The newsletter of Whitley College

Semester 1, 2015

Rev Dr Frank Rees

As we celebrate 50 years of Whitley College life, it’s been interesting to observe the development of research during this time. So we have collated a list of the doctorates undertaken by former students, by staff and those supervised by Whitley staff. It’s a remarkable list: I had hoped we might be able to name 50 doctorates for 50 years, but the list far exceeds that number. You can see the list (so far) on our website, at http://whitley.unimelb.edu.au/50Doctorates

Research has become an increasingly important part of the College’s life and output. Indeed, this year Whitley College has been identified as the leading centre for higher degrees by research in the University of Divinity. Whereas in the early days there might be one person doing a doctorate (often overseas), now there are as many as twenty at any given time.

It’s also significant that the research activity spans all aspects of the College’s life. We have resident tutors working on their research, as well as full and part time theological researchers, and faculty members constantly undertaking further research as well as providing supervision.

Another striking feature of the list is that in the early years of the College most doctoral study was undertaken overseas, whereas now it is almost always local. One very positive reason for this change is that there are scholarships to support doctoral study today (even in theology!), whereas for example when I sought to do my own PhD there was basically no support for theological research anywhere in Australia. I hasten to add that whilst there are scholarships today, there are never enough!

The breadth of topics undertaken by Whitley researchers is quite amazing. From a music tutor who has written an opera to a pastoral researcher investigating the needs and care of parents of babies born very early, there is such a wide scope of learning. What is impressive is the focus on real problems, needs and possibilities. Here are people who have made a massive contribution to our world and the College can be justly proud of them.

That leads me to note the value of research for the future. In the academic world, research provides the basis for teaching and much of what we have been able to do as a College is to provide teachers and leaders for other contexts and institutions. Whitley doctoral graduates have become teachers in colleges and universities in many parts of the world. One of those people was so inspired by the life of this College he went home to India and created an entirely new college, which is now significantly bigger than Whitley College.

Research is also, by its very nature, collaborative work. Many researchers belong to teams, but even for those who may be working alone on a single topic the outcome of our work is an offering to the community of scholars. Usually a book or articles will be published and further research ensues.

What all this shows is something significant about Whitley College life. It is academically committed: it takes a lot of hard work and sheer determination to finish a doctorate. It also evidences a sense of vision: that this project is actually worth something. It is a form of service for the sake of others.

Finally, maintaining this tradition of research honours those who formed the foundations of our College. William Whitley came to Australia in 1891 to start a college and soon after began a PhD at the University of Melbourne. His doctorate engaged with the lively debates of that time into the nature of Federation.

In the College which bears his name, research into the many challenges and issues of our day is a fundamental feature of our mission and identity.

WHITLEY COLLEGE LIFE Semester 1, 2015Editor: Justin Sung Il Park, Community Relations Manager

Photography: Photos in this edition taken by College Staff and student photographersIf you have any news or submissions for future issues, please send them to: jpark@whitley.unimelb.edu.auWhitley College 271 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 T: 03 9340 8000www.whitley.unimelb.edu.au

Whitley College is saddened by the news of the death of Ian Albert George Roos (1946-2015). Ian was an active participant in and supporter of the life of the College for all of our 50 years.Ian Roos had a great passion for Whitley, over its entire life. His long struggle with cancer has ended, but his gifts to the college live on in the college itself: in our commitment to excellence, care and encouragement of young people to find their place in the world and to make the best contribution they can. Ian himself was the exemplar of these things.Our love and prayers are with Pam, his wife, and Clare and Nigel their children. We honour his memory and give thanks for his life.

Ian Albert George Roos

Cover Photo: Boy’s soccer 2015Chris Navarrete

Music has been an important part of the entire life of Whitley College—whether the uplifting tones of the pipe organ, the music for many famous Common Room Dances, or the exceptional performances of students at Soirees and other events. We are delighted now to present this series of concerts which express the life and commitment of the College: a commitment to excellence, to unity in diversity and to enabling new scholars to find their way into their professions. Along with this, we celebrate the gifts of those who perform for us and the joy of music itself. May such beauty, goodness and truth continue to take shape amongst us and inspire us to keep on contributing long into the future!

