House Commitee
The House Committee for 2020 was democratically elected by members of the Students’ Club on the evening of 14 October. We are pleased to introduce our incoming House Committee:
Senior Student - Jack Grant
Secretary - Adele Burke
Treasurer - Ben Adams
HAT - Emily Cooke
Rawson Representative - Hamish Sheehan
Rosebowl Representative - Annabel Martin
Female Intercol Representative – Lily Paterson
Male Intercol Representative - John Downes
Social Representative - Will Cottle
Cultural Representative - Callum Cooke
Alumni Liaison - Maisie McFadyen
the
Rev Dr Gareth Clayton OAM, Chaplain
“As Senior Student, I look forward to being a strong voice for the Students’ Club, embracing my passion for this College to ensure that the Club operates smoothly, independently and successfully. As cultural renewal continues to be effected in our College, I am also looking forward to ensuring that St Andrew’s continues to maintain its unique identity, culture and set of values that have been the bedrock of our community for over 150 years. With the help of a very talented and capable Executive and House Committee, 2020 promises to be a year where we can make a lasting and positive impact on the College.”
Jack Grant Senior Student-elect
2020
At this time in the academic year, visits from STRESS, WORRY & ANXIETY seem to be more frequent.
To this, St Paul Responds, “I would like you to be free from worry” (Cor 7:32 GNT)
Well, at the very outset, simply try this, WHEN WORRY COMES TO THE DOOR, DON’T GIVE IT THE BEST SEAT AND ENTERTAIN IT. And strangely enough IT WORKS!!
From the Chair & Bird
Academic Program
St Andrew’s has enjoyed a lively Semester Two; our Chair & Bird discuss the College’s progress.
The College gathered to celebrate an important milestone for our new building. Did you know that our College Choir performs at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse every month?
Leadership Program
Professional Development Program
Thyne Reid Link Development
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
Choir @ the Lifehouse
Annual Lecture
College Community
From the Archives
Alumni Community
1867 Circle Lunch
Blue & White is published twice a year by the College Advancement and Marketing teams for the St Andrew’s College community. We wish to thank all of our student photographers for their contributions.
Front cover image: Hamish Sheehan (Fr 2018) sprinting in the 4x400m relay at the Rawson Athletics competition. Photo by Chester Burns (Fr 2019).
Arthur Johnson left College nearly 60 years ago, but he has remained connected ever since.
Hannah Atwell Clare Armstrong Euro Ruangvanish
Alana Chambers Chester Burns Minami Takahashi
Jade Conner Matthew Duchesne
From the Chair & Bird
Welcome to the December edition of our Andrew’s magazine Blue & White.
This issue seeks to cover the major events and achievements across our College community over the past semester, and looks ahead to what we can expect at the beginning of 2020.
Our newly elected incoming House Committee is introduced on our inside front cover. They are a highly regarded group of students, possessing solid leadership qualities. We are strongly convinced that they will lead the College in many ways over the next year and beyond.
We have successfully brought home the Rawson, Rosebowl and University Cups, with a 3rd place in Palladian. There has been a convincingly high level of performance across all Intercol competitions, with unprecedented levels of audience support. We look forward to starting strong when it all begins again next year.
The academic performance of our men and women continues to impress. In Semester 1, our undergraduate students achieved average semester marks of 72 or higher. A Distinction grade or above was achieved by almost 50% of the College. We continue to offer comprehensive support to any student
who may be struggling to meet their academic goals, including a mentoring and tutoring program. Senior Tutor Eloise Howse discusses our College’s academic opportunities and robust intellectual life on page 6.
As ever in a progressive institution, changes are afoot. You may already be familiar with the ongoing construction of our Thyne Reid Link Building, which will allow us to welcome the single biggest population increase in the College’s history. Two milestones were met in August, with both the Topping Out Ceremony and Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony (page 12). We are working with the builders to ensure the maximum number of bedrooms will be ready for the start of the academic year, with the gym and Student Hub being handed over in March.
Leadership training is ongoing (page 7), as part of our commitment to our cultural renewal plan. Changes have been made throughout the College with Walkabout just one example; students have instead come up with the alternative ‘College2Country’ idea, a safe and fun event that continues to promote friendship, connection and teamwork.
A successful new digital venture has arisen this semester, the student-run Drew’s News blog. It provides a space for students to write and publish pieces on any topic of interest, be it current events, personal experiences or sharing their opinions. Thus far, we have had several brilliant pieces written and published online which not only showcases the broad interests and mindsets of our men and women, but also the commendable writing talent we have at College.
Engaging and thought-provoking conversations have come from these blog pieces - we encourage all of our community to visit www.drewsnews.org.
Our College calendar this past semester has, as ever, remained vibrant and eventful. Our students have recently enjoyed a successful run of this year’s DRAMSOC production Hay Fever, we have farewelled our graduating cohort with their Valedictory Dinner, enjoyed an engaging Annual Lecture with a multitude of alumni events and reunions that help to strengthen our enduring community.
Androvians pride themselves on giving back, with an emphasis on community service. On page 14, we share an account of our College Chapel Choir performing at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; a monthly occurrence during the academic year that brings much joy to patients, families, staff and visitors within. We are extremely proud of the work our student do to ‘give back’.
As our College grows, the Campaign for St Andrew’s – to enable access to College – is well underway, with over $4 million raised to date. Our campaign aims to break down two of the biggest barriers to attending College; financial constraints and a shortage of available places. We have received many inspiring gifts already that you can read about in the 2019 Philanthropy Report, available next year. We ask you to consider making a meaningful gift to make a significant impact on the lives of our students.
