Volume 18 Issue 2 December 2016
FUN AT THE BALL A magazine for Old Collegians, Friends of Cromwell, Current Residents and their Families
CROMWELL COLLEGE
CONTENTS 03
PRINCIPAL’S LETTER 04 - 05 COCA PRESIDENT REPORT 06 - 07 STUDENT PRESIDENT REPORT 08 2017 STUDENT PRESIDENT WELCOME 09 ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 10 - 11 ACADEMIC DINNER 12 - 13 VALEDICTORIANS/COLLEGE NEWS 14 - 15 CULTURAL REPORT/FORMAL DINNERS 16 - 23 COCA BALL 2016 24 - 25 REMEMBER - RECONNECT - RELAUNCH 26 - 28 PRESIDENTS PAST 29 THE PORTUGAL WIRE 30 - 33 MONGOL RALLY 34 NOTICES 35 COCA EVENTS 36 2 COCA NEWS
INFO
PRINCIPAL’S LETTER Ross Switzer
I can’t believe it but another year has drawn to a close! I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with Cromwell for what has been a highly successful year. Cromwell students again excelled academically; with the College GPA currently being 5.2. Alongside a large breadth of diverse courses, ran a successful mentoring program which included college based tutorials and business breakfasts. These initiatives, along with the launch of the first journal of exemplary students’ academic work, “The Ticker”, further embeds Cromwell as a College of academic excellence. Many students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement throughout the year, including over a dozen (many first year students) who received the perfect Grade Point Average of 7.0. In the cultural and sporting arenas, the College has excelled. By gender, Cromwell is the smallest male College and also the smallest female College at UQ. Despite this, the pride, spirit and determination of the students here see some outstanding results. The participation rate across the College for competing and spectating is outstanding. Socially, Cromwell lived up to its reputation for getting its students fully involved. The wide array of functions and activities allows students to mix and know each other better. This further nurtures the sense of community spirit that is so strong here. The community service aspect of the College also flourished this year, along with a growing number engaged in spiritual enquiry. It has been terrific to see so many past students at the College, either for events, or informally this past year. The re-establishment of COCA after a decade of dormancy has assisted in reconnecting those from the past with the College. Cromwell has a rich history spanning 67 years, and alumni are always very welcome to visit at any time. If you have not been here for a while, please drop in, or make contact, as we would love to show you around and/or hear your stories. Jenny and I will be travelling internationally throughout April and May next year and we both look forward to catching up with many past students at alumni functions. I would like to acknowledge the Student Leadership Team (Executive and RA’s) of 2016 who have led the College well this year. President Sophie Davis and her team have done an excellent job. Similarly, the RA team has set a fine example of support to the students. The staff team has worked hard to support the students. Much of their work is behind the scenes, and I applaud these people who so often go beyond the call of duty. The College is fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable Board of Governors. I thank them for their contribution to the College, and I especially thank the Chairman Dr Joe Goodall for his personal support and guidance. Finally I hope that you have a safe and restful holiday season, and that 2017 will be another great year for Cromwell.
Mr R.A. Switzer, M.Ed. B.Ed.St. Dip.T. MACE, MACEL, MAICD PRINCIPAL
COCA NEWS 3
COCA PRESIDE CROMWELL COLLEGE This year has been a successful year for the reinvigorated COCA. We are moving forward in our goal to reconnect Cromwellians and act as a social and networking hub. We have celebrated the history of Cromwell through our Past Presidents’ Dinner, COCA Ball, and are moving forward with new initiatives to connect alumni and current students with the launch of COCA’s new website and networking/mentoring platform. The Presidents’ Dinner, which was held in the JCR was a real success, with every decade represented, from Des Yesberg (1954) to Lachlan ‘Nectar’ Power (2015). I know I have said it in previous dispatches, but events such the Presidents’ Dinner and Ball serve to reaffirm the role that Cromwell has played in our lives and your continuing support of these events is testament to this. The opportunity at the ‘COCA News Relaunch’ to show Old boys and Girls, their husbands, wives and even children, around their old corridors, evoking streams of nostalgia, encapsulated the characteristically similar, yet unique memories shared by all.
COCA at the Races set for September/October 2017 (Date TBC). For the 2017 marquee event we have decided to literally hire a marquee at the Eagle Farm Racecourse. This will be held in September/October, with the date to be confirmed. Other functions and events to look out for will include Student Mentoring dinners, Business Breakfasts, College Trivia nights, formal dinners and more. Keep your eye out for when we finalise these dates, with a number of them to take place in the first half of 2017. Ultimately, our 2-year Strategic Plan is to reinforce COCA’s foundations. The long-term goal for COCA is to have a thriving association that engages with alumni to provide a means of furthering the opportunities of all Cromwellians through mentoring and networking. As we are still finding our feet, striking the right balance to fit the requirements and desires of the community means that we must set ourselves short-term goals also. These short-term goals have included setting up the website (www.coca.net.au) and engaging alumni through the successful running of events; goals that we are achieving. However, receiving feedback on these events is a vital part of COCA’s development and will help to better define COCA’s identity and role, so please get in touch if you have any thoughts, this includes if you wish to become involved with COCA in any capacity. With regard to the website: www.coca.net.au, I urge you to engage with this platform. It is a user friendly way of connecting Cromwellians. So what exactly does it offer? Along with other features, its main draw cards are its ability to:
• • • • •
allow you to communicate with all alumni, independently of COCA search for alumni based on profession and location allow you to register as a student mentor register for events keep up to date with College news
Sign up to the website to stay in touch and also keep COCA up to date.
