This month’s Newsletter – Issue 72 Spring 2022

187 Brougham Place, North Adelaide
This month's Newsletter
Principal's Update
This week we say farewell to several students, many of whom have been with the College for the duration of their three-year degrees. It’s been particularly poignant as these students have remarked to me that they are the first of the students under my care to complete their degrees. The students’ pictures, posts and descriptions of our College and their experiences as “life changing”, “home away from home” and “friends for life” are heartwarming. We wish them well as they begin their professional lives with the vast majority having already secured relevant employment in their chosen fields. We also know many will be back to join us for ex-Collegian events next year. Photo right: Lara Etchells and Emmy Haslett on their last day at the College
The College has a record number of returning students with more than 120 pledging to come back in 2023, and a record number of students applying to join the College.
In November, we honoured the contribution of Mrs Diana Tostevin, AM by naming the recently renovated and replanted central courtyard after her. We celebrated Diana’s achievements with a morning tea in the lush courtyard grounds on one of the few days of the month when the sun shone. Several special guests attended, including Diana’s family members, who came from around Australia to join a small group of students representing members of the Residential Advisors and College Club teams. Former Premier and Deputy Premier, Chair of the Adelaide Oval and Regional Development South Australia, the Hon Rob Kerin and the Hon Dr Diana Laidlaw, AM former member of the Legislative Council and Minister for Transport and the Arts also attended. Diana was the College’s long-serving Chairperson (since equalled by Jim Howard, AM, RFD) and with Principals, Daryl Feather and Dr Rosemary Brooks, OAM set the College on its path to success. For full details about the event and Diana’s stellar contribution to our College see the story here. (please click here to read more).
The St Ann’s College community is deeply saddened that our long-time friend, generous donor and benefactor, Ian Wall, AM has died. St Ann’s collectively remembers and celebrates the extraordinary life of an innovative electrical engineer, successful businessman and philanthropist.
While Ian was a resident student at St Mark’s College in the early 1950’s, he was a champion of residential colleges in general and the opportunities they provide for young people. Ian with his wife Pamela Wall, OAM are among St Ann’s College’s largest donors.
His generosity to our College helped us to build Dame Roma Mitchell House along with a range of other projects, which in turn have supported the move to Adelaide of hundreds of regional and rural students from around Australia, to undertake their undergraduate degrees. To read Dr Rosemary Brooks, OAM memories and tribute to Ian Wall (please click here to read more).
We were also sorry to learn of the death of Alywn Dolling nee Gow who was a student from 1948 to 1949 and indeed was the first graduate of the College. She was also Vice President of the College Club. (for more detail about Mrs Dolling, please click here)
We had more than 30 students apply for 12 Residential Advisor positions in a strong sign that St Ann’s students are keen to lead the cultural change and support their fellow students in a pastoral care role. We also had a strong field of candidates contest the College Club elections with Tate Manning elected as our new College Club President. Tate comes from Angaston in the Barossa Valley and is studying for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), (Electrical and Electronic) with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Tate also has the distinction of having set a new SAAUCC record in the high jump at the Athletics carnival, having jumped a whopping 1.88m (photo above right). Cameron Tansell, a second year Architectural Studies student also broke a SAAUC record at the same event. Cameron, who competed in 4 events, ran the 100-meter race in a remarkable 10.89 seconds (video above right). St Ann’s College tied for second place in Athletics, after losing the 1500-meter race in a ‘rock, paper, scissors’ competition which placed us third on the SAAUCC High Table Cup competition.
Work on the second stage of the Kitchen begins this week with the upgrade tipped to transform the space into something resembling the dining spaces more typically found in luxury hotels. We are also delighted to report that Rohit Lal (Site Manager of the year), Jonathan Valente (Chef of the year) and Leandro Asconcelos (Apprentice Chef of the year) were all nominated and finished in the top ten for the Compass group awards for South Australia and the Northern Territory. Photo above right, St Ann’s College Kitchen staff. Far left – Rohit, second from left – Jonathan
Denise von Wald
Principal and CEO
Speakers with Impact
The College was privileged to welcome several distinguished guest speakers for our Formal Dinner program over the year. The aim of the speakers’ program is to provide students with the opportunity to hear from inspirational figures, many who hold the highest positions of leadership in South Australia.