On a sombre note, as many of you know, in September we sadly said farewell to our Senior Archivist and Senior Fellow, Associate Professor R. Ian Jack.
We will greatly miss this much-admired man who was a part of the fabric of St Andrew’s College. He contributed so significantly to College, education and the wider community. We pay tribute to him on page 26.
We hope you will enjoy this issue of Blue & White, and look forward to hearing your thoughts. Please visit our website, or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, to stay abreast of everything that is happening within the walls of St Andrew’s.
Warmest regards,
Wayne Erickson Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982) Principal Senior Student 1985 Chair of Council
Academic Program
The College’s academic achievements can be summed up as such: ‘We just keep getting better and better!’
Our students are an energetic, talented group of young people who keep going from strength to strength, ably supported by a team of engaged student leaders and staff. Since the College implemented the requirement that all students achieve an annual average mark of 65 or higher in 2015, our students have responded with gusto, throwing themselves into their academic pursuits and accessing all the support on offer.
Semester 1 2019 was no exception, with students achieving average semester marks of 72 across the University of Sydney, UTS and UNSW. 16 students achieved a High Distinction average (85 or higher) and were awarded with Thistles at the end of year Valedictory Dinner for their superb academic performance. Approximately 50% of results were at a Distinction grade or higher – a fantastic achievement for our students, and a great reflection on their College tutors and university lecturers.
We aim to create an environment of academic rigor that supports all students to achieve their best. One example is our Academic Area Tutor program, in which a team of senior students run an in-house mentoring and tutoring
program. This is complemented by external tutors from the broader university community. In Semester 2, 79 tutorials are regularly running each week. The AAT’s also mentor students who struggle academically, regularly meeting with them to determine goals for future success.
In addition to a strong academic support program, the College hosts a number of after-dinner talks and events in our Senior Common Room, with speakers from the College and the wider community. These talks allow our students to hear from experts in their academic field, often leading to robust discussions going late into the night!
I wish to pay particular tribute to the late Professor Ian Jack, Senior Fellow and President of the Senior Common Room, for his support and leadership in the academic and intellectual life of College. Ian was especially supportive of the academic program, and we will greatly miss his wise counsel and presence in our community.
Eloise Howse Senior Tutor
Leadership Program
Our leadership training this year has focused on peer-led events, with sessions run by current leaders. This includes a forum with past Senior Students discussing the challenges of leadership in College and a cultural leader forum discussing challenges of leading in professional life.
Mental health first-aid sessions have been held by our Pastoral Leaders with enthusiastic student engagement. Fortnightly Fortnight continues, and the Annual Lecture also took place in October. We conducted our online survey for the tenth year with 116 students participating. ‘What is important and what is working well at College?’ yielded a range of responses covering social life/friends/community, academic/support, belonging/inclusion and sports/arts.
‘Enthusiasm among students, getting involved and supporting each other. This excitement builds camaraderie which is a vital aspect of College; what makes St Andrew’s so unique is a strong sense of participation, for everyone to step out of their comfort zone.’ - Response from a female fresher.
‘Transitioning to College has been easier than I imagined, due to older cohorts welcoming us into this new environment. Through their support I have been able to gain lifelong friendships. I have thoroughly loved the activities we do
together…it brings us closer and cements that ‘one family’ feeling.’ - Response from a male fresher.
Many commented on the changes to Walkabout, expressing disappointment but noting that they understood the reasons why these changes had to occur. The leadership team and aspiring leaders discussed this in group sessions with an external anthropology expert. Work-shopping what Walkabout meant, they came up with its core purpose; modifying it while keeping the themes of ritual, experience and friendship intact. Focusing on finding a positive solution, ‘College2Country’ was born. It continues to be student-led, maintaining the best of Walkabout while making it more inclusive and safe.
We are proud of our student leaders and their ability to engage with change to create student-led, fun challenges promoting community, friendship and safety.
Hester Wilson Vice Principal & Director of College Life
House Committee Secretary Neive Roebuck with Cultural Leader Forum guest speakers Dr Tim Dean, Rev Vini Ravetali and Camilla Ferguson
Professional Development Program
Self Mentoring
Psychometric tests are commonly used for those seeking employment in the digital age. Unfortunately, they can cause stress for students who believe that they can learn to score better. In the Self-Mentoring Program we explain the role of psychometric testing and how students can use the results to their advantage. The program is designed to reduce anxiety about psychometric testing when seeking employment and help the student to focus their efforts towards behavior remodelling that is in line with their chosen career.
This program combines two psychometric evaluation instruments that students complete prior to the workshops. When taken together the evaluation gives the student a baseline of their behaviours within the real world and the digital environment. The first workshop is an educational session where the role and purpose of psychometric testing is explained. Students then apply this knowledge to examine and develop an understanding of their personal results. The second workshop introduces my self-mentoring model, which gives the students an understanding and method for applying second order cybernetic principles to develop behavior modification that is aligned with their personal goals.
The program is currently in the pilot stage and thus limited to the evaluation, and two workshops, for 20 students. It is hoped that next year this program can be rolled out to all freshers and their evaluation be continued over their remaining time at College. If this program proceeds there will be two main benefits for the College. Firstly, we will be cited as supporting empirical research in current social challenges related to ‘transitioning to the workforce’. Secondly, students who participate in this program will be leaders in understanding and managing their personal behaviours and goals within a duality of environments.
