Otago Finalists for National IT Excellence Award

Otago Polytechnic Professor and Graduate Finalists for National IT Excellence Award

It could be a potential win, win for Otago Polytechnic Information Technology Professor Samuel Mann, with the announcement he and one of his graduates, Josh Lowry, are finalists for a New Zealand Excellence in IT Award, recognising excellence in New Zealand’s IT industry.

The Institute of IT Professionals New Zealand have announced the finalists, which includes Professor Mann’s nomination for ‘Excellence in IT Education’ and Mr Lowry’s for ‘Young IT Professional of the Year’.

Having taught at Otago Polytechnic since 1997, Professor Mann specialises in sustainability and computer education. He is also a tireless campaigner for sustainability education, publishing two books ‘The Green Graduate’ and ‘Sustainable Lens: A visual guide’, in support of his endeavours.

When he’s not teaching students, Professor Mann hosts a weekly radio show called ‘Sustainable Lens: Resilience on Radio’, which takes a sustainable perspective on currents topics around the world.

“I’m committed to encouraging every graduate to think and act as a sustainable practitioner,” says Professor Mann. “More specific to my area, marrying my two passions – computing and sustainability – has allowed me to influence my students to harness the power of technology to help engage people with information.”

One of Professor Mann’s graduates Josh Lowry is a shining example of this. The 2010 Bachelor of Information Technology graduate already has an extensive repertoire of experience, volunteering his time to provide IT services and acting as a ‘companion’ (buddy to a child) for Camp Quality New Zealand, and working for the University of Otago as a Web Developer. He also provides IT services and fundraises for the Child Cancer Foundation.

“I have seen the invaluable service community organisations such as Camp Quality and the Child Cancer Foundation provide in the community,” says Mr Lowry. “These services rely on donations, and if I can ease some of their IT support expenses, those funds can be put toward supporting families instead.”

Mr Lowry says it’s an honour to be nominated for the award. “I regularly meet outstanding young IT professionals and entrepreneurs, and when compared to them I am surprised that I am a finalist.

“I was also very happy to hear Sam was nominated. I admire his dedication to promoting sustainability and ethical decision-making to the next wave of IT graduates. It certainly had a very positive impact on me going forward in my career.”

Professor Mann was equally delighted to hear Mr Lowry’s is a finalist. “I think Josh exemplifies what this award is about. To truly celebrate excellence in information technology, we need an excellent professional; we need to value strong skills, work ethic and community leadership. Josh encompasses all of these traits.”

The winners will be announced at the Excellence in IT Awards gala dinner on October 10, as part of the ITx Conference in Auckland.

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