Blogs / The Warden

Leith, Lawnclippings and Leotards

2010-02-27T15:20:00.011+13:00

The Selwyn Leith Run has completed another successful orientation week at the College. Porridge, flour, water, egg, jelly and a quarter acre's worth of lawn clippings were added to the muddy mix already being worn by the new and returning students as they headed down the Leith.

Readers outside Dunedin may be interested in this morning's ODT feature on traditions at the University with prominent photos of the Selwyn Ballet and the Leith Run.

Reunion Cocktail Photos

2010-01-30T17:20:00.010+13:00

New Website

2010-01-22T14:04:00.001+13:00

This will be self-evident to those of you who have located this post through the website but for those of who have subscribed to this blog, you may care to visit the front page of our website to inspect Selwyn's new public face.

The old site had grown organically and, had some obvious gaps. There were few photos; it was silent as to the ethos and direction of the College; and those wishing to support the College had no online facility to buy merchandise or make donations. The new site has all of these things and also has a greater number of links to other sites. The new site has plenty of new content and a more logical structure. It describes conference and other facilities on offer and is completely up to date. There are plans to add further features to the new site and the new structure is well placed to accommodate such expansions.

The complete web overhaul is thanks to the voluntary efforts of one of our 2009 Subwardens, Andrew Wilshere. Andrew has provided web design services to churches, charities and volunteer organisations in the past and plans on making it a professional sideline in the future. To check out some of his other masterpieces, click on this link to his ninelimes site.

Footnote:

Unfortunately, and within hours of launching the new Selwyn site, Andrew had a bingle with a car passing too close to his bicycle. When he returns to Manchester this week, he will have an unplanned visit to Dunedin hospital's emergency department to add to his portfolio of New Zealand experiences.

Happily, Andrew has come out okay and is valiantly wearing his bandages as badges of pride. Wishing you a speedy recovery Andrew, and a fast passage to PhD completion in the UK. Bon voyage! DC

Sargood Refurbishments

2009-12-19T13:55:00.000+13:00

A major revamp of Sargood is underway!

The Selwyn College Board has signed off on stage one of a three stage upgrade of the Sargood Building.

Named after major benefactor Sir Percy Sargood, the buildings are described in the College history as ”red brick in the Domestic Tudor style which by the time of its construction, after the Second World War, represented a bold and expensive decision in New Zealand.”

For stage one, the bathroom refit, Architect Virginia Fay is on speed dial. Property Manager Mark Bardwell who is overseeing the project is working long hours to direct site-specific plan changes and to ensure contractors have materials required to meet tight deadlines. Photos below show early progress, from a snap of the bathrooms as they were, to a sample floor plan, to demolition - and onward through to replumbing, framing and wiring.

The Sargood building was originally constructed between 1950 and 1956, with the majority of funding supplied by the government. Stage one of the current redevelopment project sees the four main bathroom blocks upgraded. Stage two will involve the restoration of the original Sargood common room to become a senior common room, and stage three is a proposed sprinkler upgrade.

I’m not clear when the existing concrete floor, campground-style bathrooms were fitted. The colour-scheme suggests they were repainted during the Richardson era. My best guess is that the benchtops were also replaced in the early nineties. The refurbished bathrooms will have a closed cubicle for all ablutions, more closely aligned with contemporary demand and suitable also for summer conference groups; one will no longer need to traipse through the corridor to get from toilet to shower.

The bathroom refit, has been made possible thanks to careful financial planning by the Selwyn Board, and thanks also to the generosity of a number of local trusts. The Alexander McMillan Trust, The AAW Jones Trust and the Callis Trust have all provided funds which have been directed to stage one of the project.

Further funds are sought for stages two and three of this project; as ever I am keen to hear from Alumni or other interested parties wishing to provide support.

For information on Selwyn’s 29-31 January reunion click here.

College Reunion

2009-11-28T13:53:00.000+13:00

Put a ring around 29-31 January 2010.

It is a fair while since a reunion was held at the College for all-comers. You may have seen our January reunion advertised through the Otago University Magazine or in our recent Selwyn alumni newsletter. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time. The cut-off date is 18 December.

All alumni and partners are welcome. The date intentionally falls the weekend before the Masters’ Games in Dunedin to allow the possibility of attending both. Those I’ve spoken to assure me a glass of wine and a few tales will meet most athletes’ preparational needs.

