College is a central part of the university experience for many, with 2024 seeing a reinvigoration of the college model that created such positive memories among alumni.
A model where students eat together, play together in sport and other activities, and socialise together are the hallmarks of a rich college life.
Casey White, Director of Residential Communities and Principal of Hytten Hall, is leading the charge to bring back this college model across the State s part of our accommodation.
“We’re bringing the model back because we know it’s high impact in terms of the quality of a student’s education,” he said.
“One of the key things about a college model is that it’s an extension of your learning experience at university.
“We’re reinvigorating shared dining, boosting intercollegiate activities across sport and the arts by versing each other in friendly competition as well as socialising.
“We also want to remain strongly connected with the relevant historic elements of our colleges, which is most prominently displayed, some 40 years later, by re-establishing Hytten Hall in the city.”
White said one of the wonderful things to come from this reinvigoration has been hearing from alumni about their experiences and reintegrating some of the traditions they have shared, including the fortnightly High Hall formal dinners, supported by generous donations from alumni, including the Cuthill Family Foundation.
Hytten Hall alumnus and former University Chancellor Dr Mike Vertigan AC (BEc Hons, ’65, honoris causa ’06) was invited to be the first Hytten High Hall speaker.
White said, “I’m really proud to say that after several months of having the collegiate model in place, the students are the happiest they have been, living on campus, in five years.
“We need to keep building on academic opportunities, mentoring and more partnerships with alumni.
“We would love to hear from alumni, whatever college they attended, receive old photographs and hear stories. It all adds to the richness of our heritage.”
Written by Katherine Johnson for Alumni Magazine Issue 55, 2024.
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Top of page: Brick from the old Hytten Hall building | Photo: Peter W Allen