Blog | Page 15 of 24 | St Mark's College

04 November 201902 December 2019

St Mark’s College Announces 2020 Student Leaders

St Mark’s College is excited to announce the 2020 student leader teams. Students are the life of the College and take personal responsibility for establishing a healthy, respectful, inclusive and welcoming culture. This is fostered through a strong focus on student governance and accountability, which provides strong peer support throughout the College community.

St Mark’s College student leaders also get a head start in their career and personal life by taking on leadership responsibilities and accountability. It provides invaluable preparation for the workforce, teaching them to develop resilience and an understanding of themselves, their strengths and areas for development.

There are a range of student leadership positions available at St Mark’s College, including both staff-appointed and student-elected roles.

Congratulations to the following student leaders, we look forward to your contributions in 2020.

2020 College Club Committee
Elected by their fellow students, the College Club Committee are responsible for organising social, sporting, community, charitable, arts and cultural events throughout the year. The development of their organisation and communication skills, along with significant event management experience, are highly transferable beyond College life. The College Club Executive Team consists of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Position	Name	Home Town	Course
President	Nicholas Marzohl	Alice Springs, NT	UA: Bachelor of Psychology
Vice President	Riley Glynn	Mt Gambier, SA	USA: Bachelor of Psychological Science
Treasurer	Isaac Montefiore	Alice Springs, NT	USA: Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics
Secretary	Carmen Joubert	Jamestown, SA	EC: Bachelor of Health Sciences (Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine)
Sports Officers	Taylor Glover	Yeelanna, SA	UA: Bachelor of Criminology
Sports Officers	Daniel Robson	Alice Springs, NT	UA: Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Finance
Equity Officers	Kaidy Morgan	Coulta, SA	UA: Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
Equity Officers	Max Politis	Darwin, NT	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
Merchandise	Alice McKenzie	Port Pirie South, SA	FL: Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) (Hons)
Sponsorship and Charitable	Corey Finlay	Orroroo, SA	USA: Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management)
Social Officers	Georgie Kotz	Point Cook, VIC	UA: Bachelor of Arts
Social Officers	Matt Mouvet	Mildura, VIC	FL: Bachelor of Education
Arts and Cultural	Yemaya Coleman-Smith	Port Lincoln, SA	UA: Bachelor of Music

Dean’s Leadership Team (DLT)
Assistant Dean
The role of the Assistant Dean is to assist students in various ways when needed, to encourage behaviour in line with the College’s behavioural expectations and to liaise between the College staff and students. A senior leader within the College, the Assistant Dean also supports the Dean in managing the DLT.

Position	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Assistant Deans	Chad Lennon	Alice Springs, NT	UA: Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences	4^th year
Assistant Deans	Bronte Phillips	Loxton, SA	FL: Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics	4^th year

Senior Residential Advisor
The Senior Residential Advisor is responsible for leading the Residential Advisor team to create a safe, respectful and enjoyable College experience for the students on their floor/building. They encourage and role model responsible and respectful behaviour and liaise between the College staff and students. In addition, the Senior Residential Advisors participate in meetings of various bodies, carry out inspections of College property and undertake some administrative duties.

Residential Advisor (RA)
Residential Advisors are responsible for role modelling the behaviours expected within the College community, and actively support the wellbeing and academic success of its students. They are the first point of contact for personal and academic problems and can advise students on additional support structures within the College community and the wider community.

Position	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Senior Residential Advisor	Sagar Elangovan	Brisbane, QLD	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	2^nd/6^th year
Residential Advisor	Abby Goodwin	Whyalla, SA	FL: Bachelor of Paramedic Science	3^rd year
	Adam Burford	Yacka, SA	UA: Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience)	3^rd year
	Ben Jenner	Mt Gambier, SA	UA: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)	3^rd year
	Isobel McFarlane	Armidale, VIC	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	3^rd year
	Jack Brady	Buderim, QLD	UA: Bachelor of Commerce	2^nd year
	Kaitlin Beltakis	Mt Gambier, SA	UA: Bachelor in Health and Medical Science (Advanced)	2^nd year
	Lukas Egger	Hamilton, VIC	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	3^rd year
	Tessa Megaw	Mt Gambier, SA	MW: Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle)	3^rd year
	Travis Kuchel	Clare, SA	UA: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil and Structural)/Bachelor of Finance	3^rd year
	Morgan Hill	Nightcliff, NT	UA: Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-registration)	3^rd year

Senior Academic Tutor
The role of the Senior Academic Tutor is to assist students in the positive transition from school to university life and provide support to ensure academic success and resilience. Working closely with the Director of Learning, the portfolio includes coordinating the tutorial program with the Academic Tutors and ensuring all students are aware of and able to access the academic support at the College. They are also a member of the Library Sub-Committee.

