Media release
6 March 2012
Acclaim for Eminent Graduates
Six stellar graduates from The University of Auckland in fields ranging from astrophysics to the visual arts will be
saluted at a gala dinner this coming Friday (9 March).
Each will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities and
the nation. Around 430 will attend the dinner in a large marquee on Old Government House lawn including politicians and
leading figures in the community, business and the professions.
The six are:
Professor Charles Alcock: Director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Don McGlashan: One of New Zealand’s most celebrated song-writers and singer and song-writer in The Mutton Birds.
Dr Mark Sagar: Winner of two consecutive Academy Awards for digital motion capture technology used in Avatar and King
Kong.
Dame Robin White: One of New Zealand greatest visual artists.
Emeritus Professor Ranginui Walker: Former Professor of Māori Studies and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Māori), activist and
writer.
Dr Privahini Bradoo, co-founder and CEO of BioMine, a green mining start-up (Young Alumna of the Year).
As well as addressing the dinner each will share the ingredients of their success at an “Auckland Live! Mana, mettle and
magic” event this Thursday 8 March (6-8pm, Maidment Theatre, 8 Alfred Street). There they will talk about the
aspirations and inspiration that have won them eminence as well as offering practical insights on how to achieve one’s
potential.
ENDS