Blues and Golds celebrates the excellence of Lincoln University Students

Students, whānau, friends and mentors gathered at the University on Wednesday night for the event, which included live music, panel discussions and a three-course dinner.

The University has been awarding Blues to celebrate sporting excellence since the 1940s. Many New Zealand sporting greats have received Blues Awards over the years, including All Black Jack Goodhue, Black Stick Olivia Merry and Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge.

In recent years Lincoln students have worked selflessly to give back to their community. The University recognised the need to celebrate these students, which led to the introduction of the Golds Awards for cultural and service excellence.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards congratulated the nominees on the fantastic work they put in which led to their recognition.

“Your achievements reflect your stamina, perseverance and passion to work for long-term goals, maintaining your effort often over many years despite successes, adversity and plateaus in progress.

“Take time to reflect on your achievements, on how you have given great pride and happiness to others.”

He also acknowledged the coaches, trainers and mentors who guided the nominees in their journeys.

“In supporting the achievements of your student colleagues you have also brought great credit to  the University and have contributed to our renowned student experience.”

Nine students were recipients of Golds Awards and 31 of Blues. There were also supreme awards for those students who stood out for their excellent and passionate work.

Samantha Dryden was awarded the Supreme Gold for Service Excellence Person of the Year for the fantastic sustainability work she has been championing around the community.

She has been a leader for change as the Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA) Sustainability Representative and as president of President of Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society. She has also worked with the Sustainability Fund Steering Group and the Ecological Society, where she led a working group to organise activities and foster discussions about sustainability on campus.

Beyond campus, Sam has initiated high-level discussions with political leaders, including Hon Penny Simmonds, the Minister for the Environment and Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, to drive positive environmental change.

The Supreme Gold for Group Voluntary Contribution of the Year went to Kaiwhakarite Tauira Student Buddy Programme, a group of six volunteers committed to making students feel safe and comfortable at Lincoln. These students have graciously given their time and support throughout the year to ensure everybody feels welcomed.

Charlie Morrison was awarded the Supreme Blue for Sports Person of the Year for his tremendous efforts representing New Zealand and Canterbury in Hockey. As a member of the Black Sticks Charlie competed at the Paris Olympics this year.

He has also excelled with the New Zealand Under 21 team and was named FIH Player of the Tournament and New Zealand Under-21 Hockey Player of the Year. Charlie is a member of the Canterbury Cavaliers, helping to bring the team to victory in the New Zealand NHC Tier 1 tournament in Palmerston North.

The Supreme Blue for Sports Team of the Year was awarded to the Lincoln University Women’s Basketball Team following their incredible victory in two national championships. The team took first place at the UTSNZ 3x3 basketball nationals in Rolleston and at the UTSNZ 5x5 basketball nationals in Lower Hutt.

The team has also qualified for back-to-back FISU World University 3x3 tournaments. To date, they’ve won six out of the eight total 3x3 national tournaments and four out of the seven 5x5 tournaments held in New Zealand.

Charlie also featured on the stage as a panellist alongside Surfing for Farmers Founder Stephen Thomson, and student Charlie Morrison.

Charlie spoke about the honour and challenges of representing New Zealand in the 2024 Olympics.

“Training and getting up early in the morning all becomes worth it when you run out there. You’re representing New Zealand and you’re with your best friends.”

Having a strong support system was vital to his success. Charlie’s older Brother Joesph was also on the Olympic team and was able to provide support. The rest of his family also encouraged and motivated him to do his best.

“Me and Joe have had a lot of rivalries over the years. Seeing him make the Black Sticks was definitely something that motivated me.”

Stephen spoke about what inspired Surfing for Farmers, an initiative which teaches farmers how to surf and creates a space for them to foster social connections.

“The beauty of Surfing for Farmers is they’re coming together, but beforehand they’re getting in the water and literally washing the dust out of them.”

The initiative highlighted how important social connections were during his struggles and he encouraged the students to make sure they too had a support system.