By Dave Williams
Lincoln University is to award an honorary doctorate to a student who has not even graduated yet - All Black captain Richie McCaw.
McCaw, who has also been nominated for a royal honour, is on a list of scientists and businessmen to be awarded honorary degrees and medals at next April's graduation.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Jan Wright will also receive an honorary doctor of science and ANZCO Foods founder Sir Graeme Harrison an honorary doctor of commerce.
Endocrinologist and horse scientist Margaret Evans will receive a Bledisloe medal and Thailand-based manager of Univanich Palm Oil, John Clendon, will receive the Lincoln Alumni International medal.
Dr Wright is a former staff member at the university, while Sir Graeme, Ms Evans and Mr Clendon are graduates.
"Each of these award recipients personifies values and virtues expressed in Lincoln University's mission of transforming land, people and economies," said university vice-chancellor, Professor Roger Field.
"Without question, their individual influences have been transformative."
The university was awarding McCaw an honorary doctorate because "recognition for sport is consistent with the leadership role Lincoln University has taken in recreation and sports management over many years", Prof Field said.
McCaw started study at Lincoln in 1999 as an 18-year-old for a degree in agricultural science and has completed almost three years' worth of study, Prof Field told NZ Newswire.
However, his honorary doctorate will not be enough to get him across the line for his degree as it only recognises his achievements outside study.
"He and I have had some very helpful discussions recently and he is keen to finish, but we will work through that with him.
"He is a hugely impressive leader and has done a huge amount for this country. We are very proud of him."
NZN