Scotch College

Giving Back to the Future

On 5 August, Leonda saw a special celebration when 150 guests attended the President's Dinner to mark the 30th birthday of the Foundation. In a spirit of reflection and celebration, we were treated to an inspirational address by Professor David Copolov ('68), Director of the mental Health Institute of Victoria and former scholar of the College. (An edited version of his address is included below) As members and guests reflected back on 30 years of achievements, and the more than $30 million which has been raised to help the School, they also looked forward to a vibrant and exciting future.

The new formal entrance to the Senior School - The Old Scotch Square

The Dinner was also the vehicle for the official launch of the Alexander Morrison Circle of Giving, the Bequest Society of the Foundation. Named after Scotch's longest serving and duly thrifty and farsighted Principal, the Circle welcomes and celebrates anyone who commits to making a bequest to the College, no matter of what size. With Chairman of Council, Michael Robinson AO, and guest speaker David Copolov both making public commitments - and being joined later by several other guests at the dinner - the Circle has started in a splendid manner. It is through bequests that, by and large, the endowment of the School is increased to provide financial assistance to families and students who otherwise would never have the opportunity to experience all that Scotch can offer. For further details about the Circle, please contact Alan Watkinson at the Development Office.

The focus of the Morrison Circle was the unveiling of a magnificent, unknown portrait of Morrison himself. Discovered in a state of poor repair in an attic in Donald last year, the portrait was rescued and then restored at the Ian Potter Gallery laboratories at Melbourne University. Nine months later, master craftsman Peter Chaloupka was commissioned to build the appropriate frame for Dr Morrison from scratch. And what a combination the portrait and new frame now make! Painted in 1891 by (apparently unknown) artist J. E Gelberg, the portrait captures the spirit of Morrison the Man, and also demonstrates that special nuggety Scottish character which allowed him to steer the School for almost 47 years (1857-1903). In the year which marks the centenary of his death, what more fitting tribute could there be than to name the bequest society after him, to steer Scotch into the next hundred years and beyond!

The Old Scotch Square with the James Forbes Academy in the background

In many ways the focus of bequesting is on endowment, but David Earle ('72) gave testament at the dinner that such philanthropy does not belong just to wills and bequests. David announced the creation of the Peter Francis Earle Award, named after his youngest son who was killed so tragically earlier this year. The award will be given to a student at the School who, while not necessarily excelling at his studies, shows determination and achievement through hard work and the ability to listen and take advice. This Award represents the very qualities which made Peter such a popular and respected boy at Scotch and will do much to commemorate his personality and personal achievements. The School is indeed grateful to David and his family for providing this wonderful example of Endowment in Action.

The enthusiasm and enjoyment shown by all the guests, both Foundation Members and (we hope) their soon-to-be member guests, shows that not only is Scotch blessed with the support of such a wide and diverse group of people, but that the future of both will be assured.

Alan Watkinson
Director of Development