ANZAC Day
An old maxim has it that one should avoid discussing politics or religion at the dinner table. Thankfully, few take heed of this advice at university colleges, where dining halls serve to appease both physical and intellectual appetites. But even college dinner tables are beginning to seem unfit for the discussion of one exceedingly controversial topic: ANZAC Day.
In the press this week, we heard from those who object to the government spending over half a billion dollars on ‘a non-stop, four-year ANZAC sound and light show’, those who believe that attention to the ‘ANZAC legend’ casts a shadow over efforts of contemporary service men and women, and those who sought to reignite public outrage over Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s infamous tweet last year: LEST WE FORGET (Manus, Nauru, Syria, Palestine...). Here, I take no position on the above issues; doing so would mean diverting attention away from what we ought to be reflecting upon: the sacrifices and achievements of women and men involved in the unquestionably harrowing ordeal known as war. This view was shared by those responsible for conducting a very fitting ANZAC Day Service and Lunch at St Andrew’s College.
In his address, Principal Wayne Erickson took the opportunity to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in conflicts throughout our short national history. The centerpiece of his address was a history of two Andrew’s students affected by World War I. Drawing upon the historical research of Senior Fellow Professor Ian Jack, the Principal spoke of Arthur and Keith Ferguson, brothers who arrived at Andrew’s in 1912 and 1914 respectively. The elder brother was killed in combat, while the younger returned to Australia with head injuries in early 1918. We learnt that a bell of the University of Sydney Carillon was donated by the Ferguson family in memory of their fallen loved one. On the eve of ANZAC Day, that bell sounded in a concert celebrating the Carillion’s 90th birthday.
In a lunch that followed the service, commemorations were not obscured by mythology or political debates; the day, in sum, served no purpose other than to simply acknowledge the valiant efforts of those affected by conflict. For those in attendance, the meaning of ANZAC Day became clear once more.
Will Cesta Dean of Admissions
And so to the next exciting episode in the Andrew’s story.
As we move ahead remember the reassuring words of the great prophet Isaiah.
Rev Dr Gareth Clayton OAM, Chaplain
Quo vadis?
“The plans GOD makes are WISE and THEY ALWAYS SUCCEED” (Isaiah 28:29 GNT)
And remember too, this old little gem.
all roads that lead to SUCCESS are UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
From the Bird
The 151st year in the life of St Andrew’s College has begun, with the annual injection of energy from a new cohort of talented men and women who are writing the next chapter of our rich story. These pages show the early activities of the start of the College year, including the next steps in enabling and embedding necessary cultural change.
The 2016–17 Culture Review led by Elizabeth Broderick & Co was an initiative led by five of the six University of Sydney residential colleges, including St Andrew’s. Its objective was to explore all areas of college life, to highlight strengths and identify areas for improvement. These recommendations build on existing initiatives such as our ‘Holding the Mirror’ program, which began in early 2016.
The Broderick Review was strongly supported by members of College. Students were forthcoming and eager to tell the stories of their experiences in College to the Culture Review team. The final Report reflected and bolstered the positive effect that College Life has had on St Andrew’s residents both past and present, with a vast majority associating their time at College with a positive experience.
Pride in membership of the St Andrew’s community and the richness of College life emerged as consistent themes in the Report. Despite this encouraging feedback, the review also found that not everyone shares these positive experiences.
Notwithstanding our strong College policies, including tough disciplinary and accountability measures against misconduct, some of our students have said they have experienced bullying, hazing and sexual misconduct. This is unacceptable. Students are more likely to be safe inside College than in other areas of the community, however, we must to better to ensure that St Andrew’s is a place where each and every student is valued and respected at all times.
Following the Broderick Review, St Andrew’s appointed 10 third-year (and above) students to become Pastoral Care Leaders, tasked with supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of all students.
Along with 50 student mentors and five Respectful Relationships Officers, these students ensure the college’s support services and internal protocols are best-practice.
There’s no doubt that the extensive training received by student leaders in advance of Orientation Week – including mental health first aid, physical first aid, LGBTQI+ ally training and bystander training – has played a critical role in helping new students feel safe and comfortable as they settle into College.
Continuing action on the Broderick Report’s recommendations is the focus of the first semester, as we roll out the action plan over the next 24 months.
Cultural renewal, in this way, is exactly the type of work that Andrew’s does best. We’re getting on with it, and we look forward to your continuing input and support.
