A word to Alumni & Friends of The College

 

Since my appointment as Principal I have been approached by former students of Janet Clarke Hall in virtually every imaginable situation: dining privately in a restaurant, tasting at a winery, at public dinners (some connected with the College but also on other occasions), even on the street. It has been a pleasure to meet some of the many people who hold the College dear, and I look forward, over the years, to making acquaintance with alumni and friends of the College.

I feel very privileged to have a role in the stewardship of this remarkable place, made so much richer through the contribution of generations of past residents, its benefactors (some who have never been resident within the College), friends and supporters. Among our many distinguished alumni, the current Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Ms Fay Marles, encapsulated the generosity of spirit shown generally by old members towards the College when she told me of the importance of Janet Clarke Hall in her life, and her concern to offer whatever help she could to strengthen our success.

Most of those to whom I have talked to speak of their years at Janet Clarke Hall with very deep affection: it has been, for many of you, a place in which firm friendships (and perhaps life-long partnerships) have found fruition, and I am yet to meet anyone who expresses anything but pleasure in their memories of their time in residence. I hope that my work as Principal will enable me to work closely with alumni and friends of the College, bringing together past generations of students with our present students and staff in a way which widens the horizons of all.


One challenge faced by any College is keeping up to date records of its alumni: if you are aware of other members of the College whose contact details may have changed, or if your own details have changed in recent years, I would be very grateful if you would advise the College so that we can keep in touch.

At the moment the College is consolidating a display which will showcase the fine tradition of scholarship at Janet Clarke Hall by presenting books, articles, papers, musical items, poetry and other literary and academic works by past and present residents. We are also in the process of collecting and displaying memorabilia of Janet Clarke Hall over its entire history; any thing of this nature you might wish to loan, or perhaps even donate to the College would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, if there are any ways in which you might have suggestions for improving our contact and communication with past residents and friends of the College, please feel free to contact me personally.

Dr Damian Powell
Principal