The awards aim to recognise 20 graduates in their 20s who have demonstrated "outstanding achievements", contributed widely to their communities, or shown exceptional leadership in their personal or professional lives.
Alumni engagement manager Donnella Aitken-Ferguson said the
awards aimed to "value and celebrate the achievements and contributions of some of our youngest graduates".
Deputy vice-chancellor external engagement Helen Nicholson presented certificates to 10 Dunedin recipients on campus on Thursday.
The overall award winners come from throughout New Zealand, and from Australia and the Netherlands, and their interests and achievements ranged from ethical video game development and climate change initiatives to commitment to rangatahi (young people).
Award winner Pinky Lal was "very surprised and humbled" to gain the award, for extensive volunteer and leadership work.
A volunteer ambulance officer with St John since 2016, she was continuing her full-time university studies and was also authorised to practise as an emergency medical technician (EMT).
Appointed to a permanent position with St John as an EMT last year, she also served voluntarily as a coastal Otago district youth manager.
Also presented their certificates on Thursday were Martin Hannah, Thomas Devine, Hitaua Arahanga-Doyle, Sophie Mathiesen, Jo Mohan, Darryl Pupi, Lisa Blakie, Sinead Ford and Sargam Goundar.
Other winners: Emily Fry, Francisco Hernandez, Abby Howells, Bethany Lomax, Aidan Meyer, Sophie Oliff, Georgia Robertson, George Taiaroa, Georgia Thomson-Laing, Kawiti Waetford.
