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The Warden, Revd Dr David Clark
In January 2008, Dr Clark returned to Selwyn to take up the role of Warden, having previously spent a year each at Selwyn College as a student, a Senior Resident, a Resident Assistant, Assistant to the Warden, and then three years as the Selwyn Scholar. Dr Clark, an ordained Presbyterian Minister, was the Assistant Minister at the Community of Saint Luke in Newmarket from 1997-2000 and, since completing his PhD on the Christian Existentialism of Helmut Rex, has spent time as an Analyst at the Treasury and as an Advisor in the Beehive.
Since returning to Dunedin with his wife, Dr Clark has been appointed to a position as a Trustee of the board of the Community Trust of Otago and as a representative on the Otago Forward economic development forum. Dr Clark has lived in Germany twice, done two NZ Ironman, is a cycling enthusiast and keeps two cats and a dog.
Previous Posts
- The Trifecta
- College House Exchange and More Snow
- Selwyn wins
- Selwyn Knox Rugby - 3 days to go
- Senior Residents - situations vacant
- View from the Warden's window #snow
- Selwyn Knox Rugby first in new stadium
- A change of rhythm
- Alumni Newsletter, RWC
- Farewell Sandra!
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The Trifecta
Posted by Dr Clark on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Selwyn has just won the Nevill Cup. This is huge.
The College has won the Cameron Shield against Knox for 10 out of the last 11 years. We are the smaller college but have a proud sporting record across the 13 codes played each year.
This year we also won the 'Rubble Trophy', a one-off combined cultural and sporting competition against our sister College in Canterbury - College House.
But it is a long time since we've taken overall honours against Knox in the Nevill Cup cultural competition. It is a terrific achievement by the student body - precisely because Knox have proven to be so consistently accomplished in the cultural arena.
The victory in the nine-code cultural competition has been a narrow one. Selwyn's win in the final event tonight - band - was the clincher, but a spectacular performance by both choirs earlier in the semester was the turning point.
I will look forward to celebrating this success further at High Tea next week. In the meantime, most students will return to residence in the Northcroft. The Pear Tree is in bloom. The final and now all-important competitive focus is the end of year examinations.
Labels: cameron shield, Nevill Cup, Selwyn College Dunedin
College House Exchange and More Snow
Posted by Dr Clark on Monday, August 15, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Selwyn College enjoyed hosting sister College - College House - over the weekend.
The bond between the Colleges is strong. The competition is fierce on the field, and the friendship-building that happens off the fields and stages is equally intense. I've likened the on-field rivalry to sibling rivalry - which I think is apt. We're the two oldest Colleges in the country, of similar size, with similar Anglican roots. And off the field we're like one big family.
College House people have had a particularly trying year as a result of the earthquakes. But they are in good heart. Their kitchen is doing a sterling job catering from a marquee in their quad. The academic results are strong, and the students have greatly assisted those around them struggling with the quake. They are good people.
This year, the competitions were keenly fought, although more than a fair share of wins fell Selwyn's way. The trophy was a 'one-off' in acknowledgement that the first leg of the exchange was cancelled in earthquake year. Selwyn was presented with the 'Rubble Trophy' which contains a piece of stone from Lyttleton's Holy Trinity Church.
On the sports front, Selwyn won netball, women's soccer, women's rugby, men's rugby (60:0!) with men's soccer a draw. On the cultural front, Selwyn won debating, instrumental, large choir and small choir. We lost theatresports. Unfortunately the exchange had to be cut short in order to beat the threatened snow. The band competition and social evening did not take place. Those events will take place again when the regular cultural exchange resumes in March next year.
College House was wise to get away. Snow has settled at Selwyn. Many roads are now blocked. And the forecast is not pretty for the days ahead. Students have of course adapted. See photos of the snow below, and an improvised snow-cave that appeared in Cats - the student common room - overnight.
The bond between the Colleges is strong. The competition is fierce on the field, and the friendship-building that happens off the fields and stages is equally intense. I've likened the on-field rivalry to sibling rivalry - which I think is apt. We're the two oldest Colleges in the country, of similar size, with similar Anglican roots. And off the field we're like one big family.
College House people have had a particularly trying year as a result of the earthquakes. But they are in good heart. Their kitchen is doing a sterling job catering from a marquee in their quad. The academic results are strong, and the students have greatly assisted those around them struggling with the quake. They are good people.
This year, the competitions were keenly fought, although more than a fair share of wins fell Selwyn's way. The trophy was a 'one-off' in acknowledgement that the first leg of the exchange was cancelled in earthquake year. Selwyn was presented with the 'Rubble Trophy' which contains a piece of stone from Lyttleton's Holy Trinity Church.
On the sports front, Selwyn won netball, women's soccer, women's rugby, men's rugby (60:0!) with men's soccer a draw. On the cultural front, Selwyn won debating, instrumental, large choir and small choir. We lost theatresports. Unfortunately the exchange had to be cut short in order to beat the threatened snow. The band competition and social evening did not take place. Those events will take place again when the regular cultural exchange resumes in March next year.
