St Andrew’s was founded over 150 years ago through a visionary act of faith, philanthropy and commitment to educating young Australians from all walks of life. Many alumni, parents and friends of our College have left bequests over the years, and these legacies have made it possible to stay true to this commitment today.
By leaving a gift in your Will to St Andrew’s after you have taken care of your family and loved ones, you will help strengthen St Andrew’s College and support our students in their endeavours to succeed in their studies and in all aspects of their lives.
Your gift will directly support future generations of students through scholarships, improved facilities, and educational, sporting, and cultural opportunities and ensure that they continue to receive a life-changing learning and living experience.
We invite you to share our vision of creating a lasting impact on the lives of future Androvians and join us in building your enduring legacy at St Andrew’s.
Dr Robert Leach Principal
A BEQUEST IS A LASTING TRIBUTE
BEQUESTS ALLOW US TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE IN CONFIDENCE AND MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS WE CAN GIVE TO OUR STUDENTS.
Many of our significant gifts have come from legacies, and your bequest can help support many areas of St Andrew’s College. Gifts have enabled the College to achieve outstanding success in the past, and will continue to create incredible opportunities in the future.
Every bequest will directly contribute to St Andrew’s College and its students. It will be allocated at the discretion of the College to where it is needed most at the time of receipt, unless you have a particular passion or interest that you would like your bequest directed towards.
Primarily, these areas will be:
• Scholarship Funds to enable more students to access our community.
• Capital Works Funds to enhance and expand student experience and facilities.
Anyone can make a bequest, no matter the amount. All gifts will have the College’s and its student’s recognition and lasting gratitude.
“I recieved a scholarship during my time at College, and I am happy to be able to leave the College a bequest in my Will so that future students can live at a great institution such as St Andrew’s College and enjoy the same, if not better experiences than me.”
Stuart Niven (Fr 1984) 1867 Circle Member
WAYS TO GIVE
BEQUESTS CAN BE MADE IN A VARIETY OF WAYS WHICH REFLECT YOUR WISHES.
• A Residual Bequest
The remaining value of your estate, after providing for all your beneficiaries (family and friends) and other special requests.
• A Proportional Bequest
A specified percentage of the value of your total estate.
• A Pecuniary Bequest
A specific amount indexed to the CPI to allow for inflation.
• A Specific Bequest
A gift of assets such as real estate, shares, artworks, instruments, antiques etc.
If you would like to leave a bequest, please do contact us so we become aware of your consideration and give you all the information you require to help make the right decision for you.
We always recommend you seek qualified legal advice to assist you in preparing your Will. We do not need a copy of your Will, we simply record your details and indication.
To include the bequest, you can add in when writing your Will or add a clause (codicil) to your existing Will. Subject to any legal advice you might seek, the text might be drafted in the following forms:
I give and bequeth to St Andrew’s College Foundation Limited (ABN 19 476 846 301) of 19 Carillon Avenue, Newtown, NSW, 2042 -
• The whole of my estate
• The residue of my estate, or
• X% of the residue of my estate, or
• The sum of $..... which sum I direct will be increased by the Consumer Price Index (All Groups) for all capital cities as published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics from the date of this Will to the date of my death, or for the benefit of St Andrew’s College Foundation Limited and I direct that the receipt of the Honorary Secretary to the Foundation or of the Bursar of St Andrew’s College shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor(s).”
A GIFT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
IN 2008, DON JAMIESON (FR 1954) CHOSE TO LEAVE A BEQUEST IN HIS WILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPORTING THE DON JAMIESON SCHOLARSHIP.
Two years later, in 2010, Don generously decided to endow the Scholarship in his lifetime. The Don Jamieson Scholarship is awarded to a student from rural or regional Australia who is studying in the Faculty of Engineering or the Faculty of Science, and has a demonstrated need for financial assistance.
A scholarship recipient himself, Don says he could not have lived in Sydney and study at University without financial assistance, stating that, “Without the College math tutorials I could never have graduated in Engineering, and have such an interesting life.”
Don’s journey of giving started with annual contributions to the Rural & Regional Scholarship Fund, before he decided to make it more permanent by way of a bequest.
“I had a better idea. It would be more satisfying to actually know and talk with the students who came to
Andrew’s with my help. So I simply brought the bequest forward from my death to my life, and what a terrific experience it has been.”
“A little bit of me feels young again when I speak with the current Jamieson scholars. They are smart, mature and fun. I get excited about their successes and career.”
“You may like the idea of giving to build the College structure or to help the students on their way. Whichever, it is a lot more satisfying to do it while you are still here to see the walls go up, or here to talk to the scholars and see their progress.”
Since its introduction, the Don Jamieson scholarship has supported four students, and will continue to support students for years to come.
