Rolling out the BLUE Carpet
...Celebrating Top Achievers at the Annual Academic Awards
The blue carpet was rolled out this week to celebrate top-performing students at the annual Academic Awards Ceremony, held under the fitting theme, “Timeless Prestige: A Night of Eminence.”
More than 150 Merit Awards and 50 Performance Awards were presented to outstanding students across the University’s four Faculties. Approximately 36 sponsors, coordinated by Faculty representatives and the Alumni and NUST Foundation office, contributed prizes including cash awards and laptops. The Namibian Ports Authority (NamPort) remained a steadfast supporter, continuing its tradition of sponsorship through donating N$15,000. In total, with the support of all sponsors, a combined value of N$218,695 was awarded to recipients through both monetary and in-kind contributions.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Erold Naomab was represented by Prof Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, who opened the evening by highlighting the broader significance of the awards. “The students we celebrate tonight are more than high achievers — they are a testament to what is possible when potential meets perseverance,” he remarked, underscoring the strength of NUST’s academic environment.
Among the evening’s standout honourees was Verry Awene, who once again earned a Merit Award for his Honours in Information Security degree. Other top accolades included Aune Shikongo, who received the Best Overall Academic Performance Award; Jacques van Rensburg, awarded for Best Master’s Thesis; and Neil Drotsky, named Best Postgraduate Student.
Performance Awards recognising the Most Improved Students were also presented, a nod to the power of perseverance. “A setback is nothing but a set-up for a great comeback,” Prof Stanley said reminding attendees that resilience, too, deserves recognition.