Wayne Erickson Principal
From the Chair of Council
During Orientation Week we saw a number of media outlets respond to the release of the Red Zone, a document which sought to portray Australian colleges in a negative light. The various articles and reports contained allegations that characterised Sydney colleges as unsafe. Amongst historical references going back to the 1930’s, the document also contained one new incident which was alleged to have occurred in St Andrew’s, where male students had caused ejaculate to be put into a shampoo bottle for unwitting female resident use. There is no attribution to this claim nor is there a timeframe for when this unsubstantiated allegation is said to have occurred. St Andrew’s has not been made aware of any such incident in the years since co-residency, either by the authors prior to publication, or by anybody else. These unsubstantiated allegations created a biased assumption of what college life is like for students and ignored the efforts being made by St Andrew’s.
We encourage those who are challenging the independence of colleges to examine the facts, and open the doors for discussion, rather than only listening to one side of the story. In particular, we would encourage them to take note of the following:
1. The notion that St Andrew’s College is unsafe is challenged in the Broderick review which found that the overwhelming majority of St Andrew’s students felt safe and secure in their college. In the report, this statement is
supported by a student “I believe 100% this is a safe College and we all look after each other”
2. As noted in our policies, we share the objective of the Red Zone authors that colleges should provide safe and equitable places for students on campus.
3. We have embraced the opportunity to maintain safe access through our initiative in undertaking the Broderick review. We have publicised an action plan to implement the Broderick recommendations, to which we can be held accountable.
4. St Andrew’s is leading the charge to ensure we offer access to the most talented student leaders, by allocating $1.5m for scholarships and bursaries for students who could not otherwise afford to come to College, generously funded by our supporters, and we want to keep on increasing these numbers.
5. St Andrew’s believes strongly in our heritage of student leadership and how our students are leading the change – combining the best of our past traditions with the need to change to meet the demands of the future.
We welcome a constructive debate around the role colleges can play in providing safe and equitable access, while also challenging our students as they grow as young adults and understand their potential and responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. We hope that all decision makers will bring an open mind to engaging in the facts and helping to develop constructive solutions.
Charlie Taylor SS 1985 Chair of Council
Cultural Renewal at St Andrew’s
The Broderick Report
As many readers will be aware, St Andrew’s College is engaging in a process of cultural renewal. In reality this has been taking place for years, as the College responds to the changing needs of its community and the Australian community at large.
In 2006, the College started formal leadership training for student leaders. This was compulsory for students who wished to be student mentors, and since 2010, compulsory for students who wished to nominate for Students’ Club elections.
Each year, students interested in leadership positions were asked in an anonymous online survey, what was important to them about the College. Over the years at least 100 students per year have responded to the surveys and there have been clear universal themes: community; support; the chance to grow and
develop as individuals, emotionally, socially and vocationally; the creation of lifelong friendships; and a proud connection to the College. Students have been asked to think about what is working well and what isn’t, and to create solutions to improve these that can be driven by them as student leaders. Collaborative teamwork between Students’ Club, College Officers and staff, and Council remains an essential principle of this process and is integral to success. This led to robust and always respectful conversations as the team seeks to understand the best way to move forward.
In 2016 the College undertook an internal cultural review, ‘Holding the Mirror’, to help understand our students’ experiences of College. While the experiences of most students were overwhelmingly positive, there was room for improvement. Perhaps the most important part of this process was the chance for our students to question, debate, think and review their College experience and what this meant for them and for others.
Late 2016–2017 saw the external ‘Broderick’ Cultural Renewal process which built on the work we had already begun. 63% of our students gave their feedback through an online confidential survey, small focus groups, or as individuals in private sessions to the Broderick team. Our alumni were also given the chance to give feedback.
Our Broderick report was released in November 2017.
It gave us constructive feedback based on our students’ experiences. We are an institution with a proud history and our members have a high level of attachment to the College. As a result, it can be hard to hear the criticism, however the College fully acknowledges the experiences of all members and seeks to continue to strengthen the inclusive, positive, thoughtful, high energy engagement of all members in an environment that allows all to learn and grow to be the best of themselves.
As a result, the College has enthusiastically engaged with this process and looks to deeply embed the 23 recommendations. We acknowledge the need to work collaboratively with all College members to result in real cultural change that positively affects everyone’s experience. The need to work with the University and with other Colleges is strongly articulated in the recommendations. The external collaboration is not discussed below but rather the internal changes for our College, where I describe a selection of the work we have undertaken to date.
Since the release of the recommendations, all levels of the College have been working towards implementing the changes.
Multiple meetings with 2017 leaders and newly elected 2018 leaders and mentors, and College staff have taken place and will continue to review and plan this implementation. All levels of College have been working on a statement of commitment which will be accepted and signed by July 2018. Our College has invested resources into moving this forward and will continue to champion this by investing time, finances and human resources.