Academic Coordinator
Academic Coordinators play an important role and are responsible for coordinating the academic and career program for the faculty, including coordinating and supporting the relevant tutoring team, run faculty dinners and career events, support new students with their transition into university as well as providing mentoring and personal support to all students in their faculty.

Position	Name	Home Town	Course	Year in Course 2020
Senior Academic Tutor	Ashlee Nichol	Castlemaine, VIC	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	4^th year
Academic Tutors	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Agriculture	Gemma Nunn	Bordertown, SA	UA: Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences	2^nd year
Allied Health	Olivia Watt	Mildura, VIC	UA: Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences	3^rd year
Arts & Education	Tori Martin	Berri, SA	MG: Bachelor of Education (Junior Primary and Primary)	3^rd year
Business	Benjamin Joy	Aldinga Beach, SA	UA: Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance)	3^rd year
Engineering & Architecture	Mitchell Paull	Geraldton, WA	UA: Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering	3^rd year
Law	Aidan Jones	Quantong, VIC	Bachelor of Laws	3^rd year
Medicine, Nursing & Dentistry	Danielle Boniface	Pymble, NSW	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	3^rd year
Science	Lacey Burston	Mt Gambier, SA	UA: Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering double/combined degrees	3^rd year

Library Assistant
The Library Assistant works collaboratively with the Librarian to ensure the effective running of the Academic Centre and ensuring students are utilising the Academic Centre and Learning Commons facilities in a respectful manner.

Position	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Library Assistant	Ryan Williams	Penola, SA	UA: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery	3^rd year
Library Assistant	Lacey Burston (continuing)	Mt Gambier, SA	Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Pharmaceutical)	3^rd year

Arts Coordinator
The Arts Coordinator directly manages all facets of the College’s annual arts and cultural events. They work in close collaboration with the College Club Committee and elected Directors to create a contemporary, rich and vibrant performing arts program.

Position	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Arts Coordinator	Josh Phillips	Port Lincoln, SA	UA Bachelor of Music	3^rd year

Gym Officer
The Fitness and Gym Officers take responsibility for the provision of health and physical fitness opportunities at College. They develop programs throughout the year to cater to a diverse range of fitness levels and interests.

Position	Names	Home Town	Course	Year in Course in 2020
Gym Officer	Dan Robson	Alice Springs, NT	UA: Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Finance	2^nd year

St Mark’s College students stand out from the crowd when the time comes to enter the workforce. For more information on leadership opportunities offered at St Mark’s College click here.

26 October 201907 November 2019

St Mark’s College Final Service and Dinner 2019

Celebrating the end of the academic year is always a momentous occasion at St Mark’s College. The St Mark’s College Final Service and Dinner was held on Saturday 26^th October 2019 to celebrate our students’ academic, sporting and leadership achievements, announce the student leaders for 2020 and celebrate the students who will soon graduate.

The evening commenced with students, parents, staff and Old Collegians attending the Final Service at St Peter’s Cathedral. The College Chaplin, Reverend Grant Moore, gave a sermon asking us to reflect on the year that had been and issued a call to action to our students to utilise their university learnings and experience to actively engage in helping resolve some of the issues society faces. He said “As Simon Collins says, no institutions play a bigger part in the socio-economic future-proofing of human society than universities. That’s where tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs are incubated. And who knows what they will be? Their embryonic templates lie buried in you – as yet undiscovered – hidden among the unique talents with which you’ve been blessed. In the final analysis, your life is God’s precious gift to you. What you do with it, is your gift to the rest of us, to humankind in general, and in the end, to God. ” To read the full sermon, click here.

Following the service, students enjoyed pre-dinner drinks with guests in the Walkley Gardens before entering the Grenfell Price Dining Hall for the Final Dinner.

Final Dinner is always filled with both happy and sad moments, as students reflect on the year and their time at St Mark’s, and as we farewell those who are leaving St Mark’s College. It is also a time for celebration as we acknowledge the outstanding student achievements over the past year.

