UC students' community involvement recognised
03 October 2011
Raising awareness of social issues has led to four University of Canterbury students being recognised with an Ernst & Young Excellence Award.
Raising awareness of social issues has led to four University of Canterbury students being recognised with an Ernst & Young Excellence Award.
The students raised the issues as part of AIESEC Canterbury’s Developing Leaders Seminar, a two-day leadership development programme run on campus by AIESEC Canterbury in conjunction with professional services company Ernst & Young.
The seminar focused on developing leadership skills, project management and community engagement. Teams developed project plans around various social issues. The Ernst & Young Excellence Award recognised the team that demonstrated the most tangible impact and best implementation.
AIESEC is a global not-for-profit youth organisation that, through its programmes, helps students develop leadership skills.
At a graduation ceremony for the seminar, UC students Atawhai Murray, Guido Loeffler, Erin Gough and Sarah Worthington – the Amazing Race team - took away the top prize of $1000 for their contribution to raising awareness about accessibility issues.
“I loved the opportunity to make a difference in the community and hope to see lasting effects not only on campus but in the wider community. It was a fun and challenging competition which encourages personal growth and leadership,” said Atawhai.
The runner-up team RedOnUC was also recognised for helping set up a Red Cross student group on campus.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International/Student Services) Dr Nello Angerilli said the winning team’s “strategic insight and professional analysis of the problem leading to a well thought out and executed action plan was remarkable”.
“Their conclusions regarding sustainability of their projects and project impact were also notable.”
UC International Business Director Dr Laura Meriluoto said the teams “not only contributed to their own leadership development but also to the community, so everyone wins”.
David Pennington from Ernst & Young said he was “very impressed by the level of commitment and presentation by both the teams”.
“This was my first involvement with AIESEC and the level of professionalism and leadership has been superb."
For more information please contact:
comms@canterbury.ac.nz.