Remembering St Andrew’s ANZACs
Lieutenant General Sir Iven Giffard Mackay
Continuing with our commitment to honouring our Anzac Servicemen, this year’s St Andrew’s College Lecture was given in honour of Lieutenant General Sir Iven Giffard Mackay KBE, CMG, DSO and Bar, VD (Fr 1902), who was at the initial Gallipoli landing and the Battle of Lone Pine in 1915. General Mackay went on to command the 4th Infantry Battalion with distinction on the Western Front and the 1st Infantry Brigade in the attack on the Hindenburg Line.
Mackay then served in the Second World War, leading the 6th Division in the Battle of Bardia and then at Tobruk, Derna and Benghazi in Libya and finally at the unsuccessful Battle of Greece. He returned to Australia in 1941 as General Officer Commanding Home Forces. He commanded forces in New Guinea in early 1943 before being appointed Australia’s first High Commissioner to
India, a post he held until 1948.
The College welcomed Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Rtd) as guest speaker with his lecture, ‘Girt by beach or girt by sea? Australia’s perennial security debate – a General’s perspective’, to a full Chapel of students interested to learn more about leadership within complex security environments. During the question time at the end of his lecture, General Morrison also answered questions about gender equity and relationships, remarking that leaders must use ‘their head and their heart’.
Rev Dr Gareth Clayton OAM, Chaplain
Some people really do have it tough – some more than others.
Perhaps Jesus had these people in mind when He said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28 TEV)
Or, put it this way,
Planning Now
From the Chair of Council
1982)
Many of us made some of our best friends at College. Some we met during the Fresher initiations of O Week and others we met through sports, study or in the JCR. They are a broad group of friends who came from government and private schools; from all over Sydney, rural and regional NSW, interstate and overseas; some were in our Fresher cohort and others were older students in later years of study. It is this common experience we remember that comprises the core of the Council’s strategic imperative to attract and retain a diverse and distinctive residential community. In recent years the cost of attending university has increased significantly, particularly for rural and regional students who require $25–30,000 each year in accommodation costs to attend university. Council has chosen to respond to this by providing additional funding to the scholarships and bursaries program, distributing $1 million directly in support of students this year.
In 2015, we have benefitted from the philanthropic support of a number of generous benefactors who have contributed, with large and small gifts, to our scholarships, bursaries and capital programs. In particular, we have been able to create ten new scholarships to
support students from government schools, rural and regional Australia, and senior students in the 4th and 5th years of their undergraduate degrees: thank you! We have identified the gap required to support students and we are now one third of the way to our goal of raising an additional $1m for scholarships and bursaries to be distributed during the next five years, and appreciate your assistance. Together we can transform students’ lives by providing them with the financial support they need to have a St Andrew’s experience.
Council is pleased to be able to partner with our community and, in particular, our alumni, as we develop our strategy and, as part of that, the Harper Master Plan. Nowhere do we see a closer connection between alumni and Council than when we are able to welcome alumni to Council. This year we have welcomed Craig Blair (Fr 1987) and Eleanor Cheetham (Fr 2005) to Council. Eleanor joins Sasha Kovic (Fr 2005) to become our second woman alumni Councillor and on page 4 you can learn more about these terrific women.
Charlie Taylor (Fr
for the Future
From the Bird
Wayne Erickson
I’d like to congratulate this year’s Senior Student Gemma Larkin (Fr 2013), the House Committee and Students’ Club on another remarkably successful year at College. We have once again retained the Rawson, Rosebowl, and University Cups, and regained the Palladian Cup, reflecting the depth of talent in both sports and the arts. This is the second time in three years that we have won all four Cups; and only the second time in InterCol history that such dominance has been achieved by one College.
Students continue to excel in their academic results with the College’s average mark in Semester One now at an impressive 68.91%. Over 35% of marks attained were at Distinction or High Distinction level. A small number of students who failed a subject or who failed to reach our expectation of a credit average are required to enter an academic probation program, where they are provided with one-on-one academic mentoring to assist them in elevating their annual average mark to the expected annual average mark of 65. Thanks to our Vice Principal Hester Wilson and Senior Tutor Elly Howse, we are now reviewing and redeveloping our expanding academic program to ensure that we are able to continue to develop this component of a worldclass residential experience, and you can read more about that on page 7.