On Friday 22 May, Bruce Mathiske considered one of the finest all-round guitarists in Australia, presented his Mathiske Suites for guitar and string orchestra, showcasing cool and fresh latino sounds. Supper was enjoyed after the performance while the Whitley All Stars Jazz band played.

Celebration Concert Series CONCERT 1 Guitar Extravaganza

CONCERT 2 : A Spanish Gypsy CONCERT 3 : Mozart Requiem

In this original 1915 chamber orchestra version of Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo internationally-acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell will become Candela, an Andalusian Gypsy Girl who is haunted by her dead husband’s ghost. The second half of the concert will feature Manuel de Falla’s Siete canciones populares españolas as well as traditional Catalan folk songs.

Date: Monday 31 August 2015 at 6.30pmVenue: Whitley College, 271 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052.Costs: $20 / $15 concession (includes paella and drinks)Tickets: http://www.trybooking.com/HGSL

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s famous Requiem remained unfinished until Franz Xaver Süssmayr completed the work after the composer’s death in Vienna in 1791. More than 200 years later this monumental work still captivates audiences with its powerful Dies Irae, intense Lacrimosa and utterly beautiful Benedictus. This concert will also celebrate Whitley’s relationship with the indigenous community and will include Dhungala Dreaming, Exodus Interlude as well as The Lord’s Prayer from Deborah Cheetham’s opera Pecan Summer.Proceeds from the concert will be donated towards a scholarship in support of an indigenous musician.

Date: Saturday 7 November 2015 at 7.30pmVenue: Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.

Costs: $40 / $30 concessionTickets: http://www.trybooking.com/HGTF

< Bruce Mathiske guitar/ Mario Dobernig conductor/ Jennen Ngiau-Keng concertmaster/ Melbourne Art of Sound Orchestra >

Margie Welsford

As we prepare for Christmas in May celebrations to mark the end of first semester, it is hard to believe that only a few months ago we were welcoming 71 new students to the College for Apoc-O-lyptic Week. All the usual events have been enjoyed and successes celebrated, lots of socializing enjoyed, sports played and arts activities have engaged our creative tendencies. Orientation Week seems like a distant memory. In addition to the popular Toga party, beach visit and skit night we were shown Royal Park the way the indigenous inhabitants would have seen it.

Commencement Dinner was a wonderful way to mark the start of the academic year. Our guest speaker, Andrew Watson, former Student Club President and Tutor in the 1980s was an engaging speaker. Andrew is a lawyer who also studied maths in his undergraduate years. His advice to students to “do something you are passionate about” regardless of where it takes you workwise is helpful for all of us to keep in mind.

We recognized a number of academic achievements: Those with exceptional school results were Frank Du and Ghanisht Juwaheer. The Most Improved student was Jack Sozanski. Those who achieved an average above 80; Olivia Grosfeld, Eliza Honybun, Georgia Kelly and Damon Symons. And these students who received straight First Class Honours: Clare Browne, Trishya John, Shashank Murali, Mandy Tsai and Margaret Zhou.

Continuing the theme of academic success we were delighted to celebrate with Damon Symons who was placed on the Dean’s List for his Environments results in 2014. The Lists for other faculties has not been announced yet.

The James Rapley Scholarship was awarded to two young men this year: Mat Peverill and Caleb Ballinger, both second year Engineering students. The scholarship dinner was held on the 27th April in the presence of James’s family and University representatives. John Rapley presented the College with a cheque for $131,000 to bring the scholarship fund to a total of $250,000.