2010 Bloggership recipients

2009-11-07T13:52:00.000+13:00

Congratulations to those who have been awarded Selwyn blog scholarships for 2010.

James Tait-Jamieson, Jordan Watts and Kate Kerse will next year publish regularly on the life of the College. James and Jordan have subsequently been voted onto the student committee (SCSA) so they will be having an especially busy 2010.

Thanks to Josh, James and Teriana for their contributions this year as the inaugural Selwyn Blog Scholars. I have enjoyed your observations on College life (my google-blog analytics tool tells me plenty of others have too.) I wish you well as you head into the wilds of flatting North Dunedin style.

High Tea: Warden's vote of thanks to welfare team

2009-10-20T02:36:00.000+13:00

Selwyn College is first and foremost a community of scholars. People have met on this site to pursue academic studies since the end of the century before last.We have many proud traditions, and like all communities, we have things that will change, grow and improve over time.

At its heart, Selwyn is about three things:

1/ Community - Selwyn is a community. We look out for each other and we value the many and varied talents that each one of our members possesses.

2/ Education - Selwyn is about education in the broadest sense. Academic excellence is important to Selwyn, as is the learning that comes from living in a community. We celebrate excellence across a range of talents too - the Nevill Cup, the Cameron Shield and the competitions with College House drive us on.

3/ Wellbeing - Physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing are important to this community. We eat well, we study hard, and we have access to spiritual support.

These three things: A high standard of community; experiencing a broad education; and developing our whole person, are at the core of what it means to be a Selwynite.

To be a Selwynite for life means to me, taking the best parts of the Selwyn experience of community and seek to apply them to life after Selwyn.

It means lifelong learning and striving for excellence in all that one does in life.

& it means continuing to look out for the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of ourselves, and those around us.

I believe the welfare team for 2009 has embodied these three things that Selwyn stands for. They have looked out for you, have supported the community and individuals within it through difficult times. They have valued the many different talents you have. They have modelled learning and leadership. They have also taken care of your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

It is my very real pleasure to be able to thank those members of the welfare team who are leaving, on behalf of our Selwyn Community.

Good Sports

2009-10-04T20:10:00.000+13:00

Congratulations are due to two first year Selwyn residents hitting the headlines this past week.

Most recently, Jessica Jonggowisastro picked up three national titles at the New Zealand under-19 badminton championships. Jonggowisastro is also well on track to achieving her goal of gaining entry into Dental School before focusing on selection for the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team next year.

And, in a great week for Selwyn's sports stars, Rick Parry was awarded Otago University's top sporting honour at this year's Blues awards: Otago University Sportsman of the Year.

Playing for the New Zealand 'Ice Blacks' Ice Hockey team at the third division world championships, Rick Parry as goal-tender was recognised as the player of the tournament. He helped New Zealand to a clean sweep and with it the third division title. The win sees New Zealand promoted to the second division world championships in April next year. TV3 ran a story on Parry in June.

Parry nearly didn't attend the Blues awards after being asked to compete in last weekend's New Zealand Ice Hockey All Star game - acting as a trial for the 2010 Ice Black tour. At the last minute, his father made it all possible by shouting him a one way ticket to Auckland on the Sunday morning so he could attend the Blues awards as well as the All Star game. Parry won the Blues Sportsman of the Year award on the Friday and then played a blinder in Auckland at the trial, so it was a near perfect weekend. I'm guessing we'll be seeing more of him at next year's world champs.

Ball photos

2009-09-24T23:38:00.000+12:00

The fact that the College Ball this year was to be held in the Ballroom at Lanarch Castle was kept a secret until the loaded buses groaned their way out across the peninsula in the fading sunlight. The venue was spectacular and the energy palpable. Like last year, following the champagne brunch Dunedin turned on the sun for paddling, ping-pong and yet more dancing in the Quadrangle.

Josh Pemberton has given the 'thumbs-up' to the 21ster's Ball already so I'll keep it short. Photos paint the best picture of a successful celebration...

Old boy secures national title

2009-09-08T17:35:00.000+12:00

Athletics NZ Road Championships were held in Dunedin over the weekend. Selwyn Alumnus Quentin 'Q' Rew convincingly won the Senior Men 10km Race Walk. He continues to dominate national walking races since archillies problems hampered his ability to run at top level. His time on Saturday was 44:57.00. Rew captured national attention when he was disqualified earlier this year for performing a forward roll as he crossed the finish line first by a large margin at the 3km national champs (finish-line photo at bottom).

Another Selwyn Alumnus, Andrew 'Ning' Davidson is always a force to be reckoned with over the longer distances - especially after claiming the New Zealand 12km cross country title earlier this year. Unfortunately, following a bout of the flu, he was 48 seconds off the pace over the weekend - still finishing a credible 6th in the glamour 10k running event with a time of 30:52.12. Current resident Peter Meffan managed 19th in the U19 Men 8k Run.

London alumni function photos

2009-09-02T17:01:00.000+12:00

I've recently received snaps from the London function at the Southerner in June this year. Not a Knoxie in sight - and happily the photos don't capture fibs told about days gone by at Selwyn. Thanks Wendy!

Selwyn victorious in Cameron battle

2009-08-27T10:54:00.000+12:00

Selwyn has won the Cameron Shield for 2009.

Tonight's 37-22 netball victory means the Cameron Shield will grace the Brothers' Hall for another year. Selwyn can now lay claim to beating Knox in the Cameron Shield sporting competition in nine out of the last ten years. My congratulations to sports rep Freya, those who've helped her, and the many fine sports men and women of Selwyn College.

Congratulations must also go to the sports men and women of Knox College. A victory over Knox is always treasured at Selwyn because of the fine tradition of spirited competition that has always existed between these, the two oldest colleges at Otago.

Eyes will now turn to tomorrow's annual Knox Selwyn rugby match. With the shield no longer up for grabs, the match will be fought on pride alone - and it promises to be a fitting spectacle. Kick-off 3:30pm at North Ground.

*The Cameron Shield was first contested between the Colleges in 1932 to foster friendship and worthy competition between the two great colleges, and it continues to do that to this day. For further information, the Cameron Shield constitution describes the nature and purpose of the contest as it is fought across 13 sporting codes.

Congraduations!

2009-08-23T04:00:00.000+12:00

Graduation morning teas have become part of the quintessential Selwyn experience. Students returning to have degrees conferred at the University of Otago ceremony in the Town Hall, visit their alma mater for tea, scones and an old fashioned chinwag.

Depending on the degrees being awarded, our Selwyn morning teas sometimes draw a crowd of a hundred or more; others are more exclusive. On such occasions, I enjoy reflecting on what draws people back to the College. Students visit old flats, pubs and other haunts but most photos are snapped in front of the clock tower - and at dear old Selwyn.

Today we were honoured to have amongst our number Dr Richard Wigley (ONZM) whose story features in the current edition of the Otago Daily Times. Dr Wigley first attended Selwyn College in 1940, returning to the College for a second spell after WWII. His work on rheumatology has earned him the science doctorate he is to be today awarded - on top of an already well established international reputation in the field.

I think what brings people back is the very personal importance of time spent at the College. For most students who have been through these hallowed halls, the Selwyn days were full of new discoveries, good fun and firm friendships, a time of change and growth - a seminal period in student experience. Welcoming students back, I appropriate the term turangawaewae, speak of their academic achievement, and look forward to successful professional careers. I am sure in years to come, buildings and other developments on this site will sport the names of those I welcome to our graduation morning teas.

* Pictured above alongside Sargood Hall (L-R): Mr Malcolm Gray (BCom, Selwyn 2005); Dr Richard Wigley (DSc, Selwyn 1940+); The Warden (PhD, Selwyn 1991+); Ms Mallory Forsyth (BSc, Selwyn 2006).

Where do you want to be in 2010?

2009-08-06T17:28:00.000+12:00

The College has had hundreds of visits from year 13 students. Last year, Selwyn had more applications per available bed than any other College. If you haven't been able to get to Selwyn, take a student-led virtual tour of the College by clicking on the video hosted on the left of our front page.

The application process itself involves a bit of thought and effort, but the rewards of a strong application make it worthwhile.

I've blogged here before on choosing a College from a neutral perspective, and here on why I'd put Selwyn as my first choice if I had my time again (NB I did - and I'd do it again!) From a student perspective, last year's president wrote a good piece on what to look for in a hall (you'll have to scroll down to the third entry in the link).

The process for admission to Selwyn College is outlined here. The additional application form for Independent Colleges is hosted here.

Giving back

2009-08-03T17:18:00.000+12:00

Yes this is an ad.

Applications for 2010 Selwyn College Senior Resident Scholarships have opened. Scholarship recipients live in College and mentor our undergraduate students; they receive training across a range of areas including soft skills like communication, referral and mentoring, and harder skills like first aid and fire-fighting. All year, they get to work with students to find practical solutions to everyday, and not so everyday problems.

Post-graduate and senior students living in College provide an accessible and valuable perspective on University life. As Senior Residents at Selwyn, they enjoy privileges and responsibilities associated with their membership of the College Senior Common Room, have warm comfortable accommodation, and enjoy meals prepared for them every day of the University year.

The Senior Resident role description provides detail on what life as a Senior Resident involves, and I've blogged before on the contributions of Senior Residents to College life. But the best way to build a fuller picture is to speak with someone currently (or recently) in the role. Interested parties should contact the College office.

To download an application form click here. Applications close 14 August.

Selwyn College Cambridge

2009-07-24T17:50:00.000+12:00

Stunning!

Before its establishment, Selwyn College Dunedin competed for funding against its Cambridge rival - and lost. Selwyn College UK might not be wealthy by Cambridge standards - but a useful endowment (2006 estimated £22m) and good stewardship ensure its excellent reputation and ranking as an academic College.

During my recent visit, I was entertained at High Table by the Master Professor Richard Bowring, and dined with a number of the College's 50+ Fellows. With 700 students in residence, Selwyn Cambridge is considerably larger than us. The College has a significantly larger staff quota and parallel to developing its fearsome academic reputation, is forging ahead in areas like alumni relations, building and fundraising.

Like our English counterparts, we're not the wealthiest of Colleges at our University. Like them, we have very high application rates and a proud record of academic success. And, happily, our more affluent cousin keeps an eye out for us, frequently welcoming visitors with Dunedin connections.

I am grateful to the Master, Fellows and staff for the resources they shared during our stay and look forward to showing some antipodean hospitality on an eventual return visit.

London Alumni

2009-07-18T00:48:00.000+12:00

It was a pleasure to meet with Alumni in London.

In late June, I enjoyed greatly the opportunity to dine with College old boys - College Fellow Dr William Morris and alumni Danny Gowan, John Zinzan, and Alistair Marshall. Dr Morris (Selwyn College 1946 - 1949) is still sprightly. He will shortly embark on a lengthy tour of New Zealand en route to a medical school reunion. Various suggestions for Selwyn merchandise were offered by the dinner party with pledges to buy Selwyn bow-ties made in silk after the old design; these will be forthcoming.

On June 26th a Selwyn get-together was arranged in London by recent Selwyn alumnus Daniel Hornstein. This event was very well attended. Between 40 and 50 Selwynites from in and around (and passing through) London attended the gathering at The Southerner pub. I was the eldest Selwyn attendee.

The Otago University function on 27 June at the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant, Fulham, London was attended by 100-120 people. Sir Paul Beresford MP and VC David Skegg addressed all comers on recent University successes. I was able to meet alumnus Canon Emeritus Dr Paul Oestreicher and wife Prof Barbara Einhorn who will visit the College during Dr Oestreicher's March-April Fellowship in the Peace and Conflict Studies department at Otago.

Both alumni here and elsewhere had recently heard news of Selwyn via our newsletter and through short pieces in the Otago Magazine. Many I met were in touch with each other via one Selwyn facebook group or another.

Amongst other things, the Otago University Magazine contained news of our alumni gathering planned to co-incide with the Masters' Games in late January 2010. Please be in touch with the Selwyn Office if you want further details.

Sunny-Side-Up

2009-06-25T08:36:00.000+12:00

On the weekend, I enjoyed catching up with Otago Alumni in San Francisco. Having seen Teriana's photos of a snowy Dunedin Selwyn, I am also glad to be away from winter back home.