If you or your workplace may be able to provide suitable opportunities for our residents, please contact Dr Diane Spencer Scarr via T: +61 2 9565 7328
E: collegelifeoffice@standrewscollege.edu.au
To learn more about the Professional Development Program events, please refer to our website.
Dinner
The creation of Dinner @ Drew’s was to provide a natural mentoring environment for students and alumni. This event is open to alumni of our College along with current residents who have met the criteria of participation in Professional Development events. This restriction worked to ensure there was an appropriate level of professionalism at the event. For the pilot event we were over-subscribed with many committed students who met the high standard expected. Unfortunately we encountered a small challenge in attracting the matching alumni numbers, but we are hopeful that this will improve over time as we work more closely with the Advancement Team to introduce these new opportunities to alumni.
The format at Dinner @ Drew’s is designed to simulate a business dinner, and thus provide an opportunity for students to practice 'dinner conversation' in a more professional setting. Unlike other Professional Development events, which have themes and structure, this event simply provides an environment where free-flowing discussion can take place. The purpose is to allow natural mentoring pairs to develop. There are five to six tables, with six guests of similar or compatible industries.
Each table included two alumni who are at the mature stage of their career, two alumni at the early stage of their career, and two students hoping to enter the associated industry. The purpose of the event is to elevate conversation to industry issues rather than student activities or needs. It is also to provide an opportunity for alumni to network with industry alumni at College and to headhunt potential students within their industry. Each event also includes time for general networking amongst all of the attendees.
The Professional Development Program has three main streams; Mentoring, Skills, and Digital. Mentoring is achieved through events and workshops. These include TURBO Networking, TURBO Panels, Self-Mentoring, and Personal Branding for the job market. These events are open to alumni.
Development of professional skills is offered to students in the form of one-on-one assistance with job applications, discussions regarding possible career paths or appropriate attire for interviews.
Dr Diane Spencer-Scarr College Life Officer
@ Drew’s
Thyne Reid Link Development
We are now just a few months away from the completion of our brand new building. Construction is progressing to schedule and the relatively dry weather has meant that there have been few delays. We are looking forward to welcoming students to the newly finished building throughout February and March 2020 and have run a number of site tours during November. Students have been able to see what the new facilities will be like and this will assist them to make their preferences for the 2020 Room Draw.
Some key milestones achieved include the completion of the building's roof and all the external scaffolding being removed before the end of Semester 2. Upcoming milestones include the refurbishment of the rest of Reid Building's rooms over the summer break and the removal of the pedestrian bridge allowing students access over the construction site to the Reid Building come mid-January. The new top floor of Reid will also be complete by mid-January and all other floors in the Link Building are on track to be completed before the end of March. Landscaping in the Glen and around the Link Building will begin in December and finish in March 2020. We hope to welcome our community to an Official Opening Ceremony, which will likely be in April or May 2020.
We are offering site tours of the new building and Prototype Rooms throughout December & January. If you would like to come and see the progress yourself, please contact Lisa McKeever via
E: advanceservices@standrewscollege.edu.au
T: +61 2 8594 8248
We are excited to announce that David Kenyon (Fr 1975) has given a significant donation in support of the Student Hub and Kitchen on the Ground entry level, and our Chair of Council, Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982) has also made a significant contribution to support the new gym space. The College thanks David, Charlie, and the many other members of our community who have made gifts for bedrooms and music rooms for their generous support that allows us to enable further access to Andrew’s.
If you would like to contribute to the new building, there are a number of areas including bedrooms, music rooms, tutorial rooms and the public artwork that still require philanthropic support and offer naming opportunities. Please contact the Director of Advancement, Hannah Atwell for more information E:advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au
T: +61 2 9565 7303
The top floor of Reid Building
View from Carillon Avenue of the nearly completed roof
The steel structure of the roof before the fitout of the top level began
Above left: The new roof nears completion. Above right: Staff inspect one of the top floors. Below: The prototype room showing how the new bedrooms will look
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
On 27 August, members and guests of the St Andrew’s College community donned high-visibility vests and hard hats to witness the University of Sydney Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM lay the foundation stone of the Thyne Reid Link building. Guests were led by a pair of pipers from the Reading Room through the Bailey and into what remains – and will remain for only a short while longer – an active construction site.
Aunty Norma Ingram, a Wiradjuri woman who has dedicated her life to education and politics, commenced proceedings by welcoming guests to her traditional land. “This land,” she reflected, “has been a place of teaching and learning for tens of thousands of years.” Responding to Norma’s Welcome to Country, Principal Wayne Erickson promised that the College would uphold this great tradition by using the land for teaching, learning and lifelong education.
The Chancellor’s words and labour were the centrepiece of the occasion. “I am a great supporter of our colleges. It is an opportunity we would love to be able to give to every one of our students,” she said. “Seeing St Andrew’s College grow is absolutely wonderful for us as an institution.” Though more accustomed to holding microphones than trowels, the Chancellor expertly lathered mortar and tapped the stone until it sat firmly in place, sealing a cavity containing a time capsule filled with plans of the building, coin of the realm, history of the College, and a copy of works by great Enlightenment thinkers Adam Smith and David Hume.
The ceremony was not the first of its kind at St Andrew’s College; as the Principal shared in his address, the silver trowel and mulga wood mallet used by the Chancellor – with conviction rivalled only by The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO while laying the foundation stone of the Hanks Wing decades earlier – were first used by John Kinross in 1874. Nor are ceremonies of this kind unique to St Andrew’s College. “For 4,000 years, across history and across cultures, ever since monumental architecture became a thing, the foundation stone has held huge symbolic meaning,” noted the Principal.