The Council is continuing its work on the Harper Master Plan, focusing on the Northern Buildings precinct and the Learning and Performing Arts Centre. The Northern Buildings concept is designed to consider the more mature accommodation needs of later-year undergraduates and postgraduates. Council is also keen to ensure that these buildings are sympathetic to the Main Building – the jewel in the St Andrew’s crown – whilst ensuring that they maintain their own architectural aesthetic.
In early July Council appointed Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp as the architects for the Learning and Performing Arts Centre (page 8). We are confident that in working with these world-class architects, we will create an iconic building that not only provides a home for our academic and cultural programs, but is also an elegantly beautiful and welcoming expression of our intent to open our arms to the wider community.
Council’s Newest Women
In 2014 Sasha Kovic (Fr 2005) became the College’s first female alumni Councillor. She was joined on Council by Eleanor Cheetham, also a 2005 Fresher, in July 2015. Here they talk about what they’ve been doing since they left College and why they joined Council.
What have you been up to since you left College?
Sasha Kovic: After completing a combined degree in Civil Engineering and Commerce (Finance) I worked with two construction companies, Brookfield Multiplex and Richard Crookes Constructions, building university student accommodation, high-rise residential apartments and a hospital in Sydney. Recently I switched roles from being a builder to a developer and am working as a Project Manager
for Frasers Property Australia (formerly known as Australand).
Eleanor Cheetham: During my time at College I began working with Australian Galleries. I continued managing their Sydney operation, staging exhibitions with established Australian artists for six years, then moved overseas to throw myself into the deep end of New York’s art world. I directed a contemporary gallery in Manhattan and travelled around the east coast art fairs. Returning home I have managed private art collections and public exhibitions like Sculpture by the Sea. Now it’s time to do it myself as I am planning to open my own contemporary gallery (Gallery & Tonic) in Surry Hills, Sydney, during 2016. It’s a great journey to be travelling.
Eleanor Cheetham and Sasha Kovic
Why did you join Council?
EC: The Principal, Wayne Erickson, had been hinting that I should join Council for a few years. When a vacancy arose, I had a great conversation with Wayne and Charlie Taylor about the College’s future and potential for Residential Life and happily accepted their invitation to nominate. I guess it’s a way of giving back, and helping shape the involvement the College has with the broader community.
SK: I was working across the road from St Andrew’s, building the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. I met the then Vice Principal, John Sergeant (Fr1983), who mentioned that the College was about to embark on the Harper Master Plan. Council wanted new Councillors with a property/building background and they were also keen to elect the first female alumni Councillor. Realising that I ticked both boxes, I agreed to be nominated.
Can you tell us about your involvement on Council?
SK: Council is comprised of a very impressive group of people who are adding great value to the College from their work and life experience. We meet every six weeks and each Committee provides an update on their work progress. We discuss what’s working well and perhaps what’s lacking in the College and receive direct feedback from the Senior Student.
I’m a member of both the Major Works Committee and the Operations Committee. In Major Works we are developing the Harper Master Plan, including a postgraduate wing and a Learning and Performing Arts Centre (LPAC). It’s exciting being involved in the design of a new College building, including looking at
how to improve the postgraduate community experience and also making it enticing for 4th and 5th year students too. There’s also a lot of pressure to ensure each building has the right look and architectural harmony, so we don’t upset the alumni!
In the Operations Committee, we review the day-to-day operations of College. We discuss issues such as the Thyne Building refurbishment programmed for this summer, evaluating the best internet servers and monitoring the kitchen food budget. It’s a fascinating insight as to how this organisation is run.
EC: I am the Chair of the Residential Life Committee. I’m new to Council so at this stage it’s about learning and contributing the best way I can through my background and experience. I am thrilled to see such a diverse group of members on Council – there is a great mix of ages and perspectives.
What do you hope to achieve during your time on Council?