Dr Hester Wilson Vice Principal & Director of College Life
Changes to Pastoral Leadership
The Nighthawks and Student Mentors
We have reviewed and changed the structure of Pastoral Care in the College to better meet the changing needs of our community. The ‘Dean Team’ and Cultural diversity project was reviewed and their roles divided between 10 Student Pastoral Leaders and 2 paid staff members; ‘Nighthawks.’ The Nighthawks are present every night of the week to ensure the safety of members overnight. They can assist members who have been locked out of their rooms and intervene if there are noise complaints or safety concerns, as well as ensuring that the College’s external security structures are optimal. The Nighthawks and staff work closely with the student leaders and have put together a response matrix that covers some of the common issues that may arise in College, i.e. late night noise that may need a response by Students’ Club and College Staff.
Student Pastoral Leaders are a group of students who have completed leadership training and expressed an interest in taking a leadership role in assisting with the wellbeing of others. They were selected by College staff and the 2018 Students’ Club Executive and are a group of students deeply engaged with College life. One member is an elected member of the Students’ Club; others have been involved in the Dean Team in past years. They are a good mix of students with different interests and cross over different social and interest groups within the College. This allows them to be approachable and accessible for all students. Importantly they do not have a disciplinary role, so are able to perform their roles without students worrying that there will be disciplinary outcomes if they seek help.
Implementation began in the week prior to Orientation Week with leadership training that culminated in five days’ work for all student leaders. The training was led by a mix of internal and external experts and covered mental health and wellbeing, first responder training, LGBTQI issues, diversity and inclusion, ethical bystander training, leadership, mentoring, peer relationships, culture and responsibility. The training included a combination of large and small group sessions, with active involvement of the group, leading discussions, questioning and agreeing on the culture and experience they wanted for Orientation Week and the whole year. All participants agreed to and signed a memorandum of understanding that brought together the issues and solutions to ensure a safe and fun Orientation Week.
The College was keen to understand the experience of Orientation Week for our new students in 2018 and encouraged new students to complete an online survey. Once again, the results were encouraging, with students feeling very supported by their mentors and student leaders and safe in the College setting. There were a small number of students who have adverse experience in Orientation Week; we take these experiences seriously and have worked actively with the Students’ Club to seek solutions for these. Some of these experiences were raised by new students with their mentors and responded to and dealt with well, while others didn’t feel the need to raise them. Others may not have raised or disclosed these and we understand the difficulties with doing this and continue to work with our student leaders to create awareness of this issue and look for ways to maintain safe spaces for these to be managed.
We have a comprehensive and considered Code of Conduct and associated policies and procedures, which are accessible on our website and through student Facebook pages. We also have a schedule for review of these policies in consultation with our student members.
We are reviewing election procedures for 2018, working towards electronic voting to streamline the process and looking for ways to ensure ongoing gender equity in leadership.
Alumnus Josh Dowse led his trademark “Clarity” training to assist the 2018 House Committee to address issues that they face in 2018 with practical and thoughtful skills. Our student
leaders revised the existing template of event management and there are clear processes for approval prior to each event and review post event. This process clearly works through risk of alcohol use and minimisation of harm. It allows students to take responsibility for each event with the guidance of staff and creates a space for reflection on the event and how things might need to be successfully strengthened, repeated or changed.
With all of our changes we are actively evaluating and reassessing to ensure we are achieving the goals of the changes. We are proud to be engaging in strengthening our culture and working as a winning team, a team that includes all members from students, College Officers and staff, councillors, alumni and friends of the College to ensure that St Andrew’s is a place we continue to be proud of. A place with a rich history that is a lively inclusive home for everyone and will continue to reflect and strengthen for positive engaged change.
Dr Hester Wilson Vice Principal & Director of College Life
Harper Master Plan –Thyne Reid Development
The first stage of the $27M Harper Master Plan is the Thyne Reid Link Development (TRLD), which will create a new precinct between the Thyne and Reid buildings, including landscaped surroundings in the Glen. With more than 80 new single and ensuite bedrooms, this precinct will provide additional rooms to cater for a variety of our students’ needs. To encourage senior undergraduates to continue living at College in their fourth and fifth years, there will be new 4 and 5 bedroom apartments which will allow independent living at the College. The project will also include much needed tutorial rooms, music rehearsal rooms, a gym and common areas for social activities.
In early April this year, the College received Development Approval (DA) from the City of Sydney for the Thyne Reid Link Development. The Council’s Major Works Committee are currently in the process of reviewing the DA conditions, with work planned to commence later this year. Architects, Allen Jack+Cottier,
have been working closely with us to review elements of our approved design, particularly around the interface of the new Link with the existing Reid building. This DA process challenged our ability to commence construction last November, with the College Council subsequently agreeing to delay commencement until the end of this year. The College is aiming to conclude construction by February 2020.