This particular foundation stone represents both the historical commitment to using the land for teaching, learning and exchanging ideas, and the underlying principles upon which St Andrew’s College has been built: a commitment to
challenging authority, an unwavering commitment to reason, and progressive intent. It is hoped that these foundations will bear the load of time.
Both the Principal and Chair of Council Charlie Taylor thanked Norma and other attendees, not least the University of Sydney Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM, Honorary Fellow and former Governor Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, benefactors whose contributions made the project financially viable, and those whose expertise has been relied upon to transform an idea into a building (including the Director of Operations Ian Smith, Councillor Campbell Hanan, Spectrum, AJC Architects and Buildcorp).
Current students, who demonstrated great forbearance while living near the building site, were also acknowledged by the Principal. “Frankly, they have been magnificent in understanding that even the finest omelette involves the breaking of eggs, and I know they’re looking forward as much as I am to the many benefits which will flow from the building as it comes on-stream in early 2020,” he said.
Following a brief opportunity to take photos, guests were invited to meander back to the Reading Room, this time led not by the pipers but the promise of food, wine and conversation.
Will Cesta Dean of Admissions
The original trowel and mallet used in 1874
Chair of Council Charlie Taylor, Aunty Norma Ingram, Professor The Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM, Principal Wayne Erickson
Chair of Council Charlie Taylor addresses guests in the Student Hub Space
Guests enjoyed a reception in the Reading Room after the ceremony
Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM lays the mortar for the stone
Choir @ the Lifehouse
The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, an impressive glass building across from St Andrew’s, is a comprehensive cancer treatment centre. Since 2016, our College Chapel Choir have been regular Lifehouse visitors. Andrew’s woman Bethany Cottee, a nursing student, first broached the idea of singing at our neighbouring hospitals and contacted the Lifehouse’s Volunteer Manager, Lorainne Brecard.
Since our early visits singing alongside the foyer’s baby grand piano, the Choir has become part of the Lifehouse’s routine, visiting monthly during semester. The program usually begins with a few songs in the hospital’s resonant atrium. The building’s open design allows the music to reach up to the ninth floor; staff, patients and visitors can be seen listening from the upper balconies.
Our next stop is day therapy, where patients undergoing chemotherapy can listen to us in privacy from the treatment room. Then it’s up to the wards to sing for patients recovering from surgery, with either Lorainne or Gail O’Brien AO in tow. We sing at the nurses’ station, where patients and families gather round to listen; sometimes, we give a private performance at someone’s bedside.
The Choir has been privileged to share many special moments at the Lifehouse; singing for new parents about to give their baby her first bath, patients undergoing their first chemotherapy treatment, a family gathered to say goodbye, a child who needs distraction, or a patient flown in from New Caledonia for treatment, with no English and only the piano for company.
The Choir’s remarkable generosity of spirit has inspired other musical residents including Tom Hunt, Will Cesta and Minami Takahashi, to make their own visit. Lifehouse volunteers also enthusiastically attend the College Gala Concerts.
Our two communities are now firmly connected and we look forward to continuing our valued relationship long into the future.
As Lorainne wrote to us this year: “You’ve been a part of many precious family memories. I hope that helps you hold your head high...where people have been vulnerable, afraid or sad and despondent, you’ve taken them beyond that emotion to beauty and solace.”
Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith Director of Music
College Chapel Choir, Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith and Gail O'Brien AO in front of Chris O'Brien's portrait
Annual Lecture 2019
The College welcomed anthropologist Dr Monty Badami (pictured), as guest speaker at this year’s Annual Lecture. He spoke passionately about what it means to be human, his experiences in the Western Ghat of South India, in the military, and in academia, which grounded his insights on human tendencies and our interactions within the collective societies.
He spoke about the importance of actively engaging in dialogue which disagrees with our convictions, especially in these times of rising divisions. The idea which most interested me however, was the dichotomy between nature and material progress; how we, as humans, have a desire to preserve the current state of things, but also concurrently have a desire to progress forward.
Dr Badami is well-travelled along the spectrum of wisdom. An inspirational quote by Eleanor Roosevelt would segue into a dissertation on Sartre and the French existentialists. His pearls ranged from the epistemes of Foucault, to the street knowledge of the young charges he teaches around Sydney, to cheerily crying in response to our questions about free will and society, “Who the hell knows, man?!”
But every way he expressed it, the message came through - the impotence of dogma, and the triumph of human connection through critical thought (although he would chide me for such an axiomatic worldview of worldviews themselves). The College did and still could learn a lot from someone who straddles so comfortably the divide between philosophy and popular discourse, contemplation and action. The audience certainly did.
Formal Dinner following the lecture provided us with the opportunity to engage in an enriching philosophical discourse about contemporary social issues; conversations which have stark applicability in our daily lives, both within College and in the broader community.
The Annual Lecture was a rewarding night full of both intellectual and personal insights. We wish to thank Dr Badami for his time and involvement.
Amey Sonawane (Fr 2019) & John Bivell (Fr 2019)
College Events
Father’s Day Dinner
The Father’s Dinner this year was an enormous success welcoming new dads as well as past Androvians. The night started off with a beautiful concert by some of Drew’s talented musicians. With one of the largest turn-outs of fathers and students we have ever seen, the Dining Hall was booming, filled with smiles and dad jokes. We raised money for Beyond Blue to demonstrate to each other and our families the importance of looking out for our loved ones. Androvian father and son, Josh and Barney Dowse, spoke about the importance of patience and each of their experiences at Drew’s. The night was enjoyed by all and we can’t wait to invite the fathers back to College next year.