EC: The College is a brilliant melting pot of great people. My area of interest is the continued wellbeing of College life, maintaining the culture of great traditions while embracing new ideas and connections to the community outside of the College.
SK: I’m very pleased to be involved with Council at such a significant time in improving the College grounds. I’m hoping to produce some exceptional building facilities for the College that will improve the all-round experience of College Life for St Andrew’s students.
You can read the full interview on our website at: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/eleanor-cheetham-andsasha-kovic-new-sac-councillors
Our First Female Senior Student
Gemma Larkin
Senior Student 2015
“Being elected Senior Student has been an honour that has capped off the best three years of my life to date! More importantly than the positions I have held here, are the very special friendships and memories gained along the way.”
Gemma Larkin (Fr 2013) was elected the 2015 Senior Student by the Students’ Club; the first woman to hold the position.
Gemma arrived at St Andrew’s from Taree on the Mid North Coast in 2013 and is studying medicine at UNSW. As it was the first time Gemma had moved away from home she says that being at College helped her to adjust to the changes “in a way that living elsewhere, for example a share-house, would not have.”
Being elected Senior Student for 2015 capped off a busy three years at College, including
captaining the Rosebowl netball team in 2014. “I think I am most proud of playing sport for the college,” says Gemma, “despite our netball and basketball team never actually winning the competition, there were some close matches and truly great moments.”
When speaking of her time as Senior Student, Gemma says “my greatest enjoyment has been getting to know the House Committee. Working closely with people from across all year groups has been fruitful.” However, the role is not without its challenges, “disciplining others in the Students’ Club will always be a challenge for the Senior Student.” With the strong backing of the House Committee and “remembering whose interest you have at heart – the Students’ Club,” Gemma has navigated these issues successfully. “I am proud of the way we have approached decisions, the consultation that has been involved and how this has shaped our college community,” says Gemma, “[But] we have also had a lot of fun along the way. If (mostly) everyone is happy, then you are doing well!”
As her term as Senior Student comes to a close, Gemma is looking to the future. While she is planning to become a doctor, Gemma is “taking the rest of my degree as a learning experience to weigh up which aspects of the profession I enjoy the most and would like to work in.”
Gemma would like to wish the House Committee for 2016 all the best and hopes the 2015 House Committee hasn’t “left too much of a mess for you!”
Our Academic Program
Elly Howse Senior Tutor
A well-rounded experience at college and university is highly valued by employers and institutions; this experience includes academic achievement at university, which is often considered a critical component of entry to, and success in, many areas of the private and public sectors.
This year the College introduced a requirement that students maintain an annual average mark of 65 to remain in College. This acknowledges that highly sought-after graduate roles and clerkships usually require a high level of academic performance. Furthermore, postgraduate study at the best universities in Australia, the USA, UK and Canada requires at least a 65 average to be considered for admission.
While it is true that universities and employers consider many other aspects apart from academic achievement, having a strong academic record is often the bare minimum required before even being considered. Thus with an ever competitive employment and academic landscape both in Australia and overseas, it is essential our students are offered a myriad of opportunities to excel and succeed academically, professionally and personally during their time at College. The result of this change is an increased awareness of, and interest in, all things academic. Semester 1 results were impressive: the overall average of marks was a Credit, and the College had a very low rate of academic failure.
While a small number of students experience some challenges regarding academic progress, it is clear that these students can make leaps and bounds in their academic work with the support of the College. We have seen a significant interest in academic mentoring from these students, as well as from students who appreciate the extra support of meeting with a senior resident or member of staff during the semester.
In Semester 1, approximately 140 hours of tutoring was offered each fortnight to support and extend our students in their studies. Feedback indicates that students appreciate the College tutorials for their small size and the expertise of their tutor, who is likely to have some association with the College as an alumnus, senior resident, or previous tutor.
In Semester 2 our Dean of Studies Ms Kate Lonie (Fr 2014) oversaw a new Sunday afternoon study session in the College Dining Hall. This session, called ‘Just Write!’, encourages our students to get together for a few hours to simply sit and do work with the support of their peers. These sessions are popular and provide a supportive environment for students to work without the possibility of procrastination.