In October, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and her husband, Mr Rod Bunton, a former diplomat himself joined our students for pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Her Excellency spoke candidly about the importance of recovering from setbacks in life, saying yes to opportunities that come your way (even if the opportunity isn’t your first choice) but it was her emphasis on the importance of family that really made an impact on students. She even coached them on how and when to ask for what you want and need in the best interests of your family commitments. Like the Premier, Her Excellency took a number of questions from our students including questions about how Government House managed the commemorations of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Some weeks earlier, students heard from Flinders University Honours Student Natalie Newman. Playford Scholarship recipient and a very bright young person, Natalie, shared details around her study which includes how plant biodiversity is linked to gut health, our immune systems and inflammation in the body. Her current research is specifically focused on the potential benefit of increasing the biodiversity of plants in childcare centres. Students were fascinated by her journey, and her commitment to undertaking post graduate research at a relatively young age.
We look forward to hosting a new program of inspirational speakers in 2023.
A selection of photos from recent Formal Dinners.
St Ann's College Ball
The St Ann’s College Ball theme was Alice in Wonderland, with the Library, Dining and Common Rooms all transformed into scenes from the pages of Lewis Carrol’s, novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. Held in September, it was a wonderful evening for the students with everyone dressing up and coming together to enjoy one another’s company in one of their favourite formal events for the year. Without the challenges that COVID presented in the previous few years, it was an evening of smiles all round and everyone kept their head!
Founders Day
On 14 September, we held our annual Founders Day event recognising the generous contributions made by the founders of St Ann’s College with an opportunity to thank our current benefactors, as well. Unfortunately, the weather forecast on the day was bad with heavy rain and storms, which meant invited guests were unable to visit the cemetery. Instead, St Ann’s College Principal – Denise von Wald, laid the wreath during the day with umbrella in hand.
The evening formalities went ahead with a Formal Dinner held followed by an eclectic music concert, marking the annual occasion. It was a delightful evening, honouring those who more than 75 years ago imagined St Ann’s College and those who since have helped to raise the funds to enable the College to build such outstanding facilities to house and help support young people to prepare for their future.
Official opening and naming of the Courtyard
On Wednesday 9 November we officially named and launched the newly refurbished courtyard. The courtyard, which was transformed into a beautiful lush and verdant space during the winter months, was named in honour of Mrs Diana Tostevin AM, recognising her contribution as the longest-serving Chairperson of the St Ann’s Council, since equalled by Jim Howard, AM, RFD.
Once a student Diana Tostevin nee Lucas, attended the College from 1956 to 1959.
She also held a number of other roles at the College including the below:
St Ann’s College Governor from 1986
Foundation Board, 1986 – 2016
Principal (Acting) – 1974 and 1987
St Ann’s Council, 1975 – 1994
St Ann’s Council Chairman, 1979 – 1994
Fellow of the Collage, 2009
St Ann’s Foundation – 2016
We are delighted that more than 25 guests were able to join us for morning tea. Special guests included Diana’s daughter, Jennifer Tostevin and her daughters, Georgie and Zara Edgar (with Georgie flying in from Perth). On Diana Tostevin’s retirement from St Ann’s Council, the then Principal Dr Rosemary Brooks, OAM said, “she was a remarkable leader who was a true trailblazer for women, she punched above her weight in a man’s world, putting integrity before everything else. Her saying was ‘we survive by our wits and with the help of our friends’”. We are privileged to have had the wise counsel and hard work of Mrs Diana Tostevin over many years and in turn, it is our privilege to name the courtyard after her.
A tribute to Ian Baker Wall AM and Alwyn Dolling (nee Gow)
We were saddened to hear about the passing of St Ann’s College Donor and Foundation Member Dr Ian Baker Wall, AM. Over the years, Ian and his wife Pamela have become close friends of the College, demonstrating a great commitment and generosity to our College.
It was an honour to host Ian and Pamela at many of our official St Ann’s College functions, including our 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner held in July, this year. Our deepest condolences to Pamela, Annabel and their family and friends.
