The newsletter of Whitley College
Semester 1, 2014
Rev Dr Frank Rees COVER: Ryan Jones, who is studying the Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne and living at Whitley College
WHITLEY COLLEGE LIFE Semester 1, 2014 Editor: Justin Sung Il Park, Community Relations Manager Photography: Photos in this edition taken by College Staff and student photographers If you have any news or submissions for future issues, please send them to: jpark@whitley.unimelb.edu.au Whitley College 271 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3052 T: 03 9340 8000
www.whitley.unimelb.edu.au
On Monday mornings at College the staff gather in the Chapel for prayers and then we have morning tea together. In these times we can catch up on the weekend’s activities, share matters of concern or celebration and, at this time of the year, some of us talk about the football. These times together are vital expressions of our life as a College team. In our prayers, we are able to express our concerns about matters in our own situation, as well as praying for the churches and for the world at large. We say at the beginning that we do not gather to be separate from our work, but to acknowledge that God is present in all we do. This idea is vital to our whole life as a College. In an important sense, everything that you see displayed in Whitley College Life is undergirded by our commitment to see all of life in the light of God’s presence. At the heart of our Monday Prayers, we offer a specific prayer for the College. The words of that prayer are as follows: God of truth and hope We ask you to bless all for whom we pray this day. We ask you to bless our College and all who are part of its community. Teach all to love you with heart and mind. May this College be a lively centre for new discovery and for growth in all that enriches life. May all who teach and all who study know the freedom to try, to fail, or to succeed; May they live with your gift of new hope. May they seek truth and love, And in humility look to you, the source and spirit of all wisdom and understanding. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Rev Trevor Farmilo Rev Trevor Farmilo was a student at the Baptist College in Errol Street, North Melbourne from 1949 - 1952. Together with his wife Gwen, he went on to serve with ABMS ( now Global Interaction) in East Pakistan for a number of years. On returning home he served as Secretary of the Baptist Union and then as General Superintendent. Trevor has donated his College Blazer to Whitley and it to be displayed in the Whitley Library. This is a great memento of the College's history. Thank you Trevor.
These words draw upon a prayer which can be found in the Anglican Church’s A Prayer Book for Australia, page 206. This is significant too. Here we draw upon something from the wider Christian tradition, but adapt it to our own context. In one of these changes, I have extended the objective of college life, not just to be a lively centre ‘for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom’ (as the original says) but to say ‘ a lively centre for growth in all that enriches life’. This little prayer service is only ‘the tip of the iceberg’, in terms of the spiritual life of the College. Some of this life is overt, such as the worship events that mark special times in the College year. The spiritual vitality of the Christian ‘GLO’ group is an important aspect of Residential College life. Some worship events happen in other places too, such as the annual Graduation Ceremony of the University of Divinity, held this year at St Patrick’s Cathedral. In addition, however, we are very conscious that we are supported and surrounded by many well wishing and often prayerful friends. Personally I have known and been sustained and encouraged by this support. We would not be the kind of College we have become without such prayerful, encouraging friends.
Keso Kesolenuo This year we have welcomed Keso, a research student who arrived from Nagaland in March. She has come to study at Whitley College as part of her training to become a faculty member at Oriental Theological Seminary in Dimapur. She has previously completed her M Div. at OTS where she was top student of her year. Her coming to Whitley has been made possible by the joint sponsorship of Global Interaction and Whitley College. She is enrolled in a Master of Theology (Research.) through the University of Divinity and Dr Mark Brett is her supervisor. Her thesis is titled: ‘Grace Exemplified in the Plight Of Humankind: Alienation and Glimpses of Redemption In The Book Of Genesis.’ This semester she has been completing a class on Justice and the Prophets and joining the Hebrew class to keep up with her Hebrew language. It’s also good to have her involved with the Tuesday Chapel programme with the candidates for ordination. While she is here Keso is keen to visit a number of different churches. She has made links with Box Hill Baptist and one of our Karen language churches in Werribee where she helps out once a month with the English speaking Sunday School classes for the young people. She follows in a long line of teachers from Asia who have come to Whitley for their further studies. Whitley College is keen to continue to contribute to the training of faculty for Colleges in the Asia- Pacific region.
