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Alumni Profiles
Alumni Profiles By Ian Robertson Alumni Manager
The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre
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Dr Roslyn Otzen served as Principal of Korowa from 1991 until 2003. During this time, she introduced many innovative programs and cemented Korowa’s reputation as one of the leading independent girls’ schools in Australia. Amongst her many achievements at Korowa were the establishment of the Cripps Centre Middle School and the Korowa Foundation of which she is a former Director and Fellow. Ros also introduced the now iconic Trek program that teaches students teamwork, resilience and an appreciation of the natural world. Since its commencement in 1994, more than 1000 Korowa students have completed this program. Ros has always been a passionate advocate for girls’ education. In 1991, along with the Principal of Tintern, she established the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia, which is still the foremost voice for the advancement of girls’ education. During her time as Principal, she continuously emphasised the importance of physical activity to a students’ sense of wellbeing. Subsequently, in 2001, Ros was a driving force behind the establishment of Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV), that saw the formation of one of the largest sporting associations for girls in Victoria, when the 24 independent girls’ schools combined into one sporting association that considerably expanded and enhanced sporting opportunities for girls. This is a legacy we enjoy today with Korowa involved in 16 sports. The naming of our new building in her honour not only acknowledges her contribution, but also the important place she occupies in the history of our School.
The Hannah Macdougall Swimming Pool
Named in honour of Paralympian Dr Hannah Macdougall (Class of 2005) a World Record Holder in 50 metres backstroke, Captain of the Australian Swimming Team at both World Championships and Paralympic Games and a Bronze medallist at the Paralympics, Athens 2004. Hannah ‘christened’ the pool by having the first swim on the morning of 17 June and was then joined by members of Korowa’s swimming squad. Combined with her impressive sporting career at the elite level, she enrolled at Deakin University in 2007 and completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Sport Management in 2011. She also completed a PhD in Sport Management (focussing on athlete wellbeing) at La Trobe University in 2017. Hannah did her entire schooling at Korowa. Her life has personified the Korowa School motto of ‘no reward without effort’ and she has lived the School values of courage, respect, integrity and service.
Sandra Ivory's (Clark, Class of 1967) enduring memory of Korowa is friendship. Sitting with her friends in the school grounds at recess and lunchtime where they were affectionately known as the ‘Brooks Gang’, were the personal highlights of her day. In 1980, Sandra joined her family’s industrial investment firm, the Sinclaire Group. The business has grown considerably under her leadership and currently operates in four states. Sandra has always believed in the power of education to make a difference and has been a Director of the Korowa Foundation since 2014 and Chair of the Korowa Foundation since 2015. Due to her philanthropic support of the School, she is one of only two Benefactors of the Korowa Foundation. Sandra’s ongoing commitment to our School, and her continued stewardship of the Korowa Foundation, have been recognised in the naming of The Sandra Ivory Café and Piazza. On the commemorative plaque is a quotation from Proverbs: "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."
The Wendy Millar Sports Hall
Named in honour of the loyal and outstanding service given by Wendy Millar (Malfroy, Class of 1964) in her 32 years as a member of staff. Wendy was a Prefect, Jamieson House Captain and Sports Captain. In 1978, she was appointed by Principal, Miss Margaret McPherson as Head of Physical Education and Sport and in 2001, the inaugural Chair of Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV) Heads of Sport Committee. She was instrumental in helping to create the breadth of sporting opportunities that now exist for Korowa students. Wendy retired in 2009 as Chief of Staff. For generations of Korovians, her name is synonymous with sport and it was clear on the day of the opening of the building, the high regard in which she is held by all sections of the Korowa community.
The Amy Tennent Theatre
Amy Tennent (Cripps) entered Korowa in 1985 and graduated in the Class of 1995. In her senior years, she was very involved in the School’s drama and music programs (particularly in choirs) as well as displaying a strong sense of service to others. She is a director of the Cripps Foundation, a philanthropic foundation established by her grandfather. Amy’s father Mr Robert Cripps AM and his family believe people who have been so fortunate as to amass great wealth should channel it toward the greater good. As a result, the Cripps Foundation, established in 1956, has made substantial gifts to educational institutions, hospitals, churches, charitable organisations and museums around the world. As a result of their generosity to Korowa since the 1990s, Amy and her parents Mr Robert Cripps AM and Mrs Jan Cripps are all Patrons of the Korowa Foundation. As a tribute to Amy’s distinguished career in the philanthropic sector, combined with her interest in the performing arts and service to Korowa, we officially named The Amy Tennent Theatre – a truly remarkable space for the Performing Arts.