Image right- Iam Baker Wall AM with his wife Pamela at a St Ann’s College formal event
We also pay tribute to ex St Ann’s College student Alwyn Dolling (Gow), who recently passed. Alwyn attended the College from 1948 – 1949, whilst studying at Adelaide University. In 1949 she was President of the Social Sciences Students Association at the University, and Vice President of St Ann’s College Club.
A College Foundation member in more recent years, Alwyn attended many events at the College including the Opening of Barnes Building and Founders Day in 2017. The Principal Denise von Wald had recently been in contact with her daughter Mareeta Dolling and we held hopes that she would again visit the College. She was also a generous donor to the College. We extend our condolences to her daughter Mareeta, family and friends.
Image right- Alwyn Gow and Betty Porter at St Ann’s in 1948
University of Adelaide ranked in the world top 100
The Times Higher Education 2023 World Rankings were announced in October, with the University of Adelaide rising to 88th in the world, leaping 23 places up from 111th in 2022. The result highlights the University’s consistent improvements in academic reputation scores, research productivity and impact, and is a significant milestone for the South Australian higher education sector.
A top-100 University is only possible with top-ranked staff and this achievement belongs to all the wonderful contributors of the Adelaide University community. Up to 50% of St Ann’s College students attend the University of Adelaide.
Appointment of College roles
Last month we made the appointment of several student roles in the College. As always, it was a pleasure to see the enthusiasm among the students to take on these leadership roles.
In 2023, we are incorporating a new student leadership role – Senior Academic Tutor (SAT), into our academic program, the Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS).
The SAT has been appointed by the Director of Learning – Dr Tamara Agnew and Principal/CEO Denise von Wald and is based on academic merit and an enthusiasm for life-long learning. The SAT will work closely with Dr Agnew to coordinate the transition from School to University for our first-year students whilst providing opportunities to reinforce learning for all students.
Piers Lewis has been appointed as the inaugural SAT. Heading into his Honours Year at Adelaide University, Piers is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical and Aerospace) with a Bachelor of Science. In 2023, he will be undertaking research at the Andy Thomas Space Centre with a team who are developing materials and processes to facilitate development of lunar shelters.
2023 will be Piers’ second year at St Ann’s, however he is no stranger to study and tutoring. He has been providing academic support to high school and University students for a number of years and was an academic tutor here over the past year. We congratulate Piers on this appointment!
Residential Advisors
In other appointments, Joshua Graham and Jessica Nowland have been appointed as Senior Residential Advisors (previously known as Senior Residential Tutors). Joshua, from Port Augusta, is studying Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Adelaide and Jessica, from Alice Springs, is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia.
We thank Joshua for so ably stepping into the Senior Tutor (Residential Advisor) role in August when Shae-Lea Fisher’s work commitments as a trainee Accountant meant she was forced to choose between her obligations. We are grateful to Shae-Lea for the four years she spent with the College serving on several committees including Spirit, Gym and IT. She also played and acted as coached in a number of sports for the College including Football, Netball, Hockey, Soccer and Athletics.
To support the Senior Residential Advisors, ten other Residential Advisors have also been appointed:
Blessing Mupamhadzi, from Northern Territory, is studying a Bachelor of Human Movement, at the University of South Australia.
Corey Finlayson, from Port Augusta, is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia.
Dana Hurrell, from Port Lincoln, is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide.
Dillon Duncan, from Portland in Victoria, is studying a Bachelor of Engineering, at the University of Adelaide.
Euan Fetherstonhaugh, from Bungama, is studying a Bachelor of Engineering, at the University of Adelaide.
Grace Nuske, from Paringa, is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia.
Kobe Gerlach, from Loxton, is studying a Bachelor of Design at the University of South Australia.
Mikayla Russell, from Malak, is studying a Bachelor of Law Double Degree with Bachelor of Psychology.
Sophie Tonkin, from Whyalla, is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries at the University of Flinders.
Tjina Stoll, from Darwin, is studying a Bachelor of Arts and Science at the University of Adelaide.
We congratulate all of our students on their appointments.