Semester 2 Gala Concert
Our second Gala Concert for the year was again a reminder of the remarkable variety of talent amongst the musicians of College. Despite some unfortunate absences amongst performers, the quality of instrumental and vocal pieces remained high and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, as well as the refreshments afterwards. Given how high the quality of music has become at St Andrew’s College, we hope we are able to welcome more guests at future Gala Concerts, to enjoy what is a truly memorable evening of music in our College.
Dramatic Society
This year, DRAMSOC put on a fantastic performance of Noël Coward’s Hay Fever. One of Coward’s first plays, it is a high-level farce that provides an intimate peek into the lives of the eccentric Bliss family. We also marked the 35th anniversary since Drew’s last produced this play in 1984. We were delighted to have the original cast come back and meet our current cast. Directed by Caity O’Meara (Fr 2018), it was a great success with an incredibly high standard of acting. The production saw students contributing in various ways including set construction, costuming, lighting and of course our cast. Thank you to all those who were involved or came along and watched a show. We appreciate your support and hope you enjoyed yourselves!
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our alumni, parents and friends who have attended events and competitions throughout Sydney to support the talented men and women of St Andrew’s.
Intercollegiate Competitions
St Andrew’s placed third overall in the Palladian competition this year, behind St John’s College (1st) and the Women’s College (2nd). Events contested in Semester 2 included Vocal Ensemble, Debating, Art, Instrumental Ensemble and Drama Ensemble. Of particular note was the Jazz Band's performance at the Instrumental Ensemble, which brought down the house, but unfortunately was only awarded 3rd place. We wish to commend all of the Andrew’s men and women who performed and participated at a high level. Palladian events are always very entertaining with immense talent on display from across the Intercol community.
Palladian Rawson
For the ninth time in ten years, St Andrew’s has brought home the Rawson Cup, having secured Semester 2 wins in cricket, swimming, rowing, rugby and athletics. An impressive display and effort in the athletics took the men over the line and ensured the Rawson Cup stays within the sandstone walls of our College. Tom Galvin (Fr 2016) was also awarded the Intercol Sportsman of the Year Award for his efforts across multiple sports in 2019. Thank you to all members of the College community who made the time to attend Rawson games and matches and showed their support. We are already looking forward to the 2020 Rawson competition.
Rosebowl
The St Andrew’s women have for the 11th year in succession been triumphant in their Rosebowl campaign of Semester 2 claiming victory in all four sports; soccer, basketball, tennis and athletics - a commendable feat considering the losses in tennis and athletics last year. Consecutive wins in tennis and basketball (despite a close and hard-fought game against Wesley) set an ambitious tone for the remaining competitions. We cannot be any prouder of the strength and tenacity demonstrated by our women – both on the field and off the field.
Rawson and Rosebowl victories have meant that the University Cup for sporting dominance in the co-residential colleges remains at St Andrew's for another year.
From the Archives
The College Archives were delighted to receive from John Quinn (Fr 1973), a gift of the Debating Society Minute Book as well as some DRAMSOC posters and a very fine etching of the College by the Australian artist, Gayfield Shaw. In celebration of this rich donation, the Archives section of this Blue & White focuses on the history of the Debating Society, at times ebullient and fractious at others, but always lively.
Debating is one of the oldest competitive arts at the Sydney Colleges and predates the Palladian Cup by over a century. Our students tilted with rhetorical lances for the honour and amusement of their peers. In the years before co-residence, the motion ‘that one should feel a little fresher every day’ was a popular question and, in 1972, St Andrew’s argued vigorously for the negative and won over Women’s College. Today, our students debate more momentous questions such as, ‘that company profits arising from the replacement of workers with technology should incur a special tax.’
Before the controversial introduction of television to College in 1957, debates were one of the prominent forms of popular entertainment and were both an intercollegiate competition and a cultural event within the College.
Indeed, so-called ‘Fresher Debates’ were held each year from 1923. They were part of a larger tradition of Parliaments and Royal Commissions which inquired into all manner of trumped-up misdemeanours and were replete with gowns, wigs, and grand exhibitions of forensic rhetoric.
In these years, the students believed that participation in debates was part of their essential training for public life as leaders in their professions, government, and academia. Even so, they found room for much mirth: their 1936 report records there was such numerous and enthusiastic participation in the question of whether ‘Conservatism is the worship of stagnation’ that the Society almost had an allnight sitting. Ever controversial, in 1934 the College won a now-regrettable victory over St Paul’s on the topic ‘that we want Hitler.’ We can hope that such a win reflects the best tradition of the Classical suasoria in which the speaker made an argument regardless of their personal convictions.
The Debating Society has not always been such a comfortable forum for declamation as it is now. During the difficult years of the Revd. Dr. William Cumming Thom’s principalship, the Debating Society became a major source of conflict.
The 1954 Royal Commission in Full Swing
Indeed, the College surged into the national headlines when the Council tried to censor some enterprising students who debated the question, ‘Is polygamy desirable in wartime?’
At a January of the Students’ Club in 1943 the Honourable Secretary, Keith Dan (Fr 1941), was directed to write to the Dairy Farmers of NSW “offering our sympathy to them at being associated with Mr Fuller [the Chairman of Council]” on his appointment as their legal advisor. By August, the House Committee was declared defunct and the students were banned from making financial transactions. Bryan Fuller KC (Fr 1906), one of the most distinguished legal minds in NSW, who was effectively running the College from his city chambers during the Principal’s illness, at this time wrote a prickly letter in which he emphasised ‘the prohibition imposed by me on any publicity in the press, University or otherwise.’ In protest, the students boycotted intercollegiate sport.