To commence the night’s proceedings, first-year Bachelor of Environmental Science at University of South Australia student and Wiradjuri woman, Ms Iman Westhead, gave the Acknowledgement of Country, followed by the Acting Head of College, Mr Darren Pitt, providing the Welcome Address.

The 2019 College Club President and fourth-year Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts University of Adelaide student, Ms Evette de Jager, welcomed back the previous Master of St Mark’s College, Ms Rose Alwyn, and presented her with a gift from the College Club.

The College Club President-elect for 2020, Mr Nicholas Marzohl, a second-year Bachelor of Psychology student at the University of South Australia, raised a toast to those leaving College saying “Leaving College is a hard thing to do, but to you leavers, I know with the experiences and memories, not to mention the friends and connections you have made here at St Mark’s College, you are ready for anything that gets thrown at you. Leavers, you will always be a part of the St Mark’s College community”.

Ms Lucinda Bunge, third-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy student at the University of South Australia, and Mr Mitchell Olive, fourth-year Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) and Bachelor of Business (Corporate Finance) student at the University of Adelaide, provided a passionate leaver’s response, reminding students that “Once you step through the gates of St Mark’s College on your first day, you are not just a Collegian for your time here, you are a Marksman or a Markswoman for life. The friends and connections you make here in this very short period of your life will stay with you forever. These years are the most formative of your life. During these years we have learned some valuable lessons about resilience, how to be more independent, successful communication skills, but most importantly, how to be a genuinely good person, which is what all Marksmen and Markswomen are. Never doubt yourselves, Collegians, for we know we are all going places in life, great places.”

Ms Evette de Jager raised a toast to the College and Dr Areti Metuamate, the Dean of St Mark’s responded on behalf of the College and quoted JK Rowling as he called for students to think about the role they play as leaders in their communities: “If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped transform for the better. We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

The celebrations continued as the 2020 student appointed and elected leadership team members were announced, and as the academic, sporting, excellence and leavers awards were presented to students.

Congratulations to all students for the 2019 academic year, a College is little without the contribution and passion of our students. St Mark’s truly is a place you belong for life.

2019 Award Recipients

Collegian’s Prize
Presented by Mr Jack Dowd (alum 2014-2016) on behalf of the Old Collegian’s Association to the student whose contribution to College, their studies, their university, and community are recognised by their peers as being outstanding.

Lucinda Bunge

Service Colours
Awarded by the Dean to students who have given an outstanding contribution to the College.

Taylor Hand

Evette de Jager

Thomas Edney

Renae Feder

Values colours
Awarded by the Dean to students recognising students who epitomise the Values of the College.

Benjamin Jenner

Nicholette Bakaj

Chelsea Hammond

Bronte Phillips

Academic Colours & Commendations
Ms Kathy Radoslovich, the Director of Learning, Dr Layla Mahdi St Mark’s Scholar in Residence and Dr Jessa Rogers, presented the Academic Colours to the highest achieving student in their year level. Commendations are awarded to exceptional academic achievers.

2019 Overall Academic Colours

Alasdair Leslie

Academic Colours & Commendations

Year	Award	Studnet
4th Year	Colours	Callum Kain
	Commendations	Nicholette Bakaj, Benjamin Cmrlec, Alexandra Kenny, Brady Martin
3rd Year	Colours	Madeleine Whitehouse
	Commendations	Lucinda Bunge, Ella Graham, Molly Healy, Eliza Kennedy
2^nd Year	Colours	Isaac Montefiore
	Commendations	Danielle Boniface, Benjamin Joy, Olivia Watt
1^st Year	Colours	Kaitlin Beltakis, Ella Browne, Wren Dreger, Hamish Hill
	Commendations	Brodie Carrigan, Niamh Jones, Gemma Nunn, Amelia Youngman

The Sports awards and Colours were presented by the Sports Officers, Ms Renae Feder and Mr Riley Glynn.

