Maverick Ryan graduated on Saturday with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing with a minor in Pacific Studies.
Maverick Ryan’s achievement in graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing with a minor in Pacific Studies from the University of Otago is a story of pride and purpose.
Born and raised in New Zealand with strong Samoan roots, Maverick chose his degree pathway carefully.
“I have always been passionate about understanding how people connect with brands, as well as how cultural narratives shape the way we communicate and do business,” he says.
“I knew it was the right path when I realised I could merge my professional skills with something deeply personal, using marketing as a platform to uplift Pacific voices and tell our stories in an authentic way.”
That choice was deeply influenced by his upbringing.
“Growing up in a Samoan household, I was taught the values of fa’aaloalo (respect), tautua (service), and alofa (love). These values made me want to work in a space where I could give back to my community while also building a meaningful career,” Maverick says.
A defining moment in choosing Otago came during a Year 13 school trip, when he visited the University’s Pacific Islands Centre.
“I felt instantly welcomed, like there was a place here for students like me,” Maverick recalls.
That sense of belonging stayed with him throughout his studies, strengthened by his role as Academic Representative for the Otago Samoan Students’ Association and his connection to the Pacific student community on campus.
His family’s encouragement carried him through the entirety of his academic journey.
“My family’s support was a mix of practical help and emotional encouragement. They celebrated every win, big or small, and reminded me of why I started when things got tough.” he says.
“They also understood when I couldn’t be as present at family gatherings because of deadlines or exams, which meant a lot because in our culture, family commitments are important.
“I had to learn that saying no sometimes was part of achieving my long-term goals, I tried to stay connected through smaller acts, helping when I could, showing up to key events, while also protecting time for my studies.”
A proud father and son moment is captured with Ryan in his Samoan cultural attire. They are excited to celebrate this great achievement with family and friends over the weekend.
Maverick says one pivotal moment during his degree confirmed his pathway and he has not looked back since.
“A defining moment was a marketing project where we had to develop a campaign that addressed a social issue. I focused on reframing how international students are perceived in New Zealand - not just as economic contributors but as valuable members of the community. That was the moment I realised this was the kind of work I wanted to keep doing.”
Today, Maverick works as an Employment Case Manager at the Ministry of Social Development, with a goal of becoming a Work Broker.
“I want to use my marketing expertise to engage employers and local businesses, showing them the value of diverse talent and fostering stronger connections between communities and opportunities,” he says.
For Maverick, this graduation was about more than the certificate itself; it was a time to showcase the endless possibilities out there for Pacific students.
“My journey has shown me the power of combining knowledge with cultural pride, and I hope to see more Pacific students step into spaces where their voices can shape the future.”
As he looks ahead, Maverick holds close what his achievement means for his family and community.
“Graduating is about more than the degree, it is about honouring the sacrifices, carrying our culture with pride, and showing the next generation that you can excel in your career while staying grounded in who you are."