The Committee have also advanced plans to complete a $2.5M Kitchen Refurbishment this coming summer in anticipation of the larger College. The Refurbishment will reorient the food bar to enable 360° access and separate food preparation from service areas. This will allow a better dining experience for students and the ability to incorporate new modern facilities. Therefore, the College is unable to offer accommodation over the summer break while construction commences.
Buildcorp have been engaged in an Early Contractor Involvement Process (ECI) to assist in finalising the approved design. The College is delighted to be working with Group Managing Director, Tony Sukkar, and his team on the project, as being a former parent of St Andrew’s has given Tony a great understanding of the College’s history and future requirements.
Also included in the first stage of the Harper Master Plan, is the $1.1M refurbishment of the Reid Building, which began over the recent summer break. In the refurbishment, 30 bedrooms received a new lease of life including a timber finish wardrobe, new curtains and carpets, integrated lighting and a full paneled wall with an overhead shelf unit. The remaining bedrooms in Reid will be completed when the TRLD construction program begins.
This is an exciting chapter in the College’s history and we would like to thank everyone for the philanthropic support we have received, as we continue to provide a world class College experience for all current and prospective students.
If you would like to know more about the Thyne Reid Link Development or donate to the project, please get in contact with the College’s Advancement Team: Hannah Atwell, Director of Advancement T: +61 2 9565 7303 or E: advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au
From the Archives
How to Communicate Proposals for a College in the 1860s
As soon as the Act of Parliament which incorporated St Andrew’s received royal assent on 12 December 1867, a committee was set up under the leadership of the Revd William Purves to raise funds to build the College. This committee met and moved quickly to communicate with the public through newspapers and through public meetings, initially in Sydney. On 29 April 1868 a well-attended public meeting, chaired by the Governor of New South Wales, was convened in the Temperance Hall in Pitt Street, Sydney. It had already been advertised in the press and full transcripts of the long speeches given late on Thursday evening were printed in the Sydney Morning Herald the following morning, so they reached a wide audience throughout the state. Adam Thomson, the minister who would become the first Principal of St Andrew’s, successfully moved that ‘a subscription list be now opened’.
Thomson spoke warmly of the Scottish universities, which, he said:
Had been accessible to those of limited means, and had always been open to all classes … without distinction of religious denomination.
The appeal was directed first and foremost to Australian Scots. The Revd Dr Steel reminded everyone that the College could be afforded because:
Scotchmen were generally so cautious and so mindful of themselves that if all the world were Scotchmen there would be no poor at all.
The strategy to win the support of the Scots was then pursued by personal contact, throughout the state. The network of Presbyterian parishes
in New South Wales was the essential key. A group of distinguished ministers undertook to visit specific sectors of the state, spreading the message from the pulpit and from private meetings. Dr Steel, for example, went to New England, Dr Cameron to the Northern Rivers, Dr Kinross (later the second Principal of College) to the Illawarra, Dr Geikie to Bathurst.
“Starting
at 5 p.m... the two men travelled by train as far as Marulan and then by coach to Goulburn, where in the dead of night, at 3 a.m., they changed to a Cobb and Co. coach which took them west to Yass.”
When Adam Thomson and William Purves together went on a three-week trip to the south in April 1869, Thomson kept a detailed diary, which survives in the College Archives. It gives a vivid picture of awareness-raising 150 years ago. Starting at 5 p.m. on a Wednesday evening, the two men travelled by train as far as Marulan and then by coach to Goulburn, where in the dead of night, at 3 a.m., they changed to a Cobb and Co. coach which took them west to Yass. A subscription list had already been started at Yass the previous September, so they built on these initial contacts. After proselytising in Yass they took another coach further west to Gundagai, Purves then rode south on horseback to the gold fields at Adelong, to be joined there by Thomson. They both visited extensively around Adelong and Tumut by buggy and cart, talking and preaching until they both fell sick with
food-poisoning at a ‘miserable public house’ at Tarcutta, en route to Wagga, where their tour ended and they separately retraced their steps to Sydney.
Such dedicated travel did not go without criticism. The fiery Dr Dunmore Lang accused other ministers of using such expeditions to seek votes for themselves at the impending elections in 1870 for the first Council of the College. But the campaign to raise awareness by direct word of mouth and detailed newspaper reports was a great success and it resulted in no fewer than
“... talking and preaching until they both fell sick with food‑poisoning at a ‘miserable public house’ at Tarcutta...”
1,469 individuals, many of them in remote parts of the New South Wales, responding personally to the campaign to establish the College.
Professor Ian Jack Senior Fellow and Archivist
TaylorScholars 2018
Taylor Scholars
Established in 2015 by St Andrew’s College Chair of Council, Mr Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982), the Taylor Scholars program supports and encourages senior students of College in continuing to engage significantly and meaningfully with College Life.
