In 2020 the show was recorded under COVID-conditions in a studio and is available to watch by clicking here
The St Paul’s College Union was founded in 1892, on the joint initiative of resident members of the College and of former students
All resident students and staff of St Paul’s College are members of St Paul’s College Union. After leaving College former residents who pay a life membership fee are then admitted as Life Members of St Paul’s College Union.
The Life Membership fees are held in trust in the Life Membership Fund.
The Union supports the educational objectives of the College and gives strength to many aspects of ‘collegiality’ so critical to the success of any university residential college.
The comradeship of undergraduates will never breed the spirit of learning. It must include the older men. Woodrow Wilson, ‘The Spirit of Learning’ (Princeton University, 1909).
The Union conducts a number of activities for the enjoyment of Life Members and current residents.
The Union is governed by an elected committee who manage the Union’s functions and finances under the 2020 Constitution. The management committee is elected annually and in 2023 is:
The non-voting Public Officer is Richard Morgan.
Victoriana! is a main annual event for students and alumni of the College which in 2023 will run its 59th season – the longest running musical production in Australia – on the nights of Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 September.
In 2020 the show was recorded under COVID-conditions in a studio and is available to watch by clicking here
Very importantly the Union encourages and helps with the organisation and hosting of Fresher Year Group 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 year reunions. Generally a year group convener picks the date and gets the message out to his cohort and these reunions take many different forms from black tie dining in the Hall to a relaxed afternoon at a local pub.
When appropriate, Life Members join the Resident Members of the College community for major events such as the Rawson Cup Rugby final, the Anzac Service and the Carol Service.
Mentoring of senior students is greatly enhanced with the support of alumni. The point of contact for those interested in being a mentor is Richard Morgan, Director of Community Engagement at the College.
If you can help there are seniors interested in career development within the law, government, environmental sciences, finance, accounting and consulting, IT and social media, and health sciences.
The College has a complete record of all those who entered the College during its history and became Paulines. It is a priority for the College to stay in touch with its living alumni and information is held about each one for that purpose. Paulines are encouraged to contact the Director of Community Engagement, Richard Morgan, to up-date their records upon change of address or to give the College current and recent news for publication.
College merchandise and Union crested goods are available for purchase from the College Office (t. 02 9550 7444). Stock includes:
The Union supports the College in all its endeavours by providing a formal body of ex-residents, many of whom are also eligible to vote at the election of Lay Fellows, who form the governing council of the College alongside Clerical Fellows.
The Union has been a binding force as well bringing together alumni and students for mutually beneficial pursuits that support the education provided at Paul’s through such activities as tutorial support, inspiring speakers for formal dinner, and supporting student needs through direct requests from the Student Club Committee.
All Resident Members and Life Members are welcome to attend the Annual General Meetings held at College. During the AGM reports are presented and the executive and committee is elected for the ensuing year.
In 2023 the AGM was held on 18 April with an election to the management committee. The election results can be found here.