The question of censorship was key for the students. In July, the Students’ Club had carried a motion that ‘the magazine not be printed if censorship were imposed,’ however, they reserved the option that they should produce a magazine
‘strongly anti-principal, and not show it to him’.
Following an escalation in tension and protests at the end of second term, Dan was expelled from the College. In response, Dan told the popular press that “since the banning of the debate on polygamy, a rule had been laid down that every subject for debate must be referred to the College Principal.” The story received national attention in papers from Northern Queensland to Victoria with popular opinion strongly on the side of the students. It seems that there may have been other priorities in the background which influenced the Council’s decision to expel Dan, but at the centre of the dispute were questions about censorship, free debate, and the rights and responsibilities of students as young adults. This history of the College’s Debating Society gives us an important insight into the complex world of student culture during WWII.
To read more about the history of the Debating Society, head to the College website.
Alex Wright (Fr 2014) Dean of Studies
Arthur Johnson (Fr 1957)
"I made the most wonderful friends and it was a wonderful part of my life".
Arthur is originally from the rural town of Gundagai, NSW. His parents (who are of Greek descent) ran a cinema for many years and although were not doctors themselves, were keen for their son to become one. Arthur, however, was not as inclined, largely due to the fact that he was not a fan of the sight of blood. With his parent’s encouragement, he did agree to attend university and eventually decided on Economics at the University of Sydney. For his first year he lived in a boarding house in Stanmore. He had some friends at St Andrew’s and so attended some of the informal events (some more eventful than others as Arthur may tell you). With encouragement from his friends and a clear interest in the College, Arthur met with then-Principal Alan Dougan, to enrol. In 1957, his journey as an Andrew’s man commenced. Arthur was involved across various sporting teams including rugby, rowing and athletics and he even returned to the College later on in life to coach the Rawson Rugby team.
Arthur uses words such as ‘wonderful’, ‘favourite’ and ‘happy’ to describe this part of his life. He speaks very fondly about the College and of the lasting friendships that came out of his time here. Many of Arthur’s friends from St Andrew’s attended each other’s weddings and still catch up in person or via the telephone today - they are firm friends for life. Arthur's connection with the College continued when his son Alex attended in 1992 and then with the grandson of his then-neighbour who Arthur told about St Andrew’s and who subsequently attended the College in 1997.
Arthur's support for the College extends to philanthropy as well, and he has made gifts to the College more than 25 times over the past 15 years in a display of incredible generosity. The College is very grateful to Arthur for his ongoing support. He has supported several different causes over the years, from Capital Works, Annual Giving Programs and the General Fund and is a current member of the College's 1867 Circle. However, given he originates from a rural town himself, the key area that Arthur consistently supports is the Rural & Regional and Indigenous Scholarships. He so fondly recalls his time at St Andrew’s that he wants to enable ‘others to have the chance to experience it’.
Arthur has supported the College not only with donations but also with his time over the years. He and his wife, Judith, return annually to the College for the Alper Lunch, which he organises with fellow friends of the late Geoffrey Alper (Fr 1956) as a way of celebrating his memory and reminiscing on their time at College. Arthur also helps to organise the players at the Annual Golf Day each year, and is a regular at the Rawson Rugby Finals, at which he can be seen sporting his College Blazer (as pictured) and a cheeky smile. He is a highly valued member of our alumni community and we look forward to his continued connection with the College for years to come.
Ingrid Fuary-Wagner (Fr 2006)
Ingrid is a Reporter at the Australian Financial Review and moderated the Industry Panel at the Young Alumni Networking Breakfast in August this year. She shares with us her professional achievements as well as memories from her time at College.
Tell us about your current role?
I’m constantly learning about new topics, building relationships, and each day I have something tangible to show for my work. It can be stressful, with daily deadlines and writing several stories at once…you can’t just have an ‘off’ day or put off a hard task. What I love about AFR is the chance to work across different sections - I can write hard news stories about the property downturn, or a company floating on the ASX, as well as writing a feature about design or travel.
Why did you decide to study journalism?
I’ve always been pretty inquisitive - I love asking questions and listening to other people’s stories.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
I have a few highlights, interviewing architect Sir David Chipperfield, hotelier Justin Hemmes, and Tumblr founder David Karp just after he had sold to Yahoo for $1.1 billion. Leading the federal budget coverage for Domain when I was the news editor there was also a highlight. I took a small team to Canberra for the budget lock-up to write about property-related policies. It was intense but very rewarding
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Moderating a panel of the country’s top property executives in front of 350 people at the AFR Property Summit.
What originally made you choose St Andrew’s College?
I was attracted to the tight-knit community with its serious academic culture and a strong focus on sport, and being able to bond with other out-of-towners from around the country.
What was your favourite part of College?
Definitely the enduring friendships I made along the way. Staying up all night studying and being able to knock on a door down the hall at 3am…it’s a relief to know you’re not alone. The highly-contested Intercol basketball was also a highlight. Unparalleled enthusiasm from a sea of blue and white cheering from the sidelines is a magical feeling.
Any words of advice for current students?
It’s important to have career goals but be flexible if things don’t go to plan. I didn’t think I would be working for AFR but my goals changed and I’m glad it’s worked out that way. Don’t compete to be the busiest – that’s not an achievement but maintaining a work-life balance is.
