COCA News January 2021

NEWS

Ross & Jenny Switzer

COCA NEWS TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Mr Ross Switzer

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CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Dr Joe Goodall

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COCA & STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT REPORTS Mr Ben Durance Mr Kaleb Jeynes

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CROMWELLNESS WEEK

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CROMWELL COMMUNITY

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ICC EVENTS

Sports and Cultural Awards Dinner

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BANDFEST

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CORRIDOR DINNERS

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THE VALEDICTORY DINNER

With Deputy Principal, Mr Michael Crome

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REFLECTION OF A DECADE

By Cromwell Principal, Mr Ross Switzer

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THE CROMWELL BALL

COCA NEWS | VOLUME NO. 25 January 2021

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Fighting COVID-19, Virologist, Ms Morgan Freney

2020 will definitely be one of those “where were you� years for the rest of their lives. The resilience of our students to remain solution focussed amidst unchartered territory cannot be overstated.

I am proud of them.

Mr R A Switzer, M.Ed. B.Ed.St. Dip.T.MACE, MACEL, MAICD

PRINCIPAL

Mr Matt Griffiths (right) is the talented artist who sketched the portrait of Ross, Jenny, and Ollie.

A DECADE OF ACHIEVEMENT Thank you Ross and Jenny for all the hard work and effort you have put into making Cromwell our home for the past 10 years.

Your presence will be missed.

Jenny's Legacy

An Unorthodox Background A Man of the World “The first time I met Ross, he made a particularly good impression on me. He is a genuine person, caring, humble, thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent, and a nice guy. (That was at the interview for the position of Principal/CEO of Cromwell College). In the 10 years working with him, my first impression has not changed.�

Driving Cromwell's Mission

Ross’ leadership has been outstanding. He never forgets to thank his staff and team at Cromwell.

Ross and Jenny have managed to create a sense of “home” at Cromwell. A special place where everyone is included and given support.

Ross and Jenny’s Focus is Student-Centredness.

I always admired your ability to walk the line between times of authority and the times of fun, where you had the chance to step into the lives of the many different people Cromwell welcomed through its doors. It cannot have always been easy, but your ability to meet the people where they are was what built the home away from home at Cromwell.

Nurturing Academic Excellence

Putting Students First

Promoting Service Opportunities

Underpinning their leadership is the emphasis on relationships, not only with students but also with staff, the Board of Governors and other associated groups, the other Colleges, the University, and the community.

The UQ residential colleges rely on cooperation with each other to achieve all that we provide. Ross has been a great colleague in this work and a significant instigator of strategies to help keep our communities happy, safe, and well.

You have both made immense contributions to the life and fibre of the college and should be very proud of your achievements. The students have been particularly lucky to have enjoyed a couple with such a family and pastorally orientated focus looking over them and giving so freely of their time.

Fostering Alumni Engagement

A Strong Leader

Running an effective organisation is more than articulating a mission and forming relationships. It requires strategic ability and the capacity to make the “engine room� of administration work.

Chairperson Cromwell College Board of Governors In times of extreme challenge, the calm, measured response as seen with the regular communications with students, staff, parents, and extended community have engendered great confidence that Cromwell College was always in good hands.

Improving College Facilities

Ross and Jenny have been exceptionally generous, and well beyond what could normally have been expected.

Generous with their time, in welcoming everyone into their home, and toward the causes being promoted by different parts of the Cromwell community. Ross has perhaps awarded more bursaries on behalf of the Cromwell College Foundation than any other principal.

In many other ways, Ross has always been concerned with ensuring that the experience of living at Cromwell should be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstance. The Foundation Committee has thoroughly appreciated the care, thought and sensitivity Ross has brought to the disbursement of bursaries.

The College has transitioned almost seamlessly from the reliance on 'old traditions' to a modern institution where students and staff together have created a strong, healthy, and welcoming community that will position the College well in the future.

Cromwellians, both the longest and shortest year I have ever experienced is drawing to a close.

