Posts Tagged ‘President’

Concise

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

New desk a nod to natural history

Big deal: Avondale College of Higher Education president Dr Ray Roennfeldt has a new bookcase and desk, but the furniture is a big deal, literally—the bookcase and desk are made by Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry graduate James Moncrieff from the bunya pines that stood for many years in the centre of the Lake Macquarie campus. The trees were removed several years ago for safety reasons and “their demise brought sadness to many,” says Ray. So, James wanted to not only make furniture that looked the part of a presidential office but that also had meaning. He let the timber speak for itself. “We didn’t stain or colour it,” he says. “We just wanted it to be the actual timber that came from the trees.” Credit: Luba Calculli.

Welcome 2 semester 2

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Dr Ray Roennfeldt
President, Avondale College

Welcome to semester two. It’s good to be back at Avondale.

Remember I began the academic year by challenging you to make 2010 the Year of Amazing? Well, thank you. Think of some of the things you’ve helped us achieve this past semester: we have another record enrolment; we are one of the “faces” of Lake Macquarie City Council’s new brand; and we launched Green Avondale, our Environmental Sustainability Policy. Now come more five-star ratings in the key “The education experience” area of The Good Universities Guide 2011. These are a reflection of how our staff members make the Avondale experience real for our students. Momentum is building.

I have two other challenges this semester.

One is particularly for those of you who plan to graduate at the end of the year. This is an important time, a time when, believe it or not, you can too easily get lost in the land of study. Don’t just focus on that first Sunday in December, because you’ll get to the graduation ceremony and then realise you didn’t make the most of your Avondale experience. As one of history’s great minds once said, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow.”

The other is for those of us who plan to help you graduate. Students often need our support. Encourage them in their studies and in their personal journey of faith.

So, here’s to semester two, and to transcending the marketing statement to really make 2010 the Year of Amazing.