1. 16 December 2014
RE: Ruby Sycamore-Smith
To whom it may concern
I have known Ruby for two years, firstly as OUSA Welfare Officer in 2013 and then as
OUSA President in 2014.
As Welfare Officer Ruby focused on her portfolio responsibilities ensuring good welfare
outcomes for students at the University of Otago. She initiated several campaigns.
Through these campaigns she gained local and national media attention and her ideas
were replicated at the University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington.
She also attracted $10,000 of funding for campaigns to help young people.
Ruby was always bright and outgoing in her portfolio responsibilities as well as her general
governance duties.
During the campaign to become President and University Council member Ruby showed a
high level of tenacity and hard work that helped her to get elected.
As President Ruby was good at sticking to her core agenda items and so achieved them
well.
One stand out was the Election Campaign which saw student voting buck the national
trend and increase in Dunedin North.
This campaign was a whole-of-organisation effort that worked due to Ruby’s leadership.
Her enthusiasm and commitment energised the management team and staff to deliver the
results she demanded.
I am happy to support Ruby and answer any questions about her contribution to the OUSA
and Dunedin students in general.
Darel Hall
General Manager