Murray Fredericks
The University & Schools Dinner marked the end of the 2016 Life of the Mind Week, an intense festival that celebrates academic endeavour in College and provides an organised forum for stimulating conversation. The centrepiece of this year’s festival was a remarkable presentation by Murray Fredericks, a Photographic Artist who attended St Andrew’s College from 1989 to 1992. In 2016, digitisation of photography has meant that the gap between a professional and amateur photograph has diminished. However, with his unsurpassable commitment to what can only be described as an immersive artistic process, absolute technical mastery, and ability to articulate the conceptual and communicative functions of his art, Murray has not only set himself apart in a competitive industry, but established himself as a leading artist internationally.
One of the questions raised was how St Andrew’s College influenced Murray’s artistic life. Interestingly, College had both nothing and everything to do with Murray’s artistic life; although his time here was not spent mastering
photography, it facilitated a kind of ‘stripping away’ process in which he challenged the idea of what constitutes a ‘sensible career’ and defined what was important to him. When watching his documentary Salt, one can’t help but think that among College’s great achievements is having contributed to Murray Fredericks’ artistic journey in this small way.
Will Cesta (Fr 2013)
If you would like to see Murray’s full collection of works, you can visit his website at http://www.murrayfredericks.com.au
Rev
Dr Gareth Clayton OAM, Chaplain
Remember this old saying,
A pessimist sees a difficulty in every opportunity but an optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty. An interesting state of affairs which depends in the end on your understanding and point of view.
Perhaps St Paul had this in mind in Romans (4:18 TEV) when he noted,
Abraham BELIEVED and HOPED, even when there was NO reason for hoping…
Murray Fredericks – Salt Project
Contents Conten
From the Chair of Council
In 2016, the College is continuing to consult with our community as we develop and implement our Strategic Plan. In early February, I hosted two briefings for my fellow Senior Students in which they provided valuable feedback, including support for Council’s objectives, in particular, the initiatives to increase the number of government school students and to retain students into their fourth and fifth years at College. You can read more about these meetings on page 6.
Increasing the number of older students at College, whether they are senior undergraduates or postgraduates, is important to the community. These students provide a mature presence in College and are able to mentor and tutor younger students. Of course,
they require a different offering including more independent living options, which we are planning to provide within the Thyne Reid Link Building and the Northern Building of the Harper Master Plan.
Since our last edition of Blue & White the Harper Master Plan has continued to progress and the Council has invited four architect firms to submit designs for the Thyne Reid Building. These plans will go on display for the community to view in mid-July before the architects present their designs to the Major Works Committee in July. The Northern Building continues to progress as the College works with the City of Sydney Council to develop a Design Excellence Brief. There are more details about the Harper Master Plan on page 8.
Furthermore, we are working with the Foundation to secure financing for our new buildings and we are exploring bond options as a source of raising funds, in addition to philanthropy and using our accumulated assets. We hope to provide details soon for giving and investment opportunities for our community.
We are also preparing for the College’s Sesquicentenary in 2017, in which we will celebrate 150 years of St Andrew’s. We have commenced with a review and reflection of the College’s Centenary celebrations in 1970, on page 7, as we develop our program of events next year. We look forward to sharing more on our year of festivities throughout the remainder of the year.
of
Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982)
From the Bird
Wayne Erickson
This year we were delighted to welcome 108 Freshers and their families to St Andrew’s. In addition, we welcomed 23 non-residents who are members of the Students’ Club and enjoy access to the College’s academic and leadership programs. Currently, non-resident students are not able to compete in the Rawson, Rosebowl and Palladian Cups; however, they are making an impact on the College’s informal sporting and cultural activities!
Many of our Freshers are able to attend College thanks to the partnerships that we developed in 2015. This year we have more than ten new Freshers who have come to us via our partnership with the Country Education Foundation. In addition, we have been able to support more than ten new students thanks to scholarships raised from members of our
community, including the Chair of Council who is supporting senior undergraduate students via the Taylor Scholarships. You can meet some of them on page 5.
In addition to continued success in the Rawson, Rosebowl and Palladian Cups, the College has recently celebrated Academic Achievement in Life of the Mind Week. In addition to the annual Scholars Soiree and University and Schools Dinner, Life of the Mind Week also saw a very informative talk about possibilities in academic life and the law from Sarah Bradbury, and Murray Fredericks (Fr 1989) who gave a screening of his documentary Salt, followed by a Q&A.
I have also had the pleasure of meeting many alumni and parents during my recent visits to Brisbane, Melbourne and regional NSW. It is always a pleasure to meet you and hear your stories from your time at Andrew’s. The Council greatly appreciates your opinions on the College today, and our plans for the future, and we use this feedback to ensure we continue to create our world-class College.