In 2016 the College will be strengthening the academic program, including through the creation of ‘Academic Area Tutors’. These tutors will be high achieving senior undergraduate and postgraduate residents who will tutor, mentor and support our first, second and third year students with their academic work.
The sky is certainly the limit for St Andrew’s in 2016, for 2015 has shown us it is true that ‘success breeds more success’ when it comes to our students and academic achievement.
Harper Master Plan –Learning
In July the Council appointed the multi-awardwinning Australian architectural practice FrancisJones Morehen Thorp to design the College’s new Learning and Performing Arts Centre. While academic achievement is the minimum requirement to being considered for many graduate roles and postgraduate degrees (see Our Academic Program, page 7), in today’s employment landscape, employers are looking for more than just academic success in their future leaders.
Qualities such as curiosity, insight, engagement and resilience are also highly sought after1 In other words, recruiters and employers are
looking for candidates who have a commitment to lifelong learning; the capacity to synthesise and analyse data across a broad range of sectors; and, the humility and emotional intelligence to lead ever more diverse teams. The College is well placed to provide students with the opportunities to learn and develop these qualities, and this forms the basis of the Council’s strategic imperative to create quality academic and co-curricular programs. The development of a world-class Learning & Performing Arts Centre will provide the College with the facilities to enhance the learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond St Andrew’s.
and Performing ArtsCentre
Led by Richard Francis-Jones and Elizabeth Carpenter, Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) is working with the Major Works Committee to design a building that will not only meet the demands of College life, but will also be sensitive to the heritage of the nearby Main Building. With a commitment to design excellence, every part of the Learning and Performing Arts Centre will be designed to accommodate multiple uses. Learning spaces will be able to accommodate tutorials, informal study groups and, out of semester, conference breakout sessions. The drama rehearsal rooms can host not only a full dress rehearsal, but also small performances and lectures. The LPAC’s main feature is a 200 seat black box theatre that will have retractable seating, meaning it can be used as a traditional theatre and lecture space, and without the seating it can be used for conferences and other events, creating a new source of revenue to financially support the College.
The College aims to submit the Development Application to the City of Sydney Council before the end of 2015.
You can see the detailed plans and more images on the College’s website: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/master-plan/
1 Hyland, A 2015, ‘Four top tips to be a successful leader’, The Australian Financial Review, 28–29 March
Top: Night view; Above: LPAC Aerial View © Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmtstudio.com)
Student Community
Will McNamara (Fr 2012)
We invite you to meet Will McNamara (Fr 2012). Will is a 4th Year Medicine student at UNSW and one of the College’s Dean of Students.
Originally from Goulburn, Will arrived at St Andrew’s in 2012 to study Medicine at UNSW, ‘because I needed somewhere to live whilst studying at university as my family resided in the country.’
As a Fresher, Will pushed himself out of his comfort zone by auditioning for the lead role in the DramSoc production of BoeingBoeing. This Broadway farce saw Will playing a French architect with three airhostess fiancés. Overcoming jelly legs and a fear of being unfunny, Will and the production received ‘pleasing reviews from friends and family’. Just as importantly, Will made friends with people who he wouldn’t have met otherwise. He has also been able to translate the lessons he learned
producing the play to his professional career, in particular, the importance of mental preparation before a performance, how to perform in front of an audience, and the benefits of teamwork.
Professionally, Will aspires to undertake a PhD in orthopaedics and then become an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician. “I really like the idea of marrying clinical and surgical practice with evidencebased research,” says Will. And, he’s well on his way to achieving his aims. Will attended the congress for the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine in June and was a finalist –and the only student – for the Richard B Caspari Award for outstanding research on the upper limb. The research has gone on to be accepted at two more shoulder research conferences in Florida and South Korea next year.
In the meantime, Will continues to be heavily involved in College life, through his role as Dean of Students and as a member of this year’s winning Rawson Athletics Team. When talking to Freshers about St Andrew’s, he likes to describe it as ‘super phosphate’ for life. “In other words,” says Will “whilst many students may be focused on achieving exceptional marks, the students at St Andrew’s are busy achieving these same goals and a whole lot more in terms of developing emotional intelligence, skills for living in a community, and overall maturity. There is a reason that St Andrew’s alumni feature frequently as leaders in their respective fields. I’d say it’s the super phosphate.”
