Scotch College

A full commitment to Scotch

Scotch says ‘thanks and well done’ to Alan Watkinson.

Words: Neville Taylor Photography: Kathryn Cairney

Alan Watkinson taught English to senior classes at Melbourne Grammar School before being appointed Head of English at Scotch College in 1985. He held this position for 17 years teaching English across all years and literature to Years 10 to 12. He was also a Year 7 teaching team member for 2000 and 2001. Alan was house tutor in both Selby Smith and Fleming and worked as Teacher-in-Charge of the Leadership Program in Adventurers. During 1997 he was Acting Director of Education Research and Development.

In his first year at Scotch, Alan was asked to coach a soccer team and it was not until 1986 that he returned to his much-loved rugby union. He had become a member of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union executive in 1983, so had a great depth of knowledge and affinity with the game. In the summer of 1987–88 Alan toured the UK for four weeks with a Victorian schoolboy side and this was the first of many tours in subsequent years. Alan became Teacher-in-Charge of rugby in 1988, and guided Scotch to unprecedented success during the 13 years he held the position. Improved facilities, a better pitch and higher profile were all achieved under Alan’s guidance. He was responsible for international touring sides from New Zealand, England, Italy, Argentina and our own Wallabies having training sessions at Scotch. In 1998 Alan took up refereeing and became a Level 2 referee in 2000. Work and travel commitments saw 2006 as his last season in this role. Alan was also Teacher-in-Charge of squash from 1993 to 2003.

At the commencement of 2002 Alan was appointed Director of Development at Scotch. Under his direction there has been an increase in the numbers and level of membership as well as raising of the profile of the Scotch Foundation in the Scotch community. He has been instrumental in the appointment of Dr Jim Mitchell as Scotch Archivist and the appointment of a bequest coordinator. Recently two bequest groups known as the Alexander Morrison Circle and Christina Morrison Circle have been launched. Alan also introduced a biennial Fine Art Show that has proved highly successful and commenced work on a 25-year Vision Statement for Scotch. He was appointed as the Treasurer and Vice-President of the Victoria–Tasmania branch of The Association of Development and Alumni Professionals in Education (ADAPE) and is currently the National President of ADAPE. Despite his extremely busy life and numerous commitments to Scotch, Alan completed his Doctor of Philosophy (University of Melbourne) in 2005.

With such a résumé, it is no surprise that Alan has been sought by other organisations. In August he moved to the position of Director of Advancement at Trinity College, University of Melbourne.

Alan lists raising the profile of English and improvement of VCE English results, the development of the Rugby Club, raising awareness and performance of the Scotch Foundation as well as raising more than $8 million for Scotch since 2002 as his most satisfying achievements during his 22 1/2 years at Scotch.

We say a huge thanks to a man who has given so much of himself to Scotch over such a long period. Our best wishes follow him to Trinity College.