OPPOSITE , TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT : EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE KEON-COHEN DINING HALL . THIS PAGE , CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : THE SCOTCH SHOP IN THE TOLSON CENTRE ; SCREENS SHOWING PROGRESS OF FUNDRAISING FOR THE TONY BRIGGS INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP , 19 OCTOBER 2017 ; TONY BRIGGS (' 85 ) WITH 2017 PREFECTS CHARLIE SCHILLING ( LEFT ) ARCHIE WALLIS AND SAXON BEALE
and societies ; the Museum and Archives ( including a brand new home for the Ramsay Collection ); and a new concept , the Scotch Shop , which includes the Swap Shop and which sells all uniform and sports uniform requirements for all students at the School .
This $ 1.8 million fundraising project reached its target at the end of 2019 , with more than 200 supporters committed to creating this important new focal centre for future , current and past students and families . Named the Tolson Centre in honour of Scotch ’ s inaugural Archivist , Geoffrey Samuel Tolson (’ 41 ), the centre is scheduled to be formally opened on 6 May 2021 .
Finally , from the end of Term 1 , 2020 , Scotch ’ s English Department began a relocation from the Language and Culture Centre to aesthetically pleasing , purpose-built open zones and collaborative spaces in the lower ground floor of the Lithgow Building . This enabled the Language Department to occupy the top two floors of the Language and Culture Centre .
The impetus for fundraising has not been restricted to capital works programs alone . Spearheaded by the Principal , Tim Shearer and the Foundation board , a grand strategy was developed to take over the funding of the many scholarships which are generously supported by the School itself , as opposed to individually named and endowed scholarships .
In 2017 more than $ 1 million was raised in a single ‘ Giving Day ’ for the Tony Briggs Indigenous Scholarship , to support Indigenous students . In 2019 , a further $ 1.2 million was raised in a second ‘ Giving Day ’ to create the General Sir John Monash Scholarship . Since 2016
almost $ 17 million has been committed to the total scholarship portfolio , which is well on the way to the $ 20 million endowment which would fund the current scholarships the School offers to its variety of recipients .
The last eight years in particular have been incredibly busy in all ways . There have been major building works on the Senior School campus for almost seven years , echoing a similar building program from 1988-2005 . It is now time for a period of rest on this part of the Scotch campus while attention is turned to the Hill and some much-needed works for the boarding community , and the ageing Main Oval pavilion is being reimagined . Plans for a Mathematics Centre are already being considered , which will be named in honour of former Foundation President Michael Robinson AO . Work will also continue with the growing number of supporters to complete the fundraising goals of the Scholarship Program .
There is no doubt that a culture of philanthropy had become long established at Scotch . The creation of the Foundation in 1973 took fundraising to another level ; it grew and developed as new people took on the mantle , and the Development Office was created and advanced in its professionalism . That culture of giving has slowly become a part of the Scotch culture , and is understood by the amazing OSCA community as well as by current parents , and staff .
Philanthropy has always been a part of the DNA of Scotch Collegians , but now it is openly acknowledged , accepted and celebrated . We are all proud of our heritage and what has been achieved through the efforts and generosity of those who have gone before . And we know , with more than 300 new members joining the Foundation since 2013 , we can face the next stages of the School ’ s development with a strong sense of achievement and optimism .
DR ALAN WATKINSON – FORMER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 55