Returning to Senior Undergraduates
Taylor Scholarship 2016
In 2016 St Andrew’s College has, for the first time, offered a number of contribution scholarships for residents in College and for recent alumni in their fourth or above year at university.
The scholarships have been provided by a generous donation from our chair of Council, Mr Charles Taylor.
These scholarships seek to continue to engage students in College life in 4th year and above. They reward students who have already shown a high level of engagement in College life and encourage them to continue to engage and add to the College in their own unique way.
The scholarship is valued at $5,000 for College residents and $7,000.00, (including $2,000.00 paid in kind to attend formal dinners at College) for recent alumni.
Each scholar has been encouraged to create a plan detailing how they plan to contribute to College in 2016. Our seven scholars this year are three residents, Amelia Achterstraat, William Cesta and Nick Minch, and three recent alumni who are non-resident Scholars: Angus Trenerry, Jemma Griffith, Jessica Shannon, and Matthew Larkin.
All these students have taken an individual and nuanced approach to their scholarship, adding to the culture and fabric of College in their own way. From supporting our athletes, actors and musicians, to looking to support the engagement of alumni, to supporting students who face their own challenges due to their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, this group of students adds to the diversity and support in College for all students.
The program allows senior students to continue to benefit from their continued involvement in College and for our college community to reap the rewards of their thoughtful, energetic and diverse contributions.
We plan to offer these scholarships each year for up to 10 students, some of whom may continue their role from 2016 with other students now in 3rd or 4th year choosing to take up the challenge.
It has been a delight for me working with this group of young people so far. They bring a depth of understanding of the College community, its life and substance to their roles and they have already made an immeasurable contribution to College life in the first two months of this semester.
Taylor Scholars – Amelia Achterstraat, William Cesta and Nick Minch
Meet our TaylorScholars
Jessica Shannon (Fr 2013)
This year I’ve really enjoyed the mentoring and tutoring components of being an AAT. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping students every week, both in the tutes and in mentoring sessions. I find it very rewarding when I help students understand a concept they were struggling with, or guide them through a difficult assignment.
The best part of St Andrew’s College is the community. I didn’t know anyone when I came to Sydney, and going to St Andrew’s and participating in O-week made it really easy to make friends. The College gives students all the tools they need to have a great time at University. Not only are there countless sporting, cultural and academic opportunities, but you have a fair few chances to bond with your fellow classmates. I love how everyone gets around the events; it really contributes to the sense of community. I also found that college connected me with other commerce students, meaning that I almost always had a friendly face in my lectures.
However, St Andrew’s is a full-on environment that requires organisation and discipline for students to both participate in the community and achieve academic success. It can be a tough balance, as the nature of a communal living environment means that you always have mates around to hang out with. This is why I think the academic support is particularly important for first year students as they figure out this balance.
Angela Collins (Fr 2013)
When I lived at St Andrew’s, the best thing about it was living with intelligent, driven people who are passionate about what they do. St Andrew’s is the perfect environment for making lifelong friends. I also love the academic and cultural environment at Drew’s – it’s engaging, rich, and part of the community.
Extra-curricular cultural activities are so important to college life. Living at Drew’s can help you succeed academically if you choose to access the wealth of resources the College provides. Academic tutorials, writing tutorials and enrichment opportunities will give students an edge in their academic career at university. But Drew’s isn’t school – you have to act and take ownership of the privileges the College offers if you want to take advantage of academic life here.
I have really enjoyed mentoring first year students in particular this semester and I’ve found assisting them to develop good essay writing skills is personally gratifying. I’m also interested in engaging our students in discussions around improving and increasing diversity in our community. I would also like to see more cultural traditions established, something to the tune of Dramsoc and the Intercol musical which have already proven to be major successes for our community.
Senior Students’ Consultation
On Saturday 13 and Friday 19 February, we hosted some of our Senior Students at the College to give them an update on the future plans of the College and to get their feedback as a past student on how we should proceed. Over the two days we had a show of 15 Senior Students who were keen to share their views, and the views of those who they were still in contact with from their time at College.
The consultations started with a tour around the College by the Principal as he explained our need to expand and showed the groups the sites of the College we are hoping to develop in the future. The Senior Students were supportive of the idea of expansion and were interested in the research surrounding the recommended numbers a community can hold whilst still ensuring there is strong engagement between its members. They were also supportive of our initiatives to increase the number of Government School Students and our inclusion of raising funds for the Government school Scholarship in Annual Giving for the last two years.
The sesquicentenary was also discussed briefly and the Senior Students were clear in saying that this is definitely something we should be celebrating greatly next year. A number of different event ideas were brought forward, one of which was for a summer evening fete/festival that would cater to all ages of Alumni, students and parents alike.
