in 2009 to assist an exceptional student in their undergraduate study at UC. The prize was established by a donation made to the University by Peter Windle, a frequent visitor to New Zealand from Singapore who had grown to admire the country and its people.
The prize is awarded annually to a second year undergraduate student in any discipline who has achieved the best academic record in their previous year of study, and has demonstrated their potential to be a success in life.
Sarah, a former Burnside High School student, was officially presented with her prize by Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr at an afternoon tea attended by her parents Arno and Nikki Bynevelt, her boyfriend Michael Spalding, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Science) Professor Paul Fleming and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Steve Weaver.
Sarah, who is in her second year of study towards a BSc majoring in biology and psychology, said it was humbling to receive such recognition.
“It was a really big surprise to even be nominated for the prize and get to the interview stage, so I was shocked when I was told I was the recipient. It’s quite overwhelming.”
Sarah said she would put the prize towards funding further study at postgraduate level, and hopes to eventually work in the field of neuroscience research.
“This prize provides more opportunities for me in terms of postgraduate study, whether I do that here in New Zealand or overseas. It certainly takes the pressure off financing tertiary study beyond undergraduate level.”
For more information please contact:
Stacey Doornenbal
Communications Officer
Communications and External Relations
University of Canterbury
Ph: 027 284 2408
stacey.doornenbal@canterbury.ac.nz
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