Female Athlete of the Year: Isobel McFarlane
Male Athlete of the Year: Benjamin Pater

Sporting and Arts College Club Colours

Sport	1st Student	2nd Student
Tennis	Tessa Megaw	Hugo Lee
Swimming	Erin Roberts	James Andrews
Debating	Annie Brentnall	Mitchell Paull
Netball	Maddy Crettenden	Benjamin Pater
Hockey	Lucinda Bunge	Lachlan Clark
Football	Erin Roberts	Blake Dodson
Volleyball	Isobel McFarlane	Benjamin Pater
Basketball	Bronte Phillips	Sean Ambrose
Soccer	Jenna Enge	Lukas Egger
Table Tennis	Tessa Megaw	Riley Glynn
Athletics	Izzy McFarlane	Liam McMaugh
Boat Racing	Georgie Kotz	Mitchell Olive
Arts Evening	Sonny Puglisi
College Revue	Nicola Badran	Eliza Kennedy
Fresher of the year	Kaidy Morgan	Daniel Robson

2019 Graduating Students

Student	Degree
Ms Nicholette Bakaj	B. Science
Mr Harrison Baker	B. GSC
Ms Hannah Bradshaw	B. Arts (Advertising)
Mr Ryan Casey	B. Music (Music Performance –Jazz)
Mr Benjamin Cmrlec	B. Engineering (Mech)(Hons)
Ms Evette de Jager	B. Teaching
Mr Thomas Edney	B. Commerce
Ms Sarina Ferguson	B. Laws
Mr Matthew Halligan	B. Arts
Jacob, Mr Mostyn	B. Media Arts (Film, TV & CGI)
Jealous, Mr Peter	B. Agricultural Sciences
Kain, Mr Callum	B. Science
Ms Alexandra Kenny	B. Commerce
Mr Billy King	B. Human Movement
Mr Chad Lennon	B. Health and Medical Sciences
Mr Brady Martin	B. Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) (Hon)
Mr Ryan Morrow	B. Health and Medical Sciences
Mr Mitchell Olive	B. Commerce
Mr Benjamin Pater	B. Human Movement
Ms Yardley Smeaton	B. Creative Arts (Screen)
Mr Henry To	B. Architectural Design
Mr Andrew Vogelsang	B. Economics
Mr Charles Westwell	B. Science(Biomedical Science)
Ms Madeleine Whitehouse	B. Health Science
Ms Meekah Zangari	B. Physiotherapy

St Mark’s College offers many opportunities for students to pursue their passions for sport, art, music or drama. For more information click here.

17 October 201918 October 2019

St Mark’s Scholarships Presentation

At the recent St Mark’s College Semester II Scholarship Ceremony, thirty students were awarded scholarships, grants and prizes. Over $60,000 was awarded to students based on financial need, academic excellence, outstanding ability and/or contribution to the College and the wider community.

The College holds two presentation ceremonies each year, and also an academic prize ceremony, to acknowledge the efforts and impact of our students who are achieving success in their academic, personal and community pursuits.

St Mark’s College is grateful to donors and supporters who help us provide financial assistance to our students, enabling them the opportunity to have an enriched university experience in a supportive living and learning community.

During his opening address, the Acting Head of College, Mr Darren Pitt said “The purpose of this address, is to unpack the characteristics which we are here to pay tribute to – the aforementioned hard work, service and character – so that we can be sure to focus on why these scholarship awards are so important and worthy of celebration.”

When we asked student Chloe, what a scholarship meant to her, she responded “Receiving a scholarship at Mark’s means that I’m able to continue to focus on my studies and experience all that the College has to offer without worrying about the stress of finances while being away from home”.