At this dinner, COCA presented outgoing Principal, Ross Switzer, with a gift of thanks for his 10+ years of service to the Cromwell community.

We were fortunate enough to get our hands on an old 2010 First XV jumper and had it sewn together with a 2020 First XV jumper which we framed. This signifies Ross’ first and last year at the College and I am reliably informed that the jersey will take center stage in his new pool room in Southbank.

The 2021 COCA Exec Committee is: President: Secretary: Treasurer: General committee members:

With tikka Ben

10+

CROMWELL STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION INC. PRESIDENT REPORT

Kaleb is our 2020 Students’ Association President. He is from Cairns but lives in Western Queensland (Guluguba) and is studying a Bachelor of Regional & Town Planning .

2020 has been a long year for everybody, but Cromwell residents made the most of it to ensure that the Cromwell culture wasn’t lost. Although many students were separated during COVID-19 lockdown (returning home to family), by July spirits were high as we came back to college. The first weeks of Semester 2 were a great time for people to catch up and slip into the rhythm of campus life.

Warm Regards, Kaleb “Grouch” Jeynes 2020 President, Cromwell College Students’ Association Inc.

More about Adam:

body + soul

CROMWELL COMMUNITY

Cromwell College President 2021, Mitchell Northcote, and 2020 Resident Assistant (RA), Hannah Crittenden tell us why they both love living at Cromwell.

Mitchell: Cromwell felt like the best college for me, not only is it a convenient location on-campus at Uni, but the sense of community and belonging at Cromwell is unmatched. We are all one big family.

Hannah: Walking into Cromwell on Open Day the staff and students immediately made me feel welcome and at home. I come from a regional town and it helped me to know that a lot of other Cromwellians do too, we were all in the same boat facing similar challenges. The inclusive Cromwell community is what clenched my final decision to become a Cromwell resident.

Fresher Tips Mitchell: Get involved in as much as possible and don’t be afraid to be yourself. You’ll make so many friends along the way.

Hannah: Give everything a go! Yes, you may feel embarrassed and out of your comfort zone but that’s how you make the best memories and friendships.

Always try and say hello to people when they walk past, most Crommies will always say hello back and it may even start a conversation.

don’t be afraid to be yourself you’ll make so many friends

Favourite Cromwell Activities Mitchell: Hanging out with friends around campus and partaking in all the ICC sports competitions is a great way to show support for your friends and the college.

Hannah: Trying out for ICC sports (even if I'm not very good or you don't make the team) and Red Frogs 'Pancakes on the Deck', yum, so delicious.

Developing Leadership Skills Hannah: In my role as a Cromwell Resident Assistant (RA), I really value the opportunity to hone my leadership skills. The experience has taught me that I need to be a clear, compassionate, and considerate leader to my fellow Cromwellians. It has also helped me to grow in my confidence to become a more approachable and sociable person.

Recommending Cromwell to New Students Mitchell: Besides college making the transition away from home much easier, there is so much to experience and do here at Cromwell and I would encourage anyone interested to apply.

Hannah: Generally, I find Cromwell residents share a similar moral compass and always look after each other. You quickly feel supported as the Cromwell family embraces you, you're not alone.

there is always someone to chat with and something to do Cromwell Friendships Mitchell: Whenever you need a break from university work or life, there is always a door open around the college where you can just sit down and chat with someone. It's easy to find residents for study breaks.

Hannah: The number of times I've left my room without a set day plan, then downstairs at breakfast I spend 2 hours chatting with other Crommies, followed by invitations to see a movie or visit the shops. There's plenty to do around college too, for example, Crommies often play frisbee on the grass and are very happy to welcome you into a game.

Hi, my name is Matthew Smith and I was thrilled to be elected Cromwell's 2020 Male Sports Convenor. I am originally from Rockhampton and am in my 3rd year of a dual degree in Engineering and Mathematics.

The 2020 ICC sports calendar underwent drastic changes over the course of the year due to the presence of COVID-19, which saw only 8 male and female sports played.

