5 Minutes with a Highlander: Stephen Burns

STEPHEN BURNS (FR 1981) JOINED THE HIGHLANDER CLUB IN 2019, CHOOSING TO GIVE GENEROUSLY TO THE GENERAL FUND. HE ALSO HAD THE IDEA FOR THE FIRST HIGHLANDER CLUB EVENT - A SCOTTISH THEMED WHISKY TASTING NIGHT. STEPHEN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE ANDREW’S COMMUNITY AND THE LONG-LASTING CONNECTIONS HE HAS MADE BY BEING PART OF IT.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself in 100 words or less?

Born in London then moved to Australia as a six year old and lived in Sydney and on property out of Moree. For most of the time I was at boarding school. Attended Andrew’s back before dinosaurs roamed the earth, studying economics. I became an equities research analyst and ended up specialising in property. This led to an Investment banking career as a real estate specialist with global banks, incredible clients and the best team you could dream of. Now I am part of a boutique advisory group called Stanton Road Partners as a Managing Director, plus investing on my own behalf and as a Director of GDI Property Group.

How did you decide upon going to St Andrew’s College in the first place?

Attending St Andrew’s happened by pure chance. I was confused after spending a few hours at the Great Hall filling out admission forms to pursue an economics degree. So I walked out onto the green lawns to be greeted by this big rugby meathead telling me I should play Sydney University Colts. Even more confused I then bumped into a friend from school who said come and have a look at St Andrew’s College. Then as I was being given an ad-hoc tour I was offered the chance to meet the Principal, Bird Cairns. During the conversation it was as though I was transported to this incredible world of opportunity - a college run by the students, where you will meet and make friends with a varied bunch of students, study, play footy, row and join in.

The meathead rugby player turned out to be at College studying medicine, with one of the highest HSC marks for his year. His name was Bruce Lee.

Dr Hugh Cairns married my wife Susan (ex Women’s College) and I many years later.

I now have two sons attending College (Chester & Charlie) for which I am immensely grateful.

What is your favourite memory of College from your student days?

I liken my time at University to being part of an “oasis in the city” and my time at College as the foundation stone for everlasting friendships.

It’s best described as a collage of memories: The spaceship and my room mate Mick Bentley, Brew Group’s, Intellectual sub committee meetings, impromptu card games in the common room, late night buffet snacks, calling the cellarman to the cellar, Informals, formals, tip footy on the oval, Rawson Cup dinners, the ode to haggis, all night assignments, bowl runs, garden partys, chunder markers, drinks at the Prince, camaraderie, being part of winning Rawson Cup teams, singing the Andrew’s song, meeting people from other colleges and university, silly pranks, sense of history, College Dining room and chapel, variety of personalities (Watto, Sparksy, George Russ) and corridor conversations, fabulous staff including Patsy, Cess and Gloria, wonderful senior students (DG) and listening to speeches by the one and only Bird Cairns.

One of the best memories is beating Paul’s in the Rugby to bring home the Rawson Cup in 1983. I’ll never forget Brenden Miller looking down at the Andrew’s lion on his chest and crying.

Importantly, I am still in regular contact with the many students that formed these memories. It was the 1981 fresher year and we are really hoping our 40-year reunion can go ahead this year after being delayed due to COVID-19.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

By becoming a fat banker, I broke three generations of Dentists on my father’s side of the family. Skiing has nearly caused my downfall a few times. Once by helicopter crash and another time through a pulmonary embolism following a skiing accident.

I also rowed in a world masters together in a crew that included Lionel Mc Fadyen from my fresher year.

What inspired you to give to the General Scholarships Fund?

I guess I like to think that I can live vicariously through the College life experience that a student may gain. The College has been good at dealing with change for the better on many fronts and this should be reinforced and encouraged. Some fresher from our year called Nick Farr Jones taught me all about the true act of giving and charity.

I am in awe of the calibre of students that attend the College.

Wayne Erickson has been an outstanding and inspirational Principal and he has been an amazing leader through challenging times. It’s largely through his initiatives to broaden and diversify the student intake that has lead to our family’s contribution.

What inspired you to join the Highlander Club?

Niall Cairns asked me. He’s a canny Scot and has a career in venture capital. Plus we went to College and school together and I trust him implicitly. He is strong enough to navigate any conflicts that may arise and keep the true objective in sight. That’s why I can allocate to a General Fund and be sure I’m making a difference.

What do you like most about a being a Highlander Club Member?

I love the whisky nights and terrific scarves as well as the access to College and staff in small gatherings. The way the contribution is structured enables a robust way to plan new ways to provide support to students for their skills and point of difference. Of course you can suggest new scholarships to help the direction on funding.

What would you say to someone considering supporting the College and joining the Highlander Club?

Unlike school there’s not as many opportunities to engage with College, so the Highlander Club provides an opportunity to get together. It’s also a great blend of the old and the new, including some amazing contributors such as the Reid family.

You can really feel the energy of the College through the Highlander Club events and initiatives. No doubt there are some exciting events to pursue once we break free.

The Advancement Office would like to thank Stephen for sharing his story with us.