Jackson Furst, Dr Jessa Rogers and Chloe Southam.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Award	Recipient	Home Town	Degree
The Margaret Beith Scholarship	Hamish Hill	Geelong, Victoria	UA Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
The Margaret Beith Scholarship	Isaac Montefiore	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	CE Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics
The P&B Greenland Scholarship	Joshua Phillips	Port Lincoln, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Music
The A R LeMessurier Scholarship	Isobel McFarlane	Armadale, Victoria	UA Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery
The DL & ME Pank Scholarship	Madeleine Taylor	Campbell Town, Tasmania	UA Bachelor of Health and Medical Science
The M E Tothill Scholarship	Daniel Robson	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	UA Bachelor of Engineering in Medical Engineering/Bachelor of Finance
The Harold Fisher Scholarship	Chad Lennon	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	UA Bachelor of Health Sciences
The M & H Scott Scholarship	Chelsea Hammond	Bordertown, South Australia	UA The Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
The Alfred Lendon Memorial Trust Scholarship	Ashlee Nichol	Castlemaine, Victoria	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
The Programmed Scholarship	Finn McGown	Port Lincoln, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Architectural Engineering
The Craig Grocke Industry Research & Design Grant	Jacob Graham	Irymple, Victoria	UA Bachelor of Architectural studies
The John M Boully Scholarship	Jackson Furst	Redbanks, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
The John M Boully Scholarship	Lukas Egger	Hamilton, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
The Lewis Scholarship	Evette DeJager	Mount Barker, South Australia	UA Bachelor of teaching/Bachelor of Arts
The Lewis Scholarship	Thomas Edney	Hawthorne, Victoria	UA Bachelor of Commerce
The Lewis Scholarship	Renae Feder	Lillimur, Victoria	Fl Bachelor of Education (Secondary) /Bachelor of Health Sciences
The Sholto Douglas Scholarship	Danielle Boniface	Pymble, New South Whales	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
The Sholto Douglas Scholarship	Annabel Brentnall	Mosman, New South Whales	UA Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery
The Sir Ronald Fisher Medal	Callum Kain	Mt Gambier, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Science
The Sir Ronald Fisher Scholarship	Callum Peck	Adelaide, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Health and Medical Science
The Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship	Riley Glynn	Mount Gambier, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Psychological Science
The Lorna Bourne Award	Ruby Chant	Merbein West, Victoria	CE Bachelor of Nursing
The Don Laidlaw Prize	Lacey Burston	Mount Gambier, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
The Don Laidlaw Prize	Benjamin Jenner	Mount Gambier, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
The Women of St Mark’s Scholarship	Nyah Bester	Hamilton, Victoria	CE Bachelor of Pharmacy
The Women of St Mark’s Scholarship	Elsie Figl	Port Lincoln, South Australia	CE Bachelor of Pharmacy
The Sir Keith Angas Essay Prize	Lacey Burston	Mount Gambier, South Australia	UA Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
The Studd Bursary	Chloe Southam	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	UA Bachelor of Nursing
The Gavin Walkley Scholarship	Nicholas Marzhol	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	MG Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honors)
The Archie McArthur Scholarship	Daniel Robson	Alice Springs, Northern Territory	UA Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering/Bachelor of Finance

Dr Angela Evans, Renae Feder, Thomas Edney, Evette deJager.

Isobel McFarlane, Lukas Egger, Dr John Boully, Callum Peck, Ashlee Nichol.

Jackson Furst, Chloe Southam, Isobel McFarlane, Danielle Boniface, Annabelle Brentnall.

Crichton Burton, Dr Angela Evans, Elsie Figl, Nyah Bester.

St Mark’s does its best to ensure financial need is not a barrier to gaining the residential college experience. Further information on scholarships can be found **here**.

18 September 201923 September 2019

In memory of Mr Charles Robin Ashwin, Master of St Mark’s College 1991-1999

Mr Charles Robin Ashwin

Born in Adelaide, South Australia, 27 September 1930.

Died in Adelaide, South Australia, 14 September 2019.

Master of St Mark’s College 1991-1999.

The St Mark’s College community is deeply saddened by the loss of its former Master, Mr Charles Robin Ashwin, Rhodes Scholar, Diplomat and Australian Ambassador.

Having gained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Adelaide, Mr Ashwin went on to become a Rhodes Scholar and received his Master of Arts from Oxford University.

In 1955 Mr Ashwin joined the Department of External Affairs and had a diplomatic career of great distinction that spanned 36 years. He served in missions in Korea, London, Bonn, Bangkok, and the United Nations, and was the Australian Ambassador to Egypt, Germany and Russia.

Mr Ashwin was appointed the 6^th Master of St Mark’s College in 1991. His leadership qualities, the wide respect he earned for his academic acumen and his strength in leadership of the College saw him recognised as an Honorary Fellow in 1999. He was deeply passionate and committed to the significance of collegiate life and the impact of the College community on the development of future leaders.

The College offers its heartfelt condolences to his wife Okche and his family.

A memorial service will be held at St Mark’s College on Friday 20 September 2019 at 2 pm. Notification of attendance to Anne Verwey at anne.verwey@stmarkscollege.com.au would be appreciated for catering purposes.

St Mark’s is a leading university residential college for students of the universities of Adelaide. For further information click here.

18 September 201923 September 2019

St Mark’s College Reunion 1996-2000

What a fantastic night! Over 20 Old Collegians and their partners joined us on Saturday for the 1996-2000 St Mark’s College Reunion.

The Dean, Dr Areti (Ari) Metuamate welcomed Collegians back to St Mark’s who were students during 1996-2000. Throughout the evening, Collegians shared fond memories of their time at St Mark’s and their exciting lives and extensive career experiences since leaving College.