Whitley World Awareness Program Nick Rees presented to the Whitley “World Awareness” Program for Candidates at Chapel during April about his involvement in Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s past two Antarctic Whale Defence campaigns. He joined Sea Shepherd in 2012 and has been living on the M/Y Steve Irwin, the flagship of the Sea Shepherd fleet, for the past 18 months or so. Thanks for your time Nick. What was the momentum that led you to spend two summers in Antarctica resisting the Japanese whaling fleet? I am a trained physiotherapist, and gave up a great job in order to live a life of volunteering onboard the ship. I am often asked why I would chose to do this, and in reality the answer is simple. In my mind, when you see something that is occurring that you believe is wrong, you have a choice to either do something about it or do nothing. And for my part, there was no way I could do nothing. So when I was given an opportunity to join the crew of Sea Shepherd full time, I immediately quit my job and joined the ship. Sea Shepherd’s main campaign for the past decade has been shutting down the illegal whaling operations of the Japanese whaling fleet in Antarctica. I have been a crewmember on the past two campaigns as part of the deck department on the Steve Irwin. In these campaigns alone, we have saved the lives of more than 1,700 whales. Why is this kind of campaign so important for you? I have always loved the ocean. From spending time in the surf to travelling the globe to find amazing dive sites, it has been a consistent passion of mine throughout my life. So it was natural for me to gravitate towards an organisation and issues that involve protecting the ocean. In our current political climate, there is a strong push towards industry and production, with the environment, human and animal rights basically ignored. I think this is even more reason for people to become active and make their voice heard. Economies will bounce back, unemployment will rise and fall, but the forests and the ocean, plus the creatures that live within them, cannot be replaced once they are destroyed. What was the most difficult thing to do in your time in Antarctica and how did you overcome the difficulties? Working and living on a ship that spends up to four and a half months at sea has many challenges, and I think one of the main ones has been the time spent away from family and friends, with minimal contact to the outside world. This is part and parcel of life on a ship, and it makes you appreciate the time you do spend with your loved ones. The weather in Antarctica also poses a fair few challenges. Although we are there in the “summer” months, it is often -10 degrees or colder during the day, and working on deck can be difficult. We work through the night if necessary, in snow and strong winds, but this is what is required and we work as a team that support each other through these situations. Any other comment that you would like to add? Not everybody has the luxury of being able to pack up their life and join an activist ship or community, but I think that everyone is still able to make strong and meaningful changes within their own life that can, collectively, make a huge difference. So the challenge is to reflect and make positive changes for the greater good. Nick Rees is the son of Whitley College Principal, Rev Dr Frank Rees.
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Margie Welsford As the weather cools and the days shorten, the studying becomes more intense. First semester is almost at an end and seems to have flown by as usual with new students settling in, lots of socializing enjoyed, sports played and arts activities to engage our creative tendencies. Orientation Week seems like a distant memory with all its ‘007’ fun and frivolity. In addition to the popular Toga party, beach visit and skit night, we visited the Bunjilaka Indigenous Exhibition at the Museum and arranged a Zumba class and tour of the sports facilities to encourage wellbeing. Commencement Dinner was a wonderful way to mark the start of the academic year. Tim Hunt, former Student Club President and now Fire Control Officer for the Kimberly, entertained us with his helpful tips for surviving University and College life. We recognized a number of academic achievements. Awards for exceptional ATARs were given to: Harry Driscoll, Francesca Ngu, Katheryn Pearson, Steven Sia and Margaret Zhou. Highly Commended awards went to: Matthew Appleyard, Rey Dayap and Anthony Kuiper. Most Improved student was Matthew Bennett.