You can read the full interview with Ingrid on the College website.
Alumni & Parent Events
Regional Reunions
Principal Wayne Erickson, Hannah Atwell (Director of Advancement) and Will Cesta (Dean of Admissions) have been on the road, visiting Melbourne, Canberra and even Japan. The Canberra Reunion dinner is now our largest regional event, with 28 alumni recently catching up and hearing about our progress. Wayne also had the opportunity to connect with alumni in Tokyo, hosted by Richard Cohen (Fr 1968) at his wine-tasting rooms in Ginza. We are excited to engage with alumni outside of Sydney and look forward to visiting many regional areas again next year. If you would like to hold a reunion in our region, please contact the Advancement Team.
Rosebowl Soccer Finals
In conjunction with our Alumni Society, we hosted the first alumni and parents event in support of Rosebowl Soccer. Over 50 guests joined us in August to support our women’s team in their final against Sancta. Our team dominated the scoreboard, with goals from Anna Mactier, Ash Dribbus, Jemima McCalman, Teigan Collister and Nicki Flannery, winning 6-1. Thanks go to our Rawson & Rosebowl reps for negotiating with Sydney University Sport & Fitness to hold an evening game, allowing more of our alumni and parent supporters to join us! We hope to hold this event annually.
Grandparents’ High Tea
For the second year, more than 90 students and grandparents gathered on a Sunday in October to watch the annual DRAMSOC production. During the High Tea that followed, guests were introduced to the cast of Hay Fever then entertained by the soothing folk sounds of fresher Judith Browne and her guitar. They also learned a little about the history of the Dramatic Society and its past productions courtesy of the Dean of Studies, Alex Wright. The College is thrilled so many grandparents were able to visit (some travelling from as far as the UK) to be part of this special event. It was a highly enjoyable afternoon for all in attendance.
Industry Networking Breakfast
Over 70 of our young alumni arrived at the EY offices in George St on 23 August, catching up with friends and meeting other alumni over breakfast before receiving career (and life) advice from guest speakers from the business, finance, law and property sectors.
The Young Alumni Committee worked with the Advancement team to organise a stellar line-up of speakers comprised of alumni, parents and friends. Attendees heard from EY Presiding Partner, Trent van Veen (Fr 1982), Senior Counsel, Adam Casselden (Fr 1990), Marketing & Retail expert, Margaret Mackenzie (Former College Councillor), Venture Capitalist, Daniel Petre (Past Parent & Donor) and Mirvac’s Head of Commercial, Campbell Hanan (Fr 1989). Feedback from the event was very positive, with plans to hold more of these events in the near future.
Spring Soiree
The Young Alumni Committee wanted to provide an informal occasion for our younger alumni to network and socialise this year so with support from the Alumni Society, the Spring Soiree was held on Friday 18 October. Over 100 guests came along to the Ivy’s Palings Bar, with freshers from 2002-2018 in attendance.
Feedback after the event included: ‘This event was fantastic. I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other young alumni and hearing their experience moving out of college and entering the workforce”, and “I really like that it was just a chance for us all to catch up and see friends,” as well as “Looking forward to the next one!”
The Young Alumni Committee is making plans to run more of these networking and social events in 2020. If you would like to be more involved in any of these, contact the Advancement Team via alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au.
Young Alumni Events
1867 Circle Lunch
1867 to 2019 and still counting... the Annual 1867 Circle Lunch starts when you walk up the steps of Main, then down the corridor to the Reading Room. When you enter the Reading Room you should likely see a few familiar faces, some you may not have seen for twenty or more years. Yes, they look a bit older but hopefully also a bit wiser. The friendships are quickly rekindled. Pre-lunch drinks for the forty attendees, being a mix of members, students and staff, are followed by a sumptuous meal cooked by the legendary Freeman Lam who has now been with the College for over a decade.
During the lunch we were entertained by a virtuoso violin performance by Artist in Residence, Ben Adler. We then heard from three guest speakers who gave their views on College life.
Firstly, Minami Takahashi (Fr 2014), commented on her involvement with the College Outreach Program which spreads the knowledge about College to those who may not have an understanding and encourages applicants who might otherwise not apply by telling them of the many scholarships now available. The College now has almost 50% of residents from regional areas.
Secondly, Katherine Suttor (Fr 2006), part of the Young Alumni Committee, shared her pleasure in keeping her College connections alive after leaving some years ago. She still has a strong circle of alumni mates and has worked with the
Committee and the College to host some great events this year.
Thirdly, we heard Jack Grant (Fr 2018), the Senior Student elect for 2020. Originally from WA, Jack extolled, among other things, the virtue of diversity. There was also comment on the now remodelled Walkabout which has survived but in modified form.
At the end of the lunch Charlie Taylor was thanked as Chair of Council for working tirelessly with Wayne, Hester, Ian, Hannah and the College Team. Charlie was also thanked for providing the Taylor Scholarships, designed to reward students who undertake specific programs such as the Investment Club.
All 1867 Members agreed the pleasure of seeing College in such good shape was due reward for the various scholarships and bequests they have provided. The Members also agreed what a great platform the College had given them.
The 1867 Circle Committee comprises Colin Davidson OAM, Andrew Murray OAM, Bob Stitt QC, Stuart Niven, Amanda Mostyn and Nick Palethorpe. We have a couple of working lunches through the year to exchange ideas with the College’s Advancement Team. We will advise the next meeting for those who might be able to join us.
