Newman College, Melbourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newman College |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| University | University of Melbourne |
| Location | 887 Swanston St, Parkville, Victoria, Melbourne |
| Coordinates | 37°47′42″S 144°57′49″E / 37.7950°S 144.9636°E |
| Motto | Luceat Lux Vestra |
| Motto in English | Let Your Light Shine |
| Established | 1918 |
| Architect | Walter Burley Griffin; Marion Mahony Griffin |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Colours | Blue, Green and White |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Rector | Daniel Madigan SJ |
| Provost | Guglielmo Gottoli |
| Undergraduates | 225 |
| Postgraduates | 55 |
.jpg)
Newman College is a special place where students live and study while attending the University of Melbourne in Australia. It's a Roman Catholic college that welcomes both male and female students. About 225 undergraduate students and 55 postgraduate students and tutors call Newman College home.
The college is named after John Henry Newman. He was an important figure in the 1800s who became a Catholic. While most students go to the University of Melbourne, some also attend other universities nearby, like Australian Catholic University or RMIT University.
Newman College's motto is Luceat Lux Vestra. This is Latin for "Let Your Light Shine". It encourages students to do their best and show their talents.
Contents
Life at Newman College
Living and Learning Spaces
Most undergraduate students live in the Carr and Mannix wings. These buildings are connected by a walkway and surround the dining room. Some students also live in the Donovan wing or Fleming House. Older students, called postgraduates, live in houses across the street or in apartments near the college.
Student Activities and Clubs
All undergraduate students at Newman College are part of the Newman College Students' Club. This club is run by the students themselves and organizes many daily and special events. Students elect a committee each year to help plan activities. These activities include community service, cultural events, and sports.
Newman College really encourages students to join in extra activities. Music, sports, and drama are a big part of college life.
- Music and Arts: The college holds "Soirées" throughout the year. These events let students show off their musical talents. There are also annual art competitions. The college has its own choir, established in 2002, which performs in the chapel and at concerts.
- Sports: Newman College has a strong history in sports. They have won many intercollegiate (between colleges) football championships.
- Culture: Students also participate in intercollegiate art, music, and culture events. In 2022, Newman College won the Intercollegiate Culture Cup!
Financial Help for Students
Newman College offers financial help to many of its students. About 75% of residents receive scholarships or bursaries. These can be worth up to $10,000 and are available for both Australian and international students.
Students can also apply for a special scholarship from the University of Melbourne. This scholarship helps Indigenous students and students from regional areas who might need financial support to live at the college.
Special Events and Lectures
Archbishop Daniel Mannix Memorial Lecture
The Archbishop Daniel Mannix Memorial Lecture is a very important event at Newman College. It started in 1977 and is named after Daniel Mannix. He was a key figure who helped create the college and improve opportunities for Catholic students.
Many famous Australians have given this lecture over the years. These include former Prime Ministers, judges, artists, and other leaders. For example, Malcolm Fraser, Ita Buttrose, and Peter Garrett have all been speakers. In 2022, Tanya Plibersek, a well-known politician, gave the lecture.
College Buildings and History
| Newman College | |
|---|---|
Dining room façade
|
|
| Former names | Roman Catholic College |
| General information | |
| Type | Residential college |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival Chicago influence |
| Address | 887 Swanston Street, Parkville |
| Town or city | Melbourne |
| Country | Australia |
| Construction started | April 1916 |
| Completed | March 1918 |
| Owner | Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Walter Burley Griffin; Marion Mahony Griffin |
| Main contractor | Bart Moriarty |
| Awards and prizes | Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) Heritage Architecture Award 2010 |
| Designations |
|
The main buildings at Newman College were built between 1916 and 1918. They were designed by famous American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. These architects also designed furniture for the college, including unique chairs, tables, and bookshelves. Much of this original furniture is still used today!
The college's architecture is so special that it was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2005. It's considered one of the best examples of Griffin's architectural style in Australia. The stonework of the buildings has been carefully repaired over the years. In 2010, the college received an award for its heritage architecture.
The Allan & Maria Myers Academic Centre
The Allan & Maria Myers Academic Centre is a library shared by Newman College and St Mary's College. It's open 24 hours a day for students. This center also hosts public events and has special collections for researchers.
One of these special collections is the Newman College Irish collection, also known as the O'Donnell Collection. It started in 1924 with books from Nicholas O’Donnell, who was a scholar of the Irish language. The collection includes many books and pamphlets, some in the Irish language. Every year, a visiting scholar can receive an O'Donnell Fellowship to research this collection.
College Leadership
Since it opened in 1918, Newman College has been managed by the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. They continue to lead the college today.
The college is overseen by a council, led by the Archbishop of Melbourne. This council includes the Rector, other bishops, college alumni, and university members. Two students are also chosen each year to represent the students on the council.
The main leaders of the college include:
- Rector: The Very Reverend Daniel Madigan SJ
- Provost: Dr. Guglielmo Gottoli
- Deputy Provost: Rebecca Daley
- Dean of Studies: Dr. Mitch Robertson
- Dean of Students: Alicia Deak
The Rector is the official head of the college. As of 2024, the Rector is Daniel Madigan SJ. He is a Jesuit priest and a scholar of Islamic Studies.
Famous People from Newman College
Many notable people have studied at Newman College. Here are a few:
- Kevin Andrews – A former Australian government minister.
- Jim Bowler – A geologist and archaeologist famous for discovering ancient human remains at Lake Mungo.
- Frank Brennan – A Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer, and academic.
- Ben Buckingham – An Australian Olympian.
- Peta Credlin – A former chief of staff to a Prime Minister of Australia.
- Neale Daniher – A former Australian Rules Football player and the 2025 Australian of the Year.
- Marg Downey – A comedian and actress.
- Sir James Gobbo – A former Governor of Victoria.
- James P. Gorman – The CEO and chairman of a major global financial company, Morgan Stanley.
- Allan Myers – A lawyer, generous donor, and the head of the University of Melbourne.
- Brenda Niall – A writer and journalist.
- Gemma Sisia – A humanitarian who founded the School of St Jude in Tanzania.