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Commencement di
nner Nathaniel Ballinge r, Tamika Kong and Sebastian Rodrigu ez (left to right)
H1 average awards went to: Nathaniel Ballinger, Katrina Bigelow, Sam Lam, Rosie Lane, Jonathon Manus, Shashank Murali, Joses Nathanael, Christian Ong, Jennifer Payette, Asitha Samarawickrama and Mandy Tsai. Clare Brown again received straight First Class Honours. Continuing the theme of academic success we were delighted to celebrate with Asitha Samawickrama his Dean’s List Award. Tutor Ogi Belic was awarded the 2013 Ronald Riseborough Prize for having submitted the best research report in Applied Chemistry in the Master of Science program. Joses Nathanael has been awarded the Fred Walker Scholarship for 2013, having achieved the best average weighted score in third year Chemistry.
Boat Cruise
Christian Ong, Asitha Samarawickra and Kenneth Beh (left to right)
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Our new Tutors have involved themselves in the community and supported the academic aspirations of the students. Caitlin Overington is tutoring in Criminology and has been invited to travel to the UK to present at 2 conferences there. Whilst there she will interview subjects in London as part of her PhD research. She will also present a Tutor seminar at Whitley entitled: “Watch where you walk at night: perception of risk and harm in the city”. Jasmine Zhu is tutoring in Biomedicine and consulting with our medical students. She has travelled to Malaysia for a Diabetes conference where, she reported, the food was fabulous! Rami Osman is Tutoring in a range of mathematics and physics subjects and proving to be an all rounder in sports playing tennis, squash and soccer. The annual Boat Cruise, held late in March, was enjoyed by most of the College though anticipated balmy weather was not very much in evidence. Games of cricket, softball, hockey and soccer have all been played enthusiastically. Rowing training continues in the early hours in the lead up to the rowing carnival on 17th April. CRDs with themes such as High School Groups, Think Nerds and Goths have been embraced. ICAC activities such as Chess and Cards, Pool and Darts, Public Speaking and Origins Dance Off have provided creative outlets on Sunday evenings. The Football and Netball auction saw people paying good money for odd and wonderful items alike: Tennis lessons from a Davis Cup player as well as boxes of Snickers with a “best before” date of September 2013. The JCR Theatre Room with its new furnishing and blinds is proving a popular venue for “Game of Thrones” Marathons and movie nights in PJs as the weather cools. We look forward to Christmas in May at which we farewell the Exchange Students. Then it is GLO café on the last Friday of semester before the quiet diligence of Swot Vac and Exams.
Whitley College and James’s family launched the James Rapley Memorial Scholarship together Whitley College formally announced that the College has launched the James Rapley Memorial Scholarship.
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memorial scholarship is for students from a rural background who are studying Engineering or Science Degrees at the University of Melbourne. To launch the Scholarship, the College invited James Rapley’s family, friends, alumni and special guests to share in dinner at the College on Monday 14th April 2014. James Rapley was tragically struck and killed while cycling in Los Angeles on 22nd December 2013. James lived at Whitley College from 2003 to 2005. He grew up in the small town of Seymour in central Victoria and he was offered, and accepted, a full Academic Scholarship to study at Melbourne University. James graduated with Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor Science degrees in 2007 and he had created a successful career in software development.
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first scholarship recipient for this year is Mathew Peverill who comes from Charlton in Northern Victoria and is studying Science with the aim of becoming an Electrical Engineer
Margie Welsford,
Mathew Peverill,
The Warden of Whitley College
The inaugural recipient of the James Rapley Scholarship
“The College staff remember James as a highly intelligent student and talented sportsman. As a President of the Student Club, he proved to be an impressive leader who was thorough, careful, responsible and ethical.”
“I would especially like to thank to James’s family. It is an honour to receive this memorial scholarship. After completing my Bachelor of Science, I hope to study the Master of Electrical Engineering similar to what James did.“
John Rapley, Father of James “My wife and I thought that what we could try to do was to ensure his memory continued and, given that he had such a tremendous social conscience and was frequently donating, not only his money, but his time, towards a number of charitable undertakings, we thought of the establishment of a perpetual Scholarship to help rural students.”