Former President of the College Club in 2000, Dr Matthew Little (1998-2001) said grace to commence the evening’s proceedings. Following, Dr Matthew Hunt (1997-1999) shared fond memories about his days at St Mark’s, praised the College as a supportive community to live in and proposed a toast to the College.

St Mark’s Residential College Welcomes Old Collegians from 1996-2000 to Reunite for Dinner. — Dr Matthew Hunt

In response to the toast, the Dean spoke about various aspects of current College life, including the academic acumen and cohesiveness of the student community. He shared information about the recent developments of our Indigenous student program and outlined the building work completed earlier this year. This included the opening of the Learning Commons, the new study and event space above the Dining Hall that would not have been possible without the support and benefaction of our broader St Mark’s College community.

St Mark’s Senior Academic Tutor, Alexandra Kenny, attended the dinner to share her experiences of College life and enjoyed connecting with the Old Collegians. The passion displayed by the Collegians was evident in the way they spoke about their time here, the friends they had made and the exciting opportunities they pursued in the years following.

Thank you to all those that attended the 1996-2000 St Mark’s College Reunion and for creating a warm and interconnected evening. Reunions are a powerful way to reconnect with past friends as well as make professional contacts through the Old Collegian’s network.

To find out more about the professional development opportunities that St Mark’s College provides to students to assist with their future career pathways, click here .

06 September 201918 October 2019

St Mark’s College Library Sundowner Event

St Mark’s College Library Sundowner was held on Friday 6 September in the Ian & Pamela Wall Academic Centre. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by over 25 students, staff, Old Collegians and friends of the Library as they came together to listen to Anthony Zammit deliver an enlightening talk on rare book restoration.

Guests enjoyed sampling delicious wines by John Duval Wines and canapés by Sodexo whilst admiring the various rare book displays prepared by the College Librarian, Pirjo Rayner. Our interim Head of College, Darren Pitt, conducted the proceedings and Tim Duval (alumnus 2001-03) provided the commentary.

Guest speaker, Anthony Zammit, a highly respected book and paper conservator and expert on rare book restoration, delivered an intriguing presentation titled “The book conservator’s point of view”. He spoke about paper conservation and his search for improved restoration techniques as well as his professional involvement as a conservation advisor and educator. He encouraged us to think about practical preventative strategies which we can take for preserving our papers, books and photographs. And finally, he reminded us that worth and value is not only measured in monetary terms, but also in terms of our emotional connection to specific materials, such as family ‘treasures’. His great passion for his profession shone through.

The library displays included the 10 rare books which had been wonderfully restored by Mr Anthony Zammit, due to the generosity of various donors who participated in our inaugural Adopt-a-Rare-Book Program (2017). Also, on display were another seven books chosen for future restoration (one was adopted on the night), as well as a selection of new books and recently donated materials.

Do you have a love of rare books and are interested in participating in our Adopt-a-Rare-Book Program? If so, click HERE.
Are you interested in learning more about book restoration? Click HERE to watch a video about Anthony Zammit’s wonderful work, produced by St Mark’s College talented student, Yardley Smeaton.

02 September 201912 November 2019

Acting Head of College, Mr Darren Pitt

The Board welcomes Darren Pitt as the acting Head of St Mark’s College.

Darren is an experienced educator who has recently been Principal of the Springfield Anglican College in Brisbane and has previously held senior roles at Seymour College and St Peter’s College in Adelaide.

Having recently returned to Adelaide, we are delighted that Darren can support the College in this capacity until Dr Don Markwell commences as the new Head of College at the beginning of November.

Darren will work closely with staff and students and is looking forward to being a member of our community.

30 August 201919 September 2019

St Mark’s College farewells Master Rose Alwyn

A lively night of tributes and well wishes to farewell the Master of St Mark’s College, Ms Rose Alwyn, was recently held in the Learning Commons on 22 August 2019

Over 180 Old Collegians and friends of St Mark’s came together to share their stories and memories of Rose as a Collegian, friend, Dean and Master of St Mark’s, and to celebrate her contributions and achievements within the College community over her years of service.

Rose has had a long association with the College, culminating in her appointment as the eighth Master of St Mark’s College in 2008, and as the first woman head of the College. Prior to that she was the Dean of the College for five years. Rose was a student at St Mark’s from 1984-1986 whilst studying a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Adelaide and was Secretary of the College Club in her final year.