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ENT ‘S REPORT
COCA Cromwell Old Collegians Association est. 1973
I would again like to thank the College and the Foundation for their support of COCA. Financially, their support has been crucial in COCA finding its feet, with the College and Foundation investing in the new website (www. coca.net.au) and covering the expenses associated with the Presidents’ Dinner and the COCA Ball. Likewise, I wish to thank Tania Dempsey, Cromwell’s Community Relations Officer/Receptionist, for her tireless behind the scenes work this year supporting both COCA and myself. She has given her time generously and has done a truly fantastic job with the editing of the COCA News and both the organising and running of this year’s events. Lastly, I would like to say that it has been an honour to act as President of COCA and that the last few years have been thoroughly rewarding. I have met so many Cromwellians who serve only to reinforce the pride I have in being a Cromwellian. As I pass over the reigns to Joanne ‘Hip-Hop’ Landmark (08-10), I wish her the best of luck and leave the post knowing that COCA is in good hands.
Remember, Once a Cromwellian, Always a Cromwellian.
Daniel ‘The Prodigy’ Baum (11-14)
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STUDENT PRESIDENT REPORT Sophie ’Hazard’ Davis
2016 has been a whirlwind of a year. I am simply astounded by all that has transpired this year and I couldn’t be prouder of the achievements of so many Cromwellians. In my opinion Semester Two is always the more exciting semester with occasions like Cro-Week, Ekka Day, Sports and Cultural Dinners, Ball, Valedictory Dinner and Semester Two sports and cultural activities such as One Act Play and Dancefest. Overall, Cromwell achieved much higher results in Semester Two sports and cultural events with the girl’s soccer team taking out 1st place in the ICC soccer, placing 3rd in One Act Play, and 5th overall in Dancefest. These were some tremendous results from Cromwellian’s who convened, participated and supported. Cromwell also hosted its first ever “Cromwellness Week”, which was a smashing success thanks to the organization and hard work of Vice President Melissa “Ban’er” Morshead. The week included nightly sessions on topics such as depression, anxiety and suicide, sexual health, sex, sexuality and gender, topping it all off with a yoga session in the dining hall. The week was aimed at starting a dialogue about issues which historically have been tabooed; by starting a conversation we hope that these topics can be spoken about openly in our Cromwell community. Cultural Dinner and Sports Dinner ran very smoothly this year providing entertainment names that will go down in Cromwell history. Cultural convener Toni “Switch” O’Flaherty blessed Cromwell College with the presence of Australian and meme legend Shannon Noll, who performed all his classics. Never in my three years at Cromwell have I seen a more excitable crowd, nor a more excitable Ross Switzer. Rugby League footballer Justin Hodges was another presence who stunned the masses, which topped off a fantastic evening ran by Sports conveners 6 COCA NEWS Elliot “Outback Cinema” Meelen and Taylah “Extension” Hansen.
Cromwell’s pinnacle event of the year: Ball, themed as Ballywood, was an unforgettable and sophisticated night held at Victoria Park. Social conveners Chris “Absolut” Davis, James “A-a-ron” Preston and Daniel “Gimlie” White should be congratulated for pulling off one of the greatest events of the entire year. Recovery gave Cromwellian’s (who may have had a sore head) a classy opportunity to recuperate at the Boundary Hotel which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Overall, I feel extremely privileged to have been in my position. The role of President has enabled me a new perspective and a further appreciation of Cromwell College. Especially with the world’s current sociopolitical climate, I believe that we are so lucky to be Cromwellian’s and live in the environment that we do: an environment which is constantly growing with amazing talent and diversity – ideals which need to be celebrated. The executive team and I have worked tirelessly over the past year to build the foundations for a more accepting and more open Cromwell, and I believe that we have been successful in our mission. I’m extremely excited for the incoming leaders of 2017 to continue building what we have made, and start creating their own legacy. Thank you to all who have supported the Association, and I must publicly thank the selfless work of the Student Leaders for all their love and support this year. I wish everyone all the very best for 2017. Kind regards, Sophie ‘Hazard’ Davis President, Cromwell College Students’ Association Inc. 2016
COCA NEWS 7
2017 Student President welcome As I am sure you are all more than aware, the final semester of every year for each and every Cromwellian is exhausting, exciting, but most importantly, the most memorable. Apart from exams, and for some, finding a new home for the coming year, one of the more stressful times is the annual re-election of Student Executive Positions. I am incredibly humbled to have been elected into the position as the Cromwell College Students’ Association President for 2017. In my time at Cromwell, I have witnessed the exceptional work both Lachlan Power and Sophie Davis have instilled into the role, and the positive changes they have made to various aspects of our day to day college life. I have every intention of maintaining the legacy they have left, as well as bringing to the role a few of my own ideas and positive changes. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I am incredibly excited for 2017 and what the year has to offer.
Troy ‘Ling’ Stark
President, Cromwell College Students’ Association Inc. 2017
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ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 2016 Academic Mentors
For students to achieve of their best academically at College it’s important that issues associated with student learning are identified in a timely manner and measures are put in place to support students as soon as possible. The academic progress of students is difficult to monitor throughout each semester at university due to privacy restrictions, the inclination of many students to try and cope with issues by themselves or leaving an issue until it’s too late to be resolved. Unfortunately it is often the case that academic concerns only surface when results are released by universities at the end of each semester. Factors that can result in students not reaching their academic potential include poor time management, personal stress, work overload, poor research and writing skills, an inability to manage examinations, incorrect program or course choice, living within a College community for the first time and work/life balance. For the first time this year Academic Mentors have been appointed to assist in supporting and monitoring the 249 students across the College. Academic Mentors were appointed through an initial application and then interview with the Deputy Principal and Senior Tutor towards the end of last year. Throughout this year they have reported directly to the Deputy Principal and Senior Tutor and have been responsible for overseeing the academic progress of students undertaking studies in the following Faculty areas: • Business, Economics and Law • Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology • Health and Behavioural Sciences • Humanities and Social Sciences • Science and Biomedical Science During both semesters Academic Mentors met with a variety of students from the Faculty they were responsible for from Week 3 through to Week 12. Mentors were able to identify specific needs or issues that students might be experiencing including:
Michael Crome - Deputy Principal
• The need for a Tutor in courses, • Assistance with time management and general course issues • Personal Issues influencing academic achievement The focus in semester one was for the Academic Mentors to work closely with first year students as well as those who returned to the College who were known to had received a low GPA in their previous semester, whereas in semester two, it was supporting those on academic warnings as well as those who required tutorial assistance and advice on course or program changes. The appointments have been well received by students this year. Many students have enjoyed having an Academic Mentor available because they find it easier to talk with their peers regarding issues, particularly when the students are in the same corridor, program or Faculty. The Academic Mentors are high achievers in their particular Faculty and are also great role models for students. The program will continue in 2017.