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Female Rowers
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Reece Baxter
Rev Dr Gary Heard New beginnings are memorable moments. Recalling my first day(s) at school, university, and theological college is to be reminded of open expectation and anticipation: a new world to be explored, much waiting to be learnt, new relationships to develop, and new expectations to be placed upon me. It is both exciting and daunting. As I look back on my life, I realise that I have been involved in education since first dipping my fingers into the paint pot in kindergarten. Through the years I have engaged in education as a student, teacher, tutor, lecturer, chaplain, researcher, visiting presenter, parent, administrator, and in governance, but beneath it all for me remains a commitment to life-long learning, of which formal education is an important stimulus and framework. For all the learning, which takes place in interface with a book, podcast or web page, the rich stimulus of community cannot be replaced. I am honoured to be joining the team at Whitley, a place where my own theological education was launched and has been formed, and deeply enriched. I look forward with a deep sense of anticipation to meeting and engaging with the many faces of Whitley, and its many partners, as we share this learning journey together. I will continue in a part-time pastoral role at The Eighth Day in West Melbourne – a courageous community that has been a formative part of my own journey in more recent years, and supporting my wife Evelyn as part of the Pastoral Care Team at The Royal Children’s Hospital.
The 2014 G of Divinitraduation Ceremo yw ny St Patrick as held on Friday for the University ’s 2 Ma C a thedral, E Congratu ast Melboy 2014 at la urne. and staff tions to all our Gra for this g in Whitley Colleg duates! We, all fa e, re c continue at achievement anare so proud of youlty to be lead d we hop u e ers for a d ifferent wyou will orld.
Siu Fung Wu (Doctor of Philosophy )
I join the College community just after the graduation ceremony, and want to congratulate the graduating students for their achievements. In reaching this important milestone, I hope that the thirst to learn and grow continues to live in you. Over the coming months I look forward to working closely with Bruce Tudball, the outgoing Dean, whose work over the past two years has provided important and effective leadership of the College. I pray God’s blessing for Bruce and Pauline as they move into the next stage of life’s journey in following the call of Jesus. In a rapidly changing world, learning can no longer be confined to simple course requirements, which serve as an introduction to a world of learning, which remains open. It is a reminder that education is not so much about accumulating information, but growing in formation – and for followers of Jesus, formation into the image of Christ. I am delighted to be joining a college community, which is committed to this formation in order to equip leaders for a different world.
From left top to right - David Han, Master of Arts (Pastoral Care) : Lucy Amelia Johnson, Master of Divinity : Alice Lam, Master of Divinity : Joseph Joshua Pinkard, Master of Divinity : James Boon Siang Tang, Master of Divinity
The following students were awarded Graduate Diploma in Theology: From left to right Virginia Ruth Moebus-Nelson : Damian Peck
Why would a person decide to walk from Melbourne to Canberra towing a model boat? Tri Nguyen, a Baptist pastor who came to Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in 1980, decided to do just that when he was concerned about what was happening with refugees today. He recalled his struggle to get here with his father and sister. A small boat with 68 people on board made it out to sea but met with a storm. They were captured by pirates, eventually released, then supported by UNHCR they were granted permission to come to Australia. Tri is enormously grateful for the welcome and support they received on arrival. The local church welcomed them, providing food and clothing, teaching them English, taking them on country holidays. This amazing generosity of the Australian people touched their hearts. In subsequent years, Tri has spent many years working with people on the margins and he wanted to share his appreciation for the welcome he had received. So – with the addition of wheels to a boat made by his father as a replica of the one in which they fled Vietnam, with Thank You painted on the side, Tri and 3 Iranian refugees set off on the Pilgrimage which became known as The Gift of Refuge. (For the whole story - see www.thegiftofrefuge.com.au) As they walked through many country towns along the way, they were met by local people who welcomed them, shared hospitality