During her time as the Master, Rose has worked with and inspired hundreds of young people. She has been fully committed to developing future leaders, both among the St Mark’s students in her care and the alumni that extend across Australia and abroad.

To ensure that financial support was not a barrier to attending College, Rose worked hard to increase the value and number of scholarships that are awarded annually through the generous philanthropic support of our College community. She has also worked to significantly expand the academic support offered by the College to ensure that every student was given the best opportunity to achieve their personal best.

The College grounds and facilities have also continued to flourish under her leadership with the opening of the Learning Commons, East Wing and multi-level car park, and the College Green, along with key refurbishments and upgrades to most of the buildings around the College.

On behalf of the College Board, the Chair of St Mark’s College, Ms Linda Matthews spoke of how Rose “has been a passionate advocate for students and the reputation of the College”. During her leadership Rose has demonstrated great “…tenacity, relentless and dedicated focus, and strength of purpose and will” as she continued to effect change to ensure we were responsive to the needs of each generation of students.

Linda presented Rose with a gift on behalf of the College community, an original painting by our Indigenous Scholar in Residence, Dr Jessa Rogers, who as an artist developed the painting using the key colours of St Mark’s.

Dr Ian Walker, representing University Colleges Australia, spoke of Rose’s role in supporting and promoting residential Colleges at a national level through her in involvement with University Colleges Australia, including her time as President from 2016-2018. He spoke of her “energy and leadership” and her “encouragement and support of all our Colleges and Halls … to be the best possible places of scholarship and safety, of community and care, of respect and renewal, of collegiality and (where needed) change. No-one has been nor is more committed to this task.”

Rose has formed constructive working relationships with the UCA Executive Committee, the Human Rights Commission, Universities Australia (UA), and the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner to change attitudes, perceptions and behaviours in and about residential colleges to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all.

In providing a history of the College and its evolution over the years under the various Masters, Associate Professor Rob Cheesman AM (alumnus 1960-1964) spoke of the important role that Rose has played in furthering the College Master Plan and providing significant leadership to the College community.

On behalf of the students who were at St Mark’s during Rose’s leadership, Ms Sarah Dowd (alumna 2012-2014) shared how Rose diligently challenged and broadened students’ thinking and supported and inspired them to greater success. “Master was a driver for change and challenged us to begin to motivate change for the better. In doing this, she also inspired leaders that are morally responsible and deep thinkers”.

Over the years Rose “spent countless hours getting to know the students, their families and friends who have stepped through the gates of St Mark’s” and Sarah stated that “many of us have Rose Alwyn to thank for where we find ourselves in our careers and lives.” She was the person who believed in “every one of the students, even when we had stopped believing in ourselves” and it is this “genuine care and interest in each and every one of the students that sets her aside from the rest. Under your leadership,” Sarah said, “you allowed us to grow, to have fun, to make mistakes, to learn.”

On behalf of the Old Collegians’ Association, Alex Hadden (alumnus 2003-2007) thanked Rose for her support of and contribution to the College and the Old Collegian’s community over the years and presented her with a gift.

Guests were entertained during the evening with jazz music performed by current student Ryan Casey (2017-current) and brother Andrew Casey (alum 2015-2017).

We thank Rose for her tireless leadership of the College and wish her well in all her future endeavours.

Thank you to all who attended the event.

St Mark’s is a leading university residential College for students of the universities of Adelaide. For further information click here.

29 August 201911 September 2019

2019 Open Days

What a weekend! The College was alive with visitors during our Open Days on August 17 and 18. Our students and staff were thrilled to welcome so many guests who came to St Mark’s to experience residential college life first-hand.

St Mark’s students took families on tours around the grounds and facilities, and shared their stories of moving away from home, how they’ve settled into St Mark’s, what they love most about College life, and why they chose to live at St Mark’s whilst studying at one of the universities in Adelaide.

One visitor said “the College looks amazing and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It’s great to meet current students and hear about their daily life at College, the support they received starting university for the first time and how they’ve made so many friends.”

Visitors enjoyed delicious meals throughout the day and hot beverages from EHP Coffee and Xpresso Mobile Cafe coffee vans. Some even jumped on the St Mark’s Gas Truck (1936 Dodge) to travel between the city university campuses and the College.

One parent commented that “the tour was very informative, and I have no doubt my child will be well looked after. I’m very impressed with the academic and personal support that students receive, the quality of the meals and the immaculate grounds and facilities.”