Overall we were thankful to have our Senior Students back at College to give us an insight into their thoughts and those of their fellow freshers. Their comments were invaluable to our future planning and we look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.
If you are interested in taking part in any of our future consultations, stay tuned as we are looking into hosting another meeting later this year which will be open to all of our alumni community to discuss the developing ideas of the College and to allow our community to give their feedback.
Melissa Costello Advancement Officer
Wayne Erickson with Senior Students: (back) Xander Jackman, Tyler Drayton, Randall Powell; (front) Brad Wheaton, Michael Wooward, Charlie Taylor, Milton Quigley and Murray Scholz
St Andrew’s College Centenary Celebrations 1970
Council has decided to celebrate the sesquicentenary of College in 2017. This is 150 years from the passing of the Act to Incorporate St Andrew’s College, which received royal assent on 12 December 1867.
When, half a century ago, a centenary celebration was in the planning, the Principal, the Revd Alan Dougan, and the Chair of Council, Dr Harry Raffan, settled on the year 1970, since the first meeting of College Council had been held on 29 November 1870. St Paul’s and St John’s had already held their centenary events on the same principle.
In 1970, the festivities were concentrated in the month of September, at the beginning of the old Michaelmas Term. Celebrations commenced with a ceremony in the Great Hall of the University.
At this grand ceremony, the role of the outside bodies to which College was so closely linked was made manifest. The New South Wales Parliament, which had created the College by its legislation in 1867 and still in 1970 paid the Principal’s salary, was represented by John Fuller, the Leader of the Country Party and Minister for Decentralisation and Development, who was also the son of Bryan Fuller and nephew of Sir George. The brothers Bryan and George Fuller had served on College Council for a total of eighty years between 1894 and 1956.
The Presbyterian Church, which had in 1865 made the first draft of what became the 1867 Act, to which all Councillors were obliged to adhere, was represented by the current New South Wales Moderator, the Right Revd Harold Barratt.
The Deputy Chancellor of the University of Sydney attended. He was the distinguished
judge, Russell le Gay Brereton, who had been a fresher at College in 1929.
Former Principals of Andrew’s were present, Dr Cumming Thom and Professor John McIntyre, along with the heads of the other Sydney Colleges and Davis McCaughey, the celebrated Master of Ormond College in Melbourne.
The Chair of College Council, by this time Dr Robert Stevenson, presided in the Great Hall, where, after a flurry of congratulatory speeches, Professor McIntyre, who was then Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh, gave an inspiring address entitled ‘History as a Process of Self-Interpretation or The Role of a College in a University’. This lecture magisterially addressed three large questions: the purpose of the modern University; the relationship of students with the University; and the relationship of the Church to the College.
Over the next ten days, the College celebrated with four more events, celebrating and commemorating a century of College life.
You can read more about these events and our planned events for 2017 at our special Sesquicentenary page at www.standrewscollege.edu.au/about/sesquicentenary
Ian Jack Senior fellow
Left: Students’ Club Centenary Ball Sign and right: Principal Rev. Alan Dougan with his monocle
Harper Master Plan –Update
There has been significant progress in the development of each building within the Harper Master Plan. After many years of planning and preparation, the College Council is close to choosing which new building it will build first.
Northern Building
The original Harper Master Plan included a complex of two buildings along the College’s northern boundary: an accommodation building and a ‘commercial’ building for a higher education or health research tenant.
The accommodation building was to be developed for postgraduate students and academic staff; giving the College a larger cohort of graduates and therefore developing a diverse and vibrant Middle Common Room.
The College was in negotiations with the University to develop the second building as a facility for a third-party health-related tenant.
In order to make the deal commercially viable this building required a 5000m2 gross floor area.
Since the Harper Master Plan has been approved by the City of Sydney, members of our community have voiced concerns to the College Council about the proximity of these buildings to the Main Building. In particular, there has been feedback that the architecture should be sympathetic to Main Building, perhaps along the lines of the Hanks Building.
Unfortunately, it has proven impossible to meet the commercial needs of this second Health Services building with our community’s desire to honour the heritage architecture with Main Building as the centrepiece.
Therefore, in mid-2015 the Council took the decision not to proceed with the Health Services building. Instead, it has decided to develop a building of approximately 90 bedrooms for
Artist’s impression of the Thyne Reid Link Building
senior undergraduates and postgraduates, one that is sympathetic to Main Building and grows and enhances our collegiate community.
In late-2015, the City of Sydney informed the College that there must be a Design Excellence competition for this Northern Building site. The College is now negotiating a Design Excellence Strategy with the City of Sydney.
