The College community mourns the passing of Warren McIntosh Rogers (31 May 1935 – 28 August 2022), a member of the College Council for over 27 years, who was recognised in 2007 as a Distinguished Collegian.

Warren Rogers was a resident student at St Mark’s from 1955 to 1958.  Having commenced his studies at the University of Adelaide in 1953, he completed his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1957 and his Bachelor of Economics degree in 1958.

As a student, he was active in a variety of activities: he played cricket for the University of Adelaide, for which he was awarded a Blue (he was renowned as a fast bowler for the University cricket team), and for the College, for which he was awarded Club Letters; he was active in the University of Adelaide’s Student Representative Council, the University Squadron, drama (including as Treasurer of the University Dramatic Society), on the committee of the Adelaide University Law Students Society, and football (for which he was awarded College Colours). In 1958, he served as President of the College’s Wranglers Club, hosting a remarkable array of guest speakers at St Mark’s. His younger brother, Wyndham Rogers, followed him to St Mark’s (1970-1975).

Warren became a practising solicitor and a prominent and devoted lay member of the Anglican Church.  He was a member of the Council of his old school, St Peter’s College, for over two decades, and was active on several of its sub-committees.  His contributions to the Council are remembered still for their great good humour. He was Warden of the Senate of the University of Adelaide from 1968 to 2004. His distinguished services to the University were recognised by the award of Doctor of the University (DUniv) in 1986.

Warren Rogers served on the Council of St Mark’s College for over 27 years, joining the Council in August 1982 and retiring in March 2010.  He had already contributed significantly to the College, including through his active involvement in creating the Alumni Fund as a scholarship fund for students, which it remains. On his retirement from the Council, the minutes record:

“The Chairman [Mr Richard Burchnall] said that Dr Warren Rogers OAM had been a member of the Council since 1982, am extraordinary length of service to the College. He had brought to the Council his acute legal mind and critical eye. His attention to detail was an indication of his real interest in the College and the Council. The Chairman thanked Dr. Rogers on behalf of the Council for his long and valuable contribution.”

Warren Rogers continues to be remembered as a most conscientious and helpful member of the College Council, including for his excellent drafting, in which his precise use of the English language served the College very well, as it did his clients.

In 2007, Dr Rogers was appointed a Distinguished Collegian of St Mark’s College, and in 2009 was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to the community through church and educational organisations”. His continued support, generosity and interest in St Mark’s, including as a Senior Member of the College’s Foundation, was greatly appreciated by the College.

Warren and his late wife, Elizabeth, had four children, and a number of grandchildren.

We extend our deepest sympathy on Warren’s passing to his family and friends.

His funeral was at Montacute in the Adelaide Hills on Saturday 10 September.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Image: Ms Rose Alwyn (Master 2008-19), Dr Warren Rogers OAM, and Mr Richard Burchnall (Chairman 2007-18) at the 2014 St Mark’s College Opening Service