Academic Journal – “The Ticker” The first edition of the Cromwell College Academic Journal, “The Ticker” was produced this year. The journal was established to archive the many diverse and outstanding pieces of work that Cromwell students produce each semester in an internal publication. The academic work submitted includes the likes of essays, reports, manuscripts, photographs or pictures of artwork. Pieces of work submitted by students need to have been assessed by their university as being of a High Distinction standard to be included in the journal.
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ACADEMIC DINNER 2016
This year’s Academic Dinner was held on Tuesday 23rd August with special guest Emeritus Professor Roly Sussex. Cromwell students performed very well academically with the College Grade Point Average in First Semester being 5.16. The following seven students are to be congratulated for achieving a GPA 7.0 in Semester One: Riley de Jong B Engineering (Hons) Georgia Harrison B Biomedical Science Honours Colin Hitchener B Engineering/B Mathematics William McCarthy B Economics/B Laws Honours Taisha Paterson-Burr B Arts/B Education (Sec) Jaryu Shaw B Science Kyle Williams B Science In Semester One there were 134 grades of 7.0 awarded for courses undertaken by Cromwell students, with a further 244 grades of 6.0 awarded. There were 60 Cromwell students who achieved a GPA greater than 6.0.
Academic Excellence (GPA 6.50 - 6.99)
Laura Brown B Engineering(Hons)/B Commerce Alison Brown B Science Robert Coelli B Economics Melissa Harvey B Communication/Arts Jeremy Hensel B Engineering Amy Hitchener B Design (Hons) Mitchell Jones B Mathematics/B Science Craig Land B Arts/BLaws (Hons) Alison Mackie B Education (Primary) Carla Newlands B Engineering (Hons)/B Science Matthew Powell B Biotech (Hons) Ellie Price B Speech Pathology (Hons) Scarlett Raine B Engineering (Hons) Sacha Robinson B Arts/B Laws Joshua Sheehy B Science Brittany Tapiolas B Engineering (Hons)/B Commerce Jemimah Thompson B Arts Ben Townsend B Engineering Dylan Wallace B Commerce High Academic Achievement (GPA 6.0 – 6.49) Daniel Ash B Podiatry Georgina Braun B Science Rosemary Brewster B Physiotherapy (Hons) Zachary Brown B Engineering Cassandra Burtenshaw B Advanced Science (Hons) Christopher Davis B Fine Arts Clarissa Dharmaseta B Bus Man/B Arts Adriana Di Bella B Arts/B Education Sec) Mardia Ebert B Arts Jared Fowler B Advanced Science (Hons) Mollie Harding B Bus Man/B Arts Naomi Hurrey B Animation Herbert Huskisson B Education (Primary) Lauren Jamieson B Physiotherapy (Hons) Cameron Kroon B Engineering (Hons)/B Economics Hamish Laird B Engineering (Hons) Tyler Lawrence B Exercise Sport Sciences (Hons) 10 COCA NEWS
High Academic Achievement (GPA 6.0 – 6.49) (cont.)
Alice Leighton B Bus Man/B Arts Luke Liu B Science Shenae Marsden B Primary Education Meredith Melvin B Journalism Toby Mungomery B Physiotherapy (Hons) Madeleine Oag UG Cross Institutional - HASS Reece Reed B Science Daniel Sartor B Engineering/B Science Emma Sartor B Exercise Sport Sciences (Hons) Morgan Savage B Journalism/B Arts Gregor Tims B Advanced Science (Hons) Gracie Troy B Arts/B Education (Sec) Grace Vogler B Arts Conrad Zewe B International Studies
Cromwell College Prizes 2016 Edwin Hobart Lockley Prize: HSS highest GPA over 3 consecutive semesters Craig Land B Arts/B Laws (Hons) GPA 6.75 Rod McElhinney Prize: Highest GPA over three semesters in Faculty of Science Joshua Sheehy B Science GPA 6.83 VE Hancock Award: Most distinctions in Business, Economics, Law Clarissa Dharmaseta B Bus Man/B Arts GPA 5.98 College Governors Prize: Distinguished results in Faculty of Health Sciences Rosemary Brewster B Physiotherapy (Hons) GPA 6.33 Cromwell College Prize: Highest GPA over three semesters in Faculty of Social & Behavioural Science Matthew De Broize B Health Sciences GPA 5.33 First Year Highest GPA Prize: (was The U.C.I.S prize) Riley de Jong B Engineering (Hons) GPA 7.0 Jaryu Shaw B Science GPA 7.0 Kyle Williams B Science GPA 7.0 Old Collegians’ Prize: Academic distinction over three semesters in EAIT Colin Hitchener B Engineering (Hons)/B Mathematics GPA 6.83 Ben Townsend B Engineering (Hons) GPA 6.83 Yvonne Rogers Memorial Prize Student achieving the greatest improvement in rank Clarissa Dharmaseta B Bus Man/BArts Madison Matschoss B Biomedical Science (Hons) Anna Williams B Science Cromwell College Foundation Scholarship: Exceptional performance over five semesters in any field Jemimah Thompson B Arts Five semester GPA 6.94 Senior Tutors Award: Outstanding contribution to the Academic Tutorial Program Jeremy Hensel Luke Liu Cromwell Students’ Association Prize: Outstanding Academic Achievement & Contribution to College Life Craig Land D.C. Gale Shield Awarded to the corridor with the highest average G.P.A from Semester One Bottom Begbie GPA 5.58
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VALEDICTORY DINNER 2016 The Valedictory Dinner was celebrated on Tuesday 18th October 2016. Our guest for the evening was ex-Cromwellian Dr Adrian Nowitzke (1985 - 1986). The Frederick North Prize was awarded to Daniel Hoole and the Cromwell College Medal was awarded to the Student Association President, Sophie Davis. The President’s award was awarded to Melissa Morshead The Fresher of the Year was awarded to Dougal Stedman The Students’ Association Executive was awarded to Alison Mackie 2016 Valedictorians (2014 – 2016) Abbie Breckenridge Zachary Brown Taylor Burgess Emma Curro Christopher Davis Sophie Davis Matthew de Broize Billie-Lee Fuller Jack Gibson Benjamin Goulter Tayla Hansen Jeremy Hensel Daniel Hoole Zane Jhetam Sophie Jones Kristie Krieger Roland Langford Tyler Lawrence Luke Liu Audrey McInnerney Andrew McMahon Elliott Meelen Patrick Melville Melissa Morshead Alexandra Newton Madeleine Oag Antonia O’Flaherty Douglas Payne Madison Powell James Preston Sacha Robinson Daniel Sartor Joshua Sheehy Jemimah Thompson Ben Townsend Saskia Wass Daniel White
