Russell De Villena has had an exemplary year in his studies, completing the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering, but he has also taken on volunteer leadership and mentoring roles to support fellow students
The Philippines born-and-raised Mr De Villena immigrated to New Zealand with his mother three years ago settling in Cromwell, as his father was already living and working there. “I worked a year in Cromwell, and I heard about SIT and Zero Fees,” he says. Having already had two years of electronics engineering study in the Philippines, coming to SIT to study the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering at SIT was a logical next step.
It's been a big second year for Mr De Villena; alongside the studies, he’s been heavily involved in volunteer leadership roles – he is the Student Rep for the Mechanical Engineering programme, Engineering New Zealand SIT Student Ambassador and is on the Engineering NZ student committee.
“I applied for the National Ambassador for Southland for 2026 (Engineering NZ) and I’ve been accepted. I’ll have a trip to Wellington to be inducted. It means I can organise more events for SIT students and get them more involved in the sector.”
In his first year of the diploma, Mr De Villena enjoyed learning CAD design papers and technical literacy. “It gave me insight into how I want my future career to be laid out… The main goal is to be inside a mechanical consulting company that offers solutions in the mechanical engineering field,” he explained.
This year’s highlights were his academic achievements which resulted in four awards: Excellence in Engineering Project Management, Most Outstanding Engineering Project, Leadership Award for his Student Ambassador role, and SIT Research Poster Award (2nd place). Mr De Villena also loved getting into the student rep role as he was able to meet industry people, network with them and organise events for fellow engineering students.
And somehow, he also managed to find time to mentor other students through the Tuakana Teina programme. The Tuakana role pairs an experienced learner – Tuakana - with a newer or more vulnerable student – teina - providing guidance, encouragement, and academic support.
SIT Student Accessibility Advisor, Robyn McNaught had high praise for Mr De Villena’s level of professionalism and care of other students. “Russell’s ability to remain positive and approachable helps create a comfortable environment where students feel supported and motivated.”
She noted he understood that every learner has their own circumstances and learning style; “he adapts his approach to offer support in a respectful and encouraging way.”
Ms McNaught was also impressed that Mr De Villena managed his own studies to a high standard alongside his mentoring. “Russell’s ongoing involvement reflects his strong work ethic and his commitment to helping fellow learners succeed.”
SIT Programme Manager and Engineering Tutor, Carlo Gabriel agreed. “Russell exemplifies what it means to be a responsible student. His commitment to his studies is matched only by his passion for leadership.” Mr Gabriel said this was demonstrated in Mr De Villena’s recent appointment as the Engineering NZ National Student Ambassador, showing not only his academic excellence, but also a dedication to inspiring his peers and making a positive impact within the engineering community. “Russell’s ability to lead with integrity and enthusiasm sets him apart as a true role model.”
And there was more good news last week: Mr De Villena was selected to be the flagbearer for the SIT graduation ceremony on Friday, 12th December. “I feel very honoured about it; there are a lot of students who could have been offered that. I feel it’s really special. There are so many good things happening it certainly feels like a cherry on top.”
Mr De Villena acknowledged his course tutors whose commitment made him feel well supported throughout the programme and helped him to thrive. “Carlo’s (Gabriel) comments helped with the research poster. I submitted drafts and got feedback about how to develop it. He gets really involved; I want to acknowledge that.” And Tom Downey, who made himself available to students in exam week. “[Tom] gives us all we need in resources. He gives a lot. SIT’s engineering programme really provides you that backbone for entering your career… and there’s really so much flexibility in terms of what we can study; some students do work and studies; I like that about SIT.”
With plans to return to SIT and continue with the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) next year, Mr De Villena says “I’m transitioning to Level 7… I’ve thought about it … what I can see …with stepping up a level …it gives you more opportunities, and the kinds of jobs I want in the future need a degree,” he says, adding “I really want the qualification that the industry expects.”
There was also the opportunity to further develop the microscale valve - to be used in medical fields – a concept he researched and developed this year. “It’s tiny, no bigger than a fingernail,” he explains. At this stage, it’s a design concept, and proof of concept. “I could put that into a higher stage of development or possible prototyping; who knows? It could be part of future medical devices.”
Mr De Villena said his main motivation to achieve was due to his parents. “Throughout my life they’ve supported me and I want to make them proud; they’ve given me everything, I want to give them the life they deserve in the future.”
Secondly, “I’m doing this because I want to, not because I need to. I want to have a degree; I want to achieve my goals.” And lastly, he was motivated by the industry itself here in New Zealand, which provided easier access to students. “It’s harder being a student in the Philippines; you can’t do part-time jobs there or get into industry unless you’ve already qualified,” he explained. “My next step is to apply and get a part-time job in the mechanical field.” He’d already approached companies, submitted his CV and was waiting for replies.
In the meantime, Mr De Villena was looking forward to heading home to Cromwell and celebrating his big year with his parents. “We’re going to Christchurch; it’s Mum’s birthday as well. We’ll have a road trip and a gathering with relatives.”
The SIT 2025 Award Ceremony, will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2nd, at 7.30pm at the Civic Theatre, Invercargill. The night of celebrations will see approximately 125 awards presented to successful students in the Health and Humanities; New Media, Arts, Business and Computing; Trades and Technology faculties and the Queenstown Campus.
Mr De Villena will be awarded the following four awards tomorrow night:
NEW ZEALAND ALUMINIUM SMELTERS LIMITED AWARD - Excellence in Engineering Project Management - New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6)
INVERCARGILL CITY COUNCIL AWARD - Most Outstanding Engineering Project - New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6)
INVERCARGILL CITY COUNCIL AWARD - Leadership Award - Engineering New Zealand SIT Student Ambassador
SIT RESEARCH AWARD - SIT Research Poster Award – Student Research Competition (2nd Place)