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Australia Day Honours

Dr Mudge pictured with past students at a Port'n'Talk he gave in 2013.
Dr Mudge pictured with the Master and past students at a Port’n’Talk he gave in 2013.

We warmly congratulate Dr Craig Mudge on being made a Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), South Australia’s only recipient for the second highest honour in the Australia Day Awards. He received the award for his “distinguished service to science, particularly through pioneering initiatives in the information technology sector, as a researcher and author, and as a mentor of young scientists”.

Dr Mudge attended St Mark’s in 1960 and returned in 2013 for a fascinating Port’n’Talk on his life and achievements, particularly within the field of information technology. After studying in Adelaide, Dr Mudge worked in Silicon Valley in California before returning to Australia and continuing to design computers and microchips, with current projects including cloud computing. He has also been involved with the CSIRO since 1980 and is the holder of six patents and the author or co-author of a range of publications, including more than 70 papers.

Mr John Hancock (Alumnus 1965 – 68) was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to Australia-Thailand relations through contributions to bi-lateral business development opportunities and networking. Associate Professor David Cherry (Alumnus 1965 – 67) was also made a Member for significant service to gold through executive roles, and to pain management medicine as an academic and researcher.

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Masters of St Mark’s

In 2012 the College embarked on a very special project to document the history of St Mark’s through the stories of the people who spent such an important part of their lives at College; bringing its history to life through their memories.

Former ABC journalist and broadcaster, Ms Alison Rogers, commenced work on the project in May 2012 through her specialist video production company Living Stories. After almost three years of research, filming and compiling images, and in a fitting celebration of the College’s 90th Anniversary, the much-anticipated DVD “Masters of St Mark’s – The First 90 years” has been completed.

30 of the College’s alumni were interviewed for the project with their stories spanning from the 1940s right through to the current day. Complemented by carefully chosen images and archival information the DVD allows the viewer to time travel through the decades to understand the challenges and achievements of St Mark’s from establishment in 1925 through to the modern day.
The DVD was officially launched at the 90th Anniversary dinner on the 28th March and is a celebration of the proud ninety year history of St Mark’s College told through the eyes of past Masters, Deans, tutors and scholars.

Development Manager, Michelle Ward said of the project, “capturing the history of the College gives meaning to the past and at the same time enables us to understand the present. It has allowed alumni to share their stories and reminisce about times gone by. But more importantly these stories will be available to share forever with fellow collegians and current and future students of St Mark’s.”

View a preview of the DVD here

We have a limited number of DVDs available to purchase for $10. Please contact Anne Verwey for more information or phone 088334 5608.

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Celebrating 90 years

The College celebrated its 90th anniversary in style with a black tie dinner on Saturday 28th March. The date was selected to coincide closely with the official opening of the College by then Governor Lieutenant-General Sir Tom Bridges on 15th March 1925.

300 of the College’s alumni and friends gathered in a spectacular marquee overlooked by the Newland and Memorial buildings, the Archibald Grenfell Price Dining Hall and the newly opened East Wing.

Emeritus Professor Alexander Cohen AO delighted guests with his witty commentary and anecdotes on the subject of “Esprit de Corps”. In her response College Master, Ms Rose Alwyn drew roars of laughter; channelling the spirit of first Master Sir Archibald Grenfell Price in her address, which can be read in full in the Master’s Blog

The beloved Gas Truck was also featured, providing a creative backdrop for the photo booth, where young and old alike created their own memento of the evening.

90th anniversary collage
In the words of Mr Michael Johnson (Alumnus 1962) “how privileged we have been…to have been linked to the College and in turn to have had the opportunity to apply the skills and values acquired to the betterment of community in our professional lives.”

View more photos of the celebrations in our 90th Anniversary photo album. We’d also love to see any of your shots from the photo booth if you’re game to upload them!