Open Polytechnic celebrates Christchurch graduation

Monday, 9 May 2011, 9:06 am
Press Release: Open Polytechnic

The Open Polytechnic
Media Release: Immediate
Date: 9 May 2011

Open Polytechnic celebrates Christchurch graduation

The Open Polytechnic is proud to be celebrating success with its students next week (9 May) at its Christchurch graduation ceremony.

The nation’s specialist provider of distance learning, the Lower Hutt based institution holds ceremonies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch each year.

The Open Polytechnic is proud of the accomplishments of its Canterbury students who have completed their studies during the stressful circumstances of the recent earthquakes, and is looking forward to celebrating with nearly 60 graduates in a ceremony at The Chateau at the Park.

Open Polytechnic chief executive Dr Caroline Seelig said this year’s Christchurch ceremony would be especially moving following the 22 February earthquake.

“We have 700 students in the city and we’ve been doing everything we can to support them during this very difficult time.

“They will be very much in our thoughts.”

Bachelor of Arts (Information and Library Services) and Christchurch graduate, Zac Harding says he’s looking forward to the ceremony and plans to celebrate the special day with his family.

“It feels like it’s been a long time coming. It will be great to finally have something in my hands,” he says.

While his home wasn’t directly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes, his work at Christchurch City Libraries was, and as a result, he is now travelling around the region as an outreach librarian.

“I’m going around schools and reading to children. Particularly after the earthquake, it’s good to be cheering them up and giving them something nice to think about.”

Guest speaker for the evening will be adventurer and entrepreneur Mark Inglis.

Over 600 students will receive their diplomas and degrees from the Open Polytechnic this graduating year.

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