The San Francisco alumni event also provided opportunity to hear VC David Skegg talk of the University's successes in gaining research funding, recent recognition on Grey's Anatomy of Otago research into hereditary stomach cancer, and Gold Medal success in China at the World Universities' rowing regatta (Selwyn alumnus Jamie Orsborn rowed in the squad, and Sub-Warden Luke Herlihy joined the crew for cultural performances - photo in link).

I am looking forward to meeting with Selwyn Alumni in London this coming Friday and Saturday.

London from Leith, Selwyn to San Fran

2009-06-06T10:19:00.000+12:00

Kia ora koutou. I am a little over a week away from a trip to catch up with Selwyn Alumni on the other side of the globe. One of the nice things about being a Selwyn ex-resident is connections wherever you go.

On my travels, I will connect with Alumni attending Otago University events in San Francisco and London. I also hope to catch up with other Selwyn Alumni in the area.

We've planned a general get-together for Selwyn exies in London on Friday 26 June. The venue is The Southerner, the bar that sailed across from New Zealand, and now resides at Temple Station. It will be a great opportunity to connect up with Selwynites in the London area. I will be there from 5pm. There is no entry fee and a band will be playing from 8pm.

Closer to home: Selwyn Alumnus Rev Dr Paul Oestreicher was granted an honourary doctorate by the University of Otago at its final May graduation ceremony. And I have enjoyed welcoming more than a hundred former students to our graduation morning teas in recent weeks. It is good to celebrate our success.

Worth 1000 words?

2009-05-27T23:29:00.000+12:00

Of recent interest are these photos of our Leith Run by award-winning photographer Alan Dove.

For more information on the Leith Run, check out previous posts here, and here. Previous posts contain links to Television news, documentary and newspaper footage of the run.

Developments

2009-05-21T07:48:00.000+12:00

Blog Scholars have begun to blog. Their posts will provide a running commentary on life in the College. Josh Pemberton, Teriana Maheno and James Wright are the returning students who have won the scholarships this year. I look forward to their contributions; James and Josh will write on topical issues and Teriana's blog will feature images from recent College events.

Earlier this year, we launched a 'podcast' on our website. It is linked to our front page and provides a quick introduction to Selwyn life and a contemporary tour of College facilities - you may already have seen it. The music it is set to is a stunning track produced by our own Selwyn rock band. To view the podcast go to the front page of the Selwyn website, click on arrow in the centre of the small photo of the ballet to the left of my blog photo. Be patient, it can take half a minute to load.

Te Whare o Herewini

2009-04-21T18:51:00.000+12:00

Selwyn is proud to host the Maori 'On Campus Experience' for Otago University this year.

While Maori are notable amongst Selwyn's All Blacks, a quick flick through the College History reveals that the majority of our Maori graduates have made their names in the professions; there are doctors, lawyers, accountants and the odd clergyman too. I see lawyer and Selwyn alumnus Jamie Morris features prominently in the recent Otago Whanau Guide.

Maori leaders from a wide variety of iwi have attended the College, many to study medicine; Dr Edward Pohau Ellison was an early Selwynite. Important Maori health advocates Professor Mason Durie, the late Professor Eru Pomare and the late Dr Pat Ngata attended Selwyn whist doing their MBChB. Selwyn College is privileged to see many of our country's leaders and influencers pass through its corridors.

Selwyn's recent Maori graduates have had both charisma and academic clout; I will follow their careers with interest. I hope that many who attend this year's On Campus Experience will list Selwyn as their College of choice too.

The Maori On Campus Experience is certainly a shrewd marketing move by the University. Seventeen hand-picked high-school students from around the country are given a scholarship - flights, tours, meals etc - to taste the Otago experience for four days in early May. This is done in an effort to persuade top Maori students of the benefits of attending New Zealand's first University. Indeed, Dunedin is an excellent place to study, and history shows many Maori scholars have made a choice for Otago.

*NB if you wish to receive regular updates from Selwyn, click on the orange RSS feed button on the front page of this website (and follow your nose from there) or follow this link for more detailed instructions.

Selwyn All Blacks

2009-04-09T18:15:00.000+12:00

Selwyn College is delighted that Dr David Kirk, MBE, Selwyn alumnus, Rhodes Scholar, Forsyth Barr director, and New Zealand's only Rugby World Cup winning captain has accepted an invitation to speak to current College residents during an upcoming visit to Dunedin.

