New Dean embodies Trinity College values

Wednesday 21 May 2008

‘We can be confident that Campbell Bairstow embodies the values of Trinity College. He values its long and rich history and he will not be afraid to explore the new opportunities and relevance of collegiate education for the 21st century.’

These were the words of Ms Clare Pullar – Director of Advancement at the Melbourne Business School, former Director of Development at Trinity and, for 30 years, friend and associate of Trinity’s new Dean – when delivering the address at his installation service in the Chapel on 21 May.

‘Our responsibility in witnessing this installation, in coming together to mark this rather grand occasion, is to think about our own leadership and to take personal

responsibility to support Campbell in his effort. If, as students and staff, alumni and friends, we can be conscious about this and our own values and the values of this College, we can best shape and enrich this community,’ she said.

Following the Choral Evensong service, guests joined resident students and staff for formal dinner in Hall, at which the ‘No Bul’ Barbershop group performed two numbers and the Warden spoke of Mr Bairstow’s appointment saying, ‘The challenge and opportunity of leading the residential College has never been more significant, but Campbell Bairstow has the wisdom, experience and compassion to meet this challenge with distinction.’

In his response, Campbell explained that the key factor in his decision to leave his previous role as General Manager, Alumni Relations, at the University of Melbourne, was the opportunity to lead and work with students.

‘I respect greatly the talents, ambitions, sense of community and humanity that is evident in the young women and men who choose to join Trinity. They are, almost without exception, year in year out, a remarkable lot, and I acknowledge the privilege afforded me in this role,’ he said.

‘There is much to look forward to in the years ahead – planning is underway for refurbishing more of our accommodation and for landscaping our campus, our remarkably generous scholarship endowments will see us grow as a diverse and high-achieving community of scholars, our Directors of Studies and tutors are helping us see the opportunities in the Melbourne Model, and our student leaders are building a more inclusive, balanced student life.’

The enthusiastic and sustained applause with which students responded to Mr Bairstow’s remarks was a clear indication of the high regard in which they hold their new Dean.