Sydney Reunion - St Paul's College was a fitting venue for the biennial Sydney/Canberra St Mark's Alumni Reunion
St Paul’s College was a fitting venue for the biennial Sydney/Canberra St Mark’s Alumni Reunion function hosted by the Master and Mr David Abfalter.
Alumni representing each decade from the 1950s through to 2007 sat at two long tables in the Junior Common Room. The most senior Collegians were mining engineer Mr Rick West (1956-61) and geneticist, Professor Desmond Cooper. Our most recently left Alumni included Mr Min Guo (2001-2007), Ms Faye Ashworth (2000-2006) and Mr Dan Cregan (2003-2006).
Three Presidents, three Treasurers, Senior Tutors, Assistant Deans, Committee members, and alumni that had held leadership positions while in College were present showing that St Mark’s develops the leaders of tomorrow.
Eminent St Mark’s Alumni included Emeritus Professor Tony Basten AM, Mr Ken Allen AM, former Consul General to New York, Mr John Basten QC, Professor George Murrell, Mr Tim McFarlane and Mr Greg Polson who travelled from the ACT.
The Master spoke on the ideal upon which St Mark’s was founded, the education of the whole person and the idea that students learn by living with other people just not in lectures, seminars and tutorials and that the mission of St Mark’s in that sense had not altered in its 84 year history.
Stories were told, memories shared, friendships rekindled and networks exchanged. Nearly all those at the gathering played some leadership role while in College.
However in setting the tone for the future, the Master quoted Sir Isaac Newton who said “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. And that St Mark’ is fortunate that there have been a number of those giants that have gone before us as members of the global St Mark’s communities, some of whom are here tonight, and that we must stand on the shoulders and aim higher and further. The Master spoke of the preparation of a new Strategic Plan which is built around seven key priorities, one of which is articulating our values, the second is preparing a new Master Plan, the third to develop our Advancement program, for all future plans must be underpinned by a parallel program of philanthropy. Among other priorities are our academic program, attracting outstanding students whilst ensuring that through scholarships, students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds may benefit from the opportunity at St Mark’s to reach our Vision.
Special thanks to all at St Paul’s College.
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