2022 St Ann’s College Awards Night Winners
Recently we announced our prize winners for 2022. A number of students were recognised for their excellence in sports and other pursuits, with the list of Award winners below.
Tennis Female Best Participant – Lucy Dare Male Best Participant – Harry Langlands Female Best Player – Emily Edwards Male Best Player – Josh Niaros |
Swimming
Female Best Participant – Imogen Smith |
Netball Female Best Participant – Jenna Glamuzina Male Best Participant – Blessing Mapamhadzi Female Best Player – Ebony Butler Male Best Player – Leo Coates |
Football Female Best Participant – Phoebe Hunter Female Best Player – Kahli Lock Male Best Participant – Bill Lange Male Best Player – Leo Coates |
Debating Best Participant – Sam Morrison Best player – Alex Ward |
Athletics Female Participant – Tarryn Putland Male Participant – Josh Mason Female Player – Amy Osborn Male Player – Jasper Whitehead |
Cricket Female Best Participant – Jenna Cuffe Female Best Player – Cate Dunemann Male Best Participant – Tate Manning Male Best Player – Henry Slade |
Debating Best Player – Lexie Gibb Best Participant – Valerie Yung |
Hockey Female Best Participant – Lillian Keain Female Best Player – Piper George Male Best Participant – Piers Lewis Male Best Player – Wallace Tamangani |
Basketball Female Best Participant – Eve Pansini-ClarkFemale Best Player – Angel Simmons Male Best Participant – Leo Coates Male Best Player – Max McKeough |
Volleyball Best Player – Kyle Camaleri Best Participant – Chloe Miller |
Soccer Female Best Participant – Phoebe Hunter Female Best Player – Mikayla Russell Male Best Participant – Henok Tangey Male Best Player – Medhi Ahsan |
Table Tennis Female Best Participant – Rachel Sanders Female Best Player – Emily Edwards Male Best Participant – Henry Slade Male Best Player – Medhi Ahsan |
Athletics Female Best Participant – Phoebe Hunter Female Best Player – Ruby Chen Male Best Participant – Cameron Tansell Male Best Player – Tate Manning |
Soccer Female Best Participant – Phoebe Hunter Female Best Player – Mikayla Russell Male Best Participant – Henok Tangey Male Best Player – Medhi Ahsan |
Major Awards were awarded to the following students.
Silver Pom Pom – Olivia Clerk | Happy Happy Joy Joy – Henry Pole | 1st Year Service – Flynn Hayes |
Augean Stables – Abbas Qambari | Visual arts – Lorrie Paynter & Mackenzie Johnson | Performing arts – Jack Lockwood |
Long service – Ben Goode | Best sub-committee – Gym committee | Best coach – Leo Coates |
Kent Stockdale – Harry Mead | Chelsea Masclet – Angel Simmons | Female Sportsperson – Phoebe Hunter |
Male Sportsperson – Tate Manning | Female Collegian – Jess Aucote | Male Collegian – Ben Havelberg |
Best sporting moment – Tate Manning for the high jump record, closely followed by Cam Tansell completing 100m in 10.89 seconds |
Studying at the College
As a result of the increase in online learning that our university partners brought in during COVID, we have noticed a big increase in the amount of time students are spending in the College. Even where a students’ university has moved to a return in face to face contact, our students are using our study spaces to collaboratively learn and study.
This photo is of one current and two former St Ann’s College students all of whom are studying Medicine. The regularly meet at the College to work through any group assignments, practical assessment revision and other tasks. The women pictured are from left to right are Methmi Fernando (2020, 2021), Amelia Etchells (2020 – current) and Faiza Choudhury (2020).
The students pictured from left to right are Methmi Fernando (2020, 2021), Amelia Etchells (2020 – current) and Faiza Choudhury (2020).
Breath workshops with ex-Collegian Michael Cheesman
On 26 October, collegian Michael Cheesman (1986-89) hosted his Breathing Workshop in the meeting rooms in the Enterprise Deck. A champion free diver (holder of two Australian records) and experienced Chiropractor, Michael knows a thing or two about stress and the body’s response to it.
Students received a quick presentation on the fight or flight response and the body’s response to stimuli. After the workshop, Michael took the students through some techniques that would help them moderate stress and anxiety during the exam period, improve academic performance and overall wellbeing, and the evening was rounded off with a short, guided meditation.