As some people were unable to join us for the Open Days, we extend an open invitation to people to contact us to book a tour at a time convenient to them.

Applications for 2020 are now open, click here.

16 July 201927 August 2019

Women Scholars in Residence

St Mark’s College is privileged to host visiting academics and researchers from around the world. In 2019 we are joined by molecular microbiologist Dr Layla K Mahdi and Indigenous scholar and artist Dr Jessa Rogers Metuamate. These scholars are highly knowledgeable and talented in their fields and are able to provide guidance and support to students with their studies.

Dr Layla K Mahdi BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, MASM

Dr Mahdi is a teaching and research academic in medical molecular microbiology, who has worked in universities and research centres. Currently Dr Layla Mahdi is a Senior Lecture in Clinical Microbiology in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia. She has dual degrees in Molecular Microbiology and Tertiary Teaching and learning Practices. She is passionate about the quality of teaching and research to achieve the impact that will make a visible difference. Her research is focused on molecular analysis of bacterial pathogenesis, vaccine development, and undertaking antimicrobial resistance surveillance and testing new classes of antibiotics.

Following completion of her PhD, Dr Mahdi took up a position as an Assistant Professor with the University of Al-Nahrain Medical College in Iraq, where she combined teaching activities with research in the field of Molecular Microbiology. In 2006 she joined the University of Adelaide after being awarded an Endeavour Postgraduate Fellowship. She worked as a Senior Research Officer at the University of Adelaide (2006-2016) focusing on the pathogenesis and prevention of pneumococcal disease. Then she spent a few years doing research and teaching at the University Southern Queensland. Dr Mahdi receives research grant funding from national and international bodies and is a co-inventor in 3 Patents. She publishes regularly in First Rate Journals, and her papers are highly cited.

Dr Mahdi lived at St Mark’s as a member of the Senior Common Room for nearly ten years commencing in 2006. Upon her return to Adelaide in 2019 to take up a position at the University of South Australia, Layla chose to return to St Mark’s to live as a member of the Senior Common Room and offer tutoring to students studying medical science. With her family in Iraq, she has said “I have come to think of the College staff and students as part of my extended family due to their warm, helpful and caring nature. St Mark’s is such a safe and happy environment in which to live so I was very happy to return. Living among such beautiful buildings and grounds at College and being within a close walking distance of the university and city, is an ideal location to reside.”

Dr Jessa Rogers (Metuamate) BCI, BEd (Hons), MEd, PhD, CF

Dr Jessa Rogers (Metuamate) is a Wiradjuri academic, educator, and artist currently working for PriceWaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting. Dr Rogers sits on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and the Steering Committee of Future Earth Australia, and recently completed a 3-year term on the National NAIDOC Committee and a year on the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council for Women. Prior to taking on her current role, Dr Rogers served as a member of the Federal Government’s Expert Panel on English Literacy Learning for Indigenous Children (ELLIC).

Dr Rogers is an Honorary Fellow in the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at ANU, a 2019 Churchill Fellow, and in 2017-18 was a Fulbright Scholar based at Harvard University. Her academic work has an interdisciplinary Indigenous studies focus; her PhD (ANU) saw her develop an arts-based Indigenous research method (Photoyarn) which she used to understand boarding school experiences of young Indigenous women in Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand, and Hawaii. Dr Rogers is recognised as a leading expert on education of Indigenous women and girls.

Dr Rogers was the founding Principal of the Cape York Girl Academy, Australia’s first school for Indigenous teenage mothers and their children, and has been recognised with a number of awards, including the Australian Dreamtime Scholar of the Year in 2017, and National NAIDOC Young Person of the Year in 2010. She has two sons and is married to Areti Metuamate, Dean of St Mark’s College in Adelaide.

“Since moving to St Mark’s with Ari, I have really loved getting to know the students. I lived in college during my PhD at ANU and believe in the power of community living. I have especially enjoyed St Mark’s journey toward Indigenous acknowledgement this year. I loved seeing the Aboriginal flag flying during reconciliation week and have shared many conversations with Indigenous students this year attending the college. I have also enjoyed many conversations with non-Indigenous students at Mark’s who have a keen interest in Indigenous health, land management, education and more. St Mark’s is an awesome community of caring students who have made me feel very welcome and I love being a member of this community.”

St Mark’s does its best to ensure financial need is not a barrier to gaining the residential college experience. Further information on scholarships can be found here.