Liam Dennis, Class of 2014, and a recent Rhodes Scholar recipient will be heading to London shortly to study at Oxford. Liam will complete two Masters Degrees beginning with an MSc in Energy Systems to deepen his knowledge and understanding of Sustainability Research and to equip him with the connections and tools to unravel pressing Policy problems. In our recent catch-up with Liam, he paid special mention to Jane Dewar (HOD English) who he says, was an important supporter and reference as he went through the process, for which he is tremendously grateful.
Described by one of his referees as “a young man with huge potential, who has already made a considerable difference in the lives of others and who is committed to doing more”, Liam completed a Bachelor of Commerce, with papers in Computer Science and Software Engineering at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington in 2017.
Liam’s commitment to contributing to his community started early. Between the ages of 8 and 10, he grew several thousand Christmas trees to raise $13,300 for the Child Cancer Foundation and was part of the team at HIBS which raised another $79,000 for the Cancer Society.
His practical social conscience is also evident in his love of—and skills in—Debating, where many of the topics concerned social and political policy and ethical dilemmas. He represented New Zealand internationally, leading the national schools' team to the world championship, and winning the National Championship twice.
As a Technology and Education Ambassador for the Sir Peter Blake Trust (BLAKE), Liam designed, built, and deployed an interactive platform to enhance the Trust’s interactive storytelling tools, which focus on Environmental Education.
“I am passionate about bringing skilled people together to make a difference,” says Liam. “Following my studies at Oxford, I aim to help commercialise or accelerate the implementation of emerging research, and to support both established sustainability programmes in the UK and Europe and the rapidly developing efforts back home.”
Much of this information is quoted from: https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/latest-news-and-publications/rhodes-scholarships-awarded-future-leaders-2