Enjoy a moment hearing from this 1961 graduate and class secretary
Where are you living and what keeps you busy?
I live in a retirement unit at Alton Villas, Cooranbong, with my husband, Ivan. I enjoy working on counted cross-stitch tapestries, reading and pottering in the garden. I’m involved in Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church and Morisset Ladies Probus with many lovely friends. Ivan and I have had the opportunity to travel widely overseas but these days it’s closer to home.
Why did you choose Avondale for your further education?
I never had the opportunity to attend a church school in my hometown of Hastings, New Zealand, and it was an opportunity to go “overseas” as well as do some further study. And to meet and get to know lots of Adventist young adults.
How would you define your Avondale experience?
Memorable. There were lots of special highlights, but generally speaking, I think it was the wonderful friends I made from my time there.
What is the worst place you have travelled to and why?
Mongolia. I was part of a mission outreach group who spent a month in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The people were delightful and so friendly but the food was awful—I lost three kilograms—and the traffic horrendous.
Who positively influenced your Avondale experience?
Longtime friend Von Cole, with whom I roomed at Avondale, and lecturers Drs Erwin Gane and Desmond Ford.
Tell us about a professional brag moment.
At the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 1990 General Conference Session in Indianapolis, I was selected as the female honouree and presented with the South Pacific Division President’s Honour Roll Award.
Did you work at Avondale?
After one year as a student, I was encouraged to return for another year and pay my fees by working as a student dean. From 1968 to 1969, I was the girls dean. When the Ellen G White Research Centre opened in 1976, I worked as secretary for the director, Dr Arthur Patrick, for eight years. When he transferred, I was appointed director and had that responsibility for another eight years. I found it a wonderful place to work prior to my retirement.
What’s your advice for students considering studying at Avondale?
If at all possible, do spend time at Avondale. The friends you’ll make, apart from all the other wonderful experiences, makes it all worthwhile.
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