White Out

Towards Human UnderstandingEstablished 1957

Newsletter No. 1, 2014

From My DeskWelcome to the first edition of ‘White Out’, the new trimester

newsletter from Mary White College. We look forward to bringing

you regular news updates and highlights from MWC as well as an

insight to our current students and their achievements.

Time has really flown for both myself and the family since

arriving in Armidale earlier this year. I was sure coming from

Melbourne we had pretty good form when it came to the winter

temperatures however nothing could have prepared me for the

beauty of the changing seasons in

Armidale and the recent snow (and snowman) that has added to

our experience here. It is far more picturesque than the dull grey

Melbourne skyline.

On another note, I would like to take the opportunity to thank

everyone for their warm welcome and all of the Alumni who took

the time to write to me earlier in the year to share their ‘Mary

White memories’. It is obvious that Mary White College is a special place that has touched many

of you over the years and we are really pleased to re-engage with you.

One thing that I have learnt already is that Mary White College residents are a very inclusive

bunch and they look after each other. Having a student cohort that is made up of 25% medical

students certainly has had its advantages already – and more than a few hallway consultations

has ended with a trip to the local GP or hospital.

This inclusive culture is further highlighted by our current crop of MWC Resident Fellows who

have taken the initiative to revitalise our communal spaces by offering free book exchanges;

game libraries (yes, people are playing Monopoly and Cluedo again) and low noise study

spaces to entice residents to escape the ‘claustrophobia’ of their bedroom. The results speak

for themselves with our overall College GPA at 4.68 (approaching a Credit) and many residents

finding the healthy balance between work & play.

Thanks again for your warm welcome and if you happen to be in the Armidale area over the

coming months, please feel free to drop in and see some of the changes that are taking place.

We’d love to see you.

Warmest regards

Mick Alldis

In this issue:• FromMyDesk

• Developments-enrichingresidents’experience

− MWCSecuresa$20K grantforaudiovisual equipmentupgrade

− Surveyresultsarein –MWCsurveyreveals theneedforself cateringoption

− Otherdevelopmentsfor 2014

• EventSocialpages-51stChancellorDinnerMay2014

• Congratulations-CelebratingAward&Scholarshiprecipients

• FizzaMitter’sStory

• Merchandise

• StayintouchMick

1

DevelopmentsWe are currently looking ahead and planning for our future student needs at Mary White College. Our aim is to enrich the Mary White residents’ experience and ensure the academic & community needs of our residents are met. Our approach is to listen to our current residents and source funding to allow us to implement identified needs.

MWC secures a $20K grant

Through a funding application with the Student Association we were fortunate enough to be granted $20K towards a fixed data projector and electronic screen in the Dining Hall as well as replacement furniture in a number of Common areas. Scheduled to be completed in Trimester 2, this new refurbishment will be well received, especially for our Mental Monday mentoring activities.

The Survey Results are in A recent sample survey of MWC residents showed that:

• Almost80% of residents would be in favour of a choice of 50; 75 or 100 meal plan options along with a self catering option

• Mostwouldliketheoptiontoknowtheweeklymenuaheadoftime and plan to eat in/self cater accordingly

Towards Human UnderstandingEstablished 1957

Events

51st Chancellor’s Dinner - May 2014Mary White College recently hosted the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of Council and a host of guests including Mrs Jill Spilsbury (former Head of MWC) and Mr David Mailler (Student Union President) & SCR members for the 51st Annual Chancellor’s Dinner. A very full Dining Hall greeted the High Table and the night was coordinated by Ashley Pianca & Kees Grenyer (Leadership Team 2014).

The Hon John Watkins (Chancellor), spoke passionately of his own University days and his vivid recollections of university life in the 1970’s had the room captivated. For those who were not fortunate enough to join us on the evening, his full address can be viewed here, or for those with a hard copy go to the MWC website and you will find it under Activities, News & Events.

With this feedback in mind, we have already commenced plans to convert the Jo Woolmington Room into a communal kitchen space complete with ovens, cooktops and preparation & storage space for residents to cook up a feast in a safe & hygienic setting. The communal Kitchen will provide a vibrant student hub for residents to gather and relax together over a shared meal.

We hope to begin works in early September at the latest, with a view to be completed as early as October 2014.

Other proposed improvements/redevelopments at MWC in 2014 include:

• NewroofovertheOffice/ComputerLab

• Addingacompostheapwithgreenwastefromkitchens

• NewloungefurnitureintheMarnieYeatesRoom

• ReplacingchairsinBlock5, 6 & 7 Common Rooms

• Establishing2xGreenhousesatthebackofBlock4

• NewshelvinginLaundries

Did you win a scholarship or prize when you lived at Mary White? We’d love to see some photos and hear your story!

L to R: Michael Kirk, Hon. John Watkins, Mick Alldis.

L to R: Nathan Eagar, Rachel Brown, Emma Murphy, Dylan Mansfield and Kayla Clanchy - Leadership Team 2014.

