What does it mean to live a life that matters?

That was the question sitting beneath every story shared at the 2026 Collegians’ Awards on Saturday 2 May, where more than 100 friends, family, and Collegians gathered to recognise four remarkable individuals: Dr Rod Carr, Simon Lister, Dr Susannah (Susie) Beehan and Hugh Jackson. 

Each awardee spoke less about achievement and more about purpose, people, and the responsibility to make a difference.

“It started with an education”

For filmmaker and photographer Simon Lister (Hamilton 1981-1984), everything came back to a simple idea.

“It started here, with an education… it ignited a passion for curiosity and creativity, and gave me the confidence to explore life – especially the road less travelled.”

That road has taken Simon to some of the most remote communities in the world, documenting the lives of children facing extraordinary challenges. Through his work with organisations such as UNICEF, he has helped bring their stories to a global audience.

Now, his focus has sharpened even further.

“What I have experienced… has brought one topic to the very top of my list — the importance of education.”

His latest documentary series, What We Learn, explores education in some of the most challenging environments on earth. A preview of the project was shared on the night, offering a powerful glimpse into the stories he continues to tell.

See Simon's documentary trailer here.

“The human interaction will not go away”

Dr Susannah Beehan (Harington 1989-1990) has spent her career at the forefront of medicine, improving outcomes for women facing life-threatening illnesses.

Told she might struggle to “keep up”, she used that moment as fuel to become the School’s first female Dux. She acknowledged the support of teachers Dr Kay Etheredge, who was present on the night, and Mr Mike Shaw, who she credited for the extra time and guidance that helped shape her path, and who was missed as he was unable to attend.

Today, as a leading gynecologic oncologist, her focus remains firmly on people.

“We are not telling [patients] what to do… I hope that patient interaction and whaanau interaction is not changing except for the better.” 

Even as technology reshapes medicine, her message was clear. “The human interaction will not go away… technology will work in our favour and allow us to be present with patients.”

Her work, both in New Zealand and internationally, continues to combine innovation with compassion.

“We die a second time when people stop talking about us”

Reflecting on his own journey, Dr Rod Carr (Williams 1972-1976) shared stories that brought that idea to life.

Legally blind since birth, he spoke about the small but significant moments that shaped his path. Learning to swim when he could barely see the end of the pool. Finding confidence in sport before anything else. And, in a story that drew laughter, taking up woodchopping at school.

The lesson, he said, was simple. The block of wood stays still. You swing the axe. You have a strong incentive not to miss.

It was a light moment, but it captured something deeper. An environment that allowed him to try, to take risks, and to find his place.

He spoke about the teachers and classmates who made a difference, and the connections that continued to shape his life long after he left school.

“This institution has truly shaped what I have been able to do.”

His message to fellow awardees and current students was clear. The impact of a school is not measured solely by results, but by the people it brings together and the paths it helps create.

“You have to keep up with the pace of change”

Emerging Collegian Hugh Jackson (Sargood 2012 – 2016) brought the audience inside the intensity of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, describing the pressure, pace, and precision required to compete at the highest level.

Recently named the national winner, Hugh spoke about how rapidly the industry is evolving and the need to keep learning.

“You have to keep up with the pace of change,” he reflected, as he described the technical and practical demands of modern farming.

His journey, from the Agribusiness in Schools Programme at St Paul’s to national recognition, reflects both innovation and a deep understanding of the land.

But alongside the competition and achievement, his focus returned to people.

He acknowledged the role his family has played throughout his journey, noting their constant support. He also reflected on the importance of shared effort, recalling a lesson from Tihoi:

“Each and every one of us was key to success… if one person was not carrying their share, the rest of us had to carry that load.”

More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate, share stories, and reconnect. A highlight came when a group of Rod’s classmates from the Class of 1976 surprised him by reuniting their school band to perform I’m a Believer and Willin’. Band members: John Pope, Paul Holdom, Stu Wise, with staff member Melissa Good. During the awards dinner, each awardee spoke, then shared life stories in a Q&A session with MC, Headmaster Ben Skeen. 

Success is not just about what you achieve. It is about what you give, who you lift, and the difference you make along the way.

Or, as Simon put it:

“If I can help with any skill I have… I want to do exactly that.”

Attendees:

Collegians: Gary Schofield, Richard Calderwood, Lex de Jong, Rod Carr, Richard Cunliffe, David Granger, Paul Holdom, Petera Hudson, Garry Pevreal, John Pope, Stuart Wise, Grant Paterson, Jon Tanner, Bruce Thorrold, John Allen, Jerry Lloyd, James Bailey, David Gifford, Brett Martin, Darren Anderson, Simon Lister, David Ratcliffe, John Robinson, James Driscoll, Susannah Beehan, Brad Coleman, Mike Cox, Timothy Mackintosh, Hamish Nelson, Jimmy Ormsby, Helen Robertson (Bloom), James Russell, Rachel Drent (Karalus), Ryan McCarthy, Mark Robertson, Rachael Spitzer, Callum Brown, Hugh Jackson, Ben McColgan, Sarah Jackson

Staff and board members

Kerry Allen, Cath Clark, Andrea Douglas, Dr Kay Etheredge, Chris Foot, Peter Gilbert, Melissa Good, Greg Haines, Nerroly Hay, Andrew Johnson, Grant Lander, Judith Lander, Archbishop David Moxon, Suzanne Miller, Carl Neethling, Pat Plant, Diana Plant, John Jackson, Judy Shaw, Hayley Yorke.