College House was wise to get away. Snow has settled at Selwyn. Many roads are now blocked. And the forecast is not pretty for the days ahead. Students have of course adapted. See photos of the snow below, and an improvised snow-cave that appeared in Cats - the student common room - overnight.
Labels: anglican, College house, Sargood Hall, Selwyn College, Snow, Snow Cave, Tom Heaton
Selwyn wins
Posted by Dr Clark on Friday, August 5, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Congratulations to the Selwyn Rugby team which took out the first ever fixture at the new Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin.
The two major news channels had stories on opening day activities, and Channel 9 Dunedin carried a match review with video footage.
Selwyn second-five Francis Leilua scored the first ever try in the stadium and it was promptly converted by team captain William Mushet. The stadium atmosphere was electric, and Selwyn went on to win 32:13.
Update: the ODT write-up and photos are available online.
The two major news channels had stories on opening day activities, and Channel 9 Dunedin carried a match review with video footage.
Selwyn second-five Francis Leilua scored the first ever try in the stadium and it was promptly converted by team captain William Mushet. The stadium atmosphere was electric, and Selwyn went on to win 32:13.
Update: the ODT write-up and photos are available online.
Labels: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Knox College, Rugby, Selwyn College
Selwyn Knox Rugby - 3 days to go
Posted by Dr Clark on Tuesday, August 2, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Students are excited about securing the first game at the new Forsyth Barr stadium. They are counting down the hours until kick-off.
This Friday's edition of the annual Cameron Shield rugby fixture will be long-remembered by students, alumni and the wider University community.
Gates open at 11:45am. Entry by gold coin donation. Kick-off is at 12:30pm.
This Friday's edition of the annual Cameron Shield rugby fixture will be long-remembered by students, alumni and the wider University community.
Gates open at 11:45am. Entry by gold coin donation. Kick-off is at 12:30pm.
Labels: cameron shield, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Knox College, Rugby, Selwyn College
Senior Residents - situations vacant
Posted by Dr Clark on Monday, July 25, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Selwyn has a great residential welfare team. They have a lot of fun. And the training provided and skills developed in the role are valuable in life and career beyond the College.
This team of senior students play an important part in shaping the community each year, mentoring the student committee and providing a listening ear to students adapting to University life.
Each year, this group is formed anew. Usually there is a mix of former Selwynites and postgraduates from overseas and from other Otago Colleges. The kind of experience required is usually possessed by those who've already completed three or more years at University.
Being selected as a Senior Resident entitles you to membership of the Selwyn College Senior Common Room, discounted board and lodgings, and some opportunities for learning about self, others and community.
Maybe 2012 is your year - or the right year for someone you know. New Senior Residents are sought. The qualities that we're looking for are described here. To download an application form click here.
Labels: Selwyn College, Senior Common Room, Senior Resident Scholarships, senior residents
View from the Warden's window #snow
Posted by Dr Clark on Sunday, July 24, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Had a sketchy drive back from Port Chalmers this morning. Some students helped out with a push when the van got in a tight spot. Plenty of snowball throwing too. A memorable Dunedin day.
Labels: Selwyn College, Selwyn Warden, Snow
Selwyn Knox Rugby first in new stadium
Posted by Dr Clark on Friday, July 15, 2011
/ 0 Comments
Selwyn has scored a coup, securing the first rugby game in the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The annual Cameron Shield Rugby game will be played on stadium opening day, 5 August. Kick-off will be at 12:30pm.
Following the opening celebrations in the morning, this will be the Stadium's first paying event. Entry will be by gold coin donation, with profits to a local charity.
I am excited by this prospect. Every year the game is keenly fought. Students play out of their skins to defend College pride. This year will be even more special.
It is fitting that we are the first to play. The University campus is co-located with the stadium, and Selwyn and Knox have been a part of sporting competition on that campus for over a hundred years.
Both Selwyn and Knox have a proud Rugby tradition. Selwyn alone has had nine All Blacks. (Scroll through the archived link to find their names).
The annual Cameron Shield Rugby game will be played on stadium opening day, 5 August. Kick-off will be at 12:30pm.
Following the opening celebrations in the morning, this will be the Stadium's first paying event. Entry will be by gold coin donation, with profits to a local charity.
I am excited by this prospect. Every year the game is keenly fought. Students play out of their skins to defend College pride. This year will be even more special.
It is fitting that we are the first to play. The University campus is co-located with the stadium, and Selwyn and Knox have been a part of sporting competition on that campus for over a hundred years.
Both Selwyn and Knox have a proud Rugby tradition. Selwyn alone has had nine All Blacks. (Scroll through the archived link to find their names).
Labels: all blacks, cameron shield, Forsyth Barr Stadium, knox, Rugby, Selwyn