ICC MEN'S SPORT Despite COVID, Cromwell had one of its most successful sporting years to date, winning both the ICC male basketball and male badminton competitions.

Indeed, this is acknowledged as the first wins in male ICC sports in 5

years for Cromwell, which is recognised as a reflection of the hard work put in by our players over the year. Each team typically trains multiple times a week. Other notable male sporting performances include Ben Gibson’s individual brilliance in athletics, he won the 1500m, 800m and 400m races.

Ultimately, these strong performances culminated in a 5th placing in the Old Collegians Cup (male ICC competition) on 29 points, just behind 4th placed Emmanuel College, and a 3rd placing in the Weighted Shield (which takes into account the size of each college).

ICC WOMEN'S SPORT In the female arena, Cromwell typically produced very consistent results in all sports, averaging 5th

place in most of the sports played.

Special mention goes out to the women's basketball team who placed 4th overall.

ICC SHIELDS Cromwell placed 7th in the ICC Sports Shield (women’s ICC competition) and 8th in the Weighted Shield.

ICC FAIR PLAY AWARD An ICC Fair Play Award is presented to the athlete with the highest score sum from all of the ICC sports combined.

The 2020 outstanding recipient of the female ICC competition was Natalie Blauberg, in recognition of her excellent performances across all sports, particularly basketball, athletics and netball.

AWARDS This year, a combined evening for the Sports and Cultural Awards was held to celebrate and acknowledge the fantastic contribution students make to Cromwell College.

Some of the major award recipients were: Stephan Barkhuizen - Sportsman of the Year and Cup Corridor (Mid-Han) Natalie Blauberg - Sportswoman of the Year Joey McDonell - Male Convenor of the Year Sophie Bates - Female Convenor of the Year Tom Hallam - Supporter of the Year Lachlan Hopgood - The Cultural Cup Dale Schlaphoff - The Cultural Convenor Lastly, we would like to thank each and every student for their participation in Cromwell sport in a very challenging year. Whether it was by playing, spectating, or convening a sport, none of the success achieved in 2020 would have been possible without the hard work and support from our student body. We hope this continues in 2021 and wish everyone good luck in the year ahead.

CORRIDOR DINNERS

longest

CROMWELL COOKS

The saying goes, 'there is nothing more delicious than a meal prepared by someone else' and Cromwellians are certainly spoilt for choice and taste by the kitchen team.

But there comes a time for everyone to move out and fend for themselves, especially in the kitchen. Thanks to Jenny our departing students are leaving with some 'Masterchef' grade cooking skills as they head off to 'share' houses.

VALECTORY DINNER

THE LION Mr Harry Meyers

COCA PRESIDENT

Mr Michael Crome, Deputy Principal

Ms Rowena English

Mr Jack Matthews

Mr Cullum Wiseman

Mr Jack French

COCA NEWS | 23

VALEDICTORY DINNER

ORATORY Maxine Allwood

Sarah

Provisional Academic Summary Semester 2, 2020

Campbell

Elouise Parker

61 students achieved an average GPA of 6.00 or better and 141 an average GPA of 5.00 or better.

Five students achieved a perfect GPA of 7.00 after completing a full course load.

ROSS SWITZER Cromwell Principal 2010 – 2021

PRINCIPAL PROFILE

THE JOURNEY

“so often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.”

LEARNING TO LEAD Aerial image: 2011 flooding of The University of Queelsland & Cromwell College

A SPECIAL RESIDENT ARRIVES

COCA DRINKS 2020

MILESTONES

A DELICATE BALANCING ACT

ON LEADERSHIP

THANK YOU

Good leaders listen. This takes the desire and ability to not just mix with people similar to yourself, but to get inside the tents of those with differing views to your own.

FACING NEW CHALLENGES

The students are the lifeblood of Cromwell. They are the main game.

I have never taken them for granted.

Every enrolment is gold. Without them there is no College, and I struggle to find the words to adequately thank them for their loyalty and support over a decade. As I depart then, I offer some advice to them, through an extract from my Address at the Valedictory Dinner 2020.

