World champions in men’s and women’s rugby - Richie McCaw and Kendra Cocksedge - both scored degrees at Lincoln University’s 2012 graduation ceremony on Friday. (20 April)
The World Cup winning All Blacks captain received an honorary Doctor of Natural Resources degree for his national and international rugby achievements and credit he has brought to Lincoln University as a former Sports and Excellence scholar. He was a member of the first intake of Sports Scholars at Lincoln University when the pioneering Sports Scholarship programme was established in 1999.
In the same ceremony Black Ferns halfback, Kendra Cocksedge, a member of the reigning world champion New Zealand women’s rugby team, received her Bachelor of Recreation Management (Sport) degree. Kendra is originally from Taranaki and has been in the Black Ferns since 2007.
Four generations of the McCaw family have attended Lincoln University. Richie’s sister Jo, well-known in Canterbury netball and a Lincoln University graduate herself, was at the ceremony supporting her brother, as were parents Don, also a past Lincoln student, and mother Margaret.
Addressing the new graduates after receiving his honorary doctorate, Richie said doors would now open in front of them “but it’s what you do when you walk through the doors that counts.
“At the end of the day that’s what life is all about - taking opportunities.
“I never wanted to be an old fella sitting in a chair wishing I had done this or that”.
Five hundred and fifty-three degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded at the ceremony including 17 degrees in sport and recreation management.