Taylor Scholars will develop and implement a special interest project that will benefit the College community. The project can be related to any aspect of College Life and should aim to increase the diversity or depth of the College experience.
In 2018, there are ten Taylor Scholars working on a variety of projects. In this issue we feature five Scholars and we will feature the remainder in the next issue of Blue & White.
Jessica Wright (Fr 2015)
Jess is a 4th year student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying a Bachelor of Music Education majoring in Violin Performance.
“During my time at St Andrew’s, I ran the String Ensemble as Convenor of Chamber Music I always had aspirations of creating an ensemble that could be hired out for College functions and other events. This year, I am pleased to say I will be running a String Quartet with current students. We are currently working on Haydn’s Sunrise String Quartet, Op. 76 in B flat Major and developing a range of performance repertoire. I also intend to provide mentorship for the new Convenor of Chamber Music. The Taylor Scholarship allows me to remain connected to Life at Drew’s and further develop my teaching skills as a future Music Educator.”
Arjun Prakash (Fr 2015)
Arjun is a 4th year student at USYD, studying a double degree in Computer Science & Business Analytics.
“My Taylor Scholarship Project is Stan Droid, a chatbot which helps residents find information pertaining to the college, like menu, social calendar and contact information of staff… With the Scholarship, I hope to further extend the functionality of Stan and add more sophisticated features like authentication of residents and track user’s individual spending at the Highlander. I also hope to integrate Stan with all major subcommittees so that residents can find specific and relevant information more efficiently.”
facebook.com/StanDroidBot
Arjun just completed a semester abroad at the University of Southern California, where he studied entrepreneurship in the Marshall School of Business.
Benjamin Stacey (Fr 2015)
Ben is a post-graduate student studying a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at USYD.
“My Taylor Scholarship Project is concerned with mentoring and aiding the Student Mentors in their role for the entirety of the year.
The Project has already begun with a seminar in N Week about the ongoing role of the Student Mentor. There will be more seminars throughout the year to provide the Student Mentors with basic skills and tips to assist their particular Freshers.
Self-help strategies such as implementing a regular exercise routine, organisational techniques for assessments and study, altering their drinking habits and getting enough sleep are all useful tips that Student Mentors may provide their mentees to best tackle the demands of University and College.”
Taylor Scholars
TaylorScholars 2018
George Stribling (Fr 2015)
George is a 4th year student at USYD, studying a double degree in Law & International and Global Studies.
“My Taylor Scholarship Project aims to engrain community service into the College culture. When I started the community service program in 2016, the aim was to create something that would be a part of College life for years to come. The first two years of its existence have been a resounding success, with over 280 Andrew’s men and women engaging with the program across 2016 and 2017. Currently, we have established programs with Newtown Mission, Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
In 2018, alongside the Community Service Secretaries, I am to develop relationships with AIME, The Shepherd Centre, and the Teach Learn Grow.”
(Fr 2015)
Nim is a 4th year Law student at USYD.
“I noticed a lot of students perceived extra-curricular commitments at university and participation in College life as mutually exclusive… My goal for the Project is to show that students can get the best out of both worlds.
My Project will be structured as seminars throughout the year. The first seminar provided an introduction into university societies, including their structure and application process. Next, will be an insight into case competitions – this will be a guide how to approach team organisation, work load and presentation. In semester two, I will be running two seminars which provide an introduction into various industry and community placement.”
Nim completed a three-month IPP at the United States Congress in Washington DC.
Nimalan Sundaram
Androvation – Supporting Andrew’s Entrepreneurs
In early 2017, a comment at a fresher dinner in the Lodge pointed to a commonly cited problem – the disconnect between university and real-world experience. With the support of a capable group of students and the College, this small comment would manifest itself in the establishment of ‘Androvation’, a program designed to give students a real-world entrepreneurial experience regardless of their academic or work background.
23rd–25th March marked the program’s second iteration. Around thirty Androvians were pushed through a ‘problem generation session’ to establish the issues which they would address. After forming groups, the teams were guided to create pitches, basing their business models on theory such as ‘The Lean Startup’ and Osterwalder’s ‘business model canvas’. Mentors helped to consolidate teams’ ideas and steer them in a viable direction.
Such mentors included countless Andrew’s alumni and current students – Dugald Morrow (Atlassian), Nick Harrington (Yendys Capital), Will McNamara (Ossyx), Arjun Prakash (Stan Droid) and Sam Clarke (ClipBoard). The group was also the beneficiary of some valuable guidance from Christopher Gale (News Corp) and Michael Lamont (News Corp).
