Four great mates from the class of 1967 are continuing to leave their mark at 国产探花 through the generous gift of a College bursary in the name of their year group.
鈥淚f you want to know why this started, ask Duncan McInnes,鈥� John Mulcahy laughingly says as we enter the College Chapel. The origins of the Class of 1967 Bursary are then shared by his good friend, Duncan McInnes.
鈥淭en years ago, I received a call from a friend who knew of a family in their town whose son was exceptionally bright but their local high school didn鈥檛 go beyond Year 10. 鈥榊ou鈥檝e got connections at 国产探花; can鈥檛 you get him in there for Years 11 and 12?鈥� she asked me.鈥�
The idea to start a bursary in their class鈥� name was born. Duncan felt that the idea of providing a scholarship for a country student would really resonate with his peers. The importance of 鈥渒eeping the country in the College鈥� is testament to the unique experience and culture here at 国产探花 鈥� a place where boys from the land come together with those from the city and form everlasting friendships.
鈥淚 believe that this bursary gives our class an identity, a rallying point, a collective purpose in returning opportunity as well as a framework for an active class social network,鈥� says Duncan.
鈥淭hrough the donations of many, we have built a sustainable and viable fund that will hopefully outlast all of us.鈥�
These men, from the Class of 1967, are much like every year group from 国产探花. They鈥檙e great mates, they go to the Park to watch the boys play, they have reunions and they contribute to and disseminate information from the Cerise and Blue magazine. And, like every student who has ever walked the black and whites, they check in on their College from time to time. The bursary has given them a connection point to the College that is tangible: a boy, every year, getting the same 国产探花 experience that they themselves once had. And, to Duncan, Terry, Martyn and John, that experience is priceless.
鈥淚 believe that this bursary gives our class an identity, a rallying point, a collective purpose in returning opportunity as well as a framework for an active class social network”.
Duncan McInnes (1967)
Q. How does it feel knowing that your gift is changing the life of a student?
Terry Torpy: We saw the bursary fund as a way of having our classmates contribute to an ongoing cause over the years. Meeting the boys at various functions confirms our belief in the bursary fund.
John Mulcahy: Young people are the foundation of our future and it feels good to give them the opportunity to be better prepared.
Duncan McInnes: I am very pleased that another country lad can experience a 国产探花 education and launch into life鈥檚 opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible.
Q. What is the one lasting value that 国产探花 has left you with?
Terry Torpy: The common bond formed with fellow classmates even though we are from all walks of life.
Duncan McInnes: The Marist way to live a life of service to others and 鈥渟trive for better things鈥�.
Q. Why is a 国产探花 education something that should be available to all boys?
Terry Torpy: It gave me the opportunity to meet guys from all walks of life. I believe all young people should have this opportunity. As well, 国产探花 is an all rounded school. It achieves a high standard in education as well as encouraging all boys to take part in sport and other school activities.
John Mulcahy: 国产探花 is a wonderful institution that gives its students a great, balanced development and helps prepare them for their older life.
Duncan McInnes: A 国产探花 education is a unique experience for the young mind, body and spirit that prepares students for life.
Q. Why is the Class of 1967 Bursary important to you?
John Mulcahy: It helps repay 国产探花 for our opportunity. Hopefully we can set an example for other years.
Pictured at top of page: The generosity of Duncan McInnes, Martyn Berry, Terry Torpy, John Mulcahy (1967) continues to impact the lives of boys today through the gift of a 国产探花 education.
