Scotch College

In support of Scotch

Old Boys of all ages, encompassing many different skills and talents, actively support Scotch at all levels in a myriad of ways.

The Old Scotch Collegians’ Association (OSCA) continues to support Scotch’s educational pursuits. Through its support of the Scotch College Annual Giving fund, over $170,000 has been contributed this year by Old Boys who are maintaining the tradition of providing for those who follow. These Old Boys understand the importance of giving back and ensuring that the Old Boys of tomorrow are provided today with the same high level of educational resources during their one shot at a primary and secondary education. Other Old Boys make generous financial contributions to the school by way of Foundation membership, by making bequests to the school in their wills, or by providing scholarships for the less fortunate so that they may enjoy the benefits of a Scotch education. That OSCA exists to ‘support Scotch College’ is entrenched in its Articles of Association, but it would be naïve to suggest that this support only occurs in a financial sense.

Old Boys provide support to Scotch by providing support in a number of capacities. The Association nominates five members to the School Council, and, together with other Old Boys and members of the Scotch Family, they give back to Scotch by leading and participating on Council committees and sub-committees. For example, Michael Sim (’78) chairs the property committee and David Tyrrell (’79) chairs the finance committee. David Kemp (‘59) has been intricately involved in negotiations relating to the widening of the Monash Tollway. David Crawford (‘61) is Chairman of Council and follows a number of other Old Boys who have led the School in this vital role.

OSCA is an independent entity and its Council comprises 12 Old Boys who meet bi–monthly to ensure that the Association fulfils its obligations to its members, as well as fulfilling its objects as outlined in the Articles of Association. Support for Scotch is obviously high on the Association’s radar, but so too is ensuring that Old Boys are kept both in touch with each other and with Scotch. Each year the Association coordinates over 40 events, and each event aims to be memorable and enjoyable for those who attend. Whether it is the Class of 1954’s 55 year reunion, the Cordner-Eggleston Cup pre–match luncheon, the war veterans’ assembly and luncheon on Remembrance Day, or the Sydney Branch cocktail party, OSCA hopes that those in attendance have a special experience of social interaction and reconnection, both with old friends and with the school. Old Boys serving on the Council give their time to allow all of this (and so much more) to occur.

Other Old Boys support the School by giving their time. For example, a number of Old Boys, under the auspices of the Old Scotch Heritage Club, assist the Archivist Dr Jim Mitchell (‘64) as he catalogues and displays the vast array of school records and artefacts that comprise our Archives and Museum. For example, Gary Day (‘53) assists with creating files on Old Boys while Scotty MacLeish (’46 School Captain) assists with filing regular Scotch publications. Younger Old Boys, such as George Dick (’05), Paul McConnochie (’07), Phil Wright (‘69), Nick Demiris (’01) and Jack Davis (‘05) assist by coaching sporting teams, and in the delivery of Scotch’s services program. Other Old Boys are role models for the school in their social commitments and others are advocates for Scotch as they share their school experiences with other members of the community.

The Association is quickly approaching an important milestone. In 2013 it will be 100! The current OSCA Council is about to undertake a strategic review which will include the development of a five-year plan, culminating in a number of celebratory events and activities in 2013. You can be assured that continued support of Scotch will be high on the agenda as this process evolves. GS