Disability Information and Support’s Appreciation Awards recipients were celebrated at a special event on Friday at the Staff Club. The recipients, pictured with Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson, Disability Information and Support Manager Melissa Lethaby and Director of Student Services Claire Gallop, are, from left : Janice Snowden, Bill Gilmore, Lara Valentine, Claire Gallop, Melissa Lethaby, Inge Walgern, Margaret Grundy, Pauline Ellwood, Grant Robertson, Natalie Smith, Jeff Ormandy, Wendy Middlemiss, Caleb Lopez-Sanchez, Yitian Li, Daniel Lyth. Absent: Barbara Stone, Ollie Simcock-Smith, Isabelle Kennedy.
Fifteen Otago kaimahi and tauira who “go the extra mile” to make students feel supported and valued were celebrated at the 2025 Disability Information and Support’s Appreciation Awards at the Staff Club on Friday.
Disability Information and Support (DIS) Manager Melissa Lethaby says the annual awards are a chance to express gratitude for the vital work that members of the University community do in partnering with DIS to create a more inclusive learning environment at Otago.
“The recipients’ collaboration, understanding and commitment ensure that every student feels supported and valued,” Melissa says.
“Whether through innovative problem solving, compassionate communication, providing quality support services, or a willingness to go the extra mile, they make a tangible difference in the lives of students every day.”
One of this year’s recipients is Student Experience Lead Administrator Pauline Ellwood, who took a break from the hustle and bustle of graduation prep to receive an award for “providing unwavering support, resourcefulness, and commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible environments”.
Pauline, who has worked at Otago for nearly 27 years, has been Lead Administrator Graduation since 2023. A key part of her role is ensuring all students get to have an amazing experience on their graduation day, she says.
“For some students, for whatever reason, graduation comes with struggles and/or pressure, so to be able to work through these and make the day smooth and positive is a great reward.
“The smiles on our students’ faces show that we’ve achieved this for them.”
Student Experience Lead Administrator Graduation Pauline Ellwood, left, pictured here with Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson and Disability Information and Support Manager Melissa Lethaby, received an Appreciation Award for providing unwavering support, and for her resourcefulness and commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible environments.
Pauline is very proud that the graduation team’s work has meaning, she says.
“Being part of the final stage of our students’ journeys here at Otago is truly special. It is such a happy and fun celebration and great to be amongst the amazing students, hearing their stories and about the varied experiences they’ve had to get to their graduation.”
Melissa says the team at DIS is deeply appreciative of Pauline’s mahi and the genuine care she displays in her work.
“Pauline consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that graduates and their guests have an outstanding and inclusive experience on graduation day.
“Her thoughtful attention to detail reflects her deep care for each student, from arranging accessible gown-collection points and ensuring guests are seated appropriately, to thinking creatively about ways for those who find large crowds overwhelming to still celebrate their achievement.”
Pauline is always there with a smile and practical support, Melissa says.
“She’s a warm and reassuring presence, particularly for students who use a wheelchair and need to sit side-stage to ensure easy access.
“Nothing is ever a bother for Pauline. Her proactive approach and commitment to removing barriers help make graduation a truly memorable and positive occasion for everyone.”
Melissa would like to offer her congratulations to all the award winners and a special thanks to all the staff and students who work alongside DIS to make a real difference in the lives of Otago’s tauira and the broader University community.
“Together, we’re proud to have ended the year with a whopping 97 per cent of students reporting they were extremely satisfied or satisfied in our annual student satisfaction survey, which is a reflection of the collective impact we make through working in partnership.”
– Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson
Appreciation Award recipients
- Barbara Stone (Languages and Cultures) - For providing exemplary and empathetic support to students.
- Bill Gilmore - For outstanding communication, adaptability, and ability to create a supportive and comfortable environment for students.
- Caleb Lopez-Sanchez - For providing first-class tutoring support to students.
- Daniel Lyth - For providing first-class tutoring support to students.
- Inge Walgern (Senior eConferencing Technician - Operations) - For providing outstanding technical support to staff and students.
- Isabelle Kennedy - For being an outstanding peer note-taker.
- Janice Snowden - For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements.
- Jeff Ormandy (ex eConferencing Team Leader - Operations) - For providing outstanding technical support to staff and students.
- Lara Valentine - For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements.
- Margaret Grundy (Department of Accountancy & Finance) - For providing outstanding support and advice to students and staff.
- Natalie Smith (Sociology, Gender Studies and Criminology) - For providing exemplary and empathetic support to students.
- Ollie Simcock-Smith - For being an outstanding peer note-taker.
- Pauline Ellwood (Lead Administrator, Student Experience) - For providing unwavering support, resourcefulness, and commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible environments.
- Wendy Middlemiss - For being an exceptional supervisor for alternative arrangements - long service.
- Yitian Li - For providing first-class tutoring support to students.
Te Pokapū Hāpai Huka Hauā
If you have a disability, impairment, injury or medical condition that affects your ability to study, Disability Information and Support can help you.
Find out more