5 Minutes with a Benefactor: Colin Davidson OAM

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 memories of your time being associated with the College?

• 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.

• 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.

What would you say was the best thing you remember about your time at College as a student?

Generally, the whole experience and the life-long friendships I made. However, it was all good. Maybe getting the chance to play Rugby with three then-current Wallabies.

What made you choose to live at St Andrew’s rather than anywhere else?

I came from Newcastle, so I had to live somewhere. College was a natural progression from boarding at The Scots College as both were then run by the 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!

• The improved tutorial program

• There is greater interaction with the Principal and staff.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that the College does?

Shaping the lives of young people in many meaningful ways in the sometimes difficult transaction from youth to adulthood.

You studied law and went on to become a Judge in the Compensation Court. Do you have any advice for students entering studying law and looking to make a career in it?

enjoyable. And as with all Faculties, team up with a fellow student to “bounce off” in your study.

How did College help you to shape your future employment/life opportunities?

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 with family and old friends, and travel both overseas and in Australia. And I like to read.

Why do you choose to give to St Andrew’s?

As a modest repayment for all it has given me. And to, in some way, help other young people gain the experience and benefit it has given me.

What motivates you to stay involved with the College?

As above, and for the satisfying social interaction it provides in my retirement.

Colin (right), with his wife Suzanne and Principal, Wayne Erickson

Do you have an anecdote about the College that really moved you?

This is a hard one. Whilst probably not directly relevant, it gives me the opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary service rendered to College by the late Professor Ian Jack.

You are also a member of the 1867 Circle, having indicated you have left a bequest to the College. Could you expand further on why you chose to do this and why you think it is important that we have bequests?

I have chosen to leave a bequest as a very modest gesture of the great value I place upon what College did in shaping my future life. Obviously bequests assist College to provide some of its benefits to its students.

What do you hope the organisation will achieve in the near future? In the long term?

I don’t really feel qualified to answer this question other than to say that I believe the organisation has never been better in my life-time and probably in its history. So – just keep up the good work.

As a supporter of the College, an alumnus and a philanthropist, what advice would you give to others considering making a gift or leaving a bequest?

Just do it!

The Advancement Office would like to thank Colin for taking the time to speak to us.