I began my appointment as the new Warden in the first week of the last term of the academic year and express my gratitude to Dr Jane Williamson for taking on the role of acting Warden for the third term allowing me to move state, set up the Lodge and have a smooth handover.
Those in the college and university sectors know already that the pace of the last term is as frenetic as it is fulfilling, and this term was no exception. The end of the year culminated in our Johnians emerging victorious in both the weighted men’s and women’s shields in sport and sharing equal first place with Emmanuel College for the cultural cup. Our residents’ involvement in community service activities in the fourth term included the “Do it in a Dress” fundraiser for the One Girl Organisation along with other colleges. The Valedictory Dinner was a happy and memorable occasion celebrating the third years, acknowledging their contribution to the College, before the all-important swot vac and examination period.
Preliminary academic results have just come in, and I am absolutely delighted to report that the initial analysis of Semester 2 academic results indicate they are the best in recent years with the average GPA of 5.5 and 75% of students receiving a GPA of 5 or higher.
Scholarships, bursaries and prizes continue to play a vital role in attracting new students and retaining and supporting returning students. Last year nearly $300,000 was awarded in scholarships and further remuneration for residential advisors and academic tutors is providing financial support for more than 35% of all students. For 2020, returning student numbers are at a record high and demand for new places equally strong, ensuring a full College next year.
2020 marks the thirtieth year since women were admitted to St John’s and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone in July next year. A date claimer will be sent out before Christmas. It is also fitting for that year that we have our third female President of the Student Club in Lydia O’Neill who will be in her third year of a Law and Economics degree at the UQ.
After two years at St John’s College, the Vice Warden, Glen Cronan will conclude his tenure at the College. Glen fulfilled the important role of Vice Warden, and his stewardship as acting Warden during a challenging period for the College was valued and appreciated by the Council, students, staff and his colleagues alike. I know you will join the St John’s College community in wishing Glen and his family good health, happiness and fortune in his future endeavours. The search for a new Director of Student Experience has begun and I am confident that this new role will add value to the overall student experience and life at St John’s.
As your new Warden, I am very much looking forward to working with the College Council, our students, the Diocese, the University and wider College community next year to ensure that St John’s continues to serve as the nexus for the integration of academic and non-academic life, offering academic, cultural and social programs that enrich the university undergraduate student experience.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas and happy and successful New Year!
Rose Alwyn, Warden
ABOUT THE WARDEN
Rose Alwyn is the fourteenth Warden of St John’s College and the first woman and lay head of College. A graduate of the University of Adelaide, her professional expertise is developed from wide experience in management, leadership and governance roles in the South Australian not-for-profit sector.
Rose has over twenty-five years’ experience inspiring and working with young people, in an educative capacity and in leadership roles. She joins us from St Mark’s College in Adelaide, where she was the Master for twelve years and the Dean for five. Prior to that Rose worked within the human services sector as well as being involved in public policy advisory committees in the education, employment and homelessness sectors. She has also held Board directorships in the not-for-profit sector specialising in strategy, business planning and social justice initiatives. She is the immediate Past President of the peak industry body, University Colleges Australia.
Rose holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Adelaide. She is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rose is committed to developing future leaders within the students in her care, extending to alumni across Australia and abroad. She will foster a dedication to the deep connection between the College and the Anglican Church, while applying her sector-acknowledged depth of experience and professionalism to the management of the College.
