5 Minutes with a Benefactor: Rev Dr Russell McKinnon

REV DR RUSSELL MCKINNON IS A FORMER COUNCILLOR OF ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE AND NOW A RETIRED ABC RADIO/TV PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR, SENIOR LECTURER ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES, MINISTER EMERITUS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA. HE AND HIS WIFE, LAURA, HAVE SUPPORTED THE NEW THYNE REID LINK BUILDING BY MAKING A GIFT IN 2020 TO JOINTLY FUND ONE OF THE NEW BEDROOMS. WE SPOKE TO RUSSELL IN NOVEMBER 2021 ABOUT WHY HE AND LAURA CHOSE TO MAKE THIS GIFT TO THE COLLEGE.

You have a long connection with the College, Russell! You graduated from the United Faculty of Theology at St Andrew’s in 1962, and returned to serve on Council for 13 years. What motivates you to keep in touch with the College after all this time?

My interest in the College goes back 60 years to three years spent at Harper House, then centre for the United Faculty of Theology (Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational). Most weekday mornings were spent in lectures with occasional visits up to the Reading Room for services lead by the Principal, Rev Alan Dougan. He along with the old buildings inspired me to appreciate the ambience of a University College. Having now visited many in Australia and overseas I think St Andrew’s is up there with the best ranked in the world. So it gives me a warm feeling to reflect on all those academic experiences by continuing my interest in and limited involvement with the expansion of a great college.

You were on the College Council during the introduction of women to St Andrew’s. As we celebrate 20 years of undergraduate women at College in 2022, could you tell us more about this time, and what the challenges were?

To be economically viable at that time the College badly needed more enrolments and opening up the college to females seemed a possible solution to the difficulties at hand. In addition we thought that a balanced gender student body would also address behavioural problems, of which there had been quite a history, and assist in developing an environment that was more in tune with reality. Notwithstanding not all councillors were in agreement with this thinking and there was considerable opposition from various quarters making life on Council unpleasant at times. But as you know eventually the majority decision won the day.

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

Without doubt the provision of a caring, stimulating and motivating learning environment for university students in a place where lifelong supportive and influential friendships can be developed.

Do you have any words of advice for current students?

Carpe Diem. Be selectively involved in activities that suit you and make the most of your time in college. It’s very precious and it’ll soon pass. My family’s motto is “Fortune Assists the Daring”. I’ve tried to live with that idea and because I’ve addressed the challenges when they’ve arrived, I’ve experienced much from life. Procrastination can be fatal.

In 2021, you gave a significant gift to fund a bedroom in the new Thyne Reid Link building, now named The Celtic Room. Why did you choose to this area to support, and what inspires you to give to St Andrew’s?

Wanting to support the expansion of an organisation I know makes a great difference in the lives of those who can in turn contribute significantly to society. Hopefully it’s a gift that keeps on giving and it also helps to be tax deductible, as is this.

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

Think about why you’ve been successful and the generosity of others that have enabled you to achieve your success. Examine your own giving and share some of your wealth to benefit others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

May The Lord make his face shine on this College, be gracious to it, and bless all who live in it.

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