UQ’s Cromwell College will mark its own milestone next year to coincide with the University’s Centenary.
In July 2010, Cromwell will celebrate 60 years of operation as both the first college established at St Lucia, and the first to welcome student residents on campus.
The idea for the college was born out of a discussion in 1949 between two Congregationalist ministers who dreamt of establishing a university residential college which included theological training facilities.
Within a year the funds, land and relationship with UQ had been secured and the college became a reality.
The first 15 male students were welcomed into residence in June 1954 and in 1973 the college became co-educational.
Since those early years, more than 4,000 alumni have called Cromwell College their “home-away-from-home” whilst undertaking their university studies and “Crommies” now live throughout Australia and in many other countries.
“The 60th anniversary will herald another major milestone in the life of Cromwell as I hand over the reins to my successor after fourteen and a half years,’’ said Principal of the College, Rev. Dr. Hugh Begbie, who will be retiring in June next year.
“The celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the college’s Board of Governors to report on the progress of our Master Plan – translating more dreams into reality.”
Events will begin on Saturday July 3 with an anniversary dinner followed on Sunday with a thanksgiving service, lunch and tour of the college. During this time, the University will also be welcoming back graduates for the Centenary Alumni Reunion Weekend.
All alumni and friends of college who wish to attend Cromwell’s celebrations are asked to make contact with the Development Manager, Mrs Rebecca McEwen Smith, to ensure that their contact details are up to date.
Mrs McEwen Smith can be contacted by phone (07 3377 1232), fax (07 3377 1499) or on r.mcewen@cromwell.uq.edu.au
