Alumni_2025_December - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

As we come to the end of 2025, we’re delighted to share our final newsletter of the year. This edition highlights graduates who are shaping their communities, uplifting learners, and driving positive social change.

You’ll meet Sarah McCarrison, who is inspiring sustainable change through the power of art and education; Olivia Holmes, whose commitment to inclusive education led her back to study so she could better champion every learner; and Kate Parker-Corney, who returned to Massey to refresh her practice and deepen her expertise in literacy and teaching. We also celebrate Jack Scanlan, who is set to become Massey’s first Pacific graduate of the Doctor of Social Work – a milestone achievement reflecting years of dedication and service to his community.

November was a special month on campus. Twenty-one veterinary alumni from the Class of 1975 returned to the Manawatū campus to mark their 50-year reunion. We gathered to honour Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims, recipient of the 2025 Sir Geoffrey Peren Award. We also welcomed 486 new graduates to our alumni whānau!

We’d love you to nominate alumni for the 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards. These awards recognise alumni who are making a real difference in their fields and communities, both here and overseas. If someone comes to mind, please share their name through the online nomination form.

As we wrap up another inspiring year, we want to thank you for being part of our alumni whānau. Your achievements, generosity, and ongoing connection to Massey continue to make our community stronger.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a restful summer break.

We look forward to reconnecting with you in 2026!

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

Kia ora koutou katoa,

My time at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is coming to a close – at the end of January, I will step down from the role of Vice-Chancellor and hand the reins to Professor Pierre Venter.

Even though I am not leaving Massey University as a graduate, I am sure you recall the mix of emotions that leaving an organisation that’s been a fundamental part of your life brings.

Bringing me joy this holiday season, however, are the many highlights on which I’m reflecting over the nine years I’ve led Massey University. These include establishing and embedding our approach to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as I embarked on my own journey of learning te reo Māori, and sustaining the university through financial challenges to return it to an operating surplus. Importantly, there have also been significant improvements in key educational performance indicators, such as increasing first year retention rates for degree level by more than five per cent.

However, the aspect I have enjoyed most is witnessing nearly 60,000 students graduate – including perhaps you! It gives great meaning to the work we do to know that Massey has played a pivotal role in the lives, futures and successes of so many people. I will continue to eagerly follow your careers as Massey Alumni.

As well as taking time to reflect, I am also focused on what lies ahead. I’ve filmed a short video in which I talk about the challenges facing universities globally right now, and how I believe they may impact New Zealand universities. You can watch it here.

I hope 2025 has been a fruitful year for you, and that you can enjoy rest, recreation and reflection over the holiday period.

Meri kirihimete, and ka kite anō au i a koutou.

Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Jan Thomas
Vice-Chancellor

Jack Scanlan – honouring legacy and forging change

Before he became a frontline youth worker, a police youth development manager, or a respected lecturer, Jack was a young boy in Māngere helping his mother fill out job applications she couldn’t read. Those moments supporting his mother showed him something he would only appreciate years later: he was someone who stepped up for others.