You can read more about Will McNamara on our website at: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/current-students/will-mcnamara
Four Cups Victory
It has not been all first places or easily won victories for St Andrew’s this year. It has been hard-fought battles for all positions, which makes the victory of four cups all the more sweet! The entire College should be proud of the way we have conducted ourselves this year and on our fighting attitude. An amazing outcome from a great team. Congratulations Drew’s.
Rawson Cup
2015 saw the Rawson Cup defence occur for the fifth consecutive year. This defence didn’t get away to the start the College had anticipated, with the Rawson Cricket team lead by Tom Sutcliffe unable to win a game, whilst being extremely competitive throughout all three matches. With Rowing the next sport on the Rawson calendar, Andrew’s once more fielded an extremely strong side, led by Tom Whitehead. As in previous years, our men’s Rowing crew were comfortable winners, winning by several boat lengths. Joint captains of the Swimming team, Matt Treloar and Tomas Elliot, took control of the swimming carnival, ensuring the win and another valuable 5 points. Rawson Rugby rounded out the sports for the first semester with captain Jack McCalman proving invaluable throughout the three-week campaign, seeing the boys cruise through into the final, handing St John’s a crushing defeat. Soccer was the first sport of Semester Two with the side lead by Sam Drysdale overcoming formidable opposition in all matches and
Rosebowl Cup
The Rosebowl competition this year saw some extremely talented athletes take to the court, pitch and track. In preparation for each sport, all of the St Andrew’s women involved trained and worked very hard in order to represent their college to their very best. The campaign started off with the Netball with the girls placing 2nd, which was followed with a win to both the rowing and hockey teams, with the rowing girls not only dominating the race but also securing a new record time. The swimmers then took to the pool quite late in the semester, swimming well but unfortunately unable to finish at the top despite their best efforts. Second semester was off to a quick start with soccer kicking off within the second. The 5 week break seemed to have no effect on the girls’ preparation, with the team finishing
College Community
winning the competition outright. Basketball was the next sport to take centre stage with the boys securing a rare 3 way tie with St Paul’s and Wesley; the side was led exceptionally well by Will Clarke. Tennis fever swept the College in Weeks 8 and 9 with our men cruising into the final, which saw a showdown with St Paul’s. St Paul’s once again fielded a star-studded team and claimed the eventual win over a gallant Drew’s outfit led by Matt Stern. However, at this stage of the Rawson campaign, second place was good enough to secure an unassailable lead in the Intercollegiate Rawson Cup with Athletics still to come. Ben Killen sought to put a cherry atop of this year’s Rawson Campaign. And that he did, with the Athletics team claiming the win. As it stands, the Rawson Cup will reside at Drew’s for the 6th year in a row. As the Rawson Representative I would like to thank all those involved in each sport in their various capacities. In addition I would like to wish the 2016 Rawson Representative every success as our competition gets tougher.
Chris O’Donnell (Fr 2013) Rawson Rep
in 1st place. Tennis and Basketball had great campaigns, but unfortunately were unable to secure an overall victory. The efforts of the girls did not go unnoticed though, with both teams displaying some amazing talent. Finally the campaign drew to an end with athletics, which had St Andrew’s finishing strong, bringing home the final 1st place for the year and the overall Rosebowl trophy. Congratulations to all the athletes for fantastic performances across the board. It was great to see the Drew’s spirit continue and once again to see the Rosebowl trophy remain within St Andrew’s walls. Maddison Rosser (Fr 2013) Rosebowl Rep
Gemma Larkin (Fr 2013) Senior Student
College Community
Palladian Cup
This year’s Palladian campaign has resulted in great triumph, fashioned from eight months of hard work; long nights writing, painting, rehearsing and performing. Points were accrued across most events in the Palladian calendar; as such, no-one could dispute the worthiness of our overall victory.