Six groups made it through to the final presentations with ideas involving on-demand remote tutoring, venue crowd control, mobile parenting, 360-video tours, remote beer shouting and college vending machines. The group proposing on-demand tutoring, consisting of Anthony Rositano, Rhiannon Hames, Xander Hoskinson and Sam Randle, emerged as the winners of $3,000 seed funding to be put towards their entrepreneurial pursuits.
The program would not be possible without the generosity of the College Council and individual members Campbell Hanan, Charlie Taylor and Craig Blair. This is not to mention the kindness of mentors and judges. It is the support of initiatives such as this which make the Andrew’s community so rich.
Xavier Eales (Fr 2017)
2018 St Andrew’s Scholars
James Haskis is studying a Bachelor of Engineering / Bachelor of Law at University of Sydney.
“To me, being a St Andrew’s Scholar means giving back to this vibrant and diverse community by immersing myself, to the fullest of my ability, in the wide range of activities on offer, while also encouraging others to do the same. It has enabled me to not just relocate to Sydney, but to join a unique and supportive environment with a longstanding tradition of excellence.
amazing, diverse people at St Andrew’s and contribute to this incredible sense of community in any way that I can.
My goal is to offer an all-round contribution to the College. While I am an enthusiastic sportsman and an avid debater, I believe that contributing to the academic excellence together with a focus on community service will be what I can most offer here.”
Ragavi Jeyakumar is studying Medicine at UNSW.
“In my short time here, the thing I have come to love most is the people. Before I came to College, I often heard it described as a place with ‘a strong sense of camaraderie’. From the friendships I have formed, and the conversations I get to have everywhere from the Dining Hall, to the hallways, to the sidelines of sports matches, it is easy to understand why. I am excited to get to know more of the
I hope to engage with most areas of College life, whether it is by participating in activities I already have experience with, such as academics, music and debating, or by extending my current interests and challenging myself to try the many unfamiliar, but exciting extra-curricular opportunities St Andrew’s provides.” Alexander Hoskinson is studying a Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Law at University of Sydney.
“Growing up in Asia, I have been shaped by a rich diversity of culture and opportunity across education, sports, music, travel and community service. My greatest achievement to date is probably my ability to leverage these opportunities not only for my own personal enrichment but also to develop a broader appreciation for different perspectives and backgrounds. These experiences have inspired me to pursue greater accomplishments at both the College and the university.
Drew’s is full of talented, motivated and inspiring individuals committed to the progressive values of the College community. I hope to contribute through leadership roles across a wide range of activities and to help build on the strong tradition of achievement demonstrated throughout the College’s rich history.”
Rawson
Cricket
A promising start to this year’s Rawson Cup campaign with convincing wins from our Andrew’s men in each round. Jack Richards’ (Fr 2017) detailed report on the Rawson Cricket, along with some photos, can be found on our website: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/cricket-victorykicks-off-rawson-cup-campaign
Palladian Cup
Oration – Fresher Adele Burke’s oratory prowess earned her first place in the first Palladian event of 2018. The topic, #Hashtag, saw Adele focus on the impact of social activism on solving pertinent issues such as sexism and racism.
Solo Vocal – Rachel Jeffreson (Fr 2016) was awarded second place after a stunning rendition of Tim Rosser’s ‘Last Night When I Returned’ Special mention also to Andrew Knight (Fr 2017) for a commanding performance of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Solo Instrumental – Although the College didn’t place, performances from Anthony Rositano and Titus Grenyer were very impressive.
Rosebowl
Netball
Congratulations to our Netball team on an undefeated campaign, reclaiming the trophy for a third consecutive year. Captain Amy Preston praised the fitness and dedication within the team in her recap of the matches: www.standrewscollege.edu.au/a-stellar-rosebowlnetball-campaign/
Rawson and Rosebowl
Swimming
A very competitive evening of swimming made for an exciting event. Congratulations to our Rosebowl women for coming first, and to our Rawson men for placing second. This is the third consecutive Rosebowl Swimming win.
Rawson and Rosebowl
Rowing
Another tremendous effort from all of our Andrew’s rowers with impressive results – placing first in the Rawson VIII, Rosebowl VIII and Mixed VIII. This outcome showcases the depth of commitment and talent within our College.
Our Alumni Where are they now?
James Matheson ( Fr 2014)
James Matheson is an Olympic freestyle skier who recently competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Finance and Marketing at the University of Sydney.
James developed an interest in skiing from a young age – he was fortunate to have had many family holidays at ski resorts since the
“One of the biggest positives from the College is the support network you develop from your direct peers and the wider College.”
age of four. He competed for The Scots College in Interschool competitions and then started competing at an international level. Skiing professionally has taken him around the globe to countries such as Finland, China, Korea, USA and many more. He loves the high competition involved in skiing and the places it’s taken him or the people he met along the way.
