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Retirement of Council Chair Fond farewells to two longstanding JCH staff members

In December 2024, our Facilities Manager, Bruce Stewart (above,
back row second right) retired to spend more time with his family
In November 2024 we farewelled Carolyn Stewart (above after sixteen years at Janet Clarke Hall. He began his career in
centre), our Office Manager and Admissions Secretary, after food service and hospitality management before moving into
fourteen years of exemplary service to our College community. multi-service delivery and project management. Bruce held
senior positions with major service providers including SHRM,
Carolyn has been, for so many cohorts of students and parents, Compass Group, Tempo and Eastern Healthcare Network.
the first person to welcome them to Janet Clarke Hall – whether
over the phone to confirm the receipt of application documents Prior to joining JCH, Bruce was a project manager for
Janet Clarke Hall offers its sincere thanks In 1997 Clare was appointed the Director of Development at or taking them on a personal tour of the College and expertly assignments for Fortesque Metals Group in the Pilbara, the
to Clare Pullar on her retirement as Chair Trinity College, the University of Melbourne. Working with a answering any number of questions. Australian Defence Force in East Timor, and the United Nations
dedicated team, she oversaw efforts to raise over $20 million to
of College Council. build student accommodation. Through Clare’s coordination a Carolyn’s ability to respond to any request or crisis with in Afghanistan.
range of scholarships for indigenous students were developed calmness, eminent capability, and the ready sense of humour After working in these far-flung places, it was no wonder that
Clare is a highly regarded leader in the field of educational over her ten-year term. that I’d suggest is a prerequisite for working in a residential Bruce was nicknamed by our residents ‘Bruce Almighty’ for his
philanthropy in both the secondary and tertiary sectors in Elsewhere, Clare was appointed member of Business Higher college, have made her a beloved colleague and a first port of imperturbable nature and ability to respond to any problem! In
Australia and internationally. call for hundreds of students over the years. appreciation of his long service, Bruce has been recognised a
Education Round Table (BHERT), a Federal Government taskforce, ‘Friend of Distinction’.
Clare started life in Scotland as one of six children born to to examine how philanthropic support for higher education To recognise Carolyn’s integral place at the heart of our
English parents. The family emigrated to Australia when she could be increased. She was also appointed to the board of the community, we were delighted to add her to the College’s ‘Friends We wish Bruce a very happy retirement and look forward to
was seven, putting down roots in St Arnaud where her father Australian Youth Orchestra in 2009, serving three terms (nine years) of Distinction’ honour board reserved for those colleagues who welcoming him and his family back to join us at future College
took up his position as a priest in the Diocese of St Arnaud, then with roles on the Development and Nominations Committees. have given long and distinguished service to the College. functions.
as Canon in Bendigo. Whilst we miss Carolyn, we look forward to welcoming her back Dr Eleanor Spencer-Regan
Clare took up the position of Pro-Vice Chancellor Advancement
Clare’s education in St Arnaud, Bendigo and La Trobe University at the University of Queensland in 2009, the first in her field to for alumni functions in the future. Principal
culminated in a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy and History) in be appointed to the senior executive of an Australian university.
1972 and a Diploma of Education in 1973. These were followed During her seven years she led its first comprehensive
by teaching positions at Wycheproof and Mooroopna in campaign raising $235 million. The campaign ultimately The legacy of the white rose
Victoria where she began what has become a decades-long raised more than $600 million supporting teaching, student
commitment to community service. scholarship and research.

In 1987 Clare was appointed to the position of Director Clare chaired the Go8 Chief Advancement Officers Group and Their roots trace back to Miss Enid Joske, Principal from 1928 to
of Advancement at Goulburn Valley Grammar School in instigated benchmarking in fundraising across the university 1952, who found joy in cultivating the gardens as the College
Shepparton. Her work raising funds to establish a number of sector. Her involvement with the Council for Support of expanded. In her Recollections of Janet Clarke Hall, she wrote
the school’s initial buildings helped cement the school as a key Education (CASE) helped shape and deliver training courses to of transforming the rear courtyard into ‘a green and pleasant’
educational centre for students commuting from all parts of the strengthen the talent pool for Australia and the region. space with ‘good roses and other flowers.’ Gardening became a
Goulburn Valley to complete their secondary education. Having stepped down from her Pro-Vice Chancellor role in 2016, passion, and the rose – a symbol of care and encouragement –
took on special meaning.
During this time Clare’s passion for enabling educational Clare has continued her educational philanthropy work with
opportunities for all levels of economic and culturally diverse Marts & Lundy, international consultants in higher education, It became a tradition under Miss Joske to gift each student a
students developed. Her almost ten-year stint at Goulburn the arts, and healthcare. rose before their first university exam. A quiet token of support,
Valley Grammar School saw the school develop from a base As Chair of the Janet Clarke Hall Council, she has worked it reminded students they were part of a community that
of some 100 students to over 400 with the buildings and tirelessly to structure and expand our philanthropic program for believed in them.
infrastructure to match, significantly funded by philanthropy scholarships and looks forward to chairing the Advancement Today, nearly a century later, the spirit of that tradition endures.
from local farming and allied industry families. At Valedictory Dinner each year, every graduating or departing
Committee as the College works to meet its bold ambition to
Clare’s passion for community involvement saw her engage become Australia’s first need-blind residential college. student receives a single white rose. It is both a symbol and a
gift: a token of thanks for all they have given to College life, and a
with the local music scene as a budding jazz saxophonist and We thank Clare for her energy, expertise, and enthusiasm in her gesture of encouragement for what lies ahead.
through roles in the first Shepparton Arts Festival organising role during a crucial period in the College’s recent history. If you’ve walked past the front garden of Janet Clarke Hall, you
committee. The Arts Festival has gone from strength to may have noticed the white roses in bloom. These roses are The white rose is a symbol of our proud history and one of
strength over the last 27 years. Clare also helped establish and Dr Eleanor Spencer-Regan more than just a seasonal delight – they carry deep significance honour and excellence, celebrating the journey of each of our
chair the first Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA) in Shepparton. Principal in the life of the College. students who have walked through our gates.
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