5 MINUTES WITH A BENEFACTOR COLIN DAVIDSON OAM (FR 1954) COLIN DAVIDSON HAS HAD A LONG CONNECTION WITH COLLEGE SINCE ARRIVING ON CAMPUS AS A FRESHER IN 1954. HE WAS A COUNCILLOR FROM 2002-2010 AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOUNDATION FROM 2003-2009. TODAY, HE IS A MEMBER OF THE ALUMNI SOCIETY, A REGULAR DONOR AND A MEMBER OF THE 1867 CIRCLE. COLIN RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS 66-YEAR FRESHER YEAR REUNION WITH A LUNCH AT THE COLLEGE, ATTENDED BY NINE OF HIS FELLOW FRESHERS What are some of your favourite
I came from Newcastle, so I had to
enjoyable. And as with all Faculties, team
memories of your time being associated
live somewhere. College was a natural
up with a fellow student to “bounce off” in
with the College?
progression from boarding at The Scots
your study.
•
Meeting not only other students from similar schools and backgrounds but also those from more diverse origins.
•
Although controversial these days, the strong bond forged through the fresher initiation ceremonies.
•
The life-long friendships formed with fellow students.
Philanthropy Report 2019
•
The inter-collegiate sport competitions.
•
Since 2002, the satisfaction of being able to serve the College in various ways and hopefully repaying it for all the benefits received whilst a student.
Presbyterian Church of which my parents were members. College was quite different in your time to today – what are the main changes that stand out to you today? •
There were no women! (A great step now)
•
The improvements in accommodation and facilities, and the food is better!
It probably played a part in getting me my first job as an Articled Clerk with two good law firms whilst still doing my course. As a young Barrister it may also have had some influence on the Solicitors who sent me the work to appear in Court. What do you like to do in your spare time now that you are retired? I like to go sailing or walking. I socialise
•
There is greater interaction with the
with family and old friends, and travel
Principal and staff. In your opinion, what is the most
you remember about your time at
Shaping the lives of young people in many
Generally, the whole experience and the
future employment/life opportunities?
The improved tutorial program
important work that the College does?
College as a student?
How did College help you to shape your
•
What would you say was the best thing
both overseas and in Australia. And I like to read. Why do you choose to give to St Andrew’s?
meaningful ways in the sometimes difficult
As a modest repayment for all it has given
transaction from youth to adulthood.
me. And to, in some way, help other young people gain the experience and benefit it
life-long friendships I made. However, it
You studied law and went on to become
was all good. Maybe getting the chance
a Judge in the Compensation Court.
to play Rugby with three then-current
Do you have any advice for students
What motivates you to stay involved
Wallabies.
entering studying law and looking to
with the College?
What made you choose to live at St Andrew’s rather than anywhere else?
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College as both were then run by the
make a career in it? First and foremost, only do it if you find it
has given me.
As above, and for the satisfying social interaction it provides in my retirement.