Soldiering through a back injury in the recent Winter Olympics, James still describes the experience as amazing – “I ended up with the second best result of my career skiing into the finals of the event”.
James chose to reside at St Andrew’s College because of its reputation having the ‘best of the best’ in an individual’s field. He wanted to be in an environment of young, successful and driven people, saying the College exposed him to people from all over Australia and the world. He describes the atmosphere of the College as “an extremely motivating environment to be in”. Having fellow students in the same position as him allowed him to build a support network he encourages all Androvians should take advantage of.
James describes juggling sport, studies and College life as difficult. His advice to students is to set short and long term goals and be willing to sacrifice things that don’t align to these goals.
James’ short term goal is to compete in the world championships next year in Utah and his long term goal is to compete in the Beijing Games in 2022. In addition to skiing, he aims to complete his degree and move into Management Consulting.
If you’re doing something great and want to tell us what you’ve been up to since leaving College, please contact alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Anne
Hanley ( Fr 2005)
Anne Hanley is a Lecturer in the History of Medicine at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research encompasses the social and political history of modern Britain and the social history of medicine. In addition to her research and scholarly publications, she acts as a historical consultant for the BBC and ITV and has written for The Guardian
Attending the University of Sydney to study History and English Literature, Anne developed a keen interest in the clinical and cultural history of medicine. She believes that understanding how ideas of health and illness have changed over time according to shifting social norms, politics, religion and prejudices make us reflect more critically on present-day clinical and social responses to disease.
“Living in College afforded great opportunities to cultivate friendships with students from many different backgrounds and academic disciplines.”
Anne applied to St Andrew’s on a recommendation from a friend. The College’s rich history and dynamic culture appealed to her and she reminisces Drew’s as a “wonderfully warm and welcoming place”. Heavily involved in DRAMSOC and Palladian, she was awarded many scholarships at St Andrew’s and says the College largely assisted with her move to Cambridge.
In 2009, Anne received first-class honours and the University Medal in History for her thesis on the social and medical debates surrounding syphilis in late-nineteenth-century Britain from the University of Sydney. With support from the Cambridge Trust, she received a scholarship to begin her PhD at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. She was also awarded the competitive and prestigious Junior Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford.
If Anne could give any advice to current and prospective students, she would say:
“Never let your talent and aspirations be overshadowed by other people’s narrow mindedness, insecurities or bloated sense of entitlement. If you embrace the opportunities on offer, Drew’s will furnish you with the confidence, determination and perspective to achieve more than you thought possible.”
If you have any information or updates about our great Alumni, please contact alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Alumni and Parents’ Events
Senior Students’ Briefing
The Senior Students’ Briefing on Saturday 24 February provided our Alumni the opportunity to come together and discuss the future direction of St Andrew’s College. The afternoon included a tour of the College and the chance to see the recent Reid refurbishments, followed by a lunch and presentation from Principal Wayne Erickson and Chair of Council Charlie Taylor. The feedback and discussion provided by members of our community, including our current Senior Student Susannah Cooke, has been invaluable in shaping our plans for the year.
Regional Reunion
The Principal, Wayne Erickson, Will Cesta (Dean of Admissions) and Hannah Atwell (Director of Advancement) had the pleasure of visiting alumni, parents and friends of the College in Bathurst and Tamworth during May. The night began with an intimate three-course dinner followed by drinks, and gave guests the opportunity to be updated on the current progress of the College.
Parents’ Cocktail Event
Our Annual Parents’ Cocktail Event provides a chance for all new and current parents to enjoy a fun and social evening at the College. Guests were greeted with the Jazz ensemble led by Ben Herlihy, followed by speeches from Wayne Erickson (Principal), Oliva Peck (Secretary of House Committee), and Will Cesta (Dean of Admissions) and current parent Sarah Dowse. Edwina Raine performed a marvelous performance of “She used to be mine” by Sara Bareilles and Minami Takahashi (Pastoral Leader) presented a short video detailing the student’s activities in Orientation Week.
Queen’s Birthday Honours
The College would like to belatedly congratulate the members of the St Andrew’s community who received Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017:
Dr Leanne Craze (AM) (Parent)
For significant service to the community as an advocate for the rights of people living with mental illness.
Dr Leanne Craze has been the Director of Craze Lateral Solutions since 1991. She has a wealth of experience in social work, mental health, community services, housing and homelessness, disability and criminal justice.
Mr Richard James Alcock (AO) (Parent)
For distinguished service to the community, particularly through health management roles, and to the law, corporate governance, and higher education organisations.