Thyne, Reid and Link Building Building on the existing Thyne and Reid buildings, this project will add 3 extra floors to the existing Reid Building, with a combination of ensuite bedrooms, and 4 and 5 bedroom apartments. The link building between the existing Thyne and Reid buildings will have ensuite bedrooms, and common spaces such as a gym, music rehearsal spaces, tutorial rooms and a bike shed.
This project will add 73 additional bedrooms to the College’s facilities. The target market for these rooms will be senior 4th and 5th year undergraduates; however, the share house option represented by the apartments may attract some postgraduates. The College will also take the opportunity presented by this new building work to undertake a complete refurbishment of the existing bedrooms in Reid.
Similar to the Learning & Performing Arts Centre, the College will undertake a ‘mini’ Design Excellence competition, inviting four architect firms to submit plans for this project. These architects will present to a panel of College stakeholders, who will then choose the design that best serves the community through design excellence, liveability for our students and cost of construction.
Learning & Performing Arts Centre
As we reported in the last edition of Blue & White, the Learning & Performing Arts Centre will provide
a new home on campus for the College’s academic and performing arts programs.
The Learning & Performing Arts Centre will include a 200-seat black box theatre, music practice rooms and rehearsal rooms to support the cultural life at College. It will also provide much-need additional tutorial, and group and individual study spaces for the College’s ever-growing academic program.
During the summer break, the Learning & Performing Arts Centre can be used by external stakeholders for conferences and events to ensure the building is always in use. This will also provide income to cover the building’s operating expenses. Any surpluses derived from these activities will be directed towards other projects and programs within the College.
We are awaiting approval of the Design Application, which was lodged last year.
Each of these building presents exciting opportunities for the College and we are keen to seek feedback from our community. The short-listed designs for the Thyne and Reid Project will be on display on Saturday 9 July 2016 and Thursday 14 July 2016 and we invite all members of our community – alumni, students, parents and friends – to view these plans and provide us with feedback.
In the future, when we have commissioned the plans and drawings for the Northern Building as part of the Design Excellence Strategy, we will again invite our community to view the plans and provide us with feedback. We will email you the dates when they have been confirmed.
If you would like more information about any of these projects, please do not hesitate to contact me on E: advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au or visit our website at www.standrewscollege.edu.au/master-plan/
Fiona McQueen Director of Advancement
Academic Excellence & Leadership in College
St Andrew’s College celebrated the intellectual and academic life of the College during the annual ‘Life of the Mind’ week from 19 to 26 May 2016.
St Andrew’s in recent years has excelled in academic leadership and expanded its offering of academic support for its students. Enrichment opportunities are offered for high achieving students as well as additional support for students who feel they need it. The academic program aims to cater for all students, regardless of degree, discipline or educational institution. It is clear the program is successful – in 2015, more than sixty residents achieved a Distinction average or higher in their studies.
Part of the St Andrew’s experience is about supporting students to balance academic and non-academic opportunities at both college and university. This is possible through encouraging and supporting a team of senior students as leaders who engage in peer-based mentoring and support for younger students across
academic work, sport, community work and the performing arts.
As a result, in 2016 St Andrew’s launched a new feature of academic support, the Academic Area Tutor program. Eighteen of the high achieving residents, both undergraduate and postgraduate students, have been providing tutoring, mentoring and leadership in the community to assist younger students in achieving academic success. The Academic Area Tutors also drive a Sunday afternoon study session in the College’s Dining Hall called ‘Just Write!’ which encourages students to get together for a few hours to simply sit and study with the support of their peers. These sessions are popular and provide a supportive environment for students to work without the possibility of procrastination.
The Academic Area Tutors are offered other opportunities in which to personally excel, such as giving short talks in the Senior Common Room after formal dinner, and engaging with external leaders and mentors at the University of Sydney and UTS. Verity Firth, former NSW Minister for Education and now Director of Equity and Diversity at UTS, spoke at the Academic Area Tutor training day in late February. These opportunities, teamed with other academic offerings, including an extensive tutorial program, allow students to succeed academically while developing their intellectual and life skills that are transferable to a range of post-university experiences and careers.
Rawson Rugby
The St Andrew’s College Rugby team completed the Rawson campaign in victory. The 2016 season promised so much, with each College boasting strong sides and tough games throughout.
St Andrew’s Rawson Rugby team’s first match against Wesley was a truly superb game ending 66–0. Round 2 saw victory for the Drew’s Rawson
Rawson and Rosebowl Rowing
The Rawson and Rosebowl rowers competed in the Intercol Rowing Regatta on 15 April and retained the titles for 2016.