Dr Kirk will be attending the Otago University Rugby Football Club (OURFC)'s 125th Jubilee over Queen's Birthday weekend. The Club has a proud record with sixty-five of its members going on to become All Blacks; a significant number of players connected with the Club also attended Selwyn College.

By my reckoning, Selwyn College has produced nine All Blacks (years as an All Black in brackets): Dr Desmond Oliver (1953-1954), Dr Mark Irwin (1955-1960), Dr Hugh Burry (1960), Dr Tony Davies (1960-1962), Mr Terry Morrison (1973), Dr David Kirk (1983-1987), Mr John Drake (1985-1987), Mr John Timu (1989-1994), and Mr Arran Pene (1992-1994).

I hope that alumni of Selwyn College attending the OURFC's 125th Jubilee will take the opportunity to drop by the College during their trip to Dunedin. I hope too that some of you will return to support Selwyn in its annual Cameron Shield challenge match against Knox College on 8 August during Knox's centennial celebrations. Maybe we will discover our next Selwyn All Black amongst them.

*NB if you wish to receive regular updates from Selwyn, click on the orange RSS feed button on the front page of this website (and follow your nose from there) or follow this link for more detailed instructions.

Blog Scholars

2009-03-26T03:42:00.000+13:00

I'm chuffed; today we're launching a new type of scholarship at Selwyn College. We are introducing "Blog Scholarships".

Over the past year, the Selwyn website has changed. I have trialled (successfully I think) the introduction of blogging on the website. Blogging ensures that our website has new content - at least - once a week. It means that there is a constant source of new information about College life for alumni, family and friends of the College. I am grateful for contributions by the Chaplain and the Student President old and new.

These Blog Scholarships announced today exist primarily to support worthy students. But I anticipate a secondary benefit in that the Scholars' blogs will ensure a wider variety of Selwyn audiences is reached.

Application forms and further information about the 2009 Blog Scholarships is available via the Selwyn College 'documents' page. Applications for 2009 close on Thursday 9th April.

*Scholars will be coached by an experienced blogger and recognised for their contributions with an honorarium of $1400 in 2009. It is imagined that 2009 bloggers will post about 28 posts of either one hundred words, or, a 'photo of the week'. On a pro rata basis that would equate to about $5 for each 10-word sentence, or about $50 per photo posted.

*NB if you wish to receive regular updates from Selwyn, click on the orange RSS feed button on the front page of this website (and follow your nose from there) or follow this link for more detailed instructions.

Media ablaze as Selwyn torch is passed

2009-03-06T19:30:00.000+13:00

Selwyn's student orientation culminated with the Leith Run and Orientation Ball held last Saturday.

I've blogged on the Leith Run before. Reporters and cameras were on hand this year to capture a positive University orientation story. As a result, TV3 ran a story on the Leith Run on its Nightline programme, and the ODT also published a story on this year's Leith Run.

Why does the media continue to have a special fascination with Selwyn's traditions? I'm convinced this is partly because they're photogenic events; on a smaller scale, the Leith Run is a bit like Spain's tomato throwing festival, or Pamplona's running of the bulls. I think there is more to it that that though: like other traditions with little obvious purpose, other than producing the kind of bonding only generated outside comfort zones, the Leith Run is an event generations have appreciated.

Parents, grandparents and old family friends can laugh along with current residents - about an experience few outside the walls of our College will ever have opportunity to enjoy. The same can be said of the experience of participating in an all-male ballet, or of feeling the particular passion associated with the Selwyn Haka-Waiata. Hairstyles, fashion and music trends may come and go, but the Leith Run (started in 1935) is the kind of deliciously crazy fun that speaks to the human spirit across generations.

The orientation ball this year was held at Sammy's nightclub - an unlikely venue that was superbly transformed by some artistic returning students. The circus theme was brought to life with stilt walkers and fire-poi. Students attending were barely recognisable as the muddy figures who had emerged from the Leith earlier in the day. I am always thrilled to see the number of ex-residents who turn out for the ball. My congratulations to the student committee for a very worthwhile evening.

*NB if you wish to receive regular updates from Selwyn, click on the orange RSS feed button on the front page of this website (and follow your nose from there) or follow this link for more detailed instructions.