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Student Executive Team 2017 The Annual General Meeting of the Cromwell College Students’ Association was held on Sunday 16th October 2016. At this meeting the 2017 Student Executive was elected. President Troy Stark ICC Representative Phoebee New Vice President Molly Farmiloe Board of Governors Rep Laura Brown Secretary Corey Chueng O Week Convener Brodie Johnson Treasurer Jared Fowler O Week Committee Luke Vaughan Female Sports Convener Chelsea Wood Chris Nilsson Male Sports Convener Joshua Moy Anthony Hansen Cultural Convener Hannah Gunn Elyse Rich Media Rep “The Lion” Amy Price Grace Vogler Roxanne Mutschler Shop Boys Joshua Krieger Social Conveners Conrad Zewe Parker Hayes Eliza Parry-Okeden Chris Nilsson Ellie Price Justin Di Bella Dylan Rudorfer Resident Assistants (RAs) 2017 After an extensive process, involving feedback from current RA’s and staff as well as interviews, the following students have been appointed by the Principal as Resident Assistants for next year: Amy Price Top North Daniel Hoole Bottom North Bronte Holding Top Thatcher Hayden Wen Bottom Thatcher Jannikka Balko Top Dowling Jared Fowler Mid Dowling Andrew Douw Bottom Dowling Chelsea Wood Top Cock Caitlin Finegan Mid Cock Troy Stark Bottom Cock Phoebee New Top Han Hannah Gunn Mid Han Corey Cheung Bottom Han Taisha Paterson-Burr Top Begbie Verity Taylor Mid Begbie Craig Land Bottom Begbie Zane Jhetam Lockley / House Senior Academic Tutor
Jaryu Shaw
CROMWELL COLLEGE
Looking for somewhere to host your next conference or event? Cromwell offers COCA members discount for accommodation, function rooms and use of The Deck...... Please contact us at stay@cromwell.uq.edu.au and we can tailor make a package for you
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CULTURAL REPORT On 23rd of March, Cromwell placed 6th at the annual College Idol competition, supported by an overwhelming amount of Cromwell students. This year, Cromwell’s debating team put in a fantastic effort against some very tough competition from other colleges. The level of Cromwell’s final debate was indisputably higher than it was in the first round. The season highlight was undoubtedly beating the strong team from Emmanuel, last year’s competition winners, meaning Cromwell finished 8th overall. The chess competition was rejuvenated by conveners and participants and had a huge amount of support weekly. With a huge improvement from last year the team managed go through to the quarter finals, finishing in 6th place. On the 3rd of May, Cromwell performed at the 2016 ICC Choralfest competition at the South Bank Institute of Technology, and with an overwhelming turn out of supporters, the choir placed 8th. One of the most adored events of the year, the annual Cromwell College Students’ Association Boat Cruise, was held on the 30th April 2016 at the College. ‘Boat Cruise 2016: Return of the Roaring 20s’ was a huge success. The deck and Hancock/Dowling lawn were transformed into a 1920’s secret speakeasy, promoting a night to ‘putting on the Ritz’ and celebrate Cromwellian life in high class. The event kicked off with various cultural activities and entertainment could be enjoyed such as badminton, croquet, quoits, giant jenga, fairy floss and a photo booth. The guests were treated to live performances from the current Cromwell Bandfest group (Billie ‘De’Nice’ Fuller, Daniel ‘Gimli’ White, Grace ‘Polycephaly’ Volger, Peter ‘Russle’ Thurnwald, Matthew ‘Winston’ Powell, Craig ‘Mastin’ Land, Reece ‘M’Laady’ Reed, Taisha ‘Phun N Games’ Burr and Ben ‘Pluto’ Goutler), followed by Cromwell’s 2014 College Idol victor Bronte Holding acoustic performance and saxophonist Matthew Powell performing a solo jazz set. Later, as the night went on, St Johns’ College Band and current resident DJ Justin Di Bella “DJ Sammy” closed an evening that was the perfect opportunity for past and present Cromwell students to gather and enjoy a cocktail event while celebrating the rich cultural scene and talents of students at Cromwell. In the Cultural calendar for Semester Two, the Cromwell students have gone above and beyond what is needed to ensure that we ended the year with success. Exceptional talent was displayed in this year’s Art Show with Marlee Stevenson receiving 3rd in the drawing category. The cultural events and competitions for Semester Two have been unparalleled in success. Firstly Craig ‘Mastin’ Land demonstrated amazing public speaking capability at the annual Oratory competition representing Cromwell, taking fourth place. One Act Play once again turned out the biggest support from Cromwell students, and after months of rehearsals, the Crommy cast and crew stole the show, keeping the title from 2015 of third Place. Cultural Dinner this year was dedicated to the White Ribbon Foundation, and the students managed to raise $820 from gold coin donations. There was a serious effort in 2015 to improve the standard of the event and the guest entertainment. After months of planning and support from Administration, the Students’ Association President and Treasurer, Cromwell had a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a surprise Shannon Noll performance for the evening. Finally, Dancefest, involving over 50 students – with their time, effort and creativity the students managed to place 5th overall. For the Cultural Cup, Cromwell tied 7th with Union College. The most impressive success of the year, however; is the tireless effort and commitment the Cromwell students as convenors and participants demonstrate when it comes to cultural competitions and events. Furthermore, consistently throughout the year there has been an overwhelming turn out of supporters at each cultural event and competition, once again truly upholding what it means to be a “Cromwellian” and “Crommie Ticker”. Antonia ‘Switch’ O’Flaherty Cultural Convenor 2016