The Rosebowl crew managed to break their own record set in 2015, shaving almost 4 seconds off their previous time. Times were as follows:
Rosebowl Hockey
The 2016 Rosebowl Hockey campaign has drawn to a close and was probably the biggest nail-biter the team has faced at Drew’s in quite some time. Round 1 kicked off tremendously on 11 May, as St Andrew’s successfully defeated Women’s 4–0. The Drew’s women maintained constant pressure up top whilst maintaining a solid back line that slightly resembled a brick wall! Alice Arnott scored one of the team’s goals, in addition to one by fresher Hannah Steel, and two by second-year captain, Holly Gavin.
The second round against Sancta saw the Drew’s women raise the bar even higher. Determination and many weeks of training resulted in a fantastic score of 7–0. The third game of the Rosebowl campaign proved to be somewhat of a plot twist. The women had everyone on their feet, with a
College Community
rugby team, who defeated John’s 81–5. The tries that followed were scored by Fresher James King, Fresher Zac von Appen and Fresher Luke Lough, and two by senior student Xander Jackman. Other solid performances were by Will Connelly and Fresher Patty Rumble. The team all worked together faultlessly, bringing a serious deal of passion, determination and drive to the field.
The Rawson Rugby campaign was finally brought to a victorious 34–10 close against Paul’s. The wonderful achievements of this campaign were thanks in no small part to the leadership of Captain George Lehman, Rawson sec Jack McCalman and Senior Student Xander Jackman.
The 2016 Rawson Rugby campaign proved to be no less exciting, passionate and victorious than any other year. As usual the men worked hard to defend our winning title here at Drew’s.
hard-fought and tough battle between Drew’s and Wesley ending in a 2–2 draw. Finally, the Rosebowl campaign ended on Friday night against John’s: the VD decider. The game was tense from start to finish, with an abundant goal in the very first minute by fresher Alice Arnott. However, the game still proved to be a tough fight right down to the final whistle. Drew’s team played their heart out to the very end, and we were all overjoyed to celebrate their victory with them. Overall it was an amazing hockey campaign – congratulations to all. Hilary Shannon
Rawson VIII – 2000m St Andrew’s 6:02.95 Rosebowl VIII – 2000m St Andrew’s 7:19.65
College Community
Palladian Solo Instrumental
St Andrews second year student Alice Morgan claimed the first place title playing her saxophone in the annual Palladian solo instrumental competition. In spite of some serious competition from the intercollege community, Alice’s mesmerizing performance of Pequeña Czarda by Pedro Iturralde, sensitively accompanied by Will Cesta, won the hearts of not only the judges but also every spectator in the crowd, who all fell captive to a plethora of long harmonious notes and soothing rhythms. This was a brilliant ensemble piece.
Fresher Adrian Whitehall’s outstanding performance on the double bass
also received a well-deserved special mention. He performed Double Bass Concerto, Op. 3 (first movement), by Serge Koussevitzky.
Overall this year’s Palladian solo drama competition saw more talent than ever before. We congratulate our winners.
Hilary Shannon
Rawson and Rosebowl Swimming
St Andrew’s is happy to report that both the Rawson and Rosebowl teams claimed first place. The races were fierce, the dives were pristine, and the crowds were wild.
Captain Tom McFadyen led his team to victory as well as placing second in the 400 free. Highlights for the men heavily surround St Andrews’ new student this year Patrick Hoey.
Another standout this year was third year Ben Killen for his superb performance in the 50 freestyle and both freestyle and medley relays. Second years, Billy Chapman and Andrew Judge, should be commended for their respective successes in some excruciatingly long races after having just participated in some nail-biting sprints. Third year Marco Van Westing swum hard in all his
events, as can be said for fresher Zac Von Appen and second year Kieran Bonin.
Rawson divers Nikita Belogonoff and Tom Galvin were awarded second and third.
The women were nonetheless exceptional, with achievements such as 1st place from fresher Mia Wilows in the 200, followed by an exceptional second from fresher Edwina Hobson. Fresher girls continued to shine with Olivia Peck grabbing 3rd in the 200m medley and Mekayla Everingham finishing a close second in all her individuals.
Second year captain Jess Hunter also came 2nd in the 50 back and 50 fly.
The Drew’s women really pulled through to finish it off in the relays, with first place in the 4×50 medley and second in the 4×50 freestyle.
Needless to say, this year’s Rawson and Rosebowl swimming far surpassed expectations and any benchmarks set in previous years.
Hilary Shannon
Where are they Now?
Craig Hassall (Fr 1983)
We invite you to meet Craig Hassall, a member of our alumni community who attended College from 1983 to 1984. Originally from Gilgandra, a town in the central west region of New South Wales, Craig studied a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Sydney and completed the first year of his Executive MBA course at the Australian Graduate School of Management but had to leave due to his commitments to the Sydney Olympics.
