Opening of Centre marks the start of Otago Poly's 50th

Opening of The Hub and Mason Centre marks the start of Otago Polytechnic’s 50th anniversary celebrations

A year of commemorative events celebrating Otago Polytechnic’s 50th anniversary begins at 4pm on Tuesday 2 February with the official opening of ‘The Hub’ - the new student social and study space – and Mason Centre complex (incorporating the H and F Block redevelopments).
“For 50 years, Otago Polytechnic has been a leader in hands-on, career-focused education, achieving some of the best student achievement and satisfaction results in Australasia, and earning resounding endorsements from employers,” says Mike Waddell, Director of Communications at Otago Polytechnic.
“Our golden anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our past, share memories and celebrate our many successes. It’s also a chance to reflect on how polytechnic education has changed, and showcase what students can experience today,” he says.
Other Otago Polytechnic 50th anniversary commemorative events planned throughout the year include the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards night and Alumni cocktail party, an International Symposium and an International Food and Design Conference. Nominations are currently being sought for the Alumni Awards.

The Hub will be formally opened by distinguished alumnus Nigel Bamford, co-founder and Chief Executive of Dunedin based gas-fire manufacturing company Escea.

Mr Bamford studied for the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) in 1997 and went on to design wood and gas fires for a Dunedin firm before co-founding and becoming the chief executive of Escea. The company employs more than 70 people at its Green Island factory, and exports gas fires to Australia, Britain and North America. In 2006, Mr Bamford was a finalist in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and has been admitted to the New Zealand Enterprise Hall of Talent.

“Otago Polytechnic plays a critical role in the Otago business community training our future employees. There are more Otago Polytechnic graduates working here at Escea than from any other educational institution. It is great to be able to celebrate their 50th anniversary with them and for Dunedin to be able to see the spectacular new facility they have just completed,” says Mr Bamford.

Order of ceremony for 4pm opening of the Hub and and Mason Centre complex:

• Opening speech by Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive Phil Ker
• Dedication by Otago Polytechnic Chaplain Mike Wright
• Nigel Bamford officially opens The Hub’ and Mason Centre complex
• Unveiling of the plaque and burying of the time capsule

ENDS

© Scoop Media