FOUNDATION
THIS IS THE FOURTH AND FINAL ARTICLE IN A SERIES TELLING THE STORY OF THE SCOTCH COLLEGE FOUNDATION . THIS INSTALMENT COVERS THE PERIOD FROM 2007-20
APPROACHING THE NEXT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT WITH CONFIDENCE AND OPTIMISM
With Principal Gordon Donaldson AM retiring after 25 years of visionary leadership which transformed curriculum , pastoral care and the physical amenities of Scotch for the students and staff , 2007 was a landmark year in the history of the School . The eighth Principal had , in the context of development and the Foundation , overseen the transformation from a small band of enthusiastic and energetic volunteers , to a highly focused and professional office , with an engaged and experienced Foundation board .
The year also marked the beginning of a period during which there was little activity in fundraising for capital works , but a stronger focus on growing scholarships and the College endowment . Tom Batty was installed as the ninth Principal of Scotch on 14 July 2008 . Over the next couple of years he developed his vision for Scotch , and worked closely with the School Council to create a Masterplan for the physical development of the campus . Michael Stillwell (’ 68 ) had become President of the Foundation in 2004 , following Campbell McComas (’ 69 ). Michael Stillwell resigned in 2008 , and Michael Robinson AO (’ 55 ), who had been President from 1993-96 , once again assumed the mantle . Michael revitalised the Foundation Board and led the fundraising campaigns
until his retirement through ill-health at the end of 2017 . His resignation brought to an end his extraordinary period of leadership of the Foundation , OSCA and the School Council , which remains unparalleled in Scotch ’ s history .
Associate Professor Doug Lording AM (’ 64 ) was elected President of the Foundation in November 2017 , and continues to lead the board .
Alan Watkinson left Scotch and moved to the University of Melbourne in mid-2007 , and Astrida Cooper was appointed as Acting Director of Development , a role she fulfilled until December 2009 , when John Da Cruz was appointed Director of Development . John had moved from Cranbrook School in Sydney , and stayed until December 2011 , during which time he introduced the very successful Principal ’ s Breakfast Program for school parents . On his resignation , the Development Office was again led by an acting director , before Tim Shearer (’ 85 ), who had been Executive Director of OSCA since 2002 , was appointed Director of Development and Executive Director of the Foundation in 2012 .
As he moved into his new role , Tim was joined by Scott Montgomery (’ 85 ) as the incoming Executive Director of OSCA , and between them they forged a
52 Great Scot Issue 162 – April 2021