5 Minutes with a Benefactor: Stuart Niven

STUART NIVEN (FR 1984) HAS REMAINED INVOLVED WITH THE COLLEGE THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE: HE HAS BEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI SOCIETY, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL (TWICE), A MEMBER OF THE FOUNDATION BOM, AND CURRENTLY CHAIRS THE MAJOR WORKS COMMITTEE. HE REGULARLY DONATES TO THE ANNUAL GIVING APPEAL AND HAS ALSO INDICATED HE WILL BE LEAVING A BEQUEST TO THE COLLEGE.

What made you choose to live at St Andrew’s rather than anywhere else at the time?

Simply put, the (then) Bird, Dr Hugh Cairns. He was a charming and interesting man who managed to make me, and many others feel welcome, and I give thanks every day that he saved me from going to St Paul’s.

What is the best thing you remember about your time at College as a student?

Times spent at the card table, and on the front steps. There were always interesting and funny people to talk to, from a wide range of faculties and backgrounds.

College was quite different when you were a student. What are the main changes that stand out to you today?

Obviously, co-residence is a huge change. On the flip side, I think we had more government school students back in the 1980s and that mix was fabulous. However, speaking to current students, I don’t actually think College is that different, it is still a place of great fun and fellowship.

You have a long connection with the College, Stuart! You were President of the Alumni Society from 2001 – 2007 and recently returned to the St Andrew’s College Council, having previously held a position from 2007 – 2016. You have also sat on the Foundation Board of Management. What motivates you to keep up your connection with St Andrew’s?

I had a fantastic time whilst I was at St Andrew’s, and I am very grateful for that (thanks again Hugh). I think St Andrew’s is very different from the other Colleges and that needs to be protected and improved upon. I want the current students to have at least as much fun as we did in the mid1980s.

You studied a Bachelor of Arts at university, and then a Diploma of Law. What made you decide to pursue a career in law?

I would like to say something noble, but the truth is - nepotism. My father was a lawyer, and I could think of nothing else. I always knew I could get a job with him.

Do you have any advice for students looking to work in law?

Regional and suburban legal practices have an unfair reputation, but in my view, you will get far more satisfaction from helping a little old lady with her legal issues that you will ever get from helping a multinational corporation.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that the College does?

I think the fact that at St Andrew’s we have real student based leadership is very important. The chance for every student to get involved, serve on a subcommittee and learn from their mistakes in a safe and supportive place is unmatched.

What contribution or achievement in relation to the College are you most proud of?

Being on the Major Works Committee of the College Council when the Harper Masterplan was formulated and approved

Stuart (far right) with Steve Higgs and John Sergeant at the 2020 1867 Circle Lunch

by Sydney Council. The Thyne Reid Link building is a result of that Masterplan and hopefully other improvements to come.

How did College help shape your future?

It gave me great times and friends for life.

Do you have any words of advice for current students?

Get involved and have fun. You will spend the rest of your life reminiscing about your time in College so make sure those memories are great ones.

You have donated to the scholarship and capital works funds consistently for nearly twenty years. Thank you! Why do you choose to give to St Andrew’s?

I received a scholarship from the Alumni Society when I was in College. It allowed me to stay in College for my fourth year when I served as Honorary Secretary of the Students’ Club. I am very thankful for that and believe that if you receive you should also give back.

You are a member of the 1867 Circle and have indicated that you are leaving a bequest to the College. Could you share why you chose to do this, and why you think bequests are important?

It is an easy way to leave a meaningful gift for the College. One of the major issues facing the College is access for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The only way this can be done is by increasing the College’s endowment. College should never be only available to the children of the wealthy.

As a supporter of the College, an alumnus and a philanthropist, what advice would you give to others considering making a gift or leaving a bequest?

Every gift or bequest matters, no matter how small. Speak to Hannah Atwell and the Advancement team. There are many ways to make a gift and many causes to be supported.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Elvis won the race. Sorry only people in College in 1984 will understand that one.

The Advancement Office would like to thank Stuart for taking the time to share his story with us.