Our new Tutors have involved themselves in the community and supported the academic aspirations of the students. Hasan Nasir has tutored in Maths and Engineering subjects. Together with Hajin Song he organized a programming contest. Michael Stuiber has tutored in a range of Physics subjects and found time to row with the Whitley crew. Michael also presented his PhD study at the first Tutor seminar for the year. Brenda Addie will leave us at the end of semester after 4.5 years as Dean of Studies and a Tutor before that. We wish her all the very best for her travels and further studies.

Dean’s List for his Environments results in 2014 Dinner

Damon with his parents, Rodney & Janine Symons

2013 Resident Meg Caffrey, 2015 Student

President Olivia Stocks, Residential Tutor Caitlin

Overington and 2013 Resident Hiro Suse catching

up at the Presidents Summer Mingle.

Ryan Jones participating

in the Athletics Carnival,

cheered on by Bryce Ellis.

Women’s Softball Team member, Erin Halling

A number of events have been held since the start of this 50th Year in our history. At the President’s Drinks, Pat Au, former student Club President, spoke about his

time at College and what he learnt along the way and the value of his experience at Whitley in his current work with a small architecture firm. Friday 22nd May saw a full

house in the Dining Room for the Guitar Extravaganza, the first of the Celebration Concert Series. Organized and conducted by Mario Dobernig, we were treated to

the inaugural performance of the “Mathiske Suites”. Bruce Mathiske composed the music and played the guitar, backed by a group of talented young musicians, The

Melbourne Concert Band. This was followed by delicious food and drinks and then the Whitley All Star Jazz Band comprised of current and former Whitley residents.

The annual Boat Cruise in May saw a joyful gathering of current and past residents cruising around the bay. Games of cricket, softball, hockey and soccer have all

been played enthusiastically. Rowing training continued in the early hours in the lead up to the rowing regatta on 2nd May in cold but sunny conditions. Common Room Dances and Intercollegiate Activities Council events provided creative and

social outlets. College Day on March involved bouncing and eating and dancing and eating some more. The Football and Netball auction saw people paying

good money for food and other items. We look forward to Glo café on the last evening of semester before the quiet diligence of Swot Vac and Exams.

A graduate dinner was held on the 15th May in the Crocket Room. Nine of our graduate students were treated to a special dinner. They enjoyed taking time out of their busy

schedules to socialize together, share experiences and build their relationships. A Graduate Skills Seminar, was held on 21 May with special panelists Professor Mark Brett from

Whitley and Professors Peter Scales and David Grayden from the University of Melbourne.

The Aspiration Initiative (TAI) promotes University aspirations for indigenous students from Year 8 onwards. Through tutoring, support, mentoring and camps they work to

encourage and engage young students on their path to tertiary studies. On Saturday 16 May, Whitley hosted a lunch and college tour for 12 students and their families from rural Victoria and NSW visiting the university. Professor Ian Anderson, former Head of Murrup

Barak, will be joining our indigenous students at Hall on Monday night, 25 May. He will then address the student body on the significance of Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

Students have already signed up to help at ‘Run for Kids’ for the Royal Children’s Hospital and involved themselves in letter writing for Amnesty International.

Former resident, Nathaniel Taylor, spoke at Hall about the ‘Sunday Dinners’ program run by Collins Street Baptist Church: a number of Whitley residents now assist in the program. The Christian Glo Group conduct small bible study groups and host

a program of speakers called Night of Open Minds. Two members of the group have commenced assisting in the English Program as part of TransFormation.

Dean’s List for his Environments results in 2014 Dinner

Damon with his parents, Rodney & Janine Symons

James Rapley Scholarship

Left to Right - Richard James, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Student

Engagement), David Rapley (brother of James), Judy Rapley (mother of

James), John Rapley (father of James), Caleb Ballinger, Mathew Peverill,

Julia Rapley (sister of James), Margie Welsford (Warden) and Associate

Professor David Grayden, Department of Electrical and Electronic.

Mario Dobernig, Timothy Lukey and Belinda

Weiss performing at the Christmas in May

celebrations.