Individual triumphs included:
• Alex Wright in Oration
• Janna Seeley in Vocal
• Will Cesta and Alice Morgan in Instrumental.
Group success was also celebrated several times:
• Ensemble Dance led by Micaela Williams
• Chapel Choir led by Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith
• The Bluebirds led by Anthony Chen
• ‘Willamice Trio’ led by Minami Takahashi in Group Instrumental
• Debating team that triumphed under the command of Genevieve Sergeant
• ‘Ménage á trois’ in Group Drama performing a reduced Shakespeare with Nick Jackman, Xander Jackman and India Cordony.
Careers Week 2015
Building on the overwhelming successes of the 2014 Alumni Careers Evening, the 2015 Inaugural Careers Week focused on enhancing the student experience at St Andrew’s by providing practical advice for students seeking eventual employment. The week was centred on engaging the broader St Andrew’s network on the topic of careers, drawing on collective experience to give students a picture of the current industry landscape, and ways to make inroads on a chosen field. This was particularly valuable for students nearing entry into the labour market. Adopting a different format was a risk, nonetheless, it paid off handsomely. The primary difference was expanding the value offering to include more practical and focused advice, as well as giving students the opportunity to connect more closely with participants over dinner and informal drinks in a quieter setting. One of the great strengths of the college is its liberal attitude. This week was no exception, as students were under no obligation to attend. Those who chose to, however, derived immense value, particularly from the “How to Land a Job Session” with Former HR Group Executive for the ASX, Amanda Mostyn.
It was a year characterised by the continual support shown by the whole College. A successful campaign really does require the sustained effort and commitment demonstrated by all Androvians who were involved this year. It has been a pleasure and all is fulfilled as the Palladian Cup is now restored to its rightful place at the head of our Dining Hall.
Angus Trenerry (Fr 2013) Palladian Rep
Amanda adopted a practical approach to the session, based on her extensive experience, which quashed a number of uncertainties among the participants. Such was her generosity, she agreed to help students who attended the session bring their resumes up to industry standard.
Present over the week were participants with finance, management consulting, accounting, entrepreneurial, media, arts, and agricultural backgrounds. The wealth of diversity matched the diversity in programs studied at St Andrew’s. Thank you to all the participants who generously offered their support and time for this initiative.
Matthew Larkin (Fr 2013) Alumni Rep
Arabella Munro, India Gordon, Laura Wood, Esther Kwiet
Where are they Now?
Sarah Bradbury (Fr 2010)
Alumna Sarah Bradbury (Fr 2010) attended the 2015 Jessup World Cup in Washington DC in April, winning the Grand Final Moot against Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with the Sydney University Moot Team and being named Best Advocate in the competition.
Here, she speaks about the event, her experiences and her plans for the future.
What have been some of your accomplishments and achievements in this arena leading up to the Jessup?
I first competed as a novice in the Torts Moot sponsored by Allens Arthur Robinson and fell in love with the intellectual challenge and high pressure of oral advocacy. Between 2011 and 2014 I represented the University at the National Shine Lawyers Torts Mooting Competition where I was awarded the prize for Best Speaker in the Grand Final. I was also part of the winning team at the Castan Human Rights Centre Moot in 2012: we were the first interstate team to compete in the moot which concerned the Victorian Human Rights Act.
What was it like to be a part of the Jessup World Cup, and to be so successful at the end?
It was exhilarating and exhausting.
Our preparation began the day after exams finished in 2014. I was in the Moot Court six days a week, 12+ hours a day, and working at law firm Gilbert + Tobin on the other day. The team only took leave on Christmas Day and the morning of New Year’s Day.
The Grand Final of the Australian rounds was held at the High Court of Australia and was presided over by Chief Justice Robert French. I will always enjoy saying that my first High Court appearance was at age 23!
Arriving in Washington was surreal. Teams from more than 80 countries crowded the venue just behind the Capitol Building. After a week-long journey, we defeated Chile in the Grand Final and I was thrilled to be individually awarded the Prize for Best Oralist in the competition.