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SECOND SEMESTER FORMAL DINNERS..... James Tierney - 9th August
On Tuesday 9 August Mr James Tierney was our guest speaker at our formal dinner. James is the Acting Co-ordinator of the UQ Young Achievers Program (UQYAP) and came to give students an insight into the program, and the benefits to mentors. The UQ Young Achievers Program, which began in 2009, provides a valuable support framework to enable participating students, in Years 11 and 12, to realise their potential. Students selected for the Program benefit from: •
Ongoing support and mentoring from current UQ students
•
On-campus experiences, including residential camps at UQ’s St Lucia campus
•
Financial assistance of $1000 per year in Years 11 and 12 to assist with education costs
•
Scholarship support of $6000 per year for up to four years while enrolled at UQ
•
Information and personalised assistance with study and career planning
•
Advice on university study options, pathways and application procedures
•
Opportunities for personal growth and leadership development
•
Tailored transition advice and student support services
•
Regular newsletters and updates from UQ
Madalyn Thomson, a student at Cromwell who has been involved as a mentor in the program, gave a heartfelt account of the benefits she has experienced as a mentor. She indicated UQ Student Mentors play a vital role in the delivery and success of the Young Achievers Program by generously volunteering their time to inspire, inform and encourage the Young Achievers to pursue their educational ambitions. Mentors support the Young Achievers in a variety of ways by serving as: •
a friendly and helpful source of information, motivation and support
•
positive role models, who inspire the students and assist the development of leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
In summary UQYAP provides an extraordinary and fulfilling opportunity for mentors and students alike.
Lavinia Codd - 6th September Our guest speaker at our last standard formal dinner on Tuesday 6th September was Dr Lavinia Codd. Lavinia began her working life at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. She worked in both the Brisbane and South London offices of PWC, as well as the London office of the Swiss Bank Corporation, and The Walt Disney Company (Australia) in Melbourne. However, after the birth of her first child, Lavinia embarked on a career change and returned to UQ to study science. Mid-way through her studies, aged just 31, Lavinia suffered a stroke. The nature of Lavinia’s deficits meant that appropriate rehabilitation was unavailable, so she resumed her Bachelor of Science to drive her cognitive recovery, going on to complete her PhD in Professor Perry Bartlett’s internationally renowned laboratory. Today, as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute, Lavinia is investigating ways of improving recovery after stroke. Her aim is to translate laboratory findings into new behavioral and pharmacological approaches to restore cognitive functions in human stroke survivors. Lavinia gave students an interesting overview of her research and spoke of the benefits her program change had provided. She also pointed out that following a stroke recovery, although having its challenges, can be limitless. COCA NEWS 15
COCA Ball 2016
On Saturday 15th of October we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Cromwell President Jann Offer (nee Crossley) attend the Ball with her husband Kevin, also a C the generations of Cromwellian alumni. Many thanks to our generous donors for t Rugby League, AFL Europe and Deep Grey.
A fantastic evening was enjoyed by all....please see our Facebook albums for more p
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Old Collegians’ Association at the COCA Ball. We were privileged to have former COCA Cromwellian. The Hamilton Room at Brisbane City Hall was the perfect venue for hosting the lucky door prizes: Roses Only, Orb Hair & Beauty, Symphony Hill Wines, Queensland
photos from the evening
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COCA Ball 2016 (cont.)
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COCA NEWS 19
COCA Ball 2016 (cont.)
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COCA NEWS 21
COCA Ball 2016 (cont.)
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COCA NEWS 23
REMEMBER - RECON
COCA’s inaugural Presidents’ Dinner was held on the evening of Saturday the 16th of July. This event celebrated Cr knit community that Cromwell prides itself on.
Out of the 65 Student Association Presidents that Cromwell has had pass through its halls, 18 were in attendance. warm feeling throughout the evening is best exemplified through the link between new and old as we hosted the from every decade in between! Despite the varying age groups, Cromwell’s traditions enabled all to enjoy each ot
Moving inside from pre-dinner drinks on the Deck, our honoured guests were treated to a fine musical display by Michael Knowles (1959), Greg Keane (1977), and Lachlan Power (2015), in the Junior Common Room (JCR). The JCR proudly displayed throughout the room.
The message shared on the evening echoed what the JCR denotes - that Cromwell’s rich history deserves celebratio through which all of our Alumni can share in their common experiences and interact socially and professionally,
The success of the Presidents’ Dinner was carried over into Sunday the 17th, with the Alumni celebrating the re reconnect over a drink or two. Old boys and girls were able to enjoy some nostalgic wanderings down their old co received. We encourage everyone to contribute to the future editions. We want to learn of your journey and wher
Please don’t forget to spread the word and reconnect our lost Alumni! We are in the process of launching a new p More photos from the weekend can be seen on our Facebook page....
