unfold the future
the 150th Anniversary Capital Appeal
... an exciting chapter in the history of St John's College
"I am appealing to you to build on the historic legacy we have inherited by ensuring that future generations of Johnsmen and women can celebrate their tercentenary as we celebrate 150 years of scholarship and companionship today."
Patron of the 150th Anniversary Capital Appeal, Michael Hintze, (John's 1974 – 1976)
And in the words of The Rector, Dr David Daintree, "We are about to begin an exciting and dramatic new enterprise at St John's."
A new building, along the Missenden Road alignment, will contain a further 70+ ensuite rooms, thereby establishing the foundations of a viable, thriving and sustainable college environment with excellent student and conference facilities as we embark on the next 150 years of educational excellence. The vision and foresight of our founders is clearly matched by the energy and methodical planning of members of the Building and Works sub-committee of College Council (Robert Farrell, Philip Meagher, Phil O'Hara, David Daintree and Brian Lennon) all of whom should be commended for their relentless drive and vision. The building program they have developed, with the backing of College Council, has been meticulously planned and is eminently feasible. The development application, lodged with Sydney City Council in September 2007, was approved in January 2008. The first sod of soil is likely to be turned on July 1st, 2008 co-incidentally the 150th anniversary of the enactment of the St John's College Act in 1858.
Chairman of the College Council, Mr John McDonald, (John's 1979 – 1980) is fully supportive of the project: "This is a substantial development for the College and we can all be very proud of it" he stated, in a recent edition of The Word magazine. "As we near the celebration of the Sesquicentenary of St John's, I believe we can be very proud of our College and have confidence in its strength in facing the future."
Student Support
"In 2007, the student club finished the year with a significant financial contribution to the Capital Appeal, reflecting the desire of the students to give back to their own community, and a real confidence in the building plans and the future of the College," said Mr McDonald. "I encourage all who know St John's to follow their lead and to provide donations of substance to the College's 150th Anniversary Capital Appeal."
A History of Philanthropy at St John's
In his speech to Leaders of the Capital Appeal, Patron Michael Hintze reflected on the words of Archbishop Dr Bede Polding, at a general fund-raising meeting for St John's on 28th July 1857, when he declared that they were "assembled to accomplish a work, the performance of which had hitherto been a privilege of royalty." He continued, stating that they were "called to build up a noble structure; the sum was large, but if one considered the number of individuals who were to contribute, the amount must appear small - so small that to fail in raising it, and that speedily, would involve each one in everlasting shame."
And raise those funds they did – all 10,000 pounds of it, 150 years ago, over a staggeringly short period of less than 6 months! Incredible, when one considers that the Irish Catholic community at the time was relatively poor and the sum amounted to today's equivalent of around $25 million, matched pound-for-pound with Government funding.
"What you do now, do well"
Encouraged by the words of the architect, William Wilkinson Wardell "what you do now, do well" there's a certain serendipity in the amount raised in 1857, because if we are to realise our current dreams of building not only a new wing, but also completing Wardell's original plan, complete with staircase to the Great Hall, reinstating Edmund Blacket's cloisters, refurbishing the old fretting sandstone and creating a conservation fund for the general wellbeing of this iconic heritage building, the sum required is a neat $25 million. Fortunately, the building is planned in stages and we don't need to wish everlasting shame on anyone! But we encourage you to give - as generously as you are able - so that St John's may continue to serve the purpose for which it was designed: to be a leader in education and to support the University in accommodating expanding numbers of students.
Many before you have already supported St John's. Now it's your turn.
Gifts to the 150th Anniversary Capital Appeal are tax-deductible and can be spread as a pledge over a period of time. Follow the links to download the Capital Appeal Prospectus and the Subscription Form, or to view or the 150Y Anniversary "Unfold the Future" Capital Appeal Brochure. If you did not receive the November edition of The Word which included the College DVD, please email alumni@stjohns.usyd.edu.au and update your postal, email and phone details so we can send your free copy and keep you informed and invited to events, especially over the coming year. A video of "A Day in the Life at St John's" and a full rundown of the "Unfold the Future" Capital Appeal campaign will be sent to you on request.
We hope to see you at the major celebrations planned for the Sesquicentenary throughout 2008. (See the College Calendar for a full list of events and stay tuned to the website for updates.) For further information about any of the events or the Capital Appeal in general, please contact Trish O'Brien in the Development Office at the College on +61 2 9394 5204 or email development@stjohns.usyd.edu.au
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