Participating in Jessup has shaped me as a law student and as an advocate. It taught me how to recognise the strengths of people in a team, how to research and analyse new material, and respond to left-field questions in a calm and thoughtful manner. I established friendships with members of the legal profession and the judiciary in Australia, and with future leaders from around the world.
What plans have you got for the future, in terms of education, future competitions and your goals?
I am about to finish my law degree and will be commencing as a graduate at Gilbert + Tobin in 2016. I intend to remain involved in the Jessup Moot competition, and will be coaching the 2016 Sydney University team. I hope to encourage in those students the passion for international law I acquired during my Jessup experience.
You can read the full interview at: www.standrewscollege. edu.au/sarah-bradbury/?paid=1168
Alumni Events
Annual Lunch
On Friday 28 August, 165 alumni and friends of the College gathered to celebrate the Rugby World Cup and raise funds for the Indigenous Scholarship Fund. This year we were very excited to present special guests Nick Farr-Jones (Fr 1981), John Eales and David Kirk to talk us through the highs and lows of the World Cup Campaign. Hosted by Vince Sorrenti, guests enjoyed an afternoon of live entertainment, auctions, games and raffles. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, the Lunch raised more than $38,000 for our Indigenous Scholarship.
Dick Spann Circle Lunch
On Thursday 24 September 2015, twelve Members of the Dick Spann Circle gathered together to celebrate and give thanks to the members past and present. Honouring long-time Vice Principal Dick Spann, the Dick Spann Circle was formed by the SAC Foundation and College to honour alumni and friends who have indicated that they have left a bequest to the College. Thank you to all the members who attended; Philip Marchant (Fr 1943), Leila Marchant, Nick Palethorpe (Fr 1963), Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982), Alex Martin (Fr 1983), Director of Advancement Fiona McQueen, Principal Wayne Erickson, Don Jamieson (Fr 1954), Richard Dougan (Fr 1962), Peter Moye (Fr 1961), Yvonne Ashfield, with current student Will Clayton (Fr 2013).
World Cup Rugby Reunion
The last St Andrew’s community reunion was held at The Royal Automobile Club in London where alumni attended a cocktail event on Thursday 8 October. There were a number of local alumni living in the UK who came along to the event, as well as alumni in London for the Rugby World Cup.
Founders and Benefactors
On Monday 15 September 2015, the College honoured our past and present Founders and Benefactors at our annual service. The Dinner is a great occasion where current students get to meet the donors who have provided them with the opportunity to attend College. This year we celebrated the memory of Kenneth Maurice Halgren Solomon (Fr 1908) and Arthur Dight Walker (Fr 1906), who both had Scholarships created in their memory. Students attend a chapel service with donors then share a formal meal which allows for students to share their experiences of College life and University. You can read more about Solomon and Walker’s legacy on page 17.
Stay tuned for upcoming reunions in 2016. If you would like to help us organise a reunion in your area please contact Melissa Costello, Advancement Officer on E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
John Eales, Andrew Murray, Nick Farr-Jones, David Kirk
Don Jamieson and Erin Wright
Queen’s Birthday Honours
On Monday 8 June, two members of the St Andrew’s community were among the eminent Australians who received Queen’s Birthday Honours.
We are proud to congratulate former councillor and Honorary Fellow
Mr Stephen Francis Higgs AM and College Fellow Professor David Fraser AM on receiving the following honours.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Mr Stephen Francis Higgs (Fr 1967)
For significant service to community health through leadership roles with medical research organisations, particularly into juvenile diabetes.
Member (AM) in the General Division
Professor David R Fraser (Fellow 1992–2000)
For significant service to tertiary science education, as an academic and researcher, and to the study of human disease and domestic animal production.
We would be delighted to hear from any other members of our community who may have received honours and are not listed above: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au or +61 2 9565 7302.
The College has learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy is extended to the families of these alumni.
1949 Justin George Taylor
1952 Roderick Macdonald (Senior Student 1957)
1965 Joseph Valdecanas
Rev Dr Clyde John Paton, Principal 1988–1991
You can read full obituaries at www.standrewscollege.edu. au/alumni/celebrating-our-alumni/obituaries
Is it yourreunion year in 2016?