Nick Palethorpe (Fr 1963)
The 1867 Circle Committee
Philanthropy at St Andrew's
Founders & Benefactors Dinner
The Annual Founders and Benefactors Chapel Service and Dinner brought together benefactors of our community, staff and students in celebration of the support the College receives. This year we particularly honoured the legacy of bequests at St Andrew’s.
Rev Dr Gareth Clayton OAM began the proceedings with the Chapel Service, followed by formal dinner in the Dining Hall. Guests heard a welcome from the Principal Wayne Erickson, a traditional Welcome to Country Acknowledgement by Maykooth Farrawell (Fr 2018) and were treated to a Jazz Ensemble performance of “Caravan” by Juan Tizol & Duke Ellington.
The evening continued with two members of our community, alumnus John Sergeant (Fr 1983) and fresher Grace Papworth, both beneficiaries of scholarship support, discussing the impact this generosity has had on their time at College and beyond. Guests then retired to the Senior Common Room for an intimate concert performed by College musicians.
Thank You
We continue to work towards our goal of raising $7M towards our new Thyne Reid Link Building and our Scholarships Program, both vitally important initiatives to enable students to have a world-class university college experience.
To date we have raised over $4M towards these two projects and continue to seek our community’s generous support. Thank you to all those who have made gifts to help our students! You can read more about our Philanthropy Program in the 2019 Annual Philanthropy Report, available in 2020.
In Memorium
Professor Robert Ian Jack
It is my privilege to reflect on Ian’s extraordinary contributions to St Andrew’s College.
Ian joined the University of Sydney in 1961 as a lecturer in the History department. He became a Senior Lecturer, then Associate Professor and served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts, followed by the Head of the History department. After retiring, he became an Honorary Research Associate and received an Honorary Fellowship in 2016.
Ian moved into St Andrew’s as the Wilson Fellow in 1979; he was Senior Tutor from 1982-88; became the Hunter Baillie Fellow in Oriental and Polynesian Languages in 1988; and held the Woodhouse Fellowship from 1992-98.
Primarily, he was for over twenty years the Senior Fellow. He coordinated an annual program of ‘life of the mind’ activities which reflected his passionate commitment to life-long learning for learning’s sake.
As a mentor, Ian added enormous value to the lives of hundreds of senior residents and five Principals, and to the intellectual journeys of thousands of students, across all disciplines. He had an abiding commitment to the bonds of collegiality, and particularly to the Andrew’s version, in which he understood the light touch necessary in defending the entitlement of emerging adult agency.
Ian was College Archivist and Librarian. In addition to managing the College’s rare reference book collection, he consolidated a valuable archive which chronicles the College’s 150-year history, writing two books on the subject. Finely-wrought portraits of the great, the good, the ordinary and the odd. He was the chronicler-in-chief of the College’s fortunes.
In the lead-up to the College’s sesquicentenary, we sought to better articulate our foundation and rediscovered our connection to the principles of the Scottish Enlightenment. Ian was our guide; his incisive scholarship and pragmatic approach gave us confidence in establishing a new platform to articulate our vision for the next 150 years, informed by the past, but never anchored intractably to it.
Ian was an expert listener and a reserved communicator, yet persuasive when necessary. As a member of many College Council committees over forty years, his academic analysis was valued and respected…particularly in the seismic debate around the admission of women into St Andrew’s, and with his calm assurance in the aftermath of the departure of Principal Rev Dr Peter Cameron. He was the still point in our turning world.
Ian was a wonderful neighbour to students and senior residents alike. Whether in Portuguese Petersham, at fresher or post-grad dinners, or in the Harper Flat 2 Manchego Club, he was a generous host and companion.
He remained the driving force of music in College. He nurtured the Senior Common Room as a haven for fine music, attracting performers of the highest quality, and encouraging the selection of high performing students into College. The esteem in which the performing arts are now held here is due to Ian’s endless enthusiasm for making music, and an encouragement towards excellence and fulfilment of potential. The contrast between his lone hand accompaniments of Palladian Cup performers twenty years ago to the tapestry of the creative arts we see in Andrew’s today is astonishing. This is Ian’s legacy.
Forty years in residence; of undiminished affection for the idea of St Andrew’s College. A giant has fallen; hail, and farewell.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Wayne Erickson Principal
Queen’s Birthday Honours
The College would like to congratulate the following members of the St Andrew’s community who have received Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2019:
Dr Keith Douglas Sutor AM (Fr 1973)
For significant service to international relations, and to the Uniting Church in Australia.
Keith is Foreign Affairs Editor for Channel 7’s Sunrise and The Morning Show and is regularly sought after for comment on business and global issues. At Wesley Mission, he’s been a lay preacher for over 40 years, Honorary Secretary in Sydney since 2012, Chair of Wesley Congregational Life Council and a Consultant on Social Policy for 17 years. Other roles include President of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (1991-1998) at the University of Sydney, Chairperson of the International Commission of Jurists (NSW), and Managing Director of the Global Directions think tank.
Obituaries
The College has learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy is extended to their families.
1942 Mr Ronald Ian Keir
1946 Rev Dr George John Stewart
1951 Dr James Andrew Croft
1954 Dr Frederick Charles Empson
1955 Dr John Stuart Taylor
1958 Mr Peter Angus Gough
1963 Mr David Charles Jackson
1968 Dr John Marshall Rourke
1980 Dr Hugh Royston Capper
1981 Mr Peter Farr-Jones
If you know of any other recent deaths in our community, please contact: +61 2 9565 7302 or alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
The St Andrew's Jazz Band performing at the Founders & Benefactors Dinner in September