Since leaving College Craig has been involved with a number of different organisations. “My appetite for a life in the theatre was whetted at Sydney University and truly satiated since in a variety of organisations, including The Australian Opera, the Bell Shakespeare Company, Sydney Olympics, London Olympics, English National Ballet and the Raymond Gubbay Organisation in London. I have chosen to be behind the scenes for my career, having realised at University that my skills onstage are a little misplaced!”
After living in London, Craig has come back to Australia to run Opera Australia. “I was tempted by the opportunity to contribute to Australian cultural life in a major way and am very proud of the range and quality of productions we mount in a year. I am particularly attached to our national regional touring program, which takes opera to people across the country each year. When I visit the shows in remote and regional areas, the reaction from audiences is always so positive”.
When speaking to Craig about his best memories at College he recalled the camaraderie, the inter-college rivalry and collegiality and his involvement in Dramsoc. He said he was most proud of the productions they made; in particular the Law Revues which he says wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and teamwork of those involved. Craig showed his modesty and character by adding: “I was proud of the law revue scripts that I helped to write; however, these may be in danger of a rose-tinted hindsight view – I am not sure that they were actually THAT funny!”.
When asked how St Andrew’s contributed to his life experiences and business career, Craig said that St Andrew’s was a great way to begin his exploration of the world. “In my days at Andrew’s and even more so now, culture had a prominent place and our achievements in that field sat alongside sporting and academic achievements as significant and important contributors to college life.” Craig mentioned he obtained the most value out of the opportunities that College opened up for him, “Lectures were the place where I learned the least at university – there was much more to learn about life from common rooms, bars and study groups. Getting involved is the key to greater preparedness for life.”
When asked if there was anything else he would like to add, Craig said: “As a kid from the bush, life at college opened up a whole new world to me…College was a nurturing environment of young people from all walks of life and I would encourage all college men and women to make the most of this wonderful confluence of people.”
To read Craig’s full interview, go to http://www.standrewscollege.edu.au/alumni/celebratingour-alumni/where-are-they-now/craig-hassall-fr1983/
Where are they Now?
Felicity
O’Neill (Fr 2008)
When were you at St Andrew’s and what did you study?
I was at College from 2008 to 2010 , studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) at the University of Sydney, with majors in finance, economics and human geography.
What are your best memories of College?
Some of my best memories from College were taking to the court/pool/river with Andrew’s colours on. The camaraderie of college sport is a uniquely invigorating feeling, which is pretty hard to replicate. Also the time spent hanging round College – in the ‘hunge’ in Reid, out the front of Main Building and even those late night study sessions in the library cramming before exams.
What did you do at College and/or University that you are most proud of?
I think I am most proud of the way I threw myself into both College and University life.
I am certainly not a hero at any one pursuit but I did manage to get involved in a broad suite of extracurricular activities from the nerdy and not always witty Commerce Review 08, to an epic geography field trip down the Mekong, to St Andrew’s netball super sub and benchwarmer extraordinaire!
What have you been up to since you left College?
I spent a couple of years hanging around university finishing off my degree and doing an internship at Russell Investments. After five years of study I fell into the public service by accident after hearing Matt Gilliland (Fr 2008) talking about his public sector grad interviews while studying in
Azzuri’s on campus. I spent three really enjoyable years working at the Treasury in Canberra.
What are you doing now? What projects are you involved in?
I am currently on a two-year Secondment to the UK Treasury – Her Majesty’s Treasury –in London, working as a Policy Adviser. At the moment I am working in the team providing economic analysis for the Government in respect of the EU Referendum. It is pretty exciting and engaging to see your work splashed out in the headlines each morning.
Would you say St Andrew’s helped build your life experiences and business career?
What St Andrew’s gave me is the soft skills required to succeed – strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to give anything a red-hot go, and the importance of teamwork. I am sure though, that as my career matures; the networks Drew’s gives us will help too! When I look around at the pursuits of my ‘08 Fresher cohort I am constantly astounded and humbled by their impressive achievements.
If you had advice to give to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
I think it would be to have the confidence to know that I could do anything I put my mind to. I do think there is a lot of unconscious bias that young women leaving school struggle with and you can’t wait for people to affirm your talents. For me, one of the great things about St Andrew’s College was to look around and think, ‘if they can do it, why can’t I?’, the earlier young women get that message the better.