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Back L to R: Front L to R:
Richard Shannon (2003), David Wildermuth (199 (1974), Greg Elphinston (1992), Peter Fuelling (19 Power (2015), Greg Keane (1977) Mike Knowles (1959), Daniel Henalla ((2014), Del Nicholas Finlay (2011)
NNECT - RELAUNCH
romwell’s history through those that have upheld its traditions and have been instrumental in fostering the tight-
. Seeing the bond that was formed between them as a consequence of this common history was very special. The newest, Lachlan Power (2015), and the first, Des Yesberg (1954), Student Association Presidents, and at least one ther’s take on various O-Weeks, Bunkers and @Homes.
y cellist and Cromwell Fresher, Reece ‘M’Laady’ Reed, à la carte dining, and recounts of their time at Cromwell by R proved to be the perfect setting as it encapsulated Cromwell’s history with the trophies and year group photos
on and that the transition into Alumni shouldn’t be where the story ends. Moreover, that COCA can be the conduit no matter what vintage of Cromwellian they may be.
elaunch of the COCA News. This casual and relaxed affair allowed current students, families and old friends to orridors and into their old rooms. The showcasing of Cromwell’s newer facilities and the new magazine were well re life has taken you since leaving Cromwell and we wish to celebrate and share your stories with our community.
platform to make it easier for our Alumni to connect, so keep an eye open!
91), Peter Betros (1975), Adam Bartels (2008), Damien Alroe 997), David Midwood (1986), Darryn Rackemann (1999), Lachlan
lia Bolger (1993), Des Yesberg (1954), Joanne Landmark (2010),
PRESIDENTS’ PAST
We are continuting our “President’s Past”s for his contribution since leaving Cromwel for the Student Presidents’ Dinner - his firs
JAMES ‘Phlover’ DUFFY (2011 - 2013) 2014: • Holiday around USA (NYC, Whistler, San Francisco, Vegas, Chicago, LA) • Went back over to NYC during July and competed (my father and youngest brother also joined) in an open water swimming race in Hudson River (2.5km) starting at the Statue of Liberty – Placed 1st overall (and yes there were more than two people!)
• I was then invited back to championship event in San Diego where I placed 8th overall and 1st in the 21-25 age group • Selected in the 2015 KFC Breakers National League Water Polo Team 2015: • I was accepted into The London School of Economics as an exchange student where I studied alternative investments • Completed an internship at BDO in corporate finance and MADAD Investments 2016: • Started an internship with Keystone Private • Graduated July with a dual degree in Economics (International Trade and Finance) and Commerce (Finance) • Offered a roll within Keystone Private as an Investment Analyst • Enrolled in the CFA program
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section after the success of our Presidents’ Dinner in July. Many thanks to James Duffy (2011 - 2013) ll. We had the pleasure of meeting Mike Knowles (1957 - 1960) when he returned to Cromwell in July st time back since 1960. And please welcome Joanne Landmark, our new COCA President.
L to R: Ross Switzer, Joanne Landmark, Daniel Baum
Life after living in the special bubble that is Cromwell College has definitely been different for me! In 2011 I graduated from physiotherapy at UQ. I recall that year being one of my most challenging, not only was I unprepared for the physical and mental demand of practical placements, but my Honours project continued to throw hurdles my way. At the time I often asked myself why I had chosen to do Honours. However, having investigated some of the differences in the calf muscles of children with cerebral palsy, it all proved worth it when I got my first job. Burnie, along the north-west coast of Tasmania, was to become home for the next year. Finding my feet as a newly practising physiotherapist in a small country practice, and on my own was my next challenge. It was the kind nature of many Taswegians which helped me to settle in quickly and succeed in my new role. Change came yet again in 2012 when I headed back to Brisbane. For the past four years, I have been able to establish my clinical skills and reconnect with Cromwell - even through the odd patient or two. Common ground is easily found in discussing fresher names and hearing about the latest Bunker parties. It hasn’t been all work and no play. Over the last couple of years I have had the pleasure of visiting family in Brazil, Norway and the UK. One holiday that should be on everyone’s bucket list is a trip to Morocco. There are too many highlights to list however I will say my Moroccan rug takes pride of place in my living room. Looking forward, 2017 will see me getting more involved with COCA. I now have the benefit of time and a chance to give back to the college that gave me so much in my founding young adult years. That’s part of the magic of Cromwell College; it never really leaves your life.
JOANNE ‘Hip Hop’ LANDMARK (2008 - 2010)
COCA NEWS 27
PRESIDENTS’ PAST (cont.)