PRINCIPAL PROFILE

over & above your qualifications or skills, it is your attitude that will be the key to your future...

I sincerely wish every Cromwell student every possible success for their future.

A SUPPORTIVE LIFE PARTNER

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

Ross A. Switzer PRINCIPAL

In your dealings with others... consider that over time people may forget the detail, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

COCA NEWS | 30

Josh Eiser

About Cromwell College 2020 Social Convenors: Declan King

Cooper Murray

Ish Akram

Caillin Malley

ALUMNI PROFILE Fighting on the Frontlines

organ Freney, 25, Cromwell 2014-15 alumna, virologist, and PhD student has been fighting on the frontlines during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Queensland commenced a Phase 1 trial of their COVID-19 vaccine candidate – v451 – in July 2020, to assess safety and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers.

However, despite promising initial results, by December 2020, UQ confirmed their v451 vaccine project was being halted after phase 1 trial participants recorded false positives on HIV tests.

UQ project leaders said that although it was possible to reengineer the vaccine, the team did not have the luxury of time needed.

Around the world, some of the hardest-hit countries, such as the UK and USA, commenced vaccinating their communities following emergency approval of a Pfizer vaccine. Australian scientists are closely watching the rollout. It's been a challenging year for Morgan who has been involved with COVID research.

How great an impact will the right vaccine have?

M: Ultimately vaccination will control spread. Mass vaccinations remove susceptible populations out of the picture, meaning the virus has nowhere to spread to. The virus may cement itself in populations if we can’t develop a vaccine that works.

The more virulent UK COVID strain surfaced in Australia prompting a pre-emptive lockdown in Brisbane.

M: It's a case of trying to get ahead of the virus, a variant we know is much more infectious with the potential to spread much faster. Even with only 1 case tracking dozens of close contracts takes time and we want to stay one step ahead, to not give the virus a chance to break away from us and become established in the community.

Should young & healthy people take the virus more seriously?

M: Asymptomatic carriers can still pass the deadly virus onto others.

Some young people don’t think it matters but you can pass the virus onto someone who is immunosuppressed and they die because of you.

We live in a community of people and their lives matter just as much as our own. We, young, healthy people can save lives when we think about others and change our actions accordingly.

IS THERE ANY SILVER LINING TO COVID-19?

The renewed funding in viral research will also help us to progress the development of vaccines and therapeutics against many viral pathogens that could threaten us with new outbreaks.

Hand sanitizer if you have to go out and hand soap when water is available to wash your hands! Washing your hands is more thorough and gets rid of dirt and bacteria that the virus could be hiding under (hand sanitizer won’t ‘clean’ your hands). So both!

Envision what your future might look like, pinpoint your major goals, and develop a roadmap for success. It might be hard to know exactly what you want to do until you try it, but if you never settle for less, you can keep moving forward. We know our capabilities and our desires, but they often get lost along the way because we question ourselves too readily and get too comfortable.

Science is hard and full of failures. Learning to accept failure as part of this process is also critical. We often want to place blame when an experiment doesn’t work out, sometimes it’s simply not going to work. Science itself is built on failures, but we go back, make new observations, get new measurements, form a new hypothesis, and test repeatedly.

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."- Albert Einstein Images courtesy of Instsgram feed: @virus.vs.labcoat

P-WEEK 2020/2021 Deputy Principal, Michael Crome

2021 Student Leadership Team Drinks

Heroes and Villians Ball

Cloudland

Gracie Troy graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in 2020

We are sad to hear the news of Doc Krohn's passing. He was a very kind-hearted and compassionate man who led by example during our time at Cromwell. He will be remembered for that, and always having a smile on his face!

So very sad to hear of Dr Krohn’s passing. Fond memories of him as my Principal.

So very sad to hear of Dr Krohn’s passing. Deeply respected and caring principal during my time at Cromwell

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This song is sung to the music of 'Hymn to Joy' (92 in the Australian Hymn Book)