To read Felicity’s full interview, go to www.standrewscollege.edu.au/alumni/celebrating-ouralumni/where-are-they-now/felicity-oneill-interview/
Alumni Events
Parents Cocktail Event
On the 13th of April, the College welcomed more than 60 Parents into the College Chapel for a Cocktail Event. This event is important as it allows parents to meet other parents within the College whilst providing an opportunity to meet the Principal and other staff members. The parents were given an insight into what is happening in and around the College while enjoying an array of beverages and tasty finger foods. Many of the Parents used
Reunions
this opportunity to reconnect with their children and many students were excited to take their parents for a tour around their new home.
The Principal and the Director of Advancement have been busy hosting a number of reunions for parents and alumni. The first reunion of the year was in Brisbane which seven of our alumni attended with fresher years spanning from 1962 to 2007. Guests gathered at Reverend James Rigney’s (Fr 1979) College, St John’s within the University of Queensland, and were given an update on the College’s plans for the future and were given a chance to give their thoughts and feedback.
Julian Cook
Earlier this semester, twenty men and women of St Andrew’s College were fortunate enough to speak to Julian Cook (Fr 2005) over drinks in the Senior Common Room. Julian has been working in investment banking for more than five years, working with such companies as J.P. Morgan in London and Goldman Sachs in Sydney. Julian provided invaluable advice on how to score
Brisbane Reunion
The next two reunions happened just a day apart in Dubbo and Bathurst with some parents attending and alumni with fresher years spanning from 1966 to 2011. The following reunion was in Newcastle with a larger group of fourteen parents and alumni at the Newcastle Club. The guests were given a short presentation of the College Strategy and the Master Plan. The most recent reunion was in Melbourne with eight members of our alumni community being reunited over dinner and drinks.
The next reunion will be held at Wagga Wagga on 21 June followed by Canberra on 3 August. Please view the College website for details and to RSVP.
highly sought-after jobs in finance and banking, as well as insight into topics such as the nature of investment banking, the benefits and drawbacks of working in the industry, and particularly the qualities that prestigious firms look for when recruiting graduates and interns. The Students Club would like to thank Julian for his time, as well as the generous and in-depth information that he provided.
Marco Van Westing (Fr 2014)
Dubbo Reunion
Australia Day Honours Obituaries
The College has learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy is extended to the families of these alumni.
1944 Peter Gordon Grant Willis
1952 Dr Jeffrey Anthony Cameron
Peter Gordon Willis
Peter was born in Tamworth in 1926, and was educated at Tamworth High School before coming to College in January 1944. Peter studied Arts I English, Latin, History and Psychology.
In December 1944, Peter declared his intention to enlist and asked the Principal, Dr Cumming Thom, whether he could retain his room in January 1945 while he re-sat his examinations. He passed the Law I course in 1947 after he was demobbed in March following two years of being at war. Peter did not return to College until 1948 where he was at College for three consecutive years, from 1948 until 1950, studying Law II, III and IV.
The College archives show Peter as an extremely quiet and elusive person, with a weakness for blondes but never seen at College dances. The absence from College dances has been explained by his son as his “ultimately successful pursuit of his wife who was a Sancta girl – he was dancing, but elsewhere. The family mythology is that they met in a University or College play”.
If you know of any other deaths in our community, please let us know. Contact: Melissa Costello, Alumni Officer T: (02) 9565 7302 E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Two members of our community have been recognised for their contributions to Australian society.
We are proud to congratulate former Principal Dr Bill Porges OAM and our first female Councillor Professor Rosalind Frances Croucher AM, on receiving the below Orders of Australia.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division Dr William Leith Porges – Principal of St Andrew’s College 1999–2008 For service to tertiary education, and to veterinary science.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Professor Rosalind Frances Croucher –Honorary Fellow of St Andrew’s College For significant service to the law as an academic, to legal reform and education, to professional development, and to the arts.
We would be delighted to hear from any other members of our alumni community who received honours and are not listed above: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au or +61 2 9565 7302
Impact of Giving: Blackwood Foundation
Each and every gift has an impact: by connecting, engaging, and cultivating Andrew’s men and women for life.
Edward Martin (Fr 2002) is currently giving through his family’s foundation, the Blackwood Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship invests in students from rural or regional Australia to reside at the college whilst studying an Agricultural-based degree or other.
St Andrew’s College has strong connections with rural and regional Australia, and is still a top choice for many rural students who want to live at college. The College prides itself on having a diverse mix of students from all walks of life; however, for some country students, residential college is not an option.
“As an alumnus of St Andrew’s, and the wonderful memories I have of my time at College, I wanted to contribute and help give a country student an opportunity, and the Blackwood Foundation Scholarship is the result.”
Simon Martin, Edward’s father, established the Blackwood Foundation in 2013 in memory of his late mother, Pamela Blackwood, to continue the family’s legacy of giving.