“Thank you for your continual support over the past four years. This scholarship has allowed me to enjoy Andrew’s to the fullest, and meet some incredible people on the way.”
Vail
“Philanthropy is a cumbersome word but it is simply giving back.
When I got to that place where my family were all secure, and I had something left over, it was easy for me to choose where to give something back.
My life was without doubt formed during my years at Andrew’s.”
Don Jamieson (Fr 1954) 1867 Circle Member
Sam
(Fr 2017)
Don Jamieson Scholarship Recipient
Don Jamieson, pictured right, at a College event with scholarship recipient, Sam Vail.
AN ENDURING LEGACY
THE GENEROSITY OF MRS JANET COUTTS CONTINUES TO HAVE AN ENORMOUS IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF STUDENTS, MORE THAN A CENTURY AFTER HER BEQUEST TO ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE.
Since 1914, the Janet Coutts Scholarship has provided financial assistance to over 500 deserving students. Her gift, which would equate to approximately $2 million today, firmly set the College on its present trajectory of being able to offer substantial levels of scholarship and bursary support.
Born in Scotland in 1821, Janet Grant left her Aberdonian farming community when she was twenty and set sail onboard the Spartan, bound for Australia. Within a year of her arrival, Janet had married John Coutts, a successful Scottish-Australian grazier whom she had met on the Spartan. By 1879 Janet Coutts had outlived her husband and four children.
She was a wealthy, feisty and well-connected woman who spent the rest of a long life travelling the world, visiting relatives and friends. Like her brother-in-law, James Coutts, Janet supported the University of Sydney and endowed awards for students at the University, Women’s College and St Andrew’s.
Her generosity towards St Andrew’s all those years ago continues to give deserving students the opportunity to thrive. Students like Harriet Lotz (pictured right), the 2023 recipient of the Janet Coutts Scholarship,
Harriet grew up in Gundagai in rural New South Wales, as the youngest of five siblings. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Notre Dame, Harriet
emphasises that without financial assistance she would struggle to afford College.
“I was unbelievaby happy when I opened the email from the St Andrew’s College Registrar, informing me I had received the Janet Coutts Scholarship. It meant that I could come here and not trouble my family financially.
“I have made great new lifelong friends and I understand why Drew’s is the “top pick” for Sydney colleges amongst high school leavers – there is such an amazing culture, so many things to do, and everyone is so kind and supportive. I am so proud to be a part of this community.”
Portrait of Janet Coutts by Paul Newton, 2016.
ON GIVING BACK
CLIFFORD BLAKE AO CAME TO ST ANDREW’S IN 1962 AS A RESIDENTIAL TUTOR AND WAS LATER APPOINTED AS THE
SENIOR TUTOR AND THE WILSON FELLOW, REMAINING WITH THE COLLEGE UNTIL 1972. HE HAS LEFT A BEQUEST TO THE COLLEGE TO ESTABLISH TWO RURAL & REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS.
Graduating from The University of Sydney with the University Medal in Agriculture in 1958, he also studied at Rothamsted Experimental Station in England, earning his PhD from the University of London. Clifford then went on to travel to the USA on the Rockefeller Travelling Fellowship, before returning to the University of Sydney as a lecturer in plant pathology.
In 1988 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to tertiary education. Clifford later went on become the first Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University from 1990 through to 2001.
Clifford is an Honorary Fellow and a member of the 1867 Circle, and shares why he chose to leave a bequest to St Andrew’s College.
“I wanted to establish two scholarships, the first for a student directly from high school, and the second for a student who has already had a year at university, and is then awarded based on performance. Both have the requirement of a student who does their HSC in non-metropolitan NSW, and at least 100km from Sydney.”
“I want to take someone like myself who went to a small high school where they may not have the full exposure to a range of HSC courses, and give them the opportunity to come to the University of Sydney. I want them to have the experiences that go with St Andrew’s College, the exposure to diversity, and options to incorporate extra-curricular activities.”
“I want to repay some of the money that the University and College paid me, as a fellow and a tutor. I want to repay all of that.”
Clifford Blake, pictured left, with Past Principal Wayne Erickson, enjoying a tour of College grounds.
Clifford Blake AO 1867 Circle Member
AN INVESTMENT IN OUR STUDENTS’ FUTURES
ESTABLISHED IN MEMORY OF NICK CARSON (FR 1959) WITH A BEQUEST, THE INAUGURAL NICK CARSON PRIZE IN LAW WAS AWARDED IN 2018.
Nicholas Roderick Carson (1942-2016) was a skilled litigator in Sydney, whose practice included medical negligence and disciplinary procedures, insurance policy disputes, construction disputes, trade practices and general commercial litigation. Considered by many to be one of the leading commercial litigators in the country, in the early 1960’s he represented a client at the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, a highly coveted role at the time.
