UC International College alumni win prestigious awards
UC International College (UCIC) is thrilled to announce that alumni Ao Li and Ma Patricia Isabel P Calleja have been honoured at the 2024 Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards!
The awards ceremony was held at the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae and presented by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger, celebrating the remarkable contributions of international students to the city of Ōtautahi Christchurch. These awards recognise students’ diverse and exceptional impact in leadership, mentorship, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
Ao Li: Leader and Mentor Award
Ao Li received the Leader and Mentor Award for outstanding leadership and mentorship. As a University Transfer Programme (Science) student at UCIC, Leo has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, achieving an impressive 8.75 GPA (out of 9) in his 100-level studies.
Since October 2023, Leo has volunteered as a peer tutor, dedicating numerous weekly hours to group sessions and one-on-one support. His efforts include preparing detailed presentations, offering additional assistance outside sessions, and dedicating extensive time to tutoring before exams. Leo’s commitment to supporting new instructors and positively influencing his peers exemplifies the tuākana (elder brother/sister) role.
Leo’s tutoring has significantly improved his peers’ academic achievements and classroom interactions. Although he has now transitioned to the University of Canterbury for his second year in Computer Science, Leo continues to offer tutoring services to UCIC students, showcasing his unwavering dedication to helping others succeed.
Ma Patricia Isabel P Calleja: Leader and Mentor Award
UCIC alumna Ma Patricia Isabel P Calleja (Pia) also received the Leader and Mentor Award. Pia’s leadership and mentorship have profoundly influenced the UCIC community. Her initiatives, such as organising weekly Sunday dinners for cultural exchange and providing a safe space for students to forge friendships, grow confidence, and be themselves, highlight her commitment to building a strong community.
Pia’s roles as a Residential Advisor and an active member of various student groups demonstrate her inclusive approach, cultural pride, and support for academic success. Her energy, dedication, and servant leadership qualities made Pia a standout candidate for the leadership award.
Celebrating Excellence
“We are incredibly proud of both Leo and Pia’s accomplishments and their commitment to the local international community,” said Julia Innocente-Jones, College Director and Principal at UCIC. “Their hard work, passion, and dedication have been inspiring, and we are thrilled that they have both been recognised with this prestigious award – one of many I believe they will receive in the future.”
Julia added, “This is the second consecutive year that UCIC students have been recognised at the Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards, highlighting the quality and excellence of our college in fostering leadership and mentorship skills among our students. We believe it won’t be the last!”