Residential Tutor, Hasan Nasir, GLO Café

Residential Students Rebecca Fagan and Olivia Grosfeld dressed for a Common Room Dance.

Rev Dr Gary Heard

Religion is never far from the news. The struggles of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, the persecution of Christians in Syria, the rise of Islamic State, and the discussions about our national approach to refugees all find ground in religious questions. All this while there is a push to exclude all religious education from our schools – at a time when there is great need for religious literacy, knowing that it impacts upon all aspects of life in a now global village. The call for Christians to be able to dialogue about matters of faith and identity with those who do not share our faith perspective yet at the same time wrestle with similar questions has never been greater.

There is a growing need for theologically aware and literate Christians to enter this debate at all levels, from the local church, into the neighbourhood, and into wider spheres of influence. Grappling with these questions - and wrestling with the shape of the response - is a journey which followers of Jesus through all ages have undertaken. Theological formation is not primarily about coming up with the “right” answers so much as about entering a conversation. Partners in that conversation includes not only the fellow students in a class, but the great thinkers and practitioners of faith across the history of the church, in a diverse range of settings. It is through that conversation that we are formed as followers of Jesus, and equipped in our ability to share the good news in a searching world. It is a journey we would love to share with you.

As we reach the end of semester, we pause to celebrate the growth in and achievements of all of our students. It was a joy to share in the graduation ceremony in March during which Elizabeth Huglin was honoured as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar, and Simone Rickerby awarded her PhD, as part of the recognition of all graduands, knowing the communities where they serve, and the ministries in which they are engaged.

We look forward to the School of Ministry in June, with its focus on Peacemaking and Peacebuilding. Keynote speakers with a long track record of working for peace will lead us: Dr Maung Maung Yin, director of the Peace Studies Centre in Rangoon Myanmar, and Dr David Brubaker from Eastern Mennonite University. It shapes to be a thoughtful and helpful time, with applications from the local level to the global.

It is a privilege and a joy for all at Whitley to serve and equip leaders for a different world.

The 2015 Graduation Ceremony for the University of Divinity was held on Friday 20 March 2015 St Michael’s Uniting ChurchCongratulations to all our Graduates! All faculty and staff in Whitley College are so proud of you

for this great achievement and we hope you will continue to be leaders for a different world.

Van Dawt Thawng (Master of Theological Studies)

Vicente Jr Beltran Lustre(Master of Theological Studies)

Hee Jeong Silvia Yang(Master of Divinity)

Elizabeth Anne Huglin(Master of Divinity)

Belinda Ann Clear

(Graduate Diploma in Theology)

Graduate Diploma

Sarah Jane Smith

Cathryn Elizabeth McKinney

Lauren Kate HayesAndrew David Staunton

Chan Thang

Pancia Tintuep Thuale

Siu King Tsang

Mason James Taylor

(Graduate Diploma in Ministry Studies)

Simone Meredith Rickerby ( Doctor of Philosophy )

Thesis: Lexical Variation in the Latin

text(s) of the Jewish Greek Bible

(Supervisors: Associate Professor Keith

Dyer & Dr Geoffrey Jenkins)

During 2014, the University of Divinity undertook a five-year internal review of Whitley College Theological School. At its March 2015 meeting, the University Council received and adopted the report from the panel which conducted the review, and “strongly affirmed Whitley College’s excellent record of high quality achievements in learning, teaching, research and engagement,” since the previous review. Whitley was “especially commended…for its coherent academic curriculum, its initiatives into new areas of theological education, and the present and past commitment to research supervision of an exceptional number of higher degree by research students.”

As a result of the review, Whitley has been unconditionally re-accredited for a full term of seven years. The review is an affirmation of the College’s leadership over that time under our Principal Rev Dr Frank Rees, supported by College Deans Ross Langmead and Bruce Tudball, who have lead a committed and creative faculty and staff team, whose academic work and commitment to pastoral formation of students has been outstanding, alongside their significant contributions to academic and mission work around the world.