The Martin’s ancestors were prominent philanthropists in education, as benefactors of schools and universities. They were also donors and actively involved in the establishment of
orphanages for homeless children (now Uniting Care Burnside) in the early to mid1900s.
In 2013, Edward started UinMind, a fundraising and awareness group, developed for young people experiencing mental health issues. He also connects with young philanthropists and accesses best practice resources through his involvement in Philanthropy Australia’s New Generation program.
Whilst residing at St Andrew’s, Edward studied for his Master of International Business & Law at Sydney University and was lucky enough to manage some political campaigns at a state and federal level, working with some colourful politicians.
“There are many opportunities at St Andrew’s and it is about finding your passion, working hard and contributing. Everyone has a unique story, an invaluable skill and a passion for something; it’s about harnessing those qualities and using them in a positive way.”
Annual Dinner Annual General Meeting 2016
The president and Committee of the St Andrew’s College Alumni Society request the pleasure of your company at the Annual Dinner and Annual general meeting.
Date: Saturday 26 November 2016
Time: 6:30pm AGM; 7 Pre-Dinner Drinks; 7:30pm Dinner
Tickets: $125 full; $115 SACAS Members; $90 2006–2015 Freshers
Including Reunions for:
1951 – 65 Year Reunion
1956 – 60 Year Reunion
1966 – 50 Year Reunion
1976 – 40 Year Reunion
1986 – 30 Year Reunion
1991 – 25 Year Reunion
1996 – 20 Year Reunion
2001 – 15 Year Reunion
2006 – 10 Year Reunion
2011 – 5 Year Reunion
Annual Golf Day
The St Andrew’s College Alumni Society invites you to the Annual Alumni Society Golf Day at Moore Park Golf Course.
Accommodation: $60 per night
Dress: Black Tie
RSVPby: Friday 18 November 2016
Enquiries: T: 02 9565 7302
E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Competition: Individual and 4BBB Stableford Register with a group of 4 or, alternatively, let us group you! All golfing abilities welcome.
Please pass the word on to other St Andrew’s alumni with whom you are in contact!
Date: Friday 25 November 2016
Time: 1.30pm Tee Off; 5.30pm Post Game Drinks
Tickets: Option 1 – $100 incl green fees, cart and post-game snacks
Option 2 – $80 incl green fees and post-game snacks
Venue: Moore Park Golf Club Cnr Anzac Pde & Cleveland St, MOORE PARK
Dress: Collared Shirt (No Denim)
RSVPby: Friday 18 November 2016
Enquiries: T: 02 9565 7302
E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
RSVP for Alumni Dinner & AGM
RSVP Date: Friday 18 November 2016
Book online via:
www.standrewscollege.edu.au/conferences-events/events-2/
Complete and mail to: St Andrew’s College, 19 Carillon Avenue NEWTOWN NSW 2042
Email your scanned form to: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Book by phone with your credit card: 02 9565 7302
Your Name & Fresher Year:
Partner’s Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Dietary requirements:
Payment
Cheque (payable to St Andrew’s College)
EFT Bank: NAB BSB: 082-057 Account: 509015248
(Please use the following reference:
Annual Dinner <Your Surname Fr yr>)
Visa MasterCard
RSVP for Annual Golf Day
RSVP Date: Friday 18 November 2016
Book online via:
www.standrewscollege.edu.au/conferences-events/events-2/
Complete and mail to: St Andrew’s College, 19 Carillon Avenue NEWTOWN NSW 2042
Email your scanned form to: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Book by phone with your credit card: 02 9565 7302
Your Name & Fresher Year:
Partner’s Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Email:
Dietary requirements:
Yes, I/we will be attending the Annual Golf Day on Friday 25 November 2016
I would like to RSVP for the following people:
Yes, I/we will be attending the Annual Dinner & AGM on Saturday 26 November 2016
Please seat me with My Year Group or Name:
I/We send our apologies for this function
I would like to purchase: ______ Tickets @ $125
Alumni Society member tickets @ $115
______ Fresher 2006–15 tickets @ $90
I would like accommodation for:
Thursday / Friday / Saturday night at $60 per night $
I would like to renew my membership for: 1
I authorise payment of $ _______ Name on Card:
Card No:
Expiry: / CCV:
Signature:
Date:
I/We send our apologies for this function I would like to purchase: ______ Tickets @ $100 $ _______ ______ Tickets @ $80 $ _______ I would like to support the Society Scholarship with a gift of:
Total
Payment
Cheque (payable to St Andrew’s College)
EFT Bank: NAB BSB: 082-057 Account: 509015248
(Please use the following reference: SACAS Golf Day <Your Surname Fr yr>)
Visa MasterCard
I authorise payment of $ _______ Name on Card:
Card No:
Expiry: / CCV:
Signature: