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2024 starts with “a spring in our step” – and a big win in the swimming!

The 2024 College year is off to an exciting start, with much positive energy in the College – reinforced by a convincing win in last night’s inter-college swimming carnival, with three records for St Mark’s swimmers.

We entered 2024 with a spring in our step, following:

    • strong enrolments for 2024 – one of the largest enrolments in our history (currently 248 students),
    • excellent academic results in 2023,
    • one of our fourth-year students, Oliver Douglas, being chosen as Rhodes Scholar for South Australia,
    • the purchase of the Cathedral Deanery, providing a home in College for seven St Mark’s students, thanks to a most generous donation to the College, and
    • our exceptional staff team being joined by our new Chaplain, the Rev’d Canon Steve Daughtry.

The summer saw detailed planning for the new academic year, including preparation of a new College Handbook which gives an overview of how the College works today (available here ), a calendar of events for the year, and a lively but balanced program for Welcome Week.

After extensive training of our excellent team of student leaders for 2024, we welcomed new students and returners in mid-February. Many parents and friends joined us for the Admission Ceremony in which our new students of 2024 signed the same Roll of Members as new students have signed since 1925.

Welcome Week included important training for new and returning students, many opportunities for new students to become familiar with the College, their university, and the local area, and lots of fun activities and events.

The week ended with the Commencement Service in the Cathedral, attended by many family members and friends of the College, and the Commencement Dinner held in beautiful weather on the College tennis courts. The tennis courts were in use again the following day for a relaxed afternoon of Old Collegians tennis.

The Commencement Service focussed on the start of the academic year as a “new beginning” for us all, and continued the strong focus on upholding good values – including those in the student-written Living Document of Values which, for the second year in a row, our students have pledged to uphold. For the Commencement Address by the Head of College, Professor Don Markwell AM, in the service, click here, and for the sermon by the Chaplain, the Rev’d Canon Steve Daughtry, click here.

The start of the new College year has seen our student leaders organise many superb events and activities – such as Charitable Foundation charity volunteering and coffee mornings, “salty sips” when some dozens of our students brave a 6am start to yoga and swimming at Henley Beach or Glenelg, a heart-warming celebration of International Women’s Day, and a lively panel of experts discussing key issues in women’s health. The energy and vision of our student leaders is inspiring.

The academic, wellbeing, and practical support offered to St Mark’s students by staff and student leaders alike is greatly appreciated. Amongst much else, academic skills training sessions for new students on such topics as academic referencing and writing have been held, the tutorial program is underway and growing, and Study Hall – students studying together in the Dining Hall with tutors on Tuesday evenings – has resumed.

Having missed retaining the High Table Cup by just one point last year, we are keen to do our best to reclaim it in 2024. Our tennis players played with passion and determination in the inter-college contest on 3 March, and – with only narrow margins between the top four teams – were unlucky to come in fourth. The inaugural winners of the new inter-college tennis trophy – the Andrew and Albertina Douglas Tennis Trophy, donated by recent St Mark’s Old Collegians Oliver and Patrick Douglas – are St Ann’s, whom we congratulate on their win.

Congratulations also to the St Mark’s swimmers who won last night’s exciting inter-college swimming carnival with scores:

St Mark’s              85
Aquinas                67
St Ann’s                51
Lincoln                  43
Flinders                28

Our women’s sports officer, Eloise Wills, broke the records in the women’s 50 metres backstroke and women’s 50 metres freestyle, and our team set a new record in the mixed medley relay.

A brilliant achievement by our swimmers!

Meanwhile, several dozens of our students whose ability to be at St Mark’s depends on scholarships have written very moving letters of thanks for the support that generous donors have given them. Extracts from some of these letters of gratitude will be published here in coming weeks, as will news of the creation of a further scholarship endowment through a generous donation, and news of further activities at the College.

Top photo: “Salty sips” at Henley Breach

Middle photo: Senior staff and College Club Committee members on the day of the Commencement Service and Dinner.

Photographs by Estelle Wollin and others.

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Mary Ruth McKenzie

(30 April 1937 – 15 January 2024)

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mary McKenzie in January.

Mary came to live at St Mark’s in 1964 when her then husband, the Rev’d Malcolm McKenzie, came to the College as Chaplain and was here throughout his years as Chaplain and, from 1968, as Master, before they left the College in 1977.

Mary’s early years were in country Victoria, before attending Portland High School, where she was Head Prefect and Dux in her final year. After attending teachers’ college, she was teaching near Heywood, Victoria, when she met the new Anglican Rector of Heywood, the Rev’d Malcolm McKenzie, whom she married in Hamilton in September 1961.

After Mary and Malcolm moved to Perth in that same year, she taught at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, and two children, Chad and Genevieve, were born. In 1964, the McKenzie family moved to St Mark’s, where Malcolm became Chaplain. A reference from the Dean of Bunbury for Malcolm McKenzie for the position of Chaplain said: “His wife too is an excellent young person with good church experience both as a teacher in New Guinea and also a teacher of Divinity of St. Hilda’s Girls school in Perth and is a real helpmate to him.”

Mary was an avid musician, and during her years at St Mark’s, she lectured in oboe at the Adelaide College of Advanced Education, and taught oboe also at St Peter’s College, before teaching flute and oboe for the South Australian Department of Education. Family summer holidays were often spent in the outback and other country areas, which Mary loved.

The Lion of 1977, referring to Malcolm McKenzie’s departure from the Mastership of St Mark’s, said: “We can only wish him, his wife Mary, and Muffy and Chad the best of luck in the future, and thank them all for what they gave to the life of the College.” (There is a tribute to Malcolm McKenzie’s years as Master in our obituary of him here.)

After moving to Malaysia with Malcolm McKenzie (who was then serving in the Department of Foreign Affairs) in 1979, Mary’s teaching expanded to include the bassoon, which she taught for the Malaysian Ministry of Sport, Youth and Culture. She also taught oboe at Malaysian national music camps, and her performances included the inaugural ASEAN music workshop in Penang.

In 1981, Mary moved to Canberra, where she lived for the rest of her life, teaching music for many years at Canberra Girls Grammar School, and pursuing a range of other interests, including her family which grew with the arrival of much-loved grandchildren, travel, bridge, and in her retirement from teaching, massage.

A number of members of the College kept in contact with Mary over the years, and in recent years she made a kind donation of materials to the College Library which included very interesting materials relating to the Angry Penguins poets, with their strong St Mark’s links.

Mary’s family have kindly donated to the College items of St Mark’s memorabilia which Mary owned, including the framed print of the Grenfell Price Dining Hall which had been given to Mary and Malcolm by the College as a gift at the farewell dinner for the McKenzie family in 1977.

Mary McKenzie is warmly and gratefully remembered as a smart and curious person, who never stopped learning, with a fearless and adventurous spirit, and as a woman of kindness, understanding, strength, wisdom, and warmth. She was much loved.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

There is a link to Mary’s funeral service here.

Our thanks to Genevieve McKenzie and Chad McKenzie for the photograph of Mary above.

 

 

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Elisabeth Amy (Beth) Lee

(5 October 1930 – 14 January 2024)

Beth Lee, who has died in New South Wales at the age of 93, is warmly remembered at St Mark’s, including with deep gratitude for her volunteer work for nearly 20 years in the College Library – an enormous contribution to St Mark’s.

Elisabeth Amy Humphris grew up at Mungeree, a sheep property north of Wirrabara, in the Southern Flinders Ranges in the Mid North of South Australia. After boarding at Walford Anglican School for Girls in Adelaide from the age of 10, she became a resident student at St Ann’s College in 1948, the second year of its existence. Beth made lifelong friends at St Ann’s.

Studying English and History at the University of Adelaide, she was awarded the Tennyson Medal for Excellence in English, before commencing teaching in country schools, including Minlaton High School.

While a resident student of St Ann’s, Beth was courted by a St Mark’s medical student from Singapore, Chin Tiong Lee (1930-2009, St Mark’s 1950-52), whom she later married.

Beth and Dr Chin Lee had four daughters – Jane (St Ann’s 1971-73), Chris, Marion, and Susannah – and a son, Jonathan. Jonathan was a resident student at St Mark’s when he was killed by a white pointer shark in waters off Aldinga Beach on 8 September 1991. Jon was 19, and was then in his second year at College, where he was very happy, and at the University of Adelaide.

Beth and Chin Lee greatly appreciated the time they were able to spend with Jonathan’s St Mark’s friends after his death, including when several went to the family’s farm at One Tree Hill to burn the big pile of wood Jon had prepared in the bottom paddock for his annual Paddock Party bonfire.

Following Jonathan’s death, Beth Lee volunteered thousands of hours in the College Library from 1993 until 2012, typically working on Wednesday afternoons each week, especially helping the Librarian, Pirjo Rayner. In this time, she accessioned thousands of periodicals, processed many more thousands of books, helped with the stocktakes, and willingly performed any tasks asked of her, including plastic covering and reshelving books.

In October 1994, Beth wrote: “I commenced volunteer work in the College Library early in 1993 for 4 hours a week. I volunteered because I wanted to maintain a connection with the College in memory of Jon, and because I like books.”

On Beth’s “retirement” from her volunteer work in the Library due to declining health, Pirjo Rayner recorded that “because of her great love of books the Library was a natural fit for her”.

“She worked here for 19 years and has given roughly 3,500 hours to the College in that time. She has done a wonderful job assisting me. Beth and her daughter Jane have also donated hundreds of books to the Library over the years, of which 190 are currently part of our collection.”

Pirjo has recently recalled: “During her time as a volunteer in the St Mark’s College Library, Beth and I became friends and I really enjoyed her company. She was a feisty and down-to-earth woman in her quiet way, and we got on very well.”

In acknowledgement of Beth Lee’s longstanding service and generosity to the College, two commemorative brick pavers were produced and laid near the Pond around the time of her “retirement”: one in the name of her late son, Jonathan Lee, and the other in the names Beth and Chin Lee.

Jonathan Lee is also remembered at the College with a photograph which hangs in the College Library, and a tree near the College Green planted in his memory. His name is also recorded on the honour board in the Junior Common Room for the Collegians’ Prize, which he was awarded posthumously for 1991.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Lee family on Beth’s passing. We remain deeply grateful for her exceptional contribution to the College.

There is a tribute to Beth Lee on the St Ann’s College website here.

Main photograph: Beth Lee in her retirement.

Photographs below: Chin and Beth Lee with Ian Wall at the 1950 St Mark’s Collegians’ reunion in 2000; Beth and Chin Lee in 1953.

Our thanks to Jane Lee and the College Archives for these photographs.

 

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Academic successes and adventures of our students

Semester 2 has seen great academic success by our students, and many impressive and fascinating academic adventures – with more to come!

Final Academic Results for 2023

The final results for 2023 are a testament to the supportive learning environment, comprehensive program of academic support, and excellent facilities and resources provided for our students here at St Mark’s College.

The pass rate of 97.1% was well above the average pass rate for each of the SA universities and the national average pass rate in 2021 (85.6% – the most recent data available), and above the College’s average rate for the past 15 years.

Our students did more than just pass their subjects: 43% of all grades were high distinction (HD) or distinction (D) grades and at least 31 students achieved either HDs or Ds in all their subjects. 26 students achieved HDs in at least half of their subjects and 15 students achieved an impressive 6, 7, or exemplary 8 HDs, including three students who achieved HDs in all their subjects.

Honours Successes

We are very proud of our three Honours students, Oliver Douglas, Jord Howard, and Harry Yous, who all achieved First Class Honours overall in their respective degrees this year.

Oliver Douglas completed his fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree majoring in History at the University of Adelaide. Oliver is headed to Oxford in 2024 as a Rhodes Scholar, where he plans to read for an Masters in History before progressing onto a doctorate. He will be the 114th Rhodes Scholar from the University of Adelaide and the 30th from St Mark’s College.

Jord Howard was this year’s Senior Academic Tutor, leading by example in the role by dedicating himself to and excelling in his studies. Jord’s Mechanical Engineering Honours project was showcased at this year’s Ingenuity exhibition at the Adelaide Convention Centre. His team’s project won third prize in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Project category for their autonomous weed-removing robot project and their thesis was awarded First Class Honours.


Jord Howard (right) with his Honours team showcasing their autonomous weed-removing robot at Ingenuity 2023 at the Convention Centre

As well as a Bachelor of Arts (Advanced), Harry Yous completed his Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours. During Honours, Harry was selected on the basis of academic excellence to be a Student Editor for the Adelaide Law Review, one of the oldest and most prestigious law reviews in Australia. He will be admitted as a solicitor in early 2024 and intends to specialise in the areas of corporate disputes involving director duties, equity, trusts, restructuring and insolvency as well as working in private clients’ disputes involving family provision claims, wills, estates, probates, equity and trusts.

Cooper Ferguson – Arkaroola field trip

Cooper Ferguson, a third-year Earth Science student, spent the mid-semester break on a 9-day field trip in the Flinders Ranges as part of the Field Geoscience III capstone course.

As Cooper explains, in small groups, the students “mapp[ed] geological units, structures, deformations, and indicators of past temperature and pressure conditions to understand the history of the area, and its relevance to the evolution of the Earth from 1600-500 million years ago.

“The experience was, without a doubt, the best thing I have done during my undergraduate studies. Between the people, the scenery and of course the rocks, it was an extraordinary time, and I am so grateful that I am able to do this as part of my degree. Not only was it enjoyable, but it was perhaps the best way to learn about geology, and the report is one of my proudest pieces of work I have done.”

Cooper Ferguson in the Flinders Ranges in September 2023

Luke McKay – Gallipoli Scholars Trip to Canberra

At the end of September, Luke MacKay, a 2023 Gallipoli Scholar, travelled to the nation’s capital for a guided tour of the Australian War Memorial, a dinner with current and former Gallipoli Scholars and their sponsors, and to meet with the Governor General, His Excellency the Hon. David Hurley AC DSC.

The Gallipoli Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to the most deserving and meritorious Australian students who are commencing their first year of tertiary study and are the direct descendant of someone who has served in the Australian or New Zealand Defence Force in any conflict or peacekeeping role since the First World War.

Luke, who is studying a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide, was also the inaugural recipient of the A. Simpson & Sons Scholarship at St Mark’s this year. The Simpson Scholarship was created from a generous endowment by Mr Antony Simpson (St Mark’s 1958-62), Honorary Fellow of the College, and is awarded annually on the basis of excellence in intellect, character, leadership, and service, to give recipients of the Scholarship the opportunity to attend the College.

In his first year of university, Luke has proven himself a very worthy recipient of both of these prestigious scholarships, which have allowed him to fully immerse himself and excel in his studies and College life.


Luke MacKay with the Governor General, His Excellency the Hon, David Hurley AC DSC, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley at Government House in Canberra on 26 September 2023.

Jasmyn Lloyd – NALHN Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship

Jasmyn Lloyd, a third year University of Adelaide Medicine student and this year’s Indigenous Student Advisor at College, was one of six recipients of the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network’s (NALHN) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship in 2023.

These scholarships are aimed at increasing and enhancing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in its workforce. As Jas explains, “They increase First Nation’s representation within the medical field and provide young First Nations people with role models they can aspire to follow.”

Jas has participated in two placements at NALHN and, as a direct result of her experience there, recently applied for and was appointed as a casual Aboriginal Project Officer in the Emergency Department Aboriginal Access team, Kumangka Padninthi, helping to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally appropriate care.

Jas is “[s]o grateful to be a part of this amazing program [and] cannot recommend it enough for mob studying any aspect of Health at Uni!”


Jasmyn Lloyd during her NALHN placement

Speaking from Experience

Speaking from Experience is a new informal discussion series at St Mark’s, where we invite our staff, postgraduate students, and Old Collegians to come and tell us about something they have learned the hard way – through experience! The last Speaking from Experience event for 2023 featured our Head of College, Professor Don Markwell AM, in conversation with two of our student leaders, Clare Jenkin and William Gillett. The event drew a large audience, who were enthralled, entertained, and inspired by the wide-ranging and very personal discussion in which Don reflected on the people, events and experiences that have shaped his life and career thus far.


Professor Don Markwell AM in conversation with Clare Jenkin and Will Gillett

High Jinks and Ice Rinks

In the lead-up to their final exams for the year, St Mark’s students were invited to join a series of three juggling workshops with international juggling sensation, Philippe Quoilin. Requiring one’s full physical and mental attention on the task at hand, juggling is an excellent way to take a quick physical and mental break from the books. These workshops were generously funded by a grant from the Adelaide City Council and enthusiastically embraced by students and staff alike.

For STEM Academic Coordinator, Josh Rummell, “the juggling workshops were a great way to interact with a new skill that I’ve always wanted to learn”.

Philippe managed, as promised, to have everyone juggling three or more balls within the first 30 mins, working closely with those who needed extra encouragement and extending those, like Drew Willie (pictured below), who mastered it very quickly.

As Agriculture/Viticulture/Vet and Animal Science Academic Coordinator, Maddie Dodds reported, Phillipe “brought a passion to his juggling lesson like no other. His warmth encouraged everyone to give juggling a go and made a safe environment to make mistakes. His insight and tips boosted our confidence (and our skills)!”

We are grateful to the Adelaide City Council for their generous support of this well received and beneficial activity for our students – and staff.


Drew Willie juggling (or almost!)

In a similar vein, first-year students India Ciura and Dino Macri organised an ice-skating session for students at the Ice Arena in Thebarton to give fellow Collegians an opportunity to cool the pre-exam nerves and try a new skill in a supported environment.

Academic Achievement Celebrated

At our Final Dinner on 28 October, we celebrated some of the brilliant academic achievements in semester 1 by St Mark’s scholars.

Academic Colours were awarded to Ruby Ford and Mackenzie Walter (second year), Oscar Hemmings (third year) and Oliver Douglas (fourth year) for their consistent academic achievement at the very highest level during their time at College.

Academic Commendations were awarded to ten first-year students (Robyn Coles, Cameron Dixon, Luke McKay, Dino Macri, William McConnel, Zac Meakin, Zoe Raynes, Nathan Rokebrand, Madalyn Toet and Eloise Wills), three second-year students (Harriet Ellis, Sophie Gale, and Georgie Orchard), five third-year students (Oliver Leslie, Darcy Lillecrapp, Corey Smith, Jack Stimson, and Harry Yous), and one fourth-year student (Ella Browne) who have consistently achieved outstanding results during their time at College.


Ruby Ford receiving Academic Colours from Professor Markwell at the 2023 Final Dinner


Mackenzie Walter receiving Academic Colours from Professor Markwell at the 2023 Final Dinner’


Oliver Douglas receiving Academic Colours from Professor Markwell at the 2023 Final Dinner


Oscar Hemmings receiving the Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize for 2023 at Final Dinner

Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize

For the second year in a row, University of Adelaide Science student Oscar Hemmings (pictured above) won the coveted Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize.

The Angas Essay Prize, which was established in 1962, thanks to a generous gift by Sir Keith Angas, a former Chair of the College Council and Honorary Fellow of the College, is awarded for an essay written by a member of the College on a topic of general or contemporary interest.

This year, students were invited to write on an aspect of contemporary democracy. Oscar’s excellent essay, entitled “A democracy sausage, but only the bread”, examined how governments can fight illiberal democracy in the global theatre.

Imogen Dickinson, Liam Dixon, Reuban Duguid – Forthcoming Exchange Programs

Three of our students will be going on exchange in 2024, swapping the Australian summer for snowy adventures on the other side of the world in semester 1.

Imogen Dickinson will be studying in Canada, while Liam Dixon and Reuban Duguid are both off to Scandinavia. Liam, who will be undertaking a course in Nordic Backcountry Skiing through the University of South-Eastern Norway in Bø, has never seen snow before, let alone strapped on skis!

We wish them all the very best and look forward to hearing all about their international adventures when they return in time for semester 2.

SMC Book Swap and Drop

Thanks to a very generous donation by avid reader Kathy Radoslovich, we now have a Book Drop and Swap shelf in the JCR. Students and staff are free to take any books to keep, read and return, or hand on to others.


SMC Book Drop and Swap in the JCR.

 

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St Mark’s makes historic purchase of Cathedral Deanery

St Mark’s College has purchased the spacious house at 40 Pennington Terrace, North Adelaide, that previously served as the residence of the Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral.

This historic acquisition is the first expansion of College grounds since the College purchased Hawker House in 1969.

The Deanery is immediately adjacent to the College, and is the only house between Walkley Cottage and the Cathedral.

It has been rented by the College from the Cathedral since late 2022, and currently houses seven students. Its use for students has been a great success, and has enabled the College to have the largest enrolment in its history this year, responding to high student demand for College places while remaining a warm, friendly, and cohesive community.

It is intended that the Deanery will continue to be used for students for the foreseeable future (although it could, of course, be used for other purposes in future years as circumstances evolve).

Purchase of this significant property was fully funded by a very generous donation by Dr Pamela Wall OAM, Honorary Fellow of the College and widow of Dr Ian Wall AM (St Mark’s 1950-54, Honorary Fellow).

Dr Wall’s donation is the largest donation so far in the initial phase of the College’s Centenary appeal, which aims to expand much-needed scholarship support for students as well as fund some heritage and capital projects.

The Chair of the College Board, Ms Linda Matthews, said: “We could not be more delighted that the College has been able to make this valuable acquisition, which is so important for current and future students.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr Wall for making this exciting purchase possible.”

The elegant house at 40 Pennington Terrace was built in the early 1880s as a private residence, and was transferred to the Cathedral for use as the Deanery in 1922.

Property settlement for the Deanery took place today.

The College’s Pennington Terrace frontage, facing the Parklands and Adelaide Oval, now comprises a row of five 19th century houses – the Deanery, Walkley Cottage, Downer House, the Grenfell Price Lodge, and Hawker House.


The 2023 and 2024 College Club Presidents, Ben McCure and Eloise Montefiore, on the front porch of the Deanery.

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J C Bannon Oration discusses the robustness of Australian democracy

One of Australia’s leading historians, Professor Frank Bongiorno AM, has given fascinating reflections on the robustness of Australian democracy in the 2023 J C Bannon Oration this week.

Frank Bongiorno is Professor of History at the Australian National University, and serves also as President of the Australian Historical Association and the Council of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

The J C Bannon Oration is given annually at St Mark’s College in honour of Dr John Bannon AO, a resident student at St Mark’s in 1962-63 who went on to be the second-longest serving Premier of South Australia (1982-92), and later served as Master (Head) of St Mark’s (2000-07).

Professor Bongiorno referred to John Bannon’s work both in politics and as a historian, especially as a historian of Australian federation, and author of significant studies of federation-era South Australian political leaders Charles Cameron Kingston and Sir John Downer.

Professor Bongiorno said that while Australia had a strong democratic system, “smugness” about its electoral fairness should be tempered by considering, for example, the long history of serious electoral malapportionment in several states.

Tolerating undemocratic arrangements for a long period of time when politicians were “delivering the goods” was an example of the strong “utilitarian” or (as the historian Sir Keith Hancock had put it) “Benthamite” tradition in Australian political culture. This tradition had been evident from the earliest years of British settlement, and again more recently in, for example, attitudes to the pandemic and the Voice referendum debate. This approach sometimes led to rights being dangerously compromised for apparent short-term practical advantage, and to insufficient protection of the marginalised and “those who lose out” (such as Indigenous Australians).