Students reported that they got a lot out of the workshop, with the new techniques to be very useful for the exam period.
Collegians News
Where are they now? Yea Saen Fang, Resident 1977 - 1981
AAs we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, we are pleased to be reunited with some of our ex-Collegians and to find out what they have been up to since they left the College.
Yea Saen Fang visited the College in early September accompanied by his wife Mary. He said it was such a treat visiting St Ann’s after 41 years, with so many memories flooding back.
During his time at St Ann’s, Mr Fang pursued a five-year Architecture Degree at the University of Adelaide. He came from Singapore with his fees and university tuition covered by a Scholarship from the Singapore Government, granted by the Australian Government under the Colombo Plan.
After completing his studies in 1982, he left Australia, returning to Singapore where he undertook two years of National Service in the Police Force and then worked as an architect in the Singapore Public Works Department. During this time, Mr Fang had the opportunity to be involved in multi-million-dollar government building projects including schools, police, immigration and border control complexes, civil defence, prisons, and complexes for VIPs. For the last fifteen years of his career, he has worked as a project manager providing specialist consultancy in design, technical, contractual and project management.
Mr Fang looks back on his time at St Ann’s and feels that the College was the best combination of cosy, comfy and community atmosphere. For him, it was indeed a home away from home, he said. Among his fondest memories of the College are walking the cosy corridors on a cold wintry night, the food, the packed lunch in paper bags that were provided, volunteering in the kitchen, the lifelong friendships made, the rose garden and the walk from St Ann’s to the University and back past the park.
Photo: Yea Saen Fang stands in front of room number 335, the room which he occupied as a student during his time at St Ann’s
Where are they now? Alan Davey, Resident 1977 - 1981
Alan visited the College in early November along with Collegian, Paul Krieg, both of whom attended St Ann’s from 1977 – 1981.
Hailing from Williamstown in the Barossa Valley, Alan was studying Dentistry during his stay at St Ann’s, and was appointed as a Tutor in 1978 and again in 1979. Upon completing his studies, he began working and furthering his studies in Dentistry, working in public practice and eventually moving into private practice. He subsequently worked as a private Orthodontist in South Australia and Victoria until 2004, when he relocated to work in England. Since then, he has acquired three practices across the United Kingdom in Oxfordshire and the West Midlands and is currently in the process of semi retiring.
Alan, like Mr Fang, looks back on his time at the College with great affection. Of his most fond memories, he recounts the formal dinners, the post formal dinner parties, the good-natured rivalries fostered with residents of the other North Adelaide colleges, the residents and their warmth. He says the friendships he made combined with the wonderful sense of community has provided a significant emotional anchor for his life. He remembers being unconditionally encouraged to always do his best, and that this was enough, without any additional pressure, judgement or criticism.
Photo: Alan Davey (left) and Paul Krieg (right) stand on St Ann’s College rooftop, their favourite location in the College
New Marketing photos for 2023
In early October we had a new suite of photos taken for St Ann’s College marketing purposes – you can view some of our favourites to the left. You will also be able to view them in updated marketing collateral from 2023. Thanks to photographer Vini and all the students who participated in the shoot!
Upcoming Events
The St Ann’s Collegians Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 15 February 2023. We invite any and all motivated At Ann’s Old Collegians to attend. It will be held from 6pm at St Ann’s College in the Enterprise Deck.
The election of Committee and Office Bearers will be held including President, Vic-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Members, Public Officer, Auditor and representatives to the College Council, Education Committee and Foundation committee.
Would you like to be a mentor in 2023? If so, email stannscollegiansassociationinc@gmail.com with your full name, year(s) at College and areas in which you are able to mentor, we welcome any and all levels of experience!
St Ann’s in the News
The Advertiser collated 100 of SA’s most recognized University College Alumni, including 19 from St Ann’s. You can view the full list at The Advertiser, please note however content is available behind their paywall.
We’d love to hear from you!
Remember, we’re always eager to hear what St Ann’s Collegians are up to, so please get in touch with your news: marketing@stannscollege.edu.au