L to R: David Mailler, Claire Mailler, Dr Bob Smillie, Professor Annabelle Duncan, Methuen Morgan, Ingrid Morgan.

2

Congratulations

A number of Awards and Scholarships were presented at the recent 51st Chancellor’s Dinner and we congratulate all those individuals whose hard work and dedication to their studies have resulted in an outstanding achievement.

Distinction Awards (GPA of 6 or above with a full time study load in 2013)Katherine Lynch; Kerrod Gulliver; Karolina Gregory; Stephanie Whittingham; Nathan Taylor; Shane Snowden; Helen Bagnell; Bronte Pennefather; Victoria Atwell; Geena Bennett; Kimberly Harris; Reece Dalais; Kayla Clanchy; Alexandra Schlimmer; Bryce Clarke.

Top 5 GPAs in 2013Victoria Atwell; Geena Bennett; Kimberly Harris; Reece Dalais; Kayla Clanchy; Alexandra Schlimmer; Bryce Clarke.

Dux of the College (GPA – 6.78)Bryce Clarke

Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Education Kellie-Anne Bradbery

Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Rural Medicine James Rodway

Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in Business or LawKayla Clanchy

Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence in ScienceAlexandra Schlimmer

Senior Common Room Scholarship Stephanie Whittingham

P.A Wright PrizeKarolina Gregory

Clan Davidson PrizeNathan Eagar

Towards Human UnderstandingEstablished 1957 3

Merchandise (price inclusive of P & H)

If you haven’t already purchased a MWC scarf or silk tie here is your opportunity. These items are popular with residents, both past and present and can be ordered in two simple steps (see below). Proceeds from all sales help enhance student amenities at Mary White College.

How to order merchandise

Two steps to purchase merchandise:

1. Transfer total amount of your order to the JCR Account. Please ensure you add BSB: 06 25 01 Acc No: 1047 0689 Acc Name: Society Cheque Acct Reference: Your full name

2. Email your order, receipt number and postal address to malldis@une.edu.au

MWC acrylic embroidered scarves - $30 (one side features logo and name; other

side has our motto ‘Ad Humanitatem’ 1.5m length)

MWC silk ties - $30

L to R: Hannah Elliott, Eliza Metz, Kaitlin Mackay.

L to R: Kayla Clanchy, Joe Dewdney, Dylan Mansfield.

L to R: Dr Adam Rock, Mick Alldis.

Student profile

Fizza Mitter’s Story Mary White College is made up of some very interesting & gifted

students. In this edition we talk to Ms Fizza Mitter, one of our

most recent and youngest students in the Joint Medical Program.

At the tender age of 16, Fizza already has a wealth of experience as

a Bollywood dance instructor for kids and Yoga centre assistance

in Brisbane. She is also an accomplished public speaker and loves

being involved in theatre productions.

What made you choose Mary White College?Choosing what college to live in was an extremely important

decision for me, as it would be my first time living out of home

and in a town I really didn’t know. I wanted somewhere where I

could feel comfortable and at ease but also be challenged to do my

best in all my endeavours. MWC stood out due to its emphasis on

community and friendship along with providing residents with a

plethora of extra-curricular opportunities in sports, community

service and the arts. I knew that entering a degree like medicine, would be challenging, and thus I wanted to be in a College which provided

strong academic support for students and thus MWC seemed to be the best place to begin my UNE journey.

How difficult is it being the youngest person in college?When I first moved here, one of my biggest concerns that I wouldn’t fit in or feel isolated due to my age. Mary White offers lots of activities

and social events that are appropriate for me, so I don’t feel like I am missing out at all. I think the fact that everyone in Mary White is so

accepting and helpful has made me feel at ease about only being sixteen years old.

What were some of your concerns about moving to Armidale and UNE?My main concern was saying goodbye to family and friends in Brisbane. The longest I had ever been away from my family was five weeks and I worried about whether I would be able to make friends at University. Another of my apprehensions was that I would not be able to continue some of my hobbies such as acting and public speaking when I came to college. It is safe to say, however, that MWC provides an excellent support system for newcomers. After the first week of living in College I realised my concerns were clearly unfounded.

What have you enjoyed most about living on campus here at MWC so far?My favourite aspect of living at MWC would have to be that I can focus on my studies and utilise the great academic support provided by MWC. At the same time there are plenty of opportunities for participating in co-curricular and social activities. Living in MWC is unique once in a lifetime experience where I am being encouraged realise my full potential.

We wish Fizza well as she tackles the JMP at UNE this year and welcome her to the Mary White family!

Towards Human UnderstandingEstablished 19574

T: 02 6773 1000E: mwc@une.edu.auW: une.edu.au/mary-white

We’d love to hear from you!

Do you have a great story from your time here? A reunion of friends planned? A terrific idea you have to tell us? Please feel free to contact us.

Contacting the College