The 2016 SACAS Annual Alumni Dinner will be celebrating the following reunions:
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
If you would like to volunteer to help organise your reunion, or for more information, please contact Mel Costello, Advancement Officer on E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au or T: +61 2 9565 7302
SAC Foundation Report
Message from the Chairman
Niall Cairns (Fr 1981)
Thank you to all our generous benefactors for your support this year. Our philanthropic programs continue to be generously supported by our community and to date we have raised approximately $500,000 in gifts and pledges to support scholarships, in particular for rural and regional students and government students, and other projects such as room refurbishments. These gifts have come from the Annual Lunch, Annual Giving, early gifts towards our $1M Scholarships Campaign, and other fundraising initiatives. I greatly appreciate the generosity of our community, both alumni and parents alike, for the support of our students.
It has been a busy year for the Foundation. We have been laying the groundwork for fundraising and stewarding your gifts by ensuring that we have the correct governance structures in place, as required by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) Public Ancillary Guidelines 2011. The Foundation has now completed its transition to a Trust Fund, which is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, the ATO and, with a Charitable Fundraising Authority, the NSW Office of Fair Trading. I’d like to thank Alex Mufford (Fr 1986) and Seema Mishra from Henry Davis York for their assistance in navigating these complex regulatory requirements.
The final stages of this process are underway and we are currently reviewing the Foundation’s investment strategy and governance policies and procedures. This will ensure we can continue to support the Council and our students by maintaining our policy of distributing scholarships from endowed funds each year whilst maintaining their value in real terms.
As the College’s sesquicentenary approaches in 2017, we are also in discussion with Council about future fundraising priorities, and how we can support the Council’s aim to be able to distribute $1 million each year from scholarship and bursary funds raised through philanthropic support from our community.
Andrew Murray, John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones and David Kirk at the Annual Lunch
Andrew Murray, Settlor for the SAC Foundation Trust, signing the Trust Deed at the AGM
Founders and Benefactors Service 2015
Ian Jack
Senior Fellow and Archivist
St Andrew’s has flourished on the generosity of countless ordinary people who care about educational opportunity, student welfare and individual alumni.
Kenneth Maurice Halgren Solomon (Fr 1908) studied Arts at University, distinguishing himself in Classics and modern languages. On graduating, Solomon went to St John’s College, Oxford, and studied law at the Inner Temple in London. He graduated in 1914 and a brilliant career in law was anticipated had war not intervened. Solomon joined the British army and landed at Gallipoli only to be wounded there on 22 August 1915, dying in an English hospital a month later. In May 1957 the Council was informed that Solomon’s mother had left the College a small legacy in his memory. Council gratefully accepted £386 4s 5d, over $8,000 today, to be applied ‘for purposes … as the Trustees [of College] shall think fit’, and the very promising young lawyer of College became the stimulus for assisting a different generation of students four decades after his untimely death.
Arthur Dight Walker entered St Andrew’s in 1906 to study at the Theological Hall. He graduated with flying colours and was ordained a Presbyterian Minister in 1908. Walker chose to serve his Church in Edinburgh and when war broke out he enlisted as a private in the Royal Scots, since no chaplaincy position was available. In May 1915 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and fought in France. In 1916 he was mortally wounded by a shell when trying to ‘to give encouragement and direction’ in a communication trench. The Council received a letter from Walker’s Father in
1920 enclosing a message from a wealthy widow, Mrs A.M. Cudmore. The Cudmores had admired what they called Arthur’s ‘unswerving devotion to duty’ and his ‘genial companionship and charming personality’. Mrs Cudmore had decided ‘to perpetuate his memory by founding a scholarship to ‘…train men for the Ministry’ and left £1,000 to College, over $60,000 today. With that act of generosity, the Walker Scholarship was founded. The Solomon and the Walker benefactions are touching examples of this ripple of lasting respect.
You can read the full stories of Solomon and Walker on our website: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/alumni/ celebrating-our-alumni/stories-from-our-community/
Lieutenant Arthur Dight Walker (Fr 1906)
