We are honoured to recognise Dr Ian St George (Saint Kentigern College, 1954–1958) as one of the recipients of the 2024 Saint Kentigern Distinguished Alumni Awards. This prestigious award celebrates alumni who have excelled in their professional endeavours, lived the values of Saint Kentigern, and shown outstanding leadership in their field, serving as role models for students and the community. 

Dr St George embarked on an illustrious career in medicine after completing his MB, ChB degrees at Otago Medical School, followed by a Doctorate in Medicine. His professional journey includes key roles such as Associate Dean for Postgraduate Affairs and Deputy Dean at the Wellington School of Medicine, as well as being the first Medical Director at Healthline. His contributions to medical education have been far-reaching, including editing of The New Zealand Family Physician, chairing the NZ Postgraduate Medical Federation, and leading the International Physician Assessment Coalition.

Throughout his career, Dr St George has been recognised for his innovative contributions to medical education and performance assessment, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in New Zealand. His development of the Performance Assessment programmes for the Medical Council and the creation of a new curriculum for vocational education in general practice have been particularly noteworthy. His work has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Gold Medal of the Hunterian Society, the RNZCGP Gold Medal, and the Distinguished Fellow Award from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

In addition to his achievements in medicine, Dr St George is also a passionate naturalist and biographer. An expert on New Zealand native orchids, he has published several books and articles that have advanced knowledge of these unique species. His work as a biographer, particularly his extensive research on botanist Rev William Colenso, has contributed significantly to the understanding of New Zealand’s history.

Dr St George’s commitment to advancing knowledge and serving his community reflects a deep sense of curiosity, dedication, and a passion for lifelong learning—values that are central to a Saint Kentigern education.

About the Distinguished Alumni Awards

The second Distinguished Alumni Award was celebrated on 7 September 2024 at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. At the ceremony which gathered over 200 invited guests, the community recognised the achievements of four esteemed alumni:

• Bruce Elliott (Saint Kentigern College, 1962-1966)
• Dr Peter Ring (Saint Kentigern College, 1957-1963)
• Dr Ian St George (Saint Kentigern College, 1954-1958)
• Peter Stockwell (Saint Kentigern College, 1966-1972)

The Distinguished Alumni Awards is celebrated every two years to recognise Saint Kentigern alumni for notable achievements across a range of fields, including professional, public service, cultural, sporting, and community impact, and for an illustrious career of exceptional national or international accomplishment.

Recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award receives a specially commissioned handcrafted commemorative award designed and created by local artist and Saint Kentigern Boys’ School teacher

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