Richard Alcock is currently the Vice Chairman of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Chairman at Western Sydney Local Health District. He is also a director of the UNSW Foundation Limited, and Art Exhibitions Australia Limited, a not-for-profit.
Mr Peter Jennings (OAM) (Fr 1972)
For service to the community of Gippsland.
Peter Jennings is a notable figure in the Gippsland community for his community service and experience in regional issues.
He’s been involved in volunteer tasks, board positions and executive roles over the past three and half decades.
Mr Antony Sukkar (AM) (Parent)
For significant service to the community through support for sporting and social welfare organisations, and to the construction sector.
Antony (Tony) Sukkar is the founder, co-founder and Managing Director of Buildcorp
Group. Under Tony’s direction, Buildcorp has had a deep involvement in community, arts and sporting organisations.
Mrs Josephine Sukkar (AM) (Parent) For significant service to the community through a range of roles with sporting, social welfare and cultural organisations, and to the construction sector.
Josephine Sukkar is a Non-Executive Independent Director at Growthpoint Properties Australia and co-founder of Buildcorp Group. Together with her husband, Tony, they have established the Buildcorp Rugby Scholarship.
Obituaries
The College has learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy is extended to the families of these alumni.
1941 Dr Kevin Hamilton White, Governor
1941 Dr Neville Maurice Newman, Senior Student 1945
1943 Dr Ian Oswald Andrea
1944 Mr Kenneth John Armstrong
1946 Dr G T Raft
1946 Dr Ian Swales Edwards
1951 Mr Geoffrey Neil Davidson
1951 Reverend Ronald Bevan Sparks
1955 John McKerral
1958 Dr Alexander Stephenson Familton
1958 Mr Donald Keith Forrest
1968 Dr Brian William Barr
1968 Mr Norman Bryan Anderson
1994 Mr Lindsay J Moore, Honorary Fellow
RSVP for Annual Dinner & AGM 2018
RSVP: Friday 9th November 2018
Book online: 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 <Surname Fresher Year>)
Visa MasterCard
RSVP for Annual Golf Day
RSVP: Friday 9th November 2018
Book online:
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 16th November 2018
I would like to RSVP for the following people:
Yes, I/we will be attending the Annual Dinner & AGM on Saturday 17th November 2018
Please seat me with My Year Group or Name:
I/We send our apologies for this function I would like to purchase:
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
I would like to renew my SACAS membership for: 1 Year @ $40 or 10 Years @ $395
I would like to support the Society Scholarship with a gift of:
Cheque (payable to St Andrew’s College)
EFT Bank: NAB BSB: 082-057 Account: 509015248
(Please use the following reference: SACAS Golf Day <Surname Fresher Year>)
Visa MasterCard
I authorise payment of $ _______
Name on Card:
Card No:
Expiry: / CCV:
Signature: Date:
Annual Dinner & Annual General Meeting 2018
The President and Committee of the St Andrew’s College Alumni Society request the pleasure of your presence at the Annual Dinner & AGM.
Date: Saturday 17th November 2018
Time: 6:00pm AGM, 6:30pm Pre-Dinner Drinks, 7:30pm Dinner
Tickets: $125 General Admission, $115 SACAS Members, $90 Young Alumni (2000–2017 Freshers)
Dress: Black Tie
RSVP: Friday 9th November 2018
Enquiries: Monique George T: +61 2 9565 7302 E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
Due to the Thyne Reid Link Development and kitchen refurbishments, we are unable to offer accommodation in 2018. Rydges Camperdown are offering 15% off the best available rate at time of booking when you reference #X-SAC161118 for stays during 15th and 18th November 2018. Please call +61 2 9516 1522 or email reservations_rydgescamperdown@evt.com. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Reunions:
Reunion
– 40 Year Reunion
– 35 Year Reunion 1988 – 30 Year Reunion 1993 – 25 Year Reunion
1998 – 20 Year Reunion
2003 – 15 Year Reunion
2008 – 10 Year Reunion
2013 – 5 Year Reunion
Annual Golf Day
The St Andrew’s College Alumni Society warmly invites you to the Annual Alumni Society Golf Day.
Individual and 4BBB Stableford. Register as a group of four or let us group you! All golfing capabilities are welcome.
Date: Friday 16th November 2018
Time: 12:30pm Registration, 1:00pm Tee Off, 4:00–6:00pm Post-Game Buffet
Tickets: $100 includes Green Fees, Cart, Afternoon Tea and Post-Game Buffet
Venue: Woollahra Golf Club –50 O’Sullivan Road, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Dress: Collared Shirt, No Denim
RSVP: Friday 9th November 2018
Enquiries: Monique George T: +61 2 9565 7302 E: alumni@standrewscollege.edu.au
