Page 9 - Certantes magazine 2019 FINAL

Read Richard Dickmann’s They have taught me more about life than I
acceptance speech
‘Entering the Gates of Rupertswood was the
first of three life changing events for myself,
and our family. My two younger brothers and I
each boarded here, enjoying our time greatly’,
said Richard.
‘The many excellent and dedicated teachers
taught us and inspired us to go for University
and beyond. I remember in particular a
geography teacher, Mr Oswald, who despite
not teaching me, seeking me out and
encouraging me to undertake Forestry Science
at University’.
‘We evidently did reasonably well academically.
We only recently found out that I was the Dux
of the colleague in my final year, and not be
outdone; my two brothers were also Duxes in
their respective years’.
‘At the same time, I have struggled with the
knowledge that whilst we were here, there
were cases of serious abuse occurring near
us. I have met and talked at length with Mark
Brockhus, and am impressed by the College’s
ownership of this history, and commitment to
do all they can in this space’.
‘None of us can change the past, but must
understand it, help those still affected and
actively ensure we don’t repeat it’s mistakes.
From what I have seen, these steps are being
taken here at the College’.
‘My second life changing moment was meeting
and marrying my life partner Margaret Fitzgerald.
For 40 odd years, we have travelled the world
and life together, including raising four amazing
children, of whom we are immensely proud.
Salesian College Sunbury
ever knew or taught them. I would not be here
without your support Margaret, and I thank you
today, and everyday, for your ongoing love’.
‘A final big moment in my life was joining
Margaret in a predecessor company of Bayer,
on January 1, 1990; amazingly almost 29 years
ago. It has been an incredible privilege working
to deliver new technologies to farmers all over
the world’.
‘We have been posted to six countries, and I
have visited farmers in more than 25 countries,
including 16 Chinese provinces. I have joked
that I have lost a lot of sleep working for Bayer,
mostly while thinking of new opportunities late
at night’.
‘While I don’t feel qualified to give life advise
compared to the other “Hall of Fame” recipients,
a couple of simple ideas occurred to me;
• Find what you are passionate about, and
commit yourself to it. It may take some time
to find, but this school is great place to start
looking. Talk to you teachers, career advisor,
friends, parents... With a starting direction, and
the education you get here, you have a good
chance of achieving a lot in your life.
• Care for those around you. The more you give
and consider others, the more you will get
back, maybe not immediately, but definitely in
time. It’s good for your community and family
and it’s good for your soul.
‘So on behalf of my close and extended family,
and with heartfelt thanks to great teachers and
religious of Salesian college that set me on
my way all those years ago, I am delighted to
accept this award’.
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