Michael Knowles: Life in College and its consquences It has been a pleasure to write this piece for the Magazine as requested by our COCA President, Daniel Baum. This is because, for a start, all of us would not only assume naturally that there is a strong connection between what we learn from our time at College and the way it shaped our lives afterwards, but also we would take this for granted. On the other hand, making one think about this in terms of actual specifics reveals that the relationship is far deeper than this, and this has been a revelation. As it had been founded only four years beforehand, the College was finding both its feet and its identity, and everything was stimulating. Highlights were many ranging from the endless discussions around the dinner table and at brew-time every night about every topic under the sun to participating in sports even in which one had only a modicum of skill because, due to the College being the smallest at the time, there was only one team in each. On being elected as Student President I was forced to think about the College in a new way, and the experience was novel. What was apparent was that, while team spirit in the individual sports was high, this did not translate across the sports to the College as a whole. Another indicator was the General Meetings of the Student Association which tended to be boring and were not well attended. So the challenge became one of finding an activity in which everyone had the opportunity to participate. The first to come to mind, of course, was the College At Home but its record was known – highly popular for some but not appealing to many. So in the end the only one left standing was the General Meetings. There was, however, a ray of light. What was worth a try were the ‘Rules of Procedure for Conducting General Meetings’ which had the potential of harnessing the argumentative talents of our endless discussions and leading to a tangible consequence – the motion would be won or lost. They caught on like a house on fire and attendance rose, and rose again. Of the other initiatives, some of which worked and some did not, the most memorable was a Saturday night organised at the QUR Regimental Hall at the foot of the College Hill. What unfolded was a night of revelry and the rendition of seemingly every song from the celebrated University Song Book. Surprisingly, the buzz which built and pervaded the evening was still felt next day in the Dining Hall and throughout the corridors, and was still tangible even into the subsequent week. What was totally unexpected was that the cultivation of this interest in what made a College function the way it did, combined with similar interests resulting from involvement in the University Rugby team, QUR itself, and the Psychology Students Association, determined my future vocation. This was to focus upon organisations as a subject of research, to teach in an MBA program about the behavioural side of organisations, and to become highly involved in two scientific and professional organisations, the Australian Psychological Society and the International Association of Applied Psychology. Both the latter provided the acid test, to practice what one preached, plus the huge benefit of enabling one to preach what one practiced. There is one other aspect of College that should be mentioned in closing. This concerns the international outlook that was fostered on account of the number of international students who had made it their college of choice. Although never wanting to leave Queensland (and although my primary allegiance is with rugby union, one is constantly reminded of just how deeply one’s roots are every time a State of Origin match is played), the attitude of the overseas students in pursuing their studies abroad was a great help initially in seizing a job opportunity when it arose interstate in Melbourne, and then much later in life when chances came to become involved in several international organisations. Michael Knowles Cromwell College from 1957-1960 Former President of the International Association of Applied Psychology
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The Portugal Wire
Emily ‘Pixie’ McAuliffe (2003 - 2005)
Olá from Portugal! I’m a former Cromwellian and since leaving the college halls I’ve gone on to live what many would call ‘the dream’ as a travel writer and photographer in Europe. While the job is far less glamorous than it looks and reliably pays more in experience than money, I really can’t complain. After chipping away at a writing career in parallel to a corporate job, I took the plunge earlier this year to move abroad and write and photograph full time. While many Australians make tracks for the motherland, I took the unconventional route and decided to go further south. If I pocketed a dollar every time I was asked why I chose to live in Portugal I’d have retired to the Algarve by now, but, long story short, it’s a beautiful country with ridiculously friendly people and Australians can now conveniently get a visa to live here for 12 months.
I thought I’d take the opportunity to build an educational bridge between our respective sides of the world with my blog The Portugal Wire www. theportugalwire.com. Here you can find everything you wanted to know, and everything you didn’t know you wanted to know, about the country with a history of world domination and a slew of surprising feats on the European and world stage (despite being just 1/83rd the size of Australia). Given my passion for photography you’ll also find galleries of my images taken around the country. Of course being based in Portugal means easy access to Europe, so I also post about my travels, including my photos, on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/theportugalwire/; Instagram www. instagram.com/mcauliffeemily and Twitter https:// twitter.com/mcauliffe_emily, so be sure to follow the adventure. Feel free to drop me a message sometime too.
Realising most Australians know next to nada about Portugal (and vice versa, as I’ve discovered), Emily
COCA NEWS 29
Mongol Rally 2016
Rob
The Mongol Rally thunders 16,000km across the mountains, desert and steppe of the Eurasian continent each year in the European summer. The rules of the rally are simple; teams are unsupported, cars must be small and crap (sic) and each team must raise at least $2000 for charity. Starting in England and finishing in Mongolia, there is no set route; it’s just adventure rally madness on an international scale. I first learned about the Mongol Rally a couple of years ago and immediately started making plans for a gap-year. Tom and Jules were two of my best mates from school and they didn’t take much convincing to start planning time off university and work to form team Tasmaniyaks with me. After nearly two years of planning, research and anticipation, in July this year the three of us squeezed into a tiny little Suzuki jeep with our gear and joined the fray at the official launch at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in southern England. The atmosphere at the launch party was incredible, everyone was super amped for the adventure and it was great to see all the other team’s cars and hear their stories. One team was called, “AWOL Rascals”, it turns out they were genuinely British soldiers who hadn’t officially been granted leave. Another Aussie team had built a roof rack for their car that was shaped like a boat so well that almost everyone thought they actually had a boat on their roof. Several other teams told us that they were heading off with only a couple of hundred dollars between them and that’s the idea of the Mongol Rally, it’s more fun if you’re unprepared and everything goes wrong. Some cars broke down at the launch party, before the rally even started, which was funny. Every team participating in the rally is required to raise money for Cool Earth as the official charity of the event. Cool Earth aims to conserve rainforests by putting control of areas of forest back into the hands of the local people who rely on the forest for their survival. They have projects in the Amazon, Indonesia and Africa. We also chose to support a local Tasmanian charity so we raised money for the Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust based at