Whitley is committed to building on this wonderful foundation as we continue to serve the mission of God’s kingdom through Equipping Leaders for a Different World.

Master Degrees

Mang Hre(Master of Theological Studies)

Gail Moe Dwai(Master of Theological Studies)

Janet Elizabeth Costello(Master of Theological Studies)

Kok Chuan Lim(Master of Divinity)

Stephen John Winspear(Master of Arts (Theology))

Victor Tid Sang Chiang(Master of Arts (Theology))

Jordan Marc Davis (Master of Divinity) Sanpai Thin Tuep(Master of Arts (Theology))

Gayle Hill(Master of Divinity)

Peter Craig Nielsen(Master of Divinity)

Bachelor Degrees

Luan Dong Walker(Bachelor of Theology)

Jarrod Paul ThomasNarida Lee McGiffordIsobel MarshFiona Helen KeanAlex Choi

Paul Douglas Lorimer(Bachelor of Theology)

Sarah Jane Lakkis(Bachelor of Theology)

Angela Mary Garton(Bachelor of Theology)

David Craig Davis(Bachelor of Theology)

Emily Jane Collins(Bachelor of Theology)

Thuok Tongyik Ruei(Bachelor of Ministry)

Kye Seong Lee(Diploma in Theology)

Yo Shu Johnson(Diploma in Theology)

Delia Htoo Johnson(Diploma in Theology)

Liam Jack Cruickshank (Diploma in Theology)

Heather Mavis Celins

(Diploma in Theology) Christina Augustine(Diploma in Theology)

Alvina Augustine(Diploma in Theology)

Diplomas

Whitley’s excellent record ofhigh quality achievement!

Theological School

Bridging the gapand equipping leaders for a different world

Caring

Human challenges vary from the intensely personal to the

global. Demonstrating Christian care in a hurting world is

God’s call upon his church.

Studying at Whitley College, you have opportunity to

reflect on and be equipped for the ministry of care: from

personal health and relationship challenges through

formation of local communities to the global questions of

asylum seekers, climate change.

Learn to show the love of God through learning how to care,

through studying at Whitley College – where you can be part

of a learning community equipping

leaders for a different world.

Enrol now for semester 2.

FlourishingThe Psalmist talks of the person who is like a tree

planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in

season and whose leaf does not wither, and whose

actions lead them to prosper (Psalm 1:3). Studying at Whitley College provides you with the

resources and opportunity to flourish in your faith.

Through the study of scripture, exploration of theology

and church history, and through many practical

ministry and mission subjects at Whitley College you

can be part of a learning community equipping leaders

for a different world.Enrol now for semester 2.

Preparing

Are you looking to grow in your understanding of

faith and ministry? Are you ready and equipped for

the challenges of ministry in your neighbourhood?

Whitley College offers a wide range of learning

opportunities and courses to prepare you to

serve, whether it be in your workplace or local

community, or for service in much wider spheres.

Prepare yourself through studying at Whitley

College, where you can be part of a learning

community equipping leaders for a different world.

Enrol now for semester 2.

ExploringMany of the heroes of the Christian faith set out on a

journey, following the call of God, not knowing what the

journey or the destination might hold. They stepped out in

faith. Courses at Whitley College provide opportunity for you

to explore this rich tradition of faith – to encounter and

learn from the great people, communities and moments

in the life of the church since the time of Jesus, and reflect

on the implications for life and ministry today.

Join us in a journey of exploration at Whitley College,

where you can be part of a learning community equipping

leaders for a different world.

Enrol now for semester 2.

Whitley College

Enquire/ Enrol NowEmail to registrar@whitley.unimelb.edu.au

or call 9340 8100

Start Now Semester2, 2015 www.whitley.unimelb.edu.au/startnow

Residential College

16TH AugusT 2015 271 RoyAl pARAde pARkville