Four great mates from the class of 1967 are continuing to leave their mark at Joeys through the generous gift of a College bursary in the name of their year group.
“If you want to know why this started, ask Duncan McInnes,” John Mulcahy laughingly says as we enter the College Chapel. The origins of the Class of 1967 Bursary are then shared by his good friend, Duncan McInnes.
“Ten years ago, I received a call from a friend who knew of a family in their town whose son was exceptionally bright but their local high school didn’t go beyond Year 10. ‘You’ve got connections at Joeys; can’t you get him in there for Years 11 and 12?’ she asked me.”
The idea to start a bursary in their class’ name was born. Duncan felt that the idea of providing a scholarship for a country student would really resonate with his peers. The importance of “keeping the country in the College” is testament to the unique experience and culture here at Joeys – a place where boys from the land come together with those from the city and form everlasting friendships.
“I believe that this bursary gives our class an identity, a rallying point, a collective purpose in returning opportunity as well as a framework for an active class social network,” says Duncan.
“Through the donations of many, we have built a sustainable and viable fund that will hopefully outlast all of us.”
These men, from the Class of 1967, are much like every year group from Joeys. They’re great mates, they go to the Park to watch the boys play, they have reunions and they contribute to and disseminate information from the Cerise and Blue magazine. And, like every student who has ever walked the black and whites, they check in on their College from time to time. The bursary has given them a connection point to the College that is tangible: a boy, every year, getting the same Joeys experience that they themselves once had. And, to Duncan, Terry, Martyn and John, that experience is priceless.
“I believe that this bursary gives our class an identity, a rallying point, a collective purpose in returning opportunity as well as a framework for an active class social network”.
Duncan mcInnes (1967)
Q. How does it feel knowing that your gift is changing the life of a student?
Terry Torpy: We saw the bursary fund as a way of having our classmates contribute to an ongoing cause over the years. Meeting the boys at various functions confirms our belief in the bursary fund.
John Mulcahy: Young people are the foundation of our future and it feels good to give them the opportunity to be better prepared.
Duncan McInnes: I am very pleased that another country lad can experience a Joeys education and launch into life’s opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible.
Q. What is the one lasting value that Joeys has left you with?
Terry Torpy: The common bond formed with fellow classmates even though we are from all walks of life.
Duncan McInnes: The Marist way to live a life of service to others and “strive for better things”.
Q. Why is a Joeys education something that should be available to all boys?
Terry Torpy: It gave me the opportunity to meet guys from all walks of life. I believe all young people should have this opportunity. As well, Joeys is an all rounded school. It achieves a high standard in education as well as encouraging all boys to take part in sport and other school activities.
John Mulcahy: Joeys is a wonderful institution that gives its students a great, balanced development and helps prepare them for their older life.
Duncan McInnes: A Joeys education is a unique experience for the young mind, body and spirit that prepares students for life.
Q. Why is the Class of 1967 Bursary important to you?
John Mulcahy: It helps repay Joeys for our opportunity. Hopefully we can set an example for other years.
Pictured at top of page: The generosity of Duncan McInnes, Martyn Berry, Terry Torpy, John Mulcahy (1967) continues to impact the lives of boys today through the gift of a Joeys education.