and listened to their stories. It was reassuring to the three asylum seekers to experience the welcome and hospitality by people from every town where they stopped. They could see that the people of Australia are gracious and generous people. On the final day as Tri and many people who had joined him arrived in Canberra, it was a time of much rejoicing. Tri writes: “We walked and danced our way to Reconciliation Place near the old Parliament House with many walking with us. I’m grateful to everybody who stopped on the road to cheer and provide us with water bottles and food, and for those who joined us walking on various legs of the trip. I’m also grateful for everyone who prayed for us, spread the news, and everyone who gave money to BaptCare Sanctuary. We raised over $10,000! I too have a dream! That in thirty-two years time, the children of asylum seekers will walk from towns and cities to Canberra to thank the Australian people and the Australian parliament for giving their parents the gift of refuge. I too have a dream! That Australia will continue to be a nation that welcomes the strangers, that cares for the vulnerable and gives a fair go to all who are seeking refuge. That’s the Australia to be proud of.“
The following students were awarded Bachelor of Theology: From left top to right- Gareth Peter Fuller, also named a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar: Luke Andrew Bowen: Derek Neil Bradshaw : Catherine Rosemary Cudlipp: Victor John Hiah: Richard Charles Horton: Richard Evan Hunt: Carl William Jackson: Michael Johnson : Alexandra Louise May: Kelly Norma Skilton: Angela Joy van der Leeuw: David Van der Putten The following students were awarded Diploma in Theology: From left to right: Tamarah Benjamin : Kontilo Armata: James Wakow Kun : Jully Nibor : Sue Tin Thaw
Letter from our global partner in Korea (KBTUS) Greetings in the blessed name of our savior Jesus Christ! It is a great joy and privilege to say a warm-hearted hello to the fellow faculties and students of our sister institution, Whitley College. I am Kuk-Won Bae, the President of Korea Baptist Theological University /Seminary (KBTUS). All of our fifty-three faculty members and 2,400 full-time students join together to welcome the possibility of our friendship and mutual understanding with Whitley friends. In a sense Whitley and KBTUS represent quite a stark contrast as we are located at the far ends of the Pacific Ocean, the Southern and the Northern hemispheres. Yes, you are ‘down under’ there, but are we then ‘up above’ here? As a Korea saying goes, we can learn more from a distant, different, and even difficult friend than a near friend. All of us in KBTUS really want to get to know you and learn more from you. We believe that we can build a powerful witness of how God works cooperatively and triumphantly through two different institutions and people. We can develop a wonderful story of the synergy on the each far side of the Pacific. We are going to celebrate the 60th anniversary on 27th of May this year with the slogan of ‘For Jesus, One-Way 60 years! One Dream 100 Years!’ Thanks to our Lord, we are truly grateful and proud of what we have accomplished for the last sixty years. It includes 20,000 alumni, 800 missionaries all over the world, and 3,000 pastors in local churches in Korea. Now we want to include the love and the friendship with Whitley friends in the glorious list of KBTUS accomplishments. Our friends ‘down under’ will be a great asset to our mission for the Kingdom of God. Thank you very much.
Dr. Kuk-Won BAE
Rev Bruce Tudball Bruce joined the Faculty from 1 May 2012 and he served the College as Dean, bringing his extensive experience as an educational administrator and a passion for theological education. His involvement with Global Interaction has further strengthened our links with Baptist mission throughout the world. Bruce has especially enjoyed his involvement with students, many of whom have greatly appreciated his guidance and encouragement. We were pleased to have him preach at our final Tuesday Chapel for Semester 1 on 27th May 2014. The College takes this opportunity to thank him again for his excellent leadership and service in his time as Dean.
Join us for the School of Ministry 2014 where Rev. Dr. Richard Kidd will explore the theme of ‘Seeing is Believing: Believing is Seeing’. (14-16 July 2014). How does the visual world impact our faith? Why is the visual so important to us in how we interpret and communicate meaning?
We’re looking forward to you joining us for the Conference, ‘Claiming Sovereignty: Theological Perspectives’ (22-24 August 2014). Beginning with discussion of settler colonialism, this conference brings together people from a range of disciplines to reflect on discourses of sovereignty in the Australian context.