Professor Bongiorno quoted the late historian Professor John Hirst describing Australians as a kind of “obedient people”, despite our image as anti-authoritarian larrikins, but said that our obedience is considered, negotiated, and conditional.

Professor Bongiorno identified both Indigenous and colonial origins of deliberative democracy in Australia. He spoke of the risk of Australia drifting towards the kind of “illiberal democracy” now seen in several other countries, such as Hungary. This combined right-wing populism and authoritarianism with the appearance of democracy. Professor Bongiorno suggested that Prime Minister Scott Morrison came closest to “illiberal democracy” with his celebration of a disengaged citizenship, which was in stark contrast with the emphasis Sir Robert Menzies placed on “the forgotten people” doing their duty as citizens.

Professor Bongiorno also referred to the weakness of checks and balances in the Australian system shown in the “secret ministries” appointments of Prime Minister Morrison – appointments of the Prime Minister to administer departments, made with the consent of the Governor-General but without the knowledge of the Parliament or people.

While Australian democracy has imperfections, it has also proven itself adaptable. Flaws are evident in, for example, “draconian” anti-terror legislation, inadequate whistle-blower protections, and the precariousness of media freedom. Public trust in government has fluctuated. The gaps in civic knowledge of our democratic system have adverse effects, a number of which Professor Bongiorno identified; and education, civil society, and responsive institutions are all important to its sustained good health.

However, Professor Bongiorno said, the adaptability of Australian democracy had in recent times again been shown in the rise of “community independents”, and the rise of new forms of public leadership (for example, Grace Tame) outside of traditional politics.

These are other reflections formed part of a wide-ranging and lively historical and contemporary discussion, which was enthusiastically received by its audience in Downer House and viewed by many online, including by Old Collegians and several historians and political scientists, interstate and overseas.

A video of the 2023 J C Bannon Oration is below.

The text of Professor Bongiorno’s Oration will be published by St Mark’s College in coming months, and details will be placed here.

For the introduction to the Oration by the Head of College, Professor Don Markwell AM, click here.

Arrangements for the 2024 J C Bannon Oration are expected to be announced in the early months of 2024. The 2025 Oration will be given jointly by the College’s Centenary historians, Associate Professor Paul Sendziuk and Dr Carolyn Collins, on “St Mark’s and law, politics, and history”.



Professor Frank Bongiorno AM with Mrs Angela Bannon at the 2023 J C Bannon Oration

Photos by Carol Atkinson

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We deeply mourn the passing of Jeremy Pascoe, Honorary Fellow

It is with great sadness that we report that Jeremy Pascoe, Honorary Fellow of the College and Old Collegian (1955-59), passed away yesterday after a long illness. Jeremy died peacefully with his children at his side.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Jeremy’s family and friends.

The College’s flags fly at half-mast in his honour, and in honour of his brother Dr Timothy Pascoe AM (St Mark’s 1957-61, Honorary Fellow), who passed away last week.

Amongst many other contributions to St Mark’s over many years, Jeremy Pascoe created the Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship jointly with Timothy in 2011. Together they have provided annual funding for it each year since its creation, and in the last two years have jointly endowed it as one of the College’s largest scholarship endowments, able to provide an annual scholarship in perpetuity. It is a significant scholarship for later-year student leaders.

Jeremy deeply valued many special friendships that arose from his years at St Mark’s, as well as the foundations it gave for his later life. He and Timothy wished to pass on similar opportunities to future students.

Jeremy Lawrence Pascoe was born in Adelaide on 8 May 1936. After education at St Peter’s College, he was a resident student at St Mark’s for five years, from 1955 to 1959, while studying engineering at the University of Adelaide, graduating in civil engineering.

Jeremy Pascoe was very active in College and University life throughout his five years at St Mark’s. There are many friendly references to him in The Lion (the College’s annual record) of those years, from his being the “slickest stage manager” for Variety Evening to his “enthusiastic support” for athletics and scoring his third goal in a football match “on the bell”.

Jeremy represented the College in athletics, squash, hockey, football, and table tennis. He was awarded colours for hockey and athletics. In 1959, he served on the College Club Committee, and was Secretary of Golf and Victualling Officer (the year before, he had served as Buttery Officer).

In the University of Adelaide, he represented the University in intervarsity golf, was President of the Footlights Club in 1957 and 1958, and Assistant Secretary of the Hockey Club. He also undertook service in the Royal Australian Navy in those years.

When he left College in 1959, Jeremy Pascoe wrote to the Master (Bob Lewis): “May I take this opportunity of thanking you for making the college what it is. I think that I will always look on these last five years as the best years of my life, and this to a considerable extent, I feel, is due to your efforts.”

The Master replied: “We have very much enjoyed having you in College and I should like to take this opportunity of thanking you for what you have done here.”

On the creation of the Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship in 2011, Jeremy Pascoe wrote: “St Mark’s gave me access to tutorials and close associations with other students studying the same courses, both of which helped my studies. It also gave me the opportunity to mix with students studying other courses. The camaraderie and friendships engendered by college activities such as meals, sport, theatrical productions, etc. meant these years were some of the most enjoyable in my life. Hence my desire to help others have a similar experience.” He did so with great generosity.

Even as recently as last week, after the death of his brother Timothy, Jeremy spoke again with the Head of College, Professor Markwell, about his and Timothy’s gratitude for what St Mark’s had done for them, and Professor Markwell reiterated the College’s deep gratitude for all that Jeremy and Timothy had done for St Mark’s.

As well as for the Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship, Jeremy made many donations to the College for other purposes over many years, going back several decades. He took an active and thoughtful interest in College affairs, including corresponding with recipients of the Pascoe Scholarship.

Jeremy Pascoe was recognised as a Governor of the St Mark’s College Foundation, and appointed an Honorary Fellow of the College earlier this year. Reflecting his contributions in another of his areas of keen interest, in 2015, he and his wife Lyndal were both recognised with Awards of Merit by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

May he rest in peace.

For the announcement of Honorary Fellows earlier this year, click here.

For the College’s tribute to Dr Timothy Pascoe AM, click here.

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Ivan Shearer Scholarship for study in Oxford or Cambridge – call for applications for 2024-25

A generous bequest by the late Professor Ivan Shearer AM RFD has enabled the creation of the Ivan Shearer Scholarship to support St Mark’s Collegians to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge.

An international law academic and practitioner who developed a high global reputation, Ivan Shearer (1938-2019) was Dean of St Mark’s College from 1968 to 1971, and an Honorary Fellow of the College from 2005.

The first Ivan Shearer Scholarship was awarded in 2022 to Rebecca Keeley (St Mark’s 2012-14) for study in the 2022-23 academic year in Oxford.

The College now invites applications for the Ivan Shearer Scholarship from members of the College who meet the eligibility criteria and who will be, or expect to be, studying at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge in the 2024-25 academic year (including from members of the College currently studying at Oxford or Cambridge).

Eligibility: Under the terms of Professor Shearer’s will, the Ivan Shearer Scholarship is open to current and Old Collegians of St Mark’s College, Adelaide, who have resided at St Mark’s for at least one academic year.

Purpose and value: The Scholarship will be paid towards the travel, accommodation, tuition, and/or general living expenses of the Scholar/s to support them to study at either the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge. Any part of the Scholarship used for payment of fees will be paid directly by St Mark’s College to the relevant college in the University of Oxford or Cambridge, or to the relevant university, and any part to be used for travel, accommodation, and general living expenses will be paid to the Scholar/s by St Mark’s College.

The award for the 2024-25 academic year will comprise a single Scholarship with a value of up to $37,000 (AUD), or a number of Scholarships totalling not more than $37,000 (this figure was revised upwards in March 2024 from the previously advertised figure). In the case of more than one award, the selection committee will allocate funds to Scholars according to assessed merit and need. As tuition and living costs in Oxford or Cambridge will exceed $37,000 per annum, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for other scholarships and sources of financial support.

At the absolute discretion of the College, a Scholarship may be renewed for up to two further academic years subject to satisfactory performance by the Scholar and the Scholar demonstrating need for the renewal of the Scholarship. In exceptional circumstances, the College may give consideration to a further award to enable a doctoral student to complete their doctorate at Oxford or Cambridge; no Scholar should assume that such further funding will be possible.

Criteria for award: The award will be based on:

  • excellence in intellect, character, leadership, and service; and
  • demonstrated need for financial support to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

Candidates must have applied to, or been admitted to study at, or be studying at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge at the time of application. (If a candidate is already studying at Oxford or Cambridge, the Scholarship could support them either to move to a new course, or to complete a course for which they are currently enrolled; in either case, financial need would need to be demonstrated.)

The academic standards for admission to Oxford and Cambridge are very high, and the selection committee will offer the Scholarship only to a candidate or candidates who, in its judgement, is/are likely to be admitted to Oxford or Cambridge, and to achieve at a satisfactory standard there.

The Scholarship will only be confirmed upon successful admission to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, and will not be paid if the Scholar does not take up their place at Oxford or Cambridge. The College may apply other terms if judged appropriate.

Preference will be given to candidates undertaking or intending to undertake a graduate degree.

The Scholarship will not be offered if there is not a sufficiently qualified candidate who is also in need of financial support.

The names of Ivan Shearer Scholars are recorded on an honour board in the Junior Common Room at St Mark’s.

Application process: Applications should comprise a letter of application, addressed to the Head of St Mark’s College, and enclosing:

  • a full curriculum vitae (of up to three pages);
  • a complete transcript or transcripts of all your university study to date;
  • a statement (of up to two pages) outlining:
    • details of the course of study proposed to be (or being) undertaken at Oxford or Cambridge, and the status of your application for admission to that University and any of its colleges (including, if relevant, second preference for a course);
    • your reasons for undertaking this course; and
    • your likely or intended further study (if any) and career after undertaking this course;
  • a personal statement (of up to three pages) outlining your interests, priorities, and motivation, which reflects how you fulfil the criteria of excellence in intellect, character, leadership, and service;
  • a statement (of up to two pages) setting out your need for financial support to study at Oxford or Cambridge, including details of other scholarships or sources of financial support applied for or likely to be applied for, and the status of those applications; and
  • the names and contact details (including email addresses and telephone numbers) of three referees, at least one of whom must have formally taught you in a university course.

The font size of the CV and statements should be no smaller than 11 point.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 15 April 2024.

Selection process: Selection will be by a committee appointed by the College, comprising individuals of high academic and/or professional standing.

The committee will interview only short-listed candidates, and references will ordinarily only be sought for short-listed candidates.

It is likely that interviews will be in May or June 2024.

The award of the Scholarship is at the absolute discretion of the College.

For further information: please consult the Head of College, Professor Don Markwell AM.

November 2023

A PDF of the call for applications is available here.

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Rev’d Canon Steve Daughtry appointed Chaplain of St Mark’s College

We are delighted that the Rev’d Canon Stephen Daughtry has been appointed Chaplain of St Mark’s College from February 2024.

He succeeds the Rev’d Grant Moore, Chaplain of the College from 2014 to 2023.

Steve Daughtry has served for the last nine years as Parish Priest at Holy Innocents Anglican Church in Belair, where he was previously a Lay Minister. In the words of Archbishop Geoff Smith, “Steve has done a great job at Belair”.

His last service there as Parish Priest will be on 11 February 2024, and he will start at St Mark’s soon after in time to welcome the students entering or returning to St Mark’s for the new academic year.

Steve is also Education Missioner for the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM), and he will continue in that part-time role while serving as part-time Chaplain at St Mark’s.

Steve’s service in the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide since 2009 has included five years (2013-17) as part-time Chaplain of St John’s Grammar School, Belair.

His earlier work in the Diocese included serving as part-time Diocesan Media & Communications Officer, and his work has included producing the “I am Anglican: Exploring and Explaining Anglican Faith” video series, which has been widely distributed to parishes and schools.

He became a Canon of St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide, in 2019, and also serves on Diocesan Council and the Council of St Barnabas College.

Since his secondary education in Townsville, Steve has earned university qualifications in the performing arts at James Cook University, and in theology at Flinders University and Charles Sturt University.

After extensive freelance theatre work early in his career, including as an actor, tutor, and director, in 1993 he founded Company of Sinners, a full-time theatre company working in schools and churches to communicate the Christian faith. Over a dozen years, Company of Sinners performed to well over 250,000 people, and toured overseas and around Australia.

Steve has written over 20 plays, all of which have been performed throughout Australia and at festivals overseas. His poetry and songs have been published in several magazines, newspapers, and collections.

In his work for ABM, Steve has produced over 20 short documentaries, and authored or edited a number of Lenten studies. With ABM, he has visited many Anglican communities throughout Australia, including many Indigenous communities, as well in the Pacific, South-East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Steve and Vanessa, a clinical counsellor and artist, have “three wonderful children and one glorious grandchild”.

We look forward to welcoming Steve and Vanessa and their family to the St Mark’s community!

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Congratulations to our 2023 prize winners!

At the College’s recent 2023 Final Dinner, outstanding achievements and contributions of many students – academic, sporting, artistic, community service, and other – were recognized with awards.

Amongst the awards presented, the Collegians’ Prize was awarded jointly to Ben McCure (2023 College Club President) and Oliver Douglas (2022 Vice-President and Rhodes Scholar-elect for South Australia for 2024). The Lilias Needham Medal for Service was awarded to Chi Ho Yip, a mature-age student from Hong Kong who has given outstanding selfless service within the College.

Taking advantage of Adelaide’s balmy spring weather, the Final Dinner was held on the College tennis courts, and followed our annual Final Service at St Peter’s Cathedral, marking the end of the 2023 academic year.

Final Service

On the afternoon of Saturday 28 October, students and staff gathered at the front gates for the traditional procession to St Peter’s Cathedral, with second-year student Joe Clyde bagpiping the congregation down Pennington Terrace. Proceeding into the Cathedral, they joined a sizeable group of Old Collegians and friends of the College for our Final Service, led by the Rev’d Sally Sandford-Morgan, Assistant Priest at the Cathedral.

College values were a key theme in the Final Service. Rev’d Sally Sandford-Morgan and Professor Don Markwell AM both reflected on the Living Document of Values, which was initiated and written by our 2023 student leadership team, and which all of our students signed a pledge to uphold.

In his Address, the Head of College also called on students to think about the memories they will hold dear from the year that has been. Echoing the lyrics of Aerosmith’s I don’t want to miss a thing, a song much loved by Collegians past and present, Professor Markwell said:

I wonder what the moments are that you treasure. I suspect that very many of them relate to friendships – friendships formed living together in College, socialising together, eating meals together, playing sport together, studying together, procrastinating about study together, taking part in other activities together including maybe Arts Evenings or Battle of the Bands or Marksenfest or Charitable activities, or simply hanging out together…

Today and tonight, we look back with pride and heartfelt emotion on the achievements of 2023 and indeed on the achievements of every student throughout their time at St Mark’s, and we treasure every moment together. And we also look ahead with optimism, including to celebrating the first 100 years of the College we love.

You can read Professor Markwell’s full address here.

During the Service, we were again delighted to enjoy the musical talents of many of our students. The College Choir performed the College hymn, Lord, in thy mercy, hear our praise, accompanied by the Cathedral Organist, David Heah. Gracie Rowland and Sadie Fuss sang Daughter of a King by Trailer Flowers, and were accompanied by Bianca Feher on guitar. Our final student performance was Psalm 23 (The Lord’s My Shepherd), sung by Bianca Feher, accompanied by Luke MacKay on piano.

After the service, guests joined students and staff for refreshments in the College rose garden.

Final Dinner and awards presentation

That evening, the College celebrated the end of the academic year at our annual Final Dinner on the tennis courts.

At the dinner we acknowledged the many and varied achievements of so many of our students this year. Some of the College’s most significant prizes awarded include Academic Colours and Commendations, the Lilias Needham Medal for Service, and the Collegians’ Prize. Other highlights included celebrating our graduating students, farewelling students leaving at the end of the academic year, the awarding of Club Colours and Awards, and recognition of service by senior student leaders.

A full list of prizes and award recipients is provided below.

During the dinner, the College Club President-elect, Eloise Montefiore, proposed a toast to the Leavers. Senior students Jonty Pretorius and Sinéad Sidhu gave a heartfelt reply on behalf of the Leavers, reflecting on what their time at St Mark’s had meant to them. The 2023 College Club President, Ben McCure, then addressed his peers for the final time in this role, proposing a toast to the College.

It was a truly glittering evening, and a fitting end to another successful year of College life.

About the Lilias Needham Medal for Service

Mrs Lilias Needham, who died in 1975, was the sister of one of the founders of the College, Charles Hawker. Charles Hawker was a South Australian pastoralist and member of federal parliament, who was strongly committed to our founders’ ideal of community service. He might well have become Prime Minister had he not been killed in a plane crash in 1938.

In his memory, Lilias Needham not only endowed the Hawker Scholarships, but was extremely generous to St Mark’s, including helping to make it possible for the College to purchase Hawker House. But she was insistent that there be no public recognition of her generosity to the College in her lifetime. It was only after her death that the College was able to acknowledge all she had done. Lilias Needham is an example of selfless service.

In that spirit, the Lilias Needham Medal for Service is awarded to a student who has given an outstanding example of selfless service – acting in a generous spirit for the good of others rather than for their own glory.

In 2023, the Lilias Needham Medal was awarded to Chi Ho Yip.

From Hong Kong, Chi Ho is studying a Master of Accounting and Finance at the University of Adelaide, and is in his second year at St Mark’s. He is a student who has not sought or held a formal leadership role, but who has in all sorts of ways, most of them quiet or even invisible, acted to help his fellow students. He has mentored several students, including helping them with professional experience; provided many students with academic support; organised mini-projects for groups of interested students; and led the clean-up of the JCR earlier this year. He instigated the Speaking from Experience series, in which he was a thoughtful and generous speaker. He has been a very positive influence on our community in many quiet and selfless ways.

Many congratulations, Chi Ho, and thank you again for your selfless service!

About the Collegians’ Prize

The Collegians’ Prize is awarded to a member of the College who has made a significant contribution across a range of areas over their years at St Mark’s, whilst also embodying and showcasing the College’s values. These areas include academic excellence, their contribution to the College through service, and their contributions to their university and the wider community.

All students are invited to make nominations for the Collegians’ Prize.  Being nominated for this prestigious award is an honour in itself. The selection of the awardee/s follows a rigorous selection process involving student leaders and staff.

In 2023, the Collegians’ Prize was awarded jointly to Ben McCure (2023 College Club President) and Oliver Douglas (2022 College Club Vice-President and Rhodes Scholar-elect for South Australia for 2024).

The awardees were announced by the President of the Old Collegians’ Association, Mr Riley Glynn, and the awards presented by last year’s winner, Ms Eliza Lee.

Many congratulations to Ben and Oliver!

List of 2023 Final Dinner Prize and Award Recipients

2023 High Table Cup Winning Teams

  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Women’s Netball
  • Women’s Football
  • Athletics

Club Colours and Awards

Club Colours and Awards are awarded by the College Club Committee. Colours are awarded to the “best and fairest” contributor to different areas of College life. The First-Year Student of the Year is awarded to a new student who the College Club Committee felt had best embodied the values of the College.

Tennis Colours
Laura McIntyre
Patrick Douglas

Swimming Colours
Eloise Wills
Ben Grima

Netball Colours
Emily Thompson
Nick Schofield

Debating Colours
Luke MacKay

Football Colours
Georgie Pater
Nick Schofield

Hockey Colours
Charlotte Le Page
Riley Herbert

Basketball Colours
Sarah Nulty
Olly Sellen

Volleyball Colours
Tori Lowe
Callum Saville

Soccer Colours
Maddie Dodds
Jorge Anastasiou

Table Tennis Colours
Manon Finch
Patrick Douglas

Athletics Colours
Lucy Cole
Jean-Philippe Soulie

Arts Evenings Colours
Jamison Nokes
Bianca Feher

College Revue Colours
Jolie Crowhurst
Jack Monaco

Male and Female Athletes of the Year
Tori Lowe
Nick Schofield

First-Year Student of the Year
Jed Thiel

Academic Prizes

1st Year Academic Commendations
In recognition of outstanding academic achievement in 2023

Robyn Coles
Cameron Dixon
Luke MacKay
Dean Macri
William McConnel
Zachary Meakin
Zoe Raynes
Nathan Rokebrand
Madalyn Toet
Eloise Wills

2nd Year Academic Commendations
In recognition of sustained outstanding academic achievement

Harriet Ellis
Sophie Gale
Georgina Orchard

2nd Year Academic Colours 
Awarded to the highest achieving 2nd year student, considering their academic achievement over the duration of their time at St Mark’s

Ruby Ford
Mackenzie Walter

3rd Year Academic Commendations
In recognition of sustained outstanding academic achievement

Oliver Leslie
Darcy Lillecrapp
Corey Smith
Jack Stimson
Rithysak Yous

3rd Year Academic Colours 
Awarded to the highest achieving 3rd year student, considering their academic achievement over the duration of their time at St Mark’s

Oscar Hemmings

4th Year Academic Commendations
In recognition of sustained outstanding academic achievement

Ella Browne

4th Year Academic Colours 
Awarded to the highest achieving 4th year student, considering their academic achievement over the duration of their time at St Mark’s

Oliver Douglas

Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize

This prestigious prize, which was established in 1962 thanks to a generous endowment by Sir Keith Angas, a former Chair of the College Council and Honorary Fellow of the College, is awarded for an essay written by a member of the College on a topic of general or contemporary interest.

For his excellent essay entitled, “A democracy sausage, but only the bread: Illiberal democracy in the global theatre and how governments can fight it”, the 2023 Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize was awarded for the second year in a row to Oscar Hemmings.

Students Graduating in 2023

Liam Bastian, Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Lucy Cole, Bachelor of Human Movement
Lilli De Nardi, Bachelor of Music Theatre
Oliver Douglas, Honours in History and Rhodes Scholarship
Cooper Ferguson, Bachelor of Science
Emerson Fielke, Bachelor of Design (Communication Design)
Sadie Fuss, Bachelor of Nursing
Callum Guidera, Bachelor of Psychological Science
Oscar Hemmings, Bachelor of Science
Gabrielle Hodges, Bachelor of Human Nutrition
Jord Howard, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours)
Clare Jenkin, Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Cass Joubert, Bachelor of Business (Digital Marketing & Communications)
Luke Marcus, Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Arts
Mia McEachern, Bachelor of Film and Television
Georgie Pater, Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Kara Phillips, Bachelor of Secondary Education
Gracie Rowland, Bachelor of Music Theatre
Josh Rummell, Bachelor of Mathematical Science (Advanced)
Mia Soebardi, Bachelor of Psychological Science
Jack Stimson, Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Courtney Vonk, Bachelor of Psychology
Harry Yous, Bachelor of Laws

Acknowledgement of Service by Senior Student Leaders

Senior Academic Tutor – Jord Howard
Senior Residential Advisor – Miah Sherry
Assistant Dean – Cameron Akehurst
Assistant Dean – Ella Browne

Lilias Needham Medal for Service

Chi Ho Yip

Collegians’ Prize

Oliver Douglas
Ben McCure

Lead image: 2023 Graduating Students

Photo credit: Amelie Beltakis and Phil Radoslovich