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| Dr Quinn, Pesila, Edward, Prof Cairney, Rhonda, Tamara & Platini (L to R) |
On Thursday 15th November, two days after the conclusion of the examination period for the majority of students, the NCV Community gathered for the final full community function for 2012. From 6 pm, residents enjoyed Drinks and Canapés in the Main Common Room, enjoying a selection of Australian wines and local and imported beers, along with juice and soft drink. Finger food was also served.
This year NCV introduced for the first time a series of awards to acknowledge the unique and important contributions made by specific individuals in the NCV community. The major award, “The NCV Award”, was given to the student resident who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, has made the greatest contribution to fostering the community life of NCV during that calendar year. A series of “NCV Service Awards” were also presented to those who had made important contributions to community life over the last year. The award winners will have their names added to an honour board in the NCV Foyer, and also received a cash prize.
The 2012 Award winners were announced at the Drinks and Canapés Night by the Master, Professor Trevor Cairney. The first award of the evening was an NCV Service Award, presented to Tamara Certain for her outstanding contribution to social life at NCV. One of her nominators (and there were more than one) observed that it is difficult to think of someone who is more social than Tamara: she socializes at Formal Dinners, in common rooms and even in the MCR during the study vacation. Moreover Tamara has rare ability to make those around her feel loved and cared for, and who is committed to making all cultures feel welcome at NCV.
The second NCV Service Award was given to Ria Dev. Ria has has been a familiar face at most NCV events since she joined the community in 2011. In particular she has been an active participant in the Bollywood dancing group and a mainstay of the NCV choir, as well as being instrumental in the organization of Curry Night earlier in the year. Ria has been heavily involved in music, in formulating and singing back-up harmonies for the choir, and through her wonderful solos including “Rolling in the Deep” at the NCV Factor and the lead vocals to “Somebody to Love” at our Spring Formal Dinner.
The third NCV Service Award was given to Edward Law. Edward has has lived at NCV since it opened in 2009, and has been involved in almost every aspect of NCV life: Formal Dinners, Barbecues, Research Group, Music Nights, Cultural Nights, O’Week activities and sporting activities. Edward is always willing to lend a hand, to help out with cooking, to move furniture at functions and to give a word of thanks or encouragement to the people involved. Additionally, Edward was involved for a number of years with the NCV Resident Committee, chairing and organizing meetings, and also served as an Academic Tutor in Renewable Energy Engineering.
The fourth Service Award was presented to Platini Lee (who took most of the photos on this page). Platini moved into NCV at the start of 2009, and has in fact undertaken both undergraduate and postgraduate study during his time in the community. Like Edward, Platini has been ever-present at NCV during his time. His particular knack and passion for photography has seen him documenting many NCV events, and his photos provide an important historical record of NCV’s development as a community over the last four years. Platini has also been involved in other community events, giving a memorable stand-up comedy performance at Talent Night 2012, as well as putting his body on the line to support another resident’s gymnastics routine.
The fifth and final NCV Service Award for 2012 was presented to Pesila Ratnayake. Since arriving at the start of 2012 Pesila has had a profound impact on community life, especially through the formation of the NCV Band, helping to organize the NCV Talent Night 2012 and The NCV Factor. Pesila has given selflessly of his time to organize these events, and has made his own personal musical equipment available to support those events. Moreover, he has been committed to supporting other residents, attending almost every NCV event in 2012, and has constantly sought to meet new people and to make them welcome in the community. In the words of one of his nominators: “Pesila approaches activities and events with a strong ambition to be involved, to see them come to fruition and for them to be events where all residents can feel comfortable”.
The recipient of the 2012 NCV Award (the major award of the evening) was Rhonda Siu, PhD student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. In announcing the award, Professor Cairney noted that
A passionate musician, Rhonda has been the backbone of the NCV Choir, co-ordinating practices, arranging pieces, and conducting performances. She has put in many hours of behind the scenes co-ordination work to make the choir happen. Moreover, Rhonda has also been involved in the NCV Band, playing various instruments as part of NCV band items… A keen philosophy student, Rhonda participated in the NCV Philosophy group with thoughtful and insightful contributions, and has been a constant presence at Formal Dinners, barbecues and cultural nights. Her quiet manner belies an unwavering commitment to the NCV Community, manifest through tireless behind the scenes work to support the NCV music community over the last 2 ½ years.
Congratulations to the NCV Prize Winners for 2012!
2012 NCV Awards Presented at Drinks & Canapes