At the age of 26, Nick became a partner of then Dawson Waldron, now Ashurst. The Ashurst Sydney Offices are home to The Carson Room, named to honour and reflect Nick’s contributions to the firm over his 34 years as partner. Prominent in senior legal circles and respected by the bench and senior members of the Bar, Nick hosted an annual ‘Judges Lunch’ at the Australian Club up until the year of his passing. He also served on the Council of the Law Society of New South Wales from 1981–1984 and was a member of the International Association of Insurance Council.
During his years at College Nick participated in DRAMSOC. After College, he continued to support St Andrew’s as a Foundation Governor and Director of the Foundation Board
of Management from 2009-2013. His father, Bryan Carson, and son, Simon Carson also attended St Andrew’s College.
When Nick established the Nick Carson Prize in Law, he directed that it be awarded to a resident who is studying at the Sydney Law School and who has maintained a distinction average throughout their degree.
A recipient of the prize, Jasper Gotterson (pictured right) reflected on the importance of receiving financial support and what the Nick Carson Prize in Law means for him:
“I was unable to stay a third year without financial support. In light of this, the support has been so important to me and I am very grateful. Scholarships provide two equally valuable things. Firstly, they provide individuals an opportunity to access college who would otherwise be financially unable to do so. Secondly, they provide an incentive to reward and encourage positive behaviour and achievements from students.”
The Nick Carson Prize in Law has been established in perpetuity, ensuring a lasting legacy and investment in the future of St Andrew’s students.
“The Nick Carson Prize in Law is an accolade that brings me both honour and inspiration.
One day I hope to offer the same kindness to a future Andrew’s student.”
Jasper Gotterson (Fr 2018)
Nick Carson Prize in Law Recipient
“This scholarship has been lifechanging, and I recognise the responsibility that comes with it.
I aspire to pay it forward one day by assisting a student in a similar
MRS ROBIN STEVENSON ESTABLISHED THE ‘WRD STEVENSON SCHOLARSHIP’ IN 2000, IN HONOUR OF HER LATE HUSBAND, WILLIAM ROBERT DILL STEVENSON OBE (FR 1932). HER INTENTION WAS SIMPLE: TO HELP INSPIRE AND SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF LAWYERS.
William, who was known as Bob both during and after his time at St Andrew’s, came to College on the ‘Knox Grammar Scholarship’. This scholarship, established in 1926, provided its recipients with between £40 to £60 and was awarded based on merit. Without this scholarship, Bob would not have been able to attend the College. He later went on to become a distinguished Australian war veteran of WWII and president of the Law Society of NSW.
Bob was only able to attend St Andrew’s for one year, but it was a monumental year of his life. The Honorable Judge Paul Brereton, the nephew of Mr and Mrs Stevenson, has recalled with fondness the way his uncle would reminisce about his time in College and the lifelong friendships he forged during his stay. Bob’s story is similar to so many St Andrew’s alumni, those who were given the gift of financial relief, only to find that the real prize was in the form of a community and a supported future at university and beyond.
Today, more than 20 years after the establishment of the WRD Stevenson Scholarship, many St Andrew’s students have passed through the College, benefiting from the same opportunities as Bob.
Grace Mudge (pictured left), a recent graduate and former College resident, reflected on how receiving the WRD Stevenson Scholarship enabled her to complete a Bachelor of Commerce/Law at the University of Sydney:
“The impact of this financial assistance on my life has been profound and multifaceted. Firstly, it has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my academic goals. Access to this support has enabled me to focus on my studies without the added burden of worrying about tuition fees, textbooks, or other educational expenses. As a result, I’ve been able to dedicate myself fully to my coursework and make significant progress in my academic pursuits.
“This scholarship has been life-changing, and I recognise the responsibility that comes with it. I aspire to pay it forward one day by assisting a student in a similar situation.”
The WRD Stevenson Scholarship continues every year to provide high-quality law students with the opportunity to maximize their experience at university and give them every opportunity to be the best students and people that they can be.
BUILT FROM A BEQUEST
COLLEGE
MEANT A GREAT DEAL TO JOHN NUGENT HANKS (FR 1943), WHO LEFT A BEQUEST TO ST ANDREW’S THAT ALLOWED FOR THE NEW HANKS BUILDING TO BE REALISED, PROVIDING SPACES FOR 35 MORE STUDENTS.
John Nugent Hanks was born in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, on 7 February 1926. John’s early years are poorly documented, but by 1941 he was a boarder at The Scots College in Sydney, and was a keen sportsman, playing cricket, rugby, basketball and table tennis.