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b ‘Chestbrah’ Strong (2013 - 2015) the Launceston General Hospital. We did most of our charity fundraising through online crowdfunding and with a one-off event at a local pub. We were very pleased with the response we had to our fundraising efforts which raised more than $4000 for the charities. The adventure itself was fast and furious. When planning we hadn’t realised just how quickly 8 weeks would pass when we had 20,000km of driving to do in a car that wouldn’t exceed 80km/h. We had to cover Europe in 6 days in order to make it to the Mongol Rally beach party on the Black Sea in Romania with several other rally parties on the way. It was a blast but we basically didn’t get to sleep. Highlight of the European leg would have been driving the Transfargarasan Highway, the mountain road in Romania made famous when Top Gear dubbed it, “the world’s best driving road.” After Europe we drove through some of the Middle East and Caucasus. We spent 12 days in Iran where the Iranian people swamped us with hospitality and we were lucky enough to make friends with a family in Tehran who showed us around including one of the amazing mosques in Tehran where the interior is entirely mirror mosaics. A major part of the trip was driving the Pamir Highway in Central-Asia. We drove along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border for about 10 days with a few other rally teams which was quite interesting. At one ancient fort ruin there was a Tajik soldier who must have wanted to show us that he was ready to fight or something because he unclipped the magazine from his AK-47 to show us that he had live rounds before just slotting it back into the rifle. It was in the Central-Asian countries where we had the most problems with dodgy cops trying to get money out of us. Having a few packs of foreign cigarettes almost always helped get us out of trouble with the police in these countries. Our biggest car disaster was when our engine let go of piston four and basically wrecked itself. It happened on our way into Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and we had to be towed the last few hundred kilometres into the capital. We were forced to order a new engine from Russia so we didn’t have to abandon the car. That actually worked out well because it meant we had time to travel into the mountains to watch some of the World Nomad Games. We watched horseback wrestling as well as normal wrestling, horseback archery, eagle hunting shows and got to ride on some horses ourselves. From Bishkek where we had the engine replaced we drove for 72 hours straight through Kazakhstan and part of Russia to arrive at the Mongolian border on the last day before my Mongolian visa was no longer valid for entry. Mongolia was incredible, such large open spaces with such tough people that live so differently to people in the west. The Mongolian people are mostly still nomadic and will move with the seasons. On our first day in Mongolia a guy on a motorbike approached us and asked us to stay with his family. We gratefully accepted because we had been driving for three days and just needed to sleep. Sitting in the ger tent with a few Mongolian men pouring vodkas, we drank two bottles in a matter of minutes then one of the guys jumped on his motorbike to go and get beer, it was loose. The “rally” part of the adventure ended for us in Irkutsk in Siberia, a few hours’ drive north of the Mongolian border. We had reached the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar and decided it was the ugliest, dirtiest and darkest city we had ever seen so we didn’t even stop the car, just drove straight through and went north to Russia. In Irkutsk, Tom got a flight back to Europe and Jules caught the train to Barnaul, another Russian city, where he had planned to work in a school for a short period. I now had to get the car back to Europe to avoid paying Russian import taxes. The drive back to Europe was almost the most difficult part of the trip because the car was almost falling to bits and even the new engine was giving me grief. I spent several entire days pulled over in paddocks servicing things at various points through the drive back. It was now getting quite cold and in Siberia the nights were always sub-zero temperatures as it was late September to early October. I had intended to drive all the way back to the UK but the car was running so poorly that when I got to my little brother’s place in Holland I sold it to a wrecker for 50 euro and ended my journey there. So, that was the Mongol Rally for team Tasmaniyaks. In summary it was an incredible and mind opening experience. There were challenges but no regrets, we had overwhelmingly positive experiences. I can’t encourage others enough to take the plunge and form a team. Adjusting back to Aussie life has been interesting, but not too much adjustment is required because I’m fortunate enough to be joining a bunch of other Cromwell alumni heading off to drive around Africa in 2017. We’ll keep you posted...
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COCA NEWS 33
FRANCES LOUISA (NANCY) LOCKLEY ~ 1920-2016 We record the passing of Mrs Nancy Lockley, widow of the Rev Dr G Lindsay Lockley, Foundation Principal of the College. As Miss Nancy North, she served on the Board of Governors during the early 1980s, continuing for a time after her marriage to Dr Lockley in 1986. However, her connections with Cromwell go back almost to its very beginnings. Nancy was the daughter of Congregational minister, the Rev Frederick North, after whom North Wing is named and she and her mother donated the original Principal’s chair for the high table in the Hall (now the Junior Common Room). Nancy’s strong Christian faith led her into a lifetime of service. At the Cracknell Road Congregational (later Uniting) Church she taught in the Sunday School, sang in the choir for many years and, after her mother’s death, took over playing the pipe organ. She also sang in the State & Municipal Choir, was active in the Senior Branch of the Australian Student Christian Movement and in many other organisations. In her professional life Nancy served as a much loved teacher in the Somerville House Junior School for over forty years and many were the former pupils who would greet her in the street with, ‘Oh! Miss Northy, darling!” As her health began to decline, Nancy moved into Carinity Wishart Village where she also endeared herself to many. It was there that she passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 12 2016, ending a long life well lived.
Barbara Merefield
Sponsor a Student Year Photo: $100 Sponsor a Dining Chair: $200 Sponsor a Dining Table: $1000 Contact t.dempsey@cromwell.uq.edu.au for further information Cromwell Old Collegians' Association
COCA EVENTS 2017 Semester 1 TRIVIA NIGHT 2017
Saturday 22nd April @ 5pm Cromwell College COCA Bowls - date tba ROSS & JENNY SWITZER OVERSEAS ALUMNI DRINKS Hong Kong – Sunday 2 April London – Saturday 8 April Montreal – Thursday 25 May New York – Monday 29 May Los Angeles – Tuesday 30 May Please RSVP your interest to t.dempsey@cromwell.uq.edu.au
Semester 2 COCA @ The Races (September)
Contributions welcome We are always interested to hear what you have been doing, where you have been and who you have seen since leaving Cromwell. Please send contributions to coca@cromwell.uq.edu.au. Many thanks
COCA NEWS 35
CROMWELL COLLEGE Cromwell College Song Cromwell is the greatest College, Proved by every kind of test; Seeking for the highest knowledge, Aiming always for the best. Generous when we have the victory, Gracious if we know defeat, This is Cromwell’s firm tradition; Freeing Spirit, our heartbeat! God’s own Spirit brings us freedom Is the Motto we profess; It provides us inspiration, Gives us strength in times of stress. Hail or shine we stick together, Whether near or far apart; Ever caring, true and loyal, We bear Cromwell in our heart. The song is sung to the music of “Hymn to Joy” (92 in the Australian Hymn Book)
Editor
Tania Dempsey
COCA President Joanne Landmark CONTACT
Tania Dempsey or Joanne Landmark
coca@cromwell.uq.edu.au
ADDRESS
Walcott Street, ST LUCIA, QLD 4067
WEBSITE www.coca.net.au
www.cromwell.uq.edu.au
www.facebook.com/Cromwell.Old.Collegians.Association/
