Conferences & Events

Thursday, 16 March was the Annual John XXIII Gala. This year the event was held at the National Gallery of Australia in the impressive Gandel Hall. We had close to 300 students attending the event. Welcome drinks and canapes were served in the Gardens before moving into Gandel Hall. Our theme for the night was “Shine bright like a …?” and served as a reminder that we are all stars, that we should shine a spotlight on our own individual and group talents and that these talents should be celebrated. Our Deputy Head of College Dee Marrapodi gave a very moving speech along this theme. The Johns Band led by Louis Sturm was incredible and the talents of each band member as well as DJ Felix should be commended.

The Grand Re-opening of the College is set for Thursday, 13 April. An amazing opportunity to celebrate the creativity of the building design and the successful execution of the construction. The event will be officiated by Professor Brian Schmidt, ANU Vice-Chancellor, and Mr John Harris, Chairman John XXIII Board. The building will be blessed by Father Dominic Murphy (OP) Prior Provincial. We are expecting 80 guests which include the Johns Board, key ANU staff from Residential Experience, ANU Registrar Scott Pearsall, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Grady Venville. Some of our current as well as former residents who lived through the dust, concrete and building construction as well as some former alumni who remember the “old” building will also join us for this very special occasion.