First Bob King Award for AUT student
First Bob King Award for AUT student
From Left: Justin Matthews, Senior Lecturer AUT; Alexia Gribble, Student AUT, Rob King
A new award, a lasting legacy, and a student who brings it to life.
AUT’s School of Communication Studies marked a milestone at its annual awards ceremony in May, presenting the inaugural Bob King Award to Alexia Gribble, a final-year Bachelor of Communication Studies student majoring in Digital Communication.
The award recognises commitment, curiosity and academic excellence, qualities Alexia has shown throughout her degree. Her lecturers describe a student who consistently engages, asks questions and pushes her work further.
Senior Lecturer Justin Matthews has taught Alexia across multiple papers and says her approach stands out.
“Having taught Alexia across multiple papers beyond Digital Communication, I have observed this pattern of engagement consistently. This engagement reflects not only enthusiasm but a genuine commitment to her studies.”
The award honours Bob King, a pioneer in digital education at AUT whose influence still shapes how digital communication is taught today. His son, Robert King, and his wife Anya, who established the award in his memory, attended the ceremony, bringing a personal connection to the moment.
Bob began his career as a computer programmer in the United States in the early 1970s before moving to New Zealand. At the former Auckland Technical Institute, he became a lecturer in Business Computing and recognised early the potential of networked computers, well before they became part of everyday life.
That foresight led him to establish the School of Communication Studies’ first Multimedia major. It laid the foundation for today’s Digital Communication major and introduced an approach grounded in experimentation, creativity and real-world thinking.
The Bob King Award continues that spirit. It recognises students who not only commit to their studies but also contribute to the future of digital communication in the same way Bob once reimagined it.
Alexia is the first recipient of the award, but she will not be the last. Each year, it will celebrate students who carry forward a legacy of curiosity, innovation and dedication.