By 1942, John’s mother, Hilda, was living alone and relying on Church accommodation. The Hanks family were Presbyterians, and Hilda approached the then-Principal of St Andrew’s College, Dr Cumming Thom, about the possibility of John coming to College in 1943. Dr Thom was sympathetic, and he made a firm promise that a scholarship would be available to assist Hilda with paying the fees.
When John left Scots, he initially went to Newcastle and began work as a trainee in the BHP iron-works, where he found his work ‘most uninteresting and mechanical’. He contemplated entering the local Technical College, but ultimately enrolled in the University of Sydney Faculty of Science at the beginning of 1943, and shortly after was admitted to St Andrew’s College.
Dr Thom kept his promise to Hilda, and John was awarded a Coutts Scholarship, worth ₤35 (around $2,600 today). Hanks started out well in the Bachelor of Science course and obtained a High Distinction in Chemistry in first year, graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science.
John enjoyed all aspects of College life, made life-long friends, and represented the College in both football and cricket. In his final year, he turned to chess, and lead St Andrew’s to victory in the InterCollegiate Chess competition in 1945.
His passion for chess saw him become an Australian Master, and he was the runner-up in the Australian championship of 1949, and represented Australia at the 1964 chess Olympiad in Cuba.
College meant a great deal to John, and in 1946 he was granted a life membership to the College. In 1993 he was invited to dine at the High Table with the then-Senior Fellow Professor Ian Jack, and Commander Roger Shellard, the then-Manager and Secretary to Council. Afterwards, John wrote to Roger to say “that evening at High Table had represented a major item in my long-standing relationship with Andrew’s; and it gave me a glow of pleasure.”
John Hanks passed away at the age of 83 on 26 May 2009, leaving one half of his estate to St Andrew’s. The substantial donation of over $2.3 million resulted in the new Hanks Building, which was unveiled on 29 November 2013. John’s legacy to St Andrew’s College has meant more access for students, creating 35 more bedrooms for young men and women to call College home.
John Nugent Hanks (Fr 1943), pictured in 1944 at St Andrew’s College.
BECOME AN 1867 CIRCLE MEMBER
A BEQUEST IS A MOST PERSONAL FORM OF GIVING, AND A GIFT IN YOUR WILL TO ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE OFFERS YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A LASTING LEGACY. WE INVITE THOSE WHO LEAVE A BEQUEST TO THE COLLEGE TO JOIN THE 1867 CIRCLE CLUB AND MEET OTHER LIKE-MINDED MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
The 1867 Circle (previously the Dick Spann Circle) was established to celebrate and acknowledge those alumni, parents and friends of the College who bequeath a part of their estate to further the aims and objectives of the College in our development of present and future students.
Our 1867 Circle Members are invited to special events throughout the year, including the 1867 Circle Lunch (pictured); an exclusive annual event where attendees hear from guest speakers, are updated on the
College’s accomplishments and future plans, and entertained with musical performances from some of our talented students. It is a wonderful way to stay in touch with the College whilst also connecting with like-minded St Andrew’s alumni and friends.
Those who leave a bequest to the College are automatically eligible to join the 1867 Circle in recognition of your support. We value your commitment to St Andrew’s College, and want the opportunity to thank you in person for being a part of our future.
“I think that the scholarships at Andrew’s allow for a rich and vibrant student community, with strong representation from all around the country, attracting people with a wide range of skills and interests. Scholarships are undoubtedly central to the broader success of the college, and I am grateful for the wealth of opportunities and experiences I have received.”
Xander Hoskinson (Fr 2018)
Stephen Salsbury Scholarship Recipient (Established in 1998 from the Estate of an eminent Professor at the University of Sydney)
BEQUEST REGISTRATION OR ENQUIRY FORM
The details of your Will are naturally a private matter and we understand that you may prefer to keep your intentions to yourself. However, if you wish, you can use this form to let us know whether you propose to leave a bequest to the St Andrew’s College Foundation.
Returning the form does not commit you in any way at all. It simply includes us in your current plans and enables us to respond appropriately. Your reply will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
⃝ I have included a bequest to the St Andrew’s College Foundation in my Will
⃝ At present, I am intending to include a bequest to the St Andrew’s College Foundation in my Will
⃝ I am considering leaving a bequest to the St Andrew’s College Foundation in my Will
⃝ I would like to discuss my intentions or plans with the Foundation or Advancement Team
Which area or project have you indicated/considering gifting your support to? (You may answer at your discretion)
⃝ Scholarships
⃝ Capital Works
⃝ Other (please specify) ________________________________________
If you would like to indicate the approximate value of your intended bequest, please use the space below (this will remain confidential and is a non binding contract)
Please return this form to:
St Andrew’s College Foundation, via the Advancement Office, 19 Carillon Avenue, NEWTOWN NSW 2042 or via email to advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au
